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A review by tmkutawrites
Chef's Kiss by TJ Alexander
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Transphobia, and Medical content
Moderate: Biphobia, Child abuse, and Abandonment
Minor: Ableism and Vomit
The romance was cute. Speaking as a nonbinary person, it was exhausting listening to Simone whine about Ray's new pronouns-- I get it, it's realistic, I have heard it a million times about my own. Transphobia from the POV MC in a f/x romance really threw me out of it and just made me hate Simone. Also if you are going to very clearly base a book off the BA Test Kitchen and then only kiiiind of address the scandal but not resolve any of the issues called out in said scandal.... yeah.
I wish the ended had been further draw out; I love a good slow burn but this didn't feel like it resolved itself satisfyingly. While this book did a good job of juggling all the plot lines, sometimes I think it could have done with one less.
This being said, I think Ray is adorable and Luna is too good for Simone. The pining was delicious.