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Yes, Chef
I've sworn off romantic relationships, stifling family expectations, and self-doubt. The trifecta, really.
Returning home to run the family business is inevitable, but that doesn't mean I can't spend some time carving my own path of culinary success. In Paris. Because who doesn't love Paris? Because Paris has the best food scene in the world. And I want to earn this my way. Dammit.
Not to brag, but the first four months of living abroad and working at one of the chicest, up-and-coming restaurants in France — everything is going exactly as planned. I go to the market every morning, I run my own schedule, and I don't have to think about my cheating ex or Meredith-Blake-of-a-Mother. Croissant and espresso every morning? A given. Living abroad has been perfect. It's the Nancy Meyers' Dream.
That is, until a tall, all-American golden boy enters my space as the new Head Chef of Teaks. Chef James Sullivan is too attractive for his own good, and I've strictly written off workplace romances.
But, lucky for me, he only chooses to acknowledge my presence when he's critiquing my work every five minutes. Maybe I can tune out those broad shoulders and denim blue eyes....if only those eyes would stop staring at me so intently.
Au Revoir
- Claire Richards
"Yes, Chef" is an upbeat, closed-door sizzling-with-chemistry, romantic comedy that will have you believing in the magic of a 90's Rom-Com again.
Returning home to run the family business is inevitable, but that doesn't mean I can't spend some time carving my own path of culinary success. In Paris. Because who doesn't love Paris? Because Paris has the best food scene in the world. And I want to earn this my way. Dammit.
Not to brag, but the first four months of living abroad and working at one of the chicest, up-and-coming restaurants in France — everything is going exactly as planned. I go to the market every morning, I run my own schedule, and I don't have to think about my cheating ex or Meredith-Blake-of-a-Mother. Croissant and espresso every morning? A given. Living abroad has been perfect. It's the Nancy Meyers' Dream.
That is, until a tall, all-American golden boy enters my space as the new Head Chef of Teaks. Chef James Sullivan is too attractive for his own good, and I've strictly written off workplace romances.
But, lucky for me, he only chooses to acknowledge my presence when he's critiquing my work every five minutes. Maybe I can tune out those broad shoulders and denim blue eyes....if only those eyes would stop staring at me so intently.
Au Revoir
- Claire Richards
"Yes, Chef" is an upbeat, closed-door sizzling-with-chemistry, romantic comedy that will have you believing in the magic of a 90's Rom-Com again.
312 pages, Paperback
First published August 3, 2023
57 people are currently reading
1447 people want to read
About the author
Waitlyn Andrews
3 books96 followersI'm a 30-something-year-old who misses the romantic optimism of a good '90s rom-com. Since I hope you'll read my books more than my bio, I'll spare you the run-on-sentences about who I am and give you some bullet points for what I'm about:
- HEA or I walk
- Strong female leads chasing a goal are more fun to cheer on
- Reformed Rakes do make for the best husbands, as Mrs. Bridgerton promised
- Miscommunication and cheating tropes make my skin crawl
- If I could live in a Nancy Meyers movie forever, I would. Specifically Parent Trap and Father of the Bride
- If I had to choose between the mountains or the ocean...I wouldn't. I love them both too much.
- I take the phrase “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies...The man who never reads lives only one.” a little too seriously. I live vicariously through my character's occupations
That should give you a fairly decent set of expectations for the kind of books I write. If you're still curious, well...read the books. :)
- HEA or I walk
- Strong female leads chasing a goal are more fun to cheer on
- Reformed Rakes do make for the best husbands, as Mrs. Bridgerton promised
- Miscommunication and cheating tropes make my skin crawl
- If I could live in a Nancy Meyers movie forever, I would. Specifically Parent Trap and Father of the Bride
- If I had to choose between the mountains or the ocean...I wouldn't. I love them both too much.
- I take the phrase “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies...The man who never reads lives only one.” a little too seriously. I live vicariously through my character's occupations
That should give you a fairly decent set of expectations for the kind of books I write. If you're still curious, well...read the books. :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 440 reviews
July 15, 2023
I see no bias in my review as the husband of this author but I’d give this book 10 stars if I could!
I think the tall blonde, blue eyed MMC is quite a catch. I just found him super relatable for some reason, minus the Michelin star… yet.
I can never say no to a closed door, cinnamon roll, grumpy sunshine, slow burn from the 2-3 I’ve read so far in my life. But from my extensive exposure, this one lands right up there with “the Cheat Sheet”, “Love, Theoretically,“ and all the other greats.
Can’t wait for more to come from this extremely talented, and dare I say beautiful author.
I did not receive a copy of this ARC from net galley, I got it from the author herself. Who is my wife. This Goodreads account is for the sole purpose of amping up her books.
I think the tall blonde, blue eyed MMC is quite a catch. I just found him super relatable for some reason, minus the Michelin star… yet.
I can never say no to a closed door, cinnamon roll, grumpy sunshine, slow burn from the 2-3 I’ve read so far in my life. But from my extensive exposure, this one lands right up there with “the Cheat Sheet”, “Love, Theoretically,“ and all the other greats.
Can’t wait for more to come from this extremely talented, and dare I say beautiful author.
I did not receive a copy of this ARC from net galley, I got it from the author herself. Who is my wife. This Goodreads account is for the sole purpose of amping up her books.
June 4, 2024
if you’re into food and elite restaurants
👩🍳 ….. then this is a nice light entertainment for you. Though it’s true it has its moments of angst you will not only feel but identify with. Nevertheless most of the time it’s about food, self-discovery and true blue relationship discovery.
He’s (apparently) not that into you/he’s (obviously) very into you trope.
It was enough story at 75%. There was an awful lot of repetition - we don’t have to hear 100x that he’s picked up your croissant and espresso, or that he has denim blue eyes, or how much he likes your mousse, or that you have butterflies 🦋 again and again.
👨🍳 But some of you will have fun with it just as I did.
2.75 rounded up
💕The best gift reading gives to me is not the over-inflated sunshiny rainbows I claimed the other day when talking to James. It's empathy. Reading gives you a rare insight into the motives behind why people do what they do, and since I've started devouring books at an insatiable rate, I feel like I have more capacity for understanding why people act in certain ways 💕 (Waitlyn Andrews)
👩🍳 ….. then this is a nice light entertainment for you. Though it’s true it has its moments of angst you will not only feel but identify with. Nevertheless most of the time it’s about food, self-discovery and true blue relationship discovery.
He’s (apparently) not that into you/he’s (obviously) very into you trope.
It was enough story at 75%. There was an awful lot of repetition - we don’t have to hear 100x that he’s picked up your croissant and espresso, or that he has denim blue eyes, or how much he likes your mousse, or that you have butterflies 🦋 again and again.
👨🍳 But some of you will have fun with it just as I did.
2.75 rounded up
💕The best gift reading gives to me is not the over-inflated sunshiny rainbows I claimed the other day when talking to James. It's empathy. Reading gives you a rare insight into the motives behind why people do what they do, and since I've started devouring books at an insatiable rate, I feel like I have more capacity for understanding why people act in certain ways 💕 (Waitlyn Andrews)
July 15, 2023
Perfect blend of foodie heaven, Paris, and romance!
If you’ve ever wanted to experience ‘behind the scenes’ in a restaurant kitchen, this is the book for you.
