I'm gonna head over to Tapas and see whether they have released any new chapters because excuse me?? Why is this so good?? Oh gosh Oryan and Laurie are way too cute together and I love how the author explored such meaningful things with this story. Can't wait to read more of this!

Oryan and Laurie story was great. I like the story and love the artwork. These to understand each other. Also get to see them work through and realizing that they can trust each other. Laurie has anxiety and other issues. And you get to see him work through them, and also talk about what it’s like to have mental health problems. I like that he gained confidence to keep on seeing Oryan. Oryan has been in the public for a long time. He keeps to himself, but with that he becomes what others want him to be. I’m happy that he stood up for himself and did what was the best for his mental health. Both admire one another. They’ve grown closer and you can just see what they mean to one another. But the two are so sweet, but also nervous around one another. I like how both notice small things about each other. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next volume.

This is a cute story about a young man with an eating disorder who is trying to find his way in life as a writer for a paper and his blog. One day, through a connection with his flatmate, he gets to interview someone with the ideals of a famous cook. The two of them hit it off, and find things within each other that they didn't know they were looking for, and move forward in their lives working through their own struggles.

Hungry Heart by Jem Milton is a gripping and emotionally resonant novel that delves into the complexities of self-identity, addiction, and the search for love. The story follows the protagonist as they navigate a tumultuous path filled with inner struggles and external challenges. Milton's writing is both raw and tender, capturing the nuances of human vulnerability with sensitivity. The characters are well-developed, and the plot moves at a compelling pace, keeping readers invested in the protagonist's journey.

Content warning eating disorder not just mentioned but on page.

I loved the story, the characters and the art. Laurie is an up an coming writer and Oryan is a child baking star. Both Laurie and Oryan are lonely but for different reasons. They meet through Oryan sister. Laurie asks questions that surprise Oryan and makes him think. Through a progressing of texts and follow up interviews they become something more. Interested to see where this story is going to go.

In a word: adorable. This first volume of a webcomic tells the story of a slow burn romance between a food blogger and the hot celebrity chef he interviews. It sets up our two leads and right after the meet cute gives them time to develop as individual characters. The sparks are subtly developed so that by the time you get to the first kiss (spoiler-not-a-spoiler: they do kiss before book's end!) you know it's well earned-- and hot! Looking forward to see the sizzle continue and what pans out in volume 2!

I loved this book and can't wait to read more. The relatable characters, friendship and slow build romance was comforting and sweet. The mix of heavier topics with humour and joy complimented by the art style added to this story, Im so glad I got a chance to read this.

This was such a cute little squishy romantic graphic novel. I really loved the characterisation of each character, the way the connection between characters was displayed, and the art style used to depict each character. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and loved the complexities it showed of celebrity and how it can impact people and their enjoyment of their world.

Highly recommend!

I loved this book. I thought both main characters were highly developed, and their growing relationship is very enticing. I can't wait to continue reading and see what happens in their lives and careers and how that influences their budding relationship.

Publishing date: 19.11.2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Andres McMeel Publishing for the ARC. My opinions are my own.

Features:
Eating disorders
Losing your spark in your field of work
Queer representation left right and center

I am mixed. First of all, this isn't the entire book/comic, only up to like chapter 25 with plenty left to go. My opinion might be very much skewed due to this fact.

From what I have read, this is lacking in a few things. The characters seem to lack proper chemistry with each other. Interactions seem unnatural and forced. The romance seemed a little rushed and a little out of place almost. While they were open with each other, it felt more like a friendship than anything romantic.

The problems the characters face also seem to have better solutions than the characters are taking. Of course, since I haven't read it all it might get a lot more information as to why none of them deal with it better. I won't drag this specific point, but it has been bothering me.

What was good is the queer rep and the way the eating disorder was treated. Lots of different characters from all kinds of "flags" as I like to call them. Their queerness was a central part to their character, and I can see people getting attached to them due to that aspect of them. I found my flag among them and got quite attached to that specific character.

The eating disorder was either well researched, or the author had personal experience with it. As a person with experience as an observer (family), this hit home. I recognized the pain, the hiding, and the shame. I know it hurts most for the one affected, but even as one in the backseat I want to help. In this book the character has semi-recovered, but the scars are very much present.

