Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book! Below is my honest review.

Summary of the book:

Claire Richards is a chef at Teaks, a restaurant in Paris. She left America to escape the drama with her family and ex-boyfriend. She gets a new boss named James Sullivan, another American, who seemingly hates her at first. Then they slowly warm up to each as they make daily trips to the food market to get ingredients for the restaurant.

Thoughts on this book:

✔️ Restaurant setting where you learn a little bit about the industry!
✔️ Slow burn romance with great dialogue between the hero and heroine
✔️ Has a side story going on along with the main story (the romance)
✔️ Explores Paris
✔️ No third act break up (which is kind of a spoiler, so my bad)
❌ Felt like the ending was rushed
❌ Everything in the relationship that progressed after James & Claire made it official was also rushed IMO

Would I recommend this book? Yes

This was such a sweet story. Definitely a slow burn, rivals to lovers romance. I loved following Claire's story from leaving a bad relationship and family situation to moving to another country to achieve her dreams. James is the perfect guy for her and I enjoyed their journey from getting to know each other to falling in love. Such a sweet, easy read. Thank you for the advanced copy.

✨✨ARC REVIEW✨✨

Yes, Chef by Waitlyn Andrews
Releases 8/3/23

4.5/5⭐️

This book was such a treat! A wonderfully fun, unique, romantic, rom-com full of delicious food, amazing chemistry, beautiful scenery, and one of my favorite book boyfriends EVER😍. Yes, Chef has all the elements of a feel good, warm and fuzzy 90’s rom-com. Here’s what to expect:
✨Workplace romance (boss/employee)
✨Slow burn 🔥
✨Closed door 🚪
✨Foodie Heaven 👩‍🍳
✨Forced Proximity
✨ Romantic Paris setting 🇫🇷
✨Rom-com (all the warm and fuzzies 💕)
✨Secret Cinnamon Roll MMC
✨Strong FMC
✨Witty Banter

Yes, Chef was truly a delight to read. James and Claire had real chemistry and a healthy relationship that made me so happy to read and experience. My only critique was that the ending felt a little rushed (and that I felt hungry the entire time I read the book 🤣). Overall, one of my favorite books this month and I am excited to read what Waitlyn writes next

I received "Yes, Chef" by Waitlyn Andrews for free in exchange for an honest review. I have to say that this was probably one of the best books I have read in some time. It was very enjoyable. I loved the characters James and Claire. I was actually quite upset when I got to the end of the book that there was not more to read! (Don't worry-- the ending is satisfying-- I just wanted more!) I was shocked to see at the end of the book that this was a debut book by the author. I cannot wait to see what is in store!

Claire lives in Paris and works at a high-end restaurant as a sous chef. She came here to escape problems in Napa and wants to find herself again. In comes James, the hot American hired as the new Head Chef of the restaurant she works at. Over time, the two neighbors become acquainted with one another and do everything together. Claire has a strict no-dating coworkers rule, but she just may have to bend her rules for him.
I absolutely LOVED this book. This may be the first ARC that I will have to reread in the future. The characters are endearing and there is no third act breakup!! James is the perfect book boyfriend, his words to Claire had me swooning!!

Thank you to Netgalley and Waitlyn Andrews for a copy of this book and the opportunity to provide a review.

This debut novel is the definition of slow burn! James is a perfect, cinnamon roll boyfriend who wants nothing but the best for the FMC. Claire is a strong character embracing her newfound independence while recovering from emotional and physical trauma. The way their friendship then relationship builds was just perfect. They go from coworkers to friends to forever love with the perfect amount of time, care, and, of course, tension.
I loved the behind the scenes look at a unique restaurant vying for its first Michelin star as well as the charming cast of secondary characters.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a sweet slow burn!

Claire Richards moved all the way to Paris to escape her horrible cheating ex and her mother, who sees no reason why Claire can’t suck it up and marry him anyway for the benefit of their family business. Fortunately, she landed a job as under an executive chef gunning for a Michelin Star. But when he hires fellow American James Sullivan to run the kitchen - with a Star already under his belt - Claire knows she needs to keep her distance from the handsome head chef. For Claire, work and romance don’t - <i>can’t</i> - mix. Good thing Chef James seems determined to criticize her every move, when he can even bare to look her way…

This is a sweet workplace romance filled with delicious food, wine and charming side characters.

I loved: Claire’s repaired relationship with her sister, her determined recovery from trauma and physical injury, and her ability to stand up to her ex and her mom, the amazing food, Theo the <i>fromager</i> who knows (and is friends with) seemingly everyone in Paris, saucy colleague Gabe, James being patient and understanding with Claire’s trauma.

I liked less: James blowing so hot and cold depending on whether he thinks Claire is dating or interested in someone else, the way he makes a few really key decisions about their relationship without checking with her first.

