Carter Lane is one step closer to her dream of attending the nation's top culinary school when she is accepted into its prestigious summer scholarship competition, but arrogant and handsome Reid Yamada isn't going to make winning easy.In fact, he is deliberately sabotaging Carter's dishes—but two can play at that game. Carter, who is Irish-American, and Reid, who is biracial (Japanese/white), have their sights trained on one another as competitors begin to be eliminated. But an obsession that starts out as revenge soon turns romantic when the two are paired up and must work together to win it all. Despite the clichéd premise and the implausibility of sending eliminated teens to the airport at all hours to wait for standby flights home, this meet-cute romance stands out thanks to the nuanced characters and subtle treatment of bigger issues such as race, gender, and money (Carter's family flirts with poverty). Carter's insecurities about her culinary skill will resonate with any girl who has aspirations in a field dominated by males, and a sensitive sex scene models for readers what a consensual relationship looks like. A full cast of diverse characters, including Indian-American competitors, Carter's lesbian best friend, and Reid himself, who identifies as queer, are portrayed three-dimensionally, but Shrum's (How to Make Out, 2016, etc.) greatest accomplishment may be the intricate and mouthwatering descriptions of each dish.A thoughtful and delicious romance. (Romance. 14-18)

Gr 9 Up-Carter Lane gets the opportunity to attend a Chopped-style cooking competition in Savannah for a full ride to one of the best culinary schools in the country. While the cooking proves to be demanding, the real obstacle is Reid Yamada, who is not only cocky but wants to win at all costseven if it means throwing in a bit of unfair play. Carter gets her revenge only to find herself having to partner with Reid later. While the two are at each other's throats, they can't deny their obvious chemistry. Carter is smart and has good instinctsespecially when it comes to Reid. Reid is sensitive and remorseful, easily forgiven after his transgression. Readers will cheer when Carter and Reid finally confess their love as the romance is a long time coming, but some may feel that their physical relationship progresses too quickly. Minor characters, Rija and Will, are one dimensional, leaving teens wanting to know more about them. VERDICT Culinary students will enjoy the competition among the characters and may find the romance to be a bonus Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI