This was a great read. I have one Peggy in Audio. . This story was great. It had lots of twists .
Stacy is the Heroine. Nikko is the hero

Stacy gets an opportunity to do her own project. She’s excited about it. There is one catch. She has to produce Nikkos next one in Montana. Stacy doesn’t know what she agreed to
Nikko has a bite always seeming he’s angry with the bite.
But slowly he and Stacy learn to give and take ..... so they can do the cooking competition

An emotional, fun, and ardent story set in the middle of a television cooking show.
I have enjoyed immensely Peggy Jaeger's Will Cook For Love series. The way she tells a story it pulls you in the middle of the heat, so to speak. It is alluring, making it impossible to put the book down until the end. You are engaged with the character, you are cheering for them, and you will want to know their destiny, how they will work things out, will they be able to do the hard things, and open their mind and hearts to love.
I absolutely loved Stacy Peters. She is a true warrior, she is a peacemaker, she is Switzerland, she is a caring, confident, kind person, so easy to like. She knows what she wants in life, she is not afraid to go after it, she is talented, organized, structural, a person of order... I admired her, I liked her, I wanted her to get all her heart desires. She has had it rough growing up, there are deep wounds in her mind that she needed to work with, but she is resilient, she has the will and ability to overcome the biggest hurdles, and that just made me respect her even more.
Her relationship with the young Melora, Nikko's daughter, was heartfelt and sweet. I loved the bond between them, the honesty they had with each other, the witty dialog, and the teenage angst mixed with the sweetness, and feeling lost, it was all done so incredibly well. Melora's eating disorder, wow, the raw honesty the author brings to the table, and to the tale, just floored me and touched my heart. So so real, heartbreaking, and factual the battle Melora fights, even the way Nikko wrestled with his daughter's disorder, just truly authentic and true.
Now, Nikko, umm... I had to admit, as much as the story enticed me, he, not so much. As a father, yes, but as a lover, the hero, I struggled with him. When the hero is a completely arrogant and rude jerk most of the story, it is always a risk an author takes, to balance all the audacity with positive vibes so that the readers will connect with him. I might be, most likely am, in the minority here, but I needed more, wanted more, from him, to show that he really is worthy of Stacy. For me, this just tells how much I was emotionally invested in the tale, in the characters, and in their wellbeing.
There's another point with Nikko, or the relationship, that I wished would have happened. There's the fact that he is the boss of Stacey, and they end up in a physical affair. I was expecting and waiting for the conversation about consent, what will happen with her already turbulent job if things do not work in between them? The thoughts go through his and her mind, but the conversation was never materialized. I wish it would have.
So, Nikko could have worked a bit harder to win my heart, but he and Stacey heat up the pages, allure each other in a sensual and sizzling tale. Add the drama of the teenage mind with Melora, the trouble, and challenges in the television world, and you have a tale with lots of heat, heart, laughter, and love. This series is not to be missed by any romance fans, especially the foodie romance readers.
~ Four Spoons

I was actually pleasantly surprised by this story. I was reluctant to give the second book a four star rating, but not so with this installment! I was engaged and enjoyed my time reading it!

My chief complaint was with Stacy, because I found it hard to believe that she'd never blow up at Nikko. It just didn't feel realistic. There were other aspects of the book that I also didn't find realistic, especially with regard to Nikko's daughter, but on the whole I was able to ignore them and enjoy the story.

The other complaint I have is that I felt that the daughter's illness wasn't enough of a focus, like it was there just for the minor conflicts it provided. I would have liked to see more of her journey to wellness, as I think it would have been a force for helping other women in a similar situation.

The story itself was interesting, with a bit of a different twist from the previous books in the series. I liked that there was less reliance on Kandy's character, making Stacy stand on her own two feet as a leading lady. This is the book that I would heartily recommend in the series!

