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Chef's Kiss #2
Chef's Choice
“Urgent and intimate.” — The New York Times Book Review
A fake dating arrangement turns to real love in this deliciously delightful queer rom-com from the author of the sweetly satisfying Chef’s Kiss .
When Luna O’Shea is unceremoniously fired from her frustrating office job, she tries to count her she’s a proud trans woman who has plenty of friends, a wonderful roommate, and a good life in New York City. But blessings don’t pay the bills.
Enter Jean-Pierre, a laissez-faire trans man and the heir to a huge culinary empire—which he’ll only inherit if he can jump through all the hoops his celebrity chef grandfather has placed in his path. First he needs a girlfriend, a role that Luna is happy to play…for the right price. She’s got rent to pay, after all! Second they both need to learn how to cook a series of elaborate, world-renowned family recipes to prove that Jean-Pierre is a worthy heir. Admittedly, Luna doesn’t even know how to crack an egg, but she’s not going to let that—or any pesky feelings for Jean-Pierre—stop her.
Another swoon-worthy and heartwarming queer love story from a charming new voice in romance.
A fake dating arrangement turns to real love in this deliciously delightful queer rom-com from the author of the sweetly satisfying Chef’s Kiss .
When Luna O’Shea is unceremoniously fired from her frustrating office job, she tries to count her she’s a proud trans woman who has plenty of friends, a wonderful roommate, and a good life in New York City. But blessings don’t pay the bills.
Enter Jean-Pierre, a laissez-faire trans man and the heir to a huge culinary empire—which he’ll only inherit if he can jump through all the hoops his celebrity chef grandfather has placed in his path. First he needs a girlfriend, a role that Luna is happy to play…for the right price. She’s got rent to pay, after all! Second they both need to learn how to cook a series of elaborate, world-renowned family recipes to prove that Jean-Pierre is a worthy heir. Admittedly, Luna doesn’t even know how to crack an egg, but she’s not going to let that—or any pesky feelings for Jean-Pierre—stop her.
Another swoon-worthy and heartwarming queer love story from a charming new voice in romance.
336 pages, Paperback
First published May 30, 2023
77 people are currently reading
8364 people want to read
About the author
T.J. Alexander
6 books960 followersTJ Alexander is an amateur baker and author who writes about queer love. Originally from Florida, they received their MA in writing and publishing from Emerson College in Boston. They live in New York City with their wife and various houseplants.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 571 reviews
October 14, 2022
Personally, I'm a fan.
March 28, 2025
First of all, can we all just be extremely pleased that a trans romance has been traditionally published? More diversity in publishing, please and thank you.
I am not embarrassed to say I 100% requested this book for the cover. I love the height difference. I love books about food. I go back and forth about Frenchmen, but in this case, I think I prefer Jean-Pierre to Luna. Admittedly, there are reasons why Luna is very "woe is me." Life doesn't come easily to marginalized people.
While the romance didn't feed me, I will say learning more about differences in trans people did. I like that this book didn't shy away from sex scenes. I had an issue with the French stereotypes. One second JP speaks perfect English. The next he is fumbling around for a particular word. And are we just going to gloss over the fact that Luna studied French for a few weeks and was suddenly fluent in Paris?
So yes, I have a few problems with the plot, but I am here because trans voices deserve to be heard. One more thing, and this is just because my best friend works in TV. Do not hire a showrunner that has never worked in TV. Please please please.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books
I am not embarrassed to say I 100% requested this book for the cover. I love the height difference. I love books about food. I go back and forth about Frenchmen, but in this case, I think I prefer Jean-Pierre to Luna. Admittedly, there are reasons why Luna is very "woe is me." Life doesn't come easily to marginalized people.
While the romance didn't feed me, I will say learning more about differences in trans people did. I like that this book didn't shy away from sex scenes. I had an issue with the French stereotypes. One second JP speaks perfect English. The next he is fumbling around for a particular word. And are we just going to gloss over the fact that Luna studied French for a few weeks and was suddenly fluent in Paris?
So yes, I have a few problems with the plot, but I am here because trans voices deserve to be heard. One more thing, and this is just because my best friend works in TV. Do not hire a showrunner that has never worked in TV. Please please please.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books
November 4, 2024
pacing early on had me setting this down multiple times, but when i pushed through i wound up really enjoying this. love that both main characters are trans too <3
Read
April 5, 2024A T4T m/f romance in which newly unemployed trans woman Luna gets into a fake dating thing with super rich French guy JP and must learn to cook a Michelin level menu with him in a week when she literally doesn't know how to crack an egg. The TV / cooking / inheritance set-up is wildly improbable but who cares.
There's a huge amount to like here. I loved JP, the frankly absurd French guy (all black clothes and nihilistic remarks), and kind of wish we'd had his POV because it would have been hilarious. Luna is a lively and determined heroine, and the relationship is in many ways great, with much fun had out of the fake dating premise, and a lot of sweetness as well as hotness.
The issue I had is very much a YMMV, and also one I've seen in a few romances recently, which is the book basically takes one character's side. In this case, Luna is pretty much always right in every interaction, and even when she argues with JP because she feels he's doing transness wrong, there's no sense that he's entitled to his feelings, however misguided she might think them. I can absolutely see that a fierce trans woman hero owning everything/everyone around her is going to be a big part of the pleasure of the book for many readers, but a character who isn't ever wrong doesn't really get to grow, and by the end, Luna's determinedly 'small town USian in Paris' approach felt a touch limited to me.
I realise that "a proper American gas station burger is better than a poncy Michelin-starred meal" is a deeply beloved trope of US culture, so again, many people's responses will differ violently. In the end, I wanted her to be open to a wider world, spread her wings, and make the most of having a super rich French boyfriend, but that wasn't what Luna wanted, and it's her book, so there we go.
