I hadn't read the previous book, but I didn't feel lost. I enjoyed this book a lot. Ben's a bit of a jerk for longer than perhaps I might have liked, especially given Chloe's past, but I was still rooting for the two of them to end up together.

I did love Chloe. I found the concept of her store and how she focuses on employing women who have left abusive partners really interesting.

I would definitely seek out other books by this author.

A contemporary romance set in a small town, plenty of secrets, unresolved issues with expectations, domestic abuse survivors and hopeful of finding love again.

A sweet romance for those who like off the page and a story focused on the emotional aspect of a relationship.

This story has mention of events that could be a trigger to some readers.

Sadly, there wasn't a lot of cooking or running a restaurant involved so that was a l et down for having a different type of hero. I did like the family and friendship storylines. The romance is front and center but I thought the physical intimacy came too early given Chloe's history and Ben’s abrasive personality. It also makes the push-and-pull afterward harder to take.

Chloe is finding her place in small town in Denver after divorce from abusive ex-husband. She owns a toy store but she is more focused on helping women who suffered similar situation like her. She doesn't trust man and she doesn't believe in relationship until Ben "The Beast in the Kitchen" showed up at her store.
Ben, "The Beast in the Kitchen" star chef had to come back to take care of his niece and nephew while his brother is in jail. He doesn't know how to raise them but he sure knows what not to do. So when he find them in toy store getting into trouble, he couldn't take his eyes off owner. He has hard time controlling his anger and starts yelling at everyone. He wanted to pay for whatever the damages they caused and leave but Chloe suggest kids work in toy store.
Chloe and Ben were attracted to each other but they feel their current status won't work in the end. Chloe's past abuse and Ben's temper will come back to hunt them. Will they give each other a chance or give up before they start...
Chloe and Ben were likable characters. Chloe suffered so much and I was rooting for her happy ending from the beginning. Those two kids definitely make the story happier.
I can't wait to read about all her quirky friends.
Thanks to Netgalley and Montlake Romance for my ARC.

This is the second book in the Colorado Hearts series by Michelle Major. This is a great, quick read that allows you to escape into Chloe and Ben's life for a little bit. I thought Michelle Major did a good job with this one. The story flows well and the characters are very likeable.

Chloe is three years out of an abusive marriage. She has opened a toy story that she is trying to use to help women that are in the same situation she was. She gives women that are just getting on their feet after a bad relationship a job at her store. Chloe has a huge heart and helps others out in any way that she can too. I loved this about her!

Ben has had his own cooking show where he was knows as "The Beast" for awhile now. His show has been very successful because of Ben's unique way of cooking and his hollering that he does. When Ben's niece and nephew are sent to live with his dad because of his brother's incarceration, Ben knows that he has to go help his dad with the kids.

Ben is also ready for a change and has bought a property that he wants to put a restaurant in. The only problem he has is that there is a toy store in part of the building that he wants to use for his restaurant. When Ben tells Chloe that she is not going to be able to renew her lease, Chloe comes up with a compromise. If Chloe can raise the money she needs, then she gets to stay. If not, she will close her store. What has Ben got to loose, right? There is no way that Chloe can raise that money!

As the time goes on, Ben and Chloe become close to each other. When sparks begin to fly, neither one of them knows where things are going to go with their careers then. Chloe is so guarded because of her past relationship, but Ben is determined to take care of her. The way that Ben cooks for his niece, nephew, dad and Chloe is really something. It was a nice little something about him that made him unique.

Will Chloe and Ben get their HEA? You will have to read this one for yourself and find out. I enjoyed this read and look for more in the Colorado Hearts series from Michelle Major!

A fun, sweet romcom that I loved reading. I love books like this and they leave me with a good, warm feeling - like a cup of hot cocoa.

This was really cute. I liked the plot and the characters. The characters went well together and the plot went smoothly.

Definitely recommend this one.