As someone who loves the food network as much as I do I was instantly interested by this book and was quickly sucked in to their story! Once I picked this book up I couldn’t set it down until I was done! Loved it!!!

3.5 stars

I very much enjoyed the majority of this debut novel. The food elements were fun and well-written and the family dynamics rang true. The MMC is delightful, but do not be fooled there is no enemies to lovers at play here, more like “man is bad at communicating and is standoffish until he’s not”. The switch from that to “now we’re in love” was a little like whiplash and didn’t really have a catalyst for the change. I also have to mention that the author’s use of “OCD/OCD tendencies” did get mildly grating after the first oh idk 50 times.

That being said I really did enjoy this! It’s incredibly cute with an HEA very much included. Charming characters, Parisian setting, (eventually) sweet MMC. Would definitely recommend!

Thanks to Netgalley for this advance copy of Yes, Chef!

Beware - this book will have you craving croissants and espressos on the daily, it will introduce you to an excuse to have a sweet pastry in the afternoon (le gouter is a thing, y'all), and it will make you swoon for a grumpy, handsome Chef.

Claire Richards wants to step away from her family wine business and make her own name as a Chef. She dreams of getting a Michelin star and loves seeing the faces of people she cooks for. She joins a restaurant in Paris who is on its way to get one - with the help of grumpy, handsome, and very successful chef James Sullivan, who just got a star of his own in the States. When the two start working together, forced to do the morning shopping in the local market, and living next door to each other, their proximity leads to a friendship. That friendship slowly becomes something more - if only ex boyfriends, intrusive mothers, and a Michelin star would get out of the way.

What first captivated me about this book was the title. Then, forced proximity in a hot kitchen, making delicious food, and giving each other looks in between tables sealed the deal for me. This book was so lovely! James and Claire are truly sweet and supportive of each other and I love a man who is not intimidated by a strong, successful woman. The ending felt a bit rushed to me, and I did not get to enjoy them as much as I wanted to, but all in all, this was truly just chef's kiss!

Read if you like:
Workplace romance
Forced Proximity
Slow Burn
Closed Door Romance

I highly recommend this book.

3.5⭐️

I started off really enjoying this book. The setting was romantic and the premise seemed promising. It’s an extreme slowburn—we’re talking 70%. It was all well and good honestly until the slowburn started burning. The last 30% of this book felt rushed and a bit sloppy, unfortunately, which is such a shame because the build up and setting of this story was truly lovely. The MMC is dreamy but the last 30% of the book really weren’t well-developed or executed. I feel like the author should have allowed for a bit of a longer backside of the slowburn. Overall, a cute story that lacked a lot of the required structure that a 4 or 5 star read requires in my opinion.

This was cute! I'm not always a romance reader, and this felt a little surface-level, but that's sorta the point of this type of book. It's a feel-good story that distracts you from whatever else might be happening the world. Definitely and escapist read. I loved that it was set in paris and I also love food and learning about the food industry, so this hit the spot!

Thank you Netgalley and Waitlyn Andrews for the ARC in return for an honest review.

I LOVED THIS BOOK.

Listen - I'm going to be 100% honest - do I think there are there some things that could be improved upon? Sure. At times it felt a little choppy - almost as though the author repeated herself one too many times, or jumped back and forth between things that felt a little unnecessary (and this is not a bash, it could totally just be me) - BUT....

The FEELINGS I got reading this book. I am giddy with them

I LOVE LOVE LOVE both Claire and James.

Claire is getting herself back on track - the focus is her, living in Paris, cooking the best food she can, and getting her first star.

James Sullivan - a star chef from the States shows up as her Head Chef and gives her *the* feelings. But she reminds herself of what she is doing in Paris - and although she welcomes friendship - she isn't ready for anything else.

And James Sullivan (I don't know why, but I feel like his entire name needs to be used when talking about him) is the perfect "grumpy-sunshine, you know he's pining for her, wants to champion her but also doesn't want to mess anything up" type of guy. And I LOVE HIM FOR IT ALL.

Waitlyn Andrews's "authors note" states that she loves Nancy Meyers films, HEA, a 90s rom-com and strong female characters chasing goals - and that is what you get. This is a story about Claire. The fact that James Sullivan is there is a bonus - but it's really about Claire finding her shine again after a couple of life changing events.

This is a closed door, slow burn romance - but it didn't feel like it. I usually get really annoyed with slow burn - but in this case it worked so well for our characters. Our side characters were also so entertaining - I REALLY want a book about Lucy and/or Evie Sullivan (perhaps with Martin Jr the fifth???) - I feel like there could be a little series in this. And then we could go back to Claire and James and bask in their love again.

This gave me all the feels. Like I said - it might read a little choppy - BUT the FEELINGS are all there.

Plus - it mostly takes place in Paris. And in a professional kitchen. And we get to go to the market almost every single day. And talk about cheese. And wine. Just the chapter titles - which are a description of a food/ recipe/ technique - will make you giddy.

Love this and can`t wait to read whatever else Waitlyn Andrews writes.

Recommended read.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Overall, it was a pleasant read with a cute romance storyline and interesting characters.

Pros:

Fast-paced writing style
Mysterious backstory of main character kept me engaged in reading further
Male love interest that was caring and sweet and felt real
Details were well thought out and connected the story in a meaningful way
Cute slow burn romance scenes


Cons:

Slow burn that burned way too slow and too fast
Romanticizing workplace relationships with power imbalance (employee and supervisor)
Characters seemed a little too flawless? Flaws were discussed but then positioned in a positive light that didn't affect them
The end plot was rushed, I could have used 20 more chapters really building that or have more of it built into the story

This was a cozy, closed-door, romance with two Chefs, who work together in a Restaurant in Paris.

I really liked the setting. I’ve been to Paris a few times and I loved seeing a little of the city through the characters' eyes. The aspect of the kitchen and work as a chef was interesting to read about.

I also can’t say anything negative about the main characters. I liked them and their banter was fun. The romance was very slow-burn, it takes a long time to even get to a friendship between the two characters and it takes even more time after that to progress from friends to more than that. This book is extremely closed door, when it comes to spice, something I’m not used to in the romance I typically choose.

Some things in this book felt very unfinished and rushed. There were some aspects to the story that were only mentioned and never made a real impact on the story, so I don’t really know why they were included at all. For example the article about Claire and James, which didn’t have any impact and nothing resolved out of it. Why mention it at all?

The same goes for the ending, there were so many things not really resolved that kept the reader just guessing. And, I know that’s a pet peeve of mine, but I hate it when characters [I’m spoiling the ending in the next part, so don’t read it unless you’re sure you want to.] <Spoiler> date for barely a month and then marry. Same goes for people in real life, too. This made me actually furious about this book. Especially since I left the impression they were only getting married so they could have Sex. I would never judge someone for setting boundaries, and that they want to form a real connection with someone before getting intimate, but at least stick to your guns and principles. I would argue it’s worse to marry someone you don’t really know, just to learn later that they weren’t the one you were expecting them to be than to have Sex with someone, and then later learn that was a mistake.</Spoiler>

I really enjoyed this book, it was a fun quick read. I appreciated the author’s attention to detail, the food scenes in the book were well researched and thought out.

5 star read FOR sure! Thanks for early access to the book!

I really really enjoyed this book! Characters are very well developed and I love the concept of a chef who not only cooks the meal, but also serves the meal.

The relationship between the main characters is really handled beautifully and without the angst that I've come to expect from books in this genre. Highly recommend reading the author's afterward -- SO good and a great explanation of why the book takes the turns it does.

I felt like the author really took care of me. I'd happily read any title by Waitlyn Andrews.

Thanks to NetGalley for an early copy of this book - 5 star read for me.

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.