Member Reviews
First off, I want to thank NetGalley for allowing me to read the ARC of this book.
Secondly, I want to keep this review honest and helpful, so I'll start off by stating that "Yes, Chef" by Waitlyn Andrews is a good romance book. I thought it was adorable and cute in all the right places. The plot is easy to follow, but still complex enough to keep you engaged. I really enjoyed the FMC (female main character) Claire, and felt like the author did a good job of explaining why Claire felt and did the things she did. I also immediately liked the MMC (male main character) James Sullivan, and must confess I am a sucker for a brooding guy who shows his soft side to those he really cares for. I also really enjoyed the cooking aspects and the small interactions the main characters had at the markets. I really disliked Claires family, except for her sister, which I think only emphasizes the authors talent because I was actually finding myself internally arguing with theses fictional characters, so I give a round of applause to the author for creating a family that was utterly annoying, but also realistic.
I will admit I wish there was changing points of view throughout the book because we only got to read from Claire's perspective. I would have loved to hear James' POV or Evie and Melissa's. I also wish there was more dialogue between characters because a lot of the story was Claire's thoughts or feelings which I enjoyed, but wanted a little more conversational scenes thrown in. Additionally, I would have loved to have more descriptions of the food they cooked and interactions happen in the kitchen/restaurant. I felt like they were really dedicated chefs, but a lot of the interactions in the kitchen were quick and seemed to only push the plot along.
Overall, I really liked this book. I'm usually more of a fantasy reader, but do like to read romance books from time to time. When I read romance books I want to end them on a happy note and this one had me smiling from the first page to the last. This book was enjoyable, funny, dramatic at parts, and lighthearted. I would definitely recommend this book to someone in the mood for a good love story and happiness. I know the rating system is based on whole numbers but I give this 3.8/5 stars.
I did not think I would love and enjoy this book as much as I did, and I love that this book exceeded my expectations. I thought this book was going to be a mediocre bore, it was not. I enjoy culinary fiction rom com books and my last favorite was "Food Whore."
The prior book and this book take you on such a ride. Claire Richards was a strong heroine, who went through a lot to pick up her life and try again.... in Paris. Oh, James Sullivan, I think every female reader was swooning over you! A complex book for a rom-com.
Highly recommended. I look forward to more books by this author, if it is as enjoyable as this one.
Thanks to NetGalley, Waitlyn Andrews and Waitlyn Andrews self-published for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Already available.
I really enjoyed the first half of this book. I loved the setting and the way James and Claire’s friendship developed. But once they actually got together, James read like a completely different character. And for how slowly the romance began, it was a little unbelievable how quickly they became extremely serious. I’d give this book 4 stars for the first half, but only 2-2.5 stars for the second half.
This book also needs another round of editing - there were so many misused words and typos that I actually had to re-read quite a few sentences to make sure I understood what was being said.
Claire Richards has traveled from California to Paris for the hopes of earning a Michelin Star. The hope of a Michelin Star isn’t the only reason Claire has made Paris her home. She’s trying to rebuild her life after a fateful night.
She’s enjoying working under Chef Elliot when she meets the new Head Chef James Sullivan. James Sullivan is a fellow American and essentially culinary royalty. Together they work towards the Michelin Star.
If you’re a fan of comfort reads, food network, romance novels, found family and slow burn romances, you’ll really enjoy Yes Chef.
I thoroughly enjoyed the author's voice and found the protagonist, Claire, to be quite entertaining. Her awkwardness and good humor, combined with her family background, created an intriguing character whom I enjoyed following. The narrative in the first person worked perfectly.
However, while I understand that the author's intention was to revive the 90s rom-com vibe – and I was excited about delving into a lighthearted novel – something about the romantic relationship felt off to me. The behaviors described as protective came across as excessive jealousy and attempts to control Claire's life. Starting from the chapter set in the nightclub, I couldn't shake off the feeling that she was becoming entangled in an unhealthy relationship.