In this food-focused romcom, Andrews made it easy for me to become part of the team as they focused on their goal of obtaining a Michelin star. I was instantly wrapped up in the intricate relationships that exist within the restaurant and privy to the reality of working behind the scenes in the service industry. I discovered the stress of shopping daily for the menu of the day and the camaraderie that blossomed between the staff and the suppliers. I learned new terms and my inner foodie was excited. I liked the experience of juggling living abroad, with parental expectations, working towards a career goal and indulging in romance. The chapter titles were a nice touch and kept me focused with each chapter.
This closed-door culinary fiction was the perfect distraction this week. I’d eagerly read another of this author’s books.
I was gifted this copy by Waitlyn Andrews and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
If you’ve ever wanted to experience ‘behind the scenes’ in a restaurant kitchen, this is the book for you.
In this food-focused romcom, Andrews made it easy for me to become part of the team as they focused on their goal of obtaining a Michelin star. I was instantly wrapped up in the intricate relationships that exist within the restaurant and privy to the reality of working behind the scenes in the service industry. I discovered the stress of shopping daily for the menu of the day and the camaraderie that blossomed between the staff and the suppliers. I learned new terms and my inner foodie was excited. I liked the experience of juggling living abroad, with parental expectations, working towards a career goal and indulging in romance. The chapter titles were a nice touch and kept me focused with each chapter.
This closed-door culinary fiction was the perfect distraction this week. I’d eagerly read another of this author’s books.
I was gifted this copy by Waitlyn Andrews and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
September 30, 2024
4⭐
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Setting ~ Paris, France & a week in NYC & California
Publication date ~ August 3, 2023
Page Count ~ 340 (31 chapters +e)
POV ~ single 1st, present tense
Featuring ~ debut, cooking, sweet, slow burn, no miscommunication, no 3rd act breakup, no steamage
Claire has left behind her cheating boyfriend and toxic mother and is living in Paris. She's working in a restaurant that she hopes will get a Michelin star one day soon. When she meets her new boss, James, she's ecstatic. James already has one star under his belt, so surely their restaurant will be next. It doesn't hurt that he's easy on the eyes.
Pretty sure I've never read a more sweet, patient and supportive man. You can't not swoon over James and his denim blue eyes. His whole family is great, too. Claire's, on the other hand, not so great.
I loved that each chapter begins with a cooking and/or food tip and then that's weaved into that chapter. There is some repetition and I feel it could have been cut down a bit, but overall I really enjoyed it. I couldn't have wished for a better ending to this delightfully sweet book, however it felt a bit sudden. I wouldn't mind a sequel to see how their life is progressing, either.
*Thanks to the author for sending me a copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Setting ~ Paris, France & a week in NYC & California
Publication date ~ August 3, 2023
Page Count ~ 340 (31 chapters +e)
POV ~ single 1st, present tense
Featuring ~ debut, cooking, sweet, slow burn, no miscommunication, no 3rd act breakup, no steamage
Claire has left behind her cheating boyfriend and toxic mother and is living in Paris. She's working in a restaurant that she hopes will get a Michelin star one day soon. When she meets her new boss, James, she's ecstatic. James already has one star under his belt, so surely their restaurant will be next. It doesn't hurt that he's easy on the eyes.
Pretty sure I've never read a more sweet, patient and supportive man. You can't not swoon over James and his denim blue eyes. His whole family is great, too. Claire's, on the other hand, not so great.
I loved that each chapter begins with a cooking and/or food tip and then that's weaved into that chapter. There is some repetition and I feel it could have been cut down a bit, but overall I really enjoyed it. I couldn't have wished for a better ending to this delightfully sweet book, however it felt a bit sudden. I wouldn't mind a sequel to see how their life is progressing, either.
*Thanks to the author for sending me a copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
November 30, 2023
☆⋅⋆ ── 5 stars ── ⋅⋆☆
Thank you Netgalley & Waitlyn Andrews for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review<3
Release date: August 3rd 2023
My thoughts:
I absolutely adored this book! The slow burn and the characters were written so well and I loved reading about them making food and just doing random stuff like reading or walking around lol. Also, the fact that it’s mainly set in Paris has the francophile and hopeless romantic in me internally screaming:’) This book had me giggling, kicking my feet and squealing like a little kid, I had the best time<33 (my mom literally asked me what I was doing bc I’m super dramatic and I kept going «OMGOMGOMGOMG» LMAO) Waitlyn Andrews has officially become one of my fav authors, I’ll be (semi) patiently waiting for more books in the future!:’)
What I didn’t like
my only «complaint» is that it wasn’t dual POV, it was amazing none the less but I’m a sucker for dual POVs and I think it would’ve added even more giddy moments lol. Other than that I didn’t like the fact that the book is over and how lonely it made me feel lol
The characters
⤷ Like I said the characters are beaurifully written. Claire and James are the epitome of the perfect couple. They have a solid friendship as a foundation, they understand eachother and they overall have an incredbile dynamic. They have the kinda relationship I dream about and based on the acknowledgements at the end of the book it seems to be based on the authors relationship w her husband which is so freaking cute🥹 I also love the fact that Claire was hating on a book for having a third act breakup bc same. Other than the main characters I really loved Theo, Evie and Melissa❤️
Read this if you like/tropes in the book
➺ slow burn
➺ workplace romance
➺ «enemies» to friends to lovers
➺ romcoms (set in Paris!!)
➺ no third act breakup🥳
➺ closed door
Sypnosis
I've sworn off romantic relationships, stifling family expectations, and self-doubt. The trifecta, really.
Returning home to run the family business is inevitable, but that doesn't mean I can't spend some time carving my own path of culinary success. In Paris. Because who doesn't love Paris? Because Paris has the best food scene in the world. And I want to earn this my way. Dammit.
Not to brag, but the first four months of living abroad and working at one of the chicest, up-and-coming restaurants in France — everything is going exactly as planned. I go to the market every morning, I run my own schedule, and I don't have to think about my cheating ex or Meredith-Blake-of-a-Mother. Croissant and espresso every morning? A given. Living abroad has been perfect. It's the Nancy Meyers' Dream.
That is, until a tall, all-American golden boy enters my space as the new Head Chef of Teaks. Chef James Sullivan is too attractive for his own good, and I've strictly written off workplace romances.
But, lucky for me, he only chooses to acknowledge my presence when he's critiquing my work every five minutes. Maybe I can tune out those broad shoulders and denim blue eyes....if only those eyes would stop staring at me so intently
Quotes (SPOILERS!)
➺ James Sullivan is worming his way into my heart, and I can’t help but let those butterflies out of their cage to flutter around for a while.
➺ “They left your freckles,” he says, looking closely at my face. “I like your freckles.”
➺ “I promise you, Claire Richards, that you won’t mess anything up. You are incapable of messing anything up. You are a badass—if you don’t mind me saying—and what you do, you own. I’ve never met someone more capable. And if you don’t mind, I’d very much like to kiss you right now”
➺ He hugs me goodnight this time, and that’s a welcomed change. His bearhugs are quickly becoming one of my favorite things on the planet.
➺ The moments after hearing we finally got our Michelin star are a blur. James picks me up to spin me around, and I hug him back without restraint. He waits until we’re out of the office to pull me aside again, wrap me up in that bear hug I love more than anything, and place a chaste kiss on my lips.
➺ This kiss removes any logical thought I should have about being worried we’re in a random alleyway, in the middle of the night, in the middle of a busy city. But this is Paris! The city of love! If this is how I die, I’ll take it.
➺ “Hell, I’d have claimed you the day we went out to Martins, but if you need time, then you need time. Just know that I don’t need time, but I’m willing to wait. Can you just maybe let me keep kissing you? Now that I’ve started, I don’t know that I can stop.”
