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Summer Kitchen
The foolproof recipe for personal redemption and perfect love...
Take:
One former rock musician
One almost-MBA turned cooking school student
Add two heaping spoonfuls (each) of:
responsibility
familial obligation
regret
And a dash of:
misunderstanding (optional)
Stir together in:
one small Vermont town
Season with:
friends
family
foes
and one large ginger cat
Garnish with:
validation
laughter
just deserts (also desserts)
Simmer for one entire summer before serving up a delicious (well-deserved) HEA. Bon Appetit!
Take:
One former rock musician
One almost-MBA turned cooking school student
Add two heaping spoonfuls (each) of:
responsibility
familial obligation
regret
And a dash of:
misunderstanding (optional)
Stir together in:
one small Vermont town
Season with:
friends
family
foes
and one large ginger cat
Garnish with:
validation
laughter
just deserts (also desserts)
Simmer for one entire summer before serving up a delicious (well-deserved) HEA. Bon Appetit!
Audible Audio
Published April 22, 2024
25 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
E.J. Russell
54 books412 followersE.J. Russell –grace, mother of three, recovering actor–writes romance in a rainbow of flavors. Count on high snark, low angst and happy endings.
Reality? Eh, not so much.
Reality? Eh, not so much.
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July 16, 2025
Summer Kitchen is book one in the series, Saving Home, by E.J. Russell. This is only my second book by this author. I’ve been wanting to read this for so long and am so happy to tell you how much I have fallen in love with it! It made me smile, swoon, and even worry some about how they were going to work things out. I didn’t want to stop reading.
Casey Friel is living in Manhattan. He has recently lost his father who was a famous chef but not that great of a father to Casey. Casey is close, though, with his uncle who wants Casey to follow in his father’s footsteps and take over the restaurant his father owned. There’s just one little problem with that. Casey can’t cook...at all! He’s a disaster in the kitchen. He’s tried culinary school, more than once. With no success. Casey is a people pleaser and wants to make his uncle happy. So he’ll try one more time, spending 3 months taking private lessons from a chef in Home, Vermont.
Eighteen months ago, Dev Harrison lost his brother and grandfather in an accident. Dev was part of a rock band that was quickly rising in popularity. But after the loss, he left his musical career and went home to Home, Vermont, to take over the job of town manager because it’s what was expected of him. But he’s never done anything like this before. He’s not good at trying to figure out the town’s finances. Of one thing he is sure of and that is the town is dwindling more every day. The books are all a mess and he can’t figure them out. But he knows he’s where he’s supposed to be. He just has no idea how he will save his beloved “Home!”
Their first meeting was a bit of a meet cute, or maybe a meet scare. But, it was soon evident that the sparks were flying between these two. Casey is supposed to be learning to cook, although things aren’t going well. Both of their lives are a bit of a mess, though. Neither fitting in to the roles they think they are supposed to be filling. Both carrying huge weights of expectations on their shoulders.
Of course, every story needs a villain and this one has a doozy. He does his best to get what he wants, turning everyone else’s lives upside down in the process. But a funny thing happened to Casey in Home, Vermont. He was supposed to be learning how to cook. But instead, he found himself. He found a man to love. And, he found home.
This is the only book in this series so far but my fingers and toes are crossed that there will be more. I loved it so much.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Casey Friel is living in Manhattan. He has recently lost his father who was a famous chef but not that great of a father to Casey. Casey is close, though, with his uncle who wants Casey to follow in his father’s footsteps and take over the restaurant his father owned. There’s just one little problem with that. Casey can’t cook...at all! He’s a disaster in the kitchen. He’s tried culinary school, more than once. With no success. Casey is a people pleaser and wants to make his uncle happy. So he’ll try one more time, spending 3 months taking private lessons from a chef in Home, Vermont.
Eighteen months ago, Dev Harrison lost his brother and grandfather in an accident. Dev was part of a rock band that was quickly rising in popularity. But after the loss, he left his musical career and went home to Home, Vermont, to take over the job of town manager because it’s what was expected of him. But he’s never done anything like this before. He’s not good at trying to figure out the town’s finances. Of one thing he is sure of and that is the town is dwindling more every day. The books are all a mess and he can’t figure them out. But he knows he’s where he’s supposed to be. He just has no idea how he will save his beloved “Home!”
Their first meeting was a bit of a meet cute, or maybe a meet scare. But, it was soon evident that the sparks were flying between these two. Casey is supposed to be learning to cook, although things aren’t going well. Both of their lives are a bit of a mess, though. Neither fitting in to the roles they think they are supposed to be filling. Both carrying huge weights of expectations on their shoulders.
Of course, every story needs a villain and this one has a doozy. He does his best to get what he wants, turning everyone else’s lives upside down in the process. But a funny thing happened to Casey in Home, Vermont. He was supposed to be learning how to cook. But instead, he found himself. He found a man to love. And, he found home.
This is the only book in this series so far but my fingers and toes are crossed that there will be more. I loved it so much.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
June 16, 2024
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
This book was sweet but ultimately very forgettable to me. I kept forgetting what had happened even though I finished the audiobook quickly, with few breaks. I couldn’t even remember if they’d had sex (I don’t think there was any penetration at least). It had a couple funny moments with a cat, but that was sadly also nearly the most interesting part. I kept wanting it to go deeper in with everything that happened. Instead it stayed surface level. Which is fine sometimes, but not what I was in the mood for. One of the MCs also mentions recovering from an eating disorder (early in the book) and how he struggles with eating in front of other people, only for this never to be mentioned again and not be a problem at all. I don’t know why that annoyed me so much.
The audiobook had some weird chapter intro music, but only on some of the chapters. It mostly seemed like a mistake. There was also *actual* singing, which made me cringe so hard I had to skip forward to avoid it. Why not just read out the lyrics like every other narrator does. *shudders*
Anyway. It was completely okay.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Small town
Size difference
Demisexual MC
Miscommunication
Low spice
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mention of the death of parents (past)
MC with an eating disorder (mentions struggling with eating in front of other people)
Death of brother and grandparent in car accident (past)
Animal cruelty - cats abandoned/thrown into water (saved in time)
Brief references to past corporal punishment
Recovering alcoholic side character
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: MC1 has a nasty ex who wants him back. He’s not interested. MC2 has an acquaintance who wants him and he creates problems throughout. MC2 is not interested in him.
Breakup: No, but one MC ghosts the other for a few days.
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: N/A, no penetrative sex on page
Main characters’ age: Not specified
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: No
Pages: 305
Happy ending: Yes
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
This book was sweet but ultimately very forgettable to me. I kept forgetting what had happened even though I finished the audiobook quickly, with few breaks. I couldn’t even remember if they’d had sex (I don’t think there was any penetration at least). It had a couple funny moments with a cat, but that was sadly also nearly the most interesting part. I kept wanting it to go deeper in with everything that happened. Instead it stayed surface level. Which is fine sometimes, but not what I was in the mood for. One of the MCs also mentions recovering from an eating disorder (early in the book) and how he struggles with eating in front of other people, only for this never to be mentioned again and not be a problem at all. I don’t know why that annoyed me so much.
The audiobook had some weird chapter intro music, but only on some of the chapters. It mostly seemed like a mistake. There was also *actual* singing, which made me cringe so hard I had to skip forward to avoid it. Why not just read out the lyrics like every other narrator does. *shudders*
Anyway. It was completely okay.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Small town
Size difference
Demisexual MC
Miscommunication
Low spice
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mention of the death of parents (past)
MC with an eating disorder (mentions struggling with eating in front of other people)
Death of brother and grandparent in car accident (past)
Animal cruelty - cats abandoned/thrown into water (saved in time)
Brief references to past corporal punishment
Recovering alcoholic side character
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: MC1 has a nasty ex who wants him back. He’s not interested. MC2 has an acquaintance who wants him and he creates problems throughout. MC2 is not interested in him.
