A review by missdevo
On the Line by Naomi Loud

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

The Bear, meets Sweetbitter meets Kitchen Confidential with a little Shameless mixed in.
I love watching movies and TV shows that highlight fine dining and restaurant culture, so I was super excited to dive into this book. Having never worked in a restaurant, I can't say from experience, but from conversations I've had with friends who have worked food service, the culture described is pretty accurate.  
     The spice, the kink, the pining (OMG the pining!).  I just ate this up. It's a very horny story in the best of ways. It does walk the line with some darker/heavier elements for both main characters to overcome, but it still feels real. The character journey for James in particular was fantastic. (check CW if concerned) I also really love that there's no magical string to tie everything up in a pretty bow at the end. When it comes, this happy ending is grounded and real and a little gritty, but all the more beautiful for that. Jimbo & Ozzy forever!