Oh my! Jackson Boudreaux!

I could leave my review right there because really, who doesn’t love a big, burly, scowling hero? Dig a little deeper and you’ll find that Bianca’s mama was right. Crème brulee. “Hard as nails on the outside, but inside all soft and gooey sweet.”

So yeah, I’m absolutely heart over heels in love with Ms. Geissinger’s latest hero. I have to say he’s one of the most interesting male characters I’ve ever read. Absolutely alpha on the surface but with so much insecurity about his worthiness on the inside. During his points of view we are given a chance to really feel his uncertainties regarding his comments and actions with Bianca, and definitely his feelings toward her.

Jackson is not your rich playboy/manwhore. You won’t find his castoffs loitering on the edges of this story. A player he is not. What you will find is a man who’s afraid to believe anyone could ever want him just for him. So damaged from layer after layer of hurt it’s a miracle he could even conceive the idea of a semicolon tattoo. When all of his heartache was revealed I cried for the injustice of a life filled with so much pain and misunderstanding. I cried for Jackson Boudreaux. An imaginary character. On the pages of a book. On my kindle. If that doesn’t speak of the talent this author expended in developing his character, nothing will.

So, okay, I get it. This review has been all about Jax. To me, he was the heart of the story. And because of his history perhaps you’re thinking this was one heavy, angsty read. Nope. Not at all. This was one of the cutest, quirkiest reads I’ve read in some time. I started smiling from chapter one and continued throughout. Yeah, there were definitely scenes when things are heavy, and not all of them revolve around the hero. But in the end I was smiling again. Happy with these characters. Happy with their decisions. Happy with where this story took me.

This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by NetGalley and Montlake Romance.

Dual POV
Safe
No apparent triggers

Having read this author’s “Wicked Games” and “Bad Habit” series, I will attest she does not do copycat romantic tales. No, each one is unique in their own way. But like tasting then trying to pinpoint the exact ingredients that makes or breaks a recipe, I’m struggling a bit here to put into words what made this story appealing, yet what could have used a little tweaking.

Bianca brought a big heaping dose of comic relief with her colorful, southern expressions, folks. Though a tad numerous at times, they even got Jackson, the brooding hero, to smirk and lighten up a little. Standing toe to toe/nose to nose from the get go with this supposedly intimidating, world caters to him, obscenely rich hero was as refreshing to me as to him. He didn’t realize just how much he longed for that type of sass until it was murderously looking him straight in the eye. Her love/strong devotion for her mother endeared her to me, as well. As a lover of strong yet caring heroines, her talented/tough chef persona added to her likability as a leading lady, as well.

Jackson’s background was a little much for me to wrap my head around at times. With four unexpected reveals, added together they seemed overly unlikely. I had to convince myself not to over analyze them and just roll with it. The Beauty and the Beast comparisons other reviewers drew from didn’t register with me either. Sure, he had a scar on his face, covered by a beard, but it was hardly so deforming he came across grotesque and not drop dead gorgeous. Yeah, Bianca loved to read and was impressed with his massive library. But I just didn’t feel that theme was dominant here, only slightly coincidental. His insecurities and lack of actually pursuing a career emasculated him somewhat in my eyes. Sitting at a dinner table with his estranged parents staring at his plate like a sullen child didn’t help, as well. Of course, considering what was going through his head, you could claim he was trying to get along in what he felt an uncomfortable situation.

Burning up the pages eventually were their smexy scenes about 80% into it. Up until then a few passionate kisses tidied us over, which is fine. I don’t mind a slow burn, heated glances only build up, especially since it usually ensures the couple truly get to know each other first. They certainly made up for lost time later on.

When the curtain fall on this one, I found myself thinking it was overall a sweet, steamy romance with some sadness thrown in. It was the flip of a switch, conflict resolution and light bulb realization near the end that felt like it could have been beefed up a little more. The grand gesture made in the wrap up certainly brought home what a kind-hearted character was hidden under a tough facade of a wounded heart that just wanted to be loved. That, my fellow romance book loving friends, wins me over every single time.

Title: Burn for You, Series: Slow Burn (Book 1), Pages: 348, Author: J.T. Geissinger, 10/17/17, stand-alone but part of a series, very steamy, hired wife, chef heroine, tragic past, family loss, previous heartache, HEA, no cheating, no love triangle, no OW/OM drama (except unwelcome ex return), sassy banter. Rating: 3.5 stars

(I received a free advanced reader copy provided via NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. No type of compensation was given to this reviewer. There is no relationship/affiliation between the reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)

4.5 Slap Slap kiss Stars!

Heir to the Boudreaux Bourbon empire, Jackson Boudreaux was a beast of a man that had a perpetual scowl on his face and would just as soon growl at you than not.

