Three cheers for Simone (and Ray)! Flawed in her own ways but fiercely loyal, loving, and passionate. Anyone would be lucky to have a friend like that. What I loved about this book was that it showed all varying shades of hate as well as those of allyship without being preachy. It’s romance and while that’s a driving plot point, it’s not the whole story – there’s a big focus on Simone’s job, workplace dynamics and prejudice. We only hear Simone’s POV but we’re privy to a lot through her experience and relationship with Ray. Ray is such an endearing character with a huge personality that feels like they would light up any room they’re in and makes you want to protect them fiercely, as Simone does (though they can take care of themself just fine). I loved all the food references and wish the book came with recipes in the end. Only a couple of things niggled at me- I wanted to know more about Luna…maybe a future book for her? and I also wanted a bit more from Simone’s growth arc. On the whole, a wonderful book with an important message.

Short summary: Simone is living her dream as a pastry chef in a test kitchen until her world is thrown upside down by Ray the new kitchen manager, and even more so when they’re encouraged to produce YouTube videos together. When Ray comes out as nonbinary at work, colleagues’ true personalities are revealed and Simone starts to question the status quo as well as her feelings for Ray.

Thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