A killer debut novel for Waitlyn Andrews! This is my kind of romance novel where it starts hot and cold between main characters until finally their feelings for each other are revealed. Also no third-act break up and for that I thank the author! Claire and James are the cutest couple! I really loved them both. She was smitten from almost day one and he was overprotective from the same moment. James is extremely kind, loving, and caring. The way he takes care of Claire when she is sick and is understanding when she reveals information about her past makes for a perfect book boyfriend. Also who doesn’t want to go to Paris and fall in love?!?

There was no spice which was a nice detour from the popular romance novels today. This one was more my speed and was very fast paced and bingeable. I really enjoyed the definitions of cooking terms at the start of each chapter as it pertained to the story. A cute touch.

If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would! I LOVED this book. Debit author but will be reading more books when they come out! Slow burn romance which I love in books had me laughing a few times. Grab this book!

Claire, determined to escape romantic entanglements and familial pressures, embraces her culinary aspirations in Paris. Working at a trendy restaurant, her life follows a perfect script until the arrival of all-American Head Chef James Sullivan challenges her workplace romance stance. Amidst delicious food and the allure of Paris, their connection ignites, though Claire remains steadfast in her resistance.

.Workplace romance
.Paris setup
.Slowburn
.He takes care of her when she’s sick
.Found family

Reading a new author's debut is always thrilling, and while this first book has lots of potential, it does fall slightly short for my expectations. Even if the writer acknowledges and attempts to sidestep from some of the romance book’s stereotypes (the scent of the MMC or the colour of his eyes for example), it ironically finds the very pitfalls it aims to evade.

The initial half of the book was delightful, with adorable moments and endearing characters. The depiction of restaurant kitchen dynamics was great and who could complain about having a set up in Paris. The latter half feels repetitive, particularly the inner monologues of the female lead. This is a slow-burn, a really slooooow slow-burn. I normally love them, but the payoff at the end wasn’t as rewarding as I was expecting. The ending was dragged out, diluting the slow burn's impact.

Both main characters are likeable, despite their flaws. The female lead's insecurity is explored further in this book, but her excessive jealousy made no sense. The male lead is stoic and lovable, respecting boundaries and being patient. I do appreciate the avoidance of third act breakup and having open dialogues between the main characters.

The book lacks a certain spark, yet it sets a promising beginning for the author. While not without its imperfections, I’m excited to read what she writes next.

(This review will be shared soon on my instagram @Beco_books)

Grab a croissant, a glass of wine and your finest beret because we’re on our way to Paris with this review! Yes, Chef by debut author Wiatlyn Andrews is an adorable romantic comedy that takes place in the city of love. Claire Richards is a chef in a high-end restaurant on a quest for a coveted Michelin star when head Chef James Sullivan comes into town to turn her world upside down.

This book will give you all the warm fuzzies with this slow burn romance. Claire is a likeable main character who has really been through it as of late. Her internal monologue throughout the book is very relatable and at times made me laugh out loud. Reading the conflict she had within herself as she sorts through past trauma and navigates self-healing is a refreshing aspect to a romance book I’ve yet to see before.

This book has a strong start with its slow burn but then it quickly ramps up and heads into the fast lane. The dynamic between our main characters vastly changes and delves into cliché territory. This is certainly a plot twist that may make you put your book down, scratch your head and ask what just happened.

Overall I give this book 3/5 stars. For a debut author, it’s a solid start with plenty of room to improve her use of plot devices. I would highly recommend making sure you have some snacks on hand before diving into this book because some of the food mentioned will make your stomach rumble! Sign me up for some chocolate mousse with olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt, au revoir!

Thank you Netgalley and Waitlyn Andrews for the ARC E-book!

Yes, Chef by Waitlyn Andrews was incredibly well-written, the tension between the two main characters (Claire and James) was palpable.
This book was so good. I could not put the book down. It sucked me in and I finished it the same day. I love when books just flow so well. The writing is fantastic. I loved the characters and the premise.
I animatronics so excited when I find amazing rom-coms and this was one of them!

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thank You NetGalley and Waitlyn Andrews for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing
eARC!

