Chef’s Kiss is a new graphic novel from Oni Press. Ben Cook and his friends recently graduated from college and moved in together to start their careers. Ben majored in English in college and after applying to a number of writing and editing provisions becomes discouraged. After seeing a restaurant was hiring with no experience necessary he applies. His mentor, Liam, ushers him through three weeks of challenges to determine if he’ll get the position. While trying out a position at the Cochon Doré, Ben develops a crush on Liam.

This graphic novel is beautifully drawn and written with such heart, full of tender and funny moments. From the opening pages, this novel seemed to tell my story. Ben is moving into his apartment and his roommates make fun of all his books. I immediately fell for all of the characters, though some could have been fleshed out more. We didn’t get a lot of story for the roommates and the people at the restaurant. I have been in a similar position after graduating from college and trying to find work. This book really captures the uncertainty of post-adolescence but an era defined by strong friendships. I loved the marriage of a gay coming-of-age story with the culinary world. If you’re looking for something a little more mature and grounded in present day culture, check this out.

This was so cute! Love the food descriptions and the absurdity of the pig being the taster. The romance was VERY slow burn, would have liked more tension between the Cook and the love interest, but still enjoyed it a lot!

Loved the artwork in this, as well as the lgbtqia+ representation. I loved the friendships and how accurate it describes how hard it can be to get a job after college. This is a new adult graphic novel.

This graphic novel was a breath of fresh air and absolutely how I needed to start the new year - a big thank you to NetGalley and publishers for giving me an eARC in return for an honest review.

After graduating from school, Ben has been having a tough time finding a writing job when he stumbles across a ‘We’re Hiring’ sign in the window of a local establishment and decides to take the plunge into something entirely new. Navigating his parents disapproval, an awkward new boss, and his friends feeling left out - we’re along for the ride while Ben's path starts to become much less clear.

I absolutely adored this book. It was a story about feeling lost, finding joy and experiencing the mistakes and mishaps in between - as someone who struggled to find a direction after finishing university, this is something that I think will really resonate with it's readers, young and old and perhaps inspire them, too.

The artwork was lovely; it’s really cute, easy on the eyes and adds a really soft vibe to the story! I really enjoyed the pages dedicated to food, too. I know it’s a food based graphic novel, but feeling like we were part of the cooking process with the recipes and imagery really added that extra dimension.

The characters were brilliant - my favourites (aside from Ben) being the best friend and the grumpy boss figure; both with great personalities that I thought were really believable. I loved seeing the dynamic of how friendships and relationships change and grow as you navigate adulthood, with the inclusion of disagreements and learning to communicate better with the people around you. Then there was the pig (the one on the cover), he's a real character! That lovely animal is the pet of our restaurant manager and plays a role in Ben winning or losing at his new job - such a unique and fun part to the story.

My overall favourite part of this comic was the underlying message it gave; that growth and experiencing new things is necessary to finding out who you want to be, and that it’s okay to stray from your once-planned path! Perfect for not only teens and young adults, but just anyone who maybe needs that boost of confidence and encouragement.

It had me not only resonating with the lead characters position, but smiling, laughing and ultimately wanting more!

thank you netgalley for the arc!

this year i'm trying to branch out and read more graphic novels and this was a cute and fun one to read! i loved ben and the friendships he had with his housemates, ALSO: WATSON!!! i was hoping for a tad more of the queer relationship than there was but overall it had it cute moments, it made me laugh out loud at times, and i loved how it all came together in the ending! i would for sure read a sequel if there ever was one, and would recommend to anyone who is looking for some wholesome queer foodie vibes!

ALSO WHAT SOCKS COST $80?!?!?!?! ahahaha

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!

Romance and food, my two favourite elements.
Chef's kiss was amazing from the story to the art, it's a masterpiece. It's so refreshing to actually read a story about people in my age group realizing that just because you have spent years studying something , you can always pursue sth new as long as it makes you happy. I loved the friendships and romantic interest. I loved the crushes and the petty fights and I adored all the cooking discussions and recipes. It honestly made me hungry and eager to go cook something.Ben and Liam were so cute together. Also, the art was so realistic ,it was like I could step into this world and be part of it.
I really enjoyed how even the supporting characters were given their own depth, personality, interests and hobbies and I can safely admit that I was totally invested in them.
I hope we can read more about this story in the future, please.

I was so excited when I got approved for this ARC, as it was one of my most anticipated releases of 2022. "Chef's Kiss" is truly a little gem full of comfort and funny moments, as well as little twists you would not expect.
This graphic novel follows newly graduated Ben Cook, who's interviewing process for copywriting jobs is not going well at all. When he stumbles upon a job at a very peculiar restaurant, where he will learn more things about himself and about his future.
I loved this a lot, and I think it is perfect for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo's "With The Fire on High" and "Check, Please" by Ngozi Ukazu. Every person freshly out of college or university can relate to Ben's struggles within the job market, as well as heading down an unexpected path instead of staying in a comfort zone. Melendez also does a great job when introducing us to several side characters that are as well rounded as Ben himself, and it is a detail I truly appreciate in novels.
Overall, I really enjoyed this graphic novel, which is quick and comforting enough to become an audience's favourite this year.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of Chef's Kiss by Jarre Melendez, Danica Brine and Hank Jones.

First of all I really loved the artwork in this graphic novel. I enjoyed the rich colours and the style of the characters.

It's not the normal route for me (romance/fiction), but I was surprised to find it enjoyable.

