I really enjoyed this one and it's the beginning of what should be a fun series to read. I must say this is one book you don't want to read hungry!! Bianca Hardwick is the head chef and owner of a new restaurant in New Orleans. She's developed a menu highlighting a bourbon distilled and distributed by the Boudreaux family. When Jackson Boudreaux shows up in her restaurant at first she's nervous but after meeting the man in all his arrogant rudeness anger is the only emotion she feels. Then he requests that she cater a fundraising event he's in charge of making her an offer she simply can't afford to refuse. From that point things really heat up!

I loved these characters and I enjoyed getting to know them throughout the story. It's very well written although it seemed to drag a little in the middle. Other than that it was a great read and one I would definitely recommend.

Full review posted at: https://natashaisabookjunkie.com/2017/10/16/review-burn-for-you-by-j-t-geissinger/

This book is a top read of 2017 for me! I FREAKING LOVED IT! I loved Bianca (and her mama). She's a strong, independent woman who loves what she does for a living. She's doing the best she can, takes care of her mama, and isn't looking for a man. She also loves a good bourbon. Unfortunately for her, the man whose family bourbon she has based her recipes around, comes to her restaurant. He's completely alpha and absolutely infuriating. But he also calls to her, and her to him. He can't get her out of his head. I loved the beastly side of him and I loved that he needs to marry someone. So, why not marry who is the opposite of love?!
This book was fast paced for me and I absolutely devoured it. It gave me ALL THE FEELS and I couldn't put it down. I felt all their emotions and wanted them to work out! I loved that Jackson was there for Bianca and she made him a better man. I enjoyed the depth of the characters and the realness to them. GAH! Now that I'm thinking about this book again, I want to go back and do a re-read. SO GOOD! I can't recommend this book enough!

4.5 stars

I’ve heard of JT Gessinger in my book feeds but now I realise what I’ve been missing out by not reading her work. BURN FOR YOU delighted my literary senses from start to finish. The two main characters were both hugely likeable in their reality, completely lacking perfection, both stubborn and fun to observe clashing. This book is a piece of wonderful hate to love with great story substance.

Jackson is like a grisly bear, a pathetic communicator, preferring to shout or grunt. He met his match in Bianca because he didn’t intimidate her. Bianca was a newly successful chef-owner of her restaurant in New Orleans.

”The man gave the term resting bitch face a whole new meaning.”

The context of restaurateur with food and bourbon gave depth and something I could enjoy identifying with. These two characters clash with anger and chemistry, the burn was slow but steady, building to the most delicious heat.

When this book comes to love, there were so many lines that had me highlighting the text. I thought the way JT Gessinger wrote the connections of the heart was refreshing and made me pause, there were no cliches, only tangible feeling. I have a book buddy that has read an advanced copy too so I highlighted and screenshotted through the last 40%.

“I always thought love was a pair of shackles, but I was wrong. Love was the opened door of a cage.”

I am a new and enthusiastic fan of this author, I’m grateful to my buddy for the recommendation and I hope I can, in turn, lead a few friends in this direction. I’m excited at the back catalogue I have to peruse for Geissinger and I’m placing this particular book on my favourites shelf. Slainte!

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through netgalley, in return for a honest review.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

4.5☆ I really enjoyed this story. Even though it was very emotional at times and the romance was slow to build. Yet I loved the anticipation and how these characters went from indifference to love. Especially in the case of Bianca. As for the two main characters Jax and Bianca. They both had so much depth to them, especially Jax. Who to start with is so surly and closed off. But as the story develops Jax unravels and starts to show all these different sides to himself and that really was great to read. And it's certainly one of the reasons why after a slow start I was so drawn into this story. As was all of the southern sayings and how New Orleans really came alive for me. And I would happily recommend Burn for You to others.

4.5 stars

Cue the dopey grin and the sweet music. I'm in love. Burn For You is hot, feisty, and a whole lot of sass. I highly recommend the chef with a side overbearing rich dude.

Opposites attract. Oil and water. Fire and Ice. However you want to label it...It's hot water thing these two fight. I'm not who enjoyed their fighting more- the characters or the readers.

It's a chemistry filled story with a whole lot of spark. Careful you don't ignite!

reviewed for Naughty Book Blog

Chef Bianca Hardwick is a successful and independent restauranteur. Living comfortably, and doing what she loves, she has little time for surly customers who are impossible to please.

Jackson "The Beast" Boudreaux could care less what people think of him. Heir to the Bourdreaux Bourbon empire, he is used to people falling over themselves to please him.

But when Bianca suddenly needs money and Jackson suddenly needs a wife, these two come to a mutually beneficial agreement that is about to turn their lives upside down...

This book was fantastic! I absolutely loved the characters. Bianca is a strong woman who is hilarious and doesn't put up with anyones BS. She kept me smiling throughout the entire book, and I couldn't wait for what she would say next. Jackson is grumpy and guarded, and no one has been able to crack him... until Bianca comes along. The two of them have a lively love/hate battle that was just perfection.

Also, I have to mention all of the supporting characters who were all a delightful addition to the story! This storyline was interesting and fun, I enjoyed it so much and was sad when the book ended.

This was an entertaining, funny and heartwarming must read book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

This is the first book I've read by J.T. and it definitely won't be my last! It was hot, funny, sad - all the feels! I couldn't put it down until I finished. I loved Bianca - she said it like it was. Jackson was definitely the modern day Beast - growly on the outside, soft on the inside. Loved it!

This was my first book by this author and it will definitely not be my last! The tension, the heat, the pasion and the amazing characters made me love this book and the style in which the author writes. Jackson and Bianca were in their own characters that drew me into their story and relationship that was so damn steamy and kept me wanting more and more. I'm looking forward and to Redington more from this author and more in this series!

This is my first book by this author and I loved it! I will definitely be looking forward to more. This is a modern day beauty and the beast.

Bianca Hardwick is down to earth, sassy, sarcastic, funny, calls it like she sees it and doesn’t hold anything back. I loved her character! She stood toe to toe with Jackson and didn’t let him get away with anything.

Jackson Boudreaux starts out as a really unlikable hardass with such arrogance, sense of entitlement and self-importance that you can’t wait for him to get knocked off his high horse.

When these two initially meet, sparks fly, and not in a good way. It was awesome to watch these two find their way. I laughed out loud and so much at times my sides hurt. Then when we get Jackson’s history, I got choked up and my breath got caught in my chest. It has been awhile since I have enjoyed a book this much.

The characters are fully developed and have such depth to them. The supporting characters are also well developed. The story flows so smoothly and is weaved so well together that I couldn’t put it down until I finished it.

Here are two of my favorite lines:
“…you’re so highfalutin, you think your shit tastes like sherbet.”
“That kiss was hotter than a housewife reading Fifty Shades of Grey at the Magic Mike premiere.”

This book is well worth purchasing and one I will definitely read again. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

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.