Adorable! It took me a couple chapters to start getting into this book but once I did, oh my gosh, it was so cute! I do think the ending was very rushed, which was why I gave four, not five, stars. This was the first closed door romance that I have read in a while. I forgot how much the author needs to rely on banter, brushed hands, and longing looks to build tension between the two main characters when they dont write explicit scenes. This author did a great job of that! I really loved the entire cast of characters in this book and the setting. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun, flirty, rom-com novel!

4.5 stars

"He doesn't want to control me; he just wants to smash the brains of anyone who wants to step in my way. And I don't mind that one bit." - "Yes, Chef"

This is the ideal read for fans of FX's "The Bear" that are obsessed with Carmen Berzatto; specifically - those of us that want to see Carmy and Syd get together! Honestly James has such Carmy vibes it's swoonworthy. I can not wait for James Sullivan to become BookTok's newest obsession. This is a slow burn, angsty, workplace romance. The slow burn isn't painfully long, but it does take a while for James and Claire to get together. I love that there's no annoying third act breakup and that both characters are focused on their careers. One of my favorite quotes describing their relationship is when Claire says: "It's maddening. It's empowering. It's respectful. It's just what I need." The buildup of James meeting Henry was well worth it too. Reading about James getting angry in Claire's defense was honestly so attractive. I appreciated how Waitlyn Andrews didn't shy away from describing the cruelty of gaslighting and emotional abuse when it came to the characterization of Henry. Claire's backstory, while tragic, is overtly normalized in society and I loved how James helped her realize that she deserves better. The only plot line that threw me was the speedy elopement at the end of the novel, but this didn't deter my enjoyment of the novel overall. "Yes, Chef" is one of my favorite romances that I've read this year.

I got the chance to read this prerelease in exchange for an honest review. The slow burn of this book was so enticing. Not to mention that the setting, a sous chef in Paris was incredibly interesting. This book checked all my boxes. I loved this book; it was an easy and enjoyable read.

I don’t like to leave bad reviews, particularly for a debut author… but while the premise of this book was appealing, it ultimately fell flat for me. There’s not enough character development and I really was not crazy about how often the author threw around the term “OCD” or “OCD tendencies.” OCD is real, and it’s not what was being described. Some of the word choice was at best awkward, at worst cringey. “Dadgum” was one of the most perplexing to me. But also, and most importantly, there is very little actual romance in it- just a lot of the main male character acting jealous and calling the female character baby. Also, the main female character acts sort of helpless, and the mother is a two dimensional villain who never gets told off in the way she deserves. All in all, not for me.

3.5 stars leaning towards 4

To be completely honest I haven’t read a book that wasn’t for school in a long while. This book pulled me out of my reading slump and I couldn’t be happier. I love the food and kitchen aspect of this book because I was so hungry while reading this book because of all the amazing food featured throughout. Every chapter starts by explaining a wine or a certain dish that is featured in to chapter which is a nice touch. The atmosphere generated by this book was comforting and made me really enjoy my time reading this book. Claire was an amazing FMC. I loved watching her journey of really finding herself in Paris and recovering from her past trauma. The usage of James (MMC) as a helper in her journey and not the savior in her story is different from some books I’ve read where the girl is sort of a damsel of sorts and the MMC comes to rescue her.

Some things I dint like were the seeming over use of the term OCD in relation to cleanliness and type A personality. I couldn’t quite tell if it wa used fir description or it was a poor representation of the mental disorder. The relationship between the two MC’s felt it went really quickly at points especially at the last third of the book. Im not going to spoil anything but the speed felt unnatural but I could get over it for the most part.

I would recommend this books to foodies and a lover of a good strangers to friends to lovers romance.
3.5 stars leaning towards 4

To be completely honest I haven’t read a book that wasn’t for school in a long while. This book pulled me out of my reading slump and I couldn’t be happier. I love the food and kitchen aspect of this book because I was so hungry while reading this book because of all the amazing food featured throughout. Every chapter starts by explaining a wine or a certain dish that is featured in to chapter which is a nice touch. The atmosphere generated by this book was comforting and made me really enjoy my time reading this book. Claire was an amazing FMC. I loved watching her journey of really finding herself in Paris and recovering from her past trauma. The usage of James (MMC) as a helper in her journey and not the savior in her story is different from some books I’ve read where the girl is sort of a damsel of sorts and the MMC comes to rescue her.

