Book: Yes, Chef
Author: Grace Reilly
Thank you, NetGalley and Harper Audio, for an advanced audio copy.
Thank you, Avon Books, for an eARC!
Brian’s Review
After finishing Yes, Chef and looking at reviews, it seems that I am missing something that a lot of others see. I was not as drawn in as I was hoping. Most of this book just read like I was reading fan fiction for The Bear, but it captured the wrong moments of what drew me in to The Bear.
I don’t need to love the characters to love a story, but in this case it hurt. Poppy was entitled, and while I know that’s intentional, a detail in the epilogue undercut the idea that she made it on her own. It felt like it stripped away her whole arc. I did find her a little tough to root for.
Jack was my big problem. He was rude and insufferable. I know they talk about ADHD and that has something to do with his decisions, but I don’t think he put Poppy first as much as he should.
I don’t mind spice, but the spice has to feel earned. This felt like a borderline young adult book at times and then a raunchy adult book at others, and it didn’t land the way I’d hoped.
Overall the story was entertaining, and I know I’m in the minority here. If you like The Bear, then this is a book for you.
Final Score: 3/5
Kristen’s Review
If you like the show The Bear, I think you would really enjoy this book. It feels like a rom-com version of the show.
The plot and the writing were great. It kept me pulled in throughout the book.
The story follows Chef Jack Hartman and Poppy Winfield (who is now Jack’s former boss’s daughter), who both have very public meltdowns at an elite restaurant in NYC. Due to this very public meltdown that has gone viral, Jack returns to his hometown in Florida to help turn around the restaurant from his childhood. He figured if he can turn the restaurant around there, this could be his way back to NYC.
Jack is seen as a grump who is always angry. Which we learn that he has had a rough few years. He doesn’t want to be bothered by Poppy, who is always smiling and always happy. If he likes it or not, Poppy returns to help bring some hype around the Florida restaurant to help Jack. The banter and chemistry are great between both characters.
I also enjoyed the growth of both characters as the story progressed. I loved when they were in the kitchen cooking together and learning new techniques about the kitchen and themselves. This book does some spice to it.
Overall, this is a must-read!
Final Score 4/5
Kristen's Book Korner 
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