I tried really hard to get into this one but couldn't. I only listened to 11% before I had to shelve it.

Thank you NetGalley for the advance listen in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is most definitely a new storyline for me. It was a good deep dive into addiction and fame in the restaurant industry. The characters are well defined and relatable. And the plot really has you invested until the last page. You just really want them all to succeed and make it out the other side. It doesn't hurt that his book will have you drooling over all the food.

Overall, this is a story of redemption and starting over. It was both heart breaking and heartwarming. I definitely recommend this book.

Thank you, NetGalley and HarperAudio Adult | HarperAudio, for the audio ARC!

queenie b was a super interesting read. I loved the character study and the writing felt propulsive. I'd read more from the author.

I had mixed feelings going into this one, but overall I enjoyed the story, especially Queenie’s journey. One thing that didn’t work for me was the main character talking to his dead friend in his head—it just felt like a strange choice that pulled me out of the story at times. I also found it confusing that he had a girlfriend who barely showed up in the book. Her presence didn’t seem to serve much purpose and other than to make the book longer.

What I did love was the competition aspect—it was fun, high-energy, and brought out the best and worst in the characters. Most of all, I appreciated Queenie’s growth. When she hit a rough patch, she didn’t stay down. She found a way to give back, rebuild, and redefine herself. Her resilience and generosity were powerful to witness, especially as the book explored how fame can change people—for better or worse.
A solid read with some flaws, but Queenie’s transformation made it worth it.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A heartfelt story of redemption, food, and second chances, this book delivers on warmth and flavor. Regina’s journey from celebrity chef to humble soup kitchen cook is compelling, and Gale’s character arc adds depth. However, the plot hits familiar beats and the pacing occasionally drags. While it doesn’t break new ground, it’s an enjoyable read—especially if you love stories about found family and the healing power of good food.

✨ My Review of Didn’t You Use to Be Queenie B? by Terri-Lynne DeFino
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5/5)

Okay, I didn’t expect this book to hit me the way it did—but wow. I fell in love with Queenie B. Not because she had it all together (spoiler: she doesn’t), but because she’s raw, messy, funny, and real in a way that felt so relatable.

This is a story about second chances and finding yourself again—even when your past is loud and your present feels a little lost. It’s not just another redemption arc; it’s layered with friendship, forgiveness, and that bittersweet feeling of looking back while trying to move forward. I found myself rooting for Queenie like she was a friend I hadn’t seen in years.

The writing is warm and witty, and the audiobook was chef’s kiss—the narrator really brings Queenie’s voice to life. I laughed, teared up, and had to pause more than once to reflect (or just sip my coffee and breathe for a sec).

If you’ve ever felt like you’re rebuilding, figuring things out mid-life, or trying to make peace with the woman you used to be—this book is for you. Highly recommend.

Didn’t You Use to Be Queenie B?
By: Allison Raskin

The vibes:
- dual POV of 2 chefs—a once famous chef trying to find the real her and a younger chef getting started in the industry
- both have had their own struggles with addiction

This book was not what I was expecting and not my usual read! The focus was very much on addiction, the culinary world, and redemption.

The audiobook narrator was really good!

Content warnings: drug and alcohol addiction/relapse, absent parent

Thank you to NetGalley & the author for access to this ARC in return for my honest review!

DIDN'T YOU USE TO BE QUEENIE B? is an underrated feel-great read about the power of healing through cooking, and the luck of a second chance.

There have been several cooking stories that have turned into cultural phenomena: Kitchen Confidential and The Bear both come to mind. But it's about time that we get a second-chance comeback kitchen story from a woman's perspective, and there's no one better to step into that role than Queenie B. Once a mash-up of Gordon Ramsay and Martha Stewart, Queenie B had it all... until her party behavior and drinking problem stole her husband, son, and cooking empire out from under her. The public thinks that Queenie is gone forever, until a young chef named Gale, in recovery himself, finds himself crossing paths with a New Haven soup kitchen... one that seems to have food of immeasurable quality. As Gale gets to know its owner, Regina, he sees her as a beacon to model his own wrong-doings and demons against, and, with her mentorship, ends up with the chance to compete on a Chopped-style cooking competition. But as Gale's career begins to rise, more and more people get the chance to meet his mentor, who just isn't sure she's ready for the spotlight again...

