Could this have been any cuter?
The art is beautiful and colorful, the characters expressive, the dialogue clever and funny. Ben is such a relatable character and the relationships between him and his roommates are a joy to watch, even when they're fighting. The story communicates so well the stress and pressure of figuring out a whole life at a young age. The romance is sweet and (mostly) wholesome. The entire book is a lovely affirming joy to read.
I loved that the story focused on the friends and support Ben has. Life isn't all roses - he faces pressure and toxic behavior from other characters. But rather than giving the majority of the story to the conflict other people cause in his life, Ben's story is allowed to be about him living his best life in spite of that conflict. The story doesn't focus on his overcoming or drowning in the conflict, and that's a rarely enjoyed relief in books aimed at young adults.
My only complaint (and probably unpopular opinion): the increasingly unlikely actions of Watson the pig were jarring for me in the context of a story otherwise very realistic.
I would love to see this book continued in a series!

I loved this! The main character is ridiculously cute and very endearing. This was a joy to read. My only issue is I wish it was longer

Life after university is daunting; from job hunting to interviews to the heavy weight of eyes and expectations, setting foot into the world of adulthood is nothing short of a challenge. Chef's Kiss tells exactly that story: Ben's fresh out of school and taking on the world of employment with his friends. Heavy with the subtle rejection for early every writing job he applied for (seriously, how are you going to get three years of experience when you've just graduated), his beacon of hope comes in the form of a restaurant with an unconventional head taster — and a very cute boy.

From start to finish, this story gives off a very warm and homey feeling that the artstyle was able to capture really well. The dialogue between the characters were evidence of how close they were, and being privy to the group's inside jokes were a delight. Although there were parts where I felt like the text was taking up the bulk of the page, I really enjoyed this graphic novel. Would like to personally give my thanks to the illustrators behind this as it was very much eye candy - the details in the backgrounds giving more inside to each of the characters' personalities, the environments, and the timing when to utilize the two-page spread.

Highly recommend to anyone wanting to take a breather from life and just read something that's just... *chef's kiss* 🤌🤌

Big thanks to the publisher for providing me this ARC via NetGalley. This does not in any shape or form influence my review on this book.

A newly-graduated English major, Ben is determined to find a writing job … trouble is, nobody wants to hire him without progressional experience. When he happens upon a restaurant that is hiring (no experience needed!), he jumps at the opportunity. When he’s given a series of tasks to prove himself, he throws himself into the challenge, honing his once-casual interest in cooking into a passion. It doesn’t hurt that the sous-chef, Liam, is incredibly easy on the eyes (and charming to boot)! Dealing with increasing pressure from his parents to find a ‘real career,’ along with the stress of the restaurant’s owner, Chef Davis, Ben is forced to decide: what does he really want to do in life? Should he choose the path his parents chose for him, or one that he forged himself? Or … can he do it all?

I’ve found that I really enjoy the intersection of romance and cooking, and I adore the graphic novels ‘Check, Please!’ and ‘Bloom,’ so I’m happy to report that this was right up my alley! Great art, a sweet storyline, and a hilarious taste tester … super glad I read this book.

I received an advanced copy of this graphic novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Publishing March 1, 2022.

In this graphic novel, we follow Ben who is struggling to find a job after graduating until he stumbles upon a job that he would never expect to love.

This was so cute!!!! The illustrations were beautiful and I loved all the characters. If anything, I just wish it was longer but I still enjoyed it.

I rated it 4 stars :)

Thank you Netgalley and Publishers for an advanced copy of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this graphic novel more than anticipated since I had little to no expectations going into it. It's an adorable quick read that you shouldn't read on an empty stomach as all the food descriptions sounded amazing. Hats off to the illustrator as I loved the vibrant design choices used. This novel wouldn't have done well in a black and white or very monotone scheme since the visual of the food in the kitchen is what brought this book to life.

My one con keeping it from being a five-star read is the pacing. I understand it's a short novel but I felt some scenes that were brushed over could've had more and some scenes went on too long.

Otherwise, I highly recommend this quick read for anyone that's need a kickstart to their 2022 reading goals!

This book was provided by Netgalley, but the thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

An aspiring editor/writer named Ben Cook can't find an entry level job in that field, so he takes a job as a cook. Yes, Cook the cook is on the nose and a joke used by Ben's love interest.

