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A review by thanmayi
Chef's Kiss by TJ Alexander
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
You know the kind of book you finish and want to start over again instantly? This book is exactly that for me. I loved every single thing about this book.
CHARACTERS
Simone (Mona)
A lot of criticism that I've seen around Simone's character is that she's annoying or that she's the reason people DNF'd the book but I actually adore her. Sure she's a flawed character and says the wrong things but she's also self-aware to a fault and makes it a point to call herself out. She's one of the most real characters that I've come across and I love her.
Ray
Ray by design is a very lovable character, I really loved following them through this journey of coming out in a new workplace, having top surgery, and falling for Simone. They've got this well-rounded personality that has layers to it which is pretty hard to see in a book written in first person. Ray just like their name is a Ray of Sunshine and it's really hard not to fall in love with them.
The Side characters
I loved the fact that we have side characters that are very much their own people and aren't there just to serve as a moral compass to the main leads or push the plot along. I especially really love Luna's character and how she quickly established boundaries and called Simone out on her bullshit without thinking twice.
THE PLOT
I flew through this book in a day, the writing style makes the plot incredibly easy to follow through and I loved the flow of things. I usually hate time skips of a few months in a book but this was so well done that I really didn't mind it. As much as this book is a romance it is also very much a story about Ray and their journey which makes the slow burn slightly more bearable.
CONCLUSION
Read it! Read it right now!! This is delightfully queer and is a book about joy that everyone needs to read at least once!!
CHARACTERS
Simone (Mona)
A lot of criticism that I've seen around Simone's character is that she's annoying or that she's the reason people DNF'd the book but I actually adore her. Sure she's a flawed character and says the wrong things but she's also self-aware to a fault and makes it a point to call herself out. She's one of the most real characters that I've come across and I love her.
Ray
Ray by design is a very lovable character, I really loved following them through this journey of coming out in a new workplace, having top surgery, and falling for Simone. They've got this well-rounded personality that has layers to it which is pretty hard to see in a book written in first person. Ray just like their name is a Ray of Sunshine and it's really hard not to fall in love with them.
The Side characters
I loved the fact that we have side characters that are very much their own people and aren't there just to serve as a moral compass to the main leads or push the plot along. I especially really love Luna's character and how she quickly established boundaries and called Simone out on her bullshit without thinking twice.
THE PLOT
I flew through this book in a day, the writing style makes the plot incredibly easy to follow through and I loved the flow of things. I usually hate time skips of a few months in a book but this was so well done that I really didn't mind it. As much as this book is a romance it is also very much a story about Ray and their journey which makes the slow burn slightly more bearable.
CONCLUSION
Read it! Read it right now!! This is delightfully queer and is a book about joy that everyone needs to read at least once!!