The Chef and The Runaway Bride: A Small Town, Clean Romance

by Kit O'Neal

I never imagined I’d be a runaway bride.

All I wanted was a quiet place to breathe.

Now I’m on the porch of a vacation rental, in my wedding gown, with no shoes on, and wondering what to do next.

I was in search of solitude. Instead, there is a handsome man who is not supposed to be here.

Chef Cody was not the welcome I expected—grumpy, private, and nursing his own wounds in the kitchen.

We started making meals and sharing secrets; two lost souls mixing hope into every recipe.

But when Tom, my almost-husband, tracked me down, along with a notorious food critic, who threatened our new beginnings, the past was about to swallow me whole.

Now, it’s up to me to choose.

Maybe this time, my story doesn’t have to be written by anyone but me.

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 22, 2025

Reviews

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story with the h reluctant to get married because she really didn’t choose to get married and not to man chosen by her mother. When suddenly runs away her father follows her. He knows her feelings and tells her that he is not angry and gives her her phone that he picked up for her along with the keys to his truck and tells her to go. The h contacts a friend who sends her to a place where she can find herself. When she gets to the place she can’t find the key that is supposed to be there. She breaks down crying again. Then the door opens and the H lets her in. He a chef who is the brother of the woman who owns the cabin. She let him stay there but was only to be for a short time while his home is being repaired. In the end they both stay in the cabin. As the days pass they become friends. The h even agrees to be his sue chef for a competition where he hopes to regain his reputation as a chef. He owns his own restaurant and previously had a less than stellar review. All is going well when suddenly the h leaves to mend her relationship with her mother. The H thinks that it is for good and is broken up about it but continues in the competition. When the h returns he is overjoyed. They proceed to compete in the cook off when suddenly there is a fire. They believe that they are disqualified but in the end they aren’t. In the end they are successful and get their HEA. Hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. Enjoy! Received this book free from the author as a member of her ARC team.

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE CHEF AND THE RUNAWAY BRIDE by Kit O’Neal is a cute contemporary romance but also a second chance romance especially for Mia. This is Mia and Cody’s story and it’s told by them in alternating chapters.

When Mia runs from her wedding day as she’s about to walk down the aisle it’s because she doesn’t love Tom. Her life is happening based on her mother’s time frame as well as Tom’s but she doesn’t love him and has lost sight of herself in the process. Even all the wedding plans, including her dress and flowers, are what her mother wants. The only one who seems to realize this and is happy she’s walking away is her dad. He even supplies the getaway vehicle.

There are multiple stories being told and Cody is dealing with his own issues when she unexpectedly lands on his doorstep. He’s temporarily staying at his sister’s rental apartment that she’s going to hide out in. As they share the space, they help heal each other. There are some unexpected moments especially when Tom and her mother think she should return to the life they had planned. There are some sweet moments between Mia and Cody and his sister is a force to be reckoned with. The story has a good flow with a happily ever after for them but the ending seemed rushed.

[Joy Belle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was provided for me as an ARC review. It started off on Mia’s wedding day. I love that a child’s honesty made her realize she wasn’t happy and that she shouldn’t marry Tom. Her dad was supportive and her accomplice in her runway bride moment. It was weird that her best friend wasn’t at the wedding. No explanation as to why. She didn’t act like a best friend at any point in the book except for finding her a place to go. She ends up on Cody’s porch. Cody is a chief with a recent bad critic review. He’s probably the best character in the book, but overall I wasn’t attached to anyone. Mia definitely needed new friends. No one checked on her for days. At the same time, she deserved to give Tom a reason for running. If you don’t like miscommunication in your books, you won’t like this. There were also poor transitions and I had to go back and see if I missed anything, but the scene or time had just changed. Definitely clucky as someone else said. I feel like this was a good premise, but was too short for the story and characters to be fully developed. I don’t know if I would recommend unless you want to read a short book, but I did finish it, so I will give it 2 stars.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mia realizes just before she is to walk down the aisle that this isn’t the life she wants. She finds herself on the doorstep of a rental in her tattered wedding dress, no shoes and no key to let her in. He is a chef on the heels of a bad review, staying at his sisters rental until his apartment repairs are finished. He finds Mia crying on the porch and invites her in. Things are going well and she is opening up to Cody when Tom shows up determined to bring her home. Of course he isn’t alone he is with her best friend who was supposed to keep her location secret. Not only does this cause a bit of strain on their friendship but after Mia rebuffs him he invites the very same food critic to come for the Chef Showdown event. Mia’s domineering mom doesn’t help matters. Will she go back home? Or stay with Cody? This was a very drama filled story riddled with feelings of failure by both Mia and Cody. I spent quite a bit of time angry with Mia’s mom and Tom as neither really understood Mia. I am glad how things turned out in the end. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by bookfunnel.

[Terry T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a sweet clean small town, opposites attract romance with no cliffhanger.
Some of the lines I really like --- “If you’re not happy now, maybe you won’t be happy later. You should wait until you feel like you can fly.” --- “You want to cook? Didn’t you show off enough of your nonexistent skills last night?” --- "This is my house. I’m just letting you borrow it while your life falls apart and you put it slowly back together.” --- “And being complicated and annoying works for others. Especially the ones who like hearing themselves talk. No wonder she left.” --- “So is a washing machine. Doesn’t mean you marry one.” --- ‘You don’t owe anyone a life you don’t want. You can’t fit yourself into someone else’s mold.’ --- “A girl leaves one guy at the altar and she suddenly has a reputation.” ----
What's Herbert up to? What's Cassidy up to? What's Tom up to? These and other questions will all be answered.
I loved Mia and Cody's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and I can't wait to read her next book.

