Well, I wasn't quite prepared for this story. It's interesting, intriguing, new, romantic, and fresh.
I love the writing. It's well written, and even non native reader have it easy to follow and to understand. And we got both POV's, which makes it better for me to follow the protagonists and their inner motivations.
About the characters in this book, I wasn't quite prepared for this hero nor its heroine. Both are headstrong and do whatever they please. Hating or loving each other is like an explosive fire. There's a lot of banter between both and tension. I may say there are a few really hot scenes in there.
But focusing back on the protagonists, I can say that they're deep characters with complex life stories. I like how they develop through the book, especially Cal is making a lot of progress, which makes me really happy. There's a little life lesson between the lines, too.
I may add that this book is a little different from L.J. Shens previous books. It has all the love, banter, and everything we already know from her, but this time, there's a little more growth and thrilling aspects, so you be warned.
Conclusion
An interesting, intriguing, and fresh love story with all the banter and little spice a cook [or writer] could give you. Also, a grumpy meets sunshine clue.
the blurb:
This old flame just might set them on fire.
Conceited, unattainable, and downright delicious, renowned Michelin-starred chef Ambrose Casablancas has one passion in lifefood.
Women are a distraction, and he doesn't do those. Especially Cal Litvin, his baby sister's best friend. Her entire existence is a complication; she's awkward, eccentric, infuriating
And, much to his chagrin, hotter than his kitchen.
Ambrose has a lot on his plate: a new restaurant to open, a multimillion-dollar property deal to execute, and a violent stalker to tame.
Then Cal shows up at his doorstep, looking for both a job and salvation after their messy goodbye. His resolve, like his patience, is ebbing each day she works at his restaurant.
Because Cal is no longer a doe-eyed girl.
Now? She's the woman he'll do anything to conquer.
***
Quirky, compassionate ball of sunshine Calla Litvin can't catch a break, and not just because she swore off running. Back in her hometown to nurse her mother's broken heart after losing her father, she finds herself jobless, hopeless, and penniless. She hopes to rekindle her friendship with her former BFF, but Dylan is attached at the hip to her cruel brotherthe one Cal's been secretly crushing on since middle school.
Falling for the bad boy the second time around would be a mistake of gargantuan proportions.
Too bad she's always been clumsy