I love being able to journey back in time to a simpler time when life seemed simpler. And when I say simpler, I mean we are not inundated with technology in our everyday lives.

Set in the 1990s, this is the second book in the series that centers around a Portland restaurant called Rose and Thorn. This band of misfits is a family with issues they are all working to resolve or to find a better place in their lives.

This book focuses on Hudson and Roz. Many characters will be familiar to readers of the first book, Kitchen Heat, so it is like stepping back into a world that is familiar.

This book touches on so many aspects. There is eco-terrorism, addiction, choices, environmentalism, and love. Hudson was falsely accused of being the ring leader for a group that firebombed a car dealership. He doesn't know who set him up, but he has suspicions. While in prison, he learns how to cook and creates mouthwatering dishes, at least from the descriptions. He is vegan, but I love how he encourages people to think about eating a healthier dish, one that is better for the environment. Hudson is very relaxed, and while not much bothers him, he is not a pushover. He is still fighting to clear his name for this crime he did not commit.

Roz has had a hard life. Her father was laid off from a lumber mill, and this caused his drinking to spiral out of control, and the same thing happened to Roz. She let alcohol control her. She does her best to get clean, but she isn't perfect. The temptation is always present. I appreciated that she does not come across as a saint, and we see her struggles with having "just one drink." Any addict will tell you that it never stops at one. Her sister was also incarcerated for an environmental crime. This weighs heavily on her mind, and she can't bear to see her sister in prison.

When some facts come to life regarding Hudson's past and others he knew in that life, this sets Roz off. I will say that there are times that I do not like Roz. I don't know if it is her addictive personality, but she refuses to believe anything Hudson says despite their past interactions. He has never given her a reason to doubt him, but family blinds her, and she can't see the light through the trees.

I enjoyed continuing with these characters and the activities at the restaurant. I hope there will be more books in this series focusing on others such as Ione, LuRon, and even Maggie.

We give it 4 paws up.

"Poetic Justice" is a sultry, soul-stirring romance. Set in 1990s Portland, this captivating tale follows Roz, a talented poet and waitress, and Hudson, an enigmatic line cook with a mysterious past, as they ignite a fiery romance that defies expectations. With its unique restaurant setting, quirky characters, and offbeat humor, the writing crackles with energy, making Roz and Hudson's journey feel raw, honest, and utterly compelling. As they navigate secrets, coincidences, and activism, their love story becomes a powerful exploration of redemption, trust, and the transformative power of love.

First of all, many thanks to Netgalley and Publisher for the ARC granted. I've started to like this book from the title (it's pretty genius ) and altough I find it more dramatic than I was expecting, it was a good reading. The narrative touches delicate and yet relevant contents with care. I liked the 90's setting, bringing back that wave of nostalgia for the good times before internet existed.

This was a really good book. Took on some serious issues (addiction, activism, the consequences of life choices, even the small ones) but lightheartedly and with tenderness, with Hudson's and Roz's love (and spice!) grounding the entire story. The back-and-forth timeline added a lot of uncertainty to the read (in a good way, suspenseful), and also made me think about how things can change in the blink of an eye with an impulsive decision. Loved the rose and thorn restaurant, and 90s' vibe. The kitchen banter is lol hilarious. We need to read LuRon and Dara's story next!

Poetic Justice is a quirky love story set in 1990s Portland, with the Rose and Thorn restaurant serving as a unique backdrop. Roz, the protagonist, is compelling, especially as she navigates sobriety, supports her incarcerated sister, and deals with the chaos of restaurant life. Her journey of personal growth and overcoming addiction is a highlight of the book. The supporting characters at the restaurant add a light, entertaining touch with their humour and charm.

The romance between Roz and Hudson has its moments, but the relationship feels imbalanced. While Roz's character is well-developed, Hudson often feels like a secondary figure in what is supposed to be a shared love story. The time jumps throughout the narrative disrupt the flow and can be confusing, leaving the story disjointed. Additionally, there are several filler scenes that don’t add much to the plot, making the pacing drag at times.

Despite these flaws, Poetic Justice is still an enjoyable enough read for those who appreciate off-beat romances and the nostalgia of the pre-internet 90s. The unique setting and quirky characters may appeal to readers looking for something different, though the execution doesn’t quite live up to its potential.

The narrative structure of jumping back in time and forward again doesn't work in this romance. That only works with second chances where you see them as a couple before during and after.

It was hard keeping track of where or what was going on.

I don't know if the writers are sincere or mocking in this portrayal of eco-warriors, vegans and people who write poetry. At times it really felt like it was so serious it was comical and I couldn't work out if it was intentional or not.

Ok this story was SO FUN! I loved the characters, the restaurant setting, the setting in general, the steamy romance, and their activism. The cover is adorable and I loved the throwback to the 90’s.

I thought this was a wonderfully done romance novel, I thought the use of the restaurant setting worked overall and thought the use of 1990s worked well in the story. The characters felt like they were supposed to be there and was hooked from the journey. Kathleen McFall & Clark Hays write this in a strong way and left me wanting to read more from them.