I’m grateful to have received a copy of “Yes Chef” from the author in exchange for an honest review, and I extend my thanks once again to Waitlyn for entrusting me with her debut novel. “Yes Chef” is a lovely slow-burn romance that kept me engaged from start to finish. Claire and James’ relationship is both entertaining and endearing, making them easily likable characters. I think the biggest strength of this book is the dynamics between the two characters.

Topic

I also really enjoyed that the story revolved around the topic of gastronomy, giving readers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes workings of a kitchen. Despite not being a culinary expert, I found myself eagerly devouring the gastronomic tidbits at the beginning of each chapter—a thoughtful and creative addition to the narrative.

Plot and Characters

The story takes place in Paris at a restaurant named Teaks. This is where the American Claire starts working after moving to Paris. She is looking for new challenges, and later in the book, past events reveal other reasons for her move. She enjoys her independence here and focuses solely on her career aims. Teaks has a chance of getting a Michelin star, and Claire’s dream is to be on a team that achieves it. Claire has a good relationship with her co-workers and the Head Chef, Elliott, except with the handsome American James, who is a new addition to the team as a sous chef.

Their relationship is initially difficult. They are both hostile to each other and keep their distance to avoid a workplace romance. However, fate has other plans, as it turns out they are next-door neighbors. Gradually, they start spending time together and grow fond of each other.

I had a great time reading “Yes Chef” as the characters are interesting and there is good chemistry between them. James is another level of cuteness. His caring and love radiate through the pages. Despite my fondness for the characters, I couldn’t help but feel frustrated with Claire’s occasional self-centeredness, particularly towards the conclusion of the book, where her focus on her own desires overshadowed their budding romance.

My review

The only reason I didn’t give this book five stars is that I found it a bit too lengthy. Certain daily routines and occurrences began to feel repetitive, adding unnecessary bulk to the narrative. With a more streamlined approach, this book had the potential to be truly exceptional.

In conclusion, “Yes Chef” is a charming read with engaging characters and a unique setting. Despite its length, the story’s strengths in character dynamics and its gastronomic theme make it a worthwhile read. I recommend it to anyone looking for a heartfelt romance with a touch of culinary delight.

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