Review by Booklist Review
As a self-taught chef, Dahlia Woodson knows the odds of her winning Chef's Special, but the mere fact that she is on the popular cooking competition show is more than enough to make her happy. Of course, the whole experience would be even better if one of Dahlia's competitors, adorably cute London Parker, wasn't such a total grump. Dahlia quickly discovers that London has a perfectly good reason for being cranky. Having to constantly explain to others that you're non-binary is exhausting. However, while both Dahlia and London dream of winning Chef's Special, neither one expected that another prize might be within their reach--love. Kelly (a librarian by day) perfectly captures the zeal Dahlia and London have for cooking as well as the passion they discover for each other in this chef's-kiss debut that brilliantly explores the idea of being true to yourself with insight and compassion. In between all the deliciously snarky wit, simmering sexual chemistry, romantic yearning, and quippy banter, Kelly also delivers some moments of romantic hope and happiness that will long resonate with readers.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Kelly's sweet debut novel (after the novella Our Favorite Songs) turns up the heat on a reality cooking competition as two opponents fall in love. As the first openly nonbinary contestant on Chef's Special, a savory spin on the Great British Baking Show, London Parker wants to cook great food, represent their community, and (hopefully) win some money to start a nonprofit, not start a relationship with their adorably chaotic competitor Dahlia Woodson. Dahlia's life is in a state of upheaval: one year after her divorce, she feels stuck in a town she hates with a mountain of debt, and she hopes that Chef's Special will be her ticket out. London and Dahlia are immediately attracted to each other, but London is uninterested in a fling and worries about complicating the competition. As they spend weeks working alongside each other, however, their casual flirting builds into genuine romance. But cracks begin to show in their relationship when the producers pit London against a transphobic contestant and shove Dahlia to the center of the drama. It's a familiar setup, but a nonbinary protagonist in a mainstream romance is cause for excitement and the characters spark with chemistry. The heartwarming result will leave readers eager for more from Kelly. Agent: Kim Lionetti, Bookends Literary. (Jan.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
On the set of a popular cooking competition show, two contestants attempt to conquer challenges of the heart as well as the kitchen. Dahlia Woodson doesn't know what she wants in life; she's been feeling aimless since she got divorced, not just personally, but professionally too. Entering Chef's Special, a competition for amateur chefs, is basically a last-ditch attempt to revamp herself, but she gets off to a shaky start by literally walking into one of her fellow contestants on the first day of filming. Dahlia is really the last thing on London Parker's mind, though. As the first out nonbinary contestant on the show, they've got enough pressure on their shoulders, not to mention online trolls. It's easier to shut out the internet once the cameras are rolling and London finds themself distracted by Dahlia's seemingly limitless energy and her never-ending waves of black hair. As time passes and both Dahlia and London continue to make it through each week of competition, the stakes keep getting higher on Chef's Special--but it's also the perfect backdrop for the two of them to start falling in love. Dahlia's exuberance serves as the perfect complement to London's initially taciturn demeanor, and the story is a consummate case of opposites who do more than just attract: They bring out the best in each other. Kelly's novel illustrates the truth that love calls for vulnerability from both parties--not merely in expressing honest feelings, but in accepting the other person for exactly who they are without limits. Kelly will whet your appetite from the first page, capping off the wonderful feast with the absolute sweetest of happy-ever-afters. A delectable queer romance. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
