Addison Clark is at the top of her game. Together with her best friend, she prides herself in planning stunning weddings all over Chicago. Her clients love her, her family supports her every step of the way, and she embraces the exciting and fulfilling life she’s made for herself.
But the past keeps coming back to haunt her. Three years ago, when The Great Firing Mystery nearly shattered her sweet little life, it was Xander Devereaux she blamed. When he returns from a short stint on Chef Supreme, a popular cooking competition, his sudden acclaim and new catering business find him and Addie working together constantly.
Despite herself, Xander’s golden personality draws Addie in, shattering her expectations of who she thought he was and what love could be. But the closer that Addie and Xander get, the more Addie realizes she needs to solve the mystery… all while coordinating the wedding of someone she least expected.
She wants to move on and heal from the past, with Xander in the future, but if she can’t find a path forward, love may no longer be on the chef’s table.
🩷💜💙 Bi Rep 🌇 Set in Chicago 🌀 Anxiety Rep ❤️ Rivals(?) to Lovers 🙊 Miscommunication Trope 💪🏻 Tough FMC 🥐 Cinnamon Roll MMC
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️ I really enjoyed this book! The tension between Addie and Xander was good, and all of the Chicago references were so fun. And yes, her name is Addison Clark but I swear it's more cutesy than cheesy. The ending wrapped up a bit quickly and could've maybe happened sooner in the book so there was more time to flesh it out? But overall, I loved the characters, the relationships between them all were so fun, and I was always rooting for the FMC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 🌶️🌶️ 🩷Cinnamon Roll MMC 🩵Queer, Feisty FMC 🩷Tight Knit Family 🩵Anxiety Rep 🩷Slow Burn
-ARC received by the author, all opinions are my own-
This book was absolutely *chefs kiss*!! I loved all of the characters, even all of the side characters were built up so well that you felt like you knew them. Xander, even through his faults was so sweet. And Addison.. Oh Addison, I adored how even through her anxiety she was still just her. She was strong, determined, intelligent and kind. This book had banter, emotion, a little spice, and a lot of love. ❤️ I would definitely recommend this book!
I can’t say enough about this novel!!! Xander and Addie add a whole new layer to all the things there are to love about Chicago. Not only does this book feel like a love letter to the Windy City but provides a combination of hilarious humor, moving on from a broken heart, finding a spark in the most unlikely person, and falling in love with self again!
The characters become your instant friend group and navigating their good and difficult moments brings about so many relatable feelings.
I have to admit that when I requested this ARC, I initially thought it was a different book with the same title that was also coming out soon. But what a happy coincidence, because I very much enjoyed this one.
Our FMC, Addie, is a wedding planner, and our MMC, Xander, is a chef. I loved watching these two have to work together and slowly build their relationship. Something has happened in their past which makes Addie hate Xander (and is convinced he hates her). Carolyn Faith does a great job building these two characters and showing their relationship grow from colleagues to friends to more.
One of my favorite things about this book is how each chapter starts with a little wedding advice/story. It was a cute way to tie everything together. Generally, I really enjoyed their story and watching them come together. I was rooting for them. I will say there were two issues with the story that made this a 3.5 for me (I've rounded up to 4 for Goodreads.)
First of all, a lot of their issues are due to assumptions. To avoid spoilers, I am going to stay vague- but it was really unbelievable that she never talked to him about her assumptions at any time after it happened. Like a conversation around all of this would have really solved 90% of their issues.
Second of all, I know why he did what he did. While it is somewhat understandable and also even admirable, I will say it made me incredibly angry as Xander made a MAJOR decision for Addie that he had no business making. And I really think that even though she didn't immediately forgive him (I NEED THE GROVEL IN SECOND CHANCE), I wish this specifically had been addressed more. Also, along those lines, it wasn't very believable to me that Xander didn't know the fall out of his actions. He caused a lot of (unintentional harm) but still harm.
That being said, I was still happy to watch them work through things and come together in the end. And that is 100% because of how well written these characters are and how much I enjoyed their banter. I also really enjoyed how diverse and representative the characters are in the story.
This was a cute read and I enjoyed it. I will keep an eye out for future books by this author.
I love books where the author incorporates their real-life expertise into the story, and this one did not disappoint. I am a diehard lover of weddings, and the author is a real-life wedding planner, much like her FMC! I loved everything about this story!
Addie is a professional/beloved wedding planner in Chicago who takes pride in her work with her meticulous attention to detail. She also has unresolved feelings toward Xander, a former colleague/French chef who has had a brush with fame. These two have history, but a big mystery surrounds their falling out. When they find themselves working together again during several weddings in the city, Addie has to carefully navigate her hurt feelings while trying to squelch the pent-up attraction she still has for him.
Xander is definitely swoony, and I know he was only trying to protect Addie with the mystery of their falling out. He absolutely cares about her. Still, I wish both of them would have addressed the elephant in the room sooner rather than later. But then we wouldn’t have had all the angst and the realization that mistakes were unintentionally made before these characters ultimately made up (and boy, did they!)
I LOVED how the author incorporated the setting of Chicago into the storytelling. It was almost like the city was a secondary, well-loved character, the author generously taking the reader on an adventure in the gorgeous, Windy City. And don’t get me started on Addie’s family! Her parents, her twin brother, and her loveable cat were endearing and such a shining example of how important it is to have people (and pets) in your life who are there for you no matter what.
This story goes beyond your typical romance trope. It’s a slow burn, highlighting Addie’s struggle with anxiety and figuring out what she truly wants while letting go of her past. The chemistry is hot, the banter witty, and the forgiveness genuine. The entire cast of diverse characters is wonderful, each one of them adding the perfect dollop to the delicious ending. Definitely a five-star read!
I absolutely devoured Yes, Chef in less than 24 hours — this book completely consumed me in the best possible way. From the very first chapter, I was hooked by the chemistry, the emotional depth, and the fast-paced storytelling. I kept telling myself “just one more chapter,” and before I knew it, I had finished the book.
Carolyn Faith created characters that felt so real and easy to become attached to. The banter was sharp and entertaining, the romantic tension was perfectly done, and the emotional moments genuinely hit hard. I loved how the story balanced humor, heart, and romance without ever feeling forced or overly dramatic. Every interaction felt natural, and the connection between the characters only got better as the story progressed. (I was literally CHEERING when we were introduced to the spice).
One of my favorite things about this book was how immersive it felt. The kitchen atmosphere, the passion for food, the chaos, the pressure, and the chemistry all blended together so perfectly that I felt completely transported into the story. It had the kind of pacing that makes it impossible to stop reading because something is always happening emotionally, romantically, or personally for the characters.
I also really appreciated how much heart this story had beneath the romance. There were moments that made me laugh, moments that made me emotional, and several scenes that will probably stay in my head for a long time. The character growth was just as satisfying as the romance itself, which made the ending even more rewarding.
This is easily one of my favorite reads of the year already, and I will absolutely be pre-ordering a finished copy on Amazon when it releases next month. If you love romantic comedies with strong chemistry, emotional depth, addictive pacing, and characters you can’t help rooting for, definitely put this one on your radar.
Addie is her own boss in more than just one way. As a wedding planner, Addie is constantly taking on challenges that comes her way, but ever since she was unexpectedly fired from a job three years ago those challenges seem to be taking a toll more than she had ever anticipated. Not actually knowing what happened, Addie always blamed Chef Xander Devereaux for what happened all those years ago. Now, with her business back on track and Xander reappearing in her life, as the head Chef for the majority of the weddings Addie is in charge of, tensions are rising high in a way Addie never saw coming; can Addie continue moving forward or will everything go up in flames around her?
This was such a cute, cozy read, about rediscovering yourself and your own worth. Addie’s character struggles with anxiety, and her growth throughout the book is very realistic and relatable. She really is a good example of what resilience looks like, especially when finally asking for help.
I really enjoyed Addie’s relationship with Xander throughout the book, and again the maturity of realizing mistakes are what make us human and we’re allowed to forgive our loved ones, if that’s what we choose.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The ending was exactly what I wanted and I look forward to any future books by Carolyn Faith!!
If you enjoy witty banter, queer FMC, slow burn, forced proximity, cinnamon roll MMC then this book is definitely for you!!
Thank you Carolyn for allowing me the privilege of reading Yes, Chef as an ARC!!!
This romance was so sweet and adorable, and had me kicking my feet in delight. First off, the absolute deliciousness that was a chef and a wedding planner. WHY is this not more of a thing?! The way Xander is such an ooey gooey cinnamon roll, is so endearing. I’m a sucker for he falls first. This wish fulfillment of a man is so gone for our FMC, and it’s precious. We also have a cute found family (mixed with actual family), to round out our wonderful ensemble of side characters. (Which I’m not sure if there was a vibe, but book 2 Corey and Axel??? 🤞🤞🤞) One thing about a Carolyn Faith book is that there WILL BE queer people, and this book delivered on the diverse cast I’ve come to expect. Wonderful representation mixed with all the little nerd references really put this book over the top for me. As an avid repeat Buffy/Supernatural watcher I was LIVING for the references 😂 and I agree with Xander on the supernatural ending. It’s ok to be wrong Addie.
And lastly Carolyn does a wonderful job balancing a burgeoning romance, as well as some actual real life important topics. Addie dealing with her anxiety is a key part of the plot, and is expertly done, as well as tackling some important discussions regarding homophobia, misogyny, and hustle culture.
Overall another super fun read from Carolyn Faith. If you’re thinking of taking a chance on an indie author, she’s the one!
Is this book (as she calls Xavier, the MMC) a total snack? Yes, indeed!
Yes, Chef was the first book in a long time that I finished and immediately thought to myself "damn, I need a movie version." I'm in a book-to-movie club and would (lovingly) stuff my friends in a sack to go see this as a movie.
1. Number of times the show Angel and/or Buffy are mentioned? (I'm in this picture and I don't mind it.) 2. The theater-kid-to-hospitality pipeline is strong 3. 4. I really thought I'd solved The Great Firing Mystery, but was satisfied with how it turned out because it didn't throw under the bus as the villain. 5. I loved the minor/supporting characters and I include the city of Chicago in that list.
The use of the phrase gives me mild ick, but it doesn't come up often and we move right back to their lovely banter and chemistry. I did find a couple hanging words/marks because it's an early ARC, but the book comes out in Sept so it should be clean as crystal (toasting glasses) by then.
All in all, a very fun rom-com read, would recommend!
This romance is sweet, swoony, summery, and absolutely delectable. I don’t think I’ve read a book filled with so much joy in a long time.
This is a Chicago summer romance between a wedding planner and the hot French chef who caters many of her weddings. It is written by a Chicagoan wedding planner who loves the city and loves her job, and those two things really shine through on the page. This is a beautifully atmospheric novel; you will be immersed in weddings big and small, pleasant and not-so-pleasant, as well as in the character and heart of the city. There is a wonderfully diverse cast of characters, and each one adds so much heart and depth to the story—even ones we only get glimpses of.
And the romance—chef’s kiss, pun totally intended. Get ready for the cutest banter, the swooniest dates, and the hottest chemistry. The pacing of this novel is very fun, fast, and light. But there’s also a nice heaping dose of tension woven throughout the story in the form of a mystery firing from a job the wedding planner worked years ago.
Was Addison’s work crush responsible for the worst firing of her career? Does she want to know? And why is her ex reappearing, just as life is feeling good again?
I received an advance copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"There are two types of people: those who prepare and those who wing it and they always merry eachother."
°•♡•°
I was absolutely thrilled to be chosen for this authors arc team after seeing this beautiful book on my Instagram!
Yes, Chef was an absolute joy to read! I laughed, I cried, I cursed and I was glued to the page the entire time.
Addie and Xander have the most intoxicating chemistry and it was such a joy to see their relationship evolve into something so beautiful and real. It's not all sunshine and daises but that's what makes this story so captivating and relatable and I loved every part of it.
I also loved the cute quotes/wedding tips at the start of each chapter and just had to include my favourite one in my review!
If you're in the mood for tight family bonds and fierce friendships with cute cosy romance then you need this book in your life!
I was able to get an advanced copy of Yes Chef and I absolutely loved it. There were multiple things I appreciated. Let's list them out: 1: How they handled the FL's queer identity. It was a clear, visible, and important part of who she is, but she has layers. 2: How mental health was discussed! I felt her when she said her parents love her but have difficulty talking about it. Addison has such an amazing support system, and I appreciated how fleshed out the characters were. 3: Xander is a great and I finally understand the golden retriever personality type.
I loved this book and I really really hope there are sequels
I received an ARC of Yes Chef and was so honored to have read it. This was a really fast paced book for me and I thought the plot was especially fun because I work in the wedding industry…. Some moments had me laughing out loud but also being like “this is not far fetched, and totally relatable”.
If you’re looking for a really great, sometimes silly, and fresh take on a romance book this one is totally for you.
-Anxiety rep - Offbeat wedding planner - chicago summer - queer rep - cinnamon roll MMC - tight knit family - Slow burn romance
This was a good and easy going read! The characters seemed to build rapport from some past work history so I loved there wasn’t necessarily a 3rd act breakup and they were able to maturely figure *it* out together! I liked the support Addie ended up getting from her friends and the mmc regarding her ex and she was able to act professionally. I feel the trauma related to her mistrust was addressed in a way that was just right not being over redundant. My first read by this author and I was so pleased! Such a good palate cleanser when you want to read a cutesy romance!
I really enjoyed reading this book! The author has experience in wedding planning and you can tell how in depth her knowledge was, since the FMC is also a day of coordinator. I enjoyed all the details from that perspective. Each chapter started with a wedding planning tip, a cute touch! I was eager to find out the solution to their conflict throughout the book, and I loved the record scratch moment towards the middle. I can tell the author did a lot of research and took care when writing this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
If you want a cute, fun romance book where the characters make you smile and shed a tear? Look no further than Yes chef!
This book felt like the perfect blend of: 👰🏼♀️The Wedding Planner 👨🍳 Food content 🌶️ spice ❤️ yearning
Then this book is for you!
A great start to my summer reading, I’m so glad I got an ARC version of this book and cannot recommend it enough. If you hadn’t added it to your TBR already- what are you waiting for?
There is so much I loved about this and can relate to. I’d either be friends with this author, or the character in real life. Addison has a high stress job, dealing with anxiety and all that life brings. Xander is a successful chef that we’d all love to have as a boyfriend. Add this to your TBR if you enjoy a slow burn.
What a refreshing take on the rom-com! I loved it: particularly how the characters are both flawed and lovable in a realistic way. The rich and often quirky details and emotional complexity won me over quickly- I'm a slow reader and I blasted through this in a couple days. Bonus points for resolving a clear miscommunication quickly and not dragging it out! So fun and satisfying.
Is the main character really going to let a 3 year old grudge get in the way of the potential love of her life? Read this to find out! I enjoyed the Chicago setting (love to the Midwest girlies) and the perfect amount of spice for me! So lucky I had an ARC and will be ordering my own version here soon.
I really enjoyed this book. The pace was good, the writing was good, and I loved the characters. It was exactly what I wanted in a fiction, romance book. I would highly recommend this book if you want something enjoyable that will leave you with a smile on your face.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the author. This review is my own words and feelings.
ARC read I devoured in one day! The perfect chemistry you have to stay up late reading about. This Chicago-set story between caterer and wedding planner is the reason we tell ourselves “just one more chapter.” Playful yearning while delving into anxiety, the power of therapy and honesty in relationships. Carolyn Faith knocked this one out of Wrigley.
Absolutely awesome!!! From page one this is an incredible journey of love, strength,faith, mental health topics and fun!!! Characters were perfection and I definitely need more!!! Need a book 2 for Axel!!! Thank you for the opportunity to read this book!!!
The book was hilarious, steamy, and it left me kicking my feet and giggling. I loved the mental health rep. The banter and sexual tension between our MC’s was just delicious. Can’t wait to read more by Carolyn Faith.
Received as an ARC. Kind of a second chance romance between a queer wedding planner with anxiety and a semi famous chef. Loved the mental health representation shown throughout the book. Hoping this becomes a series as I'd love for the sous chef to get his own HEA.
This is about a young event planner re-starting up her business after a bad review. She blames one of the caters for this bad review. He is now back after participating in a reality TV show and their worlds are colliding again
I found myself so excited every time the FMC and MMC would interact. Their banter is perfect, their love story even better. Unexpectedly, it dealt with mental health and misogyny, which made me feel SEEN as a millennial. I love this book. Can't wait to re-read.
Yes, Chef was a cute little love story. If you’re looking for a gentle, rom-com, where you just know it will (probably) all work out, this is your book. I could see snuggling up under a cozy blanket, with coffee, and a cat, and reading the weekend away with this one.
I absolutely loved this book from start to finish! Xander is 100% made me want to read every second I had! And the ending was ✨chef’s kiss✨ (pun very intended)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I read this as an ARC. The story had an interesting premise but I found it difficult to read and didn't see the point of the character being bi-sexual.