➺ “So, you want to keep me?” “Are you kidding? I’ve wanted nothing more. I want you so badly I’d eat the terrible cruise food for the rest of my life if it meant you’d be sitting next to me.” I burst out laughing, and it eggs him on further. “I want you so badly, I’d wait in line to see the Mona Lisa on the busiest, most touristy day just to have you standing next to me the whole time.” his absurd declarations of love he apparently has no intention of stopping. “Damn it, Claire, I want you so badly, I’d eat at the knockoff ninety-nine cent pizza places for the rest of my life if it meant you’d come along with me. I’d miss every flight, I’d take every crowded train, I’d shop every market, I’d do every tourist activity Paris has to offer four times over, and I’d even go on those runs you do every other morning if it could convince you how badly I’ve wanted you all these months.”
➺ “Are you real?” “Are you kidding me? I’m going to refer to myself as ‘the lucky one’ in this relationship, so we need to go ahead and get that fact straight.”
➺ The grin on my face is so big, I know that if I keep this up, I’m going to get premature wrinkles, but I just don’t have it in me to care. “Claire Richards, will you be my girlfriend? Do you want to go steady? Can we make this exclusive? Is there any form of this question I’m missing?” “Yes, yes, yes, and yes . . . could have done the checkbox thing, but I’ll let it slide,” I say, going in for another kiss.
➺ “I love you, you weirdo.” “You love me?” “Are you going to believe anything I tell you?” “I love you too, Chef.”
➺ “It’s good to hear you want clingy—” “No, no, I said I’m in love, and I don’t want to leave your side. That's different—” “Because truthfully I’d be happy if you never left my side, so who’s the clingy one now?”
➺ Grabbing my hands, he sends those stupid butterflies in migratory patterns to my brain, and for the rest of my life I’m going to have to learn to live with them because I know they won’t be stopping any time soon.
➺ James must have sensed me waking up because he slowly, groggily wakes up himself, nuzzling into the crook of my neck to hide from the sun. “Good morning, wife.” “Good morning, husband.” I could get used to this, and I plan to.
Thank you Netgalley & Waitlyn Andrews for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review<3
Release date: August 3rd 2023
My thoughts:
I absolutely adored this book! The slow burn and the characters were written so well and I loved reading about them making food and just doing random stuff like reading or walking around lol. Also, the fact that it’s mainly set in Paris has the francophile and hopeless romantic in me internally screaming:’) This book had me giggling, kicking my feet and squealing like a little kid, I had the best time<33 (my mom literally asked me what I was doing bc I’m super dramatic and I kept going «OMGOMGOMGOMG» LMAO) Waitlyn Andrews has officially become one of my fav authors, I’ll be (semi) patiently waiting for more books in the future!:’)
What I didn’t like
my only «complaint» is that it wasn’t dual POV, it was amazing none the less but I’m a sucker for dual POVs and I think it would’ve added even more giddy moments lol. Other than that I didn’t like the fact that the book is over and how lonely it made me feel lol
The characters
⤷ Like I said the characters are beaurifully written. Claire and James are the epitome of the perfect couple. They have a solid friendship as a foundation, they understand eachother and they overall have an incredbile dynamic. They have the kinda relationship I dream about and based on the acknowledgements at the end of the book it seems to be based on the authors relationship w her husband which is so freaking cute🥹 I also love the fact that Claire was hating on a book for having a third act breakup bc same. Other than the main characters I really loved Theo, Evie and Melissa❤️
Read this if you like/tropes in the book
➺ slow burn
➺ workplace romance
➺ «enemies» to friends to lovers
➺ romcoms (set in Paris!!)
➺ no third act breakup🥳
➺ closed door
Sypnosis
I've sworn off romantic relationships, stifling family expectations, and self-doubt. The trifecta, really.
Returning home to run the family business is inevitable, but that doesn't mean I can't spend some time carving my own path of culinary success. In Paris. Because who doesn't love Paris? Because Paris has the best food scene in the world. And I want to earn this my way. Dammit.
Not to brag, but the first four months of living abroad and working at one of the chicest, up-and-coming restaurants in France — everything is going exactly as planned. I go to the market every morning, I run my own schedule, and I don't have to think about my cheating ex or Meredith-Blake-of-a-Mother. Croissant and espresso every morning? A given. Living abroad has been perfect. It's the Nancy Meyers' Dream.
That is, until a tall, all-American golden boy enters my space as the new Head Chef of Teaks. Chef James Sullivan is too attractive for his own good, and I've strictly written off workplace romances.
But, lucky for me, he only chooses to acknowledge my presence when he's critiquing my work every five minutes. Maybe I can tune out those broad shoulders and denim blue eyes....if only those eyes would stop staring at me so intently
Quotes (SPOILERS!)
➺ James Sullivan is worming his way into my heart, and I can’t help but let those butterflies out of their cage to flutter around for a while.
➺ “They left your freckles,” he says, looking closely at my face. “I like your freckles.”
➺ “I promise you, Claire Richards, that you won’t mess anything up. You are incapable of messing anything up. You are a badass—if you don’t mind me saying—and what you do, you own. I’ve never met someone more capable. And if you don’t mind, I’d very much like to kiss you right now”
➺ He hugs me goodnight this time, and that’s a welcomed change. His bearhugs are quickly becoming one of my favorite things on the planet.
➺ The moments after hearing we finally got our Michelin star are a blur. James picks me up to spin me around, and I hug him back without restraint. He waits until we’re out of the office to pull me aside again, wrap me up in that bear hug I love more than anything, and place a chaste kiss on my lips.
➺ This kiss removes any logical thought I should have about being worried we’re in a random alleyway, in the middle of the night, in the middle of a busy city. But this is Paris! The city of love! If this is how I die, I’ll take it.
➺ “Hell, I’d have claimed you the day we went out to Martins, but if you need time, then you need time. Just know that I don’t need time, but I’m willing to wait. Can you just maybe let me keep kissing you? Now that I’ve started, I don’t know that I can stop.”
➺ “So, you want to keep me?” “Are you kidding? I’ve wanted nothing more. I want you so badly I’d eat the terrible cruise food for the rest of my life if it meant you’d be sitting next to me.” I burst out laughing, and it eggs him on further. “I want you so badly, I’d wait in line to see the Mona Lisa on the busiest, most touristy day just to have you standing next to me the whole time.” his absurd declarations of love he apparently has no intention of stopping. “Damn it, Claire, I want you so badly, I’d eat at the knockoff ninety-nine cent pizza places for the rest of my life if it meant you’d come along with me. I’d miss every flight, I’d take every crowded train, I’d shop every market, I’d do every tourist activity Paris has to offer four times over, and I’d even go on those runs you do every other morning if it could convince you how badly I’ve wanted you all these months.”
➺ “Are you real?” “Are you kidding me? I’m going to refer to myself as ‘the lucky one’ in this relationship, so we need to go ahead and get that fact straight.”
➺ The grin on my face is so big, I know that if I keep this up, I’m going to get premature wrinkles, but I just don’t have it in me to care. “Claire Richards, will you be my girlfriend? Do you want to go steady? Can we make this exclusive? Is there any form of this question I’m missing?” “Yes, yes, yes, and yes . . . could have done the checkbox thing, but I’ll let it slide,” I say, going in for another kiss.
➺ “I love you, you weirdo.” “You love me?” “Are you going to believe anything I tell you?” “I love you too, Chef.”
➺ “It’s good to hear you want clingy—” “No, no, I said I’m in love, and I don’t want to leave your side. That's different—” “Because truthfully I’d be happy if you never left my side, so who’s the clingy one now?”