Bianca is a beautiful Creole` woman who has just opened a restaurant and based her menu off her recipes paired with Boudreaux Bourbon. When Jackson shows up at her restaurant demanding a table, the sparks flew.

Oh man, Jackson is one of my favorite types of Hero’s. He’s got the whole wounded beast thing going on and despite how much everyone has failed him, he never fails everyone else. He’s just such a good man. He’s rock solid and supportive. I was rooting for him form the very beginning.

Bianca was pure sass. I loved that she doesn’t bow down to status or money. All she cares about is doing her mama proud. She’s one of those woman that if you win her over, she’ll be loyal to the day she dies.

Together, Jackson and Bianca were spitting fire right from the start. I enjoyed every bit of their banter and the chemistry was intense. These two had me constantly laughing as well as all the great side characters.

J.T. Geissinger really could just write anything and I’ll read it. She never fails to draw me in so completely in to the lives of these characters. Burn for You was a great start to a new series and I can’t wait to see what comes next!

Was my first novel by this author and was quite impressed. Good storyline and interesting characters. Would definitely recommend

I love every book I have ever read from this author and this book was no different! Once I started I couldn't put it down!

3.5 Too Hawt In the Kitchen Stars
* * *1/2 Spoiler Free
This has it all...A chef who has the rep and mouth to back up his loud, domineering ways... He does have the cooking chops and unfortunately, he also has the sexy persona...He has just one little hiccup in his demanding life...A need for a wife so he can inherit his family's money....

Chef Bianca Hardwick has her own "stuff" to deal with. Loving her mother more than anything...Bianca does not hold any anger against her and the medical bills that need to be paid. Bianca keeps on keeping on so she can take care of her... and when a Jackson Boudreaux catering gig presents itself with a large paycheck, the only word to give was Yes...

Now these two are in each others face...The joke is nothing Chef Jackson does scares or causes Bianca to bow down to him... instead she just hears what he says and happily walks away... with hips swaying...

But when Jackson presents another financial windfall for Bianca, she cannot laugh and walk away....Instead she says Yes, Fake Wife...show me the way.

These both think they have a handle on this fake marriage...But day by day...week by week...This fake marriage... feelings start to become felt...and questions about these feelings are needing to be asked be that thin line of Fake vs Real is getting harder and harder to see...

This tale had a lot going for it. It was witty, had huge humorous moments, sexy times and touchy feely ones, too. Looks to be a strong start for this series.

I found myself torn between wanting to obsessively read Burn For You and dragging it out because I didn't want the story to end. I absolutely adored Bianca and Jackson. These characters were just so real and complex. Their chemistry was chart-topping. The NOL sayings kept a smile on my face. And the slow burn had me yearning for just one more minute of reading time. This story was fun, diverse, real, as well as gut-wrenching. It was easy to see the underlining Beauty and the Beast tale buried under it all. Read this book. You won't be sorry. It was ohhh, so gooood.

This is everything I ever want a book to be. It has a sassy southern heroine and a strong on the surface, soft underneath hero who appreciates the girl he falls for.

I knew from page one I would like this book. It begins with a strong, independent southern girl who loves what she does and doesn't "need" a man. Bianca is a very talented chef who owns her own restaurant and has a family in her employees. In barges Jackson Boudreaux, a strong, intimidating, entitled rich boy who most would trip over their own feet to accommodate. Not Bianca! He immediately rubs her the wrong way and she lets him know it in no uncertain terms.
"The look was a Southern female specialty, handed down over generations. Every family of women had their own particular version. Some said The Look could even go through walls and be heard over the phone. It was an art form among genteel womenfolk, and its effect was always the same."
After being put in a particularly difficult situation, Bianca agrees to cater an event for the prickly Mr. Boudreaux. She expects the money she gets. She expects the dinner to be a challenge. She expects people to love her food. She doesn't expect to see a softer, more likable side of Jackson.
When Jackson is put in a particularly difficult situation he turns to Bianca again for an even bigger favor. He needs a wife. Can Bianca tolerate him enough to make a deal with the devil himself? There is one big reason and $1 million why she says yes. Quickly Jackson's hardened shell cracks enough for her to see inside. She gets a peek at the creme brûlée her mama told her about, and she softens toward him. They become friends, with a burning desire to be just a bit more.
"She went into the bathroom and gently closed the door behind her, leaving me standing alone, wishing there was something I could do to save myself from falling in love with another woman who would never love me back, but knowing it was already too late."
The feeling was mutual. They agreed to amend their arrangement and gave in to their desire. It was an instant connection. An instant flame that burned bright. They could do this. They could have an unconventional marriage. Their mutual respect and desire could make it be ok. She was fiercely protective over the man who didn't think he was worthy of love, and he would do anything for the woman he did love.
"She was my religion. My north and south, my heaven and earth, the axis of rightness around which everything had suddenly aligned."
But we all know the flames that burn the brightest sometimes burn out the fastest.

I loved everything about this book, EVERYTHING! RUN to buy this, you will not be sorry! This is now an automatic one-click author for me.

I really, truly enjoyed this book. It made me laugh, and cry, and sigh, and swoon. I loved the Beauty and the Beast aspects of the story (especially the LIBRARY!), and I really love the enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience, and forced proximity tropes! This is my first book by the author, but she's definitely on my list now!

Bianca Hardwick is a chef, and she's just opened her own restaurant in the French Quarter, in New Orleans. Her mother was a chef for years, and had her own restaurant, but it was wiped out by Hurricane Katrina, so she retired. Bianca loves cooking, and she loves that she's now perfectly free to do it her own way. She loves a good bourbon, so she uses her favorite bourbon brand, Boudreaux Bourbon, and plans her entire menu for the season around it. Her restaurant is doing great, and she's thrilled. She's also shocked to see the heir to the bourbon throne himself, Jackson Boudreaux, stroll into her restaurant and demand a table.

Jackson Boudreaux is a hot mess. His nickname is The Beast, and boy does he live up to it. He's rude, and doesn't appear to care a lick about other people. He has a dark past, and he's refused to carry on his family's legacy in Kentucky. He leaves a terrible first impression on Bianca, but then he really needs her help for a charity benefit he's throwing. He makes her an offer she can't refuse. And it's not the last offer he'll make her.

There are jokes in the book about the trope of slap, slap, kiss, and it is so appropriate for this couple. They rub each other the wrong way from the start, and then they realize how attracted they actually are to each other. Jackson realizes it long before Bianca, but he doesn't know what to do about it. Their chemistry is off the charts hot, and I loved their banter. Bianca's relationship with her mom was another great part of this book. Her mom's health issues were heartbreaking, and made me think of my own parents and how I would deal with such issues. Cody was another little joy in the story, and I really would have liked to see more of him.

This was definitely a slow burn romance, and I enjoyed it much more than I normally do that type of story. The main characters really came to know and love each other naturally, amidst hardships, pain, and loss, and I loved that. I see that this is the start of a series, and I'm curious who the next book will be about, as most of the side characters here were either much older, much younger, already involved, or villains of a sort. Neither main character really had good friends to lean on, so there is no strong indication of leads for the next book. But I am definitely interested in reading it. My only real gripes with the story are wishing Cody had been a bigger part of the story (I don't want to spoil who he is here), and wishing the conflict resolution with Jackson's family had been a little more in depth. Additionally, I'm a major lover of epilogues, and I would have appreciated one here immensely. It certainly wasn't required, but I think it would have been a fantastic addition.

I really enjoyed this story, and I highly recommend it.

No slow sizzle here, this was an all out combustion. The burn came from the chemistry between Jackson and Bianca but also from all the time Bianca burned him with her sassiness and quick wit. I liked that Jackson did not really change himself from his attitude to a sweet one all the time. His attitude is a big part of the book and Bianca handles it well. The story is a good one and I enjoyed not only the sex scenes but just everything overall. It was also nice to see a very rich family not be all evil but just misunderstood. I received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

This book! It gives you all kinds of feels. It has anger, lust, loss, love and humor all rolled into one and it’s amazing to behold. The dialogue between all the characters is amazing, the story doesn’t leave you hanging in anyway. This is definitely one book you will want to read. Told in dual POV.

Do you ever feel like sometimes things happen for a reason? In all honesty, it's a bit of a quirky story in that I had never heard of this author previously (apparently I live in a bubble!) and inadvertently requested this book via NetGalley. Perhaps it was fate, who knows, but mistake or not, this book was amazing!

