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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
3.75 stars! This book is a fun mix of cutesy romance, restaurant setting, and Paris. As a foodie, I loved this aspect of the book. And as far as romance goes, who doesn’t love a cute-make-you-smile-feel-good story?! There is no spice in this, which I think some people will enjoy and others will miss. It just depends what kind of reader you are. I am both types & it was a nice change of pace. There were also a few chapters of the book spread across the Holiday season & there was something extra warm & fuzzy about that.
All in all, I think this was a good debut novel and I’d absolutely read more by this author in the future. Thank you NetGalley & Waitlyn for the advanced copy!
All in all, I think this was a good debut novel and I’d absolutely read more by this author in the future. Thank you NetGalley & Waitlyn for the advanced copy!
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
if i could live in a book; i would 100% choose this.
and i will admit it, i love clichés; i love stupid little romcoms that make my heart sing and most of all i love james sullivan.
and i will admit it, i love clichés; i love stupid little romcoms that make my heart sing and most of all i love james sullivan.
I am very excited to be reading this book! My full review to follow.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
What a perfect summer read. I wish I had not read the book so quickly because when it was over, I wanted more. I connected to the characters so quickly and love the setting of a kitchen in France, and all of the wonderful places that they get to go maybe want to go as well. Well done!
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
this is a charming and enjoyable romance centered around paris and food. while I would've liked to see a little more research go into some of this- the process to get a michelin star, parisian geography- this had a fun ensemble of characters and moved along nicely.
Finally! I can get a well rounded romance, that doesn’t have a heavy focus on a sexual relationship, that’s not from Stephanie Perkins! This book had me smiling like an idiot, gushing over the relationship and how it evolved, and heartbroken over the past trauma of our main character. This is easily one of my favorite reads so far this year, I don’t doubt I will be rereading it before the year is over.
Spoiler section
As I said above, my favorite thing is the focus of the relationship is not the sexual relationship between Claire and James. Instead it focuses on Claires journey to be able to trust herself and her own inhibitions, while James is supportive in whatever way she needs him to be. He doesn’t push for more that she might not be comfortable with, he doesn’t even make a move until he’s 100% certain that she’s reciprocating. He does things to test the waters, and when he’s turned down he doesn’t pressure her into more, he drops it. When Claire tells James that she choose abstinence for herself, he respected her. Which I have a problem with Henry telling her that’s not very feminist of her to decide for herself, feminism is all about women deciding what to do regardless of others opinions. It is, in fact, very feminist of her to decide she would rather save herself for one person. Just as it would’ve been if she decided to sleep with anyone she wanted.
My favorite part was seeing Claire's journey on gaining her agency back. She was in a manipulative relationship to the point she couldn’t make her own decisions without there being backlash from Henry. On top of being in a terrible car accident and loosing her grandmother. Seeing Claire decide that she’s not going to let anything keep her from her dreams and prove to herself everyday that she’s alive and pushing through the lingering pain just to prove to herself how far she’s come is inspiring. She tries to live every single day to the fullest.
Spoiler section
As I said above, my favorite thing is the focus of the relationship is not the sexual relationship between Claire and James. Instead it focuses on Claires journey to be able to trust herself and her own inhibitions, while James is supportive in whatever way she needs him to be. He doesn’t push for more that she might not be comfortable with, he doesn’t even make a move until he’s 100% certain that she’s reciprocating. He does things to test the waters, and when he’s turned down he doesn’t pressure her into more, he drops it. When Claire tells James that she choose abstinence for herself, he respected her. Which I have a problem with Henry telling her that’s not very feminist of her to decide for herself, feminism is all about women deciding what to do regardless of others opinions. It is, in fact, very feminist of her to decide she would rather save herself for one person. Just as it would’ve been if she decided to sleep with anyone she wanted.
My favorite part was seeing Claire's journey on gaining her agency back. She was in a manipulative relationship to the point she couldn’t make her own decisions without there being backlash from Henry. On top of being in a terrible car accident and loosing her grandmother. Seeing Claire decide that she’s not going to let anything keep her from her dreams and prove to herself everyday that she’s alive and pushing through the lingering pain just to prove to herself how far she’s come is inspiring. She tries to live every single day to the fullest.
Yes, Chef was a fun romance between Claire and James. Claire has moved to Paris to work at a restaurant. When we pick up with the story, James has started as the restaurant’s head chef. Their meeting does not initially start off well with James giving off grump vibes (which you’ll enjoy if you love a grumpy sunshine premise!). Eventually Claire and James become friends in this slow burn friends to lovers story.
The piece that I loved so much about this story is how it sets up Claire and James to be so in sync with each other prior to their romance coming to fruition. It makes the romance feel so natural when we do get there.
Also, if you love a story with a no third act breakup, this is definitely one to check out!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Waitlyn Andrews for granting me access to an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
The piece that I loved so much about this story is how it sets up Claire and James to be so in sync with each other prior to their romance coming to fruition. It makes the romance feel so natural when we do get there.
Also, if you love a story with a no third act breakup, this is definitely one to check out!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Waitlyn Andrews for granting me access to an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.