➺ Grabbing my hands, he sends those stupid butterflies in migratory patterns to my brain, and for the rest of my life I’m going to have to learn to live with them because I know they won’t be stopping any time soon.
➺ James must have sensed me waking up because he slowly, groggily wakes up himself, nuzzling into the crook of my neck to hide from the sun. “Good morning, wife.” “Good morning, husband.” I could get used to this, and I plan to.
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July 23, 2023
I received an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
❝I love you, you weirdo.❞
❝I love you too, Chef.❞
If the author's husband is anything like James Sullivan then she needs to share.
I'm not a big fan of these romance books with cartoony covers and cliche scenes but this was so good. And it was well-written.
There are so many categories of fictional men. There's the sweet guy, the cute guy, the nerdy guy, the bad boy, the hotheaded guy who hates everyone but her, and many others. But what tops them all is the respectful guy.
❝...if you need time, then you need time. Just know that I don't need time, but I'm willing to wait.❞
This man is unreal. (Yes author, I know he's your husband, but still.) The entire time I read this book, all I could think of was "me and who?" And I now believe that such romances do exist and now I'm going to go cry because I'm not Claire.
Thank you NetGalley, and thank you Waitlyn Andrews, for this book and the opportunity to be able to write this review.
❝I love you, you weirdo.❞
❝I love you too, Chef.❞
If the author's husband is anything like James Sullivan then she needs to share.
I'm not a big fan of these romance books with cartoony covers and cliche scenes but this was so good. And it was well-written.
There are so many categories of fictional men. There's the sweet guy, the cute guy, the nerdy guy, the bad boy, the hotheaded guy who hates everyone but her, and many others. But what tops them all is the respectful guy.
❝...if you need time, then you need time. Just know that I don't need time, but I'm willing to wait.❞
This man is unreal. (Yes author, I know he's your husband, but still.) The entire time I read this book, all I could think of was "me and who?" And I now believe that such romances do exist and now I'm going to go cry because I'm not Claire.
Thank you NetGalley, and thank you Waitlyn Andrews, for this book and the opportunity to be able to write this review.
August 1, 2023
this book being set in the food world was a fun idea and i liked all the food descriptions at the start of the chapters. I also appreciated how respectful James was of Claire’s boundaries but that’s really where the compliments end.
I couldn’t stand the main character Claire.
this girl was so jealous that she could not make it through one scenario where a woman was in James’ vicinity without judging or finding ways to insult them. this insecure look is NOT cute and she needed to cut it out. she’s so obsessed with James when he was nothing but rude to her for NO reason.. like?!??? what does she see that I’m missing cause I’m confused, truly. James was not convincing in his feelings for Claire and the way their relationship actually went from 0 to 100 was so awkward.. he started calling her “baby” out of nowhere when they weren’t even together yet lol.
the pacing was really slow too and I found myself so bored while reading. I just felt like Claire and James had no chemistry and because of that a lot of their interactions felt forced and unbelievable to me. I also don’t like when romances have the kind of endings that this one did, so that didn’t help either.
thanks to NetGalley and the author for the arc, all opinions are my own.
I couldn’t stand the main character Claire.
this girl was so jealous that she could not make it through one scenario where a woman was in James’ vicinity without judging or finding ways to insult them. this insecure look is NOT cute and she needed to cut it out. she’s so obsessed with James when he was nothing but rude to her for NO reason.. like?!??? what does she see that I’m missing cause I’m confused, truly. James was not convincing in his feelings for Claire and the way their relationship actually went from 0 to 100 was so awkward.. he started calling her “baby” out of nowhere when they weren’t even together yet lol.
the pacing was really slow too and I found myself so bored while reading. I just felt like Claire and James had no chemistry and because of that a lot of their interactions felt forced and unbelievable to me. I also don’t like when romances have the kind of endings that this one did, so that didn’t help either.
thanks to NetGalley and the author for the arc, all opinions are my own.
July 13, 2024
★★★★ (4.0)
No miscommunication trope and no third-act breakup, just a delightful romance between two chefs in Paris. Claire and James are adorable, with a little slow-burn and they genuinely communicate with each other about their relationship like say no more; they are soulmates. Considering this is a debut novel, it is already a complete package. This hidden gem deserves to be on every romance reader's radar.
No miscommunication trope and no third-act breakup, just a delightful romance between two chefs in Paris. Claire and James are adorable, with a little slow-burn and they genuinely communicate with each other about their relationship like say no more; they are soulmates. Considering this is a debut novel, it is already a complete package. This hidden gem deserves to be on every romance reader's radar.
June 15, 2024
Claire moves to Paris to heal from past traumas and to find her own way in the culinary world.
She is currently working at Teaks restaurant where they are cooking their way towards a Michelin star. Claire's ultimate dream is to be on a team that is awarded the star. She has sworn off work romances at all costs, she doesn't want distractions or messy break-ups. That is until in comes James Sullivan, the new head chef.
I loved everything about this book! It is a light-hearted, funny, sweet, closed-door, slow-burn romance.
A sweet female lead who couldn't hate anyone even if she tried and a broody male lead with grumpy meets sunshine vibes, enemies to friends to lovers and dating the boss all thrown into one.
I enjoyed the culinary vibe, the food, wine and behind the scenes running of a restaurant. The definition chapter headings were a fun addition and I loved looking out for the use of the word in each chapter.
Yes, Chef is the perfect read if you are after something light, fun and positive. It's a real feel-good read.
She is currently working at Teaks restaurant where they are cooking their way towards a Michelin star. Claire's ultimate dream is to be on a team that is awarded the star. She has sworn off work romances at all costs, she doesn't want distractions or messy break-ups. That is until in comes James Sullivan, the new head chef.
I loved everything about this book! It is a light-hearted, funny, sweet, closed-door, slow-burn romance.
A sweet female lead who couldn't hate anyone even if she tried and a broody male lead with grumpy meets sunshine vibes, enemies to friends to lovers and dating the boss all thrown into one.
I enjoyed the culinary vibe, the food, wine and behind the scenes running of a restaurant. The definition chapter headings were a fun addition and I loved looking out for the use of the word in each chapter.
Yes, Chef is the perfect read if you are after something light, fun and positive. It's a real feel-good read.
August 5, 2023
It has been a while since I read a romance book that wasn’t classified as spicy- but this one was SO good! I can’t believe this was Waitlyn Andrew’s first book. I hope it’s her first of many because I will read every single one. Yes, Chef a true slow build romance and I savored every single page. I loved the characters just as much as I loved the restaurant aspect of this book. This story is perfect to become a movie and I hope it does! I am fascinated by the restaurant world and the romance was the perfect cherry on top! I absolutely loved this!
October 23, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this gem for an honest review
I am a huge fan of cooking shows and rom com novels. So the combo was amazing!
This read was a bit slow at the beginning but it gets so good!! If it’s on your list I highly recommend it.
James’ character is very hard to read but you understand why later! And Claire’s character is so loveable and empowering! 👩🍳 🔪 🧀
I am a huge fan of cooking shows and rom com novels. So the combo was amazing!
This read was a bit slow at the beginning but it gets so good!! If it’s on your list I highly recommend it.
James’ character is very hard to read but you understand why later! And Claire’s character is so loveable and empowering! 👩🍳 🔪 🧀
August 3, 2023
I could not put it down after downloading it on my Kindle. I was immediately drawn into the delicious food described in the book. We learn that Claire is living in Paris after leaving a toxic ex and unappreciative mother and she wants to make her way into the world of food. She works at Teaks, a restaurant that is trying to earn a Michelin star and we are able to see the behind the scenes of the kitchen with the new head chef, James Sullivan.
