This graphic novel is ADORABLE. It also deals with some serious stuff.

The art style is fun, a loose manga inspired style. The artist and author has a diverse cast of characters and fleshes them out well, even the side characters have a lot of life to them despite the book being about our two mains. The book covers a wide range of topics in a natural and unforced way, living in the limelight, anxiety, recovery and a few other bits. Laurie has a history with food and is now a food writer who manages to score an interview with a chef who gained his popularity in a reality show. The book does not shy away from Laurie's struggles with food, but doesn't dwell on it either. It's part of the story but not the whole story.

This is the first in a series and ends in a satisfying way that still leaves the reader ready for the next installment.

A Deliciously Romantic Journey of Self-Discovery and Connection

Hungry Heart by Jem Milton is a heartfelt story about love, identity, and overcoming self-doubt. Originally published as a webcomic, this LGBTQ+ romance follows Laurie, an aspiring food writer, who lands the opportunity to interview Oryan, a celebrity chef and his long-time idol. What begins as a professional meeting grows into a deep bond through late-night talks and shared love for food. Together, Laurie and Oryan face challenges that test their self-acceptance and courage under the pressures of fame and personal growth.

The relationship of the two has a natural, slow-burn quality, which feels both honest and endearing. The narrative’s warmth and Milton’s thoughtful approach to illustrating their romance, mixed with personal struggles, give the story an emotional depth that resonates. The illustrations are very charming and the dialogs have a very natural flow. The slow burn of the story enhances the emotional journey, making it a must-read for fans of graphic novels and heartfelt romance.

This was super cute! Laurie and Oryan are great characters and it was so satisfying to read this story of how they met. Sometimes you want something that just makes your heart happy, and this hit the spot.

Not only was the storyline fun and satisfying, but the artwork was beautiful as well.

If you are a fan of Heartstopper, I think you will enjoy this!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher/author for this copy of the book.

Uhhh this was sooo cute! Highly recommend giving this graphic novel a try!

The art style was fantastic and I loved the color palate.. Laurie and Oryan are so lovable. I felt like I could be either of their friends. Honestly, I would love to be their friend. The relationship was genuine and realistic. I loved seeing their friendship and relationship bloom and flourish. I hope this story continues so we can follow along with them.

Mental illness and LGBTQIA+ representation is very well handled. I will say that there is a graphic scene involving eating disorder struggles. Since this is portrayed through visuals it may be more triggering to some.

I wanted to love this story. I liked Laurie's mum, Ari, and Hugo a lot, but everybody else just seemed lacking. Plus this book really needs a trigger warning for eating disorders and Margaret Thatcher. There was so much going on that it's easy to get lost and lose interest. Some things felt like they were added just to bring drama, like Laurie's ed, Oryan's spinelessness, and Viola's continued appearances. The leads barely spent time together and it wasn't clear to me how they reached the "like" stage of their relationship. I felt no chemistry between them and it feels like they're only together because the author wants them to be, which isn't a good start to a fictional romance. I do hope the story gets better as it goes on, but for right now, I'm not interested in continuing.

a very queer, very diverse and very cute love story. gay friends, if you want to have a sweet read, this is a heartwarming, important and relatable story of self exploration and struggles with comforting outcomes — and I guarantee that you will at least like it.

though the story is overall gentle, it still touches on important and heavy subjects, primarily eating disorders. it's an aspect that is, in my opinion and as someone who deals with such issues, extremely well done and well portrayed.

the drawings were adorable with a very soft but colorful color palette, both to which I became addicted quickly. the main characters are attaching and their interactions natural.

this was so much fun! loved it

I got this as an arc on Netgalley and it will come out in November. This beautiful queer romance was everything. The comic was entertaining, insightful and delicious.

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.

Hungry heart follows Laurie, a food blogger turned journalist and Oryan, a celebrity chef who gained notoriety through winning a cooking competition at the age of 19; as a work encounter blooms into the start of a romance.

"I would describe myself as pansexual. But explaining that to people .... It's easier to let people think I'm bisexual than it is to correct them"

Never before have I felt so heard from a singular quote from any book as that is exactly how I have felt in the past when coming to terms with my own pansexuality. Often it is rare to find genuine representation in books as opposed to labeling a character as queer and giving no true representation through them. This graphic novel contains a wide array of POCs and persons from the LGBTQ+ community as well as a disabled character whos disability does come into play within the story.