Some things I dint like were the seeming over use of the term OCD in relation to cleanliness and type A personality. I couldn’t quite tell if it wa used fir description or it was a poor representation of the mental disorder. The relationship between the two MC’s felt it went really quickly at points especially at the last third of the book. Im not going to spoil anything but the speed felt unnatural but I could get over it for the most part.

I would recommend this books to foodies and a lover of a good strangers to friends to lovers romance.
3.5 stars leaning towards 4

To be completely honest I haven’t read a book that wasn’t for school in a long while. This book pulled me out of my reading slump and I couldn’t be happier. I love the food and kitchen aspect of this book because I was so hungry while reading this book because of all the amazing food featured throughout. Every chapter starts by explaining a wine or a certain dish that is featured in to chapter which is a nice touch. The atmosphere generated by this book was comforting and made me really enjoy my time reading this book. Claire was an amazing FMC. I loved watching her journey of really finding herself in Paris and recovering from her past trauma. The usage of James (MMC) as a helper in her journey and not the savior in her story is different from some books I’ve read where the girl is sort of a damsel of sorts and the MMC comes to rescue her.

Some things I dint like were the seeming over use of the term OCD in relation to cleanliness and type A personality. I couldn’t quite tell if it wa used fir description or it was a poor representation of the mental disorder. The relationship between the two MC’s felt it went really quickly at points especially at the last third of the book. Im not going to spoil anything but the speed felt unnatural but I could get over it for the most part.

I would recommend this books to foodies and a lover of a good strangers to friends to lovers romance.
3.5 stars leaning towards 4

To be completely honest I haven’t read a book that wasn’t for school in a long while. This book pulled me out of my reading slump and I couldn’t be happier. I love the food and kitchen aspect of this book because I was so hungry while reading this book because of all the amazing food featured throughout. Every chapter starts by explaining a wine or a certain dish that is featured in to chapter which is a nice touch. The atmosphere generated by this book was comforting and made me really enjoy my time reading this book. Claire was an amazing FMC. I loved watching her journey of really finding herself in Paris and recovering from her past trauma. The usage of James (MMC) as a helper in her journey and not the savior in her story is different from some books I’ve read where the girl is sort of a damsel of sorts and the MMC comes to rescue her.

Some things I dint like were the seeming over use of the term OCD in relation to cleanliness and type A personality. I couldn’t quite tell if it wa used fir description or it was a poor representation of the mental disorder. The relationship between the two MC’s felt it went really quickly at points especially at the last third of the book. Im not going to spoil anything but the speed felt unnatural but I could get over it for the most part.

I would recommend this books to foodies and a lover of a good strangers to friends to lovers romance.

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

2.75 stars 🌟 this was promising until it wasn’t 😭💔 i have been obsessed with the bear (sydcarmy), and i figured that this would be something that i enjoyed…BUT i was sadly mistaken. the entire set up for this story was solid but i just couldn’t really believe the feelings that james had ?? he said he’d been deeply in love with her for so long but his attitude was so stoic for no reason 🤨 and he never really explained it which didn’t help either lolll. ALSO THEM GETTING MARRIED AFTER BEING TOGETHER FOR NOT EVEN A MONTH??? all of the ending felt entirely too rushed and unnatural ✌️ clairejames were nothing special tbh

a special thank you to netgalley and waitlyn andrews for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

3.5 stars rounded up/5

A clean romance, "Yes, Chef" was a fun read. Although the author had hinted at Claire's trauma, the reveal closer to the end was aptly timed. The romance between Claire and James was cute, and his respect for her boundaries was *chef's kiss.*

“It suits me. Adventure always has: independence always has. I just forgot for a while.”

Our FMC has established a life for herself in France. She knows her stuff, is skilled as well as dedicated to her craft, not to mention she is passionate. Almost everyone is impressed by her work until the new head chef nitpicks at everything she does.

There are a lot of things Claire Richards finds in Paris - a new head chef, a new neighbor, a fellow American in the kitchen and someone who also comes from a well-known family. What are the chances this all happens when she tries to escape her life and work at a restaurant in Paris? It’s more likely than you think.

