Yes, Chef

by Grace Reilly

PRE-ORDER the first spicy, standalone novel from the USA Today bestselling author of the Beyond the Play series! Perfect for fans of The Bear and Tessa Bailey!***

If you can’t take the heat…get out of the kitchen.After a public meltdown in one of Manhattan’s most elite restaurants, Chef Jack Hartman must return to his small Florida hometown. The only upside? He’ll be far away from Poppy Winfield – his former boss’s blonde, beautiful, utterly infuriating daughter – and the shrimp she threw at his head.

Poppy is also desperate for an escape – from her disapproving family and from her infamy as an influencer without a serious bone in her body. With their reputations in ruins, Jack’s only ticket back to New York is turning the unloved restaurant of his childhood into the newest dining hotspot on the East Coast. And unfortunately for him, Poppy’s is using her well-honed social media skills to sell out his grand opening.

As sparks fly and tensions reach boiling point, will Poppy and Jack be a recipe for disaster? Or could they be a perfect pairing …?



☀️Grumpy x sunshine

🔪Chef romance

🏙️Big city girl in a small town

👩‍❤️‍👨Forced proximity

🔥Friends with benefits

🧠ADHD Rep

Your favourite romance authors LOVE Grace for readers looking for a red hot read' B.K. Borison

'Charm, humor, and sizzling tension. Reilly writes the perfect blend of swoon and spice' Bal Khabra

'A sweet and spicy read that brings all the swoon' Lana Ferguson

'Opposites truly do attract in this true-to-form romantic comedy!' Peyton Corinne

'Sparkling banter, delicious tension, and page-melting dirty talk' Stephanie Archer

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Adult, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Forced Proximity, Food

Kindle Edition

Expected publication July 21, 2026

About the author

Hi! 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.

Reviews

[hailee · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. all opinions are my own.

4.5***

this was so delicious ;) and so much fun!!!!

okay so obviously this book is about a chef & a restaurant so there’s quite a lot of food descriptions - so so vivid and tenderly written i was obsessed (and also hungry). also i love reading about books that very specifically take place over a summer where two characters are working at the same location (especially a restaurant) - this is because i met my boyfriend while working at a beach restaurant in the hamptons and i just eat that up every single time.

the setting was perfect and this had me ready for summer to start asap. i’m from south florida so it was a lot of fun getting to read about a town near many places i’m very familiar with. also pub sub supremacy for real!!!!!!!

i really really adore poppy as a character and i think my favorite thing about her is how human she is. she’s real and she’s flawed and she’s trying her best and i just loved how she navigated her way through her situation and came out stronger and happier.

i loved jack’s journey and being able to see him learn to deal with his grief and allow himself to have vulnerabilities and connections with those around him.

the banter was so much fun and i was genuinely giggling out loud reading a lot of the scenes between the two of them. also the tension was GOODDDD and i had such a fantastic time watching their relationship develop and turn into something solid.

also! the ADHD rep was (in my opinion) very well done & i really appreciated how we got to see the different ways poppy & jack experienced ADHD, what helped each of them vs what didn’t, and the variances between ADHD in men and women.

this was my first book by this author and i’m looking forward to reading more!! highly recommend this, especially for an atmospheric read to get you in the mood for summer.

[yoanna lea. (semi ia.)]

pre-read⋆˙⟡
insert *another one thank you* meme because YAY I got accepted for another arc. back to back every month lol. I just know this will be a fun read because after reading the synopsis, a girl had to run to netgalley and find it 🙈😆

thank you so much grace reilly, avon & netgalley, for the e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Megan Coggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

The vibes were vibing.
🍍🔪🌴

Ok I love cowboy romances / single dad x nanny don’t get me wrong but sometimes you can only read so many before you need something else.
Something fresher.
Something you haven’t read 100x.
And this was that something.

Jack & Poppy 💕
Chef x influencer
He worked for her dad
Little wrong side of the tracks boy x rich girl
Que the stereotyping.
Grumpy x sunshine
ADHD rep

He teaches her to cook.
She helps him with a restaurant.
There’s a cockroach.
There’s a Gator.
There’s a houseboat.

There’s spunk and banter.
And spice.

It’s hot in the kitchen in Florida.

Netgalley arc review ✨

[booksarebetterjess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta read - Full review to come

[Holly Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!!

