I DNF at 68 pages. This one is just not for me. The main character was constantly judging everyone else, and seemed like a rich spoiled brat. She has this ridiculous crush on someone she claims is always rude to her (but he seems mostly just indifferent). Enemies-to-lovers is fine but I don't understand how she can have "butterflies" for a person who she despises so much. I began to dread picking this back up so I had to stop reading.

I loved this book! 4\5 stars! I couldn’t put it down! Such a fun summer read! Great dialogue with a sweet romance story!

This was such a cute read and I loved the chef vibes. The tension between the two love interests was great and I liked how they ultimately ended up connecting. I couldn’t put the book down. I just kept wanting to see what would happen next. My biggest issue was the ending. Everything seemed to fall into place too easily. I liked how Claire had this one specific boundary but then in the end there was a quick solution to that boundary. The end felt a bit rushed. I definitely wanted more growth between the two main characters.

Okay honestly, this book should be called no, chef because it’s not good. The whole “tension” between these two is literally that one person is tall and one person is small. That is it. That’s the story. Add in Paris, some coffee and a knife and that’s the plot. I will not review this on Goodreads- you’re welcome. 🤣

For anyone with interest in cooking and the food industry this is a fun read. It was definitelya unique setting, which I appreciated. Super swoon worthy, binge read!

I loved this closed door romance set in the high stakes kitchen of one of the top restaurants in Paris. Great chemistry and fast pace made it difficult to put down. Highly recommend!

Yes, Chef starts off great. I love the back-dropnof Claire resetting her life by focusing on what brings her joy - cooking. When the characters meet I thought we were on our way to something good, but this one doesn't land as well as I was hoping. I was willing to go along with how she somehow doesn't know how to block her ex and her mom, and the meandering more like friends to lovers story of the book, but the way everything snowballed at the end into an impromptu wedding felt off. I was looking for more meaningful conflict, but it just was not there for me.

If you like a closed door, sweet romance with no third act break-up this is for you.

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

I always dig the hustle that goes into writing a first-time novel, so even though "Yes, Chef!" didn't totally hit home for me, I think Waitlyn Andrews has some real potential in the romance game. The whole Paris food scene backdrop had me excited – I was all set for that classic "enemies to lovers" vibe we're seeing in today's TV shows like "The Bear." But instead, the Claire and James relationship felt kinda straightforward, and I was left craving a deeper connection and understanding between them. Maybe a little tweaking on the pacing and structure could jazz it up a bit. Some parts felt like they could've been trimmed down.

Don't get me wrong, there were moments that nailed that 90's Rom-Com charm, but sometimes, things got a tad too dramatic for my taste.

The constant mentions of the character OCD made it feel more like a surface-level thing rather than a thoughtful, sensitive exploration of mental health, which is super important.

But you know what, every writer's gotta start somewhere, and I'm looking forward to seeing how Waitlyn Andrews grows and sharpens her writing game in the future. Keep at it!

SPOILERS! I was so hooked on this book!! I was blushing at every scene and completely inlove w the slow burn and grumpy/sunshine trope. With that being said... once James and Claire got together the book just fell apart completely. The writing became childish and cringy, and their love suddenly became so fake and forced.

It broke my heart once I finished because I was ready to give this a 5 stars because of how much I loved the banter and tension between the characters. I love the concept and the setting but truly after the 70% mark I didnt want to keep reading.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for an advanced review copy of this book.

I absolutely adored this story and the characters. Claire for her independence (standing on her own two feet) working towards her dream and James being a patient dreamboat who would do anything for her. Two American chefs becoming friends while working towards a Michelin star together at a restaurant in Paris. They slowly get to know one another and the fall in love. There is no drama or dirty details, but it is a lovely story about friendship, respect and patience. I can’t wait for this author’s next book.

Yes, Chef by Waitlyn Andrews is an enjoyable and informative read about the trials and tribulations of a chef who is finally getting her foot in the door of the competitive restaurant business. The book follows Waitlyn's journey from a small-town cook to a successful chef and restaurateur, as she navigates career choices, office politics, and different cooking methods.

