A Bex Jameson Production, 2
Connor Brennan, Bad Boy turned Pastry Chef
First crush, first kiss, first love.
The boy who ruined her reputation and crashed his future, before ghosting her when she needed him most.
Isla Fraser, Cook and Divorced Single Mom
High school sweetheart.
The good girl who defied her parents to date him, then married his best friend. Her betrayal broke him.
The Chef and the Cook
Paired on a Reality TV Bake-Off, their chemistry still smokes. But when Isla confesses the secret she’s kept from him, will Connor burn their second chance?
Excerpt:
Connor’s eyes narrowed to amber and black. No twitch of mischief to his mouth to suggest this was a game. He stalked toward her, biceps bunching and fists clenched, menace in every line of his six-foot-two frame; the size he’d curved as a shield around her when they’d made love, now a weapon.
This was how other people saw him. Big, bad, and hard: a wolf in chef’s clothing.
Isla’s heartbeat clattered faster than castanets. The adrenaline chasing through her blood made her dizzy and light-headed, switching off her ability to reason. Her knees refused to lock, her bones and joints so soft with desire that without the counter behind her, she’d fall to his feet. Had she ever been this turned on so fast or so fully?
He prowled closer, a flare to his nostrils as he eyed the line of her throat. The pulse there leapt when he cornered her, a fluttering line of weakness that betrayed her excitement.
Dangerous. Unredeemable. Unreliable.
A brusque nudge of his knee parted her legs, the cotton of his chef pants a soft friction against her inner thigh. Without deliberation, he slammed his hips against hers, pressing her backbone painfully against the cold edge of steel countertop. She winced, but if he cared, he didn’t show it. His focus was now on her breasts, which the arch of her spine backward had pushed high and prominent. His snarl eased long enough for him to wet his lips.
Ready to ravish her.
On set.
Sure the cameras were off, but any of the crew could turn around at any moment from their huddle beyond the lights. Her nipples tightened to hard peaks as he acted out their bedroom fantasy.
Only they weren’t in the bedroom, so he wouldn’t do more than tease.
Would he?
He braced his arms on each side of her body to form slanting bars with no wriggle room to escape. The bulge in his pants pushed into the swollen, aching flesh beneath the cotton of her panties. Her heels lifted off the floor. She spread her legs wider, used the leverage of the counter to tilt her pelvis higher and rock against him.
Blips of pleasure rose through her. Shiny, luminous promises, like pearls on a string. Greedy to clutch them closer, she pleated the flaps of his jacket between her fingers and clung, a willing prisoner.
Connor stayed immobile. Angling her jaw, she pressed her lips to his, determined to steal a second chance.
Her kiss was returned to sender, unopened. His shoulders shifted, up and away, taking his mouth beyond her reach. He stared at her in an endless, ruthless appraisal.
Panic bleached the gloss from her desire.
Somehow, she gasped, “What is it?”
“Your last chance to stop me.” His breathing harsh, he dipped his head to her ear. “I’m ready to take you here. With the entire crew seeing how hard you come. Is that what you want?”
There was no affection in his voice. Not fooled, she didn’t flinch. He’d hauled himself back to give her the choice. But the intent written across his features was in bold print. He’d do it. If she agreed.
The gush of lust caught her by surprise. She tried to grasp onto her scruples, but they were so much flotsam. Their foundations washed away by the desire flooding her veins in a torrent. She was his. She’d always been his. She didn’t care who knew, so long as he claimed her.
But Isla knew, down to her bones, he wouldn’t follow through on his threat. Not out here. In full view. The kink of almost getting caught was hers—a kink he indulged and controlled.
She didn’t believe that had changed.
Although she pitched her voice low, it rang with commitment. “Be as bad as you can be, Connor Brennan. I dare you.”
His head jerked back, his lids widening and his pupils contracting as his stare switched from harsh to incredulous. She held his gaze, brazen and defiant. How far would she let him go? She wished she knew the answer herself.
“You trust me too damn much,” he said hoarsely. Spinning free of her, he grabbed a clean dishtowel off the pile and flicked it over his shoulder, fast enough for it to snap like a lash. “I need to cool off.”
He strode toward the walk-in cooler at the rear of the set without a backward glance. She could stay out here and wait for his return. Or she could go to him and prove she was his perfect match.
Almost tripping over her feet in her haste, she went after her man and yanked the door of the cooler open.
Inside, Connor stood braced against a stack of wire shelves, his forehead resting against the belly of a stainless steel bowl. He didn’t look up as she entered, but the ropes in his neck slackened and his exhale gusted out in a white fog of relief.