The romance between Laurie and Oryan is believable and not rushed. It develops nicely and you can tell they genuinely care for one another.

The artwork is gorgeous and the style combined with the steady story kept me wanting more. I devoured this in one sitting and would love to see more from these characters if a future volume was to be released.

Review to come to blog/other places in November.

I received this graphic novel from the publisher/Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

I picked this one up from Netgalley because of the cover, it was just so swoony! Sadly, I struggled a bit through the book.

Yes, I had many YAS moments, but at times it was just TOO MUCH. Too many topics and it felt very crammed in, some worked out, sometimes it was just much and I had a hard time reading. Plus, I wish I had known about the issues with food because that is a big trigger for me and that made it difficult to continue at times and a couple of times I just wanted to DNF this book. So yeah, I would have liked less of that and more romance/food. Oh, and I was so HYPED to see a bi character, but Oryan was pan in the end. Which is OK, but I just want more Bi peeps!

What I did like: The art! It was cute and sweet and I love the character designs, especially Oryan! Oh, and I love Laurie's friends/friend group, they were such fun, big points to Pepper, and I loved that orange-haired guy whose name I already forgot (oops).
Seeing Oryan and Laurie get closer and closer and discover their feelings for the other was just so adorable and cute and I was shipping them like mad. Oh, and I was telling them to finally kiss, much to the hilarity of my hubby who was next to me while I was reading this one, haha. They really make such a sweet couple and I hope that it will work out, because both have their issues to work through, but I am sure with enough talking, maybe finding some help outside will make things go better. Crossing fingers!
Oh, and I loved that we didn't just get to see things from Laurie's side, but also Oryan. We see how both characters try to make it through life. Laurie with his food/body problems and his jobs, Oryan with what he would rather be doing, cooking? modelling? talk shows?, we see that he is struggling with what to do next. It doesn't help that the internet is brutal and has many an opinion about him.

All in all, I may read the next volume, or maybe I will just wait until the series is done and just check out the ending, haha. I need to know if these two are sticking together!

Laurie is a food blogger who's just turned to food journalism in hopes of getting enough money to stay in London. Oryan is the former prodigy winner of a cooking show, now superstar who doesn't really want to be one that much. When Laurie gets an opportunity to interview Oryan, the two of them grow closer to each other.

This was a really sweet comic! As a first volume, I think this book offers a good storyline where we get introduced to the characters and their backstories but also get enough action that it doesn't feel like it's sole purpose is introductory. The art is also really cute and dynamic.

I also love the way this comic approaches the topic of celebrity, drawing attention to the behaviors of fans that can impact the celebrity but also the pressure put on that person to perform in order to stay relevant. It's a very nuanced exploration and fits nicely into the comic format. There also a good balance between the heavier topics and the more lighthearted ones, which is something I always appreciate.

Oryan and Laurie are both so sweet and the evolution of their relationship is so adorable. I liked seeing how Oryan tries to always communicate his feelings regardless of their nature and how Laurie also really listens to him. It's such a cute and healthy dynamic and I'm looking forward to more of it in future volumes!

I would recommend this for those who are looking for a sweet romance with lots of mouth-watering foods in the background!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC.

Hungry Heart is an ADORABLE contemporary romance graphic novel about a food writer & a chef. I think this book did such a great job depicting anxiety & the pressure of success. The illustration style was very cute, and I really loved the focus on food and included recipes. Definitely a fun read!

Thanks to NetGalley, Jem Milton, and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the chance to read and review. My opinions are my own!

That was beyond adorable! Like grown up Heartstopper. Sweet queer found family and dealing with mental health challenges around fame and food and race. The end felt a bit abrupt and unsure if it's supposed to have sequels.

I absolutely loved this graphic novel. The story touches on some heavy topics, but somehow the author manages to keep the story light somehow at the same time. It shows how complicated it can be to be famous and so many more things.

The art style is gorgeous. It is a style I really love.

Overall, this graphic novel touches on some important topics and I loved reading it.

