Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to arc read this novel!

This was a great read that I was able to get done in one sitting, the only downside, I wanted BBQ after! I have never read a pitmaster romance before but I was definitely craving the meats.

This is a good book. The two main characters are Layla and Avery. Layla is host of a BBQ competition show. Avery is the Pitt boss at a ranch. Layla comes to the ranch to try to convince Avery to appear on her show. They start dating. They each have issues but together they work them out and fall in love.

Fired Up by Gigi Templeton is the second book in the Spiced Right series, but don’t worry—it can totally be read on its own!

In this story, Layla, a YouTuber, heads to Avery's ranch to convince him to join her for a bunkhouse BBQ contest. Sparks fly right away, and while both characters have some past issues to deal with, their relationship is surprisingly low on drama. I love a good rancher romance, and the banter between Layla and Avery is entertaining. I’m usually a fan of instant love, but this one just didn’t hit the mark for me.

Thank you Montlake and NetGalley for the ebook arc. All opinions expressed are my own.

If you love some good country loving, cooking shows, and some steamy banter then you will love Fired Up. Avery and Layla both have troubled pasts but can't seem to stay away from each other even though Layla is only there to film the competitive barbecue showdown. However, with some banter, twists, turns, and lots of spice Layla and Avery can't seem to let each other go.

This is book 2 in the Spiced Right series. Layla comes to town to pitch her Pitmasters tv show to Avery. Instant attraction, tons of chemistry, witty banter. All the characters from book 1 are in it and we find out more about Caleb, Avery’s dad.

This book was HOT. I don't think I have ever read about a pitmaster before but that is part of what makes me love this series even more. The MC's are the kind of characters that are easy to cheer for. This story is well written and easy to enjoy.

Cute premise with an underlying arc that was interesting, this story, following Avery and Layla was good but a little slow. Not the romance, as they pretty quickly got pretty close but just felt meandering otherwise. However, overall, I liked the characters, and I liked the interplay between the overarching story (the competition) with the danger that comes from Layla's past. There was also some angst from the characters' background that also made the story a little more well rounded. Thanks to NetGalley for an early read.

Fired Up by Gigi Templeton
Spiced Right #2

Who knew that barbecue and a bunkhouse cook showdown could be so HOT and the food produced in a pit so delicious sounding! Oh…and the romance was spiced just right, too!

What I liked:
* Returning to The Triple R – Reed River Ranch and spending time with this wonderful supportive group of people
* Avery Reed: award winning pitmaster, bunkhouse cook ranch cowboys, integral member of the ranch, abandoned by his mother, abusive father, loves his family, rather taken with Layla
* Layla Jenson: YouTube cook-off host, influencer, grew up on a farm, had and has big dreams, survived abuse to reinvent herself, good friend, loves the ranch and is rather taken with Avery
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* The delicious sounding food created by Avery and wanting to taste it all
* The sidebar regarding Avery’s father and wondering if he will show up in a future book
* Trying to figure out how two people with such different goal will manage to find a happy ending together
* Wondering which of the potential single people mentioned might have their story told next: Ritchie, Chance, Luke, Riley, will Todd and Brodie end up together, and perhaps there are others
* That Karma managed to deal with Layla’s abuser in just the right way
* The scene with Layla and her father toward the end – would have liked more about them
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* The abuse experienced by more than one character and wishing it had not happened

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series/by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC – this is my honest review

4-5 Stars

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬:
Overall: ☆☆☆.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Plot: ☆☆☆

𝖂𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖒𝖆𝖉𝖊 𝖒𝖊 𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉 𝖎𝖙:
Honestly, I'm not entirely sure. I think it was the intrigue of the blurb as it's not a book I would usually go for and i was scrolling through Netgalley and I remember thinking: "Why not"? And... well here we are. The cover however doesn't give much away about the book except that goddamn beautiful man. God truly does have favourites- those eyes.
𝔸𝕔𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨𝕝𝕖𝕕𝕘𝕖𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕤:I
I would like to thank Netgalley for letting me read the ARC for this book.
𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀:
I am giving it 3.5 stars as I think it was such a good read but wasn't the BEST that I've ever read.
However, the plot was unlike any book I've ever read ( because I physically have never read a book with a similar plot to this so this brought me out of my comfort zone in all the best ways.)

