First off, Ben and Liam are *chefs kiss*. The art was amazing, I really liked the depiction of food. The ending was EVERYTHING!!!!!! Was it cliche, yeah. Do I care, not at all.
(Arc from Netgalley)

This was a short and sweet graphic novel that quickly got me attached to the characters.

Premise: College graduate Ben Cook is struggling to find a job related to his passion for reading and writing. After countless interviews with no callbacks because of his lack of experience, Ben jumps at the chance to work in a kitchen in order to land his first job.

The plot and characters themselves were very relatable and the art was gorgeous. The format and layout of the graphic novel itself got confusing sometimes and I felt that there was an overload of text on some pages.

However, I loved the expression of chemistry between Ben and Liam and their moments were so precious. The constant talk of cooking techniques made me zone out and skim the text at times but I think this graphic novel could be a very enjoyable read for anyone.

Big thank you to Oni Press and Netgalley for sending me a copy of this book!

From the start I thought the premise of Chef’s Kiss was very cute. I really liked the art style and found it super engaging. All the characters were unique and identifiable at a glance (which isn’t always the case). They did a great job with the food related panels and capturing the experience of cooking in a very visually satisfying way.

There were some solid sections throughout about the struggles of life after college and how much pressure is put young adults which was nice. I also enjoyed the parts about Ben (the main character) considering different professional possibilities and what that meant for him. Ultimately though, the standout figure was definitely Watson. His panels were adorable and I liked how playful they were. It was a fun use of an unexpected character.

Unfortunately, I didn’t love the story as a whole. It felt very cramped - both character wise and plot wise - for the three week timeframe. Some of the characters - mainly women - were very overdramatic, which was made more apparent because the dialog is rather rigid at points. It felt like they were trying to tackle a lot in a small space but there were also parts that were unnecessarily drawn out, so it was a bit disconnected in that respect.

If the story sounds interesting to you I’d say give it a try! It was a cute read, just not for me in the end.

Disclaimer: I received this book through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I liked this graphic novel. The characters felt perfectly placed in that odd time of life when your just out of college and beginning your life in the adult world. I could personally connect to the main characters trouble finding a job after college with no experience and trying to decided what he really wanted to do with his life. I loved the dynamics between the main character and his roommates as well. The art was fun and easy to follow.

An ARC of this graphic novel was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The moment I asked for the advance copy, I had already regretted it, because I do not usually like comics, as they are shorter, and I do not feel as connected to the story as I would if it were a novel. But damn, I am glad I got to read this book sooner!
Here we meet a group of friends who have just left college and are trying to integrate into this world, especially Ben, our protagonist, who, even though he has just finished his English course, cannot find a job in his professional field and ends up finding a job as a cook in a restaurant. However, as is often the case with us human beings, we are not always sure what we want to do for the rest of our lives at such a young age, and Ben eventually realizes that he ends up falling in love with more than just Liam, the handsome sous-chef at the restaurant
The first thing I want to mention is how good the graphic design of the story is. I do not really like these kind of comic book hero drawings because they leave me a little rattled, but this art style is absolutely stunning (I wanted to use the whole book as a wallpaper so badly)! And like I said, I do not usually feel connected to the characters in graphic novels, but I do not know if it's because everything was so relatable to me (and I am sure to many other readers), but I wanted so badly for Ben to finally find his place in the world, and the friendship between his group was so good that I could not stop reading - something that rarely happens to me with this kind of book!
One thing I loved about this story is that it is SO FUNNY! I could not stop laughing, and it's great when books can not only be entertaining but also cover more "important" topics like work experience and job hunting. The plot was super delightful, and I found it very interesting too. I see a parcel of graphic novels telling the same, cherish story over and over again, which is really mostly a comfort, but it's nice to read a new story for a change. I recommend this book to anyone who likes funny graphic novels and a little LGBTQIA+ romance.
All in all, I do not have much to say about this story, and often that is not needed as the work is so good, just as in this case. I hope for a next volume and for everything else by this author and illustrator!

This graphic novel was an absolute treat! (Get it?)

First of all, graphic novels don’t have to do a lot to impress me art-wise because I can’t draw to save my life, but this one’s art style was especially pleasing to me. I loved all the character designs, the colouring, and the FOOD.

For such a short book, I really loved what was done with all the characters. Ben was very relatable in his unsureness of his future (and him being a gay English major, of course). The friendships were super sweet, and the romance was…*chef’s kiss*. (Wink wink.) And Watson the pig was a star!

The plot was fairly simple, which I think worked really well for the length. Nothing felt too rushed or anything. It was just a lot of fun on every page, and there were plenty of good jokes throughout that had me grinning.

