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Yes, Chef
Not yet published
Expected 21 Jul 26The Bear meets It Happened One Summer in this delicious new romance from USA Today bestselling author Grace Reilly, in which a down-on-his-luck chef and a determined social media maven strike a reluctant deal to bring a beloved restaurant back to life.
If you can’t take the heat…get out of the kitchen.
After a public meltdown in the dining room of one of Manhattan’s most elite restaurants, Chef Jack Hartman is back in his South Florida hometown. Angry, grieving, and saddled with the unwanted storefront his late mentor left him, his life is spinning out of control. And that’s before Poppy Winfield, the blond, bubbly, utterly infuriating daughter of his former boss, shows up at his dock.
Poppy needs to escape. From her disapproving family, her horrible ex-boyfriend, and her reputation as someone who has never taken anything seriously. But more than that, she wants to prove herself—and she has just the plan to do it. Unfortunately, that plan involves Jack Hartman, the most arrogant, prickly, intimidating man she’s ever had the pleasure of throwing a shrimp at.
She knows Jack is desperate to come back from his unceremonious firing, so she proposes a deal: working together to open a revamped version of his mentor’s restaurant. He’ll handle the menu, and she’ll use her skill as a social media influencer to sell the hell out of its grand opening. If she and Jack can make the restaurant a success, it’ll be an accomplishment no one can deny—and a ticket for them both to return to New York.
Jack is intrigued, but only on his terms: if Poppy’s going to work for him, she must learn the ropes of the entire business. Including how to cook. From him.
As sparks fly both in and out of the kitchen and tensions reach a boiling point, Poppy and Jack are left wondering--could they be a perfect pairing? Or is this whole experiment a recipe for disaster?
If you can’t take the heat…get out of the kitchen.
After a public meltdown in the dining room of one of Manhattan’s most elite restaurants, Chef Jack Hartman is back in his South Florida hometown. Angry, grieving, and saddled with the unwanted storefront his late mentor left him, his life is spinning out of control. And that’s before Poppy Winfield, the blond, bubbly, utterly infuriating daughter of his former boss, shows up at his dock.
Poppy needs to escape. From her disapproving family, her horrible ex-boyfriend, and her reputation as someone who has never taken anything seriously. But more than that, she wants to prove herself—and she has just the plan to do it. Unfortunately, that plan involves Jack Hartman, the most arrogant, prickly, intimidating man she’s ever had the pleasure of throwing a shrimp at.
She knows Jack is desperate to come back from his unceremonious firing, so she proposes a deal: working together to open a revamped version of his mentor’s restaurant. He’ll handle the menu, and she’ll use her skill as a social media influencer to sell the hell out of its grand opening. If she and Jack can make the restaurant a success, it’ll be an accomplishment no one can deny—and a ticket for them both to return to New York.
Jack is intrigued, but only on his terms: if Poppy’s going to work for him, she must learn the ropes of the entire business. Including how to cook. From him.
As sparks fly both in and out of the kitchen and tensions reach a boiling point, Poppy and Jack are left wondering--could they be a perfect pairing? Or is this whole experiment a recipe for disaster?
Paperback
Expected publication July 21, 2026
14 people are currently reading
2536 people want to read
About the author
Grace Reilly
9 books3,838 followersHi! I’m Grace.
I’m so glad you’re here! Originally from Long Island, I now live in Florida, where I pretend the lizards in my backyard are miniature dragons and soak up the sunshine. I can usually be found with a notebook in one hand and a paperback (or my Kindle!) in another. A storyteller at heart with a deep romantic streak, I write what I love to read: stories filled with swoon and steam, laughter and love, family and friendships, and authentic, earnest emotions and growth. I love drawing on my personal passions for my books, which is how my sports fanaticism resulted in the Beyond the Play series.
More about me: I collect earrings, the quirkier the better. I never turn down a good mint chocolate chip ice cream. I listen to way too much sports talk radio. And I adore writing about couples who are stronger together.