To give you insight to what the book is about:
Layla, a YouTube cook-off host, is looking for talented BBQ-ers to star in her new show, she has several already signed up but the main one she wants is Avery Reed. And once Layla sees Avery behind his grill the sparks between them begin to fly- which is why I'm giving this book a 3 maybe 3.5 spice rating.
However, as seems to always be the way in romance books Layla is running from her troubled past and Avery has his own demons/ troubles.
This book was a breath of fresh air for me as I've been reading non-stop lately- some books complex, some not so, some long, and, like this one, short. It was only 299 pages but I would read 500 of this couple.
ALSO the man on the cover is FINE. Damnnn I need to know who he is- for research purposes of course!

🇩​​🇮​​🇸​​🇨​​🇱​​🇦​​🇮​​🇲​​🇪​​🇷​

Please take into account the following when deciding if this book is for you:
My review is opinionated based on my personal feelings and preferences- you obviously will have different views.
I have not read the 1st book so I don't know if that might have made my rating higher.
However, I found it easy to follow so you can read it as a standalone if you would like to due to the plot not being overly complicated or intricate, we meet characters that (I think) appear in the first book so if you would like to then you can read the 1st book- or not, its up to you!
Finally, this is not a book that I normally gravitate towards, I'm not really sure- I think sometimes I feel like books like these aren't always done well and turn out to feel like a cheap film idea that is over used but THIS book I didn't feel like that, I think the author did a good job but this book is one of the VERY few that I've read within competition/youtube/tv show based romances (discluding sports romances) so my view is going to be different to someone who's into that sort of thing but if you're like me and haven't read or enjoyed anything like this before then i would recommend it to you! It's not a literary MASTERPIECE but it's enjoyable and swoon worthy nonetheless.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, and whilst I think you would get some more insight of the ranch setup and we do meet the leads of book one, this is definitely a great read as a standalone too.

Layla hosts a YouTube channel dedicated to BBQ cook-offs and her latest venture in bunkhouse showdowns takes her to the Triple R to persuade Avery to join the line-up. Now, I have to admit that I had no idea that anyone went to quite so much trouble to feed hungry ranch hands, but I loved reading about the dedication to getting everything just right when cooking in a pit. I felt very ignorant of the whole setup, but really enjoyed reading about it.

Layla and Avery have an immediate connection which is terribly inconvenient, and seems doomed to failure due to their lifestyles, before taking into account a number of other issues… But Avery is dedicated to his task, and has feelings for her which may not be put out like one of his pit fires. It does mean he has to deal with some of the past that haunts him and drives him to always do better at the ranch.

I loved watching the dance, the blockers, the supporters, and the passion. I enjoyed the fact that they are both solutions-focused and dedicated to being the best... and they found a way to be everything for each other, in spite of the impossibility of it all.

I could have read about this two for a thousand pages... or more!


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
Avery and Layla have great chemistry right from their very first meeting. They are both intelligent and sexy and have issues in their past that are heavily impacting their lives in the here and now. I was particularly fascinated with Layla’s past and early on my eagerness to find out what secrets she was keeping kept me reading.

One thing I really liked about FIRED UP was that I didn’t really know where the story was headed. It surprised me several times with little twists and even right up to the very end. This was one of those great stories where you can’t see how the couple can possibly make a happily ever after work and I admit I cried a few happy tears as the story came to a close.

FIRED UP was a fun, sexy, and sometimes emotional romance. I was happy to be back at the Triple R ranch and I hope there will be more books in this series.


Mary – ☆☆☆☆
Layla is looking for pitmasters to star in her new show, she has several already signed up but the main one she wants is Avery Reed.

Once Layla sees Avery behind his grill, the sparks between them begin to fly. When they talk, the flirting begins and it only grows and the sparks grow into a flame, like on his grill.

I enjoyed this one as much as the first book. The family dynamic on the Reed Ranch is so strong and the connection between Layla and Avery is one everyone wants. Having the support of family, Avery accepts the offer to join the pitmaster show and goes beyond his normal cooking to show his best.

As I said, I enjoyed this one and can't wait for more from this series.

Hot Diggity dog! This was great! The banter, the spice everything. I couldn’t put it down. I will definitely be looking more from this Author because I need more like right now lol

Fired Up is the second book in Gigi Templeton’s interconnected romance series following a family of ranchers/chefs who love BBQ and showing the world their cooking skills. After the emotional journey in the first book, Spiced Right, I was excited for this one. The Reed family is extensive with the male MC in book one being rancher Jack Reed and in book two his cousin Avery Reed takes centre stage as the scorching main character! Layla is a determined and charismatic woman who hosts a YouTube cooking competition show, and she knows what she wants: Avery as the next competitor. As the pair collide in a tantalising journey of cooking and romance, their pasts start catching up with them.
Now for my opinion. I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first. I found book one’s characters had more chemistry and emotion. I never knew a book could be rushed but also drag slowly. From the offset we are thrown into the romance. There wasn’t much of an intro, no easing into the scene. It was go, go, go from the very start. I didn’t feel connected to the characters and their relationship was insta-lust straight away with the pair denying it went any further than a physical relationship.
Unfortunately, this wasn’t the book for me. I see others enjoyed it which makes me happy but it’s not one I’ve loved.
Thank you for the eARC!

