Food and romance, this book made me swoon.

Fresh out of school, Ben is ready to start his writing career. The only problem is that nobody will hire him without some experience. When he finds a sign outside of a restaurant that is hiring he heads inside. Hot supervisor, weird boss, and pig with great food taste ahead. Only it turns out to be more than a filler job. He loves what he's doing there. Now he has to figure out who he is and what he wants to do with his life.

OMG! I am so in love with so much in this book. It has so many of my favorite things. Books, cooking, gay romance. The MC is super adorable and the love interest is seriously yummy. Making the couple easy to ship. There are references to books that pretty much any reader knows at least a few. And there is FOOD. My secondary passion, outside of reading, is cooking. I love food and I love to cook. This book made me hungry and made me want to waste time recipe browsing. I already waste far too much time doing this. Whether from the food or the romance, this is a seriously swoon-worthy book.

Now for what I didn't like about this book..........That's right, I got nothing. The story and the art were utterly enchanting.

I highly recommend this to all romance lovers. Especially if you like MM romance. I would say ages 16+ due to some vague references to a particular drug paraphernalia.

I loved thid book! It's an easy and fast read with a great plot and amazing characters! The artwork is gorgeous and the relationships between the characters are very realistic! I loved how issues between friends were handled in a way that was responsible and mature! I also really enjoyed seeing Ben choose his future based on what he wanted instead of what his parents wanted for him! Ben's relationship with Liam is adorable and I'm looking forward to see how things work out for them in the future!
I'm definetely excited for a possible sequel!

I read this one in one sitting. It was adorable, lovely and it made me smile. The story was so nice and I enjoyed the message of find out what you enjoy doing and not let others interfere with your choice, it is a story about adulthood and trying to find the job for you even if it isn’t one you expect and I relate so hard to that. The characters were great, there’s good representation in the book which is nice to see.
The artwork was good and I enjoyed it. It fit the story really well and I just really liked it. Overall a fun quick read that I will be recommending to people!

I'm not sure if American BL is a good summary for this but it's what I felt while reading it. Ben Cook is a recent graduate who cannot get a job despite having done everything right - we went to college, wrote for the right publications, and took the right internships. But now no one will hire him. Getting a stop-gap job at a restaurant seems like a good holdover until he finds himself falling for the sous-chef Liam as well as his new passion for cooking. If you're a fan of queer meet-cute romances, and the GBBO, you'll enjoy Chef's Kiss.

4.5 stars ^

I loved this so much! It was such a light-hearted and quick read. Ben was super relatable as he’s a huge bookworm with a wall full of bookshelves. The friendships are really wholesome and I found myself laughing at quite a few of their jokes. His parents on the other hand; I hated them so much but I’d assume that’s what the author wanted us to feel. They’re the stereotypical controlling parents who only want their child to be happy if it conforms to their idea of a perfect future.

The art style was also really cool. And the story itself was good. I usually find with graphic novels that I love the characters & art but the plot is a bit lacking, whereas this wasn’t! It’s plot felt like a contemporary romance.

The ending was cute but the only reason it’s not 5 stars is it felt a bit abrupt. I really wish it was longer or has a sequel to show us what happens after the final plot twist!

Overall I highly recommend this & I think I’m actually gonna end up buying a copy when it’s published!

Thank you, NetGalley for the arc of this book!

This is such a great story about life after college, and how it isn't always so easy despite the promises society makes. Go to school, work hard, get a great job, make money. Seems simple. But sometimes it's not, and sometimes what you worked so hard for ends up being something you may not have been passionate about in the first place. I loved watching Ben try to parse through what he really wanted in life and where he wanted to go. His friends/roommates were so funny and sweet, and I loved all the side characters. Each of them brought something different to the story, and that's hard to do when you're working with a short graphic novel. The romance was sweet and slow, but the ending was happy, and honestly what more could I ask for?

Definitely recommend for a quick, feel-good read!

Chefs kiss was super sweet romance graphic novel. A great coming of age story, following Ben on his path to find his true passion, as well as love along the way. Not to mention the illustrations are amazing too. A super quick, light hearted read, definitely one I would read again!

Thank you Net Galley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Very cute gay romance graphic novel. Perfect for a light read. The illustrations are beautiful, and I loved the restaurant setting. Definitely speaks to the current employment situation for new grads struggling to find work.

Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for the eARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for a free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Chef's Kiss was a cute story about Ben, a recent graduate with an English degree, and how he finds a job working in a restaurant and the romance that blossoms there. The friend group was supportive and well developed, and overall, the plot played out neatly. Chef's Kiss was a treat for the eyes and the soul.

Art: Danica Brine
Story: Jarrett Melendez
Colors: Hank Jones
Lettering: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

This one didn’t quite work for me. I was excited about this queer romcom that’s centered around cooking and that features a (mostly) post-grad cast of characters. I enjoyed the initial panels that introduced the roommates setting up their apartment, as well as the sequence depicting Ben’s struggle to find a job as an English Literature grad (relatable!). I love the idea of stumbling into something you’d never imagined could make you happy––like a fulfilling career that you’ve never considered, but that ends up feeling right. I was excited for Ben to figure that out through his cooking, but instead of presenting a nuanced ~emotional~ journey, the writer brings in a strange and derivative series of “cooking trials” that could been replaced with panels that depicted a growing bond between Ben and his love interest, Liam. The reader learns very little about Liam––practically nothing beyond his name and his job––and while I did enjoy the few existing romantic panels, the “romcom” aspect of the book was severely underdeveloped. The overarching stakes also disappoint. Ben hides his new job from his parents, who have specific expectations for him, and when they find out where he’s working, they’re so horrified that they use their connections to get him an internship at “one of the biggest literary magazines in the country.” Not only is their classist attitude never addressed, but the main conflict becomes Ben having to decide between this fancy literary position (which he’s excited about) and the restaurant job (which he also enjoys). It’s difficult to sympathize or root for a character whose main conflict feels so trivial (he’ll be happy either way!), and who ultimately makes zero sacrifices and figures out how to “have it all.” Ultimately, though I was impressed with the quality of the art in this book, the poor writing, confusing plot, and underdeveloped characters overshadowed my reading experience.

Over five stars! This was such a perfect coming-of-age story for those of us new adults with no idea what life is about. Watson is officially my new favorite character from anything. Each character gets screen time and a moment to shine in a way that makes the story so well-rounded. I loved the integration of the roommates into the main storyline. It felt completely seamless. Everything this book should have had was there and I could not be more satisfied. Funny, sappy, fluffy, and full of love. Definitely a new favorite you HAVE to pick up!!!

I really enjoy that kind of coming of age story, where the character is trying to figure out what he's suppose to do after college, when all of his friends have already everything mapped out (or almost mapped out). The relashionship between all the character felt quite genuine, and the way conflict and change were brough was quite sensitive as well. I wish we would have recipes for the meal they are cooking, because as a veggie, I would love to get to cook some of those ! It was a sweet story, quite funny at times, and let's be honest Watson was definitely the best character !!!

This was a super cute story that I thoroughly enjoyed- friendship, new romance and the most adorable taste-testing pig!

I justwish it had been a lot longer as I felt certain parts were rushed and there was one particular conflict that felt very out of proportion and had me realising the book had taken place over a longer time than I realised. But other than that I did enjoy every part of this book and thought the romance was super adorable and realistic.

Overall this was a short, easy read with some great art and lovely moments. Definitely one I will be reading again!

It was a sweet story of a young man trying to decide what to do with his life after uni. Ben Cook cannot find a job after his English degree, while his friends are planning their careers, so he takes a temporary job in a restaurant with a taciturn boss, a great looking chef and a pig with amazing culinary tastes... Silly, funny and yet full of meaningful insights into a search for a right career path, "Chef's Kiss" was a great story with enjoyable and weird storyline and loveable characters (plus the art by Danica Brine which I really liked). But I thought it was far too short, as it ended up a bit abruptly, so I hope the authors are already working on a part two. PS. Massive plus for a pig. I absolutley loved Watson.

Arc was given by Oni Press & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

This review is being published before the release date (March 1st 2022)


Content/Trigger Warnings: Stress about unemployment, depictions of aggression, pressure and guilt trips from overbearing parents, manipulation attempts from overbearing parents, subtle homophobia


Oh my goodness, I didn’t think I would push this review out right away, but oh, sweet friends, I adore this graphic novel and I had to come shout about it from the roof tops! I adore this graphic novel so, so much. It’s charming, pure, and will leave you on the edge of your seat, waiting for what’s about to happen next. There’s so much good in this book and honestly, this is probably my favorite graphic novel that hasn’t been released yet. Hands down, a new favorite of mine.

