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caseythereader 's review for:

Chef's Kiss by TJ Alexander
4.75
emotional funny hopeful reflective fast-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: Complicated

Thanks to Atria Books for the free advance copy of this book. 

 - CHEF'S KISS is totally precious. Simone and Ray are a great grumpy/sunshine pairing, whose care for each other shines from the page. The Not-Bon-Appetit company they work for is a rich setting, filled with a vibrant cast and so much delicious sounding food.
- The highlight of this book for me was the section where Simone is caring for Ray after their top surgery. I have never seen top surgery depicted in fiction like this, as part of a love story. It's my and my spouse's story right there on the page. It never gets old to see a piece of your life, especially one outside most peoples' experiences, included like this.
- I do want to note that this is yet another romance featuring a nonbinary person whose entire plotline revolves around transphobia. And a lot of Simone's journey was about learning how to ally at a basic level and to stop centering herself. So, yes I recommend it, but I would also like to see different stories, please. 

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