I’m so glad you’re here! Originally from Long Island, I now live in Florida, where I pretend the lizards in my backyard are miniature dragons and soak up the sunshine. I can usually be found with a notebook in one hand and a paperback (or my Kindle!) in another. A storyteller at heart with a deep romantic streak, I write what I love to read: stories filled with swoon and steam, laughter and love, family and friendships, and authentic, earnest emotions and growth. I love drawing on my personal passions for my books, which is how my sports fanaticism resulted in the Beyond the Play series.
More about me: I collect earrings, the quirkier the better. I never turn down a good mint chocolate chip ice cream. I listen to way too much sports talk radio. And I adore writing about couples who are stronger together.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 7, 2025
Beta read - Full review to come
February 15, 2026
I have loved Grace’s writing for a long time! I remember reading First Down for the first time and just knowing that it was special. That whole series sits so close to my heart! And now we’re here! With something new and different and just as perfect! I feel like I say this every time I read a book so early!! But I can’t believe I got to read this already! It’s SO GOOD! I’m going to have to reread it because truly I think this is Grace at her best!
Jack and Poppy are EVERYTHING! There is nothing better than two people who are so different but also JUUUUST similar enough who then work together to prove themselves and then FALL IN LOOOOOVE on the way. The tension was DELICIOUS! The way they frustrated each other seemingly to no end. But they worked SO WELL together! And of course it helped that they were wildly attracted to each other!! and were able to be vulnerable and feel so safe to be themselves with each other!!
I really appreciated how both of their ADHD was written differently and we got to see what works for each of them and what doesn’t. I loved seeing Poppy really find herself, she’s never felt like she was enough. And with Jack’s she was really able to shine. The same was true for Jack too. He always thought there was something wrong with him, so he didn’t trust anything good that happened. But then Poppy happened and she forced him to see the good, to see a way to live and love and find a home - a home that’s been waiting for him!! And it was BEAUTIFUL!
Thank you so much to Avon for the arc in exchange for an honest review!!!
Jack and Poppy are EVERYTHING! There is nothing better than two people who are so different but also JUUUUST similar enough who then work together to prove themselves and then FALL IN LOOOOOVE on the way. The tension was DELICIOUS! The way they frustrated each other seemingly to no end. But they worked SO WELL together! And of course it helped that they were wildly attracted to each other!! and were able to be vulnerable and feel so safe to be themselves with each other!!
I really appreciated how both of their ADHD was written differently and we got to see what works for each of them and what doesn’t. I loved seeing Poppy really find herself, she’s never felt like she was enough. And with Jack’s she was really able to shine. The same was true for Jack too. He always thought there was something wrong with him, so he didn’t trust anything good that happened. But then Poppy happened and she forced him to see the good, to see a way to live and love and find a home - a home that’s been waiting for him!! And it was BEAUTIFUL!
Thank you so much to Avon for the arc in exchange for an honest review!!!
February 15, 2026
I absolutely devoured this binge worthy book to the point I read it start to finish in one afternoon. Everything about it worked for me from the grumpy/sunshine vibes to the grumpy chef MMC, Jack, and FMC, Poppy, that wanted to be taken seriously to the difficult family dynamics. The food themed chapter headings were a perfect addition to this story. Although, both the chapter headings and the food references throughout the story made me so hungry while reading this. Make sure you have snacks handy. The banter between Poppy and Jack was top tier. I also really loved the cooking lessons that Jack gave Poppy and the different insights into the culinary and restaurant world this provided. There were also some incredibly hilarious scenes. The oyster commentary between Poppy and Jack will live rent free in my head and also had me laughing so hard. I also adored the sweeter moments like the pop tarts and chef’s coat scene. The friend group in this was everything, and I loved how they welcomed Poppy with open arms. I especially loved the friendship between Poppy and Kiara. Quite simply, this book is a must read.