[Erin (erinsreadingroom) · Rating 5 out of 5]

☆ 4.5 stars

Yes, Chef is the new standalone contemporary romance by author Grace Reilly. As a fan of this author’s work in the past I felt very excited to get my hands on this delicious and tantalising tale as early as possible and was not left disappointing in the aftermath. This is a heartfelt story about two struggling people who were raised within opposing circumstances and yet come to realise that they share more in common then they realise, including a sizzling chemistry that threatens to burst with every stolen moment and yearning glance. The characters felt multi-layered and complex which helped to signify just how innately human they are despite being fictional. I love imperfect characters most of all because a journey of self-discovery only feels worthwhile and impactful with clear growth which is something that I believe Reilly has executed beautifully. The ADHD representation was written with intent and impact as we witness the differing experiences that can be between men and woman and the stereotypes that they are forced to endure as a result, and the discussions surrounding how more needs to be done to offer additional support for those in need. I adored the dual-POV narration which enables us as the reader to truly understand and explore both characters intimately as individuals alongside their romantic development for a much fuller experience. I had a wonderful time getting lost into this compelling and enriching romantic story filled with snarky banter, emotional conversations (including the consistent inclusion of grief and life after loss) and found family elements that will leave you struggling to put the book down.

Connecting with the joyous tornado that is Poppy Winfield was an ease from her very first introduction with her bubbly demeanour and unyielding determination as she also continued to win over anybody within her orbit. Getting an insight into her inner thoughts and the turmoil that she has faced felt like a gift as I’ve ended this experience feeling like I truly understand her character. The struggles that she has endured due to the lack of support from her ADHD diagnosis and the way that she felt like an unimportant afterthought to her family truly broke my heart. It hurt to recognise that all Poppy wanted was to be regarded seriously by her peers and to be recognised as the creative, intelligent woman that she knows she is capable of being. I had a lot of respect for her attitude and the way that she refused to back down when things would prove to be difficult. Poppy is just as ambitious and business-minded as her family, and I adored getting to witness her battle against the misconceptions of her character with determination and pride. She is a warm, kind and gentle soul that expresses genuine interest in the world around her which was the perfect contrast to her (eventual) other half. Poppy’s ability to find beauty and joy in the smallest of endeavours made it impossible to find any faults within her intentions, and I loved getting to witness a once struggling and insecure young woman blossom into somebody that takes pride in her actions and in what she brings to the table. She is far from perfect and doesn’t always get things right, especially when it comes to social cues and figuring out the right time to approach a difficult conversation, but there’s no denying that Poppy has a big heart and never makes a decision with any malicious intent. Her growth felt impactful and I couldn’t be happier with the conclusion to her story by the end.

Jack Hartman felt like a difficult character to pin down at the beginning as his struggles with emotional vulnerability greatly reflected on his character and my ability to connect with him on a deeper level. It became clear to me from the beginning how deeply Jack is struggling with the current circumstances within his life and it hurt to see him continue to undermine his personal value as a human being outside of a kitchen setting. He is a phenomenal chef that is widely renowned for his skills that has found his reputation at risk after some poorly made decisions finds Jack scattering to figure out where he truly belongs. What enabled me to connect with his character more was my recognition that the way he reacts is as a result of self-preservation and the way he desperately fears rejection in all manners of life. I fell in-love with him more and more as the continuation of the plot enabled me to further unravel his complicated persona and truly divulge into who he is at him core. Underneath a grumpy and immovable exterior is a soft man capable of gentleness and love. A man that has yearned to love and to be loved, and to finally have a family to call his own. I really enjoyed getting the ability to understand how his ADHD has impacted his life and the way that cooking has become his only safe space to be who he truly is. Jack’s backstory broke my heart and I hated to see how much self-imposed guilt and resentment that he has been carrying upon his shoulders for such a long time. I adored getting to witness his personality soften over time with patience as he slowly begins to entertain the idea of welcoming the love into his life that he both has long feared and yearned for. Jack’s journey felt impactful from start-to-finish and the progress that he makes left me wanting to audibly cheer him on. His imperfections and struggles make him a relatable character to root for and I couldn’t be happier when the life that we see him embrace within the epilogue.

I found the introduction between Poppy and Jack to be utterly hilarious as it is made clear early on that these two characters seem to attract chaos and carnage every time they occupy the same space. They immediately have presumptions and prejudices upon one another which becomes more apparent as unplanned circumstances bring them together in close proximity. I loved getting to see both characters being forced to address their bias as they slowly begin to lower their emotional walls and find themselves coming to the realisation that they share more in common than they initially believed. My favourite aspect of Poppy and Jack’s relationship ability was the way that they continued to push and encourage more from each other with the mutual respect and understanding of their capabilities. It took them a little bit of time to settle on equal ground and recognise the value that they are bringing into their professional arrangement. I loved how messy and imperfect their development was as we see mistakes being made which is further made worse by their struggle to communicate openly. Poppy and Jack really work hard to understand one another which I adored to see come into place with the revelation that they both have ADHD with differing needs. The scenes were Jack teaches Poppy to cook were everything as we can see how desperately Poppy wishes to be taken seriously whilst Jack begins to recognise how wrong he has been in his perception of her. The way that they encourage the best from each other felt like a monumental step forward within their relationship as this proved to me as the reader that they have the willingness to work together and make their relationship lasting. They forged a true partnership built on mutual respect and friendship which was beautiful to see, and most of all I adored that them working together to fix up the restaurant could be a direct correlation of their own personal journeys. Poppy and Jack put in the work and not only learn how to better themselves as individuals but also as a budding couple. Their progression was equal parts vulnerable as it was heat, and I adored every messy moment of their love story from start to finish.

