I unfortunately really didn’t connect with this book for two main reasons.
It uses a lot of humor that isn’t my sense of humor, so the funny moments felt annoying or nonsensical to me instead of funny like they were intended to and like they might be to someone with a more similar sense of humor.
I also really couldn’t connect with the characters. This is partially because some aspects were supposed to be funny, but I also missed reasons why the characters did what they did. You only ever really got that for Ben, the main character, and his motivations and characteristics didn’t make sense for me. For example he stays home to practice cooking for his job instead of celebrating his friend’s promotion as he claims to have no idea what he is doing, but within a week he massively improves that recipe in a way none of the professional chefs could come up with. It didn’t feel believable that anyone could improve that much that fast.

A gorgeously illustrated graphic novel about finding your way in the world once you have graduated and it's time to take the next step.
After running face first into the reality of all new graduates - every entry level job needs experience, Ben Cook takes a job in a quirky kitchen with a sexy Sous chef. It was never the plan, or the dream, but sometimes life takes you places you wouldn't expect.

This novel has it all: beautiful artwork, droolworthy food, a sweet as pie romance, and that heartwarming feeling of finding your way in the world with the support of your friends.

This was an absolute pleasure to read, which I heartily recommend to lovers of a visual romance. If they ever did an animated or love action adaptation, I'd be there for that too!

A beautifully illustrated story filled with loveable humour and characters I’d love to be friends with.

No one knows exactly what’s in store for them, especially after graduating from university. When Ben Cook finds himself failing to get anything close to his dream editing job, he takes a chance on a kitchen in order to make a wage. But what he finds there is the passion his life has been missing and it doesn’t hurt that there’s a very charming boy determined to see Ben succeed.

For a story filled with quirky elements like a taste-testing pig and Ben’s “fairy conscience”, it was remarkably relatable. The tension between Ben and his friends is only natural for a tight group all being pulled in different directions and equally wanting the best for each other while making sure not to leave someone behind to settle. I would love to see more of all of these well-rounded characters. Not to mention the deliciously drawn scenes filled with sweets and treats enough to make the reader ready to eat.

A wonderfully honest story that is sure to leave readers hungry for more, in every sense.

I have been looking forward to getting to this graphic novel on my TBR for some time, and genuinely it lived up to my own hype as it brings together some of my favourite things, food, cute romance and incredibly intelligent pigs.

A range of diverse characters set the scene for Ben who after many years of studying something his parents want him to study, he then chooses something he wants to study for himself and finds his feet in a kitchen full of really well-crafted characters and a friendship group of people I’d like to hang out with.

Maybe I am a little biased, but I loved all the women that surround Ben in this comic, Liz, his best friend since he was a kid, Rachel talking in ye olde English and Emilia who has no chill and I love her for it. The romance story burns through the first volume and is done so well to not overpower all the other stories being told with his friends – with such a big cast, the balance is kept incredibly well throughout I think and I hope we get to see them grow as this comic goes on.

Accompanying this great story is such incredible art, this comic will have the same effect as watching Bake Off does, you will need a snack, cake, anything edible next to you, while reading this.I need ‘tart me up’ right now in the great words of a chef.

A great first volume, I’d love to read more soon!

Chef's Kiss was a fun graphic novel with a lively art style and cute romance. The characters were charming and seem like the kind of people you'd want to be friends with right after college. I think readers will appreciate the book's messages about being who you are and living life on your own terms - the quote "I know [my parents] gave it to me, but I'm the one who has to live this life" will really stick with me. I don't think this is meant to be a realistic depiction of restaurant work (though the food looked delicious!), but it's some good escapism we can probably all use these days. The conflicts were easily resolved in a way that seldom happens in life - again, sometimes it's nice to read a story where everything turns out better than expected! I think this book fits well in the new adult space and would be great for fans of queer characters finding a happy ending.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this ARC.
This was a very fun read and I really enjoyed it! The characters and the story was great. I liked how the character’s struggles were real, the pressure to find a job and your parents. I would recommend this to everyone looking for a cute quick read!

I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review

An english major with a TON of books and no desire to get rid of them? It’s basically me! This graphic novel was really cute, and I honestly felt frustrated with Ben’s interviewers. Requiring experience to gain experience is the biggest nonsense in the job world. This was so well drawn that every time there was some sort of food I was hungry, and I just wanted to know what some of the dishes Ben made tasted and smelled like. I did find Rachel and her constant Shakespearean a bit annoying at the beginning, so I’m glad she dropped it. Also, Watson is the cutest pig I’ve ever seen and it made me happy that his opinion on things was so highly regarded (though if he was a real pig I think he'd creep me out instead, he's TOO human, haha).

I absolutely loved how cute it was, and I know it’ll be a good pick for people who love cute graphic novels that don’t have any violence or super high levels of drama. Definitely going to buy a copy when it comes out!

A lovely graphic novel that has a great plot and artwork! I will definitely be sharing this with my students as they are in love with great stories!

Ben cook has just graduated college with an English degree and is ready for the job market. Only, everywhere he applies tells him the same thing: Professional experience required. Desperate for a job, Ben comes upon a restaurant advertisement and soon becomes embroiled in a three week test in which a pig will decide that fate of his new career. Not to mention Liam, the hot mentor chef who's exactly Ben's type.