There's a huge amount to like here. I loved JP, the frankly absurd French guy (all black clothes and nihilistic remarks), and kind of wish we'd had his POV because it would have been hilarious. Luna is a lively and determined heroine, and the relationship is in many ways great, with much fun had out of the fake dating premise, and a lot of sweetness as well as hotness.
The issue I had is very much a YMMV, and also one I've seen in a few romances recently, which is the book basically takes one character's side. In this case, Luna is pretty much always right in every interaction, and even when she argues with JP because she feels he's doing transness wrong, there's no sense that he's entitled to his feelings, however misguided she might think them. I can absolutely see that a fierce trans woman hero owning everything/everyone around her is going to be a big part of the pleasure of the book for many readers, but a character who isn't ever wrong doesn't really get to grow, and by the end, Luna's determinedly 'small town USian in Paris' approach felt a touch limited to me.
I realise that "a proper American gas station burger is better than a poncy Michelin-starred meal" is a deeply beloved trope of US culture, so again, many people's responses will differ violently. In the end, I wanted her to be open to a wider world, spread her wings, and make the most of having a super rich French boyfriend, but that wasn't what Luna wanted, and it's her book, so there we go.
January 12, 2023
Not only was this super fun & funny, it was so romantic & swoony, & was the first T4T romance I have personally read (& while I know there are a bunch in the indie realm, I’m curious if it’s the first in trad pub?) & that was more impactful than I had even imagined it would be. Still gathering my thoughts, but I loved Luna & Jean-Pierre so much & am super grateful this book exists.
July 16, 2023
I am very bummed this one didn't work for me. A t4t romance! Traditionally published! Yay for more queer romances!
There were elements I did really enjoy:
-Luna and her mom's relationship was very pure and tender, I really loved seeing such support from a parent.
-Some of the chemistry was off the charts for the leads. There were adorable cuddling moments, vulnerability, and some great times where they opened up emotionally. I liked how Luna would push back on Jean-Pierre's internalized transphobic or sexist comments and make him think a little bit. I liked how they could argue and fight with each other, while afterwards apologizing and not running away. Conflict resolution is great.
-Hooray for explicit sex scenes in a tradpub, we love to see it.
However, the list of things that didn't work just kept growing as I reflected on them:
- There's such an emphasis on trans people's genitals in the real world, I might be extra sensitive to it. There's an almost scientific info dumping approach to explaining a phalloplasty and vaginoplasty in this, while the leads are having sex. It was clunky and also at the least sexy time.
- This book couldn't decide if it was going to be a very realistic contemporary romance where real world issues were sprinkled in throughout the story (the heroine is very outspoken on trans rights, Black justice, capitalism, ethics, etc) or if it wanted to be a very wish fulfillment "rich man comes and takes care of all my problems, pays my bills, and looks at me like I'm the sun and the stars." Both are great elements to include in stories; it is really hard to not point out the blatant hypocrisy and contradiction when combining the two. Are we not going to talk about eating the rich to our millionaire boyfriend?
- THE COOKING PLOT WAS UNREAL. You're going to tell me that two people who can barely crack an egg without getting shell pieces in it can go from 0 cooking skills to learn how to cook highly technical dishes AND ALSO bake desserts in like a month or two? In what world. Again - if this was going for the "suspend disbelief and roll with this plot" element, that's great. However, so much real-world shit was holding this plot down to earth.
- There's about 2 million adjectives and descriptions of food, cooking, baking, and eating, that got old very quick.
- This could have gotten rid of 50% of the cooking/fake dating plot and added in actual scenes with the leads getting to know each other, and dating. It felt like the best moments in this were the handful of one-on-one moments between the leads. Lost opportunity.
- This got very preachy and info-dumping at times, even for me.
- The bigot grandpa plot was cartoonishly evil with his competition and cooking requirements.
- How could you take such a beautiful name like Jean-Pierre and shorten it to JP. Pleaase.
- I really hope cis or non-queer readers who read this book don't make the assumption that T4T romances must include leads having top and/or bottom surgery, or have to "pass" in order to be trans. I really am stressed that this will be the only romance with trans leads someone will read, and the assumption that surgery, HRT, and passing are the 'norm' or requirements in the community. (It's not.) I loved that these leads both wanted surgery and hormones and were mostly able to get them. I am worried that it'll be generalized that it's the norm to do these things for trans folks to fit into a cis-normative world.
Overall, this left me stressed, and grumpy at times. Is it because I'm a part of this community (I'm nonbinary) and am holding it to higher standards compared to other queer romances I read? Is it because this is tradpub and a bit out of my element? Are my own fears being projected? Did I have exceedingly high expectations that this didn't meet? Probably yes to all of this.
There were elements I did really enjoy:
-Luna and her mom's relationship was very pure and tender, I really loved seeing such support from a parent.
-Some of the chemistry was off the charts for the leads. There were adorable cuddling moments, vulnerability, and some great times where they opened up emotionally. I liked how Luna would push back on Jean-Pierre's internalized transphobic or sexist comments and make him think a little bit. I liked how they could argue and fight with each other, while afterwards apologizing and not running away. Conflict resolution is great.
-Hooray for explicit sex scenes in a tradpub, we love to see it.
However, the list of things that didn't work just kept growing as I reflected on them:
- There's such an emphasis on trans people's genitals in the real world, I might be extra sensitive to it. There's an almost scientific info dumping approach to explaining a phalloplasty and vaginoplasty in this, while the leads are having sex. It was clunky and also at the least sexy time.
