I love reading about food and chefs, but I become so hungry reading… and this book was no different - even after eating any meal, the description of the food was so mouthwatering! 🤤

This workplace grumpy / sunshine story was so cute, the found family cast of characters was so fun to read, such a sweet heartwarming story! And the food… I’m so glad I picked up this eARC to read 💕

Reading this one, it's hard for me to believe it's a debut romance. In fact, I even tried looking up some other books by this author as I was reading to add to my TBR. Hopefully I can add some in future!

If the above didn't tip you off, I really enjoyed this one! The characters leap off the page and felt not only like a perfect fit for the story, but also realistic. I could imagine these people. The tempers. The regrets. The grudging fun. All of it played together so well throughout the book.

My complaints here are minor. I would've liked a bit more closure on certain plot points and the villains felt a little *too* like a caricature—the villainy was a bit over the top in a way that pulled me out of the story.

Still, the characters and overall plot saved the day! I had trouble putting this down once I'd started and (as noted above) was eagerly anticipating more from this author. Oh, and the spice definitely didn't hurt things at all. It, and the book as a whole, were well done and well worth the read!

I received an advanced copy of this book from Lake Country Press via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

If you’re looking for a simple, sweet and spicy workplace romance with grumpy x sunshine trope then you’ll have to give this one a try!

The plot is quite predictable but it didn’t prevent me from enjoying this story to the fullest from the beginning until the end.
This book is an emotional read, I laughed, smiled, touched with all the funny, sweet and heart-warming moments inside.

The characters are loveable, I really like Eden’s determination and passion for cooking. I love how supportive Shang is when Eden is at her lowest and doesn’t feel like her bubbly self.
As for the romance, I love the chemistry between Eden and Shang. They bring out the best of each other when they're together as they help each other and the spicy moments are well written as well.

I also adore the secondary characters, like their colleague (Rina, Peter and Freddie) because their present really liven up the story with their jokes and banterin.

While I like most parts of the story, there’s one thing that I wish for more which is about Eden’s past. It was resolved a little bit too fast and too easy. I was kinda hoping for something different, but I can’t talk much here since I don’t want to spoil it for you guys.

Overall, for a debut novel this is a fantastic heart-warming story with a satisfying ending.
I enjoy my time following Eden and Shang’s story in the cuisine world – all the foods in here sounds delicious, I kinda wish I could visit their restaurant in real life!
I’m looking forward to read the next book from this author in the future!

I received an advanced review copy for free through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!

⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: Racism, grief, abandonment, sexual content, strong language

A big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’m actually obsessed with this?? I loved the culinary setting and the Hell’s Kitchen/Gorden Ramsey vibes we got right off the bat. The characters were super interesting and the writing was so engaging/solid. Highly recommend!!

A great read. Eden gets a job as sous chef in Alexander's kitchen. He has changed since she last saw him, but will he even remember her? A fast paced read.

I adored it! It's sweet and spicy, and I loved the feeling I got while reading it. (Happy ending, anyone?)

Eden has just gotten the job as a sous chef to well-known chef Alexander Chen. He's demanding and a grumpy guy to work under. She's a sweetheart, who's great to work with, and a real team player.

She's also got a big secret. She's totally embellished her work and educational history. She also used to know Alexander. Who was a really sweet guy named Shang. But he has no idea who Eden is, and all Eden wants to do is not make waves and keep her job.

But there's friends to be made at the restaurant and also people who definitely aren't friends. Eden is a great sous chef, but how long will she be able to keep up the charade that she has the work history to back it up?

It's hard when you have the talent but not the opportunity. That's something that happens all too much in the real world as well, so Eden making her own opportunities is understandable. She definitely has the talent. And Alexander is grumpy for a reason.

As part of the "very specific lightsaber weilding fandom," there was a lot to this story that just made me joyful. To think I get to read new worlds and characters be created! <3

Also, shout out to my favorite scene in which Eden gets so angry on Alexander's behalf that he has to carry her out.

Katrina Kwan knows how to weave a cozy, heart-warming, and laugh out loud funny romance.
I took my time meandering through this book all week. It was easily binge-worthy, but I don't see a lot of books with this specific niche and the 'yes, chef 🔥' vibes, so, I really wanted to savor it (cooking pun intended). These characters, Alexander and Eden, and their side cast of lovable coworkers have my heart. Looking forward to anything else Kwan writes.

TYSM for letting me be an ARC reader. I'll be featuring this book in my end of year tiktok book giveaway of my yearly favs. Really enjoyed this!

This book was an easy read and an easier five stars. Grumpy x sunshine chefs with a great rapport and connection built on genuine trust and communication? Easy to root for, extremely enjoyable to read. I’m a huge fan of any author that builds a relationship that feels believable while not sacrificing story in the process. I liked how the characters were developed and how they complimented each other even in their difficult moments. I know I’ll be keeping my eye out for more Katrina Kwan novels in the future. Thanks Netgalley!