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eARC courtesy of Avon Books
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eARC courtesy of Avon Books
November 20, 2025
I had the insane honor of getting to beta read “Yes, Chef” I have been a huge fan of Grace’s books since before Stealing Home even came out. This book was AMAZING (no shock) I’m not going to share too many details and let the pictures speak for themselves (for now) to avoid spoilers. All you need to know for now is Poppy and Jack are so special. They bring out the best in each other. This story explores so many important topics. When it comes out, be sure to check Grace’s website for TWs. ANYWAYS add this book to your TBR, pre order it, all the things, because holy WOW Grace has done it again.
October 7, 2025
Honestly my fave book by Grace to date...I cannot wait for everyone to read this!!!!
03-not-released
December 3, 202516th June 2026, changed to 21st Jul 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️
I am a hardcore Gordon Ramsey fan so when I read the synopsis of this, I was instantly requesting it for an earc. & I am happy to report, this is a cute one.
Influencer and nepo baby Poppy, has grown up in the shadow of her sister. Always feeling like she never fit into her family dynamic and never measuring up to expectations. Chef Jack Hartman just got fired. Forced to restore a restaurant he doesn’t want to prove to Poppy’s father that he can earn back his right for a job, what could go wrong? Only the fact that Poppy inserts herself and insists on helping, to prove to her family that she has what it takes. Do they create a culinary masterpiece or burn the kitchen to the ground?
Y’all, this was a fun one. I really liked both FMC & MMC, and their dynamic together. It was fun to see them butt heads but also challenge each other to become better people. I loooved the cooking aspect! & the way MMC taught her to cook! 😭 #obsessed. I was also not expecting to get a little teary with this one. I think the author did a really great job of writing about grief, navigating blame for that grief, and how past trauma can effect processing grief.
This was my first Grace Reilly read but it definitely won’t be my last! Overall, really enjoyable.
Thank you so much to Avon, Netgalley, & author for the eARC!!
What to Expect:
👩🏼🍳Dual POV
👩🏼🍳Grumpy x Sunshine
👩🏼🍳Friends with Benefits
👩🏼🍳Forced Proximity
👩🏼🍳ADHD rep
3/5 🌶️
I am a hardcore Gordon Ramsey fan so when I read the synopsis of this, I was instantly requesting it for an earc. & I am happy to report, this is a cute one.
Influencer and nepo baby Poppy, has grown up in the shadow of her sister. Always feeling like she never fit into her family dynamic and never measuring up to expectations. Chef Jack Hartman just got fired. Forced to restore a restaurant he doesn’t want to prove to Poppy’s father that he can earn back his right for a job, what could go wrong? Only the fact that Poppy inserts herself and insists on helping, to prove to her family that she has what it takes. Do they create a culinary masterpiece or burn the kitchen to the ground?
Y’all, this was a fun one. I really liked both FMC & MMC, and their dynamic together. It was fun to see them butt heads but also challenge each other to become better people. I loooved the cooking aspect! & the way MMC taught her to cook! 😭 #obsessed. I was also not expecting to get a little teary with this one. I think the author did a really great job of writing about grief, navigating blame for that grief, and how past trauma can effect processing grief.
This was my first Grace Reilly read but it definitely won’t be my last! Overall, really enjoyable.
Thank you so much to Avon, Netgalley, & author for the eARC!!
What to Expect:
👩🏼🍳Dual POV
👩🏼🍳Grumpy x Sunshine
👩🏼🍳Friends with Benefits
👩🏼🍳Forced Proximity
👩🏼🍳ADHD rep
February 16, 2026
I’m so excited to have gotten such an early copy of Yes, Chef !!!! The cover drew me in first and I can’t resist a tatted up grump! Poppy is an influencer with very wealthy parents and her father took Jack, an up and coming chef, under his wing. Poppy feels like she can never do anything right and that her parents don’t take her seriously. One night both Poppy and Jack make a scene at a restaurant and pretty much ruin their reputations when a recording goes viral. Jack is grieving the loss of his closest father figure, but goes back to his hometown of Diamond Bay, Florida where the man left him his closed down restaurant. Poppy shows up with a plan. They’re going to clean and open the restaurant up and impress everyone. Poppy is going to document it on social media and get it a huge following. Jack agrees as long as he gets to teach Poppy how to cook. They’ve pretty much always hated each other, but the more time they spend together the more they realize how much they have in common. And their chemistry is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🥵🥵🥵🥵 They know the heat is there so they decide to give in on some no strings fun. They’re actually really adorable too. I love the spice and I love all the sweet tender moments too. They have the best connection. Jack also reconnects with friends from his past and they have this little found family that’s so freaking sweet. I loved everything about this book!!! Infinity stars!!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Who knew food could be so hot?! Poppy and Jack’s chemistry is SIZZLIN’.. in AND out of the kitchen. Even thought they start out as enemies - she can’t stand him and he can’t stand her, they find common ground in trying to prove themselves while revamping his former mentor’s restaurant.
