Chefs kiss!

This was such a cute book! Very tame, will they won’t they with zero spice!

The main characters fall into a lovable grumpy sunshine Thorpe that fits the kitchen angle well!

The ending is a bit rushed and slightly unrealistic but fits the story as a whole. The first 3/4 of the book does a lot to build the friendship between the main characters in way that seems genuine and not just sexual tension.

⭐⭐⭐

"Yes, Chef" by Waitlyn Andrews is a memoir that takes readers on a journey through the author's culinary experiences. While the book has its merits, it falls short in a few aspects, earning it a three-star rating.

One of the strengths of the memoir is Andrews' vivid storytelling. The anecdotes about kitchen escapades, interactions with colleagues, and the culinary world's behind-the-scenes glimpses are engaging. Andrews' passion for food and cooking shines through, providing readers with a genuine sense of the author's love for the culinary arts.

However, the pacing of the book feels uneven at times. Some chapters are gripping and filled with intriguing stories, while others seem to lack the same level of depth and excitement. This inconsistency affects the overall flow of the narrative and may leave readers wanting more consistency throughout the book.

Additionally, while Andrews shares personal experiences and challenges faced in the culinary world, there are moments when deeper reflections or insights could have added more substance to the memoir. A more profound exploration of the author's growth, lessons learned, or the evolution of their culinary philosophy would have enriched the narrative and provided a more satisfying reading experience.

The title, "Yes, Chef," suggests a focus on the dynamics of the kitchen and the relationships within it. While the book does touch on these aspects, it doesn't delve as deeply as some readers might expect. More emphasis on the chef-author dynamic and the intricacies of kitchen culture could have elevated the memoir to a more impactful level.

In conclusion, "Yes, Chef" offers an enjoyable glimpse into the culinary world through Waitlyn Andrews' eyes. While the storytelling is engaging, the uneven pacing and a somewhat missed opportunity for deeper reflections prevent it from reaching its full potential. It's a decent read for those interested in the culinary industry, but it may not fully satisfy readers looking for a more comprehensive exploration of the author's culinary journey.

Cute! is the perfect description of this book. The characters are relatable and the dialogue is fun. I'd recommend it for fans of Top Chef or The Food Network.

I LOVE this book! Claire and James are fantastic together. Just what I was looking for in a Rom-Com. Definitely recommend!

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

*THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS*

The first two-thirds of this book weren't perfect, but I was into the story, I enjoyed the characters, and the cooking was great. The last third of the book felt like a different story entirely and I easily could have put the book down and not thought of it again.

Claire is in Paris to escape a bad relationship and make a name for herself outside of her family's shadow. Famous chef James shows up and is cold and distant to her, though they develop a tentative friendship over time. Claire thinks their distant/not overly-friendly relationship is fine, as she is adamently against a workplace relationship. There is typical miscommunication, with James thinking Claire is in a relationship with another chef (yet their behavior other than mildly flirty in the kitchen doesn't suggest it) and Claire thinks the woman he's with is his girlfriend (obviously his sister), but even that is well-played. The thing that started irking me was when James spends the entirety of the book being reserved with Claire, until they're with his family. A Freudian slip of the pet name "baby", a chaste New Year's kiss, and they return to France where an article has been published (that's all we know. literally.), forcing the boss to ask if they're in a relationship. James replies "yes, for awhile", and Claire rolls with it. So, suddenly they're soulmates?

We've spent the entirety of the book with Claire establishing her independence, not wanting a man or a workplace romance, averse to anything remotely controlling, and when a hot guy says "yeah, we're together" she thinks it's romantic? I don't buy it.

Then there was the s e x. Or lack thereof. Claire tells James she won't have sex with him, but "don't worry, I'm not a virgin". There's a somewhat pious attitude towards not having sex in the relationship, but she's not a prude (?), and there's really no reason for this point other than to explain her ex's cheating and proving that James is a "good guy" for waiting for her to be ready? It's very unclear.

There is also a LOT of girl hating from the FMC. Claire often refers to every other woman as a bitch or a bimbo, and if another female isn't related to James, they're conveniently old and not a threat. Overall, I found the book to be a list of checked tropes, common sense is disregarded for development (BLOCK HIS NUMBER ALREADY), and void of chemistry. It did make me hungry, though.

And a factual error - Michelin star restaurants only exist in a handful of cities, none of which are in wine country.

I am so excited to read about chef’s romance. I’m not that good at cooking but it’s a trope in my bucket list to be read. Really appreciate the author putting information of a lots of recipe and professional cooking experience. And to be honest this story was really good. I could have give it five stars if only the momentum on the third quarter of the book doesn’t drop.

They were good. Really. They got chemistry between them. But the problem is they were too good to be true. There’s no romance with no conflict even a tiny bit. And with no conflict it just make the storyline drop it’s excitement.

I am so into rival trope with no spark at beginning. I assume it was the same for the story but it’s not. So it spoiled a bit. But that’s just my preference. Most people wouldn’t mind that.

Omg this was such a great book to help me wait for The Bear withdrawals!! Also, who doesn't want to escape to freakin' France?! My biggest qualm would have to be the closed door, bc...like why it gotta be closed lol especially after that slow burn. My fave background show is Great British Bakeoff so getting to read all about the food descriptions and behind-the-scenes of the restaurant world was just so enjoyable. Though I will say that I wish Claire had been a bit less pick-me, though I definitely can understand a jealousy angle, as it sometimes came off as a bit aggressive. Cute coupling overall as we love a workplace romance (may be how I met my hubby hehe)!

