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emmaas_bookshelf's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Such a cute story but the romance was so forced. And the ending? That ending was rushed, out of place, and so weird.
dsauriol1991's review
4.0
This book took me a hot second to get into but once I did I really enjoyed it. Simone is pretty frustrating at the beginning of the book, very cold and condescending. But once she warms up to Ray she softens and we truly get to appreciate her determination and loyalty. I also adore Ray, they’re such a bright light despite what they go through at TDC. As a warning this book does deal with transphobia and a toxic work environment. So go into it lightly if that could be triggering in any way.
aielylois's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jb1973's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
joanna1905's review against another edition
3.0
This was cute and I really enjoyed it, a little more clumsy than book two and didn’t make as big of an impression but I still really enjoyed it! More NB mcs in queer lit please!!!!!
atvreads's review against another edition
3.0
Exquisite representation accompanied by a cozy-turned-complicated plot will keep readers invested long after the final page in TJ Alexander’s Chef’s Kiss.
This novel offers incredible commentary on queer culture, being out in the professional world, how to be the ally your community needs versus the ally you WANT to be, and ultimately how to love people as they are.
Good story and I’ll definitely read the next installment!
This novel offers incredible commentary on queer culture, being out in the professional world, how to be the ally your community needs versus the ally you WANT to be, and ultimately how to love people as they are.
Good story and I’ll definitely read the next installment!
lbarsk's review against another edition
3.0
So right off the bat let’s just say this — Ray is an eminently charming love interest. If someone made me a sexy balsamic reduction and invented a digital media cooking show for me to do with them so that we could both succeed together, I’d be ALL IN. I love the way Alexander wrote Ray and they just sparkled.
My issue is with Simone, whose narration was just slightly too prickly for my taste. I get wanting to have a cat/dog romance, and I get wanting to show perfectionism making sparks with chaos, but it just felt a little alienating for my taste. I *also* get wanting to show a realistic version of “cis person has trans friends but sometimes still makes mistakes and is willing to learn and do better for those friends and her love interest,” that’s certainly true to life, but those scenes were just a tad cringey for me.
HOWEVER, at about 30% in I did feel that the story got its feet under it and picked up, both steam-wise and fun-wise. And gosh, by the time Alexander gives us the road-trip (MAKING PERFECT PIES— I am taken out back and thrown into the ocean) and Simone caring for Ray post-top surgery, those are great moments. So all in all solid! Just some tone struggles. Also, I would point interested parties to a certain pairing on Ao3 but… I think we all know about that if we’re reading this book. Ray if you’re real and out there in the world please come kiss me, I make a mean challah and could learn to love beer for you.
My issue is with Simone, whose narration was just slightly too prickly for my taste. I get wanting to have a cat/dog romance, and I get wanting to show perfectionism making sparks with chaos, but it just felt a little alienating for my taste. I *also* get wanting to show a realistic version of “cis person has trans friends but sometimes still makes mistakes and is willing to learn and do better for those friends and her love interest,” that’s certainly true to life, but those scenes were just a tad cringey for me.
HOWEVER, at about 30% in I did feel that the story got its feet under it and picked up, both steam-wise and fun-wise. And gosh, by the time Alexander gives us the road-trip (MAKING PERFECT PIES— I am taken out back and thrown into the ocean) and Simone caring for Ray post-top surgery, those are great moments. So all in all solid! Just some tone struggles. Also, I would point interested parties to a certain pairing on Ao3 but… I think we all know about that if we’re reading this book. Ray if you’re real and out there in the world please come kiss me, I make a mean challah and could learn to love beer for you.
svmreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
Such a fun rom-com! Loved the scenes where they were developing the video series. Wish we got more of Simone and Ray in a romantic context, as I loved their chemistry. Excited to read more from TJ Alexander!
poetkoala's review against another edition
4.0
Cute! Some characters are oblivious, some characters are asses, and there’s some really obvious miscommunication, but a fluffy read.