Nothing better than a somewhat enemies to lovers trope that ends with them pushing each other to be even better than they were when they started. There's a grumpiness/sunshine attitude, small misunderstandings, single bed problem, forced proximity (they could be roommates) and a happy ending. Add in all these and more and Waitlyn Andrews demonstrates to be a master herself. Call me a critic, five Michelin stars from me.

(This will also be posted on my Bookstagram as well.)

A delightful surprise! This is the first I've read from the author, and from the first page, it is dripping with the character's voice. It's a fun read with strong character interactions and vivid descriptions that made me hungry at 2am.

First thought: Love, Love, Loved it!!!!

Claire moved to Paris to escape her past and get a clean start away from her family name and her ex. She is a chef who loves to improvise and she’s hoping that she can help her new restaurant earn their first Michelin star. Her past has different ideas and she soon realizes even moving across the world won’t change things and the only way forward is through. She is not looking for love and even if she was she just simply isn’t ready.

James comes from the a line of celebrity chefs and at a young age he has already earned his first Michelin star. He moved to Paris to help a new restaurant do the same. Little did he know he run into the women of his dreams. James is not one to mix business and pleasure so even though he is falling for Claire he won’t let her know that. Instead he puts up a wall where she’s concerned. He’s a stickler to following the plan, and oh boy does Claire through a wrench in it.

These two have to learn to work together as a team if their restaurant has any chance at that Michelin star. Along the way there will be bumps and roadblocks but with enough time, patience maybe they can become friends or even more.

I absolutely loved this book once I started it, I literally could not put it down and I read it in one sitting. It was just cute and sweet and made me feel back in my teens with the classic romcom movies of the late 90s early 2000s. I could easily see this being turned into a movie, as it makes you fall in love. Run and preorder this 5 star read now!

Such a sweet, satisfying summer romance! I found myself smiling and gleefully rooting for Claire and James throughout the entire book. It felt like a comfort read and a big adventure at the same time. This is one of the rare books that really makes you feel like you are in the setting with the characters, following them throughout their day, and doing what they do. I loved journeying with Claire and James through Paris, and watching the slow-burn, delicious pining blossom into love! The descriptions of and attention paid to food and its role in the love story were also fun to read. James is the most caring, protective, and supportive hero, and it was so wonderful to read Claire’s journey of realizing who she was and what she wanted, walking away from the parts of her life that brought her down, and just going for it. I literally could not put this book down, and can’t wait to read more from Waitlyn Andrews.

This was lovely, just a sweet healing romance. Reminded me of kdramas that are just very calm, drama but not DRAMA. the micro tropes in this one were so well written.

However at certain places I felt like some stuff was abrupt or not panned out well. The ending was not very satisfactory because the big issue that was hinted at the entire time wasn’t dealt with very well.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for this ARC.

Yes Chef

I loved this book! I have to start with my love of food and romance so this combined in a story is a huge plus for me! I loved Claire. She was an amazing chef but unfortunately had struggled at times as well. Claire goes to Paris to work as part of a team and hopefully find huge success. Now enters James! He was great as well. He of course starts off rude and cold but once him and Claire get to know each other things change.
James and Claire have this great romantic chemistry. I just loved it. Add in cooking and food and it is a win win.
Waitlyn Andrews does a wonderful job building the characters, setting the scene, and creating the romance.

This was a great book! I really love the character development and any book that includes cooking. I will be reading more from Andrews in the future!

LISTEN! I have never devoured a book so fast!! The world building and story just sucks you right in. James is the personification of BOOK boyfriend. We all deserve a James, and the fact he respects boundaries -- A++++++!! Although the book had no spice, the slow burn definitely had my heart racing and this book had me smiling the whole time too.

Claire is an amazing chef who has gone through a few traumatic events. Yet, she is so strong and has so much empathy. She goes to Paris to realize her dream of being on a team that gets their first Michelin star. Now, I’m no expert, but I’ve seen some Hell’s Kitchen in my days (more like binge) to know those are so hard to acquire and even harder to maintain. She is focusing on herself, and her cooking career as best as she can. However, she then meets James Sullivan. He comes from two famous chefs already established in the restaurant world and followed in their footsteps. James was recruited to help the restaurant Teaks gain its first Michelin star. He presents himself as a stoic and cold person. But besties, I think we’ve read enough to know the boy fell first and really hard. Claire is blissfully unaware and just the subtle gestures James does makes it even sweeter. As time goes on, James learns of the past Claire is trying to heal from and he is so patient with her. They bond over their love of food and reading and over time CLAIRE FINALLY lets the man appreciate her and love her! I just would’ve loved James' POV. So envious of Claire having croissants almost every morning and enjoying her book to pass the time. I can’t give too much away, but if you like more of a slow burn and no spice, this is perfect for you.