Breakup: No, but one MC ghosts the other for a few days.
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: N/A, no penetrative sex on page
Main characters’ age: Not specified
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: No
Pages: 305
Happy ending: Yes
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
April 21, 2024
Casey & Dev
Rating: 3.5 ⭐
- Opposites Attract
- Hurt/Comfort
- Small Town Romance
- Music & Food
- Demi MC
Oh my stars, a book where the couple actually communicates with each other...chef's kiss! They have one small hiccup in the beginning but Casey was trying his hardest to corner Dev and talk about it, so there was no real avoidance there. Plus, it was before they were a couple, so eh.
Now, the book does start off slow so it takes you a bit to really get into the story but once Casey shows up in Home it's all good from there. I did want to shake some sense into both characters during the slow intro because their problems could be fixed easily if they just put their foot down and didn't take on all the burdens themselves. Of course, if they did that then we wouldn't have a story so there's that. There were several opportunities for there to be miscommunication between the couple and I love the author for not going down that road! They worked through their problems together, trusted each other, and supported the other no matter what.
Both characters had a lot on their plate from perceived family responsibilities and you really feel for them as they struggle through trying to live up to a ghost basically. Casey is horrible at cooking but his uncle just won't listen and continues with his vision to reopen his twin brothers, Casey's dad, restaurant with Casey as head chef. Considering that Casey has already been kicked out of several culinary schools, you would think those around him would understand he's a lost cause in cooking. His uncle insists on sending him for private lessons in Home and plans to open the restaurant upon Casey's return. Dev left his band and music behind when his brother and grandfather died in a car accident. He came back to Home to take their place and manage the town but he's struggling to figure out the books and keep the town afloat financially. With only one student showing up for the Summer Kitchen, closed businesses, empty houses, and the financials being a mess Dev is hanging on by a thread of sanity. He's hoping the antique market this year will help with the cash flow for now but he knows they will need more to keep the town alive.
You follow their paths to finding what makes them truly happy, love, and home. There is open door spice but they constantly get cockblocked and there's no full penetration scene, just hands and frotting. Everything else is kind of implied but not show on page, so it won't be there if you're looking for it. Overall, I enjoyed the characters individually and together. I liked the story of the small town and the reasons it was founded, along with the legacy it still carries. The interfering narcissistic men that tried to break the couple apart get theirs, bringing a smile to my face in the process.
Also, Randolph Scott is hilarious and sprinkled throughout this book in the best opportune moments. That sassy cat was a great addition to the story.
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Verse: No idea
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheating: No
Rating: 3.5 ⭐
- Opposites Attract
- Hurt/Comfort
- Small Town Romance
- Music & Food
- Demi MC
Oh my stars, a book where the couple actually communicates with each other...chef's kiss! They have one small hiccup in the beginning but Casey was trying his hardest to corner Dev and talk about it, so there was no real avoidance there. Plus, it was before they were a couple, so eh.
Now, the book does start off slow so it takes you a bit to really get into the story but once Casey shows up in Home it's all good from there. I did want to shake some sense into both characters during the slow intro because their problems could be fixed easily if they just put their foot down and didn't take on all the burdens themselves. Of course, if they did that then we wouldn't have a story so there's that. There were several opportunities for there to be miscommunication between the couple and I love the author for not going down that road! They worked through their problems together, trusted each other, and supported the other no matter what.
Both characters had a lot on their plate from perceived family responsibilities and you really feel for them as they struggle through trying to live up to a ghost basically. Casey is horrible at cooking but his uncle just won't listen and continues with his vision to reopen his twin brothers, Casey's dad, restaurant with Casey as head chef. Considering that Casey has already been kicked out of several culinary schools, you would think those around him would understand he's a lost cause in cooking. His uncle insists on sending him for private lessons in Home and plans to open the restaurant upon Casey's return. Dev left his band and music behind when his brother and grandfather died in a car accident. He came back to Home to take their place and manage the town but he's struggling to figure out the books and keep the town afloat financially. With only one student showing up for the Summer Kitchen, closed businesses, empty houses, and the financials being a mess Dev is hanging on by a thread of sanity. He's hoping the antique market this year will help with the cash flow for now but he knows they will need more to keep the town alive.
You follow their paths to finding what makes them truly happy, love, and home. There is open door spice but they constantly get cockblocked and there's no full penetration scene, just hands and frotting. Everything else is kind of implied but not show on page, so it won't be there if you're looking for it. Overall, I enjoyed the characters individually and together. I liked the story of the small town and the reasons it was founded, along with the legacy it still carries. The interfering narcissistic men that tried to break the couple apart get theirs, bringing a smile to my face in the process.
Also, Randolph Scott is hilarious and sprinkled throughout this book in the best opportune moments. That sassy cat was a great addition to the story.
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Verse: No idea
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheating: No
May 6, 2024
Oh my gosh, what an adorable new series from E.J. Russell! Summer Kitchen is the first book in their new Saving Home series. Hurt/comfort, and truly wonderful feels, I enjoyed this sweet romance and can't wait to see where Russell takes these characters next.
The audio version of Summer Kitchen is beautifully performed by Greg Boudreaux. His fans are going to really love this one!!
an audiobook copy of Summer Kitchen was provided for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
The audio version of Summer Kitchen is beautifully performed by Greg Boudreaux. His fans are going to really love this one!!
an audiobook copy of Summer Kitchen was provided for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
April 9, 2024
4.5 stars. This is my first book by this author and I ended up loving it. Will definitely read more by this author in the future. This book had such a fun concept that was pulled off really well.
One of my favourite things about this story was there were sooooo many opportunities to bring in the miscommunication trope but it didn’t happen (besides one small hiccup but was fixed super easily). These characters worked together to fix their problems with the help of the amazing townspeople!
I felt for both of these characters at different times. Casey for how he grew up and for following a path he never wanted to take. And Dev for giving up an important part of himself for his town. I’m so happy that both of them found peace and made decisions that would make them happy. And of course that they found each other.
This is a longer story but felt like there was absolutely enough happening to keep the story interesting. There wasn’t too much sexy times in this book but the scenes included were great. I enjoyed their HEA and look forward to reading more stories from this wonderful town called Home!
One of my favourite things about this story was there were sooooo many opportunities to bring in the miscommunication trope but it didn’t happen (besides one small hiccup but was fixed super easily). These characters worked together to fix their problems with the help of the amazing townspeople!
I felt for both of these characters at different times. Casey for how he grew up and for following a path he never wanted to take. And Dev for giving up an important part of himself for his town. I’m so happy that both of them found peace and made decisions that would make them happy. And of course that they found each other.
This is a longer story but felt like there was absolutely enough happening to keep the story interesting. There wasn’t too much sexy times in this book but the scenes included were great. I enjoyed their HEA and look forward to reading more stories from this wonderful town called Home!
March 24, 2024
If you want a feelgood read with low angst, sweet and funny moments and a HEA, this is your book. I enjoyed the writing and the setting, the villains were a bit ott, and it felt like a gay hallmark movie (which I love and I'm all for them).
Casey is resourceful and lovely. Dev just needs what he can provide. He also gives poor Casey a place to feel safe and find his way back to himself.
I also want to live in Home. Adopt me, I'll volunteer at the animal shelter.
Casey is resourceful and lovely. Dev just needs what he can provide. He also gives poor Casey a place to feel safe and find his way back to himself.
I also want to live in Home. Adopt me, I'll volunteer at the animal shelter.
April 25, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
This is a sweet, and a little spicy, opposites-attract, small-town romance. It’s the beginning of a new series, and there are a lot of characters and situations that collide to create a fun melding of both Casey and Dev’s lives and futures. It was easy to see that there will be a LOT going on in coming stories, and yet, those secondary characters and foreshadowing bits didn’t overpower the love story developing for Casey and Dev. I liked both characters, and appreciated how they brought different experiences and talents to the story.
I’ve enjoyed paranormal and supernatural romance stories from this author, so I was intrigued to read a realistic, contemporary romance. I’m glad I did. Summer Kitchen is fun and tender, with deep characters that have deep needs to be strong partners to the right man.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
This is a sweet, and a little spicy, opposites-attract, small-town romance. It’s the beginning of a new series, and there are a lot of characters and situations that collide to create a fun melding of both Casey and Dev’s lives and futures. It was easy to see that there will be a LOT going on in coming stories, and yet, those secondary characters and foreshadowing bits didn’t overpower the love story developing for Casey and Dev. I liked both characters, and appreciated how they brought different experiences and talents to the story.
I’ve enjoyed paranormal and supernatural romance stories from this author, so I was intrigued to read a realistic, contemporary romance. I’m glad I did. Summer Kitchen is fun and tender, with deep characters that have deep needs to be strong partners to the right man.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
January 10, 2025
This was so stinking cute! Dev and Casey were adorable, I loved the small town setting, and the secondary characters really added extra charm. But man, is EJ good at writing characters you love to hate or what? (Looking at you Bradley Pillsbury.) And the audio is excellent! Greg does an amazing job with this.
**January 2025 re-listen: just as cute as the first time :)
**January 2025 re-listen: just as cute as the first time :)
October 16, 2025
'Summer Kitchen' written by E.J. Russell,
(Audible) narrated by Greg Boudreaux
This is a fun book I stumbled upon when looking around Audible sales and since I've read other books by this author, also narrated by Greg Boudreaux and liked them, I picked this one up for a fun light read. Happy I did, as I am really enjoying this one!
In a small cozy town (called Home, Vermont), full of quirky and intriguing characters, there are several scenarios happening: one involving a local guy, muscian Dev, whose brother and grandpa died in a car accident not that long ago, initiating his return to his home town.
And the other MC being summer visitor, Casey, who is there to do a crash course in learning how to cook like a Michelin-star chef...
(oh yeah, you can just feel the disasters lining up, since this guy can't cook to save his life, lol).
His family expects him to return back to New York City to take over his late father's restaurants and make them all a boatload of money. (*rolling eyes*)
Having Casey cooking and running his dad's restaurant would be about as productive as feeding halucinogens to a crocodile and expecting it to pull Santa's sleigh)
Anyway...
Then there's the town vet, who has just rescued a cardboard box full of kittens from the river, where some damned arse-hat has thrown them in.
(some out-of-town creep, because no one who lives in Home, Vermont would be that cruel! )
(I tend to write my reviews on the fly as I read, which is why they get a bit squirrelly sometimes, heh heh)
Of course there's a "meet-cute", which is actually more of a startled "freak-out and run away" scenario, complete with fragrant blooming lilacs! Loved it!
The town is peopled with more interesting characters including a stray cat, the "town cat" who belongs to no one...and yet belongs to everyone; somewhere along the way he aquired his name, Randolph Scott. I love this cat, with his sense of justice, loyalty, and his sense of humor!
So, these two guys are so attracted to each other that they stumble all over themselves, literally, their words falling out in a jumble, pretty much the first few times they run into each other.
Ah, and let's not forget that there's a villain in this tale, one who acts like he has other people's best interests in the forefront, but (of course) has naught but his own selfish interests at the core of everything he attempts, and (need you ask?) those are aquiring money & power. He's an entitled snob, full of Machiavellian attempts to ruin this sweet friendly town.
(imho, he needs a good swift boot in his arse to kick him down into the eighteen levels of Hell, along with others of his ilk!)
Ooh, and yet another villain appears! More fun ensues!
And yet, except for a few wobbly moments of misunderstandings on both Dev's and Casey's part, instigated in turn by both villains, and I appreciated that the author wrote both MCs as intelligent, caring, and emotionally available men, as reasonable people who could have in-depth conversations when things got rough and off-kilter, without throwing a pouty hissy-fit or a major strop! Way to go!
I liked that this town seemed LGBTQ+ friendly!
Oh, meant to add that I appreciated the little acoustic guitar interludes between chapters, along with the songs! No idea who's playing, but he's great!
(Note: his name is briefly mentioned at the end of the Audible recording, as Nathan (? something?); wish it was posted on the Audiobook cover; it was a nice bonus!
Cute storyline, fun characters, and a very special cat who likes to leave little "treats" for the persons he likes! (grin)
Two thumbs up!
👍👍
(Audible) narrated by Greg Boudreaux
This is a fun book I stumbled upon when looking around Audible sales and since I've read other books by this author, also narrated by Greg Boudreaux and liked them, I picked this one up for a fun light read. Happy I did, as I am really enjoying this one!
In a small cozy town (called Home, Vermont), full of quirky and intriguing characters, there are several scenarios happening: one involving a local guy, muscian Dev, whose brother and grandpa died in a car accident not that long ago, initiating his return to his home town.
And the other MC being summer visitor, Casey, who is there to do a crash course in learning how to cook like a Michelin-star chef...
(oh yeah, you can just feel the disasters lining up, since this guy can't cook to save his life, lol).
His family expects him to return back to New York City to take over his late father's restaurants and make them all a boatload of money. (*rolling eyes*)
Having Casey cooking and running his dad's restaurant would be about as productive as feeding halucinogens to a crocodile and expecting it to pull Santa's sleigh)
Anyway...
Then there's the town vet, who has just rescued a cardboard box full of kittens from the river, where some damned arse-hat has thrown them in.
(some out-of-town creep, because no one who lives in Home, Vermont would be that cruel! )
(I tend to write my reviews on the fly as I read, which is why they get a bit squirrelly sometimes, heh heh)
Of course there's a "meet-cute", which is actually more of a startled "freak-out and run away" scenario, complete with fragrant blooming lilacs! Loved it!
The town is peopled with more interesting characters including a stray cat, the "town cat" who belongs to no one...and yet belongs to everyone; somewhere along the way he aquired his name, Randolph Scott. I love this cat, with his sense of justice, loyalty, and his sense of humor!
So, these two guys are so attracted to each other that they stumble all over themselves, literally, their words falling out in a jumble, pretty much the first few times they run into each other.
Ah, and let's not forget that there's a villain in this tale, one who acts like he has other people's best interests in the forefront, but (of course) has naught but his own selfish interests at the core of everything he attempts, and (need you ask?) those are aquiring money & power. He's an entitled snob, full of Machiavellian attempts to ruin this sweet friendly town.
(imho, he needs a good swift boot in his arse to kick him down into the eighteen levels of Hell, along with others of his ilk!)
Ooh, and yet another villain appears! More fun ensues!
And yet, except for a few wobbly moments of misunderstandings on both Dev's and Casey's part, instigated in turn by both villains, and I appreciated that the author wrote both MCs as intelligent, caring, and emotionally available men, as reasonable people who could have in-depth conversations when things got rough and off-kilter, without throwing a pouty hissy-fit or a major strop! Way to go!
I liked that this town seemed LGBTQ+ friendly!
Oh, meant to add that I appreciated the little acoustic guitar interludes between chapters, along with the songs! No idea who's playing, but he's great!
(Note: his name is briefly mentioned at the end of the Audible recording, as Nathan (? something?); wish it was posted on the Audiobook cover; it was a nice bonus!
Cute storyline, fun characters, and a very special cat who likes to leave little "treats" for the persons he likes! (grin)
Two thumbs up!