Thank you NetGalley for sending this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Such a cute, warm read!! If you love a slow burn, closed door romance. This is it! The main characters are mature and lovable. There’s no miscommunication or third act breakup and I love how the author has this FMC mention not liking those tropes as well, added a bit of humor to the story. For a debut author I thought the writing was incredible. She had me invested in the story, rooting for the main characters and wanting to know what the drama was back home. I couldn’t put it down. The ending was a perfect wrap up. Seeing them live their dream together with the family they always wanted, the perfect ending. I will be watching for this author in the future.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
SPICE: 🔥.5

I have a confession to make: I don't usually give low-spice romance books a true five stars. As an avid romance reader, spicy scenes are a strong measure of the main characters' chemistry for me.

Until Waitlyn Andrews served us this fantastic enemies-to-lovers gem.

Claire Richards escaped to Paris in search of herself and a Michelin star. A sous chef at seasoned Chef Elliott's Teaks, she is well on her way towards her goal. That is until Chef Elliott brings in stoic but focused chef James Sullivan to help get them on Michelin's radar.

To everyone else, James is friendly and easygoing while firm in his directions. With Claire, he is tight-lipped and critical. Too critical if you ask her. She can't even shake him off outside of Teaks as he is not only her next-door neighbor, but he seems to be everywhere she is. The more she spends time with James, however, the more she finds out that there is more to him than meets the eye. More that sends her heart beating faster.

First of all, don't read this book while hungry. Andrews provides such vivid details about the dishes and ingredients that it is an absolute foodie dream. While she does not narrow the featured cuisines to French alone, readers will certainly get pulled into the Parisian atmosphere.

I adore both main characters. I love the depth and arc they are given in this read. I have to admit I have a softer spot for James. He is such a cinnamon roll that made me swoon at how caring and thoughtful he is. There is something to love about a man who is so transparent about his affection to everyone else -- including us readers -- except for the female lead. Romance. He just absolutely served romance at every turn, and I was eating it up like he was eating Claire's chocolate mousse (that's not a dirty pun).

I have a serious thing for broken female leads who find their strength and identity. Some of my favorite books have this particular detail, and Yes Chef joins the best of them. Claire's journey from being an uncertain chef and person to a self-assured, confident one was so great to watch. The progression is so subtle and well-integrated with the main plot; I had so much fun going along with her journey.

This is a closed-door romance read, but if you are like me and look to spicy moments as a form of chemistry, you will find that chemistry is hardly lacking at all. Waitlyn Andrews does an amazing job of leveraging every close proximity between James and Claire to ramp up the tension and connection, and it will keep you turning the pages.

This standalone read also had an amazing ensemble cast. I would love to read more about James' sisters and Claire's sister is so freaking adorable that I want her story, too.

If you love foodie romance reads with tons of chemistry and swoony moments, this is a fantastic pick.

** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Waitlyn Andrews and NetGalley for providing an ARC. **

i was really hoping this would be a hit for me but it was just not the one for me unfortunately. the writing style just didn’t vibe with me, it felt very wattpadish and juvenile along with the characters just not bringing much to the story. maybe this was a right book wrong time situation but i couldn’t bring myself to find any redeeming aspects.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to receive this book for a positive review.

I just found my new author, Waitlyn Andrews debut novel,

I loved this book.

Claire had a rough two years and all that has prepared her for a head chef position. But then she has to work with Chef Elliott and he is a little grouchy and rough around the edges. That is until she gets to know him.

I loved the back and forth between them and how they tried to resist the attraction. But then they decided to try it out and I loved going along for th ride.

I also got hungry while reading this book.

I highly recommend this book and thank you NetGalley for introducing me to a new author!!!

I unfortunately did not enjoy this book as much as I hoped I would. I knew it was a slow burn but this was a VERY slow burn. And then once it had gotten past the slow burn portion everything was so rushed!

It was a cute book but I just wish it was more balanced.

BOOK: YES, CHEF
AUTHOR: WAITLYN ANDREWS
PUB DATE: 03 AUGUST, 2023
👩🏼‍🍳👨🏼‍🍳
REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
👨🏼‍🍳👩🏼‍🍳
I requested this book because of the cover and the chef main characters. I enjoyed the first half of the book, but I didn't like the other half.
👩🏼‍🍳👨🏼‍🍳
The FMC, Claire was okay and I liked her. I understood her traumas and I'm glad she was able to overcome her trauma and reconcile with her parents especially her mother. She was a very competent chef and she was brave to move across the globe to start a job in a new place.
👨🏼‍🍳👩🏼‍🍳
I didn't like the MMC, James in the beginning, he was a bully and an asshole. If you liked a woman and she didn't like you back, that doesn't mean you should be harsh with her. He acted immature. But, he started to redeem himself by the middle and the end.
👩🏼‍🍳👨🏼‍🍳
Their relationship was also too slow(and annoying). It just went downhill from there. I liked the ending though

I was enjoying this but as the romance starts to build I just couldnt find myself to like James and Claire together. But others will enjoy it if you like a Paris setting, restaurant setting and workplace romance.

