This book is one of my favorite reads of the year. TJ writes the best food description. I loved the found family, the slow burn, and the pairing.

TJ was a guest on the podcast

Characters: 7/10
Atmosphere: 7/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Plot: 7/10
Intrigue: 7/10
Logic: 7/10
Enjoyment: 7.5/10

Overall Rating: 3.45/5

Instantly loved the representation in this book and the enemies-to-lovers romance.

I couldn’t get into this book. The main character isn’t very likable and I felt the writing was slightly stilted, it never flowed across the page. The plot premise was interesting but the book didn’t deliver, in my opinion.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book! I enjoyed reading about gender identity in the way the book presented it and it was different from other things I read - in the best way. Overall I enjoyed reading this one and cannot wait to read what TJ Alexander writes next!

Overall I enjoyed Chef’s Kiss. I will get this out of the way, gender identity plays an important role in this book and it was presented in a realistic, supportive and compassionate manor.
But at it’s heart Chef’s Kiss is an extremely slow burn romance and I mean really slow burn. I mean its 65% into the book before Simone can even admit her feelings for Ray to herself. I also found Simone not really unlikable, but frustrating. She has no real life outside of work and does not have any real relationships with her coworkers. Her roommate is amazing though. Ray on the other hand I loved and was routing for the entire time.
As I stated this is a slow burn, but in the end it was worth it, I definitely recommend

4.5 stars

I enjoyed this book so much I practically wanted to give it a hug when I finished reading the last page. It's a slow burn romance and rather than get a whole bunch of hot and steamy scenes throughout, the author lays the groundwork for a meaningful connection between the main characters. Taking the time to really get to know someone is a key component of a good romance novel but so often it is overlooked by writers. Good character development and yummy food descriptions made this book a fantastic read.

Simone Larkspur is a pastry expert working for The Discerning Chef, a cookbook publication. Her bosses are looking to draw more interest to the company and have tasked Simone with making demonstration videos. The new test kitchen manager, Ray Lyton, has a cheerful, friendly disposition which doesn't exactly jive well with Simone's 'leave me alone so I can work' attitude. When Ray becomes a viral sensation with their homebrewing videos, the higher ups decides Simone and Ray should work together. What could go wrong? Or maybe the more appropriate question, what could go right?

Ray coming out as nonbinary at work is one of the storylines. The nonbinary and transgender discussions gave the book substance and I liked how it was handled in particular when it came to Simone. I think she falls into the category that many of us find ourselves in, that no matter how enlightened we might think we are, there is still opportunity to learn and grow. Even though the story is told from Simone's perspective, Ray was the heart and soul of the book.

Nonbinary characters are still woefully underrepresented in the romance genre, and frankly all genres. Please do your self a favor, and pick this one up. The story has so much charm to it and really warmed my heart.

Do you have a very specific trope or theme that you love to read? Well, chef or foodie romances are mine. And when Chef's Kiss came on my radar, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it.

I'm glad I finally did, though it didn't quite live up to my expectations of a romcom or a regular romance. Simone's and Ray's romance really was a secondary storyline in this book, taking a backseat to Ray's coming out, Simone's learning curve when it came to Ray being nonbinary, and the transphobia and homophobia within the workplace. While the lack of much romance didn't detract from the book at all, it does feel like a bit of a misnomer to call this a romance book. I may splitting hairs, but I'd categorize this as romantic fiction (there's romance, but it's not the center of the story).

When Simone's and Ray's romance does finally get its time to shine, it is sweet and perfect. Honestly, it had been exactly what I had been waiting for, even if it took forever to actually get there.

Other highlights of the book: Ray (holy cow, what I wouldn't give to have their perspective in all this as well), the side characters (Petey FTW!), filming for Recipe Revamp (some of the funniest scenes), and discussion of being childfree (there just isn't enough of this in romance). Simone learning how to be an ally was very informative, though sometimes it veered into after-school-special territory in the stiffness of the conversation.

What didn't always work for me were Simone's extremes, especially in the first half of the book. She would go from very professional at work to acting almost like a teenager when talking with Luna. It got to the point where I was just vey frustrated with her responses, especially at home. I also wish Simone being bisexual was addressed more - her characteristics (including her anxiety) took a backseat to Ray coming out rather than balancing out the story.

CW: transphobia, homophobia, fat shaming, child abandonment (happens in character's telling of childhood)

Thank you Atria for the gifted copy.

I loved this book! It started out a bit meh, but quickly picked up as I got into the story. Plus, there's a nonbinary character and a bisexual character, and I love seeing that inclusion in romcoms.

Simone is a writer for a food magazine, when they tell her the magazine isn't making money. They are trying to be more modern so they are going to start including video content, which Simone is NOT pleased with. She's a writer, not a "you tube star" (ummm I think many of my Bookstagram friends understand how this feels!!). Plus, there's a new kitchen manager. Ray is a very boisterous person and rubs Simone the wrong way when they suggest a basalmic glaze on the galette Simone is making, combined with how comfortable they are inserting themselves in the kitchen. When a video Ray makes goes viral, Simone is even more aggravated.