👍👍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2024
thank you to GRR for the audio arc of this.
this is my first book by the author and i thoroughly loved it! i loved how light and cute this book was. these characters were perfect for one another. casey and dev built such a sweet connection throughout the months casey was there to learn how to cook. i love how while it’s a sweet story, both characters still struggle to find their footing. these two were so cute and i loved how casey helped dev navigate being the town manager and all the stuff that comes with it while also realizing what he wanted/needed in life. such a sweet story
this is my first book by the author and i thoroughly loved it! i loved how light and cute this book was. these characters were perfect for one another. casey and dev built such a sweet connection throughout the months casey was there to learn how to cook. i love how while it’s a sweet story, both characters still struggle to find their footing. these two were so cute and i loved how casey helped dev navigate being the town manager and all the stuff that comes with it while also realizing what he wanted/needed in life. such a sweet story
July 13, 2024
This ISN'T a book. It's the first three chapters of a novel with a "now buy the whole thing" as it's conclusion.
The blurb says 305 pages...the content itself is about 30 pages. This introduction is so poorly written that there's no way a reader who enjoys good gay romance novels would even consider buying the full book.
The blurb says 305 pages...the content itself is about 30 pages. This introduction is so poorly written that there's no way a reader who enjoys good gay romance novels would even consider buying the full book.
April 26, 2024
Casey and Dev ❤️
4.5 Stars ⭐️
This is the perfect combination of hurt/comfort, sweet, a dash of spice and all things that make your heart go pitter patter ❤️. This story was very heartwarming and I definitely recommend. Reads like this are why E.J Russell is my go to author for all the feels.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
4.5 Stars ⭐️
This is the perfect combination of hurt/comfort, sweet, a dash of spice and all things that make your heart go pitter patter ❤️. This story was very heartwarming and I definitely recommend. Reads like this are why E.J Russell is my go to author for all the feels.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
May 15, 2024
3,5 stars for a very sweet romance
I love it when the MCs actually communicate with each other.
Unfortunately, it took me a bit to connect with the characters as the beginning was very slow ... and a bit painful. With some clear communication a lot could have been avoided
5 stars for the audiobook as it was beautifully narrated by Greg Boudreaux. He is definitely one of the most talented narrators I listened to till now.
I love his voice, his ability to bring characters to life, and to get the feelings and intensity of them across
So all in all 4 stars
I love it when the MCs actually communicate with each other.
Unfortunately, it took me a bit to connect with the characters as the beginning was very slow ... and a bit painful. With some clear communication a lot could have been avoided
5 stars for the audiobook as it was beautifully narrated by Greg Boudreaux. He is definitely one of the most talented narrators I listened to till now.
I love his voice, his ability to bring characters to life, and to get the feelings and intensity of them across
So all in all 4 stars
April 26, 2024
Fantastic Story & Listen🎧A Heartwarming Delight!
Summer Kitchen
Saving Home, Book 1
By: E.J. Russell
Narrated by: Greg Boudreaux
This fabulous small-town romance is the first book of E.J. Russell’s new “Saving Home” series and what a wonderful start it is. I even loved the blurb, the foolproof recipe for personal redemption and perfect love and all the rest describe the book completely. I adored the two lead characters, Casey and Dev, some of the secondary characters are pretty amazing too, including R.S. the mystical ginger cat. Casey’s dad was a renowned and award-winning chef and his uncle wants him to follow his late father’s footsteps and bring back his restaurant and famous dishes. Despite practically growing up in kitchens, Casey is the worst cook ever, but that did not stop his uncle from enrolling him in cooking classes, but after getting thrown out of them all his uncle finds a school for him to attend in Home, Vermont. Dev is a rock star, but he left his band and his ex and returned to Home after a tragic accident took the lives of his family. He inherited the Harrison House and the town manager position, and he is struggling with keeping up with the books and finances. Casey’s uncle enrolled him in the Summer Kitchen cooking class for three months and is staying at Harrison House. The chemistry between Dev and Casey was electric, and I enjoyed watching them get to know each other. There is a hiccup in their budding relationship when Bradley comes to visit, making demands and stirring up trouble for them and the town. I loved how everything played out in this book, the writing, plot and world building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. The story is captivating from start to end and has the perfect balance of drama, charm, humor, heartfelt emotions and a slow burn but worth the wait romance. E.J. Russell, thank you for another wonderful story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 Greg Boudreaux is a wonderfully talented voice artist, and he did an amazing job bringing the characters and story to life, from the pages to your ears. His character voices are fitting and I loved how he took each role and made it his own, sounding believable and just as I imagined the characters would sound. He set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and has you feeling every single one. Great Boudreaux is an entertaining storyteller and his performance elevates the story to another level. Thank you for another exceptional listen.
Summer Kitchen
Saving Home, Book 1
By: E.J. Russell
Narrated by: Greg Boudreaux
This fabulous small-town romance is the first book of E.J. Russell’s new “Saving Home” series and what a wonderful start it is. I even loved the blurb, the foolproof recipe for personal redemption and perfect love and all the rest describe the book completely. I adored the two lead characters, Casey and Dev, some of the secondary characters are pretty amazing too, including R.S. the mystical ginger cat. Casey’s dad was a renowned and award-winning chef and his uncle wants him to follow his late father’s footsteps and bring back his restaurant and famous dishes. Despite practically growing up in kitchens, Casey is the worst cook ever, but that did not stop his uncle from enrolling him in cooking classes, but after getting thrown out of them all his uncle finds a school for him to attend in Home, Vermont. Dev is a rock star, but he left his band and his ex and returned to Home after a tragic accident took the lives of his family. He inherited the Harrison House and the town manager position, and he is struggling with keeping up with the books and finances. Casey’s uncle enrolled him in the Summer Kitchen cooking class for three months and is staying at Harrison House. The chemistry between Dev and Casey was electric, and I enjoyed watching them get to know each other. There is a hiccup in their budding relationship when Bradley comes to visit, making demands and stirring up trouble for them and the town. I loved how everything played out in this book, the writing, plot and world building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. The story is captivating from start to end and has the perfect balance of drama, charm, humor, heartfelt emotions and a slow burn but worth the wait romance. E.J. Russell, thank you for another wonderful story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 Greg Boudreaux is a wonderfully talented voice artist, and he did an amazing job bringing the characters and story to life, from the pages to your ears. His character voices are fitting and I loved how he took each role and made it his own, sounding believable and just as I imagined the characters would sound. He set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and has you feeling every single one. Great Boudreaux is an entertaining storyteller and his performance elevates the story to another level. Thank you for another exceptional listen.
April 19, 2024
A 4.5 but not enough to rate it a 5.
The book is easy to read. However, it starts out weak and unappealing. A young man is being groomed by his uncle to open his father's famous restaurant afresh with the son being the draw as the heir chef. The son had no interest whatsoever and just could not put together any of his father's recipes. He was sent off to the town of HOME to learn at the Summer Kitchen how to cook and bake under a famous chef who had retired to Home to run the cooking school. For this summer she only had the one student.
Home. a quiet town in Vermont had been a family-run town but as young people left the family that ran the town had bought up vacant housing but the family had lost the father and the son who had been taught basic town management. The management had fallen to a former musician (composer and lead singer in a travel band) but he had no idea how to solve the town's problems except to run the annual antique show.
Casey, the would be cook and Dev the would be town manager were drawn to each other but not in an immediate way. It was only when a super-rich kid who wanted Casey decided to ruin Home and the Antique Show, that Casey's skill as a business student and imaginative thinker started to put together a food and music event that Dev and Casey got together to pull off an amazing local show in which local foods and crafts would be made available while a music show with local talent would play in the afternoon, evening.