“You thought I wouldn’t follow you,” she noted. “As if I hadn’t learned you always have a Plan B.”
“This is the closest place with a semblance of privacy. And sound-proofing. But anyone could come in. Anytime.”
Cold pinpricked her skin. Or excitement?
“I need you,” she told him. “I need this.”
“Do you? Because the mood I’m in … I’ll be rough.” His knuckles flexed as his fist tightened on the overhead shelf.
She’d never pushed his restraint this far before. Her lack of inhibition had brought him to the edge. Yet, still, he held on to the shreds of restraint. What was he clinging to? The possibility he’d hurt her?
“I delivered an eight-pound baby without anesthetic. I can handle quick, hard, and dirty.”
His torso shuddered. She’d pinpointed exactly what he wanted. Yet he didn’t move.
Shoes squeaking on the aluminum floor, she closed the distance between them to hug him from behind. His body held no softness. Every inch was pure, male muscle. Uninvited, her palms slipped down his waist, over his hips, and forward to caress the rigid bulge at his groin. His frame tensed, but he stayed latched to the shelf.
If he thought she’d stop, he had another think coming. The throbbing between her thighs was close to unbearable. She’d never been more aroused.
The two main characters are Isla and Connor. They were dating in high school. Connor went to college and they broke up. Isla was pregnant, she tried to find Connor but couldn’t. Four years later, she joined a baking contest. Connor joined the same baking contest. It was the first time they had seen each other. They each had issues but together they work them out and fall in love.
I'm happy to say I enjoyed this one more than I expected. Throwing a kid into the mix isn't generally my favorite for romance novels, but I thought it was really well handled in this one. Most of the miscommunication was kept in the past and the characters communicated with each other like adults, which is always nice. The plot flowed well and resolved cleanly, but realistically. As for the more spicy bits, those were surprisingly good.
Enjoyable read, 2nd book in the series, can be read as a standalone. Isla and Connor meet again after 5 years to compete on a cooking tv show in hopes to win and change their lives, only each are still harbouring feelings and pain from their last break up and a very big secret.
I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review. In this book we meet Isla & Connor. Can two people with a past and what looks like no real future find a HEA? When Isa realizes how much time she will have to spend away from her son she isn't sure the fast money she was hoping to get from the show is worth it. When she learns the next chef she is up against is her ex things go from bad to worse. Connor is looking to make sure his baking career really takes off since his football career is over. When on the cooking show he is hoping to really launch him shows him against his ex he is not sure he can do this. Will they find the HEA or will the past be too much to overcome? Amazing story. I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.
This was such a fun and easy read. A sexy second chance romance with plenty of heart and a big dash of chemistry. Plus some yummy baking! I loved the supporting characters and the ultimate HEA for the couple was adorable. Loved it!
If you’re addicted to food competition shows like me, you’re going to love this second-chance romance. This couple burns for each other…whether passion or hate, you choose. From the first page, I got sucked into this drama-filled romance. Emotions run high and I loved every agonizing moment. Passion simmers barely beneath the surface but once ignited, you better get the fire extinguisher. The characters are so vibrant, so emotional, they leap from the page and burrow their way into your heart. The stakes couldn’t be higher for this couple, and I kept rooting them on. I can’t decide which one I loved more, which one I connected with better, so I’m saying it’s a tie. The writing is what makes this romance unputdownable. The descriptive narration is so detailed, you’ll drool over the food, cooking, romance, and more. The author writes with authority so I’m pretty sure she’s been in the culinary industry at some point. The writing is flawless, authentic, and full of emotion. Twice Baked in an addictive romance and will satisfy your cravings. Read this juicy second-chance romance and see why it’s the best book I’ve read this year. Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it. My Rating: 5++ stars Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This is the second book in this incredible series, and this is Connor and Isla’s story. These two were high school sweethearts, as well as each other firsts. Connor disappears when Isla needs him the most. Fate has brought these two together again in a reality cooking show, where they both need the prize money. This is a well written story which has passion, drama, romance, emotions, second chances, misunderstandings, witty banter, and is a fun and steamy page turner. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Good, complex story. Revolves mostly around the the cooking competition and their past Romance. Both characters blame the other for the end of the relationship and have to learn to let go of the past, to forgive themselves, and each other. There are long intense scenes of foreplay which are Super hot! And great descriptions of what they're cooking for competition. Very enjoyable book.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC. It took me a while to finish this because of the busy holidays but i finally just sat down and finished it. So cute! I was happy for the ending
Great story with terrific ending… not my favorite writing style but the actual story touched hearts…two lost souls come together through the power of reality television and a love that has never died… and a new reality is found
This was my first read from this author. This was such a sweet story, it was perfect for this time of year. The only reason I gave it four stars is because it was written in the third person point of view.
I started this story this morning and I could not put it down until the very end. It is the second story in the "Bex Jameson Production" series but is a stand alone read. The story is a second chance and secret baby story about Connor and Isla. This story definitely pulled at my heart strings. I loved the characters and could not believe what they had been through. Connor had what he always wanted but let his insecurities get the best of him. Isla was another story. She chose a hard but wonderful path. I am not a fan of Bex but I think she brought a reunion between two people that should have been together years ago. I love every bit of this story!!!!
Like the first part of the series, this is the 2nd part and tells the story of Isla and Connor. It was a wonderful and entertaining story and it keeps you glued to your book. There's humor in it, some drama, misunderstandings and plenty of romance. I'm curious about the next part to see if it was as fun to read as the first 2 parts, because I think it is.
Connor and Isla seperated because of miscomunication and meet again. An old flame, highschool sweetheart, love still there, tension still there, with one strong bond fruit from their love. "Connor brain knew they were long ago ended, but his body still considered her as his: a phantom lover, rather than a phantom limb.." Connor guard up because of betrayed, he thinks Isla try to trap him. The memory from past keep apear and the spark keep flaming. The sex scene was spicy tho, especially ice pack incident. The food on the competition was so goodd i can imagine the flavour, i hope there are recipe for that. Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.
Good book that is based around a cooking competition and the MC’s past romance. Think, hot second chance Romance + cooking show/competition. The book has some fun/hot scenes, great dialogue, and interesting characters. I will definitely be checking out other books by this author.
Connor and Isla’s story has them being high school sweethearts but long distance and family/friends, his career ending injury pushed them apart. After he ghosts him she married his best friend since it was her only option. But he was hurt. Years later they are thrown together on a cooking show. He needs the money for his surgery and she needs it to pay her bills since she’s a divorced single mom to her son,Taylor. When they finally get to taking and everything comes to light will he forgive him for marring his best friend and the son he never knew about or will he feel guilty for being the cause of it all.
Intriguing and interesting plot. A second chance with some romance, lots of steam and lots of cooking. A little more of the dramas that Bex has us used to. I love the name of the show! And the back and forth between Connor and Isla.
This was a fantastic story with humor, emotions, and steam. Isla and Connor had been high school sweethearts but something happened and they went their separate ways. They are thrown together on a "Bex's Bakeoff" a reality cooking show. Their steam is still hot and strong but they have some drama what needs to be worked through. This story had me reading till the end and rooting for Isla and Connor to get their second chance with each other.
Connor & Isla's story is great! I love a great secret baby romance and throw in a guy who screws up earlier in life and then tries to reunite and then he feels betrayed and so there was romance, super steamy and road blocks--what makes a better read? Not much.
Isla and Connor are on the new show Bex is starting. There's just one issue they share a painful past and now they have to work together. Sparks reignite between them. Will the show give them a second chance? Or will it break them for good? This is a great story that will captivate you from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.
This was a cute story of second chance love. Isla and Connor reunite on a cooking show after their relationship fizzled out years earlier. Between the devastating experiences Connor faced, ghosting Isla, miscommunication of why Isla did what she did, there is plenty of drama to keep readers entertained. I loved the banter and heat between the characters. I think their chemistry is clear throughout the book, and it is very spicy. They definitely know how to turn up the heat in that kitchen.
This is the second book I've read written by Katrina Coll; I can’t wait to read more of her books. This is the second book in the Bex Jameson Production Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Isla & Connor; they knew each other years ago and now are paired together on a Reality TV show. I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a cooking reality TV romance for two old flames who had baggage to resolve. Isla and Connor start to learn the truth about their pasts and slowly move forward with their lives.
Twice Baked is a second chance romance between Isla and Connor, who went to school together and are brought back together by a cooking show. This tale has fun banter, a bit of drama and lots of heat that shows there is more cooking than just in the kitchen. Good read from the start.
This second installment of the series was well written and kept my attention thanks to the endearing characters along with the engaging story line that kept me reading in one sitting.
Five years ago, Connor and Isla were madly in love and had plans for their future together. But long distance, friends, family, and school get in the way. Along with Connor's own ego and now Isla is left to move on with her life the only way she knows how. Present day, Isla finds herself on Bex's new show. She has a social media following teaching followers how to cook on a minimal budget and to get the most out of every product used. But she needs this competition and the win to pay her bills and rent. After all, she's not the only one depending on this win. Connor had to find a new path when his football career was thrown out after and injury and the woman he loved married his best friends leaving him in the dust. Now he's on Bex's show to win the money he needs for the surgery to fix an injury that prevents him from comfortably working the long hours required from a chef. Bex as we know loves a good drama. So it only makes sense that she would throw these two together again. But things aren't as easy as they were five years ago. Isla has a secret that could make Connor hate her even more than he already does. But does Connor really hate Isla? When he finally learns the circumstances behind what and why Isla did what she did can he forgive himself for putting his pride ahead of the love he left behind?