Even before they begin dating, James gives her the cold treatment whenever he suspects she's seeing someone else. This aspect is what made me lose my enthusiasm for a conventional happy ending – or to put it differently, for me, the ideal resolution would be her realizing how problematic he truly was.
Apart from this aspect, I also relished the atmosphere of the restaurant's kitchen and the depiction of Paris. I would certainly be interested in reading Waitlyn Andrews' next book.
I absolutely loved this debut by author Waitlyn Andrews. When it popped up on goodreads I was really intrigued by the premise: Claire, an American chef, is working abroad in Paris when another American chef, James takes a job as the Head Chef at the same restaurant and she is not exactly happy to meet him here.
It was so interesting to read about these characters working in the chef profession and their lifestyles (love getting glimpses into lives of people in totally different professions to mine). I loved the setting being in Paris and these characters were amazing.
Both the fmc and mmc were both very likable and I loved reading about their journey. Claire has a history of a controlling relationship and a serious injury which left her in a bad place and it was so sweet the way she worked through those issues and the way she was supported by James along the way.
This book was just like a warm hug as I’ve seen it described and I ended up reading it in less than a day since I couldn’t put it down. It was a very well written debut I thought and I’m so keen to see what the author writes next. There were some really strong side characters and I was expecting the next book would be about Jame’s sister Evie, but from the preview at the end that doesn’t seem to be the case.
Anyone who is looking for a quick to read, comforting romance about two chefs and a workplace romance (I love this trope personally) - I recommend that you give this one a chance! This book is out now since the start of August and looks to be on Kindle Unlimited too.
Thank you to NetGalley and Waitlyn Andrews for this Kindle arc for review consideration and all opinions are my own.
I adored this book. It's a perfect, easy-going beach read that leaves you feeling stupidly giddy...and with a strong craving for croissants.
I give this book 4 stars: I didn't want to put it down and am sad it's over. The plot was a bit "hallmark-y" for my liking, but sometimes thats exactly what you want in a book at the time. What makes it stand out is the back of house perspective in a restaurant. I particularly enjoyed that each chapter began with a description of a cooking-related term, one that inevitably is woven into the storyline of the chapter.
An amazing debut novel by Waitlyn Andrews, and I will be eagerly awaiting whatever she writes next!
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review
NetGalley ARC Review 🫶🏼
Yes, Chef was a very enjoyable read for me! I liked the slow burn, and forced proximity. Seeing the friendship between Claire and James grow before we see the romance was really refreshing. It made me actually believe they fell in love. For me it was a great palette cleanser after some darker books.
The competitive banter was delish! I’d definitely recommend if you need a quick, feel good summer read.
Grab a bottle of wine, your favorite cheese, and enjoy.
*The overuse of ”OCD” was a bit off putting and I think the author could’ve avoided the term altogether without compromising the character’s personality/tendencies.
"Yes, Chef" by Waitlyn Andrews is like a flavorful dish with a dash of spice and a sprinkle of inspiration. This memoir takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the author's culinary journey, from humble beginnings to high-end kitchens.
Andrews serves up a delicious blend of humor and heart in this book. His storytelling is as sharp as a chef's knife, slicing through the chaos of the kitchen with wit and candor. You'll find yourself cheering for his successes and sympathizing with his setbacks.
While the book is a tasty treat, it occasionally simmers when you want it to sizzle. Some parts could use a bit more seasoning to truly tantalize the reader's taste buds. But overall, "Yes, Chef" is a delightful read that leaves you hungry for more.
I'd give it 3.8 stars – a satisfying dish with room for a little extra flavor.
Embark on a culinary adventure with "Yes, Chef" by Waitlyn Andrews. This novel takes readers behind the scenes of the demanding world of professional cooking. The protagonist's determination and growth, both in the kitchen and personally, are portrayed with authenticity. Andrews' vivid descriptions make the dishes come alive, and the relationships add depth to the story. For those who savor stories of passion and perseverance, "Yes, Chef" is a must-read that leaves a lasting impression.
I really liked it it is the first time that I read a romance book where the main characters are chefs.
I loved that had so many tropes and that it was a short book and tried to include as many things as possible.