- This book couldn't decide if it was going to be a very realistic contemporary romance where real world issues were sprinkled in throughout the story (the heroine is very outspoken on trans rights, Black justice, capitalism, ethics, etc) or if it wanted to be a very wish fulfillment "rich man comes and takes care of all my problems, pays my bills, and looks at me like I'm the sun and the stars." Both are great elements to include in stories; it is really hard to not point out the blatant hypocrisy and contradiction when combining the two. Are we not going to talk about eating the rich to our millionaire boyfriend?
- THE COOKING PLOT WAS UNREAL. You're going to tell me that two people who can barely crack an egg without getting shell pieces in it can go from 0 cooking skills to learn how to cook highly technical dishes AND ALSO bake desserts in like a month or two? In what world. Again - if this was going for the "suspend disbelief and roll with this plot" element, that's great. However, so much real-world shit was holding this plot down to earth.
- There's about 2 million adjectives and descriptions of food, cooking, baking, and eating, that got old very quick.
- This could have gotten rid of 50% of the cooking/fake dating plot and added in actual scenes with the leads getting to know each other, and dating. It felt like the best moments in this were the handful of one-on-one moments between the leads. Lost opportunity.
- This got very preachy and info-dumping at times, even for me.
- The bigot grandpa plot was cartoonishly evil with his competition and cooking requirements.
- How could you take such a beautiful name like Jean-Pierre and shorten it to JP. Pleaase.
- I really hope cis or non-queer readers who read this book don't make the assumption that T4T romances must include leads having top and/or bottom surgery, or have to "pass" in order to be trans. I really am stressed that this will be the only romance with trans leads someone will read, and the assumption that surgery, HRT, and passing are the 'norm' or requirements in the community. (It's not.) I loved that these leads both wanted surgery and hormones and were mostly able to get them. I am worried that it'll be generalized that it's the norm to do these things for trans folks to fit into a cis-normative world.
Overall, this left me stressed, and grumpy at times. Is it because I'm a part of this community (I'm nonbinary) and am holding it to higher standards compared to other queer romances I read? Is it because this is tradpub and a bit out of my element? Are my own fears being projected? Did I have exceedingly high expectations that this didn't meet? Probably yes to all of this.
March 7, 2023
This was exceptionally cute and also quite revolutionary in terms of trans representation. I have read a lot of romances with trans characters and there are very few traditionally published t4t romance. So that in and out of itself is fantastic.
We also have two trans characters who have different opinions on what being trans means for them and they argue about queerness and what it means to be queer and it was just kind of refreshing. It was also a little bit infuriating but I think that's just my bubble talking. Queer people are not a monolith and having characters be able to have different views but also be so respectful at the same time is a really impressive feat. I should mention that these different views are small things and nothing that is so divisive that a relationship couldn't work.
Anyway this whole book is like fake dating crossed with "oh no I have to do this very specific thing to get the money in the will" trope. I can never remember what that's called.; So we have Jean-Pierre who is a very opinionated grumpy French trans man who has to do this cooking competition thing for his family of chefs in order to qualify for the will. He ends up having to fake a lie about having a girlfriend and that's where Luna comes in. Luna is sunshiny but also an absolute badass who is not willing to take shit from anyone including the man who's paying her six fucking figures to fake date.
Luna and Jean-Pierre have very different experiences when it comes to being queer and being trans and seeing them learn about each others experiences and develop a begrudging friendship was really great.
The last 20% of this book is absolute chefs kiss. Just sheer perfection. I really enjoyed the entire thing but the last 20% just was amazing.
We also have two trans characters who have different opinions on what being trans means for them and they argue about queerness and what it means to be queer and it was just kind of refreshing. It was also a little bit infuriating but I think that's just my bubble talking. Queer people are not a monolith and having characters be able to have different views but also be so respectful at the same time is a really impressive feat. I should mention that these different views are small things and nothing that is so divisive that a relationship couldn't work.
Anyway this whole book is like fake dating crossed with "oh no I have to do this very specific thing to get the money in the will" trope. I can never remember what that's called.; So we have Jean-Pierre who is a very opinionated grumpy French trans man who has to do this cooking competition thing for his family of chefs in order to qualify for the will. He ends up having to fake a lie about having a girlfriend and that's where Luna comes in. Luna is sunshiny but also an absolute badass who is not willing to take shit from anyone including the man who's paying her six fucking figures to fake date.
Luna and Jean-Pierre have very different experiences when it comes to being queer and being trans and seeing them learn about each others experiences and develop a begrudging friendship was really great.
The last 20% of this book is absolute chefs kiss. Just sheer perfection. I really enjoyed the entire thing but the last 20% just was amazing.
April 10, 2023
god-tier t4t energy on this cover
UPDATE: I read it and loved it!
“You let me be more myself than I have ever been in my life.”
My kingdom for a thousand t4t romances with as much nuance, wit, and heart as this one! CHEF’S CHOICE is a queer romance between Luna, a recently-fired administrative assistant, and Jean-Pierre, a wealthy French heir to a culinary empire. It’s the second in Alexander’s cooking-themed romance series, and fans of CHEF’S KISS will be thrilled to see Simone and Ray again. Luna and Jean-Pierre’s story begins with a chance encounter at just the right moment that embroils the pair in a fake-dating scheme to help Jean-Pierre gain his inheritance through an extensive cooking test. I won’t lie, the plot of this story did not have me hooked - it’s implausible, as many romcom storylines are, but didn’t lean enough into the ridiculous for me to really enjoy it - but I barely noticed, because I was so enthralled by the love story unfolding between Luna and Jean-Pierre. The fake-dating-to-real-feelings journey is a delight, bursting with sparkling chemistry and slow-burning mutual respect and affection. There’s a sunshine/grump dynamic between them, with Luna’s humor and lightness and Jean-Pierre’s moody clothing and existential despair. The story is told from Luna’s perspective, making her obliviousness even more delicious as you start to see how love-sick Jean-Pierre is. As two trans people, they share so much (the mutual hormone injection scene is so beautiful) and yet consistently differ - in how they feel about passing, the ways the handle the many transphobic experiences they encounter, their articulation of how sexuality intersects with gender, how they engage with other trans people, and more. I loved the nuance captured in their conversations, how they cherish and honor each other even when they disagree. I think this is the first t4t romance I’ve ever read, and it’s bittersweet: Alexander has done an incredible job celebrating the love between Luna and Jean-Pierre, and I’m hungry for so many stories like this, saddened that we have so few. I read this fervently, reverently, heart pounding, grinning like a fool; I adored it. Thanks to Atria Books for the eARC! This book is out 5/30.