The Band that Dev had been part of and had been the love of the band head showed up to be the headliner music but Dev wanted no part of his former lover (made clear by the possessiveness of the band leader) and indeed a couple of the band members agreed to stay and live in Home to make up a non-travel band. Casey and Dev demonstrate their business partnership as well as their life partnership and the town of Home flourishes.
Thus, an HEA for both.
The beginning of the book dragged and it took a long time to get to Casey and Dev working and loving together which is why I cannot give this book a 5 star rating. It seems to me a good edit, cutting some drawn-out episodes near the start of the book would have made it shorter and more fun. Yet, don't get me wrong - it is still a great book.
The book is easy to read. However, it starts out weak and unappealing. A young man is being groomed by his uncle to open his father's famous restaurant afresh with the son being the draw as the heir chef. The son had no interest whatsoever and just could not put together any of his father's recipes. He was sent off to the town of HOME to learn at the Summer Kitchen how to cook and bake under a famous chef who had retired to Home to run the cooking school. For this summer she only had the one student.
Home. a quiet town in Vermont had been a family-run town but as young people left the family that ran the town had bought up vacant housing but the family had lost the father and the son who had been taught basic town management. The management had fallen to a former musician (composer and lead singer in a travel band) but he had no idea how to solve the town's problems except to run the annual antique show.
Casey, the would be cook and Dev the would be town manager were drawn to each other but not in an immediate way. It was only when a super-rich kid who wanted Casey decided to ruin Home and the Antique Show, that Casey's skill as a business student and imaginative thinker started to put together a food and music event that Dev and Casey got together to pull off an amazing local show in which local foods and crafts would be made available while a music show with local talent would play in the afternoon, evening.
The Band that Dev had been part of and had been the love of the band head showed up to be the headliner music but Dev wanted no part of his former lover (made clear by the possessiveness of the band leader) and indeed a couple of the band members agreed to stay and live in Home to make up a non-travel band. Casey and Dev demonstrate their business partnership as well as their life partnership and the town of Home flourishes.
Thus, an HEA for both.
The beginning of the book dragged and it took a long time to get to Casey and Dev working and loving together which is why I cannot give this book a 5 star rating. It seems to me a good edit, cutting some drawn-out episodes near the start of the book would have made it shorter and more fun. Yet, don't get me wrong - it is still a great book.
April 22, 2024
EJ Russell is one of those authors whose books I pick up as soon as I can get my hands on them — and then devour them in one sitting. Summer kitchen was no different. Effortlessly witty and very sweet, I absolutely adored the premise of a guy going to a small, ragtag town for something and just fitting in there but finding purpose in something completely different. It had the whole found family/home thing going for it. Somehow Russell manages to do contemporary romance just as nicely as she does fantasy. The romance itself is sweet, and the characters are *chef’s kiss* (pun totally intended). This includes all the side characters too! Somehow Russell managed to create and resolve a plot point with only side characters involved (well, one of the MCs was a mediator but stilllll) without it seeming like a deviation from the main plot. Ooh, and I’m totally not big on cats but Randolph Scott was just a lovely touch. I could go on but I think this should convince you to give it a chance.
I did have some pet peeves with this though…
1. The ex(es). Did they have to be such obvious douches? This seems like a common thing in a lot of contemporary romances - probably because there’s not much possibility for conflict unless it’s a mafia romance or something. But please god give me exes who are incompatible and maybe not great but not scumbags either!
2. The dynamic between Casey and his uncle (not a spoiler because it shows up basically on the very first page). I get the whole gratitude etc angle but it’s really frustrating to read the loving uncle completely ignoring what’s clearly right in front of his nose — it’s also annoying that Casey is never more forceful. Like gratitude or not, allowing yourself to be pushed to do something one is not good at and ALSO hates is just…an ick I suppose. While this is all okay to an extent and adds to the drama, I would have loved a good on-page conversation between the two of them sorting things out rather than the two or so throwaway sentences I got.
I did have some pet peeves with this though…
1. The ex(es). Did they have to be such obvious douches? This seems like a common thing in a lot of contemporary romances - probably because there’s not much possibility for conflict unless it’s a mafia romance or something. But please god give me exes who are incompatible and maybe not great but not scumbags either!
2. The dynamic between Casey and his uncle (not a spoiler because it shows up basically on the very first page). I get the whole gratitude etc angle but it’s really frustrating to read the loving uncle completely ignoring what’s clearly right in front of his nose — it’s also annoying that Casey is never more forceful. Like gratitude or not, allowing yourself to be pushed to do something one is not good at and ALSO hates is just…an ick I suppose. While this is all okay to an extent and adds to the drama, I would have loved a good on-page conversation between the two of them sorting things out rather than the two or so throwaway sentences I got.
May 8, 2024
Randolph Scott stole the show (an audio review)
I love EJ Russell and will snag anything she writes. I was thrilled to nab her latest contemporary romance, having nothing but my intuition that it would be a good book. Good book? It was great. Truly. I laughed, I sniffed, I rolled my eyes, and I enjoyed every moment of it.
Casey’s stuck. His famous father died in the kitchen of his restaurant. Now Casey’s uncle wants to revive the restaurant in his brother’s memory. With Casey running the kitchen. The problem? Casey can’t cook. AT ALL. I felt complete solidarity with him. I only own baking trays to heat up the frozen pizza. Last time I tried to cook, I nearly set fire to the parchment paper. Who knew THAT was a thing? Casey was a character of my heart.
Dev is also struggling with a family legacy. His ancestors built the town of Home and the first-born son of every generation has helmed the town as town manager. Dev was never groomed for the role – his older brother was. Then one night his brother, as well as his grandfather died in an accident. Leaving Dev to pick up the pieces. He barely has time to grieve before he has to take over. The problem? He’s a musician who knows nothing about managing a town. Guitar riff? Sure. Port-A-Potties? Not his jam.
When Casey arrives as the student for the summer kitchen, Dev’s attracted. But hands off the student and he’s got bigger problems. Right?
Yeah, best laid plans…
Add in some meddling a-holes (some were over the top villains), feuding town members, and loving family who don’t understand, and EJ gave me the perfect romance.
And, of course, Randolph Scott (the cat) stole the show. You know what they say about kids and animals…
To make this audio perfect, Greg Boudreaux narrated the story. I’ll add that he sang an original song that was included. The music was wonderful – as was Greg. Just a lovely book best enjoyed in audio. More to come, I see, and I can’t wait.
I love EJ Russell and will snag anything she writes. I was thrilled to nab her latest contemporary romance, having nothing but my intuition that it would be a good book. Good book? It was great. Truly. I laughed, I sniffed, I rolled my eyes, and I enjoyed every moment of it.
Casey’s stuck. His famous father died in the kitchen of his restaurant. Now Casey’s uncle wants to revive the restaurant in his brother’s memory. With Casey running the kitchen. The problem? Casey can’t cook. AT ALL. I felt complete solidarity with him. I only own baking trays to heat up the frozen pizza. Last time I tried to cook, I nearly set fire to the parchment paper. Who knew THAT was a thing? Casey was a character of my heart.
Dev is also struggling with a family legacy. His ancestors built the town of Home and the first-born son of every generation has helmed the town as town manager. Dev was never groomed for the role – his older brother was. Then one night his brother, as well as his grandfather died in an accident. Leaving Dev to pick up the pieces. He barely has time to grieve before he has to take over. The problem? He’s a musician who knows nothing about managing a town. Guitar riff? Sure. Port-A-Potties? Not his jam.
When Casey arrives as the student for the summer kitchen, Dev’s attracted. But hands off the student and he’s got bigger problems. Right?
