Refire

by E.J. Hopps

Evelyn Pimm is optimistic about her future. She managed to land her dream job at The Lennon—A two Michelin-starred restaurant nestled in the heart of San Francisco—with nothing but determination and single-origin coffee flowing through her bloodstream. After ending an abusive relationship and committing herself fully to her career, Evie’s dream of finally being promoted to chef de cuisine circle her head in a halo of fantasy-filled bubbles. That is, until her dear friend and owner of the restaurant pops those dream bubbles by enlisting the help of her longtime nemesis: his son.

Maxwell Easton plays his part well. A poster boy for Michelin cuisine, he wears his arrogance and pompous demeanor like a suit of armor. Armor that is absolutely necessary when he gets anywhere near Evelyn. His secret attraction to the woman is an inconvenience that will have to be smothered, for Max is taking the restaurant over for his dad and is determined not to fail him again.

But when Evelyn exchanges her fantasies of stuffing Max in the fryer for something a little more…appetizing, will he be able to resist?

255 pages, Paperback

First published May 20, 2024

About the author

E. J. Hopps is a restaurant-obsessed, perpetually dehydrated romance writer hailing from the Northern California coast. When she’s not spinning her daydreams into written word, you can find her pouring sake at the restaurant she runs alongside her husband, or cozied up with a good book and her dog, Dozer.

With her heart firmly rooted in both the world of fine dining and the promise of happily ever afters, Hopps seeks to captivate readers with steamy restaurant romances, inviting them to savor the magic of her world with every turn of the page.

Reviews

[jordan εїз · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars 🌟 now this was a chef romance 💘 eviemax were quite the couple! i think that the enemies to lovers plot was really well done 👩‍🍳🥘🌁 my biggest issue was how long it took them to get together, and not in a slow burn way 🥲 halfway through the book they had already kissed but because they both have attachment issues they’re not together until like 95% 💔 this was still good but i wish they didn’t have their walls up so high

i also liked all of the san francisco details but was a little confused as to why evie ubered everywhere?? (seems like a hugeeee waste of money when MUNI exists lol)

[Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enemies to lovers
Rivals/Work adversaries
He Falls First
Restaurant romance

Evie is determined to earn her rightful place in her mentor Harvey's 2 star Michelin restaurant, despite Harvey's hotshot, successful chef son Max returning home to take the reins. This book was first brought to my attention via another author's newsletter recommendations (Lyla Sage maybe?). I'm so glad I gave Refire a chance. Ugh, the tension/chemistry is between Evie and Max is exquisite! I kept a star due to some pacing/narrative things that need some cleaning up, but if you're a character-driven reader, definitely check out Refire. Recommended for fans of Abby Jimenez, Amanda Elliot, Savor It or of restaurant romances in general.

[Yarrow R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet. Sexy. Smart.
Wow, this is impressive for a first book! Juicy, magnetic, and lovable characters. An electric simmering slow burn, in this competitive foes-to-lovers story. Also, the relationship between the main femme, Evie, and her boss/father of the main male is heartwarming.
I appreciate Hopps weaving in of serious themes; sexism in the restaurant world, grief, cancer, and addiction.
I’ve been left curious and yearning for more… what was the wonderful dish Evie made for her interview? And when did Evie have time to shop for such fabulous sounding clothes?

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this slow burn - enemies turned lovers in the SF chef scene. As someone who used to live in the bay Hopps did a great job with bay references etc. The anticipation of the slow burn killed me in the best way possible. The characters development was awesome, friendship dynamic genuine - made me reflect on my own friendships in the city fondly. Definitely an underrated but amazing aspect of the book is the friendship threads that she dances with the different characters parallel to the romance relationship forming.

Highly reccomend. Love a good industry behind the scenes 🔥 story.

[Stevey Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

So impressed that this was a first novel for this author. I throughly enjoyed this enemy’s to lovers story.