Content warnings: transphobia, family rejection
UPDATE: I read it and loved it!
“You let me be more myself than I have ever been in my life.”
My kingdom for a thousand t4t romances with as much nuance, wit, and heart as this one! CHEF’S CHOICE is a queer romance between Luna, a recently-fired administrative assistant, and Jean-Pierre, a wealthy French heir to a culinary empire. It’s the second in Alexander’s cooking-themed romance series, and fans of CHEF’S KISS will be thrilled to see Simone and Ray again. Luna and Jean-Pierre’s story begins with a chance encounter at just the right moment that embroils the pair in a fake-dating scheme to help Jean-Pierre gain his inheritance through an extensive cooking test. I won’t lie, the plot of this story did not have me hooked - it’s implausible, as many romcom storylines are, but didn’t lean enough into the ridiculous for me to really enjoy it - but I barely noticed, because I was so enthralled by the love story unfolding between Luna and Jean-Pierre. The fake-dating-to-real-feelings journey is a delight, bursting with sparkling chemistry and slow-burning mutual respect and affection. There’s a sunshine/grump dynamic between them, with Luna’s humor and lightness and Jean-Pierre’s moody clothing and existential despair. The story is told from Luna’s perspective, making her obliviousness even more delicious as you start to see how love-sick Jean-Pierre is. As two trans people, they share so much (the mutual hormone injection scene is so beautiful) and yet consistently differ - in how they feel about passing, the ways the handle the many transphobic experiences they encounter, their articulation of how sexuality intersects with gender, how they engage with other trans people, and more. I loved the nuance captured in their conversations, how they cherish and honor each other even when they disagree. I think this is the first t4t romance I’ve ever read, and it’s bittersweet: Alexander has done an incredible job celebrating the love between Luna and Jean-Pierre, and I’m hungry for so many stories like this, saddened that we have so few. I read this fervently, reverently, heart pounding, grinning like a fool; I adored it. Thanks to Atria Books for the eARC! This book is out 5/30.
Content warnings: transphobia, family rejection
June 24, 2024
4.5 Stars for Chef’s Choice: Chef’s Kiss, Book 2 (audiobook) by T. J. Alexander read by Nicky Endres.
Fate brings these two people together. One’s in desperate need of a girlfriend to show off to their family and the other is in desperate need for money. The fake dating should have lasted minutes but things get more complicated as there’s an inheritance at stake and all the money to start a new life. As they get to know each other better they realize that their paths have been very different but life has brought them together.
Fate brings these two people together. One’s in desperate need of a girlfriend to show off to their family and the other is in desperate need for money. The fake dating should have lasted minutes but things get more complicated as there’s an inheritance at stake and all the money to start a new life. As they get to know each other better they realize that their paths have been very different but life has brought them together.
June 11, 2023
An eminently readable romance starring two trans leads engaged in a nonsensical fake-dating scheme for an even more nonsensical “chef test.” Chef’s Choice was a breeze to get through with a very likable protagonist, even if the plot was both paper-thin and seemingly nonexistent. I’m honestly not quite sure what events the 300+ pages of this book were taken up with, but I enjoyed the ride nonetheless.
I liked both Luna and Jean-Pierre—they both were kind of messy and dramatic and annoying, but in a fun way that made them feel like truly real people. It’s difficult to write realistically-exasperating people in an endearing and amusing way, so I was impressed with the characterization. I especially loved Luna’s positive mantras and deep breathing exercises and Jean-Pierre’s rich French “strange little guy”isms. They’re just funny characters and it made following their initially-disastrous partnership all the more entertaining. I was also a fan of how their differing viewpoints about “being” trans were explored and often provided sources of friction: Jean-Pierre is more isolated and, perhaps, “normative,” while Luna has a trans support system and less interest in assimilating into dominant cis ideas of proper gender performance. None of it came across as a Gender Theory 101 lesson; the conflict felt natural and ended up in a nice give-and-take. I haven't read many T4T romances, and I'd like to read more.
All that being said, I wonder if the simultaneously fun and thoughtful interplay of Luna and Jean-Pierre made their romantic storyline less compelling than just watching them become friends. While reading, I almost felt like the story as told seemed better fit for a prelude to the main characters’ romance. There would be flashes every now and then that one of them was feeling attracted to the other, or developing feelings for the other, but I’d say only about half of those romantic moments actually seemed suited to where they were in the relationship or hints we’d had before about their chemistry. Which is not to say that I wouldn’t want to see a romance from them or that they didn’t seem like good love interests—but maybe there was a lack of professed attraction in the beginning and an emphasis on their strangership from Luna that made the romantic plot beats (especially near the end) seem out of tune with their story. One chapter Luna thinks of JP as an odd little French guy and the next she has the brief desire to get dirty in a pantry—then she's back to finding his rich man coffee habits odd. Maybe a little bit more insta-love would've worked better for me, haha.
