Return to Ellery, Tennessee for Sally Kilpatrick’s saucy new novel about two warring barbecue houses.
Emma Sutton promised herself three things: she would never move back to Ellery, never work in the family barbecue business, and never have anything to do with Ben Cates ever again. Losing her job and her home might’ve forced her to break promises one and two, but she’s determined to keep the third.
Unlike Emma, Ben Cates has made peace with his hometown. He wants nothing more than to make his restaurant something his father couldn’t: a success. But between his hellraising little sister and Emma Sutton’s return to Ellery, his dream could easily be snatched away.
Emma and Ben might’ve made each other’s childhood a living hell with their endless pranks, but the only way to finally get rid of the other is to be declared the Best of the Best of the World at the Yessum County Barbecue Festival. Seems easy enough—until attraction ignites like a charcoal flame, and happiness seeps in like a surprising new flavor.
Can they find the courage to forgive bitter past mistakes and let trust into the mix, or will devastating secrets burn everything down again?
What People Are Saying
“Sally Kilpatrick’s blend of tender love, bruised memories, and fragrant slow-smoked pork is the perfect antidote to the woes of the world. Get this book and prepare to lose yourself in the enchanted world of Ellery and two of its most charming and relatable restauranteurs, Ben and Emma, based on Benedick and Beatrice, the bickering lovers of Shakespeare’s classic. Delicious in every way..”
— Emily Carpenter, bestselling author of Burying the Honeysuckle Girls
“Much Ado about Barbecue is classic Kilpatrick with an abundance of Southern charm and downhome grittiness. You’ll want to sink your teeth into this saucy tale of warring BBQ joints. (Yeah, this book made me hungry.) It’s a can’t miss enemies to lovers romance.”
— Liz Talley, author of Adulting
“Sally Kilpatrick returns with her signature Southern charm and humor in this enchanting romance that will make you hunger for more (pun intended).”
— Jamie Beck, WSJ and USA Today bestselling author
“Sally Kilpatrick serves up some whole-hog barbecue and a helluva romance. With Much Ado about Barbecue she proves she’s a pitmaster of love and laughs.”
— Ken Wheaton, author of Duck Duck Gator
“This is one of Sally’s best!”
— Sally’s Mom
“Please buy lots of copies of this book, so I can retire and become Sally’s cabana boy.”
— Sally’s Husband