I don't generally read graphic novels, but I do enjoy them. This was just too short for me. Or maybe it was too simple. Something was missing.

The side characters were fun and supportive, the chef job and all the antics were funny (actually maybe a bit ridiculous), and there is the tiniest amount of angst between Ben and Liam (the love interest).

I think part of my issue is that the romance isn't as fully developed as it could be. For instance, they go on dates, but we aren't privy to any of the conversation that happens. We don't get to see them getting to know each other outside of where they work.

It's a cute story and Ben learns more about himself and what he wants from life. This is done well. And overall I did enjoy it.

I also really enjoyed the art. This is part of why I enjoy graphic novels. I get to see what the characters and scenes look like to the author/creator. And the artist did a lovely job providing pretty and descriptive images for the story.

Also, Watson is adorable.

Chef's Kiss is not just a Graphic Novel with beautiful illustrations, but also a story that feels utterly relatable.
The time after graduating college can feel like a black hole of nothing because so many jobs require experience, but how is one supposed to acquire experience without a job.
This is where we meet Ben, after losing hope due to being turned down for jobs in the journalistic field he comes across a vacancy for a sous-chef in a restaurant, no experience necessary.
We also get to meet the people in Ben’s life who truly are a unique and fleshed out cast of characters that bring enormous charm to the story.
My only gripe, the Chef of the restaurant is very toxic and it is sad that Ben’s parents are not supportive of him in his time of need and uncertainty. Also, I felt like the ending was a bit rushed.

Thank you Netgalley, Oni Press and the author Jarrett Melendez for the opportunity to read this Graphic Novel as an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

** A copy of Chef's Kiss was provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review **

I thoroughly enjoyed this graphic novel for its art style and story. It's a wholesome look at being twenty-something, finding your passion, and having supportive friends. It's filled with just the right amounts of warmth, humour and fluff. And oh, Watson is a pretty adorable pig too! If you want something light and cosy, I recommend Chef's Kiss!

Ben has recently graduated and moved into a new home with a group of friends, and he is desperately looking for a job. He has plenty of interviews lined up, but how is he supposed to have achieved years of professional experience while being fresh out of university? Just as he's about to give up all hope of finding a job, he comes across a 'No experience needed' sign in a restaurant window. Now, not only does Ben have a potential new job (if he can pass the head chef's challenges), but maybe even a new crush?

Oh my gosh Chef's Kiss was cute. It's an adult graphic novel, and the art is beautiful. Not only that, the story is engaging and highly enjoyable, and laugh out loud funny at times. I loved the friendship dynamic of Ben's group and I really related to his difficulties in trying to get a job in a market that demands years of experience for 21-year-olds going into entry-level positions. As the novel goes on, we come to learn more about the pressures Ben is facing from his parents too, which added an extra layer of depth to the story. Sometimes I felt the head chef's aggression was somewhat over the top, but I wonder if that was a case of the style of humour going over my head a little. This was my first graphic novel read in a long time, and I loved it.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a fre eARC of Chef's Kiss. These opinions are my own.

What a great queer new adult romance!! I loved this graphic novel about Ben and his close friend group who live together trying to figure out life, love and work! Very LGBTQI+ positive and wow oh wow do I get why Ben is attracted to working at a local restaurant!! Liam is HOT! When Ben gets turned down for every job he applies for because he has no experience, he answers a help wanted ad and is hired on a trial basis to work at a restaurant. Full of quirky characters (including a PIG!), great supportive friendships and a swoony romantic love interest. Highly recommended, especially for fans of Reality cooking style shows or the comic series Heartstopper. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance review copy! This book was a surprise delight!!

Chef's Kiss manages to capture the twenty something post college job seeking nerves in SUCH a real way. It can be SO disheartening to go after job after job that your degree prepared you for only to have the lack of real world experience hold you back. This is an experience I've had, all of my friends have had. It was like it was ripped from our real lives and laid out on the page. And to see a character struggle like you have, feel down about themselves like you have and come out of it with a discovered passion and a little sense of direction, it gives you hope! This is so much more than a silly little graphic novel with a cute queer romance. (though the silly sweet romance is an EXCELLENT part of this book). And the integration of the friend group who love and support each other like family. even when they are in a fight is such a beautiful addition. I think this book is a required read for anyone who feels like they are flailing. Day dreaming about the delicious meals and the food critic pig and the main character who figured himself out and found a cute partner to boot is like a shot of dopamine right where you need it.

