Series:
Ponderosa Resort (Book 2)
Sean Bracelyn can whip up a saffron-laced lobster risotto
in his sleep, but relationships? That's one recipe he hasn't nailed. Not that
he has time, between launching a new restaurant and building a luxury resort
with his awkwardly blended family. But when his dream girl nearly knocks him
unconscious with a dead turkey, it's all Sean can do to keep his eyes on the
gazpacho and off Amber King's perfect curves.
Amber's done with guys propping her on a pedestal.
Transforming her family's reindeer ranch into a country-chic wedding venue is
consuming enough, and the last thing she needs is an extra serving of love
drama. So what is it about the stupid-sexy chef that gets her desires bubbling
like a pot of hot spaghetti?
Keeping their distance is tough enough before Sean and
Amber get tossed together by wacky weddings, lingerie mishaps, and a surly
three-legged cat. When Sean's mom shows up to dish out huge helpings of family
drama, a big secret threatens to spread faster than a kitchen fire.
Can Sean and Amber find the right blend of sugar and
spice, or will love fall flat as a burnt soufflé?
Fun book. Amber is the co-owner of the local reindeer ranch,
along with her sister Jade. Her love life has been unsatisfactory, thanks to
guys who stick her up on a pedestal instead of seeing the woman she is. So, she
is concentrating on turning the ranch into a wedding venue. When she runs into
a catering issue, she heads next door to the soon-to-open Ponderosa Resort to
talk to Sean, the chef at the resort's restaurant.
Sean is a Michelin-starred chef who is heavily involved in
the start-up of the resort and his restaurant. That leaves no time for
relationships, which is okay with him. His success rate is dismal, with women
claiming he is too closed off. He has no idea how his life is about to change.
I loved the initial meeting between Sean and Amber. He's
so stunned by her beauty that he falls off the ladder. Once he recovers, they talk
about a few things, including that neither is looking for a relationship
(despite the sparks flying between them) and that Amber is looking for someone
to cater one of their weddings. Sean's enthusiasm was adorable, especially as
he won't be doing catering on a regular basis.
I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. Sean is
adorably tongue-tied and/or flummoxed whenever he is around Amber. Seeing him
impress her with everything from cooking to helping with her sister's cat
clinic was fun. He has a savior complex, as he seems compelled to want to help
whenever he sees someone in trouble. Amber is just as attracted to Sean and
often gets flustered around him, too. Plenty of sweet moments between them, and
some funny situations bring them closer together. I especially enjoyed the
wedding reception he rescued and its unexpected aftermath.
But not everything is smooth sailing. Sean's mother unexpectedly
visits the resort, leaving Sean wondering what she's up to. Theirs is a
strained relationship, the reasons for which are heartbreaking and the root
cause for Sean's inability to be open with those closest to him. Keeping his
mother's presence secret eventually comes back to bite him when Amber believes
he doesn't trust her or care for her. I ached for them both, especially for
Sean, as he had to face the issues he's been burying for years. I liked the
ending and the realism of knowing they each have work to do, but doing it
together is best for both.
I loved seeing the family dynamics. Amber's relationship
with her sister is close, and I like how they support each other. Sean's family
has an interesting background, and it is easy to see the effects on each sibling.
I loved how they are developing the resort together, each having a particular
set of needed skills. I especially enjoyed how everyone stood behind Sean to
support him while he was dealing with his mother. I can't wait to read the rest
of the books.
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