I am not a romance genre fan. I loved this book. Couldn’t put it down til I found out the ending. Part of the reason I enjoyed this book was its setting and the occupations of the characters. Maybe I should add that I also loved the book because the storyline was about producing cook-off reality television shows. Not just reality cooking but on a ranch out West, learning to cook the freshest beef and ingredients ever. A beautiful ranch in the West, wow.
I am never ever this much of a cheerleader about a book like this but it contained a little of everything. The scenic description by Peggy Jaeger made you feel as if you were right there on that ranch. Right there with her characters, from Stacy, the newly assigned Executive Producer and the ranch hand to the raving Technical Director and his sweet young daughter trying to find her way. Each character had a personality of his or her own and I liked them…well…most of them, but that’s how it’s supposed to be isn’t it? Being best friends with all of the characters would be a pretty bland book. There’s some sadness in this book along with some anger but it has its humorous and its sweet moments too. I didn’t feel there was any type of explicit sex in this book. There was longing and loving but nothing embarrassing to me and romance was very seldom the main topic. When I say nothing embarrassing to me, it means a lot. One of the reasons romance is not usually a genre I enjoy reading is because some of it does embarrass me; makes me feel uncomfortable. That’s not anything I’m ashamed to say here, it’s just true. This book was tough and sweet and so well-written that you really wanted it to end your way. It’s worth reading to see what really does happen.
This is Book 3 in the Will Cook for Love series. This book could definitely stand alone but somehow having looked at the great ratings Jaeger has online, I’d read all three books in this series and hope she’s busy writing Book 4.
**This book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

Dominic Stamp, aka, Nikko, had the reputation of being an ogre to work for. He was the director for a new reality TV cooking show entitled Beef Battles. Stacy Peters had been hired by the studio to be the executive producer of the show after Nikko had chewed up and spit out the previous two. Stacy agreed, in writing, after the studio executive agreed that she could host her own show if she would help to manage Nikko.

Stacy was very good as an executive producer. The staff liked and respected her and, while Nikko didn't want to like her, he couldn't help himself. He was drawn to her and after she helped both him and his daughter with some difficulties, he began to see her as a woman that he could be interested in spending more time with. Would either of them be able to trust their feelings or was the heat too hot in the kitchen?

I really like the story and how it dealt with some difficult subjects like anorexia. I'm not a big fan of descriptive sex scenes so that part was a bit of a turn-off but you could definitely feel their physical chemistry.

I was given an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

Whew! This book is hot! Stacy was just so calm & cool and Nikko was just the opposite - but not always in a good way. It was fun to watch as he would get so upset and Stacy would come along and he could feel her then calm down.

Throw in Nikko's teenage daughter who has anorexia, which you just can't help but feel for her in spite of her angst. Stacy not only has a good influence on Nikko but his daughter, Mel.

But you know without conflict, the story would be boring. Just when you think that Nikko and Stacy are well on their way to being a couple, throw in a viper and her poisonous words and Nikko doesn't give Stacy an opportunity to tell her side of the story.

After seeing Stacy with her cousins - Gemma and Kandy, I loved how these women cared for each other and looked out for their family. When Stacy called Kandy, all she needed was one word, and Kandy was there to rescue her.

As I have not read the previous books, I can say that this book can easily be read as a stand alone so it was not necessary to read previous books but I really want to read more about these wonderful cousins! It was great that even after Nikko turned his back on Stacy, she went to her cousin, Gemma, and helped Nikko's daughter get an internship. Only thing I didn't see and would have liked to (hope I didn't miss it when reading) was Nikko thanking Stacy for the internship.

I loved the part where Stacy went in at the end to see where she stood with her show and how she didn't have a fight on her hands and every thing fell into place. Even the ending was just perfect!

Executive producer Stacy Peters is a very determined woman. All she's ever wanted is to helm her own show and now she's finally going to get her chance. Yet, first she has to survive the favor her boss asks of her. Stacy knows she has her work cut out for her, especially when she'll be working alongside Dominic 'Nikko' Stamp -- the director a lot of people find difficult to work with -- for two months on Beef Battles. Will Stacy discover that working with Nikko is the best thing to happen to her, or will their shot at happy ever after never happen?

If you've never read a book by Ms. Jaeger before, then you're missing out on some of the best writing I've ever had the pleasure of reading, especially since her stories feature strong heroines that aren't afraid to challenge the hero and I've got to say that this third book of her Will Cook for Love series is highly entertaining, fast-paced and a read that had me hooked from the very beginning because of Stacy's words. Is her newest assignment really going to be a trip to hell? Is she going to be able to handle working with a notoriously difficult director? However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine meet that had me smiling for the first time in this book, as Stacy isn't easy to get rid like the two previous producers. Will she win Nikko over sooner rather than later? Finding out the answer to that question had me reading quickly, determined to discover when Nikko will see that Stacy is an asset because she's good at what she does.

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories, as both Nikko and Stacy have been through so much in their pasts. Nikko has struggled to help his daughter through her grief concerning her mother's death and I liked that he gave Stacy a chance to help his daughter Melora, which is proven by everything Stacy does for the teenage girl because the heroine has witnessed someone else in her life dealing with Melora's situation. Moreover, both the main characters are amazing and I loved every moment they conversed, as Stacy works her magic on Nikko time and time again and handles his explosive temper without losing her own, which is quite impressive since there are times where things he blames her for aren't her fault.