It takes place in a resteraunt in Paris...Enough said! It was a nice easy enemies to lovers book. I just wish I was in Paris while reading it. Can't wait to read more by this author!

This was a well written chef romance that takes place in Paris. I always love anything that involves food. Whether it's a good book, TV show or movie. I like it even more, if it's a well told story. The romance was a beautifully told slow burn. The characters genuinely get to know each other, and I just fell in love with them not only as individuals, but as a couple. I will definitely look into other books by Waitlyn Andrews in the future. 4 stars

"Yes, Chef" is an upbeat, closed-door sizzling-with-chemistry, romantic comedy that will have you believing in the magic of a 90's Rom-Com again.

I definitely requested this book after watching The Bear and it did not disappoint in continuing the theme. I love a behind doors culinary tale (plus the romance didn't hurt!)

For fans of Romance Recipe and Hot Copy.

I wish I liked this more than I did. It was fine but didn't keep me gripped. Character development a bit lacking, action a bit predictable. Not a bad read, by any means, but not the book for me.

A cute workplace romance, culinary edition, so if you like cooking shows and rom coms, this is definitely the book for you. It has a slow build in the beginning but makes room to explain the background of the restaurant and culinary field. A bit of a slow burn, rivals to friends to lovers, without a third act breakup, which was all really nice to have in this novel. Near the last half of the book, the pace of the story quickens and feels rushed. What could have helped was having dual POVs.

I am not a foodie by any means, but for some reason I have a special interest in chef or restaurant based romances. I'll blame Emily In Paris and The Bear. That being said, this is far and wide my favorite book I've read in that section of romance. The progression of the relationship, especially for a slow burn, felt very natural and authentic. Understanding that Waitlyn seems to have written this book based on her own relationship, it makes sense that we got such an in-depth understanding of our characters. She absolutely knocked this one out of the park. I can't wait to see what she does next!

This book was really cute. I loved the inside look into busy kitchen paired with a swoony romance. This book went much deeper than just the romance so it was interesting from cover to cover, but was still a quick fun read. Highly reccommend!

ARC review

Book review for: Yes, Chef
Author: Waitlyn Andrews

Thank you @netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

I am always down for a culinary romance, and Yes, Chef was that. Two chefs falling in love? Workplace tension? A supportive MMC? A strong FMC with lots of character development? All that in Paris, the city of love?! Yes please!

If you prefer a book that is not super explicit, then this book is for you.

The characters were different from other romance books I've read. The main characters were from wealthy backgrounds, think Old Money, who did not have any financial worries at all. It was appreciated seeing the character development that the main character does, especially that she goes from being a pick-me (thinking of other women as bxtchxs -even those she has never met- just because they are talking to the man she is attracted to) to becoming someone who can stick to her boundaries and learn when she is wrong.

Reviews on IG @brisas_bookcorner

This book had a good story idea, but I don’t feel it was executed as well as it could have. It felt like there was so much that happened, and yet nothing happened at all. Any issue or conflict felt so low stakes that I didn’t care how it ended. It felt like a lot of description of what was happening and not enough about the characters feelings.

The romance itself felt incredible rushed. We went from from him “hating” her to dating and then married in three months? This would work if I felt like they liked each other more before that, but I didn’t.

Another issue I had was the run in with Henry. It was the only conflict that was built up in my head, and when they had their run in it was over in one sentence.

I liked the authors writing and ideas, so I feel like that time and after writing more books she will have some really great ones. I look forward to seeing what she writes in the future!

"Yes Chef" by Waitlyn Andrews is an absolute culinary delight! What truly sets it apart is the abundance of cooking references that make the entire journey incredibly immersive. Andrews' descriptions of food, techniques, and kitchen atmospheres are so vivid that you can almost smell the sizzling aromas and taste the exquisite dishes. I loved watching Claire and James relationship form over time. This book was a great happy read that made me feel like a warm cinnamon bun. Thank you to Waitlyn Andrew’s, the publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC!

3.5 stars
Here's the thing, I loved the first half of this book. It was super cute with a good setting. I liked the MCs and was enjoying the slow burn. But it lost me in the second half. I don't know why exactly but that last 40ish percent cringed me out badly. I suddenly didn't trust our male love interest. It felt like he went from being aloof to being in love in the blink of an eye. I really wish we had dual povs, I think that might have solved this problem. This was still good tho. It ranks low on the spice meter and as someone who doesn't read smut, I appreciate that a lot.

Yes, Chef is a good book for fans of both Paris and cooking shows like Top Chef, etc. It centered around two chefs in a kitchen in Paris and their goal of getting a Michelin star. I think the book was at its best when it described Paris and the local market, the tourist attractions, etc but then fell flat with the actual romance. I thought the book was pretty cozy though, it was low stakes and low in complications. But it is slow. The characters dont even acknowledge feelings until like 80% in and then it was full speed to the surprising ending of forever. I liked it alright but it felt like the pacing was a little off. I did appreciate no third act breakup, so there is that.

I really enjoyed the restaurant/food aspect of this book. It really helped the reader understand the environment without ever being too much. I also appreciated how the author allowed her characters to be wealthy, without being off-putting. I enjoyed the slow-burn between James and Claire, however once we reached the conflict "resolution" it wasn't really clear why he was aloof with her in the first place.