Might be a little triggering for some, so be wary of this topic. It plays a big role in the story.

Final ranking and star rating?
3 stars, C tier. This was fine, but I am sadly not interested in continuing and finding out if my issues with it get better. I think the main problem is that this is simply not for me. It might be better suited for a younger audience (Young Adult maybe).

I really liked this graphic novel and thought the relationship between Oryan and Laurie was sweet. I actually wish it was maybe 10 pages longer and didn’t end so abruptly, but overall I really enjoyed reading it.

I very much enjoyed this graphic novel. It had super-relatable characters and the conversations over text are sublime (and almost carbon copies of my texts from the days I wrote fanfiction.) I appreciate the care given to sexual orientations and for diseases like eating disorders, race, and anxiety, and for subverting the expectation of misunderstandings lasting for a long time. You get recipes, you get awkward, uncertain emotions, you get great looking visuals (I want to make that pasta,) it is such an enjoyable read. I imagine this is part of a longer series, I'm hoping for a book 2, but if this is a standalone, we were given enough of a story that it feels like it's a complete tale with or without a continuation.

Thank you Jem Milton, Andrews McMeel Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC.

Laurie, a young food blogger, interviews Oryan, a popular, hearthrob chef. Soon romance begins to bloom between the two. This is such a heartwarming story that touches on a range of topics like mental health, eating disorders, pansexuality, and more -- while also featuring POC, disabled, and other queer characters. I loved seeing Laurie and Oryan’s romance develop while also exploring their complexities (in addition to all the food + artwork!).

Thanks NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the arc!

I said that I was going to add more graphic novels this year but I didn’t expect it to literally come at the end of the year (smh). But if I had to kick off my graphic novel reading this year with a book, I’m so glad it is Hungry Heart by Jem Milton.

Let me get the important stuff out of the way. I love the artwork. The story is laid out beautifully. The foundation of who each character is shown quickly but without it being forced down our throat. It’s actually done in an adorable fashion. There are particular panels that I would love to have blown up on my wall. There’s this look when Laurie and Oryan are cooking and Laurie looks up at him (my heart melted). Then the kiss…yes, there is a kiss and damn. I was so there for it and it’s beautiful.

The story is great. I related to both characters. This is a new adult coming into their own story. I’m not going to say “growing up” because both men are adults. They are just realizing that the road that they started on, isn’t the one for them. I think everyone can relate to that. Milton does an incredible job with these two very different characters and having them blend so beautifully. Their romance is cute and awkward.

I just love everything about this book. The secondary cast is diverse in every area. Plus, they are funny, awkward, and intrusive as friends and family should be. Then of course we have our main characters. The artwork is eye-catching. Everything is just…I just adore this book. So yes, I highly recommend this book. (chuckle).

I'll definitely read volume 2 that was really cute .
It took me longer to read but it was really a good time

i’d heard about the webcomic on tapas but only recently picked it up for the physical release, and i ended up really regretting not reading this sooner! as someone who liked other queer food/cooking-related graphic novels such as Basil and Oregano and Chef's Kiss, it was probably no surprise that i enjoyed this one a lot too, but this was still so much more than i expected!

in Hungry Heart, we are introduced to Laurie, a struggling food writer, who is given the opportunity to interview the infamous celebrity chef Oryan. we follow the two—and their family and friends—as they forge a beautiful growing friendship (and more?) and address their own biggest fears and insecurities.

releasing november 19th, Hungry Heart had equally resolute heart, character, and promise, alongside the cutest and softest illustrations you're sure to love. after finishing the volume, i immediately went on to add the rest of the series on tapas, excited to read about future plotlines they’ve hinted at for a few side characters. i highly recommend this for anyone looking to read a lovely story that will not only make them feel warm inside but also critical of their own lived experiences – be it personally, in their careers, or of the online fandom space.

★ content warnings:
- eating disorder
- body dysmorphia
- anxiety
- racism
- homophobia

thanks to netgalley and andrews mcmeel publishing for the arc 🤍

I was absolutely not ready for how much I fell in love with these characters.