I also feel like there’s potential for maybe a bit more story here, so if they wanted to do a sequel…I would not be opposed!

This was a light and fluffy graphic novel that I’d highly recommend checking out, especially if you’re looking for more stuff with characters in their twenties. My compliments to the chef(s)!

English graduate Ben needs to find a job. He’s done all the right things – gone to college, got the grades – but every job he applies for seems to need experience, and he doesn’t have any. In desperation, he applies as a cook at a restaurant (“No experience necessary!”) and finds himself caught up in a series of bizarre tests and challenges to land the role full-time and impress his new crush, Liam. He can keep looking for his dream job on the side, after all. …Right?

This is a short, sweet graphic novel with a loveable cast of characters and an age-old conflict at its heart: what do you really want out of life? Relatable for anyone who has been in the job market in the last few years (though with a decidedly optimistic and hopeful message), this features a sweet romance, a potentially magical pig, found family elements, and some well built friendships. I also appreciated the humour and loved the illustration style.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Genre: Slice of life, Romance
Representation: Achillean
Would I recommend this? Yes
Would I read a sequel? Yes

This was adorable!

A sweet queer graphic novel about a recent English Lit major Ben struggling to find work in the literary world due to having no experience, resulting in him having to apply for a chef's position in a restaurant. We follow Ben as he tries to complete the three trials set by head chef Davis in order to qualify for the position, his friendship dramas, a budding romance with mentor Liam and the crushing expectations from his parents to do well in the literacy world.

Ben's goes through a journey of exploring new interests and living life for himself instead of the expectations of his parents, learning new life skills and making new friends along the way.

This graphic novel is a delightful read and highly recommended.

This was the perfect sweet read.
I really loved how much I could understand the characters and their lives.
I absolutely get the whole thing with what the heck am I supposed to do after college as we enter adulthood territory.
The story was well written and then drawing style was super cute.

Loved the art style of Chef’s Kiss! Really added to the realism. On the other hand, I am confused by the motivation of the main character. It is clear from the set up that he enjoys writing and genuinely wants to pursue it as a career, yet he drops everything because he finds a culinary chef attractive. He realizes that he can date the guy and continue job searching, right? His character motivations felt shallow, and as such, I had difficulty in suspending my disbelief over the reality of the story.

Thank you NetGalley and Oni Press for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The art in Chef’s Kiss is absolutely beautiful. The style is gorgeous and consistent, and lends itself perfectly to the story it is trying to tell. I was truly impressed by the detail and thought put into many of the stylistic choices. That being said, I found the tone of the graphic novel to be somewhat confusing. All of the stuff surrounding Watson, the pig, and the head chef, Davis, threw the story into a strange non-reality that I was unsure about. It would have worked if it was more consistently in line with a comedic theme, but the graphic novel is largely an exploration of Ben and his career/life goals. Definitely recommend for those who love a good romance (with a gorgeous sous chef love interest ;)), it just didn’t really do it for me!

This book was so cute. The romance was so angsty, I was rooting for the main character the whole time.

I also really enjoyed the conversation this book had on life after college or just school in general and the expectations that not only we put on ourselves but also parents, friends and others around us. This was definitely something I could relate too.

This Graphic novel really made you think about the idea of living your own life, and living it for yourself and not to make other happy, but just yourself.

If Ben didn't end up with Liam, I would have snatched him myself lol.

3.75

this was so cute! the art style is stunning and i loved the characters and the idea of the plot. i enjoyed that the characters were older as i usually see graphic novels for middle grade or young adult, so this was a very nice change!

ben and liam were very cute but to me this was more of a story about ben and him finding himself than a romance, which i loved.

some dialogue felt a bit awkward but that is to be expected by a graphic novel. certain aspects of the story were kinda unrealistic to me but if you don’t need books to be realistic then it’s perfect for you.

i had a good time and i now want my own food critic pig.

Food, friendship, romance & writing, a great combination, with solid LGBTQ+ representation. I really enjoyed this Adult GN, it made me want to learn how to cook the recipes Ben created and cooked in the story!

This is a story about a fresh out of college boy named Ben who, like so many of us, struggles to find a job once he's graduated. He basically ends up taking the first job he can just to help pay the bills which is as a chef at a very quirky restaurant. There's a large focus on doing what's right for you, working through the friendship struggles of everyone graduating college and moving on to new things, and just a sprinkle of a romance with a co-chef.

There is a large hole in the industry for books that focus on early 20s adults. I myself am 22 (the age of most of the characters) and I ended up relating to Ben's struggles of doing what he wants versus appeasing his parents who want him in a steady 9-5.