I liked both Luna and Jean-Pierre—they both were kind of messy and dramatic and annoying, but in a fun way that made them feel like truly real people. It’s difficult to write realistically-exasperating people in an endearing and amusing way, so I was impressed with the characterization. I especially loved Luna’s positive mantras and deep breathing exercises and Jean-Pierre’s rich French “strange little guy”isms. They’re just funny characters and it made following their initially-disastrous partnership all the more entertaining. I was also a fan of how their differing viewpoints about “being” trans were explored and often provided sources of friction: Jean-Pierre is more isolated and, perhaps, “normative,” while Luna has a trans support system and less interest in assimilating into dominant cis ideas of proper gender performance. None of it came across as a Gender Theory 101 lesson; the conflict felt natural and ended up in a nice give-and-take. I haven't read many T4T romances, and I'd like to read more.
All that being said, I wonder if the simultaneously fun and thoughtful interplay of Luna and Jean-Pierre made their romantic storyline less compelling than just watching them become friends. While reading, I almost felt like the story as told seemed better fit for a prelude to the main characters’ romance. There would be flashes every now and then that one of them was feeling attracted to the other, or developing feelings for the other, but I’d say only about half of those romantic moments actually seemed suited to where they were in the relationship or hints we’d had before about their chemistry. Which is not to say that I wouldn’t want to see a romance from them or that they didn’t seem like good love interests—but maybe there was a lack of professed attraction in the beginning and an emphasis on their strangership from Luna that made the romantic plot beats (especially near the end) seem out of tune with their story. One chapter Luna thinks of JP as an odd little French guy and the next she has the brief desire to get dirty in a pantry—then she's back to finding his rich man coffee habits odd. Maybe a little bit more insta-love would've worked better for me, haha.
September 8, 2023
Chef's Choice delivers a delicious mix of the beloved fake dating trope, culinary challenges, and important representation. While the initial fake dating setup felt a tad contrived, the story's charm and the undeniable chemistry between Luna and JP kept me invested. Both main characters, Luna and JP, are transgender and bring different perspectives to the table, making it an enlightening read.
The story serves up Jean-Pierre (JP), a chef with a legacy to uphold, and Luna O'Shea, a vibrant character who agrees to a short-term pretend relationship for financial compensation. With a cooking challenge thrown into the mix and support from characters from book one, Chef's Kiss, the narrative keeps you hooked.
Though the book might lean a bit more on exploring trans issues than deep diving into the romance itself, Chef's Choice is delightful, touching, and peppered with humor. Looking forward to reading what's next from TJ Alexander!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
The story serves up Jean-Pierre (JP), a chef with a legacy to uphold, and Luna O'Shea, a vibrant character who agrees to a short-term pretend relationship for financial compensation. With a cooking challenge thrown into the mix and support from characters from book one, Chef's Kiss, the narrative keeps you hooked.
Though the book might lean a bit more on exploring trans issues than deep diving into the romance itself, Chef's Choice is delightful, touching, and peppered with humor. Looking forward to reading what's next from TJ Alexander!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
June 5, 2023
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review*
Chef's Choice is one of my most anticipated reads of 2023, and even though I took so long to finish it (because I didn't want it to ENDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD), I absolutely f-ing loved it.
Luna and JP themselves are amazing, and I love their dynamic between the two of them. Sure, there were some miscommunications but hey that's what happens in relationships! They worked through each miscommunication and it worked out in the end and I just love them both oml. And having Simone and Ray be prominent side characters? I LOVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE it. Chef's Kiss is one of my favourite books, and Chef's Choice has earned a spot in my favourites as well.
If you are looking for a fake dating, T4T queer romcom with cooking??? Pick up Chef's Choice FOR SURE
Chef's Choice is one of my most anticipated reads of 2023, and even though I took so long to finish it (because I didn't want it to ENDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD), I absolutely f-ing loved it.
Luna and JP themselves are amazing, and I love their dynamic between the two of them. Sure, there were some miscommunications but hey that's what happens in relationships! They worked through each miscommunication and it worked out in the end and I just love them both oml. And having Simone and Ray be prominent side characters? I LOVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE it. Chef's Kiss is one of my favourite books, and Chef's Choice has earned a spot in my favourites as well.
If you are looking for a fake dating, T4T queer romcom with cooking??? Pick up Chef's Choice FOR SURE
March 13, 2023
3.5 stars
For what it offers, such as the fake dating trope and forced proximity, Chef's Choice is a quick and enjoyable read, but it did not feel fleshed out enough. Luna & Jean-Pierre romance is heartwarming, they keep growing together but in their own individual ways.
In conclusion, touches some important topics and conversations. Even though, it drags in pacing, I thought it was a good read, though!
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For what it offers, such as the fake dating trope and forced proximity, Chef's Choice is a quick and enjoyable read, but it did not feel fleshed out enough. Luna & Jean-Pierre romance is heartwarming, they keep growing together but in their own individual ways.
In conclusion, touches some important topics and conversations. Even though, it drags in pacing, I thought it was a good read, though!
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2023
I had such a great time reading this book! It features fake dating, which is always a plus for me, and it was fun to see that trope play out between two trans characters. Luna is in need of work after just being fired from her job. She meets Jean-Pierre, heir to a French culinary empire who needs to pass a cooking test in order to gain his inheritance. Neither of them are chefs, but he offers to pay her to pose as his girlfriend for the press and help him pass the cooking challenge. In need of the cash, Luna can’t pass his offer up.
Luna and Jean-Pierre were both interesting characters. While they are both trans, they have different ideas about passing, whether or not they’re in a queer relationship, and other trans topics. I felt like having the characters hold different perspectives created an organic way for the author to bring these discussions up without it feeling like A Teaching Moment™.