Laurie, my poor precious potato so full of anxiety. Being a blogger, aspiring food writer, and unfortunately a cater waiter this baby is busy, but not too busy to develop a crush on Oryan.

Oryan, gosh how can I even explain how much I loved him. He is also a very anxious baby but in a different way to Laurie. He is also a fellow pansexual disaster and while I support my bisexual babes, it’s really nice to see myself represented too. His fame is becoming so big it’s swallowing him and he clings to the relationships he feels safe in, which just melted my heart.

The friend group, Laurie’s queer friend group gave me so much joy. His roommate Pepper is the enby babe we all want to be. Her teasing and funny quips helped to break up a lot of the tough subject matter. Hugo is just eccentric and goofy, always talking about people he knows/hooked up with. Kai is so handsome and I loved seeing his top surgery scars being shown proudly. Ari was gorgeous and her own little side plot made me desperate for her to have her own book.

A few things I think were done super well:
1. The characters are not all white.
2. Ari is a wheel chair user and that isn’t shied away from and the story also shows how accessibly isn’t often thought of when she cannot attend an event due to a lack of elevator.
3. Oryan and his sister’s hair has texture!!!! This is often a huge miss with Black characters so I loved seeing it.
4. Pepper points out Oryan likely faces more criticism because he is Black and the UK is not as progressive as they act.

I am need a volume two so bad!

I enjoyed this book a lot, the characters are charismatic and I loved getting to know them, the art style is gorgeous and really funny, I want to know so much more about them instantly (I did indeed run to Tapas after so I could read more)

I love what we get to know of each of them, their struggles and their dreams, I loved the conversation about pansexuality and just not wanting to explain to people who refuse to understand. I was invested so fast and I could not put this book down, I just needed to keep reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McNeel Publishing for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The art was cute, with unique character designs so it was easy to tell the characters apart and keep track of who was doing what. The cast is fairly diverse, with a variety of ethnicities and queer identities, which I appreciated.
While I wanted to root for the characters, since I love food and queer stories, their motivations were underdeveloped. Oryan, at least, was shown as busy with lots of non-cooking activities before he decided to take a break (although the decision itself seemed abrupt). The main character was even harder to get a read on; his anxiety felt like it came out of nowhere sometimes. He clearly had a lot going on beneath the surface, but not a lot of time was spent on exploring his emotional life.
There were several potential threats to the character’s happiness: the threat of being fired from his catering job, the struggle to get food writing jobs, Oryan’s ex-girlfriend, perhaps his parents (each is introduced over a handful of pages, to very little purpose). But we only see MC doing anything to face one of these, the food writing job challenge. These are only some of the subplots introduced without much follow-through.
If the book had been a bit longer, or had fewer plot points, it would have felt more satisfying for me. Even the love story suffers – when Oryan and the MC interact, you can see they are into each other, but the plot arc feels rushed. Perhaps this is one of the reasons that the ending felt incomplete. Oryan and MC get together at the very end of the book; the last page is several panels of Oryan’s ex-girlfriend watching the two of them leave a party together.
Overall, I thought that the plot moved at a strange pace. However, the art was cute and it was an easy read. This book would appeal to teens who are fans of yaoi and rom-coms.

TW: eating disorder and vomiting; anxiety; alcohol use; discussions of racism and pressure of fame;

Laurie is a young writer who hopes to get his big break by interviewing heartthrob chef Oryan Adjei. He is a huge fan but as the interview progresses he realizes that Oryan has a lonely life and isn’t actually happy. As they meet for more interviews, they find that they are both falling for each other but will they have the confidence to take the next step.

This was a very sweet story that touched on a lot of heavy topics. Laurie is dealing with an eating disorder and anxiety. Oryan is dealing with the pressures of fame and coming to the realization that he doesn’t want to be famous, he just wants to cook. These two have a very cute friendship that builds as they slowly get to know each other through text and the interviews. I liked seeing them both overcome some of their issues and take the step to be together.

My one complaint is that Laurie’s eating disorder is not really discussed even though they are clearly still struggling with it. I was expecting more of a discussion between Laurie and Oryan about it but that never happened. The main focus of this book was mostly around Oryan and his issues and I felt like Laurie got overlooked a little. But, I still really enjoyed this story and thought it was a very cute graphic novel.