Thanks to NetGalley I received an electronic copy of the book to read and provide a review.

This was a fun and endearing read. I loved the foodie theme throughout. The main characters were adorable and lovable and I especially loved James’ family. The end felt a little rushed and out of character but it was all still quite enjoyable.

Notes: no third act break up and fade to black spice.

Claire had sworn off romantic relationships, stifling family expectations and self-doubt. Returning home to run the family business was inevitable, but she decided to carve out her own path in Paris, working in a chic up-and-coming restaurant. It was a dream come true, until the new Head Chef of Teaks and fellow American, James Sullivan, came into the scene.

There's was a love-hate relationship from the beginning. He only acknowledged her when critiquing her work, and she had sworn off workplace romances so she was fighting off her growing attraction for him.

I loved that even when they were at odds, he still walked her home, albeit from a distance. It was interesting to finally get a read on his thoughts, as this was in single POV. The ending was a bit rushed, and I would've loved a glimpse into their life back in France once they were a couple, but I enjoyed this debut.

Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book! From the forced proximity, workplace romance & accidental neighbors I was rooting for Claire + James from the start!! From the second James lands his scouring eyes on Claire… he makes it’s his mission to be near her. Claire is such a sweet and strong FMC and I loved getting to know her! Claire moves to Paris to escape a relationship, family drama and an incident she doesn’t like to talk about but she ends up finding so much more working for a restaurant who’s trying to get their Michelin star 😍 I loved that this was set in Paris and in the food world! This is the authors debut romance and I loved it!! Thank you Net Galley for this arc!

What a lovely story!! Loved all the characters, the banter between Claire and James was just right and the setting in Paris was just perfect!

I also loved that it revolved around the food industry and the food descriptions at the beginning of the chapters were a great touch.

Gave it 4 stars because it was a little predictable at times.

Fun and sweet dialogue. Loved the chemistry and character development. One of those books that make you feel all warm inside and overall a very cute story.

3.5 stars

This book had such potential so hear me out. This was Emily in Paris but chef and chef romance edition and I was so here for it. Every single description of the food in the book was so beautifully described. After reading the description, I assumed I was going into an enemies to lovers close to exploding levels of tension workplace romance... I was wrong. We instead got a I'm not going to communicate my feelings with words but rather actions but believe me when I tell you I am in love with you situation. The book started off amazing and then I think we encountered a few hurdles. The switch to becoming lovers was so abrupt and a bit awkward and there was definitely some pacing issues in the second half of the book. The last few chapters were kind of anticlimactic and everything felt too rushed. I will say if you love these tropes (tending when sick, forced proximity, workplace romance, slow burn, no 3rd act breakup), then you'll love this book! It such a sweet summer read and a great palate cleanser!

Thank you to Waitlyn Andrews and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Waitlyn Andrews debut novel, Yes, Chef, is SUBLIME, and I adored the slow burn, back and forth between Chef James Sullivan and Chef Claire Richards working together under Chef Elliott to get a Michelin Star at The Teaks in Paris.

Everything Claire has lived through in the last two years has prepared her for a head chef thats a little harder on her than most, a little grouchier with her than most, and is prepared to argue with her every.single.time. she picks something he doesn’t think lines up with the menu the way Chef Elliott would have chosen. I love, LOVED how Claire went out of her way to pick something that might not normally line up with the menu, it just made every moment perfect.

The back and forth between James and Claire is FABULOUS, the way Claire takes up ALL her space, the relationship she has with all the sellers at the market - especially Theo. Oh my gosh how much cheese could they buy? James care for Claire is especially sweet, even when he's being a grump at the market and the truffle farm, but when he starts taking her on all the touristy trips I just wanted to swoon!

If you enjoy slow burn, foodie romance this book is definitely for you, the way Waitlyn Andrews pushes their relationship slowly along until the very, very end! Omw, it was perfection, so romantic, and so much fun!! I cannot WAIT to see what she brings us next!

Great story! Beautiful descriptions of Paris and food combined with a love story. Finished the book in two days. Some grammatical errors