This was a fun and easy read. The art was so beautiful throughout. I thought the story was predictable but still pretty cute. I would have liked a little bit more from the love interest; I didn't think we got to know him very well. Him and the roommates felt too underdeveloped. The final conflict resolved very quickly. I also thought some of the stuff with Watson was a little too silly for me. Overall though, this was well worth the read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my review copy! The graphic novel is out on March 1st, 2022.

Unfortunately, this one just didn't capture my attention in the digital format. The artwork alone is worth three stars though --and I'll definitely be giving it another shot with a print edition.

Chef's Kiss is an absolutely adorable story. It's SO CUTE and I got super invested in the characters right away. Not to mention Watson the pig is the absolute best character. And the illustrations of the food made me so hungry. It makes me feel like I need to cook something.

This is a fun, cute graphic novel perfect for fans of Heartstopper. The images are beautiful and add a lot to the story. The story itself is a little basic, with a mostly predictable storyline, besides the pig's backstory, however the book gives all the warm and fuzzy feelings of new love.

This was such a lovely comic with a lovely narrative and rich graphics.

The story follows Ben who is a recently graduated English major looking to find a job in the field only to be denied due to lack of experience. After a terrible job interview he stumbles upon a restaurant looking for chef apprentice without any experience needed. Ben goes in an is interviewed by Liam whom Ben develops an instant crush on.

The story is about doing out what you love even though you never though you would and of life taking you in a different direction.

The reason why it didn't quite make the maximum rating is because I found the Chef character and trails really OTT. I wasn't a fan of Ben's BFFs attitude not his toxic parents. I thought that the resolution on the conflict on both BFF and parents was a little rushed.

Liam is BAE though I wish there was a bit more character development on his side and not just a really hot visual...because Liam is a gift from the Norse Gods.

Overall I really loved it and were this to be continued into a series I'd definitely keep my eye out.

**I received an electronic ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for honest review.**

Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read with a sweet romance.

I enjoyed that the story was about the immediate post-college stress of trying to work out what to do with your life but, honestly, I felt like Ben and all of his friends landed on their feet a bit too easily. I would have liked to see more of their difficulties of navigating early adulthood from all of them, not just Ben. That being said, I liked the overall message of this book that you don't have to have it all worked out, and you don't have to have just one thing that you want to do – you can follow what you enjoy and go from there.

I found the pacing of this book to be a bit fast and I felt overwhelmed trying to keep up with everything that was going on as each page felt quite busy. The whole thing with the pig definitely contributed to the manic energy of the novel.

Others have commented on the toxic workplace and the bad attitude from Ben's boss that just got swept aside without ever being addressed. I also felt like his relationship with his parents wasn't addressed or resolved properly. I think this is a side effect of the fast pacing of the book, the story itself is only around 130 pages and a lot is squeezed into that time.

I would have liked to have seen more development in Ben's friends and more of their personalities. They all felt a little like plot points rather than characters in their own rights. The romance, whilst sweet, was also a pretty minor part of the plot and I didn't really have a grasp on who Liam was as a character.

Overall, I enjoyed the experience of reading this novel, but it's not going to be one that really sticks with me.

Oh my Goodness this was absolutely adorable! So sweet and heartwarming! I couldn't stop reading!
Ben has just finished college and he's trying to find a job in his field but finding really hard because everyone asks for experience he doesn't yet have. He's getting desperate when he decides to look for any job. That's how he ends up working as a trainee at a restaurant and where he meets Liam, a handsome sous chef.
The story was beautiful! It really captured the struggles of finding yourself (and a job) when you finish college. I really loved Ben's group of friends and the relationships between them. And the romance was the sweetest.
The artwork was also gorgeous, I adored the artist's style.
I had the absolute best time reading it and I highly recommend it.

**I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for honest review.**

THIS GRAPHIC NOVEL WAS SO CUTE!??
Featuring:
• A+ cullinary content
• cute boys (with top tier romance)
• an iconic friend group
•an adorable pig named watson!!!

It was funny and heart-warming and absolutely adorable. I found myself recommending it to everyone I knew. Such a wonderful pick-me up story! I definitely see myself coming back to it again and again on rainy days.