The artwork is absolutely stunning and its so colorful. I would recommend this to just any and all college students or fresh out of college adults because it's a comforting thing to read about someone who is going through what most in that demographic also do.

This graphic novel is super cute! The character designs are really appealing and I like the diversity in the cast, as well as the different body types. All the mains are swoon-worthy and very easy on the eyes! The art throughout is detailed and very impressive. Also I loved the coloring! The story itself was good and I liked that it's new adult featuring recent college grads looking to start careers. Ben's struggle to find a job in the field he majored in is too relatable, especially the way that even entry level jobs require years of experience. Thankfully Ben has other skills and lands a trial position at a unique restaurant. I liked learning about the various recipes and meeting the sous chefs. The head chef was really over the top, especially with all the yelling and insults during the first part of the story. I also felt like some of the friend drama that unfolds was really exaggerated even though it all worked out in the end. The romantic tension/buildup between Ben and Liam, one of the sous chefs, felt really well done and realistic. I like that they took things slow and focused first on their jobs. They're a very cute couple!

This graphic novel handles a bunch of different conflicts in a short time frame but does it well. It also allows for the characters to grow and figure things out. Reading this made me want to try some of the recipes! Overall, a fun, cute, and lighthearted read.

This was cute, the artwork was great, and there were times I felt completely immersed in the story to the extent that I would forget I was reading a graphic novel -- and then the silly bits would happen. And they were just a little too silly for my personal preference.

Those scenes weren't extensive, but they were frequent, and more importantly you have to take them at least a little seriously for there to be any narrative tension for a good portion of the story.

But if you're not someone who needs their graphic novels to feel realistic or contain narrative tension -- and I know plenty of people who don't! -- then I recommend this one.

I loved this graphic novel, it was so cute. The artwork was beautiful and well done, it popped off the page. I really enjoyed the storyline and became very invested in Bens journey. His story was compelling and I rooted for him so hard to get the job and the guy.

I loved the characters, Ben, Liam, Bens roommates and his workmates all had unique and distinctive personalities. I enjoyed each and every one of them and especially loved Watson the pig 🥰🥰🥰.

Ben and Liams interactions were adorable and made me smile, I wanted to see more of them together but was satisfied with what we got ❤️❤️.

My absolute favourite thing about this graphic novel was the humour. I laughed so much throughout this story, the roommates dynamics was hilarious and everything to do with Chef Davis and Watson was brilliant.

I absolutely recommend this book and cannot wait to own a physical copy. I had such a good time with this read 🤩🤩.

I am a bit conflicted right now, not going to lie.
I'm debating between 3 and 4 stars because while some things were really good, others were a tiny bit ridiculous.

First of all, let me just say that this is a really cute graphic novel. The visuals are delightful and most of the time extremely mouthwatering.

Ben, the main character, finds himself in a bit of a pickle after graduation, unable to get a job in the writing industry. Desperate to get a job while figuring things out, he ends up at a restaurant where he's put to the test in order to prove himself as a good fit for the team. I loved the challenges he goes through and it's pretty obvious that he's passionate and quite good at cooking, but... the pig part. I don't get it. I know it's meant to be funny and cute, but it was just too much for me.

I liked Ben's interactions with his friends, they're super supportive and understanding, especially Liz (regardless of that tiny argument).
I also appreciate the approach this book takes toward unemployment after college. It is actually a really stressful time for young adults, especially when you're constantly pressured by family. Been there, done that. It honestly seems impossible to get a job when everyone asks for experience but no one is willing to hire you in order for you to get that experience. Vicious circle and all that.

I really loved that Ben stands up for himself in the end and makes the decision that is best for him, not for the sake of others.
Overall, a really enjoyable read. With a bit of gay romance, which I'm always down for.

We met our protagonist, Ben Cook, right as he is venturing into the adult world armed with one college degree in the arts, three eclectic (& one-dimensional) besties/housemates, and zero job prospects. Ben is timid and always anxious, Ben loves to read fantasy and Ben is a decent home cook; so basically Ben is a millennial. This book taps into the very universal sentiment of feeling lost and confused in your twenties which is what makes it instantly relatable. The illustrations are crisp and some of the panels are truly excellent. However the novel never manages to create any true depth to the characters and therefore none of the conflicts ever manage to create actual tension. The romance also falls flat which is a shame because cooking and cute banter should be a winning premise if done right. Also there is a random pig with maybe magical abilities thrown into the mix and I don’t think it quite works for the book. How can one go wrong with an adorable little pink piggy called Watson? Well a gimmick can only get you so far. I guess some recipes look better than they taste.
Try The Heartstopper Series by Alice Oseman instead. Same vibe, better execution.
[NetGalley ARC]