Tag Archives: alexis hall

Food with Attitude: Audrey Lane Stirs the Pot and Bitchin’ Kitchen

17 Dec

Audrey Lane Stirs the Pot
by Alexis Hall
Audrey Lane Stirs the Pot is the third LGBTQ Romance novel in Hall’s Winner Bakes All Series about a British cooking competition in the vein of the Great British Baking Show (or Bake-off depending on which side of the Atlantic you are on). I enjoyed books one (Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake) and two (Paris Daillencourt is About to Crumble) in the series, but was especially interested in this entry which focuses on a romance between the foul-mouthed producer Jennifer Hallet and a feisty contestant on the latest season of the show. I couldn’t wait to see the grumpy Hallet show some vulnerability and fall in love and Audrey was a charmer. I liked how the experience of Bake Off helped Audrey work through some previous feelings of inadequacy and find a place for herself where she could not only be valued, but also value herself. Each book in the series take place in different seasons so it is not necessary to read them in any particular order though this worked well as a satisfying end to the trilogy. Alexis Hall is being spotlighted on Hoopla this month, where you can checkout many of his great novels!

Bitchin’ Kitchen
Back when the Cooking Channel first spun off of Food Network they would often air original programs that were filmed in Canada. One of the quirkiest of these was Nadia G’s Bitchin’ Kitchen which was like if you merged a cooking show with a PG version of Pee Wee’s Playhouse. Besides Nadia, there are three additional over the top actors who play experts and provide information on things like spices and the health benefits of foods. Nadia whose family immigrated from Italy, grew up in Montreal so often her dishes put a twist on Italian food or work in popular French Canadian ingredients like Maple Syrup. Each episode has a theme like Recession Recipes or Childhood Favorites. One of the craziest moments was season 2’s Christmas Special which featured a goofy music video including other foodie personalities such as Andrew Zimmer, the Black Metal Chef and the Epic Meal Time Crew (Nadia is also a musician). Bitchin’ Kitchen ran for three seasons before spinning off to the travel show Bite This with Nadia G. This cult show isn’t for everyone, but if you are looking for a truly unusual, edgy cooking program then this one might be a treat.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager

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Riveting British Romances: The Nanny’s Handbook to Magic and Managing Difficult Dukes & Boyfriend Material

8 Oct

The Nanny’s Handbook to Magic and Managing Difficult Dukes
by Amy Rose Bennett
The Nanny’s Handbook to Magic and Managing Difficult Dukes is a sweet historical romance for fans of Mary Poppins. The Parasol Academy trains nannies not only to take care of children but also self defense to foil kidnappers and how to use a little fairy magic to clean up messes. Newly graduated Emmeline Chase is excited to take on her first nanny role. As a young widow with a father in debtor prison she desperately could use the money, but she also seems genuinely excited to spend time with the children. She has a meet cute moment with the Xavier, the Duke of St. Laurence. Bennett described in her author’s note that she used her experience with family members and patrons she worked with who were neurodivergent to create a nuanced depiction of the Duke who is on the autism spectrum along with one of his wards, despite there not being a name for their condition at the time. It was charming to see how Xavier and Emmeline both are able to look past the prejudices of their time to find love with one another. Besides the romance there is an exciting subplot about sabotage of the Duke’s plans for an impressive memorial clock (what in our world is now Big Ben) and I loved the Duke’s witty raven which Emmeline is able to chat with.

Boyfriend Material
by Alexis Hall
Another British romance, though this one set in contemporary times, Boyfriend Material is probably the breakout hit for Alexis Hall, who I have been a long time fan of. It has been great seeing some of his older works getting republished to a wider audience. This novel is terrific example of why I love his writing, clever humor, well written and complex characters who manage to be charming despite being realistically imperfect. Luc is the scandalous son of two rock stars; Oliver is barrister who seems to always follow the rules. They seem to have nothing in common, which means if you love opposite attract stories than you will adore this one. Heartstopper fans should also enjoy this sweet romance. For those wanting more of Luc and Oliver there is also a sequel Husband Material you can check out and Father Material is due out at the beginning of June 2026.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager

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