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kelly_e 's review for:
Chef's Kiss
by TJ Alexander
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-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
Title: Chef's Kiss
Author: T.J. Alexander
Series: Chef's Kiss #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 3.75
Pub Date: May 3, 2022
Thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada for sending me an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
T H R E E • W O R D S
Delicious • Refreshing • Warm
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Simone, a pastry chef with perfectionist tendencies, is working her dream job at The Discerning Chef, and looking to perfect her sourdough recipe. In an attempt to attract a bigger audience, The Discerning Chef pivots to video content, and Simone finds herself thrust into the limelight, and failing at something for the first time in her life.
To make matter worse, Simone must contend with new test kitchen manager Ray's cheerful personality. When Ray's homebrewing videos go viral, Simone is forced to work on a series with Ray or risk her job. The two soon develop a working relationship, but when Ray comes out as nonbinary to mixed reactions, Simone is forced to choose between her career and their budding relationship.
💭 T H O U G H T S
As a fan of foodie rom-coms, the premise for Chef's Kiss is what first drew me in, and I was not disappointed by the delightful and charming kitchen setting and food, although I wish it would have continued to play a bigger role throughout the whole narrative. Yet, this book is so much more - at times feeling like two different novels. The first half is more lighthearted, with some comical scenes involving the two main characters and lots of entertaining banter. Whereas the second half shifted to addressing more serious topics and enlightening the reader on being an ally.
The discussion on pronoun use is something I haven't read and as a cis-woman, I know I appreciated it for how genuine it felt. It demonstrated the importance of using a person's chosen pronouns, while also showing how much resistance a person can face. Additionally, the top surgery and recovery process were enlightening.
One draw back, was how abruptly it ended, with some storylines left unfinished. I also think a dual narration, as opposed to Simone's perspective alone, would have made it that much better. With that said the LGBTQQ+ representation and inclusivity, the theme of being our true selves, the role of food in showing we care, and Simone and Ray's meaningful connection were all a breath of fresh air, making this a *chef's kiss* read that's worth picking up.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• fans of a slow burn
• grumpy/sunshine enthusiasts
• food themed rom com lovers
Author: T.J. Alexander
Series: Chef's Kiss #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 3.75
Pub Date: May 3, 2022
Thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada for sending me an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
T H R E E • W O R D S
Delicious • Refreshing • Warm
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Simone, a pastry chef with perfectionist tendencies, is working her dream job at The Discerning Chef, and looking to perfect her sourdough recipe. In an attempt to attract a bigger audience, The Discerning Chef pivots to video content, and Simone finds herself thrust into the limelight, and failing at something for the first time in her life.
To make matter worse, Simone must contend with new test kitchen manager Ray's cheerful personality. When Ray's homebrewing videos go viral, Simone is forced to work on a series with Ray or risk her job. The two soon develop a working relationship, but when Ray comes out as nonbinary to mixed reactions, Simone is forced to choose between her career and their budding relationship.
💭 T H O U G H T S
As a fan of foodie rom-coms, the premise for Chef's Kiss is what first drew me in, and I was not disappointed by the delightful and charming kitchen setting and food, although I wish it would have continued to play a bigger role throughout the whole narrative. Yet, this book is so much more - at times feeling like two different novels. The first half is more lighthearted, with some comical scenes involving the two main characters and lots of entertaining banter. Whereas the second half shifted to addressing more serious topics and enlightening the reader on being an ally.
The discussion on pronoun use is something I haven't read and as a cis-woman, I know I appreciated it for how genuine it felt. It demonstrated the importance of using a person's chosen pronouns, while also showing how much resistance a person can face. Additionally, the top surgery and recovery process were enlightening.
One draw back, was how abruptly it ended, with some storylines left unfinished. I also think a dual narration, as opposed to Simone's perspective alone, would have made it that much better. With that said the LGBTQQ+ representation and inclusivity, the theme of being our true selves, the role of food in showing we care, and Simone and Ray's meaningful connection were all a breath of fresh air, making this a *chef's kiss* read that's worth picking up.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• fans of a slow burn
• grumpy/sunshine enthusiasts
• food themed rom com lovers
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Deadnaming, Homophobia, Transphobia
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content, Medical content
Minor: Alcohol
misgendering