Since I had no clue what this story was even about, I dove in completely blind and boy was I ever blown away. With the first couple of chapters I wasn't sure what to think of either Jackson or Bianca however they quickly won me over. I adored both of them and rooted for them as a couple right up to the end.

I will not only be on the look out for the next books in this series but plan on checking out the author's back list as well.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley.

I just finished Burn for You by J.T. Geissinger and all I can think is Wow! Every once in awhile I am lucky enough to read something special and Burn for You is very special. I enjoyed this contemporary romance twist on Beauty and The Beast so much that I think that I am going to read it again! Bianca Hardwick is a chef and owner of her New Orleans restaurant. She has a mother, friends and staff that she adores. She has just created a menu revolving around a popular brand of bourbon, Boudreaux bourbon. Jackson Boudreaux walks into her restaurant and demands a table and service. He is none too pleased to hear that someone is serving his families liquor on their menu and he's even less pleased that he likes the food! Jackson is everything opposite from Bianca, he's rough, she's smooth, he's classless and she's classy, he's angry and she's usually happy but not with him. There's a plot line called "Slap, Slap, Kiss" that is referred to in this book and it describes this story perfectly. These two argue, complain and eventually kiss and what a kiss it will be! There are multiple layers to Burn for You besides a love story, there's a story of a daughter's love for her mother and a son's heartbreak at the circumstances that his life has handed him to shape him into the adult he is. I am not going to give away any spoilers because that will ruin the story for the readers. If you are fan of contemporary romance with a little bit of spice mixed in, I highly recommend this book. I have read J.T. Geissinger's books before and I think that this is my new favorite. I was given a copy of Burn for You via Netgalley and this is my freely given honest review.

4.5 stars!

If anyone was to ask, Beauty and the Beast is my absolute favorite fairy tale. EVER. There is something about a tortured and angry hero and the heroine who helps him heal and the inevitable true love that ties them together. Burn For You (Slow Burn Book #1) is the first in J.T. Geissinger's sexy and addicting new series and it was honestly consuming. I laughed and I swooned and I just could not get enough of Mr. Tall, Dark and Broody. Don't get me wrong - Jackson Boudreaux was all kinds of handsome and gorgeous but his growly, broody demeanor was by far my most favorite trait. He was like a wounded and lonely bear in the forest and Ms. Bianca Hardwick was just the perfect, sassy, spirited woman to bring him back to life. This book was absolutely amazing and I did not want it to end!

When mean-tempered and growly Jackson Boudreaux enters Bianca Hardwick's widely acclaimed restaurant demanding the best table and the attention he deserves, he did not know what was going to hit him. Or rather, <i>WHO.</i> He definitely did not expect the sweet and beautiful chef and owner to fight back and demand all the respect that was her due. Furthermore, he did not know what to do with himself as the recipient of all her sass and sweetly veiled barbs putting him in his place. GAHHH! It was fantastic!!! Their chemistry and banter was amazing and this book was a slow-burn of epic proportions. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.

Geissinger has such an ingenious skill of allowing her readers to get so engrossed in the story where they feel the hero and heroine's deep and intense emotions. There was something about Jackson's vulnerabilities that I could not stop obsessing over. He was so tough and rigid on the outside but deep inside was tortured by guilt and felt worthless and rejected. I wanted to give that man just a great big hug. Likewise, Bianca was sweet and sassy and just a ray of sunshine. She loved deeply and would do anything for her family. She gave as good as she got and would not tolerate any type of disrespect or ill-treatment. Furthermore, she had the biggest heart of gold and saw right through Jackson's hardened walls to his soft cuddly center. She was the breath of fresh air that Jackson came to need and adore and at first glance he knew she was different from anyone he ever met. I just loved them both so much!

One of my favorite parts of Burn For You was that it was a feast for the senses. It took place amidst the rich and storied culture of New Orleans and through the delicious depictions of food and drink I felt like I was back there enjoying delicious beignets and Bloody Marys among friends. All in all, this author has proven that her innate ability to create a mind-blowing story continues with the Slow Burn series. While I did feel that the ending was somewhat rushed and an epilogue would have created a bit of closure and a more vivid picture of Jackson and Bianca as a couple, I thought this was a fantastic story that I was engrossed in from the first page. I was sad to see it end but I am equally excited about what's next for us!

With a doubt, Ms. Geissinger is an artist who uses her words to paint worlds and characters we can't get enough of. I can't wait for her next one! Bravo! 4.5 stars! ~Ratula

Let me just put this out there first and foremost.....I <i>LOVE</i> J.T. Geissinger as an author. She is a creative genius who has written some of my all-time favorites series of late. She is most definitely a one-click author for me. When her newest book Burn for You came my way, I did a little jig....okay, not a little one, a big one! Aside from the obvious reasons for wanting to read it (see above), I couldn't wait to read her spin on the timeless classic Beauty and the Beast. It's a bit of a departure from the stories she has written in the past but I knew it would be phenomenal and Geissinger came through in spades! She crafted a story that is entertaining, romantic, heartbreaking and beautiful. Taking place in Louisiana, readers will revel in the hilarious dialogue that will make them laugh and the deep Southern culture that sets the tone for the story.

The characters are truly magical and I fell hard for each and every one of them. Bianca is a fiercely strong and independent woman who had me laughing constantly. She takes no bull and isn't afraid to stand her ground or speak her mind. She isn't your traditional heroine and that is something that I really loved about her. She's unassuming, accepts her flaws and works hard for everything she has. In a nutshell, she is ballsy and completely real! Jackson is a beast of a man (natch). He has a huge presence and uses his size and constant scowl to steamroll everyone in his path. He's extremely wealthy and his reputation leaves those in his path quaking and kowtowing to please him. He's brash, demanding and completely awkward in social situations as he just doesn't know how to deal with people. When he and Bianca cross paths, the electricity between these two leaps off the pages. They strike a deal and what follows is an epic journey of love, loss, pain and redemption. Jackson harbors deep, painful secrets that have led him to completely shelter himself from others. However, Bianca begins to see him in a new light as they spend more and more time together and she slowly brings out the best in him. Trust me.....this "beast" has the biggest, most incredible heart and I just wanted to hug him endlessly as his secrets were revealed. Jackson's character is phenomenal---I absolutely loved him!!! The supporting characters that appear throughout are a delight. Rayford was hilarious and Eeny had me cracking up every time she appeared in a scene. Geissinger created a cast of characters that are completely endearing and original.

Geissinger added a fun touch to the story with enticing recipes peppered throughout the book. They all sound divine! It's a kitschy way to engage the reader further and elevate the reading experience. Burn for You is such an unforgettable, beautiful and fun story. Told from a dual POV, readers will not be able to put down the book as they race to reach Bianca and Jackson's HEA. With this 5 star story, Geissinger has once again proved why she remains one of my absolute favorite authors.

Is there anything more satisfying than a gripping, sensual, smoldering slow burn?

Well, maybe that moment when the flame catches and all that smolder turns positively electric, sparking with fiery chemistry and feels. God that feels so sweet, and Burn for You dished it up for me, just exactly the way I like it.

This is a Beauty and the Beast story, which is one of my absolute favorite tropes. There is something about a growly, prickly hero with an ooey gooey underbelly that gets me every single time. And Jackson Boudreaux was the best kind of Beast. Holy buckets, you guys. I cannot even tell you how much I adored that man. Even when he was a complete jerk, there was something about how he was written that kept me drawn to him, heart eyeballs firmly in place as he titillated my mind and stole my heart in one fell swoop.

Of course, the growly grumpy hero only works if he’s paired with a spirited, strong heroine and, once again, Ms. Geissinger nailed it for me. Bianca Hardwick could not have been more perfect. Sassy and full of fire, she pulled no punches with our (lovably) cantankerous hero and completely won me over. These two together were perfection. As the story unfolded and Ms. Geissinger kept dropping little bombs on this fantastic couple (and the readers) my heart only split open wider, tucking both of these characters inside where I think I might just keep them for a while.

I loved it. I didn’t want it to end. There was something about the writing, and the lovely storytelling, that just held me completely in thrall. If I have one complaint, it’s that I would have liked a little more. I felt like there were some threads left dangling at the end and I would have liked…something to close the loop for me. Perhaps I will get that in a later book – and make no mistake, I will definitely be back for more. If you’re looking for something with the perfect blend of emotional punches and slow burning heat balanced against lighthearted humor and a perfectly sweet love story, Burn for You is just the thing!

It might seem odd that I have a hero with the nickname “The Beast” on my book boyfriend list, but Jackson Boudreaux in Burn for You is much more than the cantankerous, self-important millionaire he appears to be. He’s complex, sensitive and drop-dead sexy, and he is absolutely fascinating when he falls for the sassy chef, Bianca Hardwick.