I fell in love with author Terri-Lynne DeFino through her previous novel, the heartwarming family dramedy VARINA PALLADINO'S JERSEY-ITALIAN LOVE STORY. The author, who sure loves a mouthful of a title, knows how to express the importance of food as a breeding ground for community and company, and by setting her novel in the world of competitive cooking, she brings that thesis even closer to the center of her work. This is a story that feels ripe for cinematic adaptation: It's got a pair of anti-heroes with nothing to love, mouthwatering moments, a second chance love story... this plate's got all the major food groups on it. It explores the incredibly resonant arc of what it means to be in recovery, from whatever your vice of choice is, and does not shy away from revealing the difficulties of staying clean, even if it means compromising the characters in this novel. DIDN'T YOU USE TO BE QUEENIE B? is a beach read with major oomph, a story that will leave you full and satisfied and grateful you had a chance to taste it.

This book was not what I expected at all. I wanted it to be a little bit more juicy or at least rely on humor. But it was way more straight lined. It was super interesting to hear about the insides of the cooking life. I didn't realize it was such a "struggling artist" profession. After the initial chapter it took way too long to hear more about Queenie B and her past. Similarly the voice that Gale keeps speaking with. I'm a huge reality tv buff so I loved the Cut! Behind the scenes. Overall, I think this book is well written and tells a good story. It just wasn't necessarily my style - I prefer to keep things either super dark or very humorous and light hearted. Definitely recommend if you want a solid redemption story!

This is a story of loss, forgiveness and moving forward. I loved the chef/kitchen references that started each chapter…I learned a few things! I fell in love with all the characters. I found myself cheering them on and hoping for fresh starts.

Many thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book was such a fun story. I really enjoyed following the FMC's character arc. I also love the color and art on the cover. such a beautiful book with a beautiful cover.

Highly recommend! This is an amazing story about food, restaurants, found family and redemption. I loved reading about the culinary world and the delicious food descriptions. And I loved the characters- flawed and complex as they are.
Regina Benuzzi had a traumatic childhood but had risen to the top of the culinary world as a chef and head of a food empire. Struggles with addiction cause her to massively fall from grace and Regina (aka Queenie B) disappears from the spotlight and is living under the radar while running a food kitchen serving those in need. Gale Carmichael, aspiring and talented chef- as well as a fellow addict- comes on the scene while visiting the soup kitchen for a meal and to volunteer. Regina ends up mentoring Gale and helps him hone his skills as he prepares to compete in a culinary reality competition show. Through it all, there are strong themes of found family, lasting addiction struggles, and redemption. I loved this book and highly recommend it!

Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity to listen to an advanced copy of the audiobook.

I enjoyed the story, but found the alternating POVs to be a bit confusing and disjointed.

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for this ARC.

Terri-Lynne DeFino's *Didn't You Use to Be Queenie B?* is a heartfelt exploration of redemption, identity, and the healing power of food. The novel centers on Regina Benuzzi, once the celebrated Queenie B—a culinary superstar with Michelin-starred restaurants and a media empire—who retreats into obscurity after a public downfall. Now running a soup kitchen in New Haven, she crosses paths with Gale Carmichael, a young, newly sober line cook seeking purpose. Their mentor-protégé relationship becomes a catalyst for both to confront their pasts and seek second chances.

What Works:

DeFino excels in crafting complex, relatable characters. Regina's gruff exterior and Gale's earnest vulnerability create a dynamic that is both compelling and authentic. The narrative delves into themes of addiction, loss, and personal growth with sensitivity and depth. Additionally, the vivid descriptions of food and kitchen life add a rich layer to the storytelling, making the culinary world come alive.

What Falls Short:

The title of the novel is grammatically incorrect, which is a huge miss. The pacing of the novel is uneven, with certain sections dragging and potentially testing the reader's patience. Some plot developments, particularly surrounding the cooking competition show "Cut!", feel predictable and lack the tension that could have elevated the narrative. Moreover, while the characters are well-developed, the story occasionally leans heavily into familiar redemption tropes, which may diminish its impact for some readers.

Final Verdict:

*Didn't You Use to Be Queenie B?* offers a poignant look at the complexities of starting over and the bonds that can form in unexpected places. While it doesn't break new ground in the genre, its emotional resonance and character-driven narrative make it a worthwhile read for those interested in stories of personal transformation and the redemptive power of mentorship.

