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A review by kim_j_dare
Chef's Kiss by Jarrett Melendez
4.0
Friends Ben, Liz, Tom, and Rachel have just graduated from college and moved into an apartment together. Liz and Tom have jobs lined up, Rachel is pursuing a graduate degree, and Ben… well, Ben is just trying not to freak out. Interviews aren’t going well— prospective employers want prior experience. So when Ben stumbles upon a “help wanted” sign at a restaurant, he goes inside to inquire out of desperation. There he meets swoony Liam, sous chef to Chef Davis. He’s hired on a trial basis— he must prove himself with some food-preparation tests over several weeks.
There’s a lot to love about this sweet story. The friendship between the four roommates is supportive and respectful, and it’s refreshing to see how Ben and his friend-since-childhood Liz navigate difficulties. The author weaves in the pressures that colleges put on young people to have their lives mapped out, and the ways that parental expectations can limit young adults’ ideas of success. The possibility of romance between Liam and Ben simmers in the background, but is never the primary focus of the story. In fact, when Ben’s parents make an appearance and force a choice, Ben is careful to take time away from any of the folks who might cloud his decision-making.
A lovely story about how figuring out our passions and purpose is an ongoing process.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster and to Edelweiss for the electronic ARC.
There’s a lot to love about this sweet story. The friendship between the four roommates is supportive and respectful, and it’s refreshing to see how Ben and his friend-since-childhood Liz navigate difficulties. The author weaves in the pressures that colleges put on young people to have their lives mapped out, and the ways that parental expectations can limit young adults’ ideas of success. The possibility of romance between Liam and Ben simmers in the background, but is never the primary focus of the story. In fact, when Ben’s parents make an appearance and force a choice, Ben is careful to take time away from any of the folks who might cloud his decision-making.
A lovely story about how figuring out our passions and purpose is an ongoing process.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster and to Edelweiss for the electronic ARC.