As for the heroine, she is resilient, exceptional at her job and I liked how she handled Nikko and didn't need him to come to her rescue with any of the problems she dealt with on set including an annoying and high-maintenance judge that wants everything her way. Will Stacy put the woman judge in her place? While the hero, he's hard-working, doesn't take kindly to people being unprofessional on the job, and I liked the close relationship he has with his daughter, even though Melora is a handful at times and full of attitude. I also liked how determined the hero was to win over the heroine once he realizes that he can't deny his feelings for her anymore.

Overall, Ms. Jaeger has delivered an absolutely captivating read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was off-the-charts; the romance was full of exquisite heat and passion that showed how good these two are together and for each other; and the ending had me cheering for this couple's happy ever after because they're meant to be no matter what happens to cause their relationship to go awry. Will Nikko be able to make things right? Furthermore, it was the final chapter of this book that wrapped this story up brilliantly, as Nikko and Stacy are very happy together and I liked how happy the hero's daughter is for them. Then again, Stacy is a good influence on Melora. I would recommend Can't Stand the Heat by Peggy Jaeger, if you enjoy workplace romances, boss-employee romances, or books by authors Lauren Layne, Miranda Liasson, Sarah Ballance and Jeannie Moon.

Stacy has successfully produced three cooking shows for the EBS network and is known for being able to get the job done. She recently pitched a new idea for her own show, one her boss is interested in, and tells her he’ll green-light it, if she’ll produce a show for him in Montana. Figuring she can deal with eight weeks on the road, Stacy agrees, only to discover after that the director is one of the best and most difficult in the business.

Nikko doesn’t need anyone from the network looking over his shoulder and making changes to his program, so he was ready to hate Stacy the minute he saw her. However, she’s unlike anyone he’s worked with before and his daughter seems to like Stacy, and the more time he spends around her, Nikko realizes he needs Stacy for more than just his television show.

Can’t Stand the Heat is the third, standalone story from Ms. Jaeger’s Will Cook for Love series. While characters from the first two titles make an appearance in this title, and we originally meet Stacy in the first book, having read the previous books isn’t necessary to enjoy Can’t Stand the Heat. Unlike the first two books (and much to my joy), this story is straight up contemporary romance, without any bit of suspense or danger tossed in. The story focuses on Nikko and Stacy—getting to know one another and learning how to move on from past heartache and pain.

At the start, Nikko is an ass, not just to Stacy, but to all those he works with. He’s a perfectionist and master of his trade, but he’s unkind. His demeanor is in part due to his control freak nature, but also partly due to the physical pain he endures, stemming from a car crash that killed his ex-wife (the mother of his teenage daughter) less than two years prior. Worry for his daughter, whose life was completely rearranged by the death of her mom, provides additional stress, making Nikko unbearable most of the time. Yet, he is a smart man, and he recognizes the truth in Stacy’s kindness and learns how to become a better man by accepting her generosity, which allows him to grow.

Meanwhile, Stacy has her own demons that drive her work ethic. However, she’s balanced, using yoga as an outlet for stress and physical pain. She is open and giving, and great at her job. She refuses to let Nikko scare her off. Yet, she’s strangely attracted to the man, and absolutely adores his daughter. She’s so good-natured, there really isn’t anything bad to say about the woman.

When each started showing an interest in the other, I have to say I struggled with their relationship. As much as I liked both, at first their story was all say instead of do: we didn’t see them growing close, we were only told they each felt a physical attraction. Their interactions were toxic mostly, so the attraction felt off. Yet as the book progressed, Nikko and Stacy spend more time together, and we got to know them better, and we saw barriers come down.

In the end, I really enjoyed Can’t Stand the Heat, and it’s my favorite in the series to date. I appreciated seeing Nikko and Stacy become friends and grow close. I loved Stacy’s connection with Nikko’s daughter. Generally, the characters are good people, and they deserve good things. The ending really warmed my heart.

My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot

"Can't Stand the Heat" is my first taste of Peggy Jaeger's writing and the third instalment in her "Will Cook for Love" series, which follows the lives and loves of the Laine sisters (six of them) and their family, such as their cousin, and our heroine, Stacy Peters. All novels in this contemporary romance series are standalone and have a Happily Ever After (HEA).