I loved the chemistry between Luna and Jean-Pierre. I’m a sucker for any fake dating story where the characters practice kissing so that it will be believable when they have to do it in public. Also, the steamy scenes here are very excellent.
The 3rd act conflict was a nice departure from the typical breakup story arc. The way everything came together in the end really worked for me. Where the tension came from and how the conflict played out was great.
The first book in the series, Chef's Kiss, was only okay for me. But I fucking loved this one. Now I can’t wait for T.J. Alexander’s next book.
Luna and Jean-Pierre were both interesting characters. While they are both trans, they have different ideas about passing, whether or not they’re in a queer relationship, and other trans topics. I felt like having the characters hold different perspectives created an organic way for the author to bring these discussions up without it feeling like A Teaching Moment™.
I loved the chemistry between Luna and Jean-Pierre. I’m a sucker for any fake dating story where the characters practice kissing so that it will be believable when they have to do it in public. Also, the steamy scenes here are very excellent.
The 3rd act conflict was a nice departure from the typical breakup story arc. The way everything came together in the end really worked for me. Where the tension came from and how the conflict played out was great.
The first book in the series, Chef's Kiss, was only okay for me. But I fucking loved this one. Now I can’t wait for T.J. Alexander’s next book.
March 19, 2025
Kicking my feet and squealing aahhh
August 10, 2023
Chef’s Choice
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: T.J. Alexander
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Atria Books and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
My Thoughts: This was a very cute RomCom. I really appreciated the author’s take on T4T romance and it was represented well. Our two MCs are both Tran and also both have very different interpretations on what being tran means to them, as well as different views on queerness. To have this expressed in a respectable, graceful way is not only a huge feat but quite impressive. The message of the book is clear, we can have different opinions of each other, no matter the gender, and can express it in a way that is both beneficial and respectful. If the world was just an ounce of this, it would be a much happier place. Luna and Jean-Pierre embark on a fake dating relationship and cooking relationship so that Jean-Pierre would not be written out of the will and so Luna can get back on track. This follows the tropes of fake dating and grumpy v sunshine.
This is book number two in the Chef’s Kiss series. The story is narrated by Luna, in her POV. Luna is a bad ass woman who is independent, confident and positive. Jean-Pierre is grumpy, set in his ways, and feels like he needs to prove himself to his family. We also get some follow up with Simone and Ray, which was delightful. The characters were well developed with depth, witty banter, chemistry, and intriguing. The author’s writing style was complex, refreshing, spicy, humorous, and just brilliant.
I was looking forward to this second installment and it did not disappoint. Just a refreshing, heartwarming read. I highly recommend picking this up from the bookstore or your local library.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: T.J. Alexander
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Atria Books and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
My Thoughts: This was a very cute RomCom. I really appreciated the author’s take on T4T romance and it was represented well. Our two MCs are both Tran and also both have very different interpretations on what being tran means to them, as well as different views on queerness. To have this expressed in a respectable, graceful way is not only a huge feat but quite impressive. The message of the book is clear, we can have different opinions of each other, no matter the gender, and can express it in a way that is both beneficial and respectful. If the world was just an ounce of this, it would be a much happier place. Luna and Jean-Pierre embark on a fake dating relationship and cooking relationship so that Jean-Pierre would not be written out of the will and so Luna can get back on track. This follows the tropes of fake dating and grumpy v sunshine.
This is book number two in the Chef’s Kiss series. The story is narrated by Luna, in her POV. Luna is a bad ass woman who is independent, confident and positive. Jean-Pierre is grumpy, set in his ways, and feels like he needs to prove himself to his family. We also get some follow up with Simone and Ray, which was delightful. The characters were well developed with depth, witty banter, chemistry, and intriguing. The author’s writing style was complex, refreshing, spicy, humorous, and just brilliant.
I was looking forward to this second installment and it did not disappoint. Just a refreshing, heartwarming read. I highly recommend picking this up from the bookstore or your local library.
September 22, 2023
Chefs Choice
I’ve read quite a few queer books by this point in my reading journey. Quite a few of those have been adult books. I’ve also read queer adult books with trans rep. However, never have I ever read an adult book with trans rep like this.
First of all, both the mcs are trans. (Which, again, something about I’ve never read in an adult book before!!) Secondly, one of the characters has to grow and understand the importance of community, of being your own person and of not bowing down and submitting to doing things that hurt you. And that character also learns how important friendships actually are.
Throughout this whole book, you see these two completely oblivious people fall for each other under the guise of fake dating, which, as many of you know, I love. You also see them grow and change as people, partially due to each other and partially due to what happens to each of them in this period of time.
I cant fully describe how important it is for me to see happy trans grown ups. (Ikik I’m 21 but that just doesn’t count for me yet?) Like the fact that they’re both trans and both thriving (for the most part) is so so soothing. Because trans people CAN thrive. We can exist in society without dealing with hatred. We can be who we are. And that’s what really sealed the deal on this book for me.
There’s so much more that happens in this one: parental trauma, struggling with mental health, dealing with difficulties in life without a support system, figuring out where you belong (away from your evil grandfather) and mostly just trying your best and bring a messy, emotional little human being.
Thank you @tjalexander and @atria for this arc!
I’ve read quite a few queer books by this point in my reading journey. Quite a few of those have been adult books. I’ve also read queer adult books with trans rep. However, never have I ever read an adult book with trans rep like this.
First of all, both the mcs are trans. (Which, again, something about I’ve never read in an adult book before!!) Secondly, one of the characters has to grow and understand the importance of community, of being your own person and of not bowing down and submitting to doing things that hurt you. And that character also learns how important friendships actually are.