[Calischarm · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Chef and the Runaway Bride
Thank you to the author for this ARC

This is a delightful story of a bride who got honest with herself in the nick of time. Knowing she would never be happy, she left Tom at the alter, took off through the back door, and headed off to a life of her own!
After a call to a friend, who called a friend, she has a rental, but the key isn’t under the mat so she sits on the steps in her wedding dress for a good cry not expecting anyone to be on the other side of the door!
Cody has had a terrible couple of weeks! Beginning with a bad review of his restaurant. And while work is being done in his apartment, he is staying at his sister’s rental. He was chopping vegetables when he heard noises out front. When he opened the door, he was surprised to see the beautiful woman in a white dress.
This book was delightful and sweet! It was heartwarming to watch these characters grow to love each other and build one another up. Perfect for a weekend comfort read!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

And they lived happily ever after . . .

This story is not only a second chance love story, but for also the journey of learning who you are and choosing to buck the system to save yourself. Mia is literally a runaway bride who ends up on Cody's doorstep in tears. Complete strangers with tons of baggage meet in a most unusual scenario. Add it a quirky "flower child" sister, a mother who wants you to live a "practical" life, not one of love, and an ex-fiancé who reminds some of an automaton Mr. Bean!

If you enjoy a good love story, this should be your cup of tea! The best line of the entire book:
"Thank you for reminding me it's okay to leave if staying would mean losing myself." This is great advice for every one of us.

Thank you Kit O'Neal for allowing me to read this advance copy of your newest book!

[Andrea Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The story was sweet but also realistic. The main characters didn't play games, they were honest with each other (when they communicated) and had honest adult emotions.

Out of the mouths of babes sometimes come truths we can't ignore, and this is what starts the whole premise of the story. Mia runs from her wedding and meets Cody. He's the best part of the book. A man who loves to cook? Yes, please! And his sister, Cassidy, is a breath of fresh air.

I'm looking forward to reading more of Kit O'Neal's books.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily reviewing with my honest opinion.

[Margaret Hejmanowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love all things Kit O'Neal, and this does not disappoint! Mia Becker runs from her wedding to Tom Lawerance. She drove to Granbury Texas, to get away and think. She was to stay in Cassidy's rental, and was told the key was under the mat; but it wasn't. So she sits on the stoop and cries. Chef Cody is the owner of the Blue Tavern. After one bad review, he is taking time off to think; and nurse his own wounds in the kitchen. Cody is staying at his sister Cassidy's rental, he hears crying outside, and invites Mia in. Can they help each other, or not? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Kit O'Neal!!!

[Terrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this second chance clean romance. Mia is a runaway bride looking for a quiet place to get her life in order away from her overbearing mom. She heads to a vacation rental only to find that it is already occupied by a disillusioned Chef. Cody is grumpy and nursing his own wounds, but agrees to let Mia stay--in separate bedrooms, of course! They start cooking meals and sharing secrets as their relationship develops. But suddenly Mia's ex, Tom, shows up and Mia must make some choices and take charge of her life. This book was a great escape from the worries of everyday life.

I received an ARC of this book, but the thoughts and rating are my own.

[Michele Mascari · Rating 3 out of 5]

In ‘The Chef and the Runaway Bride’ by Kit O’Neal we meet Mia, the runaway bride, and Cody, the chef. The remaining characters, include Tom, the jilted groom, Cassidy, Cody’s sister, Mia’s parents and best friend.

I found this book to be an enjoyable read, with character development and sufficient turmoil to keep the story interesting. In this story, you watch as a healthy relationship rebuilds the characters self esteem and brings forward their voice.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I imagine a lot of heartache could be avoided if more brides, and perhaps grooms, listened to that quiet voice saying, “don’t do this, Run”. I loved that Mia ran to a town that I’m very familiar with. I have family living there and I live about 30 miles away. Kit O’Neal did a good job describing this quaint little town. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen when there was no key under the mat and the house was occupied, all’s well that ends well. We get romance, humor, angst, and a determined former groom. Treat yourself to this book.

[Sheri Bolinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cody and Mia were such sweet MCs. Thrown together by chance when Mia runs away from her wedding, Cody and Mia find a common bond in their brokenness. I loved watching the banter, grudging caring (at first), common ground found in talks and silence, and the strength that each develope. This is truly a book of growth, finding yourself, and where you're supposed to be, and if you're lucky enough, finding your person to share it with!

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of two people running from their lives and taking a hard break and look at their future who end up in the same rental house. Cody and Mia were a hoot together in this warm easy story with some drama and choices to be made. Many scenes had me sighing and feeling for these two and others laughing hard. So many great one liners that had me laughing hard. I enjoyed the story and characters and fingers crossed they would get a happy ending with each other.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, clean short story. “You should wait until you feel like you can fly.” Sound advice from a little girl that gives Mia the courage to run from a life that really isn’t her. Great first meeting between Cody and Mia. “You going to cry on the porch all night,….or should I call the cops?” Some of my favorite scenes and I just loved Recipe for a Runaway. A fun, enjoyable read.
I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Emily Caldwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was provided to me as an ARC by the author in exchange for my honest review. This was a slow read for me. It took me almost a week to get through it. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it either. I found the pacing to be off, and the story was clunky. But the characters were ok. I do think the author has potential and I look forward to more of her books.

[diane st. onge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chief and runaway bride

It was a quick read and very real!
The characters were normal individuals who came together in unusual circumstances!
The runaway bride made a great choice separating herself from family and certain friends and actually finding herself!
A good read!

[LaRae · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute story! Loved the character development and how they worked so well together. Very enjoyable sweet book!