I read Chef's Kiss over two days- not my normal one sitting for a graphic novel. I just felt like I needed a break from the Head Chef as his attitude seemed forced and quite unrealistic.

Overall the book was enjoyable!

Adorable!
I don't usually enjoy rom-coms, but I loved this one! Would definitely recommend it to others as well.
Thank you to NetGalley, and Publishers for providing me with an E-arc of "Chef's Kiss" by Jarrett Melendez, in exchange for an honest review.

DNF-ish

I tried downloading it like four times and i can't fix this: every single time, most of the pages are blank. I liked what I could read, I think the art style is pretty solid, but i can't enjoy it fully if it's missing like 80/125 pages.

Beautifully written, wholesome and just plain cute! The characters are so lovable and the story flows wonderfully. This is a wonder debut for Melendez. I'll be interested to see what he does next! I would have enjoyed more playful or stylized art, but that's just a personal taste. Brine's storytelling skills are amazing. I'll for sure be recommending!

I really really enjoyed this one. I had requested the arc on a whim just because of the cover! I was surprised to find our main character wasn’t a chef before the story started as that’s what I was getting from the cover art! The art was adorable and well done! I find lately that graphic novels or fully colored illustrations can be good but sort of sloppy or almost unfinished in smaller panels in other books, but this one has consistently good art all the way through. No goofy smooshed faces in a small panel box.
The Story was great and heartwarming with the right amount of drama mixed in. I will admit that at times the dialogue was kind of cheesy, but seeing as the character are fresh out of college age it is mostly realistic. If you’re looking for a fun, heartwarming story to spend an hour or two on this is for you! Thank you so much Netgalley for the chance to read this early! #netgalley #chefskiss

Although I think I am past these kind of books I still enjoyed Chef's Kiss by Jarrett Melendez. Ben was one of my favourite main characters, just due to how absolutely soft he is. I also liked the other characters like Emi and Liam. The entire cast of characters was well done and they enhanced the story.

I also enjoyed the illustrations, particularly that of the food (I got hungry while reading!).

Overall, it was a nice wholesome read.

I received a digital ARC via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This graphic novel is so cute and wholesome!! Readers that liked Check, Please! will definitely love this one. It's got so much going for it- lovely art, queer romance, and a bakery/restaurant trope.

I honestly really love the art style of this book. The art is colorful and detailed, and the character's expressions are really great. As for the story, it's very cute and the characters are decently fleshed out. There's even some space for development of the main character.

My only criticism is that I could have gone without the pig character having so much screen time. While he provided some comic relief, it felt a little out of place to me and I would have enjoyed the story just as much without him.

Altogether I really enjoyed this book and it's a great addition to queer graphic novels!

Recent English graduate Ben Cook is not having luck in the job market. After applying for every industry job he can find, and being rejected for not having professional experience, he's ready to give up hope of finding his dream job in journalism. By chance, he walks past a vegetarian restaurant and begins a 3-week work trial. This isn't an ordinary restaurant - the head chef is rude, he has to pass 4 challenges to keep his job and the ultimate taste tester is a pig. Initially, Ben expects this job to just pay the bills, but his days in the kitchen (and time spent with the very attractive Liam) sparks a passion he has not felt before. Was he maybe aiming for the wrong career path after all?

What a sweet read! The characters were relatable and lovable, the story very on topic for graduates right now and the illustrations stunning! I would recommend picking this up if you love graphic novels. Be warned though, it will make you hungry (I really want ricotta and mushroom tart now)...

Thank you to net galley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A wholesome, cozy story about choosing what makes you happy and how it doesn't have to exclude something else that makes you equally happy? With a magical (?) pig? Yes please!

This is a graphic novel about Ben, who is fresh out of college and can't catch a break while applying for writing jobs. As he's walking back to the place he shares with a group of friends, he sees a sign in a window with the magical words "no experience required", and he jumps on the chance. It's a restaurant, and sure he can cook, but it did say no experience needed ...

The guy that greets him ticks all the boxes for what Ben finds attractive, and that's his first incentive to do well. But as time goes on, he's enjoying the prospect of being an assistant chef more and more.

All in all, this is a sweet little story about doing what feels right for you, not to please others. Several of the characters have stood up to their parents, or their friends, to do something that they want (get a tattoo, stay in college, etc) and in the end, the message is that you do you. It's got a side of budding romance, as well as several parts that made me laugh out loud while reading. On top of that, the art is attractive and the story is easy to follow. I will definitely look for this creator's work in the future!

Thank you to Oni Press and NetGalley for the digital arc of this graphic novel!


A charming graphic novel containing self discovery, romance, and a pig food critic - Chef's Kiss is great for readers fresh out of high school and/or college. Readers will relate to Ben's struggles of finding his place in the world and which passion to follow through with.

Thank you @netgalley and @onipress for providing me with this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. ✨

Ben Cook is a graduate looking for a job. This search leads him to new challenges he never thought would come across his path. 🤔

This book is incredibly cute and adorable. 🥰
And it made me hungry. 🤤

I do believe I love these cutesy love stories in graphic novel format. It conveys so much through the images. 🤩
And then the food and the cooking, goodness me, I would love to visit this restaurant if I could. 😋
I could of course go visit Watson then, as well, the cutest and funniest pig in all the lands. 😄

If you love cooking or food, if you love love, just read this graphic novel already. It will make you happy! 💙💙

This was so cute. I loved the romance and the road to one's self was amazing. Def will become a comfort read. 4⭐