Yeah, best laid plans…
Add in some meddling a-holes (some were over the top villains), feuding town members, and loving family who don’t understand, and EJ gave me the perfect romance.
And, of course, Randolph Scott (the cat) stole the show. You know what they say about kids and animals…
To make this audio perfect, Greg Boudreaux narrated the story. I’ll add that he sang an original song that was included. The music was wonderful – as was Greg. Just a lovely book best enjoyed in audio. More to come, I see, and I can’t wait.
May 15, 2024
I wanted to like this story, and it had its moments, but turning food preparation into a sexual fantasy is a real turn-off for me and I had a hard time getting through just that one scene and really colored the rest of the story for me. sigh.
I do like Casey and Dev, the MCs of this story. Casey is trying to be a chef for his uncle's sake, but due to a childhood spent in a kitchen where he was as likely to be hit by his father as ignored, cooking holds a lot of stress and unresolved trauma for him. He also has absolutely no gift for cooking.
Dev, still dealing with the death of his grandfather and older brother, is in over his head with trying to get an antique fair set up and ready to go. His knack is music, not accounting. Happily, Casey is able to step in and help with that, as his knack is for business.
I have a hard time with contemporary stories because they tend up being rather flat and less than interesting. This wasn't a bad story, but it had a few problems that really needed to be addressed: like Casey's trauma. Bradley Pillsbury, who thought he was Casey's fiance just because of his partnership with Casey's shortsighted and easily duped uncle, had a giant red flag waving over his head from the moment he walked on page. Noah, Dev's ex and former bandmate was just stupid.
Will I read the next book in the series? Will we find out the cat, Randolph Scott, is part of the Mythmatched community? Will Hunter's Moon, led by Gareth Kendrick, make an appearance at the next festival they host at Home? (Casey wears a Hunter's Moon band shirt at one point in the narrative.) Though there are no magic or supernatural goings on in this story (unless you count the cat), it has promise as a series. We'll see.
I do like Casey and Dev, the MCs of this story. Casey is trying to be a chef for his uncle's sake, but due to a childhood spent in a kitchen where he was as likely to be hit by his father as ignored, cooking holds a lot of stress and unresolved trauma for him. He also has absolutely no gift for cooking.
Dev, still dealing with the death of his grandfather and older brother, is in over his head with trying to get an antique fair set up and ready to go. His knack is music, not accounting. Happily, Casey is able to step in and help with that, as his knack is for business.
I have a hard time with contemporary stories because they tend up being rather flat and less than interesting. This wasn't a bad story, but it had a few problems that really needed to be addressed: like Casey's trauma. Bradley Pillsbury, who thought he was Casey's fiance just because of his partnership with Casey's shortsighted and easily duped uncle, had a giant red flag waving over his head from the moment he walked on page. Noah, Dev's ex and former bandmate was just stupid.
Will I read the next book in the series? Will we find out the cat, Randolph Scott, is part of the Mythmatched community? Will Hunter's Moon, led by Gareth Kendrick, make an appearance at the next festival they host at Home? (Casey wears a Hunter's Moon band shirt at one point in the narrative.) Though there are no magic or supernatural goings on in this story (unless you count the cat), it has promise as a series. We'll see.
April 11, 2024
This is the first book in the Saving Home series and it has set the bar pretty high for the books to come. I loved this book. It is fun to read. You may start reading in a bad mood but I guarantee that this book will have you smiling by the finish. This is the story of Casey and Dev. Casey feels deeply indebted to his Uncle Walt and is trying not to disappoint him. While Casey's dad may have been an excellent chef, Casey is a hot mess in the kitchen. He can't be trusted to boil water without direct supervision. They decide to sent him off to The Summer Kitchen in Home Vermont. They want him to be the head chef when they reopen his dad's restaurant. While Casey is frustrated he still tries as he wants to make Uncle Walt happy. Dev is an ex rock star who unexpectedly inherited the job of town manager when his brother and grandfather died in a car accident. He too is struggling with the weight of expectation put upon him. The two meet when Casey stays at Harrison House for his cooking classes. This is their story. There is a lot of world building going on in this book. Each local character is more interesting than the one before. You will want to learn more about all of them. Casey and Dev recognize the stress that the other is under while trying to be what other people want them to be. It is great to see them support each other while learning who they really are meant to be. The book is very well written and easy to read. I really loved this book. I can not wait for the next book in the series. I want to see how everyone's story turns out.
I received a complementary advanced review copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a complementary advanced review copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 22, 2024
5 Stars!
I adored the start of this new small-town series by EJ Russell. Not only did I find Casey absolutely adorable, but I really liked most of the people in Home, the enchanting Vermont town he finds himself in after his uncle signs him in for Summer Kitchen, a summer (hopefully) foolproof program designed for Casey to finally master his father's recipes so he can take over the restaurant his uncle plans to open with a partner (Bradley) who also wants to be more than that for Casey. Now if Bradley listened to Casey for once and realized that Casey has no interest in him that'd be awesome.
Dev is the Home's town manager and sparks fly from the moment he and Casey meet, however, Casey is only there for the summer and Dev has to stay in Home, so there's no future for them, or is there? Plus Dev's a bit quick at jumping to conclusions and not letting Casey explain himself, which made me want to slap him silly. However, after meeting his ex, I guess it was kind of understandable.
I can't wait to get to know Sylvia, Haru, Kenny, and Ty better, and I really hope we get to see more of Randolph Scott, he truly stole every single scene he was in. LOL
I can't recommend this book enough, it was so much fun, there was food, music, devious plots, a crazy cat, and an amazing romance. I absolutely loved it and can't wait for more!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
I adored the start of this new small-town series by EJ Russell. Not only did I find Casey absolutely adorable, but I really liked most of the people in Home, the enchanting Vermont town he finds himself in after his uncle signs him in for Summer Kitchen, a summer (hopefully) foolproof program designed for Casey to finally master his father's recipes so he can take over the restaurant his uncle plans to open with a partner (Bradley) who also wants to be more than that for Casey. Now if Bradley listened to Casey for once and realized that Casey has no interest in him that'd be awesome.
Dev is the Home's town manager and sparks fly from the moment he and Casey meet, however, Casey is only there for the summer and Dev has to stay in Home, so there's no future for them, or is there? Plus Dev's a bit quick at jumping to conclusions and not letting Casey explain himself, which made me want to slap him silly. However, after meeting his ex, I guess it was kind of understandable.
I can't wait to get to know Sylvia, Haru, Kenny, and Ty better, and I really hope we get to see more of Randolph Scott, he truly stole every single scene he was in. LOL
I can't recommend this book enough, it was so much fun, there was food, music, devious plots, a crazy cat, and an amazing romance. I absolutely loved it and can't wait for more!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
April 28, 2024
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I love a good small-town series. This one has some really interesting characters, a cool town history, and all the ‘we have each other's backs’ vibes you could want.
Casey has found himself in Home, Vermont training to be a Michelin level chef before the end of summer so he can take over where is father left off when he died. Except he’s terrible at it, and has a complicated relationship with his father.
What isn’t complicated is the draw he feels for Dev, the town manager and owner of the house Casey is living in. Dev carries the legacy of Home’s founder on his shoulders. The town has some unique laws meant to support its people but given the economy of small towns, it’s a struggle.
As Dev helps Casey find his passion, Casey helps Dev realize that being responsible doesn’t mean you have to do it alone.
A heartwarming community-oriented story, with two very likable characters, and a cat that may have possibly stolen every scene they were in.
Narrator Greg Boudreaux did a fantastic job at capturing the likeability, quirkiness, humour, and drama of this story and its characters. It made for a perfect afternoon listen.
I love a good small-town series. This one has some really interesting characters, a cool town history, and all the ‘we have each other's backs’ vibes you could want.