I loved this book! What an amazing writer Waitlyn Andrews is. It's hard to believe it's a debut book. I will definitely be following this author. This is one of the best love stories I've read in a long time! So sweet and pure. Great characters and a wonderful story. You must read this, you will love Claire and James. I recommend this book to all. Thank you NetGalley, and author Waitlyn Andrews for this eARC this is my honest personal opinion, I enjoyed this book and hated for it to end. It's one of those books you start slowing down your reading to make it last longer!

“Yes, Chef” is a debut rom-com by Waitlyn Andrews. Here’s what I liked about the book - it’s a sweet story. The main character, Claire, is a reader and enjoys romance books - but admits that she doesn’t like third act break-ups … and this book doesn’t have the stereotypical 70-75% into the book there’s something that will potentially separate the couple (thank you Ms. Andrews!). Both characters are adults and, surprisingly, act that way. The main characters actually - gasp - get to know each other before starting a relationship. Plus - a rom-com based around cooking - sure, why not? What I wasn’t so thrilled about was how some characters (mainly background ones) were introduced without an explanation for why the person was an issue (for instance, Rachel). Also, while the reader is told multiple times that Claire is an introvert, I don’t know of any introverts after two hours who would consider a couple their friend [acquaintance, sure - but friend?]. Also the term OCD is used a lot in this book but I think OCD means “particular about things being exact” (one may have OCD tendencies but I’m not sure the character had compulsive repetitive tendencies). If you want a cute rom-com with two adult characters without steamy stuff taking place in a restaurant in Paris, France - this may be one you’d enjoy curling up with. I can see this being a cute Hallmark movie one day.

A quick thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Yes, Chef was a food-centered romcom following Claire Richards. Following a devastating break up, Claire has picked up and moved halfway across the globe. She has finally settled in, working at one of the top restaurants in the area, when a new head chef turns her world upside down.

The tall, totally handsome James Sullivan comes across as cold and hyper-critical, but in actuality he has no idea how to act around Claire. Who doesn't love a "these two are totally in love but completely oblivious" trope? The reader gets to see that relationship, albeit slowly, develop in a beautiful slow burn.

I wanted to love this. I really wanted to, but it just wasn't it for me. Firstly, I think this was a tad too long. I felt like this could easily be condensed a bit without losing the slow burn element. Next, the aforementioned slow burn was done really well up until the pet names started. I knew the shift was coming, but I felt like it could've better presented had it happened during a different moment (namely, the panic attack). Lastly, for this being as long as it was, the end felt so rushed. Also, there is no spice. That is not a criticism, but a fact that I did want to mention for anyone out there who needs that element in their romance novels.

That all being said, this was a very cute, romantic comedy for the foodie(s) in your life!

Way too many f-bombs. Not worth my time at all and I do not recommend. It's sad when something the could have been good is ruined by vulgarity.

Perfect blend of foodie heaven, Paris, and romance!

If you’ve ever wanted to experience ‘behind the scenes’ in a restaurant kitchen, this is the book for you.

In this food-focused romcom, Andrews made it easy for me to become part of the team as they focused on their goal of obtaining a Michelin star. I was instantly wrapped up in the intricate relationships that exist within the restaurant and privy to the reality of working behind the scenes in the service industry. I discovered the stress of shopping daily for the menu of the day and the camaraderie that blossomed between the staff and the suppliers. I learned new terms and my inner foodie was excited. I liked the experience of juggling living abroad, with parental expectations, working towards a career goal and indulging in romance. The chapter titles were a nice touch and kept me focused with each chapter.

This closed-door culinary fiction was the perfect distraction this week. I’d eagerly read another of this author’s books.

I was gifted this copy by Waitlyn Andrews and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.