TJ Alexander
Author of Queer Romance
○ CHEF'S KISS out now
Chef's Kiss
A high-strung pastry chef’s professional goals are interrupted by an unexpected career transition and the introduction of her wildly attractive nonbinary kitchen manager in this deliciously fresh and witty queer rom-com.Available now.
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Praise for Chef's Kiss
“Alexander accomplishes a masterful juggling act: the banter is snappy, the chemistry between Simone and Ray sings, the commentary on social media fame is poignant without ever verging on precious, and the exploration of Ray’s nonbinary identity within the structure of a romantic comedy hits exactly right…one of the most intricate and satisfying queer romances in years. Fans of Casey McQuiston will be wowed.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)“[D]elicious… Alexander whips up a delectable couple with Ray and Simone; they are each on their own journeys for self-awareness and self-confidence, which they gratifyingly achieve on an individual level. Alexander’s romance confronts workplace discrimination, internal biases, and issues like transphobia and misgendering with ease. Baked to perfection.” —Kirkus Reviews“[L]ike a dish of comfort food you’ll want to devour.” — Washington Post"It’s hard to say what’s sweeter: the slow-burn romance or the drool-worthy descriptions of decadent desserts." —Time.com"I want to give this book the biggest hug! CHEF'S KISS is an utter delight, filled with sumptuous food, and adorable banter. This is the first time I've read a book with a nonbinary love interest, and I was cheering for Ray and Simone the entire time. At times, it can be heart-wrenching, but above all it is the ultimate feel-good read, something I will be recommending to everyone!"—Jesse Q. Sutanto, author of DIAL A FOR AUNTIES"With its adorable grumpy-sunshine pairing, plenty of pining, and sumptuous descriptions of food, CHEF'S KISS is a sweet treat of a romantic comedy. But beyond the delicious recipes and the playful banter between the charming leads is a story about the sometimes difficult realities of the queer experience, and Alexander effortlessly tackles heavier topics without ever losing sight of queer joy and the happily ever after these characters deserve!"—Alison Cochrun, author of THE CHARM OFFENSIVE and KISS HER ONCE FOR ME"CHEF'S KISS is a luscious dessert of a novel, a romantic comedy as classic as it is modern, as satisfying as it is groundbreaking." —Camille Perri, author of WHEN KATIE MET CASSIDY"A truly delightful debut, as queer as it is sweet. Cheerful Ray and prickly Simone are a match made in a test kitchen. This tasty, modern rom-com celebrates loving fiercely, living authentically, and eating well." —Georgia Clark, author of IT HAD TO BE YOU"Sweet and so deliciously written! This charming foodie romance is brimming with delectable baking and memorable characters. Simone and Ray’s connection started out a bit grumpy/sunshine, but with a pinch of kindness, a dash of mutual support, and a heavy splash of acceptance, their relationship baked up into a sweet treat that is sure to melt your heart! An enjoyable debut!" —Farah Heron, author of ACCIDENTALLY ENGAGED and TAHIRA IN BLOOM
Content Warnings (Contains Spoilers)
CHEF'S KISS contains the following:
○ A nonbinary character who uses they/them pronouns, who is not out in the workplace at the beginning of the story, and who is referred to as she/her until they come out
○ Misgendering after the coming out (accidental from allies & purposeful from non-allies)
○ A fatphobic comment from a huge jerk
○ Alcohol (social drinking; a character gets drunk)
○ Mild blood and prescribed drugs in a post-surgery context
○ Mentions of past child neglect (a now-grown character was kicked out of the house as a teen for being gay)
About the Author
TJ Alexander is an amateur baker and author who writes about queer love. Originally from Florida, they received their MA in writing and publishing from Emerson College in Boston. They live in New York City with their wife and various houseplants. They are represented by Larissa Melo Pienkowski of Jill Grinberg Literary Management.Connect with them at Twitter, Instagram, or Goodreads.See their book recs at Bookshop.org (affiliate links).Please direct any media or business inquiries to info (at) jillgrinbergliterary (dot) com with "ATTN: Larissa Melo Pienkowski regarding TJ Alexander" in the subject line.