Chef's Kiss was pretty solid for me. The art is amazing. I love Ben's friend group. The story felt a bit flat and corny. There was supposed to be obvious tension between Ben and Liam, but it wasn't there. Also, as a person who's been in Ben's shoes, even if I had been desperate, I would have quit at the first sign of a "three challenge trial period", because that just sounds like a scam. That said, a follow up volume would be great to explore more of relationship between Ben and Liam. I would also like to see how he navigates his relationship with his parents.

3.5/5 stars Solid read

Melendez has created a graphic novel that expertly catches the New Adult experience. Ben Cook is a recent college graduate living with his three friends. They balance multiple jobs, hobbies, and fun nights out. Ben is trying to break into the workforce but is having the problem of applying everywhere and never getting an interview and not having enough experience. To add to the reality of the situation, his parents just don't understand the current job market.

When Ben does get a job at a restaurant, a wonderful queer romance is born, delicious food is drawn and discussed, and even though the head chef is not particularly nice, the tension created by that (and the bleak reality of Ben's job search) is cut by the addition of a Very Important Pig!

Ben balances friendships, family relationships, both his and his parent's expectations for his future, the stress of a new job, and a budding relationship. It's a very complex graphic novel and a great read.

This was really colourful, cute and heart warming - too much for my taste, I seem to only love books with dramatic things happening.
I still spent a good night reading this and I love the decisions made by the mc and his reflection on his life, dream job, etc. More interactions with the love interest would have been great and would have allowed the reader to see the evolution of their relationship - it happened too fast.

I found this book very cute and interesting, the. characters were interesting and well developed even the surrounding ones and the book toed the line very well between fantasy/comedy and realism. The art style was good and made me feel immersed in the story. The only negative was that it made me feel constantly hungry as the food looked so good!!

When does volume 2 come out?

Seriously this is my favorite type of read. It's light, funny, endearing, has a satisfying HEA, I couldn't ask for more.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my ARC of Chef's Kiss. This is 100% my opinion, and I can tell you for certain that I will be on the lookout for more from this publisher/author.

A charming tale of a young man trying to find his path after graduating from college, Chef's Kiss follows Ben as he struggles to find work in his field and to accept that maybe life has other plans for him. The conflict feels genuine, and Ben's angst over his direction in life is bound to be familiar to a lot of recent graduates. The illustrations are beautiful - especially the food illustrations. Delicious! This graphic novel was absolutely worth the read and I will be recommending it.

Chef's Kiss was an absolutely a delicious delight to read. The artwork was really beautiful and consistent throughout in a way that allows the reader to fully immerse themselves in the setting. And I must say...who doesn't love letting an adorable pig decide your fate?!
Recent grad Ben Cook moves in with his 3 eccentric best friends and while they are off to work and pursuing their passions, Ben feels unmoored and cannot land a job through traditional interviews due to his lack of professional experience (we have all been there, trust me). This causes him to pivot and go for a job that required 'no previous experience' and allows him to tap into a dormant passion - cooking! Along the way, Ben may just find love, friendship, and self-acceptance. In all seriousness, this Chef's Kiss will really resonate with those who are just out of college and trying to figure out their life path OR those of us who made some changes during the pandemic and now are trying to figure out what is next - sometimes the unexpected or seemingly temporary option can allow you to find happiness.

This was really fun and well written! I enjoyed the characters and the pig! I wasn’t a huge fan of the plot, however. I thought it could have been expanded upon!

Ben Cook did what he was supposed to: he went to school and applied at all the publishing houses to become a writer or editor, but when he's rejected at every turn, he decides to turn his hobby into a job at a local restaurant. Is Ben really choosing what's best for himself, though, or has a certain handsome sous-chef caught his eye?

What a cozy little story! So many young adults are working through disillusionment with college and the rat race, and this book offers a refreshing look at what it means to grow up. I enjoyed the carefully-crafted illustrations and the gentle way each character was presented... except Tom, who is pretty much just comic relief. Although, of all of them, Tom left me with the most to think about in regards to the way the job market has been tipping. Overall, this book is clear and prompt, but it takes joy in little details that make it a delight to read from cover to cover.

I loved reading this story. It's cute, as well as short and sweet. I read this in approximately one sitting, and was glad I was able to preview it. New adult is a growing genre, and I think this story is a happy medium between Young Adult, and Adult. I would definitely recommend this title for purchase!

I haven’t read a graphic novel in so long and this was the perfect one to get back into them!

The story was so relatable- we have all had that moment in time where we second guessed the trajectory of our life. Eventually, we figure it out- and this book captures those moments so well.

It was corny, in the best ways; and Watson the pig was just ✨chef’s kiss✨ perfection! There were parts of the story that were easy to guess through; but I have to admit, it didn’t detract from the over all enjoyment.

It was a quick, but delightful read!

I was given an ARC of this story to read; but thoughts and opinions are all my own. Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for the chance to read this graphic novel!

Heartwarming and endearing story, wonderful cast of characters and gorgeous illustrations! I had a big smile on my face all the time that I was reading it