Maybe that is why sometimes I felt like it was a little bit rushed in some scenes.
The characters you can see that they had a life before and they are not just people without a background.
Overall a really interesting read and being the debut of the author I would say she did a pretty good job.
This is a cute, fun romcom. I really enjoyed the detail of the market shopping every day for ingredients. The explanation of certain foods at the beginning of each chapter was really interesting and the author did a good job at tying it in to the chapter. I appreciate the author not writing all about sex like some romance novels. Sometimes you just want his, clean, fun and this book did that. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book.
I truly enjoyed this book. Especially being a lover of the food network and master chef, the characters love for food was relatable, I think the relationship was a little rushed between the main characters and would have preferred to enjoy more of their journey into love! Overall, would recommend this story to anyone looking for romance with the main ingredient of love!
Yes, Chef is a great debut from Waitlyn Andrews! Delicious food descriptions, living in Paris, dysfunctional family drama, and rom-com vibes combine to serve up a tasty dish. Four stars!
*I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley and the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thank you Netgalley & Waitlyn Andrews for providing me this arc in exchange for an honest review.
After a bad accident and break-up, Claire decides to start fresh by moving to Paris to work in a restaurant that is aiming for a Michelin star. Here she meets James Sullivan, a well known chef.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I'm a sucker for romances set in Paris and I also loved the behind the scenes aspects of the food world. This was a quick read that I found hard to set down. I do wish the book had a dual POV from both Claire and James, as I feel that would have added nicely to the story. But overall, I really enjoyed this story and am looking forward to future work from this author.
I love a great cooking based Rom-Com. This was so good! I read this in one sitting! However warning, you want tons of coffee and food when reading this! Perfect book "Chefs Kiss".
I just reviewed Yes, Chef by Waitlyn Andrews. #YesChef #NetGalley
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For a while, I was totally engrossed in Yes, Chef. I’m a sucker for a restaurant setting, plus I liked the enemies/rivals to lovers dynamic of the main characters. I was excited for a slow burn and to see it develop.
Over time, I had some issues with the book that I think speak at least partially to this being a debut author. There was a lot of casual and outdated use of OCD as a descriptor for someone being precise or picky, which I found fairly problematic. Also, once the romance actually blossomed, the MMC became too perfect, and then the relationship progressed in this kind of ridiculous and speedy way that I didn’t enjoy.
I’d be curious to read more from the author eventually. This was a fun debut, even if it’s not perfect.
I was less enthused by this book. I found many elements too predictable and just had trouble actually connecting with the characters. That being said, it was a quick read and a good restaurant themed romance.
Ahhhhh this was so cute! Slow burn romance that kept you wanting to read and rooting for the characters. Claire moved to Paris to get away from her family, her ex, find herself and get a Michelin star. What she didn’t expect to find was James. Claire and James are super cute together!
A look into behind the scenes of working in a restaurant, the flow of everyone working together, the friendships that are made, getting ingredients, and making the experience memorable for those that come in. Set in Paris you get to “see” the city as James and Claire do the tourist thing.
This was such a cute, cozy romance! Usually closed door romances aren’t my favorite since I enjoy a bit of realistic spice, but this was such a happy, sweet book I didn’t even mind.
After a string of traumatic life events, Claire Richards has taken to plunge of moving across the globe from her family and everything she’s known to work on achieving her personal goal of working at a restaurant looking to earn a Michelin Star. She leaves behind her famous family vineyard she’s set to take over one day and is set on making a name for herself.
After Claire’s last relationship, she’s sworn off men. Her sole vision is earning that star. Until a tall, blonde head chef takes over and her life is flipped upside down as soon as she looks into James Sullivan’s blue eyes.
Now Claire must work even harder in attempt to balance her career efforts, steering clear of her new boss who seems as if he can’t stand her, and banishing her personal demons due to her past and meddling mother.
I really adored this book. I’m a sucker for a HEA and this hit all the marks for me. I can’t wait to see what the author does next with this as a debut novel!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this ARC.