Casey has found himself in Home, Vermont training to be a Michelin level chef before the end of summer so he can take over where is father left off when he died. Except he’s terrible at it, and has a complicated relationship with his father.
What isn’t complicated is the draw he feels for Dev, the town manager and owner of the house Casey is living in. Dev carries the legacy of Home’s founder on his shoulders. The town has some unique laws meant to support its people but given the economy of small towns, it’s a struggle.
As Dev helps Casey find his passion, Casey helps Dev realize that being responsible doesn’t mean you have to do it alone.
A heartwarming community-oriented story, with two very likable characters, and a cat that may have possibly stolen every scene they were in.
Narrator Greg Boudreaux did a fantastic job at capturing the likeability, quirkiness, humour, and drama of this story and its characters. It made for a perfect afternoon listen.
August 12, 2025
Casey’s demanding and aggressive father was a renowned chef, but he doesn’t seem to have passed on any of the cooking genes to Casey. In fact, thanks to his late father’s treatment, Casey doesn’t associate cooking with anything good. Casey’s Uncle Walt (his father’s more nurturing twin) seems deaf to Casey’s protestations that he can’t cook and doesn’t want to. Uncle Walt is determined that Casey follow in his father’s footsteps so he books one-on-one lessons with a highly respected chef in the small, untouched town of Home, Vermont. After NYC, it’s peaceful for Casey and he enjoys getting to know the town manager, Dev, who was the singer / songwriter for a world-famous band before family tragedy curtailed his career.
EJ Russell is at her heartwarming best here with two leading characters who are lovely human beings that communicate and support each other! She overbalances them by creating two very similar banes of their existence, one would have been enough and two feels too contrived. However, I really enjoyed watching Casey learn to stand up for himself, while Dev learned to allow others to help. The blurbs say this is the first in the Saving Home series so I’ll look forward to more books about other characters in this cute town. 🎧 Greg Boudreaux always produces excellent audio narrations but he goes above and beyond here, admirably performing the song Dev composed. I also liked the guitar interludes.
EJ Russell is at her heartwarming best here with two leading characters who are lovely human beings that communicate and support each other! She overbalances them by creating two very similar banes of their existence, one would have been enough and two feels too contrived. However, I really enjoyed watching Casey learn to stand up for himself, while Dev learned to allow others to help. The blurbs say this is the first in the Saving Home series so I’ll look forward to more books about other characters in this cute town. 🎧 Greg Boudreaux always produces excellent audio narrations but he goes above and beyond here, admirably performing the song Dev composed. I also liked the guitar interludes.
April 21, 2024
I loved this first visit to Home, and am already looking forward to the next in the series. The set up of the town is a wonderful idea, and its inhabitants very quirky small-town. Although this is Casey and Dev’s story, Randolph Scott is a total scene-stealer.
I liked how this story was about expectations, and finding your right path in life. Casey and Dev are both dealing with the aftermath of losing family, and flailing in trying to live up their legacies. I loved their first meeting, and the romance that follows. They complement each other, and I loved Casey’s part in saving Home.
The music part of the story was a highlight for me. I loved how both men have exes that would be perfectly suited for each other as neither listens, and are obnoxious.
The supporting cast are wonderful. I’m curious about Kenny and the hints that his furniture restorations are not what they appear. He needs his own book and HEA. I love how Randoph Scott show his approval or disapproval of someone. Sylvia is great. I liked the resolution of her storyline. I liked Haru too. He’s another who needs his HEA, as does Dev’s cousin, Ty.
Reading this story gave me warm fuzzies, and left me wishing the town was a real place I could visit, or move to. The ending was wonderfully satisfying, with the hints that there’s more to come.
I liked how this story was about expectations, and finding your right path in life. Casey and Dev are both dealing with the aftermath of losing family, and flailing in trying to live up their legacies. I loved their first meeting, and the romance that follows. They complement each other, and I loved Casey’s part in saving Home.
The music part of the story was a highlight for me. I loved how both men have exes that would be perfectly suited for each other as neither listens, and are obnoxious.
The supporting cast are wonderful. I’m curious about Kenny and the hints that his furniture restorations are not what they appear. He needs his own book and HEA. I love how Randoph Scott show his approval or disapproval of someone. Sylvia is great. I liked the resolution of her storyline. I liked Haru too. He’s another who needs his HEA, as does Dev’s cousin, Ty.
Reading this story gave me warm fuzzies, and left me wishing the town was a real place I could visit, or move to. The ending was wonderfully satisfying, with the hints that there’s more to come.
April 25, 2024
Oh did I feel for Casey laboring under the weight of his uncle's expectations. Casey is not a cook. He tries and tries to produce the dishes that are supposed to result from the recipes his father used to cook but they are too complex and he is not up to the task. His uncle wants him to take over his father's restaurant but he does not have a cook's touch. So he is sent to The Summer Kitchen in Vermont to learn to cook. Ugh! Casey does try and he wants to meet the expectations placed on him. It is there that he meets Dev, who is laboring under the weight of his own externally imposed expectations. Dev is a former rocker turned town manager. He inherited the job on the death of his brother and grandpa. Casey meets Dev while he is in town for cooking school and in each they see a kindred spirit. They commiserate as each knows what it is like to try to meet expectations that do not align with what they might want for themselves. And their relationship gives each of them the chance to work on figuring out what it is they want for themselves beyond the sense of duty or desire to please. This was lovely and not only did I like Casey and Dev but we met some interesting people in Home, Vermont. A good start to the series.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 7, 2024
Ok, somebody call Hallmark because this needs to be their next movie!
Summer Kitchen was my first book by E J Russell, and it was completely adorable. The story read so much like a TV film script, it was well thought out and engaging to the end. The author did a lovely job of describing the places and people, I could just picture the idilic town of 'Home' and its residents.
Casey and Dev charmed the pants off me. From their meet cute, to their blossoming relationship, their opposites attract characters worked together so well. I'm a low angst fan, and apart from one or two (very slight) hiccups, honesty and communication ruled here, yay! There was humour, gum aching sweetness, and a nice warm spiciness for good measure.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Greg Boudreaux. I think he did a great job. The pace was just right, and the characters had nicely unique voices, so it was easy to follow, even with only one narrator. He has a rather cute singing voice too ;)
There were some great side characters too, opening things up for a few sequels hopefully. Let's not forget the real star of this whole thing though, Randolf Scott the cat, he would agree that it was all about him i'm sure.
Read this if you like
Opposites attract
Small town
low angst
spicy sweet
Possible triggers
Mentioned death of family members (off page)
Summer Kitchen was my first book by E J Russell, and it was completely adorable. The story read so much like a TV film script, it was well thought out and engaging to the end. The author did a lovely job of describing the places and people, I could just picture the idilic town of 'Home' and its residents.
Casey and Dev charmed the pants off me. From their meet cute, to their blossoming relationship, their opposites attract characters worked together so well. I'm a low angst fan, and apart from one or two (very slight) hiccups, honesty and communication ruled here, yay! There was humour, gum aching sweetness, and a nice warm spiciness for good measure.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Greg Boudreaux. I think he did a great job. The pace was just right, and the characters had nicely unique voices, so it was easy to follow, even with only one narrator. He has a rather cute singing voice too ;)
There were some great side characters too, opening things up for a few sequels hopefully. Let's not forget the real star of this whole thing though, Randolf Scott the cat, he would agree that it was all about him i'm sure.
Read this if you like
Opposites attract
Small town
low angst
spicy sweet
Possible triggers
Mentioned death of family members (off page)
April 2, 2024
This is my favorite EJ Russell book!
It is sweet.
It has angst.
It is romantic.