CW: Emotional abuse of a partner (described), PTSD from a serious car crash

[b:Yes, Chef|128094464] by [a:Waitlyn Andrews|31264228]
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.5 stars rounded down
🌶️ The food is a lot spicier
👩🏻‍🍳🧑🏼‍🍳 Sometimes food described in books does not sound very appetizing. NOT a problem here
🧀 Any book that talks this much about cheese is a winner in mine
💃🏼🪩🥂 sure doesn’t hurt to be 🤑

<i>Thanks to NetGalley and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.</i>

I LOVED THIS BOOK!
This romcom was such a breath of fresh air for me. I felt like it was done beautifully. The FMC named Claire, left her home and a toxic relationship behind. She is now chasing her dreams in Paris. The restaurant she works at is trying to get a star and they bring in a well know chef named James.

Claire notices James lack of eye contact he gives her and how he always leaves her irritating remarks in the kitchen. Not only is James her grumpy boss but she finds out they are staying in the same apartment!

They develop a cute friendship that had me smiling big throughout the chapters. She had feelings for him but kept second guessing herself. Oh how I loved this slow burn ❤️‍🔥 it was worth the wait!

“We can move at whatever pace you need, baby, but I’m not going anywhere, all right?”

He was so patient with her and respectful. Everyone needs a James 🥹

Thank you NetGalley & Waitlyn Andrews for the ARC 💗

Fun, romantic comedy which takes place in a Paris restaurant featuring a grumpy boss who wins her heart. I enjoyed the storyline and it kept me invested until the end. Good read!

In this book, it's okay to fall for the blonde love interest because he's an absolute dream. This book is also a dream, the perfect mix of Paris culture, behind the scene kitchen/chef, and closed-door romance. This read is full of foodie fun, sweet romance and was a very quick read.

For fans of:
Closed-door romance
Foodie fun
Slow Burn
Co-workers to friends to lovers
No third-act conflict/break up.

In a world of dark and spicy, be the light and downright wonderful? Yes, Chef! Absolutely!

This tale of the Parisian love of Claire and James was truly a delight to read. While I do enjoy a morally grey male lead as much as the next person, I have to say that there’s a certain charm to a green flag that nobody can deny. James Sullivan is truly the kind of support every Claire Richards needs. He doesn’t swoop in and save the damsel in distress but his silent and willing presence lets the damsel discover the strength she needs in herself.

Honestly, I cannot even believe that this is a debut novel with such great characters. A couple that not only cooks together but also reads together?! Right out of everyone’s dreams if I may so. Also, not really having to deal with that pesky ex till the very end was just amazing!

Definitely looking forward to the meet-ugly story promised by the author and everything else that she puts out in the future as well.

Thank you for my advance copy @netgalley

I was lucky to receive this books as an ARC.

I've sworn off romantic relationships, stifling family expectations, and self-doubt. The trifecta, really. Returning home to run the family business is inevitable, but that doesn't mean I can't spend some time carving my own path of culinary success. In Paris. Because who doesn't love Paris? Because Paris has the best food scene in the world. And I want to earn this my way. Dammit. Not to brag, but the first four months of living abroad and working at one of the chicest, up-and-coming restaurants in France — everything is going exactly as planned. I go to the market every morning, I run my own schedule, and I don't have to think about my cheating ex or Meredith-Blake-of-a-Mother. Croissant and espresso every morning? A given. Living abroad has been perfect. It's the Nancy Meyers' Dream. That is, until a tall, all-American golden boy enters my space as the new Head Chef of Teaks. Chef James Sullivan is too attractive for his own good, and I've strictly written off workplace romances. But, lucky for me, he only chooses to acknowledge my presence when he's critiquing my work every five minutes. Maybe I can tune out those broad shoulders and denim blue eyes....if only those eyes would stop staring at me so intently. Au Revoir - Claire Richards

I really enjoyed this book!!! I could not put it down!!! I cannot wait to read Waitlyn’s next read!!

I loved the dynamic of enemies to lovers between James and Claire!! I loved how supportive and caring James’s character is towards Claire. I also loved how James never pushed Clair to be in a relationship as she needed that time to heal and be independent.

“I want you so badly, I’d wait in line to see the Mona Lisa on the busiest, most touristy day just to have you standing next to me the whole time.”

“Damn it, Claire, I want you so badly, I’d eat at the knockoff ninety-nine cent pizza places for the rest of my life if it meant you’d come along with me. I’d miss every flight, I’d take every crowded train, I’d shop every market, id do every tourist activity Paris has to offer four times over, and I’d even go on those runs you do every other morning if it could convince you how badly I’ve wanted you all these months”

I definitely recommend this book!!!