Then as Simone gets to know Ray, and realizes they are more than she realizes, she starts to think maybe Ray isn't as bad as she initially thought.

I think Ray would annoy me in real life, as I get anxiety from people that get too comfortable too quickly. But in this story, it worked, and Ray was the highlight of the story for me. The end is the best, and now I need a sequel to see what they do next!

Huge thanks to ATRIA Books, and TJ Alexander for my E-ARC in exchange for the honest review.



The Chef's Kiss was a delightful read. It follows Simone's story, a pastry expert with the dream career of creating new recipes and perfecting bread, but when things go online, Simone is at a loss. On top of that, Simone must deal with Ray, who appears to be desperate to break through Simone's professional façade. When Ray's unintentional video goes viral, there's a lot of tension between the employees and the folks who are supposed to be in charge and a lot of chemistry between Simons and Ray. In addition, their editor-in-chief has determined they should collaborate. Despite her dislike, Simone finds herself may be falling head over heels.



Most of the characters were fascinating since a lot is going on here. Simone was likable, and I liked how she utilized food to express gratitude and care for others. Ray is dealing with coming out as nonbinary, the company's transphobia, and some significant challenges. On the other hand, corporate politics and policies give drama to the plot. Their relationship's chemistry was endearing and honest. All of the food references and funny banter were hilarious. It is a slow-burning love story. Everything is narrated from Simone's point of view, and it takes her a long time to comprehend and express her love for Ray. The book is also informative and engaging in learning about terms and the problems of being nonbinary in a gendered culture.



Overall, I liked witnessing their friendship and connection grow over the novel. It's thoughtful and sweet simultaneously, which is a winning combo. I like the love story, and the characters had a lot of depth and development. The book covers some challenging issues with grace and respect while still allowing for a lighthearted narrative to make you chuckle. Highly recommend it.

Simone has just gotten news that her job is in danger - TDC isn't making money, so they have to pivot to a new way of doing things. Unfortunately, that means that Simone has to start making videos instead of developing and writing about recipes. Ray is the new test kitchen manager and becomes internet famous by accident, so TDC pairs Simone and Ray together to create content and bring in a new audience to save the company. When Ray comes out as non-binary, things at work become really tough for them. Despite her best efforts, Simone falls for Ray and Simone has to choose between a career she used to love and the person she's starting to love.

I have zero complaints, this book was great and I highly suggest reading it. Ray is so fun, and seeing Simone grow and learn was really interesting. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great queer romance.

I was so happy to receive an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review! The grumpy love interest is so my jam and it was so fun to read in this book! I thought the representation of a non binary character was well done and it was an overall enjoyable book!

Chef's Kiss was so delightful.
And for this to be TJs debut novel he totally rocked it!

I was so unbelievably excited to read this book. And it didn't disappoint me either.

I wish I could put into words how amazing this book is.
The characters were genuine and real and you could feel their emotions jump off the pages. This has two stellar, amazing leads.
I couldn't put it down.
Fantastic read with just the right balance of wit, spice, heart and honesty.
I felt all the feels and then had me swooning while also inspiring some interesting thoughts and opening my mind to some things.
Chef's Kiss is a charming, story with some pretty awesome, fun, light & humorous tone.

Overall, this was a great debut novel with wonderful writing an engaging story that I think many will enjoy.

I need this book on my shelf and have to purchase it now

Atria/Emily Bestler Books,
Thank you so much for this eARC.
Sorry I missed pub day.
But I will have it posted today. :)
Thank You!

Insert joke about how this book is the chef’s kiss.

Simone likes being left alone while working on her recipes and baking for her job at The Discerning Chef. Falling subscriber numbers inspire her bosses to make all of their writers create a web series. Simone hates this change. It doesn’t help that the new kitchen manager, Ray, is far too much sunshine for Simone to handle. However, once the two of them go in front of the camera, something magical happens.

This book sounds lighthearted, and it can be, but it also doesn’t shy away from deeper topics. The big one is that Ray is nonbinary. When they come out, the way Simone sees her coworkers and her dream job changes. There are discussions about what it means to fight for your place.

Simone and Ray’s romance is sweet. Simone thinks Ray doesn’t like her, but you can easily tell that Ray does, but they don’t believe Simone is interested. They have these cute moments together where the longing is the right amount.

This review is based on an advanced reader copy provided by Katelyn Phillips for an honest review.