Their relationship starts kinda rocky, where Claire thinks that James hates her but in reality he is just as head over heels in love with her as she is with him. As I was reading the book, the chemistry between the two characters is immediate. From being “enemies”, to friends and later lovers, the growth of both characters is just an amazing read. He is so understanding and so respectful of Claire. Claire is no damsel in distress and can easily handle her problems but with James being there makes it all the better.
To those wondering, this is definitely a slow-burn/rom-com and it was very worth staying awake till 2 am to finish. I hope that if you pick this book up, be ready for an adventure in Paris.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author, Waitlyn Andrews for giving me the opportunity to have such a fun read.I was not under any obligation to review.
Their relationship starts kinda rocky, where Claire thinks that James hates her but in reality he is just as head over heels in love with her as she is with him. As I was reading the book, the chemistry between the two characters is immediate. From being “enemies”, to friends and later lovers, the growth of both characters is just an amazing read. He is so understanding and so respectful of Claire. Claire is no damsel in distress and can easily handle her problems but with James being there makes it all the better.
To those wondering, this is definitely a slow-burn/rom-com and it was very worth staying awake till 2 am to finish. I hope that if you pick this book up, be ready for an adventure in Paris.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author, Waitlyn Andrews for giving me the opportunity to have such a fun read.I was not under any obligation to review.
September 8, 2023
2.75 stars 🌟 this was promising until it wasn’t 😭💔 i have been obsessed with the bear (sydcarmy), and i figured that this would be something that i enjoyed…BUT i was sadly mistaken. the entire set up for this story was solid but i just couldn’t really believe the feelings that james had ?? he said he’d been deeply in love with her for so long but his attitude was so stoic for no reason 🤨 and he never really explained it which didn’t help either lolll. ALSO THEM GETTING MARRIED AFTER BEING TOGETHER FOR NOT EVEN A MONTH??? all of the ending felt entirely too rushed and unnatural ✌️ clairejames were nothing special tbh
a special thank you to netgalley and waitlyn andrews for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
a special thank you to netgalley and waitlyn andrews for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2023
This debut romance novel made me cheer for chefs Claire and James toiling furiously, delectably, to achieve a Michelin star for a new Parisian restaurant. The recipes they cook are delicious, the insider's look at kitchen work authentic and eye-opening, and Claire and James' slow burn to forever love truly delightful. One of my fav romances this year. Sequel, please!
July 30, 2023
In this book, it's okay to fall for the blonde love interest because he's an absolute dream. This book is also a dream, the perfect mix of Paris culture, behind the scene kitchen/chef, and closed-door romance. This read is full of foodie fun, sweet romance and was a very quick read.
For fans of:
Closed-door romance
Foodie fun
Slow Burn
Co-workers to friends to lovers
No third-act conflict/break up.
For fans of:
Closed-door romance
Foodie fun
Slow Burn
Co-workers to friends to lovers
No third-act conflict/break up.
August 18, 2023
Cute and fun but how is it 2023 and we’re still writing misogynistic comments and having no understanding of OCD.
*I was sent an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
*I was sent an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
July 15, 2023
*I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💞Slow burn fans, this book is for you.💞
I found Claire's journey very interesting, leaving a manipulative ex, an unsupportive mother and moving to the other side of the world, and finally doing something for herself. Furthermore, I found the character strong and could identify with her.
James is that MMC that FMC thinks doesn't like her, but is actually super in love with her. He takes care of her when she is sick, and she hasn't even considered him her friend yet. He really sees her and always tries to make her believe in herself.
One thing I really liked was that they really got to know each other well before they got involved. They went from co-workers to friends to later lovers.
This book was a good read, which made me fall in love with the characters. I recommend this book.
Thank you, NetGalley and Waitlyn Andrews, for the ARC.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💞Slow burn fans, this book is for you.💞
I found Claire's journey very interesting, leaving a manipulative ex, an unsupportive mother and moving to the other side of the world, and finally doing something for herself. Furthermore, I found the character strong and could identify with her.
James is that MMC that FMC thinks doesn't like her, but is actually super in love with her. He takes care of her when she is sick, and she hasn't even considered him her friend yet. He really sees her and always tries to make her believe in herself.
One thing I really liked was that they really got to know each other well before they got involved. They went from co-workers to friends to later lovers.
This book was a good read, which made me fall in love with the characters. I recommend this book.
Thank you, NetGalley and Waitlyn Andrews, for the ARC.
July 18, 2023
First thought: Love, Love, Loved it!!!!
Claire moved to Paris to escape her past and get a clean start away from her family name and her ex. She is a chef who loves to improvise and she’s hoping that she can help her new restaurant earn their first Michelin star. Her past has different ideas and she soon realizes even moving across the world won’t change things and the only way forward is through. She is not looking for love and even if she was she just simply isn’t ready.
James comes from the a line of celebrity chefs and at a young age he has already earned his first Michelin star. He moved to Paris to help a new restaurant do the same. Little did he know he run into the women of his dreams. James is not one to mix business and pleasure so even though he is falling for Claire he won’t let her know that. Instead he puts up a wall where she’s concerned. He’s a stickler to following the plan, and oh boy does Claire through a wrench in it.
These two have to learn to work together as a team if their restaurant has any chance at that Michelin star. Along the way there will be bumps and roadblocks but with enough time, patience maybe they can become friends or even more.
I absolutely loved this book once I started it, I literally could not put it down and I read it in one sitting. It was just cute and sweet and made me feel back in my teens with the classic romcom movies of the late 90s early 2000s. I could easily see this being turned into a movie, as it makes you fall in love. Run and preorder this 5 star read now!
Claire moved to Paris to escape her past and get a clean start away from her family name and her ex. She is a chef who loves to improvise and she’s hoping that she can help her new restaurant earn their first Michelin star. Her past has different ideas and she soon realizes even moving across the world won’t change things and the only way forward is through. She is not looking for love and even if she was she just simply isn’t ready.
James comes from the a line of celebrity chefs and at a young age he has already earned his first Michelin star. He moved to Paris to help a new restaurant do the same. Little did he know he run into the women of his dreams. James is not one to mix business and pleasure so even though he is falling for Claire he won’t let her know that. Instead he puts up a wall where she’s concerned. He’s a stickler to following the plan, and oh boy does Claire through a wrench in it.
These two have to learn to work together as a team if their restaurant has any chance at that Michelin star. Along the way there will be bumps and roadblocks but with enough time, patience maybe they can become friends or even more.
I absolutely loved this book once I started it, I literally could not put it down and I read it in one sitting. It was just cute and sweet and made me feel back in my teens with the classic romcom movies of the late 90s early 2000s. I could easily see this being turned into a movie, as it makes you fall in love. Run and preorder this 5 star read now!
March 19, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I freakin' LOVED this book. I devoured it. I read this so fast it's not even funny.
I really liked the fmc. I didn't find her annoying, which is always a plus, and I like that she was confident in herself and her abilities as a chef.
I FREAKING LOVED the mmc, James.
"Is he trying to make me fall in love with him? Because he’s one more crepe and book adventure away from it, and he doesn't even know it."
I'll be honest, I still don't understand why he didn't like her initially, BUT their banter was fun; seeing them slowly start to trust and like each other (as friends) was super enjoyable. I loved seeing all the tiny gestures he would do for her.
“So, you want to keep me?” “Are you kidding? I’ve wanted nothing more. I want you so badly I’d eat the terrible cruise food for the rest of my life if it meant you’d be sitting next to me.”