Rating: 4 / 5⭐️’s

I was extremely hopeful and looking forward to absolutely loving this title. I mean, the title alone! I love realistic rom coms and this had a great concept… but it had moments that just seemed unbelievable. The casual toss of “baby” from James. So forced. But my main issue was the pacing. If I’m going along with the story, I promise you I’m invested. The last 1/4 of the book just wrapped up as if the author was told to literally “let’s get this to go.”

This book was so enjoyable!! Extremely impressed for a debut authour. The flow of the story was great, where everything was described well without it being tedious.

A workplace romance, between 2 chefs working in a restaurant in Paris. Claire came to Paris to find herself. escape family expectations, and have a bit of a fresh start. She has sworn off love, but that becomes tricky when her new head chef James gives her all the butterflies. (James is a wonderful book boyfriend)

This was a really refreshing romance read. I couldn't put it down, and I didn't want to. I wanted more of this story, but the ending was perfect, that adding anymore would just ruin it.

Closed door romance, no TAB, workplace romance, with a light amount of angst.

Oh I loved this so much. The slow burn romance of my dreams. The way that they became best friends and spent literally all of their tome together. Claire is such a strong woman and I just want to give her a hug. James is the perfect man for her and I love that he wasn't afraid to show his love. I kind of need bonus material of them right now.

I received an arc through netgalley.

This wonderful book from new author @waitlyn.andrews is coming out this week!!
Perfect for those who love:
Slow Burn Romances
France
Food + Wine
And, my personal favorite trope - women turning their lives upside down to build the life they truly want!

I read a lot of books and I love finding favorite authors and reading all of their books. So I'm usually pretty good at spotting a first time novelist, but I was shocked to find out that this is Waitlyn's debut novel! Her characters are so well written, her dialogue witty, and her plotting was very tight! I can't wait to see what she does next!

Get it August 3rd!

Beautiful book🤩
I absolutely love it!


Thank you soooooo much netgalley, the author and the publisher for the advanced review copy if this book💗
"I voluntarily read and reviewed the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

This book exceeded all of my expectations!

I had the honor of ARC reading this book, and it included one of my all time favorite things in this world (food).

This book is in Claire's perspective, a sous chef chasing her dreams in Paris after leaving home to find her own passion and dreams, away from her families legacy, a Vineyard in California.

Claire is trying to help Teak's (the restaurant she is currently employed at) earn their first Star, and is very happy in her career and the path she's on. When American head chef James is added to the picture, he becomes a rival she didn't see coming. He tends to only acknowledge her existence if it's to critique her work.

This book had cute banter, sexy protectiveness, and so many cozy, fun vibes. I loved following the MC's throughout multiple seasons and holidays, and watching Claire progress in so many ways.

The only thing that would have made this a five star for me is if there was just a bit more drama between MC's. I think I'm just very used to a third act breakup in almost every romance book, the perfectness of the relationship in this story caught me way off guard! I also kept expecting spice, which I know I shouldn't, but it felt like there was so much tension and buildup to an amazing spicy scene, for more of a fade to black climax. But there are all personal preference things and I truly believe this could be a 5 star to many!

Overall, I highly recommend this read! It was cute, funny, and so incredibly sweet! Love James as well! Great job Waitlyn!

Special thanks to Netgalley and Waitlyn Andrews for providing me with a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review ☀️

This book was very exciting throughout most of the book. With the setting, the back story of the FMC, and the hilarious inner monologue that never failed to make me laugh, I'd say I enjoyed this book a lot. The MMC is also very easy to fall in love with :)

The only setback that really disappointed me was that the ending was very rushed and the story started to decline after the two MCs got together officially. The whole vibe of the book also changed around this time and honestly, I was a bit sad that it did because of how much I was enjoying the book up to that point. This was about 80-85% into the book. We lost the Parisian vibe of the Mondays off and I could no longer feel the welcoming atmosphere and bustling kitchen of Teaks (the restaurant the MMCs worked at) towards the end of the book.

But all in all, I really enjoyed reading this book. I kept smiling and laughing every so often at the dialogue. Furthermore, the author described every scene of the book so well that I could picture it in my head and imagine the scents and sounds surrounding the scene.

5 stars!

I knew within the first page that this would be a five star read for me.

I loved the slow progression between Claire and James, without it being a slow burn (which i'm not a fan of).

I loved the descriptions of Paris, the market, the adventures they went on and of course, the food. It was very easy and enjoyable to picture all of these scenes in my head.

The only negative I would have would be the reference of "OCD" as having a little bit of or having OCD tendencies, without James actually being diagnosed. As someone with OCD, I must say that I do not enjoy when it is used as a quirky personality trait.

Other than that small detail, I found everything else to be perfect. I will be looking out for more books by Waitlyn and will wait impatiently to read them!

Thank you NetGalley and Waitlyn Andrews for the ARC!