On 20 March 2018, Peggy Jaeger wrote a piece for our blog where she described the elements that she feels are the pillars of any good romance story, her " Romance Must-Haves "; I was excited to find all of these amply delivered in her own work.

The third person narrative effortlessly and vividly sets the scene and alternately unfolds the innermost thoughts of the two protagonists, executive producer Stacy Peters and her antagonistic director Dominick (Nikko) Stamp, whilst interspersing funny capers from a host of minor characters. Nothing feels superfluous.

There are a couple of fairly graphic steamy sex scenes, however these are perfectly timed, non-gratuitous and serve to enrich the story and character development. Jaeger also addresses several tough and sensitive issues, such as bereavement, eating disorders, traumatic events and their physical and psychological consequences, in a serious but not overbearing manner. The overall feel of the book is romantic, funny, emotional but positive and light.

The characters are very well developed, realistic and relatable; like peeling an onion, personalities are revealed a layer at a time. The dialogue and background (the filming of a professional cooking competition, Beef Battles) authentic, down to the annoying, "like", speak of Nikko's teenage daughter, Melora.

My only criticism relates to the crisis at the end of the second act of the plot prior to the promised HEA. As the story progressed I felt there were events which had been set up to lead to a couple of possible crisis scenarios, involving Melora and another minor character, which could have developed more organically than the rather obvious catalyst which was actually used. To me, this part felt a little forced / overplayed / not completely consistent with the emotional stage the two protagonists had reached. I suppose, I expected better from both of them.

As an added bonus for all meat lovers, this books also includes four lovely "Recipes from the Dixon Ranch": Sweet & Saucy BBQ Sauce, Chicken Fried Steak, Spicy Short Ribs, and Cheesy Corn Frittata (which I shall try out myself 😉).

On final analysis, I thoroughly enjoyed "Can't Stand the Heat" and would not hesitate to read the rest of the series. "Can't Stand the Heat" is a thoughtful emotional romantic read with wit, strong women, a worthwhile love-interest, some steam and a satisfying HEA.

[ARC received via Netgalley and Goddess Fish Promotions]

First published on BooksChatter

Cute and fun
This is my first book by Peggy Jaeger.

What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: Will Cook For Love
Standalone
HEA

I look forward to reading the other books in this series.

This story had a hero I just didn’t like. I know I was supposed to feel empatht for him, but I didn’t. I found it hard to stay interested.

I enjoyed Can't Stand the Heat from beginning to end. The cooking show premise and the ranch local was easily relatable, especially to a fan of cooking shows.
Stacy Peters, executive producer that knows her way around an active set and uses smiles and understanding to get the best out of people. Nikko Stamp, director and Stacy's polar opposite. He is arrogant, pushy, demanding, and doesn't want anyone telling him how to do his job. When these two butt heads,both on set and off, the tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife but so is the attraction. I did find Nikko's attitude a bit grating at first and desperately wanted Stacy to put him in his place but as the story progressed he won me over. Now add in Melora, Nikko's teenage daughter, who is still trying to grasp her new life after everything she's known has been turned upside down and you have a book that has it all.

4.5stars
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is romantically, intense, a story about family drama and struggling with pain and loss. I loved both Nikko and Stacy. She was an amazing character, caring, loving really a women warrior like her grandmother had said. She was trough so much already in her life and had learned how to be strong and operate in her working field. Nikko although very arrogant and at first unpleasant is also a great person. He was bitter because of his past and he was in constant pain. But he was also caring father, a person who admitted his mistakes and apologize for it. The whole concept of the story is very well written and spiced with food and love.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly

Absolutely delightful romance with great characters. I couldn't put it down. Love the recipes at the back as an extra bonus.

Very enjoyable read, loved the H and h but truly Nikkos daughter Melora stole the show such a brave young lady!

This story is amazingly emotionally engaging and forthright. With Melora's story running parallel to Nikko and Stacy's there were some very heartbreaking and at the same time heartwarming moments. The way the author has written an extremely important message within the pages of the main one, captivated me from the onset. I was moved on more than one occasion due to how well the characters' joys, sorrows, and challenges were interwoven into the fibers of the story, set in the backdrop of an industry that is intriguing in of itself.

The characters were written with such believability, especially Melora and her teenage snark...she brought the attitude that was hilarious in the frustration it brought to her dad. And yet the love between the two was touching and so real it was as if I was living in the moment with them.

There is so much to enjoy about this story as have been with each book in the series. I hope that there will more forthcoming from the Will Cook for Love series.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.