I loved watching them develop a mutual respect with one another. Jack made sure Poppy earned her new position, and she tried to lighten him up in the process. Their banter made for the perfect transition from enemies to friends with benefits. After all, when you’re stuck on a deserted island you gotta scratch the itch somehow *wink wink*
Hide your spatulas (or don’t) and sit down with a snack because this one is sure to leave you hungry, in more ways than one.
Endless thanks to Avon for the arc in exchange for my honest review. If you catch me screaming YES CHEF outta nowhere, mind your business.
I loved watching them develop a mutual respect with one another. Jack made sure Poppy earned her new position, and she tried to lighten him up in the process. Their banter made for the perfect transition from enemies to friends with benefits. After all, when you’re stuck on a deserted island you gotta scratch the itch somehow *wink wink*
Hide your spatulas (or don’t) and sit down with a snack because this one is sure to leave you hungry, in more ways than one.
Endless thanks to Avon for the arc in exchange for my honest review. If you catch me screaming YES CHEF outta nowhere, mind your business.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Before I get into the the incredible book, I just want to thank Grace for creating these incredible characters with adhd. As a fellow adhd girlie, I felt so seen and understood reading about Poppy- even Jack too!
Now the book- it started off with these two unlikable characters that I ended up crying over by the end! My heart hurt for both of them but I'm so glad they were able to mature and communicate.
I loved loved loved all the side characters, especially gator 🥹 and the spice? Spicy 🙂↕️ Brb while I go reread it because I cannot get enough! I also would like to be the first to say this would make the best tv adaptation!!
Thank you Avon books for the advance copy!
Now the book- it started off with these two unlikable characters that I ended up crying over by the end! My heart hurt for both of them but I'm so glad they were able to mature and communicate.
I loved loved loved all the side characters, especially gator 🥹 and the spice? Spicy 🙂↕️ Brb while I go reread it because I cannot get enough! I also would like to be the first to say this would make the best tv adaptation!!
Thank you Avon books for the advance copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was the CUTEST freaking read!!
The banter between Poppy & Jack was everything.
Chefs Kiss 💋
Side note: I loved the ADHD representation. From the personal impact, infantilization by others, & relatable struggles of day to day.
Enemies to lovers
A cat named Gator 🐊
"How charming," I say, gesturing to them. "I'm sure you have to beat off the ladies with a stick."
His glower deepens. "And I'm sure the only men interested in you want access to your trust fund, Princess."
Your honor I love them. Now kissssssssss
The banter between Poppy & Jack was everything.
Chefs Kiss 💋
Side note: I loved the ADHD representation. From the personal impact, infantilization by others, & relatable struggles of day to day.
Enemies to lovers
A cat named Gator 🐊
"How charming," I say, gesturing to them. "I'm sure you have to beat off the ladies with a stick."
His glower deepens. "And I'm sure the only men interested in you want access to your trust fund, Princess."
Your honor I love them. Now kissssssssss
Review of advance copy received from Shelf Awareness Pro
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Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 ⭐️
3 🌶️
YES CHEF is righttttt!!!!! This book was hot and not just relating to the food 😮💨 From the first chapter, the chemistry between Poppy and Jack was electric! More in-depth review to come
3 🌶️
YES CHEF is righttttt!!!!! This book was hot and not just relating to the food 😮💨 From the first chapter, the chemistry between Poppy and Jack was electric! More in-depth review to come
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews