selenechew's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
megsrini's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
wildflowerz76's review against another edition
5.0
Alexander's debut novel is a wonderful, big, ball of queer fun and I loved it! Simone has nabbed her dream job working for a culinary magazine. But when their subscriptions start falling, they bring in a social media consultant and start a new series of cooking videos. Simone is anything but comfortable being on camera. During this big shakeup, they also aquire a new kitchen manager in Ray. Ray is loud and happy and sets Simone in edge. But maybe because she's attracted to them?
theradiantreader's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
heymama_755's review against another edition
4.0
Loved this!
The representation in this book was unreal, and was so nice to see! I appreciated that the focus of this book stretched BEYOND just a typical queer romance. This story features very real and very transphobic and homophobic interactions at work. Ray is incredibly strong and my heart broke for them not being able to be themselves at work. While it was tough to see, it’s absolutely a reality for so many people-do better America!
I loved watching Ray and Simone’s relationship evolve, and Simone’s internal struggles and anxieties. But honestly, I think I loved Simone because I AM Simone. From the overachieving to the anxiety, the struggle to do the right thing and the internalized biphobia-I felt extremely seen, it was almost scary.
I always love a book found family, and the one in the book was no exception-they had each other’s back and were truly a source of support for one another. My only “complaint” (if you can even call it that) is that I wanted more. I felt like the book ended too soon!
The representation in this book was unreal, and was so nice to see! I appreciated that the focus of this book stretched BEYOND just a typical queer romance. This story features very real and very transphobic and homophobic interactions at work. Ray is incredibly strong and my heart broke for them not being able to be themselves at work. While it was tough to see, it’s absolutely a reality for so many people-do better America!
I loved watching Ray and Simone’s relationship evolve, and Simone’s internal struggles and anxieties. But honestly, I think I loved Simone because I AM Simone. From the overachieving to the anxiety, the struggle to do the right thing and the internalized biphobia-I felt extremely seen, it was almost scary.
I always love a book found family, and the one in the book was no exception-they had each other’s back and were truly a source of support for one another. My only “complaint” (if you can even call it that) is that I wanted more. I felt like the book ended too soon!
bertharochestergraduates_8's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
mariahkeryn's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
rachaelarsenault's review against another edition
challenging
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
So. Friggin'. CUTE!
Simone was clueless in the most relatable of ways, and I also appreciated how her perfectionism and anxiety were handled. It felt like a very real and honest portrayal. I also like that her being selective about who she came out to wasn't something she was criticized or shamed for.
Ray was a delight, and I loved how much complexity and nuance was given to their story - coming out, misgendering, gritting your teeth and toughing through it because you often don't have the luxury to just quit and find something better. It was an infuriating but also deeply understandable situation to watch them navigate.
And, of course, all of the descriptions of food and cooking had me drooling. Definitely the kind of book you might want to have snacks on hand for.
Simone was clueless in the most relatable of ways, and I also appreciated how her perfectionism and anxiety were handled. It felt like a very real and honest portrayal. I also like that her being selective about who she came out to wasn't something she was criticized or shamed for.
Ray was a delight, and I loved how much complexity and nuance was given to their story - coming out, misgendering, gritting your teeth and toughing through it because you often don't have the luxury to just quit and find something better. It was an infuriating but also deeply understandable situation to watch them navigate.
And, of course, all of the descriptions of food and cooking had me drooling. Definitely the kind of book you might want to have snacks on hand for.
transportedlfl's review against another edition
4.0
Simone is a pastry chef working her dream job developing recipes for The Discerning Chef. But the magazine is struggling, so her boss tells her she needs to start making video segments and using social media. If that weren't bad enough, a new kitchen manager, Ray, shows up and starts messing with all her processes.
Their relationship is a super slow build with lots of will they/won't they tension. Ray makes the book, and I love them so much as a character. I found it harder to be in Simone's head at times.
I also have to give a huge shout-out to Luna, Simone's roommate. She is a trans woman, and the scenes with her are amazing, especially in the description of the emotional labor of always being asked to explain herself. There are some pretty cringe worthy moments when Ray comes out as nonbinary, both from well intentioned friends and from transphobic characters. But the book as a whole does such a good job describing what a supportive response should be.
This book made me want to bake and reduce vinegar and eat all the amazing foods. There was a lot of detail in the recipes, down to the oven temperature. Even if you aren't interested in reading this for the romance, I would recommend it for the food. I learned some food history I hadn't known, and I started so many conversations with family and friends about old family recipes. This would be a great book club read with accompanying potluck and conversation.
Thank you Simon and Schuster, Emily Bestler Books, and Book Club Favorites for the free book. These opinions are my own.
Their relationship is a super slow build with lots of will they/won't they tension. Ray makes the book, and I love them so much as a character. I found it harder to be in Simone's head at times.
I also have to give a huge shout-out to Luna, Simone's roommate. She is a trans woman, and the scenes with her are amazing, especially in the description of the emotional labor of always being asked to explain herself. There are some pretty cringe worthy moments when Ray comes out as nonbinary, both from well intentioned friends and from transphobic characters. But the book as a whole does such a good job describing what a supportive response should be.
This book made me want to bake and reduce vinegar and eat all the amazing foods. There was a lot of detail in the recipes, down to the oven temperature. Even if you aren't interested in reading this for the romance, I would recommend it for the food. I learned some food history I hadn't known, and I started so many conversations with family and friends about old family recipes. This would be a great book club read with accompanying potluck and conversation.
Thank you Simon and Schuster, Emily Bestler Books, and Book Club Favorites for the free book. These opinions are my own.
amyofdoom's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
3.75