Both of them together were actually so cute. like I loved their relationship and that it wasn't insta-love.
AND here's the best part (I could totally be wrong, or it wasn't big enough to notice), BUT THERE WAS NO THIRD ACT BREAK-UP? As far as I remember, there wasn't one, and I LOVED that.
Even the cooking parts of this book were super fun to just read about.
I really, really enjoyed this book; I definitely think you should read this.
I freakin' LOVED this book. I devoured it. I read this so fast it's not even funny.
I really liked the fmc. I didn't find her annoying, which is always a plus, and I like that she was confident in herself and her abilities as a chef.
I FREAKING LOVED the mmc, James.
"Is he trying to make me fall in love with him? Because he’s one more crepe and book adventure away from it, and he doesn't even know it."
I'll be honest, I still don't understand why he didn't like her initially, BUT their banter was fun; seeing them slowly start to trust and like each other (as friends) was super enjoyable. I loved seeing all the tiny gestures he would do for her.
“So, you want to keep me?” “Are you kidding? I’ve wanted nothing more. I want you so badly I’d eat the terrible cruise food for the rest of my life if it meant you’d be sitting next to me.”
Both of them together were actually so cute. like I loved their relationship and that it wasn't insta-love.
AND here's the best part (I could totally be wrong, or it wasn't big enough to notice), BUT THERE WAS NO THIRD ACT BREAK-UP? As far as I remember, there wasn't one, and I LOVED that.
Even the cooking parts of this book were super fun to just read about.
I really, really enjoyed this book; I definitely think you should read this.
July 21, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this arc.
I really enjoyed this cute romance story by a debut author!
Claire Richards comes from a family famous for their wine, but is trying to pursue her dream of working in a restaurant while earning a Michelin star in Paris. James Sullivan has just took over as head chef at Teaks, with a Michelin star under his belt, he is just what the restaurant needs, as well as, what Claire needs.
I loved everything about this book. I loved Claire, how independent and determined she was as a character, I loved how she moved throughout Paris. I loved the dynamic between her and James and the walls he was able to break down. I loved the family dynamics, and the way their love story blossomed, I also loved the little tidbits/good descriptions at the top of the chapters. I finished the book in one day, and will be looking out for Waitlyn Andrews next book!
I really enjoyed this cute romance story by a debut author!
Claire Richards comes from a family famous for their wine, but is trying to pursue her dream of working in a restaurant while earning a Michelin star in Paris. James Sullivan has just took over as head chef at Teaks, with a Michelin star under his belt, he is just what the restaurant needs, as well as, what Claire needs.
I loved everything about this book. I loved Claire, how independent and determined she was as a character, I loved how she moved throughout Paris. I loved the dynamic between her and James and the walls he was able to break down. I loved the family dynamics, and the way their love story blossomed, I also loved the little tidbits/good descriptions at the top of the chapters. I finished the book in one day, and will be looking out for Waitlyn Andrews next book!
August 28, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Waitlyn Andrew’s for the ARC of Yes, Chef. I’m giving the book a 4.5, so I rounded it up to 5.
Things I loved -
Slow burn romance
How attentive James was to Claire’s needs
The Sullivan family, wasn’t expecting the togetherness
Theo and Martin Jr.
The description of the place where she dreamed of building a house
The love they had for each other
That they loved books
The sisters on both sides
The grandmother who loves her
This book reminded me of a Hallmark movie, and I love Hallmark movies
It’s a romcom!!
The food descriptions at the beginning of each chapter, loved, loved, loved that part
Things I didn’t care for-
The word “dadgum”, seriously though the main character is from California, I have never heard anyone use that word, there was swearing in the book so use the swear word or something else. Such a weird word.
Things I loved -
Slow burn romance
How attentive James was to Claire’s needs
The Sullivan family, wasn’t expecting the togetherness
Theo and Martin Jr.
The description of the place where she dreamed of building a house
The love they had for each other
That they loved books
The sisters on both sides
The grandmother who loves her
This book reminded me of a Hallmark movie, and I love Hallmark movies
It’s a romcom!!
The food descriptions at the beginning of each chapter, loved, loved, loved that part
Things I didn’t care for-
The word “dadgum”, seriously though the main character is from California, I have never heard anyone use that word, there was swearing in the book so use the swear word or something else. Such a weird word.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved reading this book. It was a comfort book to read on rainy days while reading tea or coffee. I finished this book in just three days. I liked the way Clarie and James relationship took place how Clarie became independent and stayed on her values .
The fact that I loved the most was the cooking terms were explained at the start of the chapter.
Thank you NetGalley, and thank you Waitlyn Andrews, for this book and the opportunity to be able to write this review.
I received an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved reading this book. It was a comfort book to read on rainy days while reading tea or coffee. I finished this book in just three days. I liked the way Clarie and James relationship took place how Clarie became independent and stayed on her values .
The fact that I loved the most was the cooking terms were explained at the start of the chapter.
Thank you NetGalley, and thank you Waitlyn Andrews, for this book and the opportunity to be able to write this review.
July 29, 2023
Oh I loved this so much. The slow burn romance of my dreams. The way that they became best friends and spent literally all of their tome together. Claire is such a strong woman and I just want to give her a hug. James is the perfect man for her and I love that he wasn't afraid to show his love. I kind of need bonus material of them right now.
I received an arc through netgalley.
I received an arc through netgalley.
August 17, 2023
This cute sizzling romcom follows Claire in her life as a chef in Paris, and her mission to help the restaurant earn their first Michelin Star. The tall and brooding Chef James Sullivan is introduced and practically ignores her, only giving negative feedback of her work. That is until a negative article about them gives them the ambition they needed to set off their relationship.
I really enjoyed the characters in this romance, they were quirky and fun. This book sort of has an enemies to lovers thing going on, and I was all here for it- but it felt more like two people who couldn't (or wouldn't) communicate than enemies. I admire Claire's journey and passion in cooking, and James is precisely the man to keep her motivation up.
The pace was definitely slower than I normally prefer with romances, but it fit the mood of the book in a way I can't quite explain. This was also a closed-door romance, so we got to see a bunch of cute moments after James was done with his grump fest.
I really liked the authors simple writing style, and plot development. The ending of the book felt a little rushed, it seemed like they were getting married after only a month of dating- what happened to taking it slow? It just seemed a little unnatural.
I would recommend reading this if you're in the mood for a closed-door, slow burn romance. Thank you to NetGalley and Waitlyn Andrews for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: 3 August 2023
---🌟🌟🌟🌟
I really enjoyed the characters in this romance, they were quirky and fun. This book sort of has an enemies to lovers thing going on, and I was all here for it- but it felt more like two people who couldn't (or wouldn't) communicate than enemies. I admire Claire's journey and passion in cooking, and James is precisely the man to keep her motivation up.
The pace was definitely slower than I normally prefer with romances, but it fit the mood of the book in a way I can't quite explain. This was also a closed-door romance, so we got to see a bunch of cute moments after James was done with his grump fest.
I really liked the authors simple writing style, and plot development. The ending of the book felt a little rushed, it seemed like they were getting married after only a month of dating- what happened to taking it slow? It just seemed a little unnatural.
I would recommend reading this if you're in the mood for a closed-door, slow burn romance. Thank you to NetGalley and Waitlyn Andrews for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: 3 August 2023
---🌟🌟🌟🌟
July 24, 2023
It’s not often that I can say that I loved everything about a book. But I did with this one! It is such a great book and so much more.