The book is written in a very lively and entertaining style, and Waitlyn’s personality is evident throughout. She is passionate about cooking, and her enthusiasm to explore various cuisines and techniques is contagious. Waitlyn shares her culinary successes, as well as her failures, and her openness in telling her story allows the reader to connect with her quickly. This connection makes the book more enjoyable and memorable.

Waitlyn also offers helpful cooking techniques and tips throughout the book. She offers a variety of methods to ensure a perfectly cooked steak, for example, and explains the importance of checking the internal temperature of the meat. Waitlyn also covers matters of etiquette, such as hosting a formal banquet at a restaurant, which is beneficial for someone learning the ropes of the restaurant industry.

The book also provides insight into the politics of the restaurant business. Waitlyn is candid in her descriptions of her boss and her interactions with him, including how he pushed her to take risks. Waitlyn also talks about her team's disagreements over menu items and debates over the limited staff at times. This is a valuable lesson for readers who may not yet understand the complexities of running a restaurant.

The only downside to the book is that it moves at a leisurely pace and some readers might find it a bit slow. Despite this, it is a great read overall and I highly recommend it. Waitlyn’s passion for cooking shines throughout the book and she provides valuable insight into the restaurant business for aspiring chefs.

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 book was everything you could want in a dreamy food network x Emily in Paris fictional collaboration. My first book by Waitlyn Andrews and i already can’t wait to devour even more !

I enjoyed this rom com involving two chefs that are rivals to more. I was a fun read and I look forward to more books by this author.

Slow burn, enemies to friends to lovers, workplace romcom, but a fun read! I especially loved all of the detailed descriptions of food & recipes. It's lighthearted, no spice and takes place in Paris if that's your jam..

American chefs in Paris chasing after a Michelin star suppress their feelings for each other for 6ish months before kissing.

The tension is real. The food descriptions and food market are fabulous.

Past trauma prevents immediate hookup & a friendship forms between the head chef and the sous chef.

I loved the family elements, Christmas scenes & vineyard scenes.

I inhaled "Yes, Chef." Once I started this book, I didn't want to put it down. The very slow burn of the developing relationship of Claire and James was intoxicating. While at times, especially towards the end, it seemed a little unrealistic and wrapped up a little too nicely, I loved this book. I felt like I was in a little Parisian cocoon. My reaction to this book is very similar to the feelings I have while reading an Emily Henry book (just with out the steamy sex scenes). If you are looking for a book that has hot sex, this is not the book for you. But if you want to revel in moments, touches, glances, and lot of food and cooking references, this is the book for you.

Claire has just escaped from a controlling and coercive relationship, an almost fatal car accident and a mother who just doesn’t understand. She picks herself up, sets some challenges and moves half way across the world to escape her past and prove herself to the world.
They say music is the food of love, well in this case reading and food are the food of love, my love language is food and so I really appreciate how Claire loves to see people appreciate her food as the restaurant tries for a Michelin star. I love the concept of the restaurant and having worked in some think the concept of no division between front of house and back of house could work. Although a romance, there are some hard hitting moments as Claire comes to reconcile her past and meets a man who not only can but will help her through them. The detail to the food and the comfort and companionship found in reading is expressed beautifully.
A book with food, romance and a very full ending is as satisfying as a gourmet meal.
I totally recommend reading this

LOVED this one wow. Two words to describe this one “feel good”. It gave me the same feels as Nora goes off script which I always recommend to people as a fab pick me up. This one is about Claire and James and takes place mostly in Paris with sprinkles of napa and New York. Claire and James work together at a restaurant in Paris that is trying to obtain a Michelin star. As someone who’s dad is an executive chef this one definitely peaked my interest. This is a grumpy x sunshine and he falls first. While it is a little long I definitely think it was needed to showcase everything and we do get an epilogue too. Highly recommend this one!

3.75/5 stars
The story has two different paces for the two halves of the book. Starting with the tension between the characters from Claire's POV, and the following friendship between herself and Elliott, the relationship develops so well. The pace just speeds up so fast once their feelings for each other are acknowledged and their relationship just zooms at speed 2x through each milestone.
The references to book tropes such as hating the third act break up and then no third act breakup in the actual book made me so happy!
An enjoyable, fun and quick read!