Throughout this whole book, you see these two completely oblivious people fall for each other under the guise of fake dating, which, as many of you know, I love. You also see them grow and change as people, partially due to each other and partially due to what happens to each of them in this period of time.
I cant fully describe how important it is for me to see happy trans grown ups. (Ikik I’m 21 but that just doesn’t count for me yet?) Like the fact that they’re both trans and both thriving (for the most part) is so so soothing. Because trans people CAN thrive. We can exist in society without dealing with hatred. We can be who we are. And that’s what really sealed the deal on this book for me.
There’s so much more that happens in this one: parental trauma, struggling with mental health, dealing with difficulties in life without a support system, figuring out where you belong (away from your evil grandfather) and mostly just trying your best and bring a messy, emotional little human being.
Thank you @tjalexander and @atria for this arc!
January 5, 2024
I've come to realize that my recent interest in books of this sort count as a form of self care, in terms of reaffirmation of my identity and general indulgence in something that caters to real world desires. For however simplistic or sentimental my reading brain may initially find the whole conceit, there is admittedly a gap in terms of the "human" that works such as this do much to fill, and while they may not always end up absolute favorites, the time I spend with them is almost always some form of rejuvenating. This particular work, a "t4t" (trans for trans) romance as it were, was something I became interested in long before I had figured out how far I wanted to go with the whole gender exploration thing. And yet, it promised something that would overcome the "fake relationship" trope, the wildly extravagant circumstances that made the nothing more than a comedically moderate bump in the road, and a litany of other aspects that tend to qualify my enjoyment of the genre typically known as "romance." So, while my rating demonstrates that some of the more fantastically self indulgent aspects passed me by, I do have to say, encountering a shared HRT moment that functioned as hardcore queer relationship solidarity building a mere week after I gave myself my first testosterone injection was, in a phrase, absolutely magical. All in all, I don't regret going out of my to ensure my place of work owns a copy of this, as not only did it make my reading experience all the smoother, it will hopefully pave the reading way for another patron who is in need of a sign that they, too, belong, and that they, too, are loved.
June 4, 2023
Such a sweet and fun book! Highlights include: absolutely wonderful descriptions (of food and otherwise), one of the most cry-worthy lines I've ever read in a book, and telling transphobes to fuck off.
Want to read
November 21, 2022A cooking-themed romance with two trans protagonists? Sign me up! This so rarely happens in romance.
July 5, 2023
3.5 rounded up.
This was a beautiful celebration of trans love and I enjoyed it greatly! A companion novel to Chef's kiss from last year with cameos from Ray and Simone but this still worked as a standalone.
Luna is a recently fired pansexual trans woman looking for a job who runs into Jean Pierre (JP), a wealthy French trans man who finds himself in need of a fake girlfriend and cooking partner to fulfill an inheritance request.
While the set up was a little unusual, I really loved seeing opposites Luna and JP become friends and find unexpected love together. The Paris settings were great and of course lots of delicious food descriptions too!
Good on audio narrated by Nicky Endres and recommended for fans of authors like Anita Kelly. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
Steam level: a couple of open door scenes, mild details
This was a beautiful celebration of trans love and I enjoyed it greatly! A companion novel to Chef's kiss from last year with cameos from Ray and Simone but this still worked as a standalone.
Luna is a recently fired pansexual trans woman looking for a job who runs into Jean Pierre (JP), a wealthy French trans man who finds himself in need of a fake girlfriend and cooking partner to fulfill an inheritance request.
While the set up was a little unusual, I really loved seeing opposites Luna and JP become friends and find unexpected love together. The Paris settings were great and of course lots of delicious food descriptions too!
Good on audio narrated by Nicky Endres and recommended for fans of authors like Anita Kelly. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
Steam level: a couple of open door scenes, mild details
November 20, 2024
4 stars
Oh my god this was so heartfelt and lovely and amazing. I, as a nonbinary person with no queer friends, connected so much to Jean-Pierre. He was just this strange little guy who's heart was so big.
I also think, while there is only two, I really found the smut really important as I rarely find myself encountering t4t smut or romance at all. This entire book was done with a lot of grace and heart and the miscommunication trope was there but in such a palatable fashion - I was only teeny bit irritated! Anyways, if this book had of had less cooking I think it would be 5 stars but it's literally a cooking book so that's on me ig
Oh my god this was so heartfelt and lovely and amazing. I, as a nonbinary person with no queer friends, connected so much to Jean-Pierre. He was just this strange little guy who's heart was so big.
I also think, while there is only two, I really found the smut really important as I rarely find myself encountering t4t smut or romance at all. This entire book was done with a lot of grace and heart and the miscommunication trope was there but in such a palatable fashion - I was only teeny bit irritated! Anyways, if this book had of had less cooking I think it would be 5 stars but it's literally a cooking book so that's on me ig
June 29, 2023
Kudos to the narrator, fantastic work!
February 24, 2025
Jean Pierre was charming af
October 4, 2023
#1) Chef's Kiss ★★★☆☆
➸ Trigger warnings for .
▷ Representation: Luna (mc) is a trans woman; Jean-Pierre (li) is a trans man; f/nb side couple; BIPOC, trans, and queer scs.
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
March 22, 2023
Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
CW: toxic relationship with family, transphobia, microagressions
This is an interconnected standalone with Chef's Kiss
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-m/f contemporary romance
-trans rep
-fake dating
-just a hookup
-opposites attract
-let's just kiss for practice
-bang it out of our systems
-he falls first
-only one bed
Gosh I adored this book. It started out with just a bonkers set up. Luna's life is not going her way, she gets fired, then why not agree to fake date a Frenchmen for a few minutes for some cash, and then accidentally need to stay fake dating him for a lot more money to help him inherit his family's lotsa money. Except whoops your mom comes to visit throwing you into in only one bed situation. It's kooky and fun in the best way.