This was a great romance with so many different layers from their jobs as chefs to romance to a little mystery too.

I loved Shang and Eden, they were such enjoyable characters to read about- independently and together. I love the grumpy sunshine trope and how it was portrayed in this book. I also loved how supportive they were of each other it made for couch a sweet read. It’s not all sweet though, there’s a bit of spice too.

Such a cute and enjoyable debut novel which I would definitely recommend. I’m excited to read more in the future by Katrina Kwan.

I loved the characters from the start and the story immediately grabbed my attention! Shang definitely fell first and is worthy of being a book boyfriend; Eden was such an amazing character! She reminded me a lot of myself in the way that she is so determined and strong. However, the last ten chapters of the book felt super rushed and disappointed me. I wanted more about Shang’s past for sure as well as Eden’s search for her parents.

Extremely grateful for NetGalley and Lake County Press to send me an ARC of this!!!

This is a stunning debut novel from Katrina Kwan. Shang and Eden are so cute and I’m in love with them. I really like how everything with them felt so natural. They both felt a connection so they just went for it. They didn’t let the fact that he was technically her boss get in the way at all.

Shang is such a grumpy character at the beginning of the book and it was adorable. He was just so angry and really lost in life. All he needed was Eden to come in and brighten his life up. He knew something was different about her from the moment they met. Shang was unable to stop thinking about her.

Eden is also a really good character. She had a rough upbringing and all she wants is to find her parents. Shang is so steady in his willingness to help her with that, he just wants what’s best for her. He is always going to be by her side no matter what.

Shang also had a lot of unresolved trauma caused by their boss. Seeing him reconnect with his family and learn to forgive himself was really nice to see. At the end of the day, his parents just want him to be happy. The fact that they really love Eden doesn’t hurt at all.

Eden was able to reignite Shang’s passion for cooking and give him a reason to do it. They are grumpy x sunshine but he is a lot happier by the end of the book. They are able to lean on each other and get through the hard parts of life together.

Shang and Eden understand each other in a way that no one else does. They bring light into their lives and they are perfect. I don’t have a lot of words but you should just go read the book because it’s amazing.

I received an arc through netgalley.

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. I really enjoyed this and will be getting copies for my shop.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

This book follows Eden, a recently hired sous chef in the restaurant Alexander runs. Unbeknowst to Alex, Eden and Shang met in culinary school before working together. Alex is immediately interested in her and enjoys her cooking.

I enjoyed this book. There were interesting side plots and good character growth.

Check CW before reading.

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me an E-Arc of this book.

If you love watching cooking shows or love cooking yourself, I think you will highly enjoy this book.

We follow Eden and Alexander, who are kind of the exact opposites of one another. Eden is a bubbly woman who stars working as a sous chef to Alexander at a highly prestigious and Michelin stars winning restaurant. Alexander rules his kitchen with an iron fist and is quite intimidating, his staff are all afraid of him. He accepts nothing other than perfection.

However, Eden has a secret and should maybe not even be allowed to work at such a prestigious restaurant as La Rouge. Alexander is feeling worn out and tired of having to carry the whole restaurant on his back every single shift. When Eden stars working at La Rouge something shifts in Alexander, and sparks starts to fly.

A modern day take on Reylo except they're both chefs??? SAY LESS. This was giving Reylo/Star Wars meets The Bear with a dash of Crazy Rich Asians. Alexander Chen is one of the most talented chefs ever, he's intimidating, controlling, and dominating in the kitchen. Eden Monroe is his newly hired sous chef... and she may have lied on her resume to land the job. Eden is the exact opposite of Alex, she's friendly, sweet, and has a backbone to take him on like no one else. Alex may rule his kitchen with an iron fist and have a bit of a temper, but something about this small, freckled, and sweet woman just calls to him and he finds himself doing things he's never done before. Eden comes crashing into his life, yet she has so many secrets, including that she used to know him, they went to the same culinary school before she was kicked out. Eden and Alex have so many things going on in their lives, yet when they're together, cooking, something just clicks, and they're perfectly balanced for each other. This was such SUCH a cute take on Reylo and I adored it so much. It's so much fun, the story was adorable, the chemistry was hot, and I adored both of the characters so much. I've read a ton of Reylo inspired books, but this one absolutely blew it out the park to me. It changes things and yet still captures the magic. I would absolutely recommend it!

*Thanks Netgalley and Lake Country Press & Review for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

If you love cooking shows, or cooking themed books, and want to give a rom com a try, this is the book for you! Katrina’s debut book is absolutely wonderful. I really enjoyed this book!

There was definitely a grumpy sunshine, interracial dating, and found family troupes in this book, but what really shone through was the MMC, Shang/Alexander, and the way his character was able to work through emotions and be vulnerable. I also loved Katrina’s portrayal of the Asian American family and how family is sooo important.

Eden, FMC, another spectacular character was so amazing throughout the book, I was a little bummed with how things with the detective turned out, and I don’t want to spoil anything so I won’t explain further. However, i do understand why and how maybe Katrina wanted to highlight mental health in her story.

So with that said, Shang & Eden’s chemistry was 🔥 and there was definitely open doors 😉 😆, which 🌶️🌶️🌶️ were well written! If you want to try a new author definitely give this one a try on Dec. 19!!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

⭐️⭐️⭐️½ It was great!!!

This book was cute, complex, and full of screaming at the pages type of moments. We have a love story packed with a lot of childhood trauma and representation... also a bunch of recipes and kitchen moments that omg!

Eden needs a job and she gets it, the thing is she may have embellished a bit her application -and by a bit, I mean a lot- and now she's working as a sous chef for one of the most famous chefs. Oh and also, he knows her but he just doesn't remember her... yet.

Alexander is hella talented and hella tired too, so yeah he takes Eden as his sous chef without much thought. The kitchen is his kingdom and he expects everyone to act under his command but of course, this is a grumpy-sunshine romcom so she's gonna be the one that puts him in his place.

It's cute, it's complex, gets you hooked right away, and a bit spicy, just the correct amount if you ask me. There's personal and professional growth, and we love to see it!

A magnificent debut for Katrina Kwan, no doubt.

Honestly this was so good and would have been rated higher if the pacing had not felt so rushed and insta-lovey between Alexander and Eden. I'm all for instant chemistry but this was a bit too much

“Knives, Seasonings, & A Dash of Love” by Katrina Kwan

3⭐️/5⭐️
2.5🌶/5🌶

“He really wants her. She really wants him. Alexander just might break his own rules. Just for her.”

The basic premise is this: Alexander is the head chef in an upscale restaurant. Eden is his new sous chef, but she’s hiding the fact that she never went to school and has no formal training to be a chef. She has a natural talent for working in the kitchen, and it doesn’t take long to win over Alexander. Alexander is the definition of a grump, but he recognizes Eden’s talent and respects her. But she’s hiding something else: Eden knew Alexander ten years ago, and Alexander doesn’t remember. Eden wonders what happened to change Alexander’s personality, and readers follow along as she slowly unravels all of the struggles he has faced in the last ten years.

-There was so much I loved and enjoyed about this book, and I truly think it will be enjoyed by so many people. I haven’t read many romance novels where one or more of the MCs are chefs, and I loved the deep dive readers experience through Alexander and Eden’s worklife.

-Alexander’s story is compelling, and it was my favorite part of the whole book. I think he was fleshed out beautifully, we really get a sense of who he is, what his struggles are, why his struggles are both unique to him as an individual, but also how they apply to the Asian American community as a whole.

-When Alexander and Eden become a couple, their romance is really lovely. They have excellent chemistry together, and I loved the spicy scenes.

Here’s what I struggled with:

-It felt like I was dumped in the middle of an existing story, and there wasn’t enough exposition given to Eden’s character prior to her introduction. I think if readers got to know Eden prior to showing up to the restaurant there would have been less of a whiplash.

-The whole reason why I requested this book on NetGalley was because it’s inspired by Reylo. However, the one-to-one Star Wars parallels were too heavy. I’ve read several Reylo inspired romance novels, and they seem very hit or miss. Either they straddle the line of inspiration perfectly, or it’s too heavy handed in Star Wars references. For example, all of the supporting characters shared the same first initial with their Star Wars counterpart. I think there needs to be more originality to those characters.

-There’s third act conflict that felt very rushed, and it was also resolved extremely fast. If there’s going to be a conflict, I’d rather it be something simmering in the background and then all of a sudden reaching a boiling point. And if the couple is going to face this obstacle, they need to put in the work to make me believe they’re going to succeed as a couple; I didn’t get that impression from Alexander and Eden.

-This was a pretty quick read, and despite my issues with the plot and supporting characters, I did enjoy the story. I stand by what I said earlier, I think many people will take to this story and rate it higher than I did; it was just ‘ok’ for me.

This book definitely needs to come with a warning: Do Not Read While Hungry!

Shang and Eden’s love story was low angst and full of amazing side characters. Their personalities were so different that I wasn’t really sure I would like this couple, but then they went on their first official date to an aquarium and they started to grow on me.

As their workplace romance heated up, things got toxic with management and they were forced to leave. They both used the time away from work to reconnect with family and to put to rest traumatic events from their pasts.

With the help of their friends and family they open a new restaurant and make a name for themselves in the culinary world doing what they love with the people they love.

Content warning: profanity, racism, child abandonment

I received a digital ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.