I think I’ve really enjoyed every book Aurora Rey has put out there and this one was no exception. What sets this one a part from the other books I’ve read by the author is that there was a trans main character. I thought the romance was done extremely well and enjoyed that the main characters were mature when it came to disagreements and what not. I enjoyed everything about this book and definitely recommend giving it a read.

Chelsea Boudreaux is moving back to the small town she left to escape a fatphobic, overbearing mother on a wave of success - she is starring in her own cooking show featuring Southern cooking. Bryce, a college academic advisor and doting uncle, has his dream life in his beloved hometown, all except for his dream woman. This is the set up for Roux for Two, a soft, cozy romance.

I loved the mood and setting of this book, as well as the characters. I especially appreciated its exploration of themes about found-family and respecting boundaries in budding relationships. I liked how it took a dive into talking about navigating fame and public identity for queer and trans people, especially when it comes to media and marketing demands and how that affects relationships. The intimate scenes were hot and included nuance about queer and trans sex that is often lacking even in queer romance -- honestly, I was disappointed every time we faded to black instead of showing a full scene.

My main issue is that as much as I loved the characters, settings, and themes, I feel that the book lacked conflict in a way that drew me through to the end, especially after the characters got together. I felt that the action was predictable, so about 2/3rds of the way through I started to loose interest, which is why I give this 3.75 stars.

If you're looking for a low-angst romance that showcases what a well-written relationship should look like, then give this book a read! I promise you will not be disappointed.

Full stop; I loved this book! Aurora Rey made Chelsea and Bryce's relationship believable and well thought out. There were many parts of the book where I paused and crossed my fingers, hoping she didn't go for the easy drama, and I'm so glad that she didn't!! I loathe books that go for the easy drama because they believe it adds more to the plot. For me, it just makes me was to quit the book (unless it fits the characters, YA/New Adult books get a bit of a pass, but I digress)

On that note, I LOVED the Trans rep and inclusion in the book! There was no "we don't like you because you're not a real man," and I loved that! I appreciate that Aurora went for other ways to increase the drama. I felt like the sources of angst and friction were believable. I know I've basically restated my praise a few different ways, but I truly appreciate that Aurora wrote two very well-rounded and convincing characters.

On top of all of that, it was amazing to see Jada, Chelsea's friend co-worker, help Chelsea see that what she wanted was already within her reach. Wanting the next big thing wouldn't change the amazing thing she already had. In fact, reaching for more and more would only make her lose everything.

I want to give Aurora Rey all of the stars! Even more, if they get Lori Prince or Avery Caris as the voice actors when they release the audiobook.

Genre/Tropes:
Celebrity Chef romance
Showbusiness
Homing Romance
Bisexual MC
Trans Masc/FTM
Queer MF romance
Friends to lovers
Low angst
Family drama
Found family vibes