A great debut graphic novel set in London about a famous biracial, pansexual celebrity chef and the nerdy gay freelance foodie reporter who is assigned to write a series of articles about him. This story focuses on some heavy topics, from fame, sexuality, anxiety, eating disorders and more plus features a great cast of found family secondary characters. The illustrations were fun and bright but some of the more anime style parts were a bit too cartoony for my personal tastes. Still a great read, perfect for fans of books like Chef's kiss by Jarrett Melendez. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. I hope there are more volumes to come in the future!

A nice enough graphic novel with less romance than I expected.
This first volume marks the beginning of a series that could turn out to be really interesting, but that I sadly won't be continuing. Like another graphic novel I recently read, Teleportation and Other Luxuries, Hungry Hearts suffers from wanting to do too much too quickly; it tries to discuss a plethora of important, complex issues, but doesn't allow them the space and time they need and deserve. At a certain point, it feels less like the author is meaningfully engaging with the topics presented, and more like they're going through a checklist, which I sincerely doubt was the original purpose. It also overshadows the characters'... well, character. They at times feel less like people and more like trauma vehicles.
The art is pretty good, even though not always to my personal taste.
I do think a lot of people could enjoy this, especially young adult readers - even though it might be worth checking the trigger warnings.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review!

Tapas and I have a love-hate relationship but I absolutely loved this story. I read it twice during a work day before my work hours ended.

The story follows Laurie, a young writer who gets the chance to interview heartthrob chef Oryan Adjei. Laurie has always idolized Oryan but as he gets to know Oryan better, he starts to find a connection to him. As their connection grows into more genuine meetings, they start to lower their walls around each other and things begin to change around them.

Laurie and Oryan are the cutest characters and they both need a big hug. Both have troubling pasts that have left a scar on them. Although they are good with navigating around it, it hurts to see them going through it. I enjoyed how this story was able to incorporate these emotions and the subtle hints throughout. Their interactions were the sweetest and I enjoyed every bit especially near the end.

Both Laurie and Oryan are surrounded by predominantly good people and there is also a diverse set of characters. It felt realistic, both in the character designs and their dialogues. I enjoyed their conversations and how it didn’t feel awkward as well as their friendly supportive mess for each other. They aren’t a huge part of the story but they are always a welcomed sight and never annoying. I could probably read a separate story on each one because they are interesting personalities.

The artwork is amazing! It uses a variety of colors in varying shades and yet everything looks gorgeous. Oryan looked stunning in every look and Laurie looked honestly adorable. The facial expressions were on point and brought life to the words.

I loved how this story unraveled from an innocent interaction, to a friendly romance coupled with the complexities in each character’s personality. It expertly does this while noting the change of seasons. I loved how the relationship was positive and built on understanding and communication.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read and one I see myself re-reading multiple times. It’s unfortunately a short series on Tapas but I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next volume. I definitely recommend reading this lovable story!

This comic book is so cute! I started reading, and I couldn't stop. You could say I devoured it (sorry).

Hungry Heart is an adorable story about a shy guy that gets to interview a famous cook. Their first meeting is quite awkward but Oryan (the cook) feels like Laurie (our mc) really sees him, so he agrees for a few more interviews. What follows is a story about food and romance, but also some more heavy topics like anxiety, eating disorder and the pressure put on us by other people. The ratio of silly moments to the more serious ones is kept really well.

There's also a whole diverse cast of queer side characters which I love to see. One of them seemed to have a thing for Laurie? But maybe I was just imaging things since it wasn't mentioned.

I love art style. There are a few scenes that seem rushed, but it works really well. I really enjoyed looking at the art, and loved the colours (that pink hair was gorgeous!).

Thank you Andrews McMeel Publishing and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. Laurie struggle making ends meet in London. Luckily his best friend got him an interview with hot celebrity chef Oryan Adjei, which he’ll write for a magazine. Laurie realizes that there is more to Oryan than what other people see. When the magazine contracts more interviews the two will spend more time together. Oryan enjoys talking to Laurie because Laurie is the only person who seems to see past the celebrity. Laurie is trying to keep things professional but he can’t help falling for Oryan. However Oryan seems to be holding back. Also his boss at the magazine is pushing for more intimate details of Oryan’s life, Laurie doesn’t want to deliver them. Will something more develop between the two? Or will things end in disaster? This is a really sweet and charming story! Laurie is kind and caring and Oryan is humble and kind. I enjoyed the progression of their relationship! There’s also some good disability representation! The artwork is gorgeous and I love how it slightly changes throughout the story! Jem Milton did a fantastic job with this! Highly recommend if you enjoy graphic novels!