Claire moved to Paris to work as a sous-chef in an up-and-coming restaurant in the trendy part of Paris under the tutelage of one of the greatest chef there is. So it already got off on a good start! She works hard and really doesn’t want to muck it up. But then James is added to the team as the new head chef. He’s brilliant but doesn’t acknowledge Claire most of the time, or only critiques her.
So this book is kind of a dish, too. The author not only blends the perfect ingredients like the fun and excitement of cooking amazing dishes with the dynamics in the restaurant and Claire’s personal history. Because along the way, there are little hints that all isn’t well in her past. She doesn’t like her family, she fled to another country and avoids driving in a car as much as possible. Waitlyn Andrews masterfully blends this all together to a perfect story, the perfect five course meal with every dish or course or turn of the storyline an joyful experience.
You know that feeling where you are so invested in a fictional character and things take a particular turn that you wish didn’t happen? No such thing here! The book isn’t slow but the pace is perfect and the story realistic. You see Claire grow, overcome her issues and I loved the way that was handled.
I love Theo from the market.
I love the setting of the restaurant.
The whole dining experience is an experiment in top-down hosting. I’m a server, bartender, and chef all in one, so I interact with each patron from start to finish, and the patrons can see into the kitchen as we work.
I liked Claire explaining different wines. I like reading about all the different food combinations! There’s so much research in the restaurant business!
I love Evie the energizer bunny.
I love that James’ parents are famous cooks and that they are so lovely!
And I loved James Sullivan. He is incredibly supportive of Claire, giving her all the space and independence she deserves but at the same time he's always there for her, anticipating every fear or need, and he’s just perfect! He’s patient, caring, emphatic, smart, thoughtful and just a dream of a man. (In my mind he wasn’t a blonde but had brown hair, but that’s just me.)
I had superficial friends, and they never seemed to know me the way James intuitively has figured me out.
…just the fact that he doesn’t pry or ask more questions about my past shows just how stupidly he’s in tune with reading me.
Of course any other person would just have blocked Henry’s number and have a serious once-and-for-all talk with their mother to stay out of it all. But story-wise it makes sense to keep it in, also the whole wedding invitation (which I expected from the start). But I love how it was handled in the book: perfectly! Not cheesy but perfectly.
It is an easygoing, sweet book but the writing is amazing! It is not a heavy book but I was impressed with the insights and deep thoughts you come across every now and then. And it is just a lot of fun! The way she described the football match, the various dishes, James and Claire watching people pass by…
The best gift reading gives to me is not the over-inflated sunshiny rainbows I claimed the other day when talking to James. It’s empathy. Reading gives you a rare insight into the motives behind why people do what they do, and since I’ve started devouring books at an insatiable rate, I feel like I have more capacity for understanding why people act in certain ways. When you take that empathic ability and apply it to people-watching? Endless entertainment.
Please do yourself a favor and buy this book. You will love it! Of course it will make you want to go out to a great restaurant and have a wonderful meal. But you will want to go home quickly to finish this book. And then you’ll feel like Claire in the book:
I go to sleep that night with not only a satisfied stomach but a satisfied soul.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and I am grateful for the opportunity. All thoughts and opinions are my own. And I can highly recommend this book and have pre-ordered my own copy on Amazon. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Claire moved to Paris to work as a sous-chef in an up-and-coming restaurant in the trendy part of Paris under the tutelage of one of the greatest chef there is. So it already got off on a good start! She works hard and really doesn’t want to muck it up. But then James is added to the team as the new head chef. He’s brilliant but doesn’t acknowledge Claire most of the time, or only critiques her.
So this book is kind of a dish, too. The author not only blends the perfect ingredients like the fun and excitement of cooking amazing dishes with the dynamics in the restaurant and Claire’s personal history. Because along the way, there are little hints that all isn’t well in her past. She doesn’t like her family, she fled to another country and avoids driving in a car as much as possible. Waitlyn Andrews masterfully blends this all together to a perfect story, the perfect five course meal with every dish or course or turn of the storyline an joyful experience.
You know that feeling where you are so invested in a fictional character and things take a particular turn that you wish didn’t happen? No such thing here! The book isn’t slow but the pace is perfect and the story realistic. You see Claire grow, overcome her issues and I loved the way that was handled.
I love Theo from the market.
I love the setting of the restaurant.
The whole dining experience is an experiment in top-down hosting. I’m a server, bartender, and chef all in one, so I interact with each patron from start to finish, and the patrons can see into the kitchen as we work.
I liked Claire explaining different wines. I like reading about all the different food combinations! There’s so much research in the restaurant business!
I love Evie the energizer bunny.
I love that James’ parents are famous cooks and that they are so lovely!
And I loved James Sullivan. He is incredibly supportive of Claire, giving her all the space and independence she deserves but at the same time he's always there for her, anticipating every fear or need, and he’s just perfect! He’s patient, caring, emphatic, smart, thoughtful and just a dream of a man. (In my mind he wasn’t a blonde but had brown hair, but that’s just me.)
I had superficial friends, and they never seemed to know me the way James intuitively has figured me out.
…just the fact that he doesn’t pry or ask more questions about my past shows just how stupidly he’s in tune with reading me.
Of course any other person would just have blocked Henry’s number and have a serious once-and-for-all talk with their mother to stay out of it all. But story-wise it makes sense to keep it in, also the whole wedding invitation (which I expected from the start). But I love how it was handled in the book: perfectly! Not cheesy but perfectly.
It is an easygoing, sweet book but the writing is amazing! It is not a heavy book but I was impressed with the insights and deep thoughts you come across every now and then. And it is just a lot of fun! The way she described the football match, the various dishes, James and Claire watching people pass by…
The best gift reading gives to me is not the over-inflated sunshiny rainbows I claimed the other day when talking to James. It’s empathy. Reading gives you a rare insight into the motives behind why people do what they do, and since I’ve started devouring books at an insatiable rate, I feel like I have more capacity for understanding why people act in certain ways. When you take that empathic ability and apply it to people-watching? Endless entertainment.
Please do yourself a favor and buy this book. You will love it! Of course it will make you want to go out to a great restaurant and have a wonderful meal. But you will want to go home quickly to finish this book. And then you’ll feel like Claire in the book:
I go to sleep that night with not only a satisfied stomach but a satisfied soul.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and I am grateful for the opportunity. All thoughts and opinions are my own. And I can highly recommend this book and have pre-ordered my own copy on Amazon. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 1, 2023
**I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. **
Yes, Chef was such a lovely book! A slow burn, workplace, “he-fell-first” romance, which, even though easily definable by tropes, was unlike any love story I’ve read before. The main characters were so strong individually, that when they came together they were such a strong force. I loved that James and Claire developed a friendship before a romance, and the slow build of their relationship was beautiful to see! I’m also pleasantly surprised that there was no sex in this book; I really thought there would be but I’m glad there wasn’t!
I admired Claire so much. To have been through so much trauma and then taking the leap to move to Paris and fulfil her dreams independently was such a strong move and to see Claire’s growth throughout the novel was so inspiring and so beautiful. The way James accepted her growth and was right by her side through everything was amazing too. He didn’t force her to change but held her hand and gave her the strength to develop. I adored that.
James as a character is so lovely! The way the author slowly peeled back layers of his icy personality to get to the warm, loving, considerate man underneath was so beautiful and I truly loved learning who James was. The way he treated Claire was incredible and how he gave her time to grow and to build relationships on her own terms was so admirable. All men must be taking notes on James!