Three cheers for Simone (and Ray)! Flawed in her own ways but fiercely loyal, loving, and passionate. Anyone would be lucky to have a friend like that. What I loved about this book was that it showed all varying shades of hate as well as those of allyship without being preachy. It’s romance and while that’s a driving plot point, it’s not the whole story – there’s a big focus on Simone’s job, workplace dynamics and prejudice. We only hear Simone’s POV but we’re privy to a lot through her experience and relationship with Ray. Ray is such an endearing character with a huge personality that feels like they would light up any room they’re in and makes you want to protect them fiercely, as Simone does (though they can take care of themself just fine). I loved all the food references and wish the book came with recipes in the end. Only a couple of things niggled at me- I wanted to know more about Luna…maybe a future book for her? and I also wanted a bit more from Simone’s growth arc. On the whole, a wonderful book with an important message.

Short summary: Simone is living her dream as a pastry chef in a test kitchen until her world is thrown upside down by Ray the new kitchen manager, and even more so when they’re encouraged to produce YouTube videos together. When Ray comes out as nonbinary at work, colleagues’ true personalities are revealed and Simone starts to question the status quo as well as her feelings for Ray.

Thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to @atriabooks for my gifted copy of Chef’s Kiss, by TJ Alexander! This sweet book about a chef who has to pivot when her company changes how they do things comes out on May 3rd.

Y’all, I just adored this book. It was such a sweet book, full of funny lines, great banter, and wonderful friendships. Definitely throw this one in your beach or pool bag this summer! My favorite thing about Chef’s Kiss though, was the character development and growth. Simone was quite the person. She had to change and move with the times, and I loved her journey throughout the book.

Would you ever compete on a cooking show? Nailed It is probably the only one I could compete on.

This one does have a few trigger warnings, so please DM me for them.

Touched a very delicate and important topic and reiterated the importance of respecting a person as a whole and who they identify with. Its extremely important to respect and use one’s pronouns and understand and respect their perspective. Although Simone was a part of the lgbtq+ community she still had a lot to learn when interacting with Ray, without offending. A cute story about growth between both characters.

I really enjoyed this grumpy/sunshine, workplace romance between Simone, a bisexual recipe tester and Ray, the nonbinary kitchen manager forced to work together to save their food magazine. This book has such great queer rep! Simone likes to keep her sexuality under wraps at work and is disgruntled when cheery Ray joins the team and comes out as openly nonbinary. Trying to fight her growing attraction to Ray, Simone does her best to be a supportive ally at work amidst growing transphobia while also helping Ray recover from top surgery. At times the book felt a little like a primer on how to be a queer ally but I was still really rooting for Simone and Ray to find their HEA. Perfect for fans of Love & other disasters by Anita Kelly or Love from scratch by Kaitlyn Hill. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance review copy!

Simone is working her dream job as a pastry chef for the test kitchen of a cookbook publisher—until her boss fires the marketing department and replaces them with a video crew. The last thing introverted Simone wants is appear on video. When she's paired up with kitchen manager Ray, after Ray's videos go viral, Simone starts to feel like things might be okay. But when Ray comes out as nonbinary to a less than supportive response, Simone realizes how toxic the workplace situation has become. Can the two of them find a safe place to land?

This is a sweet, slow burn romance with a strong voice and an entertaining cast of characters. The romance grows organically out of a workplace relationship that evolves into a supportive friendship. Simone is very closed off in the beginning, while Ray is cheerful and outgoing. It's sweet how Simone blossoms under Ray's influence.

I would characterize this book as emotional but not angsty. There are some difficult moments, like when a character deadnames Ray. Mostly, though, this book is about characters supporting each other and growing as a result.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This is a highly enjoyable book! Simone is the pastry chef at The Discerning Chef, which has been publishing cookbooks and magazines for nearly 70 years. She prefers to company of her sourdough starter over most people, including her co-workers. When the magazine falls on hard times, the mercurial editor decides to launch a video series, with Simone as one of the stars. These videos do not make much of a mark. But when the staff inadvertently uploads a video featuring the annoying (to Simone) new test kitchen manager, Ray, making homebrew on the official channel, it becomes a huge hit. So the editor decides to pair Simone and Ray on a video series that becomes popular. As the two spend more time together, and learn more about each other, it begins to dawn on Simone that she wants to be more than work friends with Ray -- even if it means pushing out of her comfort zone.

This is a fun premise for the book, and the author does a terrific job brining it to life. Simone and Ray are very different but both great characters to spend time with. The book does a great job of balancing comedy and exploration of serious issues.

Highly recommended!

This book was truly the embodiment of the Chef's kiss emoji! I LOVED everything from the inclusivity, the angst, the emotions, the friendships, and how it was a romance plus something else entirely. The book takes the reader on a ride from magazine publishing to social media famous using the platform of both cooking and queerness in the best way. Simone and Ray were a perfectly balanced opposites attract couple in a workplace. With one being the rigid rule follower and the other being the life of the party social butterfly and yet in moderation they were an ideal blend. I loved how the author managed to give the reader layers upon layers to uncover about them both. For a while I wasn't sure if this was a romance but then the romance stuff really hit and i was blown away.