REVIEW of Chef's Choice by TJ Alexander

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62919850-chef-s-choice?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=0O1K1oCqZW&rank=1 https://tjalexander.com Date Read: 13-Dec-2023 to 24-Dec-2023

Series Name: Chef's Kiss Series Number: 2

Format: Book - Paperback

Where do I begin?

After reading "Chef's Choice" by TJ Alexander I have to say, I am blown away. This book has everything I look for in a great read - a captivating plot, well-developed characters, and a powerful message. But what truely sets this book apart is its representation of Trans Characters.

From the very first page, I was drawn into the story of Luna (a Trans Woman, living in New York just living her best life), and Jean-Pierre (a Trans Frenchman and heir to a massive Culinary Empire) given the pet name of JP from Luna.

JP is having to jump through a number of hoops that his Celebrity Chief Grandfather Chef Henri has put in place - in order for JP to inherit his Grandfathers Estate.

The conditions of JP getting his Grandfathers estate are:

1. He needs to get a Girlfriend

2. He needs to make a close enough copy of his grandfathers entire menu

As a Trans Woman myself, I was thrilled to finally see a Transgender Protagonist who has a happy ending. Not only that though, but representation with a T4T (Transgender-4-Transgender) Relationship. It was good for once to see all of this as the Books I have read before that contained Trans Characters - were either Side characters with not much 'CONTRIBUTION' or they have a sad or very bad ending for the Character themselves.

What I appreciate most about "Chef's Choice" is the way TJ Alexander handles the subject of Transgender Identity with sensitivity and authenticity. I found myself rooting for Luna and JP to make the fake relationship into a real one. While reading this amazing story Luna does have some encounters with unpleasant people.

WARNING! Everything Below May Contain Spoilers

Unpleasant Encounters

• When Luna and JP went to a club, Luna was discriminated against by the bouncer because she is Trans. The bouncer saying "This isn't that type of place"

• When Luna was in France with JP and got to unexpectedly meet his Parents and Little sister right before the Culinary Competition. JPs mum Mrs. Aubert-Treffle still wasn't accepting of her Son or Luna because they were Trans.

Aside from the representation, the romance in this book is beautifully written. The chemistry between Luna and JP, is palpable and their relationship is portrayed with such tenderness and care. It was heartwarming to see them navigate the feelings that they had for each other but not wanting to admit or act upon it until they both couldn't take it anymore.

I also have to mention the intimate scenes between our 2 MCs. Even though that there were only a handful of these scenes you could still feel the tension between Lune and JP even when they shared their first kiss in their Fake Relationship.

Overall, "Chef's Choice" is a 5-star read for me. TJ Alexander has crafted a heartwarming and important story that will stay with me for a long time. I highly recommend this book to everyone, not just members of the LGBTQIA+ community. It's a story that will make you laugh and ultimately leave you with a sense of hope and happiness. Bravo, TJ Alexander, for creating such a masterpiece.

Favourite Quotes and Lines from "Chef's Choice":

"Clair, I know this is not resl. I know. But tonight. Do you think I could -? Hold you?" - JP

"I don't know how anyone could not fall in love with her" - JP

"C'est la femme que je veux épouser" (This is the woman I want to Marry) - JP

"But you - you were made to be worshipped" - JP