Connor and Isla seperated because of miscomunication and meet again. An old flame, highschool sweetheart, love still there, tension still there, with one strong bond fruit from their love. "Connor brain knew they were long ago ended, but his body still considered her as his: a phantom lover, rather than a phantom limb.." Connor guard up because of betrayed, he thinks Isla try to trap him. The memory from past keep apear and the spark keep flaming. The sex scene was spicy tho, especially ice pack incident. The food on the competition was so goodd i can imagine the flavour, i hope there are recipe for that. Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.
My Review: Twice Baked by Katrina Coll was an honest to goodness fire hazard! It was a five alarm fire mixed with a sweet will they/won't they vibe. About the Book: The unexpected reunion that Pastry Chef Conner Brennan and Food Influencer and Rustic Cook Isla Fraser had shook them both, but they soon recovered. Cooking, close quarters, and unresolved feelings, however, merely added fuel to the flame of their rekindled desire.The chemistry coming off them was enough to heat up any room they were in together, let alone a kitchen. Neither was immune to what was happening between them...on or off the set. Could they turn a hot opportunity of a lifetime into a happily ever after for three? Honorable Mention: The ending chapters were perfect.
What a sweet 2nd chance love story. Isla and Connor are fire together and the chemistry shows on every page they're in together. I'm not typically a fan of 3rd person writing but the way it's written is easy to follow and emotion still comes through.
Isla and Conner were their first love, But Connor left the small town for college and everything changed. Isla is a single mum who married his best friend and now they should be cook buddies in a tv-show. Booth good cooks but with complete different philosophies. A very great, very emotional story with lovely characters. But is there a second chance for first love? Find it out and have fun reading!
My Review: Twice Baked by Katrina Coll was an honest to goodness fire hazard! It was a five alarm fire mixed with a sweet will they/won't they vibe. About the Book: The unexpected reunion that Pastry Chef Conner Brennan and Food Influencer and Rustic Cook Isla Fraser had shook them both, but they soon recovered. Cooking, close quarters, and unresolved feelings, however, merely added fuel to the flame of their rekindled desire.The chemistry coming off them was enough to heat up any room they were in together, let alone a kitchen. Neither was immune to what was happening between them...on or off the set. Could they turn a hot opportunity of a lifetime into a happily ever after for three? Honorable Mention: That ending chapters were perfect.
You never forget your first love...especially when you stare into your son's eyes every day. Connor and Isla were high school sweethearts. She was smart, privileged, and reserved. He was brash, wounded, and from the wrong side of the tracks. When life, in the form of terrible "friends", interfering parents, and crushed dreams, came between them, they were too young and too naive to make it though. Now, thrown together on a baking competition show, they have a chance to find out if what they had was real...and if they could ever be a family. This was a really enjoyable read. Not only did I like all the details about cooking and baking, but also, Isla and Connor were very easy to care about. They'd both been dealt challenges and I came to admire their grit and resilience in facing them. The things that drove them apart seemed plausible, but still forgivable. They were able to communicate and brave enough to be vulnerable with each other. It didn't hurt that their chemistry hadn't faded--there was quite a bit of heat between them! The story didn't take exactly the expected path but still felt resolved in a satisfying way. I would definitely recommend this for a sweet and steamy read!
This is an amazing story that will captivate you from beginning to end. The chemistry between them is off the charts hot. Twice Baked is a second chance romance to die for.
A cute and passionate romance filled with lots of spicy moments between the couple. I would dare everyone who loves reading a hot and sweet romance to give this book a chance. I'm sure you will love Conner and Isla. Not to forget their son Taylor is superb adorable. I was so satisfied seeing Isla wrapped in the arms of Conner. She truly deserved him. "I SHOULD HAVE TOLD HIM I LOVE HIM" She must have done that the very first second she understood she has got feelings for him. TROPES:- Single Mom Chef Hero Always been you High school Sweethearts Paired in a reality show I had a great time turning the pages of this marvelous book.
This book was so cute! Fast paced and easy to read Very spicy!! I liked the characters and how they progressed through the book. Definitely recommend!
Now I want to bake. This was hotness at its finest and a good read. Do it today and you will not be disappointed. Read it.