Absolutely lovely, 5 ⭐️s. Hungry Heart’s art is everything —I love author Jem Milton’s comic style. Their color, like their drawing, is beautiful: grounded in realism, yet loose and alive. The overall effect is vibrant, dreamy and emotional and *fun*, lifting the story up and letting it shine.

Hungry Heart is a queer, contemporary romance that brings together two young Londoners, Laurie and Oryan, both working hard in careers that demand more from them they want to—or should—give. They’re each struggling, too, despite their best efforts: Laurie is a food writer, working for a demanding (grasping) editor while struggling with an eating disorder he tries to ignore and hide from others, and Oryan is a young but successful talented chef dealing with sudden fame and the profound lack of privacy that comes with it, and a breakup that has the public giving him no space at all. They meet to discuss food for Laurie’s column, and things go surprisingly well—and keep going well. It’s a bit opposites-attract, as Laurie and Oryan have very different lives and personalities—Laurie’s eating disorder is rooted in unhappy family dynamics and poor self image, but he loves food and is an understanding, kind person. Oryan is literally in ad campaigns that play up his natural beauty but he’s being harassed in public & online, has difficulty making space to be himself, and is worried & struggling with his sexuality and acceptance from his family…but we learn Oryan too, is sensitive and kind, and like Laurie, needs a friend.

As Oryan and Laurie’s interview series progresses, they slowly tip into each other’s lives, and their attraction to and understanding for one another grows. With it comes complications—Laurie’s anxiety and poor self image clashes badly with Oryan’s hurting but entitled ex-girlfriend, Viola, who lashes out with mean girl claws at Laurie for daring to take up Oryan’s attention. Oryan doesn’t fully understand Laurie’s complicated relationship with food and eating (Oryan loves food and wants to share it with Laurie, but that’s easier said than done), and his easy confidence and acceptance of some measure of public awareness leaves Laurie terrified that a repeat of the body shaming & bullying he experienced in school is imminent.

As Laurie and Oryan slowly find that their connection could be something special, they realize they each have work to do on themselves and in their relationship—and find that they’ll have to stand up for themselves and each other if they want a future together.

While their romance—and love of food—is the center of Hungry Heart, Laurie’s flatmate Pepper, their queer, eclectic group of friends and his family/parent issues really expand the story, adding an entertaining (and sometimes frustrating!) view into why Laurie’s struggling and where he needs to grow. Oryan’s delightfully aloof cat, protective sister Amma and loving family flesh out Oryan’s inner life. Peeks into those conversations shed light on how he can be simultaneously so confident yet disconnected from his inner self, even a little afraid. It’s a visually and emotionally satisfying graphic novel, unique and lovely.

Laurie, a food critic, gets to interview chef of the moment Oryan. Despite a somewhat awkward introduction, they slowly grow closer together.

There is so much to love about this graphic novel! From a truly diverse cast to the warm and inviting art style that perfectly fits the story. I devoured it in one sitting. The natural flow to the story and dialogue just kept me turning page after page.

It is invaluable for any person with a marginalized identity to see (parts of) themself represented in stories. As a disabled, pansexual person with an eating disorder I have never seen so many of them come together in a single story. Just like Oryan feels seen by Laurie, I feel seen by the author, because of what they put down on paper.

“I would describe myself as pansexual.” “But explaining that to people... ….it's easier to let people think I'm bisexual than it is to correct them.”

The devil is in the details. From the lighter skin on the palms of the black people in this story, to the person in the wheelchair not being able to attend the rooftop party. These little inclusions show Milton is giving us true representation, and not just lip service.

The romance is very sweet and develops naturally over the course of the graphic novel. I found myself rooting for the main couple and even feeling some butterflies near the end.

Hungry Heart is perfect for fans of Alice Oseman's Heartstopper and N.D. Stevenson's Nimona.

TW: eating disorder, racism, queerphobia

Thank you Andrews McMeel Publishing and Jem Milton for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.