It is sad.
There are characters who grab your heart strings and tug until they're wrapped tight.
Others make you want to reach out, grab them, and shake until they become 'human!'
Who thinks that money is more important than anything else?
Dev and Casey have both suffered loss and are doing their best to fulfill the desires and/or expectations of others.
Home is the perfect setting for old pain aside and let new beginnings take root.
Dev...the town manager and owner of Harrison House; the site of Summer Kitchen
Casey...a graduate student who has almost completed his MBA; who is at the Summer Kitchen to refine his nonexistent cooking skills
Bradley...an 'entitled', controlling, wannabe boyfriend; a self-promoter
Sylvia...the Summer Kitchen chef/teacher; a recovering alcoholic
Ty...the town vet/runner of a no-kill shelter; brings together pets with needy humans
Kenny...owner of the Fix It Shop; who is attempting to fix everything and everyone in Home.
Together they'll band together to live the life they want, while saving the town and everyone in it!
And earn the right to do what they love!
Thanks to GRR for this most wonderful ARC.
It is sweet.
It has angst.
It is romantic.
It is sad.
There are characters who grab your heart strings and tug until they're wrapped tight.
Others make you want to reach out, grab them, and shake until they become 'human!'
Who thinks that money is more important than anything else?
Dev and Casey have both suffered loss and are doing their best to fulfill the desires and/or expectations of others.
Home is the perfect setting for old pain aside and let new beginnings take root.
Dev...the town manager and owner of Harrison House; the site of Summer Kitchen
Casey...a graduate student who has almost completed his MBA; who is at the Summer Kitchen to refine his nonexistent cooking skills
Bradley...an 'entitled', controlling, wannabe boyfriend; a self-promoter
Sylvia...the Summer Kitchen chef/teacher; a recovering alcoholic
Ty...the town vet/runner of a no-kill shelter; brings together pets with needy humans
Kenny...owner of the Fix It Shop; who is attempting to fix everything and everyone in Home.
Together they'll band together to live the life they want, while saving the town and everyone in it!
And earn the right to do what they love!
Thanks to GRR for this most wonderful ARC.
April 24, 2024
4.5 to 5...First book in what should be a great contemporary series! EJ has given us another wonderful world with such an incredible sense of place. I wish all small towns would be as inclusive as Home. Yes, that's the name of Dev's hometown where he returned due to tragedy to take his place as the town manager. And like so many small towns Home is struggling to survive while retaining the sense of home for all. Casey is there just for the summer trying to become the chef his poor uncle thinks he can become. Both Dev and Casey are dealing with expectations, people who don't listen, well meaning friends, Randolph Scott. As Dev and Casey journey to their HEA, there are misunderstandings but I love how they realize how important communication is, how much the other means to them. The sexy times are more sensual than sexy, but that fits with the narrative. And as EJ is so good at, we get such a great group of secondary characters. I'm already plotting who I want to end up with whom. EJ also gives us some sweet little mysteries setting up for the next few stories. I would love a bonus scene where we get to see the villains (they are quite villainy!) get their comeuppance on page! While this is a contemporary, we get such a lovely little PNR easter egg which explains why Home can exist, there has to be magic involved!
P.S. Never doubt the power of politely nagging readers, Russell has said Hauru will probably get his HEA because of our love for him!
P.S. Never doubt the power of politely nagging readers, Russell has said Hauru will probably get his HEA because of our love for him!
April 24, 2024
FINDING A PLACE IN HOME💕
The beginning of the book irritated me with how his uncle Walt and Bradley didn’t listen to Casey when he tried to tell them he cannot cook to save his life!…
But if his uncle didn’t send him to Summer Kitchen to master his father’s recipes he never would have met Dev- the town manager and owner of Harrison House and ex band member of POV…
He never would have met such warm hearted and homely people like Silvia, Kate, Ty and Kenny who listened to him and accepted his flaws and brilliant mind not to mention a big, fluffy loveable ginger tubby who loves to leave presents for Casey…
Two souls who were meant to meet, connect and fall hopelessly in love while saving their town Home from dying out and ruined by a spoilt rich douche bag who wants what he can’t have…
Their path to happiness was not easy at first as a misunderstanding nearly caused heartbreak but as soon as Dev listened to Casey he rectified it in the most beautiful way!
A heartfelt, warm low angst story about finding your place and passions in life!
A lovely Novel to the series by this new to me author!
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
The beginning of the book irritated me with how his uncle Walt and Bradley didn’t listen to Casey when he tried to tell them he cannot cook to save his life!…
But if his uncle didn’t send him to Summer Kitchen to master his father’s recipes he never would have met Dev- the town manager and owner of Harrison House and ex band member of POV…
He never would have met such warm hearted and homely people like Silvia, Kate, Ty and Kenny who listened to him and accepted his flaws and brilliant mind not to mention a big, fluffy loveable ginger tubby who loves to leave presents for Casey…
Two souls who were meant to meet, connect and fall hopelessly in love while saving their town Home from dying out and ruined by a spoilt rich douche bag who wants what he can’t have…
Their path to happiness was not easy at first as a misunderstanding nearly caused heartbreak but as soon as Dev listened to Casey he rectified it in the most beautiful way!
A heartfelt, warm low angst story about finding your place and passions in life!
A lovely Novel to the series by this new to me author!
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
April 23, 2024
I liked this in the beginning and throughout most of the book. Casey was someone who wanted to please his uncle and hated to disappoint him. Dev was someone who hated to disappoint his whole town. Casey goes to Home, Dev's town, to learn to cook even though he is dreadful at it. It was charming to see Casey try and fail, and to see him fit right into Home. Dev is working hard at trying to keep his town afloat after his brother and grandfather pass away. While there was a small smidge of miscommunication in the beginning, I liked how these two came together and fell in love. What did drive me nuts, though, was that the whole trip to Home was for his uncle, but his uncle was such a small insignificant piece of it all in the end. I wish there was more interaction and discussion with the uncle. The stuff with Dev's ex seemed a bit over the top, and the story would've been just as great without him. The bones of the story were strong enough without it. But besides that, I loved the little town, and loved the concept of everyone actually all getting along. It was refreshing.
May 2, 2024
MM Fun, sweet romance
A contemporary romance, typically from EJ Russell I listen to their paranormal, so this was an enjoyable change.
The main characters, Dev and Casey, are not just well-written, but their relationship is a captivating blend of chemistry and depth.
It kept me amused throughout, as most of their books do. Great side characters.
I love how there is always a fun/comical aspect to their writing.
The narration was on point, and Greg Boudreaux was a pleasure to listen to, as always. I increased the speed, which is typical for me. I recommend the audio version all day long.
Summer Kitchen
Saving Home, Book 1
By: E.J. Russell
Narrated by: Greg Boudreaux
Series: Saving Home, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 54 mins
❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.15 speed on Audible
I received this audiobook for free from GRR at my request. My review is my opinion and an honest review - neither the author nor GRR influenced my opinion.
A contemporary romance, typically from EJ Russell I listen to their paranormal, so this was an enjoyable change.
The main characters, Dev and Casey, are not just well-written, but their relationship is a captivating blend of chemistry and depth.
It kept me amused throughout, as most of their books do. Great side characters.
I love how there is always a fun/comical aspect to their writing.
The narration was on point, and Greg Boudreaux was a pleasure to listen to, as always. I increased the speed, which is typical for me. I recommend the audio version all day long.
Summer Kitchen
Saving Home, Book 1
By: E.J. Russell
Narrated by: Greg Boudreaux
Series: Saving Home, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 54 mins
❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.15 speed on Audible
I received this audiobook for free from GRR at my request. My review is my opinion and an honest review - neither the author nor GRR influenced my opinion.
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