Chef’s Kiss follows our main character, Ben Cook, who’s recently graduated college, moved in with his best friends, and now finds himself struggling to find a job. With overbearing parents breathing down his neck, Ben is feeling the claws of defeat, frustration, but mostly, unemployment scraping at his walls. When his eighteenth interview doesn’t go as plan, Ben stumbles upon a hiring sign for a restaurant and suddenly, the future is looking a lot brighter… and conflicting.

“It’s a tale as old as time. You’re falling in love for your mentor!”

Truly, with my whole chest, I can’t say enough how I loved the cast of characters (except you, Ben’s parents). The cast of main and the side characters are so diverse with BIPOC characters, different professions, and a plethora of personalities. And despite his aggressive tendencies, I actually like Chef Davis with his banter and his love for the taste testing pig, Watson. Yes, you heard me correctly, taste-testing pig. And the fact that Watson has his own personality and a mischievous side to him just fills my heart with so much euphoria.

I think one of the things I truly loved the most about this graphic novel is the friendship Ben has with all of his roommates. What made me love these friendships the most was how the author displayed how messy friendships can be, but also the healthy side of friendships, where you address the issues that have happened or where someone was being a not so good friend and work through it. Every time I see healthy friendships in a any kind of book, I get all soft and mushy inside. And I really loved the support this group of friends have one another despite the hard moments that happen.

This graphic novel addresses what it means to be someone fresh out of college, looking for work and not having experience. How frustrating, tiring, and stressful it can be especially when you’re trying to carve your own path as an adult. It’s also about doing what’s best for you and asking yourself “what do you want” instead of constantly catering to what everyone else wants especially when it comes to our own personal happiness. I really appreciated how beautifully and realistically the author wove these themes into the story. It felt so real and I know for my case, these themes were something that weighted heavy on me. So seeing that being represented in a graphic novel was such a big thing especially you don’t see them shown in literature that often.

Of course, I have to gush about the art and the illustrations. If the cover of this book hasn’t sunk it’s claws into yet, wait till you actually open this graphic novel. It’s simply stunning. At times it reminded me of other graphic novels I’ve read. I think that’s why I was so easily captured by the art because every time I see this art style, I know I’m going to fall in love.

Overall, I’m just really in love with this graphic novel. I don’t think I could make it any more simple. I truly, most ardently, love this graphic novel. I wasn’t kidding when I said this was going to be one of my favorite reads. 2022 never looked brighter and I can’t wait for more readers to pick this graphic novel up.


The quotes above were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.

An absolute delight! Stunning art and a charming story about finding yourself, and love, in the kitchen. I enjoyed every single page!

This book is as adorable as the cover and synopsis makes it seem. I really loved the art style, and how diverse the characters were. At first I wasn't sure I would like it, but it is a great graphic novel, and I cannot wait to read either the next volume, or more from this author. The art style especially is gorgeous, and there is so many details, even the little details matter.
I will definitely be recommending this to customers and to my friends alike. Thank you for the advance reader's copy. I am glad I was given the chance to review this, and enjoy it!

Sometimes you just need a wholesome queer graphic novel to brighten your days and, if so, Chef's Kiss is a great option. The illustrations were darling, the story light and fluffy, with great romantic chemistry. It's also really nice to see a coming-of-age story in an adult novel.

4.5 Stars!

This was the most adorable, sweet, queer graphic novel, and at the same time, so weird. (Watson the food critic pig!) I feel like there was some not so subtle messaging with that one. Haha! I really related to Ben in this story. I too kind of fell into food as a career and it definitely wasn't the plan in college. The art style is really fun and well done!

Chef's Kiss is a lovely graphic novel following Ben, a recent college graduate struggling with getting a job and scared of disappointing his parents. After lots and lots of rejections in his field due to his lack of experience, Ben encounters a 'help wanted' sign in a restaurant. Ben applies for the job and has to pass three challenges in order to be hired. With every challenge, Ben starts to be more and more excited for the job at the restaurant. And the cute sous-chef is a nice bonus as well...

I LOVED this graphic novel. I think this is the first graphic novel I will reread, and I will most definitely buy a physical copy of this novel! It's so wholesome and the side characters truly rock as well.

The artstyle is beautiful as well! It seems like a mix of 'graphic novel' and 'comic book', if that makes sense. It probably only makes sense in my head, but oh well... ANYHOW. The art style is lovely. That's what I wanted to say.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love this graphic novel. The artstyle, the characters, Ben's development, all of it. I don't believe there will be a sequel, but I need it and I need it now.