Queen B’s Decree: I think Chef’s Choice was my first t4t—dual transgender main characters—and I was entranced.
It wasn’t just about the romance, although I loved that too. It was about the humor and the disagreements (which were always resolved with grown-up discussion) and the realization that everyone has different experiences. Jean-Pierre and Luna, while they are both trans, have varying ideas and thoughts about passing, acceptance, family support, and community. And that made it so much more of a “real” story to me.
The romance was just the cherry on top. Since everything is told from Luna’s POV, we as readers get to watch Jean-Pierre grow from this grumpy, emo French baguette to an adoring and heartfelt partner, there to do anything to support Luna and make her happy.
If I’m being totally honest, I didn’t love the first in the series, Chef’s Kiss. So I almost didn’t pick this one up. Thank goddess I did, as it’s quickly becoming one of my new favorite reads. Hallelujah for more diverse representation in trad pub books!
Book: Chef’s Choice by T.J. Alexander
Series: Chef’s Kiss #2
Genre: Contemporary
Hotness: medium salsa
Plot Devices/Tropes: transgender, fake relationship