The setting of this book was lovely too; Paris seems so amazing and I loved being in that universe! I also loved the setting of the culinary world! The camaraderie of a kitchen, the exhilaration of reaching for a Michelin star, the experimentation within the recipes…I absolutely loved it and I’ve never read anything within a chef’s setting!
I have one not-so-positive comment about this book, which is the way in which OCD is used to describe James’ appreciation for organisation. As a psychology student, I’m very well aware that this is not what OCD is, and I believe that it may come off as offensive to any readers who struggle with OCD.
One other minor comment, which is not the author’s fault but lies with the editors and proofreaders, is that there are multiple spelling errors throughout the novel which should probably be corrected before the book is published.
All in all, I absolutely adored this book and I cannot wait for the rest of the world to read it!!
9/10
Yes, Chef was such a lovely book! A slow burn, workplace, “he-fell-first” romance, which, even though easily definable by tropes, was unlike any love story I’ve read before. The main characters were so strong individually, that when they came together they were such a strong force. I loved that James and Claire developed a friendship before a romance, and the slow build of their relationship was beautiful to see! I’m also pleasantly surprised that there was no sex in this book; I really thought there would be but I’m glad there wasn’t!
I admired Claire so much. To have been through so much trauma and then taking the leap to move to Paris and fulfil her dreams independently was such a strong move and to see Claire’s growth throughout the novel was so inspiring and so beautiful. The way James accepted her growth and was right by her side through everything was amazing too. He didn’t force her to change but held her hand and gave her the strength to develop. I adored that.
James as a character is so lovely! The way the author slowly peeled back layers of his icy personality to get to the warm, loving, considerate man underneath was so beautiful and I truly loved learning who James was. The way he treated Claire was incredible and how he gave her time to grow and to build relationships on her own terms was so admirable. All men must be taking notes on James!
The setting of this book was lovely too; Paris seems so amazing and I loved being in that universe! I also loved the setting of the culinary world! The camaraderie of a kitchen, the exhilaration of reaching for a Michelin star, the experimentation within the recipes…I absolutely loved it and I’ve never read anything within a chef’s setting!
I have one not-so-positive comment about this book, which is the way in which OCD is used to describe James’ appreciation for organisation. As a psychology student, I’m very well aware that this is not what OCD is, and I believe that it may come off as offensive to any readers who struggle with OCD.
One other minor comment, which is not the author’s fault but lies with the editors and proofreaders, is that there are multiple spelling errors throughout the novel which should probably be corrected before the book is published.
All in all, I absolutely adored this book and I cannot wait for the rest of the world to read it!!
9/10
July 17, 2025
*ahem*
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥 I LOVED THIS ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
OMG, this read like a massive warm hug and while every review is subjective, my traumatised little hospitality heart ATE. THIS. UP!
I absolutely loved reading about Claire and—like Waitlyn Andrews' mentions in her bio—how she's a strong FMC chasing her dream of winning a Michelin Star 🙌🏻
The slow burn was slow burning in the best way, Claire and James had the cutest, most wholesome friends to lovers trope, and the fact that there was a food description at the start of every chapter made reading Yes, Chef so much more fun! (and really hungry lol)
Please read Waitlyn Andrews' DEBUT BOOK. It's got:
🥐 Enemies (dislike) to friends to lovers
🥐 Slow burn
🥐 Workplace romance
🥐 He looks after her while she sick...
🥐 No third break up
🥐 Closed door / HEA
~ Thank you Waitlyn Andrews and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review ~
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥 I LOVED THIS ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
OMG, this read like a massive warm hug and while every review is subjective, my traumatised little hospitality heart ATE. THIS. UP!
I absolutely loved reading about Claire and—like Waitlyn Andrews' mentions in her bio—how she's a strong FMC chasing her dream of winning a Michelin Star 🙌🏻
The slow burn was slow burning in the best way, Claire and James had the cutest, most wholesome friends to lovers trope, and the fact that there was a food description at the start of every chapter made reading Yes, Chef so much more fun! (and really hungry lol)
Please read Waitlyn Andrews' DEBUT BOOK. It's got:
🥐 Enemies (dislike) to friends to lovers
🥐 Slow burn
🥐 Workplace romance
🥐 He looks after her while she sick...
🥐 No third break up
🥐 Closed door / HEA
~ Thank you Waitlyn Andrews and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review ~
July 21, 2023
Claire loves her job at a one Michelin star restaurant, and her family-owned winery but needs to get away from her family and her ex-boyfriend ASAP. She decides to move to Paris with the main goal of turning Teaks into a one Michelin star restaurant. When not working she experiments with new recipes with a side of running and reading. She enjoys her job and loves her perfect little Paris apartment, and then everything changes when James Sullivan comes to work at Teaks as her boss.
James and his family are well known in the culinary world, and he already has a star under his belt. Yes, he’s intimidating, but he is also tall and handsome and throws Claire for a loop. They have a bit of a rough start, but they slowly develop the sweetest friendship and work together well in the kitchen. James is her biggest supporter and will do anything he needs to help her achieve her goal. But they also have undeniable feelings for each other. The question is will they let their feelings get in the way of getting the star?
James and his family are well known in the culinary world, and he already has a star under his belt. Yes, he’s intimidating, but he is also tall and handsome and throws Claire for a loop. They have a bit of a rough start, but they slowly develop the sweetest friendship and work together well in the kitchen. James is her biggest supporter and will do anything he needs to help her achieve her goal. But they also have undeniable feelings for each other. The question is will they let their feelings get in the way of getting the star?
August 17, 2023
This had all the makings to be a really great book, but unfortunately it fell really…really…flat for me.
I felt like I was reading Claire’s diary instead of a novel, there was minimal plot and supporting character development. The romance was soooooo slow and yet somehow rushed at the same time? Does it count as slow burn if you don’t actually see understand how they fall in love? They don’t talk for 70% of the book then suddenly they’re madly in love.
For a book about two chefs trying to earn a. Michelin star, there was surprisingly minimal focus on the process and not much emphasis on perfecting their craft. That premise and a few other pieces of the story could’ve played out so well and created a cohesive story, but there was a lot of random plot devices thrown in to maintain intrigue and the writing style felt more gimmicky than intentional. I was cringing and rolling my eyes most of the time.
Wish I had better things to say but this was just not it for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I felt like I was reading Claire’s diary instead of a novel, there was minimal plot and supporting character development. The romance was soooooo slow and yet somehow rushed at the same time? Does it count as slow burn if you don’t actually see understand how they fall in love? They don’t talk for 70% of the book then suddenly they’re madly in love.
For a book about two chefs trying to earn a. Michelin star, there was surprisingly minimal focus on the process and not much emphasis on perfecting their craft. That premise and a few other pieces of the story could’ve played out so well and created a cohesive story, but there was a lot of random plot devices thrown in to maintain intrigue and the writing style felt more gimmicky than intentional. I was cringing and rolling my eyes most of the time.
Wish I had better things to say but this was just not it for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 18, 2023
Such a sweet, satisfying summer romance! I found myself smiling and gleefully rooting for Claire and James throughout the entire book. It felt like a comfort read and a big adventure at the same time. This is one of the rare books that really makes you feel like you are in the setting with the characters, following them throughout their day, and doing what they do. I loved journeying with Claire and James through Paris, and watching the slow-burn, delicious pining blossom into love! The descriptions of and attention paid to food and its role in the love story was also fun to read. James is the most caring, protective, and supportive hero, and it was so wonderful to read Claire’s journey of realizing who she was and what she wanted, walking away from the parts of her life that brought her down, and just going for it. I literally could not put this book down, and can’t wait to read more from Waitlyn Andrews.
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