Cocky Chef
by J.D. Hawkins
A Contemporary Romance
Designer: Letitia Hasser from RBA Designs
Model: Christian Hogue
Available Now!
Amazon
*Free in Kindle Unlimited*
Blurb
You can call me arrogant as much as you want. But when you’re the best at what you do and have the hottest restaurant on the west coast, with enough Michelin stars to make Gordon Ramsay’s head spin, you’ve earned the right to your confidence.
When I give an instruction in the kitchen, it’s not a suggestion–it’s an order. So when a new chef thinks she can do things her way, and dares to say so to my face, even her sharp wit and gorgeous pouty lips don’t make it okay.
But I have to admit, she’s got talent. She’s creative in the kitchen and not even that double-breasted chef jacket can hide her perfect body. As I get to know her, I can’t help wanting to know everything she thinks. I’ve never met a more talented chef. And I’ve never met a sassier and sexier woman in my life.
There’s only one way this push and pull can end.
With her in my bed, begging for more.
Find Cocky Chef on GOODREADS
Review
4.5 delicious stars!
Cocky Chef by JD Hawkins is a fun, sexy, sweet read full of deliciousness, of both the food and human variety. Cole Chambers is a world-renowned chef who runs Knife, a Michelin starred restaurant in L.A. His plans to open a second restaurant in Vegas keep him busy as ever leaving very little time for relationships. He lives and breathes his job and his amazing looks only add to the appeal when you have a delicious man making delicious food.
Willow, originally from Idaho, is in L.A to pursue her dreams. She is a line cook working at Knife who has yet to officially meet the owner. After an argument with a customer leaves her flustered and frazzled, the only outcome she sees is the one that ends with “You’re fired” causing her to flee. After she calms down from the confrontation, she goes back to see if she still has a job. Even though Willows behavior angered Cole, there’s something about her that intrigues him and he gives her a second chance.
This story is original and entertaining, and I loved it. It was easy to get lost in the world of food especially since I am a foodie. It all sounded delectable and literally made my mouth water. Or maybe it was Cole. There’s a reason he’s the hottest chef in L.A. The title of the book is fitting yet his cockiness didn’t annoy me. His love for cooking and his self-confidence was seriously sexy. Charming and sweet, his personality is totally swoon-worthy, and though he is stubborn, watching him finally realize what’s truly important and what he wanted out of life was heartfelt.
Willow was wonderful. I loved her attitude about food and her beliefs. Her determination was rewarding and I loved that she went after her dreams even if it ended up hurting along the way. I enjoyed that she didn’t back down when it came to things she believes in. Watching her challenge Cole was refreshing and I loved that she got him to think of things in a different way.
These characters worked so well together. Both felt real and were wonderfully written with nice dimension. Both straight forward and to the point, they shared fantastic banter that was both flirty and playful as well as serious at times. The connection they have is beautifully described and the attraction between them is palpable. Though the sexual tension wasn’t drawn out for too long, the buildup is yummy, and when they crash into each other it is steamy and convincing.
The romance was well-written and believable. Though I could see the drama that was approaching, it felt real both in action and emotion. I understood where both Willow and Cole were coming from and the reason they reacted the way they did. It hurt my heart that they had to suffer before they could make it together but I loved the way everything worked out.
The other parts of the story were enjoyable as well. The food aspect will have your stomach growling, and the side characters added nice depth, especially Chloe and her role in the story. The epilogue placed a smile firmly on my face and I couldn’t have asked for a better ending to this love story.
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Excerpt
She lets out a sigh of relief, but my cock hears something different in her gasping exhale. I bring my thumb slowly to a speck at the side of her mouth, fingers resting on the round perfection of her jawline. She stills under my touch and catches my gaze, time slowing with the deliberateness of my movements.
I brush the speck, but don’t pull away. Instead, I bring my thumb back across those ever-pouted lips, tracing their dip and fullness, letting her feel the texture of hands rough and scarred from a lifetime in kitchens, our eyes locked together in a moment of anticipation, emotions raging like an angry sea against the dam of the distance between us.
Her lips part slightly, I feel her shortening breath on my hand, and I push my thumb between those juicy, perfect lips, fingers pressing against the base of her ear. Her gentle gasp breaks the silence, before she closes those soft lips around my thumb, the sight of them pressing against my skin making my cock full against my pants. Her teeth gently squeezing my nail, tongue flickering as I push the finger inside the hot wetness of her mouth.
My other hand already on her waist, I pull her toward me, press her lithe body up against mine. Those magnificent hips swaying and rubbing against mine, her weight shifting onto me, breasts heaving, nipples so hard now I can feel them through that sweater dress.
“You’re fucking incredible,” I growl. Prelude to pulling her toward me, my finger in her mouth still, angling her head so I can taste the tenderness of her neck, run my sensitive tastebuds down the taut muscles, follow the path that leads me to the front of her chest. Quiet moans getting louder as I run my tongue down the softness of her cleavage, her dress my enemy now as I pull it down and bury my teeth in her breasts.
“Oh God…” she moans. “Cole…”
About the Author
JD Hawkins writes erotic romance with modern-classic alpha males and strong, independant women. He currently lives with his wife in Los Angeles, CA. He loves to travel and has lived in many places, including New York City, India and Thailand. When he isn’t writing, JD enjoys surfing, training in Mixed Martial Arts, reading and taking naps. He’s always loved making up stories, especially ones inspired by real life.
FACEBOOK | AMAZON | GOODREADS | BOOKBUB | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | NEWSLETTER