Yes, Chef was as every bit a delight as I had hoped and I already know that I’m going to be yearning to discover what Grace Reilly has been working on next. I never realised just how much I have missed her work until reading this delightful tale, and I cannot wait to see what else Reilly has been cooking in that wonderfully creative brain of hers. Whatever it is… count me in on that release. Yes, Chef is absolutely a ‘must read’ of the summer that I urge all romance readers to pick up no matter what you’re doing. Please trust me and hit that preorder button.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.
✨
✨
eARC courtesy of Avon Books

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

No notes. "Yes, Chef" was perfect! The banter and the spice 🥵 I'm still recovering. This was my first Grace Reilly book and it won't be my last! Poppy Winfield and Jack Hartman are the ipedomy of Grumpy x Sunshine and I absolutely loved them! 

Poppy Winfield had something to prove to her family. She wanted them to take her seriously. Jack Hartman just lost his job and followed the dream of his foster dad's restaurant. Both Poppy and Jack brought out the best in each other which made their restaurant flourish! They worked so well toghether in and out of the resturant. I loved that for them. I loved Poppy's spunky personality. Gator the Ally Cat that Poppy adopted was so sweet. 

I loved watching the friendship form between Poppy and Kiara. It was beautiful watching Poppy find herself and her confidence while breaking down Jack's walls and watching him open up to people again. 

The way I devoured this book was insane! This book was Chef's Kiss! 💋❤️


Thank you Avon and Netgalley for my ARC Copy!


Tropes: 

-Grumpy Chef x Sunshine Influencer 
-Forced Proximity 
- Friends with Benefits 
- Found Family 
- Caution: Spicy!
- Dual Pov
- He Teaches her how to cook

[Miranda Linton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story just isn’t working for me. By 45% it still hasn’t hooked me at all and I sort of had to just push through the rest. I think there is a market for this but it isn’t me.

The FMC kind of drove me nuts. I really struggle with characters who just cannot get it together. I don’t want to hear any excuses about her having adhd, the person I love most in this world also has adhd and would never do half of this. Being out of control is not a cute character trait.

If this had been a faster pace then I would have liked it. Sometimes the story line would absolutely drag but then it would speed up so fast I thought it was editing errors. There’s just a lot of little things that I couldn’t get past, like everyone knows you don’t wear pearls in water…right? We all know that?

Again, it’s not bad I just didn’t click with it. If you’re into cooking, adhd rep, grumpy sunshine, then this could be for you.

**thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for an arc of this book**

[EmmyLu_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Romance_book_obsessed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was sooo good!! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC!

Poppy and Jack had a bad first meeting at her father’s restaurant when he was a chef there. Months later, after scandal for Jack and a breakup for Poppy, they find themselves with a need for change.

Jack has inherited a restaurant from his former foster parent and with no options, he decides to revive it. Poppy is intrigued by Jack’s new plan and follows him to Florida to help with branding and marketing!

At first Jack is hesitant to let her help. He teaches her to cook and she inspires new ideas for the restaurant. The heat in the kitchen gets spicy! 🌶️

Jack is determined to sell the restaurant, but will his mind change when he and poppy make such a great team?

[Viviana]

I grabbed this one after receiving Grace's newsletter. It was as a widget on NetGalley.

[Riley Pleczkowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Grace Reilly book and as soon as I saw the title on NetGalley, I knew I had to request it. The dedication made me smile and the epigraph… well, I knew I would LOVE this book. I love a chef trope; Burnt is one of my favorite movies of all time. And when that chef teaches her how to cook AND helps her find her passion? SOLD!

There was banter and flirting and vulnerability and spice. I loved so much about this story but the third act breakup was not my vibe. An amazing chef romance… we need more of them!

[Nadja · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️|1.5🌶️

YES, CHEF???? YES, OBSESSION. YES, I HAVE NO CHILL.

First of all, I have been a ride-or-die for Grace Reilly for a hot minute now. The Beyond the Play series owns a very specific piece of my soul, and I guard it aggressively. So when I say I went into this feral with excitement, I mean I was pacing. Refreshing. Manifesting. And then I got approved and I’m not exaggerating when I say it felt like I requested it and BOOM: there it was. Moments. Seconds. I barely had time to emotionally prepare. And by prepare, I mean light a candle and warn my responsibilities that I was about to abandon them.

And listen. This book did not disappoint. The kitchen is not the only thing that’s hot in this story. The chemistry? Illegal. Offensive. I should be able to file a complaint. And Jack??? I need everyone to understand that this man is written like he was handcrafted in a romance laboratory and then plated with microgreens for presentation. He is FINE. He is competent. He is emotionally repressed but working on it. He teaches cooking lessons. I am unwell.

This was FUN. Like capital-F fun. I loved both the FMC and MMC individually, which is rare because usually I pick a favorite and mentally defend them in arguments like I’m their lawyer. But here? I loved them both. Watching them butt heads was chef’s kiss (I’m so sorry, the puns will not stop). They challenge each other. They frustrate each other. They push each other to grow instead of just existing in their own little ego bubbles. And I am a SUCKER for two people who are wildly different but juuuust similar enough that you know they’re about to accidentally fall in love while trying to prove a point. The tension was DELICIOUS. The kind where you’re yelling “JUST KISS ALREADY” but also “wait no keep fighting this is fun.”

And when I say they worked well together? I mean the synergy was there. The push and pull. The competence kink energy. The “I hate how good you are at this” vibes. I was eating it up like it was a five-course tasting menu and I had not eaten in days.

Also can we talk about the ADHD representation because I really appreciated how it was written. It wasn’t copy-paste symptoms for both characters. It showed how differently it can manifest. What works for one doesn’t necessarily work for the other. The coping strategies. The friction that can come from that. It felt thoughtful and layered instead of surface-level. We love to see it.

Now. The cooking. I LOVED the cooking. I love when a romance actually teaches me something and doesn’t just say “he cooked expertly” and move on. The lessons Jack gives Poppy??? I was melting. The patience. The explanations. The gentle guidance. Sir, why are you being attractive in such a domestic way. Also this is the second book I’ve read in a month that has taught me about the Maillard reaction. I went my entire life not knowing what that was and now suddenly I could give a light TED Talk. If I read one more romance that educates me on browning meat I’m going to start a culinary degree against my will.

The chapter headings. The food descriptions. The constant references to flavors and textures. I was STARVING. Physically and emotionally. I would finish a chapter and immediately consider ordering takeout like I had just run a marathon instead of lying on my couch kicking my feet over fictional chefs.

And can we please discuss the found family?? Jack reconnecting with friends from his past? My heart. The little glimpses we get of them and their dynamic were so freaking sweet. I wanted MORE. I wanted full novellas about every single one of them. I would absolutely inhale their stories. Grace, if you’re listening, I am not above begging. Watching Jack slowly rebuild those relationships while also navigating grief added so much depth. It wasn’t just “hot chef man makes pasta and flirts.” It was layered. It was emotional. It had history.

Speaking of grief, Grace handled that beautifully. The complicated parts. The blame. The way trauma can twist how you process loss. The internal spirals. The self-punishment. It wasn’t just sad for the sake of being sad. It felt real. It felt messy in the way grief actually is. I really respected how that was written.

Also. There is a cat named Gator. I do not need to elaborate. A cat named Gator exists in this book and that alone should secure its place on your TBR.

Now. I do have to address something as someone who has real-life experience in this department. Romance novels love to tell us that chefs fresh out of a twelve-hour shift, glistening in their chef whites, are the pinnacle of sexy. And while I support the fantasy, let me gently take your hand. My boyfriend has worked in kitchens for years. When they leave that kitchen, they do not smell like a single seductive dish. They smell like every dish. All of them. Simultaneously. Oil. Garlic. Fish. Steak. Onions. Sauce. Smoke. It clings. It haunts. It lingers. They look hot. Yes. Do not misunderstand me. But if you lean in expecting romance-novel-level intoxicating scent? You are getting eau de service line. HOWEVER. Freshly laundered chef whites? Unreal. Peak attractiveness. No notes.

Back to the romance before I get banned from kitchens everywhere.

The way they push each other to be better versions of themselves was one of my favorite parts. It wasn’t just about proving something to the world, it was about proving something to themselves. They see each other’s potential and refuse to let the other shrink. And watching that evolution from antagonistic tension to genuine support? Elite.

Now. The third act. I think it was done well. I do. The conflict made sense. The emotional beats tracked. But did I want more grovel? Yes. I am a greedy little gremlin. I wanted just a smidge more suffering. A pinch more “I have realized I was an idiot and I will now atone.” It resolved a little quickly for my personal taste. That said? The epilogue was beyond adorable. Like teeth-rottingly sweet. It soothed my petty little heart.

Overall, this book was fun, hot, emotionally layered, and unexpectedly informative about cooking science. It had banter. It had tension. It had grief and growth and found family and a cat named Gator. It made me hungry in every possible sense of the word.

Hide your wooden spoons (or don’t, I’m not your supervisor), grab a snack, and prepare to fall in love somewhere between the stovetop and the slow burn. Grace Reilly did it again. I am unwell. And I would like seconds.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly my fave book by Grace to date...I cannot wait for everyone to read this!!!!

[Molly]

16th June 2026, changed to 21st Jul 2026

[Jennie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grumpy/sunshine
Enemies to loves
Mental health rep
Loss of a parent
He takes care of her when she’s sick ❤️

It’s been ages since Grace’s last book, and when she announced it was available on NetGalley (thank you NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager), I immediately requested it.

This book had me from the dedication and prologue.

Poppy, the black sheep of the Winfield family, always trying but never feeling like she’s enough. She hails from a prominent family that owns the Winfield group, Unlike her siblings, she chose not to work in the family business and became an influencer. After a disastrous breakup at one of their restaurants, which went viral, she’s determined to prove her family wrong.

Jack, a James Beard-winning chef, was recruited by the Winfield group with the promise of opening his own restaurant. However, he’s hit a rough patch. He loses his foster dad, which spirals into poor decisions and alcohol abuse as a coping mechanism. Just before dinner service, he’s let go but asked to stay on until a replacement is found. After a critic’s meal is sent back, he loses it and confronts the critic. His freakout (which coincidentally happens at the same time as Poppy’s and at the same restaurant) goes viral. He storms out, but his only saving grace is that his foster dad left him his restaurant. Jack is reluctant to return to a life he ran from but has no other options.

In the prologue, Jack and Poppy can’t stand each other. Jack thinks Poppy is a spoiled brat, and Poppy thinks Jack is smug and arrogant. After their simultaneous meltdowns, they decide to go to a bar to commiserate, sort of. Jack tells her about the restaurant, and she tells him about her breakup. Their relationship is rocky, and they pick at each other, getting angry.

Jack leaves the next day for Florida, and after a confrontation with her family, she decides she’s going to help make Jack’s restaurant a success.

These two had enemies-to-lovers and grumpy sunshine dynamic. I absolutely love their chemistry and banter. The ADHD representation was thoughtfully written and handled. Both characters experience ADHD, but saw how it differently impacted them. The cooking lessons were heartwarming and a wonderful way for them to relax and connect. Jack and Poppy perfectly complemented each other; he was incredibly supportive, and forged a bond neither had experienced before.

[maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Grace Reilly, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Netgalley for the eARC!!

tldr; Read this book!! It’s got the perfect mix of romcom and drama elements that will pull you in!

Ahhhh this was SO GOOD!!! I was instantly hooked from the start. This is my first book by Grace and I’m obsessed. She has done an incredible job with the storytelling and world building in Yes, Chef. It’s been a while since I’ve been sad for a book to end.
I find myself being weary of books that change POV, I feel like so much of the story can be missed when we jump around but there is no feelings of that in the way Grace writes. I felt like I consistently had a proper understanding of how the main characters were feeling at all times and I never felt like the story was hard to follow.
There was so many great topics included in this book.
•ADHD, without being a “quirk” or a main focus. It was represented in such a normal, real life way. Showing how it affected them differently.
•Grief/Childhood trauma
•Self doubt/Self Hate
•Family Dynamics

The chemistry and banter between Poppy and Jack was so perfect. The development and building of their relationship flowed so well. I honestly enjoyed the dynamics between all the characters and their relationships with one another. Everyone felt so flawed and real. I’m also a sucker for found family so that’s just another bonus for this book.
(This is a personal preference and in no way affected my rating because this is a 5 star read through and through, I found myself skimming the spicy scenes. It felt like a lot, even though there really wasn’t many but I found myself to be invested in the growth and relationship development between the main characters)

This book also made me realize that cooking can be fun?? I have always seen it as a chore and a task that I dread doing, but now I suddenly feel like I need to find a cooking class and discover the joys of the kitchen. It’s crazy how someone else’s words can change your view on things that seem as simple as cooking!

All in all this was a fun read, I would love to see more books in this world just to get another taste of the restaurant/kitchen life!!

[caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poppy and Jack had some petty tension and undeniable chemistry early on, and I really liked her work with the shrimp. They both have ADHD and it does play into a bit of the early interactions and the way her family views her. I liked how ready she was to fight someone over "girls not having ADHD" and other garbage stereotypes.

It feels important to note that I never read recipes and cook based on vibes after looking at photos unless I'm trying my hand at vegan baking. So, I can't definitively speak to the recipe development and skills discussed, but it was pretty telling that Jack took so much time out of his tight opening schedule to teach Poppy things he was passionate about. Sure, he said she needed to know that stuff in order to market the restaurant effectively, but it was pretty obvious his time could've been spent doing something else.

The third act breakup was handled well. It was necessary. I don't always love third act breakups, but when they're written well and drive the story forward without scarring anyone too badly, it works. They both had some stuff they needed to sort out. They came to an agreeable conclusion without anyone giving up too much of themselves or their goals, so it was fine.

There were a few things that irked me:
The breeding thing in a normal human romance in 2026 felt kind of gross. If this had been a fantasy shifter thing, I wouldn't have thought twice about it, but regular humans in FLORIDA of all places... ew.

Also, I know this is really pedantic, but an 8 second google search would've revealed that an all white heron-like bird in Florida in the fall is very likely not actually a heron, but an egret as there are three white egret species that are much more likely to be present at this time... It literally said "snow-white" in the book, and snowy egrets are right there. It's like the "eagle" calls on television all over again (those are red-tailed hawks). This one didn't impact my rating. I just wanted to talk about birds for a minute.

Overall I'm somewhere in the 3.5-4 star range.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for ARC access 💕

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was chaotic kitchen tension, soft vulnerability, and “he teaches her to cook” done so right.

📚 Yes, Chef by Grace Reilly
Genre: Contemporary romance
Vibes: grumpy chef, bubbly influencer, forced proximity, kitchen chaos, mutual growth

If The Bear had more flirting and It Happened One Summer energy in South Florida, this would be it.

Jack is a brilliant chef fresh off a very public meltdown and forced back to his hometown. Poppy is a sunshine social media maven desperate to prove she is more than the unserious rich girl everyone assumes she is.

So naturally they decide to reopen a restaurant together.

What could possibly go wrong.

What I loved:

🔥 Delicious tension that simmered from page one
🍤 Banter that felt sharp, frustrated, and wildly flirty
🍽️ Forced proximity in a high stress kitchen environment
🧠 Nuanced ADHD representation that felt thoughtful and distinct for both characters
💛 Two people who slowly become each other’s safest place

Jack and Poppy are complete opposites on the surface. He is prickly, grieving, intense. She is bubbly, underestimated, and determined. But underneath that, they are both carrying the same fear of not being enough.

Watching Poppy step into her confidence was so satisfying. She has always felt dismissed, but in the kitchen and beside Jack, she finds her footing. And Jack? He has spent his life believing something was wrong with him. Poppy challenges that narrative and forces him to see the good in himself.

Their chemistry is hot, yes. But what really got me was the vulnerability. The way they felt safe being messy and honest with each other.

This felt like Grace Reilly at her best. Emotional, funny, swoony, and grounded in real struggles.

If you love kitchen romances, grumpy meets sunshine, and couples who build something together while falling in love, this needs to be on your list.

💬 Are you more likely to fall for the broody chef or the charming golden retriever energy lead?

#GraceReilly #YesChef #AvonBooks #ContemporaryRomance #RomCom

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute book that I enjoyed. Poppy is a social media influencer with a large following, and she also has ADHD. Due to that, her family doesn't really understand her job and isn't very supportive. Jack is a chef at one of Poppy's father's restaurants and has been having a rough time after the death of his mentor. They both have an explosive night leading to them being filmed and going viral. Jack heads back to Florida after losing his job and Poppy follows him there with a business proposition. They makes plans to reopen his mentors restaurant in hopes of impressing her father.

I liked that Poppy wasn't a stereotypical rich girl, she was determined to pull her weight with launching the restaurant, and I loved that she stuck it out even when Jack was being rude and grumpy to her. Jack was a prickly guy, while understandable at times because of his rough childhood; he definitely underestimated Poppy. I found it interesting that they both had ADHD and that was something that they could finally connect on. Their neurodivergence wasn't a focus of the book, but more just something that was a part of it. Jack and Poppy made a good team and she pushed him out of his comfort zone and made him realize she knew what she was doing when it came to marketing the restaurant. 

There is a third act conflict that happens at around the 87% mark. I was hoping we were going to avoid a breakup in the book after having gotten that far, but it still came. It wasn't a misunderstanding, but still could have been avoided if they had just talked to each other. Jack also needed to face some truths about himself, and was finally forced to do so. Overall, I liked the book and would read more from the author. I want to thank Avon, Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to leave a review.

4/5 on the Spicy Scale

M/F

Neurodivergent MC's

Contemporary Romance

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A little salty, Chef,” she says.
“Brat,” I tease.

This was my first book by Grace Reilly (I know I’ve been seriously missing out), and I LOVED IT!

“Stay in the moment with me.”

Opposites attracts is such a great trope and when it’s paired with grumpy x sunshine AND close proximity?! DIVINE.

Jack Hartman, our hot, sexy & grumpy chef, has a HUGE chip on his shoulder. His past was really sad and seeing how he tried to protect himself from rejection and also love, broke my heart. I’m so glad he stumbled into Sal’s restaurant because it changed the whole course of his life.

Poppy Winfield was an influencer just trying to be enough for everyone. Her character was one that I could relate to immediately. Both her and Jack have ADHD so it was really nice to see how they were able to connect with each other over their mutual struggles.

“Mine, Poppy. Only mine.”
“I am.” I repeat it half a dozen times, full to bursting with emotion. “Only yours.”

I lived for the scenes where Jack taught Poppy how to cook, the banter was top tier! And when the spice enter the book, these two were ravenous for each other! (That spicy kitchen scene?! Lives RENT FREE in my brain! 🧑‍🍳🥄🤭❤️‍🔥)

“You’re the best thing I’ve ever tasted.”

At its’ core, this book was about two people that have never really fit in anywhere, discovering who they want to be and creating a place all their own to live & thrive in. The healing journey they both go one was so special to see!

“He’s confident, bordering on arrogant, using me like he would a favorite knife. My body is on edge, quivering, ready to fall apart again.”

If you are ready for the HEAT, you have to add Yes, Chef to your TBR! 🫶🏼

Tropes:
☀️ Grumpy Chef x Sunshine Influencer
🍳 He Teaches Her to Cook
✨ Neurodivergent Leads
💞 Opposites Attract
🥵 Friends w/ Benefits
🔥 Slow Burn
🤭 He 💦 in his pants
❤️‍🔥 Attagirl
🫶🏼 Found Family

[jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 ⭐️ i went into yes, chef really excited about the premise, and the story definitely captured my attention from the beginning. the setup is interesting, the writing is smooth, and it’s an easy, fast read.

i really enjoyed poppy’s character development. she experiences meaningful growth, builds confidence, and creates her own path, making her an easy protagonist to root for. the chemistry between poppy and jack is tension-filled, with entertaining banter, and i adored the moments when he takes care of her in subtle, thoughtful ways. i also appreciated the ADHD representation — it felt natural and considerately integrated into both characters rather than just used as a trope. in addition, the atmospheric setting and culinary focus were major highlights that really immersed me in the story.

my biggest issue was with jack. he’s labeled as grumpy, but he often comes across as unnecessarily mean. while i understand he carries trauma, it didn’t fully justify or contextualize much of his behavior throughout a majority of the story. i kept waiting for meaningful growth in this area that never fully developed. i love complex, multi-layered characters, but i want to see that growth on the page — and unfortunately, we don’t get it from jack in the same way we do with poppy. most of his character development occurs in the last few chapters, which made it feel rushed, unearned, and less impactful. both main characters could also feel immature at times, which made some of their conflicts less engaging than they could have been.

despite some uneven pacing, the book reads quickly and kept me engaged. while it wasn’t a standout for me, it was fun overall, and i’ll definitely be reading more from this author.

thank you so much to netgalley and avon and harper voyager for providing me with this arc!

[Gabriella · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
This might be my new favorite Grace Reilly book?! (Breakaway is hard to beat, so only time will tell)

This book follows Jack Hartman, chef and Florida native, and Poppy Winfield, daughter of a restaurateur...who happens to be Jack's boss. Jack and Poppy always have whirlwind run-ins that end in more chaos than not. After a dramatic scene, some hurt feelings, and a trip to the bar to drown their sorrows, the pair ended up in Florida! This leads to a wild summer of cooking, feelings, and learning that some people are not what meets the eye. With an incredible found family, lots of emotions/angst, and a pair of ADHD baddies, this book gives you everything you want from a romance and more! Will Jack and Poppy be able to channel the fire between them and make something great? Or will it all go down in flames...find out on July 21st!

I really liked this book! I liked that Jack was grumpy for a reason, and Poppy wasn't anything everyone made her out to be. They were both strong, courageous, and thoughtful to everyone throughout the book, and the ADHD rep went crazy! All third-act breakups are hard for me because what do you mean y'all couldn't just talk it out, but this one was alright. I felt so much for Poppy throughout this book; felt for little Jack and the love he needed. It was the perfect balance of funny and emotional while still giving the characters depth and understanding. The previous Reilly books I have read have been set in college, and this feels more adult than the others, in the best way possible!! The side characters had depth and jumped in like adult friends would, with the most mature advice. I hope we get more from this world or just more books like this! This ate down!

Thank you to NetGalley, Grace, and her team for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Louise Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC received via NetGalley.
Romance novels featuring chefs are my absolute kryptonite so I was extra excited to get an ARC of Yes, Chef.
I thought it was really interesting that both Poppy and Jack have ADHD but they use different coping mechanisms for example Jack likes listening to loud music to help him concentrate in the kitchen but that doesn’t work for Poppy.
I really felt for Poppy because she’s so desperate for her parents to take her seriously and respect her as much as her older sister, Julia. She’s really talented as an influencer but her work is dismissed as frivolous. Because she’s so well known, her previous boyfriends have always had preconceived ideas about what she’ll be like and so she’s learnt to hide her reactions. I like how Jack is determined that she should be completely herself when she’s with him.
I felt for Jack because he had a really difficult childhood and when he found Sal and Kiara, he was terrified they were going to change their minds about him like one of his foster families.
I enjoyed the scenes where Jack teaches Poppy how to cook as they prepare to open the restaurant, Fable together. You can see Poppy steadily growing in confidence and she encourages Jack to not be such a loner and reconnect with Kiara and his old friends.
I’m all for an overprotective MMC and it was funny when Jack stormed into Poppy’s apartment because he thought she was being burgled but she was actually freaking out about a cockroach. It’s the perfect excuse for why they have to share Jack’s one bedroom houseboat.
Poppy and Kiara’s friendship was a bonus and Gator, the alley cat that Poppy adopts is adorable.

[book.obsessed.jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Michelle Brashars · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!!

[cakecoffeeandbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

I really enjoyed Grace Reilly’s first series so was delighted when she announced this next book and thrilled to be given the chance to read it early.

Yes, Chef is a totally new stand alone- not linked in any way to her past series- and follows chef Jack and influencer Poppy as they attempt to prove their worth to Poppy’s dad by breathing life back into an old abandoned restaurant.

Grace’s writing is always excellent and this was an enjoyable, original story. I did feel the first half was slightly slow and then the ending a little rushed- I’d have liked to see a bit more of them in the future.

I really liked Poppy right from the start- she didn’t feel like the typical influencer you might expect, possibly because we didn’t see a ton of her life as an influencer but she felt very real and sincere. I felt for her and wanted someone to love and protect her. I also thought her family massively underestimated her and enjoyed watching her confidence grow- she really blossomed.

Jack I struggled to warm to even towards the end and for me I wanted a bit more for Poppy. He certainly has his demons and has had a less than ideal past, but I wasn’t a big fan and think he perhaps dampened my enjoyment of the story a bit.

The whole refurbishing of the restaurant and building the menu was interesting, and I liked the side characters who came on board for that journey too.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Devon · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS.

This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, as I LOVE a Chef MMC romance (especially when he’s grumpy), and Grace Reilly did not disappoint.

I loved, that as a person who really knows little to nothing about cooking, there were bits of knowledge sprinkled throughout about being a Chef. The chapters were all labeled as something to do with food, which I really loved.

And Jack and Poppy were EVERYTHING to me. First, I loved the ADHD representation, and I loved that it was showed from two different sides. Their banter in the kitchen is top tier, especially as Jack teaches Poppy how to cook. It’s grumpy/sunshine at its finest, and while I usually gravitate toward the grumpy characters (and Jack, I love you tremendously), Poppy was equally my favorite. I loved her character development, but she truly shined from the beginning with having something to prove to her parents and not willing to give up on herself.

Also, the side characters were incredible. I loved Kiara’s relationship with both Jack and Poppy. Yes, Chef does touch on grief, so make sure to check out TWs, but it brings it to life in such a real way, and I loved that, even though it did make me cry at times.

Thank you to NetGalley, Grace Reilly, and Avon for a copy of an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Mariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughout her life, Poppy Winfield has been tge daughter of the family that can never get it right. Constantly feeling like a big disappointment, she strives to be successful as a social media influencer to prove herself. When a huge disaster goes down at one of her Dad’s restaurants in front of chef and archnemesis Jack Hartman, she vows to prove everyone wrong. Jack has never had it easy in life, working hard to get where he is as a chef. When his opportunity to become head chef at a new restaurant in New York goes up in flames, he’s officially hit rock bottom.

When Jack’s mentor died a few months earlier, he left Jack his Florida restaurant. Needing to start over, Jack decides to move down to Florida to fix up the place and restore his reputation. Only Poppy has followed him with notions of marketing the new restaurant to prove herself to her family.

***Enemies to lovers
***Grumpy/sunshine
***Yes, Chef
***Dual POV
***🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

LOVED this one! The chemistry betwen Poppy and Jack is deliriously good. I loved the dual POV switching off each chapter - I feel like it was perfect for this romance. Chef Jack was just so darn hot. I breezed right through this one - excited to receive my own copy once it releases!

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager, and Netgalley for the ARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.