I adored the romance between Luna and JP. They were opposites in the best way. Personality wise, their experiences as trans people, and just how they saw the world. But their differences also brought them together, into shared experiences into just soft tender moments of learning and experiencing together. The romance was just so soft and swoony, the fake dating chef's kiss as these two bumbled through falling for each other. The way these two just took care of the other, not because the other needed it, but because everyone deserves their safe space.
I have to shout out the choice to have this be a single POV romance, which I am always trash for. JP was prickly and grumpy at first, and I'm not even sure that he realized when he started to fall for Luna. But gosh once he did, he was just so swoony, speaking in French and just so tender and just so frustrated because she is just not putting it together that he wants it to be real. I just adored JP cause honestly who doesn't want a Frenchman to buy them eclairs and whisper french words and says screw gender roles let me take care of you. He's just so swoon.
What this book says about privilege, being trans in society, and everyone deserving and finding love. I could go on and on. Pick this one up, it's swoony, amazingly written and just a great book and I'm so glad I read it.
Steam:3
CW: toxic relationship with family, transphobia, microagressions
This is an interconnected standalone with Chef's Kiss
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-m/f contemporary romance
-trans rep
-fake dating
-just a hookup
-opposites attract
-let's just kiss for practice
-bang it out of our systems
-he falls first
-only one bed
Gosh I adored this book. It started out with just a bonkers set up. Luna's life is not going her way, she gets fired, then why not agree to fake date a Frenchmen for a few minutes for some cash, and then accidentally need to stay fake dating him for a lot more money to help him inherit his family's lotsa money. Except whoops your mom comes to visit throwing you into in only one bed situation. It's kooky and fun in the best way.
I adored the romance between Luna and JP. They were opposites in the best way. Personality wise, their experiences as trans people, and just how they saw the world. But their differences also brought them together, into shared experiences into just soft tender moments of learning and experiencing together. The romance was just so soft and swoony, the fake dating chef's kiss as these two bumbled through falling for each other. The way these two just took care of the other, not because the other needed it, but because everyone deserves their safe space.
I have to shout out the choice to have this be a single POV romance, which I am always trash for. JP was prickly and grumpy at first, and I'm not even sure that he realized when he started to fall for Luna. But gosh once he did, he was just so swoony, speaking in French and just so tender and just so frustrated because she is just not putting it together that he wants it to be real. I just adored JP cause honestly who doesn't want a Frenchman to buy them eclairs and whisper french words and says screw gender roles let me take care of you. He's just so swoon.
What this book says about privilege, being trans in society, and everyone deserving and finding love. I could go on and on. Pick this one up, it's swoony, amazingly written and just a great book and I'm so glad I read it.
Steam:3
June 8, 2023
I'm really loving this series & these characters! The parameters of the fake dating situationship seemed a bit forced in the beginning, but I'm still such a sucker for the fake dating trope! And the added bonus of the one bed trope? Absolutely loved it! This book is so cute & swoony but provides much needed representation as well! After reading this and Chef's Kiss, I'd love to be part of Luna & Simone's friend group! They seem like the best people to surround yourself with!
This was the first book I've read where both main characters are transgender & I'd love to read more like it! Luna & JP both have their own opinions on what it means to be trans & they've had vastly different experiences as well. As someone who's cis-gendered, this was really insightful into another part of the queer experience.
Thank you to TJ Alexander, Atria Books, and Net Galley for sending me an early copy!
This was the first book I've read where both main characters are transgender & I'd love to read more like it! Luna & JP both have their own opinions on what it means to be trans & they've had vastly different experiences as well. As someone who's cis-gendered, this was really insightful into another part of the queer experience.
Thank you to TJ Alexander, Atria Books, and Net Galley for sending me an early copy!
January 14, 2025
Almost a 2.5 ⭐ I was excited to read this since I liked the first book so much, but I ended this disappointed. The set up and beginning are super fun, but as it goes on Luna just became more and more irritating to read. She is constantly angry and bitter, picking fights with JP for no reason and never apologizing for her part in them. She starts the book talking about how she is a positive person and says all these positive things to herself, but then throughout only acts as a constant source of negativity.
She hates that JP is rich, even though his richness is working in her favor. She hates that JP has different thoughts on being trans than sh does, even though she acknowledges everyone's journey is different. I honestly cannot think of a positive moment the two had that she did not ruin in some way, other than the picnic scene.
I liked JP alright, though I feel like I didn't really get to know him since Luna didn't really care about him (until she did). But his description at the beginning comparing him to looking like a waifish Dickensien orphan is the funnest romance lead description ever, 10/10 loved it and I want more goth french orphan-looking romance leads.
She hates that JP is rich, even though his richness is working in her favor. She hates that JP has different thoughts on being trans than sh does, even though she acknowledges everyone's journey is different. I honestly cannot think of a positive moment the two had that she did not ruin in some way, other than the picnic scene.
I liked JP alright, though I feel like I didn't really get to know him since Luna didn't really care about him (until she did). But his description at the beginning comparing him to looking like a waifish Dickensien orphan is the funnest romance lead description ever, 10/10 loved it and I want more goth french orphan-looking romance leads.
January 31, 2024
realistically, a 4.5
genuinely such a sweet love story like these two made me feel so ooey gooey idec
genuinely such a sweet love story like these two made me feel so ooey gooey idec
June 2, 2025
Was pleased with this. To be fair, I think most of my issues stem from genre conventions I don't normally engage with as this is a more mainstream framed romance than my normal faire. Though it has some "baby's first queer novel" explainer stuff in it, what's there feels genuine though, which is extremely appreciated, and I did enjoy the whole way through. No surprises, but solid.
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