While looking for some new books to read, I stumbled upon a book that seemed to be my kind of read. Initially, it was a challenge to bond with the characters, but as the pages turned, they grew on me, and the story became more engaging. This second installment in the series stands well on its own, no need to catch up on the first book to enjoy this one.

Avery and Layla, the protagonists, were a delight. Their charm was undeniable, and I found myself cheering for them right from their first encounter. The chemistry at the BBQ was palpable; it was clear they were destined for each other. The 'spice' level was just right, adding zest without overwhelming the plot, and providing that indulgent escapism that's a hallmark of a good romance.

Overall, the book was a well-crafted and fun read. It's worth picking up. A shoutout to NetGalley for the advance copy.

Even though I didn’t read the first book in this series it was very easy to get into the book and to get to know the characters. The chemistry between the two main characters was amazing and I loved getting to know the whole family. The premise of the book being about a BBQ competition also drew me in and I loved all the descriptions of the food. Overall a really good read and I can’t wait to read more from this author.

There was something about this book that just felt off and not in a good way. I love a good spicy smut as much as the next person but this one somehow gave me the ick - even within 15% of it, the conversation felt forced and the characters too shallow with so much description of the human traits and anatomy, it left little room to follow the plot. The gaze of chemistry felt more titillating than sensual n spicy done right. Unfortunately had to DNF it. Might pick it up again but not so sure.

Fired Up by Gigi Templeton was a great story.
I love a good sizzling romance and this one did not disappoint!

Thank You NetGalley and Montlake for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Gosh, the premise of this book was right up my alley. Unfortunately the whole book was so predictable, it just didn't take me where I wanted to go!

Two wounded people, find each other, fall in love, and are moving down the road to live happily ever after. That's kind of it in a nutshell. Yet, there was so much filler and fluff.

Every issue Avery and Layla/Tess might have had, was 'fixed' so easily. Family issue, fixed, when the person making the issue finds religion. Domestic violence issue, fixed, with the untimely demise of the perpetrator.

Not to say this was a horrible book, it wasn't. It moved along and if you skipped a page or two, no harm. Some of the genders of the characters were difficult to follow due to their non-gender specific names, Avery, Wyatt, Brodie, and Chance, I'm talking about all of you!! I did have to go back and check to make sure I was correct! BTW Avery-Male, Wyatt-Female, Brodie-Female, and Chance-Male...in case you were wondering!

If you're looking for a toasty, insta-lust, open door relationship book, that you can pick up and put down easily, this is it. Good beach read or one you can put in your car to read while waiting for the kids in the carpool line!

This is Book 2 in this series, but is absolutely a stand-alone

I have picked up this book because of the cover and the blurb. I love books set in ranch and featuring cowboys. And the premises of BBQ reality show and the host being the heroine was really exciting.

But that's all this book was. Promises. Premises. The beginning was pretty good. The massive BBQ party. The whole setting. Then it went to insta lust path. I don't mind the chemistry and spice but then it went to insta love too. Falling in love in one night is a bit ridiculous for me.

Layla and Avery both have complex past and emotional issues and there was immense potential to work around it. But I felt like I am stuck in a loop of sex, ranch scene, show and more sex. I didn't find any emotional connection with the characters.

The Reeds are a big family and I love their dynamics. Avery is equally alpha and sensitive. He carries the burden of his father's sin even when his family repeatedly said otherwise. Layla had a tough past and she raised from the ashes. Individually, both are amazing characters. The chemistry is definitely there. But not enough emotional depth.

Thanks to Netgalley and Montlake for the review copy

I really tried to get into this book but I had to DNF at 17%. The dialogue seemed super forced to me and there was so much going on in the descriptive passages that I struggled to keep up with the plot and where the conversations where up to. The sexual tension seemed forced too and unessential. Something about this book just gave me the ick and I struggled to push through.

Pitmaster Avery is bbq-ing at the family ranch when he meets Layla, an online bbq contest host and a smokin' good time fires up!

This is book 2 in the series, but I wasn't aware of that when I started this one - it's easily a stand alone story, too. A fast burn romance, but things aren't always as they seem - Layla and Avery are both holding back secrets that unravel as they work together on the contest.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher as a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.