Cocky Chef by J.D. Hawkins
Genre: contemporary romance
Publisher: HEA Press, LLC
Publication Date: July 29, 2017
Rating: ★★★★✰

Okay…so…I have a dilemma. In one hand, I really enjoy JD Hawkins’ books. But in the other, Cocky Chef didn’t live up to the hype I thought it would.

Let’s take those same hands and switch up the “ingredients”. In one hand, we have a sizzling chemistry between two characters that caught fire immediately. But in the other, the highly original, unique story line didn’t spark a spicy and saucy romance that had the potential to blow the lid off the pot, so to speak.

There were plenty of aspects of this story that I highly enjoyed. But with that being said, there were also quite of few issues I had as well. I really liked the characters. Cole and Willow were very authentic and their passion for not only each other, but for food and cooking, was fantastic. Their shared desires were hot to read, and it could set off smoke alarms everywhere. But (and this is a tough but to say) the romantic aspect of the book seemed to be a filler, more on the back burner, and not the main point of the story. The book was so focused on food, and specifically detailed dishes, that the romance didn’t shine as bright as what I had hoped. I wanted more of the budding relationship between the characters, not the difference of flavor potency garlic has depending on how you chop it. As much as I loved Cole and Willow, this was a tough obstacle to overcome.

Now this review is completely my opinion. Each reader has their own experiences with reading the same stories, and I’m hoping more people loved this book. So in true and complete honesty, Cocky Chef was a small let down for me. And this book will in no way deter me from reading Hawkins’ future releases. It’ll just make the anticipation that much more enjoyable for me when his next book comes out.

3.5 stars

~Kelly

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Synopsis:
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.