Bianca owns one of the hottest new restaurants in New Orleans, but she is under financial strain to assist with her mother’s medical bills; therefore, she really can’t say no to Jackson’s last minute demand offer to cater his upcoming charity event, although she finds him to be arrogant and maddening. The sparks fly between this beauty and beast as they challenge each other and wrestle for control, but things get really interesting when Jackson proposes a marriage of convenience with Bianca in order to secure his significant inheritance. Bianca agrees and thus begins Jackson’s unraveling in which his many layers are pulled back to reveal the man underneath all the gruff. The push and pull between these two is electrifying, and Burn for You is an entertaining, captivating and fun romance with an unforgettable beast of a hero.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first J.T. Geissinger book and it won't be my last. I love this modern day take on Beauty & the Beast. I thought it was very well done with a really good storyline and very interesting characters.
Jackson, the Beast, turns out to not nearly as beastie as Bianca believes him to be. Yes he can be arrogant and rude but there is so much more to Jax, like his generosity and huge heart and his quiet vulnerability, just so many layers. It is quite awesome to watch as Bianca manages to chip away at his hard outer shell and strip him down to his soul. He is also devastatingly handsome.
Bianca is a hard working, sassy, strong and beautiful woman. She has a lot going on in her life between her sick mother, restaurant and jerky ex-boyfriend. She does not like Jax at all in the beginning but the more she gets to know the real him, the more she really likes him.
Can these two turn their fake relationship with real combustible chemistry into a love everlasting?

I look forward to more books in this new series.

A highly delightful, explosive Slap Slap Kiss…

This is the first book in the Slow Burn series that can be read as a stand-alone.

When the chef Jackson Boudreau had hired to cater a charity event quit he’s in need of a replacement and is recommended a local chef that he checks out. Neither the woman nor her staff give him the due his family name should command which is a serious annoyance that increases his testiness but the food will do and he needs someone quickly. The huge success of the event and an outrageous demand from his father leads him to also contract the sassy chef, who unexpectedly appeals to him in ways he doesn’t really fathom yet, into a marriage of convenience for their mutual monetary benefit. Money can’t fix the wrongs in his life but it does provide the comfort he’s become accustomed to. That the woman touches something inside him he thought long dead is a complication he needs to resist or does he?

Chef Bianca Hardwick designed a delicious menu for her restaurant using Boudreau bourbon that the patrons absolutely love. It wasn’t surprising that a member of the Boudreau family who happens to live in New Orleans would hear about it and come in to dine. She wasn’t prepared for the man’s arrogance, the level of rudeness displayed and not one for taking anyone’s crap she calls him on it. Instant dislike is a mild understatement of what she feels but she comps his meal anyway as a thank you for his family’s wonderful spirits that inspired her craft. Never expecting to see him again she’s stunned that he wants to hire her and appalled at the short time frame, if it weren’t for her mother’s sickness she would pass but the funds are sorely needed. She can deal with the abominable beast of a man for a short time or can she? His next proposition is mind-blowing, that she even considers it illustrates her desperation.

It’s not just family need that drives Bianca’s decision, the man is rich, gorgeous with a personality that bristles and stings like a porcupine but in the short time she’s known him there’s more than the façade he shows the world, she’s intrigued about this churlish man. There’s a darkness in Jackson’s soul that no woman deserves but that doesn’t mean a man can’t wish for what he shouldn’t have or allow himself.

This was a wonderful, humorous, emotional, sexy adaptation of the beauty and the beast theme with captivating characters, an interesting storyline; awesome use of descriptive metaphors perfectly placed with great internal dialogue accompanying highly entertaining banter. The use of a southern belle and the misunderstood wild man with their constant push and pull drew this reader in from page one. From the onset the protagonists have an intense mutual hatred combined with a strong sexual attraction they don’t know what to do with that complicates the situation, a simmering slow burn that inevitably has to end in a fiery explosion. Both come with emotional baggage making them judgmental at first until they learn what’s behind each other’s invisible shields. Sometimes all it takes is that one person who can see through to your core to set the demons free, that person who’ll fight for the beauty found underneath the stormy surface. This story had all the feels, it had a blend of amusement and seriousness much like you find in real life. You have to love the supporting cast and their dramas. One thing this reader would have liked was an epilogue set further in the future, the recipes described in the book look delicious, delectable culinary temptations.

An advanced reading copy was obtained from the publisher via NetGalley.