This. Was. Delicious. I instantly fell in love with Eden and Alexander. They’re quite literally *chef’s kiss* 🤌🏼

The story follows Eden as she navigates keeping a job she definitely fudged her resume for, but turns into so much more. This was the cutest romance I’ve read in a minute! And Kwan touches on issues of racism and abandonment in a way that’s so real and doesn’t feel forced into the story. The characters are refreshing and grow together. Overall I really loved this!

Read this is you like:
🔪 Grumpy x sunshine
🔪 Broody MMC, but soft ONLY for the FMC
🔪 So-cute-you’re-kicking-your-feet-kinda romance
🔪 “Yes, Chef”
…also Reylo. Yeah just read it if that’s your vibe.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review 🖤

4.5/5

Special thanks to Netgalley, Lake Country Press, and the author for an arc copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This book is incredibly sweet (no pun intended) and honestly it was the kind of book that you can easily get swept up in and just forget about the outside world for a moment. It was also spicy too and of course, you know I appreciate that balance (tehe). It has the perfect blend (haha) of romance, personal growth, backstory, perseverance, and the importance of trusting someone and all of this made for a book that I really appreciated.

A general plot summary: Eden becomes chef Alexander's new Sous Chef and she needs this job like oxygen. But she realizes that she knows him from somewhere and he has completely changed into this cold/mean basically Kylo Ren kind of character. As problems surmount and tensions rise they find themselves in sticky situations where they have to make decisions about their futures. However, the best thing about learning to love someone is the ways in which you care for them, how they navigate this along with life problems and tensions is the main essence of this book.

In terms of the characterization, it's safe to say that the two characters stole my heart easily. But their respective journey's were quite empowering. Like Alexander's ability to trust and how that developed overtime felt very realistic, but he is also so much more than just that. He is loyal, a little hard-shelled at first, but passionate, he takes risks when the occasion arises, and he loves deeply. When he lets her in, it's a completely different side to him and I thought that was incredibly endearing. Eden on the other hand is the sunshine to his midnight rain. She sees the good in others, also is passionate, she is kind to others and thinks of their circumstances before jumping to any conclusions. In this way they really balanced each other out quite well. I think one of my favourite aspects of their growth was that they grow through different traumatic aspects of their lives together and this is exactly what I envision as soulmates in my mind and in every sense of the word, it is a partnership. I also really appreciated the attention to what it feels like to be burned out, like your passion is gone and the effects that it can have on your life. It does not matter what your love language is, both Eden and Alexander will attest to all of them.

I can also safely say that this book ended in a perfect way, I truthfully do not think a book could have ended in a better way and it felt very full-circle. Also it is a page turner, I think I finished it actually in 3 days, maybe even less. It's got strong characters and they are very real people too at the end of the day. I am not even a big food person honestly I despise cooking, but this made me feel really excited about it, which baffles me completely. Another really important part of this is the representation, when you are a minority individual there are instances where you truly wonder whether you are being taken advantage of or treated unfairly and I really liked the way that this was handled in the book.

Overall, honestly this is probably one of the best contemporary romances I have read this year - it was so fun and it really helped to get my mind off of things.

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