4.25
Regina is a former celebrity chef who had a fall from grace. She was on top of the world until her addiction took over her life. She lost her career, her husband and her son. She decides to open a soup kitchen in order to pay back society. She is hiding from the world and hoping no one will recognize her. Gale is a line cook and a former addict. He goes to a soup kitchen and finds amazing food. He starts volunteering and learning from Regina. She becomes his mentor.

This is very well written. I was interested from the start. It’s a dual perspective. And though the mmc are both former addicts, they are likeable.it’s great for fans of redemption and forgiveness. i listened to
It in one sitting. I’m a big fan of Chopped and the Bear.i will be recommending this book. I think it would be a good book club read. I’m excited to see more from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Audio for providing me the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

This book deserves more hype. It’s a story of second chances, redemption and sobriety after spiraling addictions, mentorship, honing a craft, and learning to forgive yourself.

It’s important to know going in that this book is about addiction. The book blurb doesn’t really explain it, but it’s a major theme of the book. The author writes about the struggles of sobriety with honesty and care, and because of that, the characters feel fully real and well developed.

While it’s a book about food, the writing about the food feels unique. It isn’t necessarily about taste or texture. Instead, it focuses on the act of cooking itself: the dicing, the sautéing, the rhythm and flow of the skill. It captures the physicality of creating food in a way that feels almost meditative.

I also really liked how the author kept some moments in the plot hazy and others were vivid and specific. It created a natural focal point and drew me in.

The audiobook narrator brought the story to life. Each character felt distinct and layered, which added to how fleshed out everything felt.

The only thing I didn’t love was the voice inside Gale’s head. I know it was meant to be his conscience, but it felt more like something that needed psychiatric evaluation. I also don’t know why the book cover is pink, as that wasn’t one of Queenie B’s signature colors or anything.

Didn't you Use to be Queenie B is a must for any Food Network fan. It follows Regina Benuzzi, a former celebrity chef known as Queenie B, who is no longer seen in public after a fall from grace. She later shows up in a soup kitchen of all places, where she crosses paths with Gale Carmichael, someone who has his own skeletons in the closet.

In the same vein as The Bear, like Carmie and Syndney, Queenie takes him under her wing and teaches him everything he knows.

The way the book described Queenie, Id imagine she'd looked like Nigella Lawson.

I really enjoyed this book and could see it being made into a movie or TV series.

This was an unexpected like for me, I started listening to and almost immediately put it down because I didn’t think it would be something I’d enjoy. I’m so glad I didn’t!
Thank You to Netgally and Harper Audio Adult for this ARC.
Regina Benuzzi used to have it all, she was a celebrity chef who let the life get the best of her falling into a life of drugs and alcohol. After she hit rock bottom she disappeared from that work and started to work in a soup kitchen where things were simpler. Along comes Gale Carmichael a line cook with potential, but who is also newly sober after a traumatic experience with his best friend. Regina sees what he has to offer and helps mentor him.
I enjoyed how Defino delves into the culinary world and looks at the dark gritty parts of it. She deals with a hard subject of addition and sobriety with grace. I enjoyed her writing and character development. This was a really well written book, definitely recommend.

Queenie B was a famous TV chef, after some unwanted celebrity attention she went back to her own name is and she's laying low running a soup kitchen. When someone recognizes her, life gets messy again. I really liked this book; it was deeper than I was expecting it to be. I highly recommend it!

This was a beautifully layered, emotionally honest read about redemption, healing, and the power of found family.

After a string of rough years, Gale is newly sober and trying to rebuild his life, one fragile step at a time. Haunted by the overdose of his best friend, he struggles with guilt, self-doubt, and the overwhelming feeling that he’s not worthy of a second chance. Enter Regina—a former celebrity chef who gave up fame after her own battles with addiction derailed her life. Now running a soup kitchen funded by her past success, she sees something in Gale that reminds her of herself.

Regina offers Gale more than just a job as her sous chef—she offers him belief, stability, and something he’s been missing: a sense of belonging. As their connection deepens, Regina begins to see Gale not just as a project, but as someone she genuinely cares for, almost like the son she’s distanced herself from. For both of them, their relationship becomes a quiet, powerful redemption arc.

This story handles addiction and recovery with compassion and realism, showing that healing isn’t linear, and sometimes the people we least expect can help us find our footing. Gale’s journey is raw, vulnerable, and inspiring, while Regina’s role adds depth, warmth, and a reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Audio for this free advanced audio copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.