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Hot Chicken
Hot Chicken A Man of the Club Christmas in July Series Novella You’re invited to a Candy Cane Key Christmas in July festival with The Man of the Month Club.
Matt Returning to my hometown to help care for my ailing mother wasn’t on my radar at age twenty-six.
But neither was Ellie Albright.
This small seaside town and its obsession with Christmas had me packed and ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
Who knew a trip to the corner convenience store could make this holiday grump want to grovel?
Because this girl is all I can think about. And I’m not wasting my chance this time.
Ellie
It’s Christmas in July in Candy Cane Key. However, winning Best on the Beach is the only thing on my wishlist.
Definitely not my blazing hot high school crush turned firefighter who’s come back home.
July is tourist season for our little beach town. The entire community enjoys a lift in sales as travelers visit for sun, surf, and holiday silliness.
Yet it’s not as easy when your place of business is a run-down gas station.
But I’m keeping my eye on the prize. Not on Matthew Hightower.
That’s one gift even Santa can’t deliver.
This steamy novella is a return to hometown, unrequited love, small-town beach romance with a guaranteed HEA!
This is a standalone, but stars characters from Naughty & Nice, A 2022 Man of the Month Club Sycamore Mountain series novella.
Matt Returning to my hometown to help care for my ailing mother wasn’t on my radar at age twenty-six.
But neither was Ellie Albright.
This small seaside town and its obsession with Christmas had me packed and ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
Who knew a trip to the corner convenience store could make this holiday grump want to grovel?
Because this girl is all I can think about. And I’m not wasting my chance this time.
Ellie
It’s Christmas in July in Candy Cane Key. However, winning Best on the Beach is the only thing on my wishlist.
Definitely not my blazing hot high school crush turned firefighter who’s come back home.
July is tourist season for our little beach town. The entire community enjoys a lift in sales as travelers visit for sun, surf, and holiday silliness.
Yet it’s not as easy when your place of business is a run-down gas station.
But I’m keeping my eye on the prize. Not on Matthew Hightower.
That’s one gift even Santa can’t deliver.
This steamy novella is a return to hometown, unrequited love, small-town beach romance with a guaranteed HEA!
This is a standalone, but stars characters from Naughty & Nice, A 2022 Man of the Month Club Sycamore Mountain series novella.
166 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 27, 2023
About the author
L.M. Fox
27 books856 followersBorn and raised in Virginia, LM Fox currently lives in a suburb of Richmond with her husband, three kids, and a chocolate lab.
Her pastimes are traveling to new and favorite places, trying new foods, a swoony book with either a good cup of tea or coffee, margaritas on special occasions, and watching her kids participate in a variety of sports.
She has spent the majority of her adult life working in emergency medicine and her books are written in this setting. Her main characters are typically in the medical field, EMS, fire, and/or law enforcement. She enjoys writing angsty, contemporary romance starring headstrong, independent heroines you can’t help but love and the hot alpha men who fall hard for them.
Born and raised in Virginia, LM Fox currently lives in a suburb of Richmond with her husband, three kids, and a chocolate lab.
Her pastimes are traveling to new and favorite places, trying new foods, a swoony book with either a good cup of tea or coffee, margaritas on special occasions, and watching her kids participate in a variety of sports.
She has spent the majority of her adult life working in emergency medicine and her books are written in this setting. Her main characters are typically in the medical field, EMS, fire, and/or law enforcement. She enjoys writing angsty, contemporary romance starring headstrong, independent heroines you can’t help but love and the hot alpha men who fall hard for them.
Born and raised in Virginia, LM Fox currently lives in a suburb of Richmond with her husband, three kids, and a chocolate lab.
Her pastimes are traveling to new and favorite places, trying new foods, a swoony book with either a good cup of tea or coffee, margaritas on special occasions, and watching her kids participate in a variety of sports.
She has spent the majority of her adult life working in emergency medicine and her books are written in this setting. Her main characters are typically in the medical field, EMS, fire, and/or law enforcement. She enjoys writing angsty, contemporary romance starring headstrong, independent heroines you can’t help but love and the hot alpha men who fall hard for them.
Her pastimes are traveling to new and favorite places, trying new foods, a swoony book with either a good cup of tea or coffee, margaritas on special occasions, and watching her kids participate in a variety of sports.
She has spent the majority of her adult life working in emergency medicine and her books are written in this setting. Her main characters are typically in the medical field, EMS, fire, and/or law enforcement. She enjoys writing angsty, contemporary romance starring headstrong, independent heroines you can’t help but love and the hot alpha men who fall hard for them.
Born and raised in Virginia, LM Fox currently lives in a suburb of Richmond with her husband, three kids, and a chocolate lab.
Her pastimes are traveling to new and favorite places, trying new foods, a swoony book with either a good cup of tea or coffee, margaritas on special occasions, and watching her kids participate in a variety of sports.
She has spent the majority of her adult life working in emergency medicine and her books are written in this setting. Her main characters are typically in the medical field, EMS, fire, and/or law enforcement. She enjoys writing angsty, contemporary romance starring headstrong, independent heroines you can’t help but love and the hot alpha men who fall hard for them.
Born and raised in Virginia, LM Fox currently lives in a suburb of Richmond with her husband, three kids, and a chocolate lab.
Her pastimes are traveling to new and favorite places, trying new foods, a swoony book with either a good cup of tea or coffee, margaritas on special occasions, and watching her kids participate in a variety of sports.
She has spent the majority of her adult life working in emergency medicine and her books are written in this setting. Her main characters are typically in the medical field, EMS, fire, and/or law enforcement. She enjoys writing angsty, contemporary romance starring headstrong, independent heroines you can’t help but love and the hot alpha men who fall hard for them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
June 23, 2024
I love Matt and Ellie
Matt comes home to help his brother Harrison take care of their mother, and sees the girl he secretly crushed on Ellie. She works in a gas station selling her famous chicken. Matt is only home for a limited time, but can’t stop thinking about Ellie. Can they be together even though they live states apart? Great characters and storyline Highly recommended Amazing Book I love Matt and Ellie and their dynamic and character development. Great supporting characters. This book is about found family, second chance and the spice is so good. Go grab this book
Matt comes home to help his brother Harrison take care of their mother, and sees the girl he secretly crushed on Ellie. She works in a gas station selling her famous chicken. Matt is only home for a limited time, but can’t stop thinking about Ellie. Can they be together even though they live states apart? Great characters and storyline Highly recommended Amazing Book I love Matt and Ellie and their dynamic and character development. Great supporting characters. This book is about found family, second chance and the spice is so good. Go grab this book
July 22, 2023
So I received this as an arc and when looking at the tropes/descriptions, I was interested. The book had a good start the first 5 chapters and then it just started going down hill. I felt like Matt and Ellie’s relationship was forced and I wasn’t able to connect with any of the characters.
It just started getting boring.
I don’t understand why someone said this was a second chance because this definitely wasn’t. A second chance is when the mc’s have been together in some type of form and it did not end well and they find each other again. So it’s a head scratcher when this doesn’t apply to this book.
But if you want something that speaks on family trauma, a bit of high school trauma, and illness with a pinch of romance then this is the book for you.
It just started getting boring.
I don’t understand why someone said this was a second chance because this definitely wasn’t. A second chance is when the mc’s have been together in some type of form and it did not end well and they find each other again. So it’s a head scratcher when this doesn’t apply to this book.
But if you want something that speaks on family trauma, a bit of high school trauma, and illness with a pinch of romance then this is the book for you.
August 3, 2023
Okkkaaaayy this was my first foray a book by LM Fox, but it definitely won’t be my last. I just devoured this in one setting, because who needs sleep? Was there a dad joke in the middle of sexy time? Yes. Did I groan and giggle at the same time? Yes. Would I have been disappointed if it wasn’t made? Also yes. So overall, batting a thousand here. My only complaint was that it wasn’t longer, so I could stay in that world for longer.
Matt is coming back to his hometown because his brother needs help caring for their mother until they find around the clock care as her Alzheimer’s is progressing. He is helping out at his brother’s construction company to earn a bit of money while down there and they send him to a dilapidated gas station for lunch. When he goes in he has to wonder, did his brother send him there for the hot chicken or the hot woman manning the counter?
Matt is coming back to his hometown because his brother needs help caring for their mother until they find around the clock care as her Alzheimer’s is progressing. He is helping out at his brother’s construction company to earn a bit of money while down there and they send him to a dilapidated gas station for lunch. When he goes in he has to wonder, did his brother send him there for the hot chicken or the hot woman manning the counter?
July 28, 2023
It's never too late to make amends
You can feel Ellie's pain as she relives the torture and bullying of her teenage years on a daily basis. She has grown and is a far stronger person now than she was then, but no matter how deep she buries the doubts, certain people manage to bring them to the surface time and again. I love how devoted she is to her grandpa and Al.
Matt was an emotional wreck at high school and because of this he inadvertently compounded Ellie's bullying, he still fights the guilt he feels for this on a daily basis, but seeing her knocks him to his knees. There is too much...too much guilt, too much lust, too much love.
It may take them a little time to find their path, but I really like that they don't rush their relationship, they take their time and find the best path for both of them.
A fun and at times emotional addition to the series which I read on Kindle Unlimited.
You can feel Ellie's pain as she relives the torture and bullying of her teenage years on a daily basis. She has grown and is a far stronger person now than she was then, but no matter how deep she buries the doubts, certain people manage to bring them to the surface time and again. I love how devoted she is to her grandpa and Al.
Matt was an emotional wreck at high school and because of this he inadvertently compounded Ellie's bullying, he still fights the guilt he feels for this on a daily basis, but seeing her knocks him to his knees. There is too much...too much guilt, too much lust, too much love.
It may take them a little time to find their path, but I really like that they don't rush their relationship, they take their time and find the best path for both of them.
A fun and at times emotional addition to the series which I read on Kindle Unlimited.
August 5, 2023
LM Fox's Hot Chicken started with a strong beginning, capturing my attention in the first 5 chapters. However, as the story progressed, the relationship between Matt and Ellie felt contrived, leaving me disconnected from the characters. The initial promise faded, and I found the plot becoming monotonous, not really a second-chance vibe.
August 21, 2023
Matt Hightower is melting. He will take running into blazing fires over the blazing heat in his hometown of Candy Cane Key working on a construction site any day.
Matt couldn't wait to get out of Candy Cane Key after he graduated high school and it wasn't all because the town celebrated surfing and Santa 24/7 365 days a year, but he took temporary leave from his job as a firefighter in North Carolina to help his brother Harry as they looked for a permanent caregiver for their mother.
He was proud of his brother for staying near their mom, especially since her breast cancer scare, but now she has Alzheimer's and until he arrived he had no idea how fast her disease was progressing. But the strain of running a construction company and needing to stay alert at night to make sure their mother was safe was taking its toll on his brother.
When the crew sends him to get chicken he is glad for the chance to cool off in his truck. He looks at the rundown old gas station leerily until he sees the sign in the window for chicken. An old man sitting at the counter directs him to the deli counter to find Elliot.
Elliot is a smoking hot woman. Does the crew come for the hot chicken or the smoking hot chick?
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. This is a short read and unlike the previous books I've read doesn't revolve around the medical field.
Matt had left his hometown to escape the bad memories only he finds that he has a second chance with a girl who he didn't stand up for in high school. Now he needs to choose... return to North Carolina and the life he has built or follow his heart.
Highly recommend!
Matt couldn't wait to get out of Candy Cane Key after he graduated high school and it wasn't all because the town celebrated surfing and Santa 24/7 365 days a year, but he took temporary leave from his job as a firefighter in North Carolina to help his brother Harry as they looked for a permanent caregiver for their mother.
He was proud of his brother for staying near their mom, especially since her breast cancer scare, but now she has Alzheimer's and until he arrived he had no idea how fast her disease was progressing. But the strain of running a construction company and needing to stay alert at night to make sure their mother was safe was taking its toll on his brother.
When the crew sends him to get chicken he is glad for the chance to cool off in his truck. He looks at the rundown old gas station leerily until he sees the sign in the window for chicken. An old man sitting at the counter directs him to the deli counter to find Elliot.
Elliot is a smoking hot woman. Does the crew come for the hot chicken or the smoking hot chick?
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. This is a short read and unlike the previous books I've read doesn't revolve around the medical field.
Matt had left his hometown to escape the bad memories only he finds that he has a second chance with a girl who he didn't stand up for in high school. Now he needs to choose... return to North Carolina and the life he has built or follow his heart.
Highly recommend!
July 25, 2023
Hot Chicken by LM Fox
✨ARC Book Review✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Releasing 7/27
🍗Second Chance Romance
🍗Small Town Beach Romance
🍗Unrequited Love
🍗Return to Hometown
🍗Quick Spicy Read
🍗Standalone (stars characters from Naughty & Nice)
Another amazing book by LM Fox! Seriously anything this author writes will be absolutely amazing! I love reading all her book and this one was no different!
If your in the mood for a quick spicy book with a second chance romance I highly recommend this book! I loved every second of it!
There were so many great scenes in this book but my all time favorite was that scene with the Pig! OMG Matt’s reaction to Jimmy Dean had me laugh so hard!
Highly recommended reading!
Blurb:
Matt
Returning to my hometown to help care for my ailing mother wasn’t on my radar at age twenty-six.
But neither was Ellie Albright.
This small seaside town and its obsession with Christmas had me packed and ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
Who knew a trip to the corner convenience store could make this holiday grump want to grovel?
Because this girl is all I can think about.
And I’m not wasting my chance this time.
Ellie
It’s Christmas in July in Candy Cane Key.
However, winning Best on the Beach is the only thing on my wishlist.
Definitely not my blazing hot high school crush turned firefighter who’s come back home.
July is tourist season for our little beach town.
The entire community enjoys a lift in sales as travelers visit for sun, surf, and holiday silliness.
Yet it’s not as easy when your place of business is a run-down gas station.
But I’m keeping my eye on the prize.
Not on Matthew Hightower.
That’s one gift even Santa can’t deliver.
✨ARC Book Review✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Releasing 7/27
🍗Second Chance Romance
🍗Small Town Beach Romance
🍗Unrequited Love
🍗Return to Hometown
🍗Quick Spicy Read
🍗Standalone (stars characters from Naughty & Nice)
Another amazing book by LM Fox! Seriously anything this author writes will be absolutely amazing! I love reading all her book and this one was no different!
If your in the mood for a quick spicy book with a second chance romance I highly recommend this book! I loved every second of it!
There were so many great scenes in this book but my all time favorite was that scene with the Pig! OMG Matt’s reaction to Jimmy Dean had me laugh so hard!
Highly recommended reading!
Blurb:
Matt
Returning to my hometown to help care for my ailing mother wasn’t on my radar at age twenty-six.
But neither was Ellie Albright.
This small seaside town and its obsession with Christmas had me packed and ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
Who knew a trip to the corner convenience store could make this holiday grump want to grovel?
Because this girl is all I can think about.
And I’m not wasting my chance this time.
Ellie
It’s Christmas in July in Candy Cane Key.
However, winning Best on the Beach is the only thing on my wishlist.
Definitely not my blazing hot high school crush turned firefighter who’s come back home.
July is tourist season for our little beach town.
The entire community enjoys a lift in sales as travelers visit for sun, surf, and holiday silliness.
Yet it’s not as easy when your place of business is a run-down gas station.
But I’m keeping my eye on the prize.
Not on Matthew Hightower.
That’s one gift even Santa can’t deliver.
July 27, 2023
I’m not going to lie, as soon as I saw the title of this book I knew it was going to be so good and it did not disappoint..
HOT CHICKEN is a short and sexy novella that will have you not only craving some of Ellies chicken, but also the sexy hot fire fighter Matt..
This story follows Matt who has returned home to help his brother out with their sick mother.
One day he finds himself running into an old school flame that he has always had a secret crush on..
we meet the beauty and curvy Ellie who runs a little chicken shop out of a run down gas station..
when Matt walks in memories of School Come rushing
Back but not in a good way..
can Matt make up for all the hurt that Ellie feels? Or is it too late?
Again LM Fox has given us a little treat for all the senses..
⭐️second chance romance
⭐️curvy girl
⭐️fire fighter
⭐️small town romance
⭐️Christmas in July
⭐️spicy
This book had me hooked from page one! I fell in love with Ellie and loved how even though she felt insecure about how she looked, she was a fighter, in some ways I personally related to her.. and I feel that Many who read her story will..
Matt is a kind soul, he had a bit of a sad past, but that doesn’t stop him for going after what he wants..
the spice in this book is sexy as hell and I loved that at times I was swooning and laughing..
HOT CHICKEN is a short and sexy novella that will have you not only craving some of Ellies chicken, but also the sexy hot fire fighter Matt..
This story follows Matt who has returned home to help his brother out with their sick mother.
One day he finds himself running into an old school flame that he has always had a secret crush on..
we meet the beauty and curvy Ellie who runs a little chicken shop out of a run down gas station..
when Matt walks in memories of School Come rushing
Back but not in a good way..
can Matt make up for all the hurt that Ellie feels? Or is it too late?
Again LM Fox has given us a little treat for all the senses..
⭐️second chance romance
⭐️curvy girl
⭐️fire fighter
⭐️small town romance
⭐️Christmas in July
⭐️spicy
This book had me hooked from page one! I fell in love with Ellie and loved how even though she felt insecure about how she looked, she was a fighter, in some ways I personally related to her.. and I feel that Many who read her story will..
Matt is a kind soul, he had a bit of a sad past, but that doesn’t stop him for going after what he wants..
the spice in this book is sexy as hell and I loved that at times I was swooning and laughing..
August 2, 2023
This was a cute little read. I really enjoy this authors writing style. Her relationships and conflict are great. This was a super quick, short read that definitely left me wanting more, but that’s a novella for you!
I enjoyed the spice in this one but there were only a couple scenes that were lightly spicy. So this is a good read for someone getting into spicy books.
This second chance romance of high school acquaintances(?) is sweet. I enjoyed the character development throughout and loved seeing them grow together.
I felt that the end was rushed but I honestly feel that way with a lot of books. But I’m glad for the HEA.
I also loved how she explored the relationships with other side characters as well and those felt more real and fleshed out.
Overall, great short read. Definitely check out her other works as well.
This is a book tour stop for Romance Me With Books!!!
I enjoyed the spice in this one but there were only a couple scenes that were lightly spicy. So this is a good read for someone getting into spicy books.
This second chance romance of high school acquaintances(?) is sweet. I enjoyed the character development throughout and loved seeing them grow together.
I felt that the end was rushed but I honestly feel that way with a lot of books. But I’m glad for the HEA.
I also loved how she explored the relationships with other side characters as well and those felt more real and fleshed out.
Overall, great short read. Definitely check out her other works as well.
This is a book tour stop for Romance Me With Books!!!
July 22, 2023
Ellie was bullied at school, having been abandoned by her mother to the care of her grandparents. Those that had more then her thought they were better than her. Matt, a year ahead of her was aware of her poor treatment but had his own issues to deal with so did nothing about it. Matt, now a firefighter, returns to Candy Cane Key to help his brother care for his mother. When he sees Ellie again, he cannot resist her now she is all grown up. Ellie in turn cannot resist Matt, her teenage crush. As care for his mother is established, Matt returns to his firefighter crew leaving Ellie. However, he is miserable and tries to find a way for him and Ellie to have a future together. Read an ARC for an honest review.
July 28, 2023
Who doesn’t love Christmas in July? Based on the title, I knew that I was not going to be disappointed and it was going to be amazing! Another great book by LM Fox! Honestly, I’ll read anything and everything this author writes; they’re just that good! I love how, even when Ellie would feel insecure about her looks, she would not let that get to her and keep pushing, and I can relate to that in a way and I feel that others would be able to as well. One thing I love about this author is that she incorporates a little of herself in each book and I’m so glad I get to share my admiration of her. If you want a spicy, yet sweet novella and wish Christmas was in July all the time, this is the book for you!
July 28, 2023
DNF when they’re about to have sex, I refuse to continue because H will be getting the only thing he wants!
He doesn’t deserve her at all
Coward H who left others bully her at HS, then H left town and came back years later, H lusts for her immediately but you can’t convince me this is love. I don’t think H felt guilty about anything.
H is a firefighter, good looking, successful and lives in the city, she is extremely poor, never went to college, her grandpa need oxygen, waitress in a dinner…see the difference?
I hate that! Unfair! Always the poor heroine! Fuck this Hero! 🤮
Not romantic at all!
Sorry but no,
He doesn’t deserve her at all
Coward H who left others bully her at HS, then H left town and came back years later, H lusts for her immediately but you can’t convince me this is love. I don’t think H felt guilty about anything.
H is a firefighter, good looking, successful and lives in the city, she is extremely poor, never went to college, her grandpa need oxygen, waitress in a dinner…see the difference?
I hate that! Unfair! Always the poor heroine! Fuck this Hero! 🤮
Not romantic at all!
Sorry but no,
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2023
This gives me so much – hotness, spiciness, sweet moments, tenderness, and realness like you would not believe. Also, some light-heartedness and wittymoments. ❤️❤️❤️
Matt and Ellie knew each other in high school. They meet once again and sparks fly, even due to misunderstandings back when they were young. Their chemistry is 🔥🔥🔥 and so very yummy. The emotions from happy to downright heartbreaking are just absolutely wonderful. I didn't quite expect the emotional ups and downs, but it worked so well.
Dear ones, in this story, characters deal with grief, so please consider the content warnings before reading this book.
This is part of the multi-author series 'A Man of the Month: Christmas in July Series.
If you love romance, I recommend this book. ❤️
Matt and Ellie knew each other in high school. They meet once again and sparks fly, even due to misunderstandings back when they were young. Their chemistry is 🔥🔥🔥 and so very yummy. The emotions from happy to downright heartbreaking are just absolutely wonderful. I didn't quite expect the emotional ups and downs, but it worked so well.
Dear ones, in this story, characters deal with grief, so please consider the content warnings before reading this book.
This is part of the multi-author series 'A Man of the Month: Christmas in July Series.
If you love romance, I recommend this book. ❤️
July 21, 2023
This was a very quick read, about 2 hours, short and sweet. Ellie and Matt went to high school together, he was popular and his friends would bully Ellie and he never stood up for her. They both had similar home situations growing up and as adults, both have ailing family members. Matt is in town for a short while and doesn't want to start something he can't finish and Ellie doesn't want to leave her grandpa. There wasn't a lot of spice but there was some and there were also a few touching moments. There was only one flashback to the past, which was enough to set the scene and show what Ellie went through. I enjoyed Ellie and Matt's love story and their characters
July 28, 2023
Another fantastic spicy novella from LM Fox.
This standalone story follows Matt when he returns to his hometown to help his brother.
A trip to a run-down gas station brings him face-to-face with the gorgeous girl he knew back in high school.
I really enjoyed reading this story. It's a quick read with some good spicy scenes, touch of past trauma, and family issues.
The moment Matt meets Jimmy Dean had me giggling so much 😆
And of course, I love the cameos from characters from Naughty & Nice ❤️
This standalone story follows Matt when he returns to his hometown to help his brother.
A trip to a run-down gas station brings him face-to-face with the gorgeous girl he knew back in high school.
I really enjoyed reading this story. It's a quick read with some good spicy scenes, touch of past trauma, and family issues.
The moment Matt meets Jimmy Dean had me giggling so much 😆
And of course, I love the cameos from characters from Naughty & Nice ❤️
August 4, 2023
I signed up for this tour because I just really wanted to read a romance book with Hot Chicken as the title. It was a cute Christmas in July small town romance between two people who knew each other in high school and never made a move.
Overall, it was cute with just a dash of spicy. I didn’t like the FMC very much because I personally prefer a little more ambition and a little less small town never left home vibes, but if that doesn’t bother you, then you’ll enjoy this one!
Overall, it was cute with just a dash of spicy. I didn’t like the FMC very much because I personally prefer a little more ambition and a little less small town never left home vibes, but if that doesn’t bother you, then you’ll enjoy this one!
July 22, 2023
This is just what I needed - I love LM Fox’s writing
What a great read - emotional, fun and sexy.
You can’t go wrong with Hot Chicken.
I love Matt and Ellie - both having lived with crossed wires since high school - can they make a second chance work?
Who doesn’t love a bit of Christmas in July?
Highly recommend - add to your TBR
What a great read - emotional, fun and sexy.
You can’t go wrong with Hot Chicken.
I love Matt and Ellie - both having lived with crossed wires since high school - can they make a second chance work?
Who doesn’t love a bit of Christmas in July?
Highly recommend - add to your TBR
August 4, 2023
Another great Candy Cane Key book, this one featuring Ellie and Matt. Matt is home, visiting his brother and mum when he runs into Ellie who he knew in high school. Matt is a total sweetheart but Ellie is wary due to their history. They both face heartbreak and obstacles to find their HEA.
October 18, 2023
3.5⭐️
Cute easy read
Cute easy read
July 25, 2023
Oowwwnnn!!!! Layla!! You did it again!!!! This is go easy to read and so easy to enjoy!!! There are so many circumstances in our lives that make us not do the right thing and just keep living. Matt and Ellie are so cute together. It is so good to read fast short stories with happy endings!!!! Hot Chicken is hot, fun and it made me think about a bunch of recipes. 🤣 I loved it. Thank you Layla for the arc copy.
July 20, 2023
I really like this one!!!! Christmas is my favorite holiday, so of course I love Christmas in July. I received this as an ebook Arc copy, and I enjoyed it so much. Thamk you for this read. 4 stars from me.
August 14, 2023
This short, sexy novella checked all the boxes for me. I had so much fun reading this, and the hot firefighter was an added bonus. Ellie and Matt heat up the pages in this Christmas in July book from L.M. Fox. Go check it out today.
December 7, 2025
Christmas in the heat
Matt left Candy Cane Keys as soon as he could, but now he's back to help with his sick mother, and he finds the girl he had crushed on at high school. Ellie never left the island, but seeing Matt brings back bad memories of the mean girl who dated him.
A summer story set in a place where they celebrate Christmas all year. Nicely done with the usual angst and some wonderful characters. The sex scenes are quite good.
Enjoyable.
Matt left Candy Cane Keys as soon as he could, but now he's back to help with his sick mother, and he finds the girl he had crushed on at high school. Ellie never left the island, but seeing Matt brings back bad memories of the mean girl who dated him.
A summer story set in a place where they celebrate Christmas all year. Nicely done with the usual angst and some wonderful characters. The sex scenes are quite good.
Enjoyable.
August 3, 2023
I thought Hot Chicken was hot good steamy quick read. I loved the characters. I loved how Matt and Harrison do right by their mom in her situation and vice versa with Ellie and her Grandpa and their living situation was heartbreaking. And the mean girl (Jennifer) face at the end LOL. I enjoyed reading this book and this was my first book by LM Fox.
August 31, 2023
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶🌶
Angst 👍👍
Did I pick this solely because my book boyfriend is the cover and I read pretty much any book he is on. Yes. However, I truly enjoyed this!! Plus size rep, and she was so fun. I loved the backstory and past that her and Matt shared. The town characters were quirky and caring. Overall would recommend for sure.
Spice 🌶🌶
Angst 👍👍
Did I pick this solely because my book boyfriend is the cover and I read pretty much any book he is on. Yes. However, I truly enjoyed this!! Plus size rep, and she was so fun. I loved the backstory and past that her and Matt shared. The town characters were quirky and caring. Overall would recommend for sure.
February 17, 2024
OMG!!! WOW!! Fab*u*lous Absolutely love this one!! I couldn't put this one down. This was a nice quick, short read.
Matt and Ellie knew of each other in high school, but he always hung out with the popular crowd. Matt took off after graduating high school and headed to Sycamore Mountain while Ellie stayed in Candy Cane Keys. Her only living family was her grandfather who took care of her when her mother passed away then her grandmother. Matt comes back to Candy Cane Key to help out his brother Harrison. Matt is a firefighter in Sycamore Mountain and doesn't want to live in Candy Cane Keys. Matt helps his brother Harrison out at his construction company when they send him off to grab lunch. They send him to Salty Jo's where he finds Ellie but doesn't realize it's her until he gets back to his brother's crew and they start talking about her. Matt is shocked to find out that the girl at the convince store making the fried chicken is his Ellie he left ten years ago. Ellie recognizes Matt right away and didn't know he was back in town. Matt goes to Salty Jo's the next day to grab a cup of coffee but everyone realize you don't go there for coffee. When he is trying to talk to Ellie he is met with a familiar voice, his ex-girlfriend from high school, who also bullied Ellie. When Matt goes back to find Ellie he finds she isn't there and he leaves. Matt is watching his mother and doesn't realize how bad she is, when he wakes up in the morning she's missing but the caretaker brings her back when she arrives at work. When Ellie's car breaks down it's Matt who finds her he gives her a ride home and discovers what poor conditions she's living in. Ellie heads for a girls night out with her best friend Charlotte, while at the bar they receive lots of free drinks from other guys. Matt and his brother arrive at the bar and offer to buy them dinner. When there's a bad thunderstorm Matt calls his brother Harrison about Ellie and her grandfather, he knows he needs oxygen to survive. Matt tells his brother if the power goes out he know they don't have a generator. They make arrangements to stay at the Sugar Plum Inn until the power comes back on. Matt stays the night with Ellie, she doesn't want him driving around in the bad weather. They share the pull out couch and he's woken by her grandfather leaning over him Ellie's grandfather tells Matt no to hurt her and he knows he doesn't want to hurt Ellie. Matt asks Ellie to go on one date with him, she agrees, they enjoy their night. When they arrive back at her home he tells her her he wants to kiss her but she tells him she needs to go. Ellie tells him about how she didn't like he hung around with the kids who bullied her in high school. Matt apologies to Ellie telling her he should have stopped them from bulling her but never was brave enough to do it. Matt tells Ellie he's always wanted her, but he's leaving and headed back to Sycamore Mountain. Ellie leans in and kisses Matt and soon he's telling her he want to pleasure her. They slide into the back of his pickup truck, he pleasures her then she pleasures him. Ellie is trying to get ready for the July festival but her grandfather keeps being hospitalized. Ellie gets a phone call that she was nominated to receive home build but she's not interested. Ellie gets a knock on her door, they have a mobile home for her and her grandfather, she asks what the cost will be. When Ellie realizes she can afford it she accepts the offer. Ellie starts packing things up, the doctors aren't giving her grandfather much more time and they tell her she needs to start looking into hospice. Ellie calls Matt and asks him if he can come and help her move boxes into her new home, he's more than willing to help. Matt comes to help but can only stay an hour, then will come back the next day. When Matt returns Ellie is at work and her grandfather is in the hospital. Matt gets to work moving the boxes, then he builds a back porch for her so that she can cut her grandfather's hair. When Ellie heads out for a girls night she gets a strange phone call she rushes home to find her grandfather already sleeping in bed. Ellie gets ready for the best on the beach, she has a line all day. When she looks at the line she notices Matt standing in it with roses in his hands. Matt asks her if she wants to do a long distance relationship, because he loves her. Ellie agrees, she comes in second place at the best on the beach. Matt takes Ellie to his brother's home and they pleasure one another then make love. Three months later, Matt has been on several fire calls when the other shift is re-leaving them he finds out his brother has been trying to get a hold of him. Matt's brother tells him that Ellie's grandfather passed away, so he tells his brother he'll be on the next flight. Six months later, Ellie is headed to Sycamore Mountain to be with Matt, they decided since she doesn't have any family to move. They'll come back to visit and spend time with his family. Matt knows he wants to put a ring on Ellie's finger someday. On the drive to Sycamore Mountain Ellie tries to think of a name for her new restaurant from her winnings at the Best on the Beach and sale of her grandfather's land. Matt suggest Elliot's Hot Chicken, in honor of her grandfather and Ellie tell him she likes it.
Matt and Ellie knew of each other in high school, but he always hung out with the popular crowd. Matt took off after graduating high school and headed to Sycamore Mountain while Ellie stayed in Candy Cane Keys. Her only living family was her grandfather who took care of her when her mother passed away then her grandmother. Matt comes back to Candy Cane Key to help out his brother Harrison. Matt is a firefighter in Sycamore Mountain and doesn't want to live in Candy Cane Keys. Matt helps his brother Harrison out at his construction company when they send him off to grab lunch. They send him to Salty Jo's where he finds Ellie but doesn't realize it's her until he gets back to his brother's crew and they start talking about her. Matt is shocked to find out that the girl at the convince store making the fried chicken is his Ellie he left ten years ago. Ellie recognizes Matt right away and didn't know he was back in town. Matt goes to Salty Jo's the next day to grab a cup of coffee but everyone realize you don't go there for coffee. When he is trying to talk to Ellie he is met with a familiar voice, his ex-girlfriend from high school, who also bullied Ellie. When Matt goes back to find Ellie he finds she isn't there and he leaves. Matt is watching his mother and doesn't realize how bad she is, when he wakes up in the morning she's missing but the caretaker brings her back when she arrives at work. When Ellie's car breaks down it's Matt who finds her he gives her a ride home and discovers what poor conditions she's living in. Ellie heads for a girls night out with her best friend Charlotte, while at the bar they receive lots of free drinks from other guys. Matt and his brother arrive at the bar and offer to buy them dinner. When there's a bad thunderstorm Matt calls his brother Harrison about Ellie and her grandfather, he knows he needs oxygen to survive. Matt tells his brother if the power goes out he know they don't have a generator. They make arrangements to stay at the Sugar Plum Inn until the power comes back on. Matt stays the night with Ellie, she doesn't want him driving around in the bad weather. They share the pull out couch and he's woken by her grandfather leaning over him Ellie's grandfather tells Matt no to hurt her and he knows he doesn't want to hurt Ellie. Matt asks Ellie to go on one date with him, she agrees, they enjoy their night. When they arrive back at her home he tells her her he wants to kiss her but she tells him she needs to go. Ellie tells him about how she didn't like he hung around with the kids who bullied her in high school. Matt apologies to Ellie telling her he should have stopped them from bulling her but never was brave enough to do it. Matt tells Ellie he's always wanted her, but he's leaving and headed back to Sycamore Mountain. Ellie leans in and kisses Matt and soon he's telling her he want to pleasure her. They slide into the back of his pickup truck, he pleasures her then she pleasures him. Ellie is trying to get ready for the July festival but her grandfather keeps being hospitalized. Ellie gets a phone call that she was nominated to receive home build but she's not interested. Ellie gets a knock on her door, they have a mobile home for her and her grandfather, she asks what the cost will be. When Ellie realizes she can afford it she accepts the offer. Ellie starts packing things up, the doctors aren't giving her grandfather much more time and they tell her she needs to start looking into hospice. Ellie calls Matt and asks him if he can come and help her move boxes into her new home, he's more than willing to help. Matt comes to help but can only stay an hour, then will come back the next day. When Matt returns Ellie is at work and her grandfather is in the hospital. Matt gets to work moving the boxes, then he builds a back porch for her so that she can cut her grandfather's hair. When Ellie heads out for a girls night she gets a strange phone call she rushes home to find her grandfather already sleeping in bed. Ellie gets ready for the best on the beach, she has a line all day. When she looks at the line she notices Matt standing in it with roses in his hands. Matt asks her if she wants to do a long distance relationship, because he loves her. Ellie agrees, she comes in second place at the best on the beach. Matt takes Ellie to his brother's home and they pleasure one another then make love. Three months later, Matt has been on several fire calls when the other shift is re-leaving them he finds out his brother has been trying to get a hold of him. Matt's brother tells him that Ellie's grandfather passed away, so he tells his brother he'll be on the next flight. Six months later, Ellie is headed to Sycamore Mountain to be with Matt, they decided since she doesn't have any family to move. They'll come back to visit and spend time with his family. Matt knows he wants to put a ring on Ellie's finger someday. On the drive to Sycamore Mountain Ellie tries to think of a name for her new restaurant from her winnings at the Best on the Beach and sale of her grandfather's land. Matt suggest Elliot's Hot Chicken, in honor of her grandfather and Ellie tell him she likes it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2023
Just not my kind a book
July 27, 2023
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU / UNIVERSAL
Matt's come home on temporary leave to help his brother care for their mother, when he runs into the girl in high school that he's never forgotten. He always had feelings for her, but never acted on them, never even stood up for her when the bullies harassed her. He knows he doesn't deserve for Ellie to even look twice at him, let alone go out with him, but he can't resist trying to get close to her. Except, his time here in Candy Cane Key has an expiration date, and he really shouldn't start something with her knowing he can't give her the forever she deserves.
Ellie had a huge crush on Matt back in the day. Now he's back in town looking even more gorgeous, and surprisingly seems interested in her. But she can't possibly be with the guy who didn't stand up for her in high school when the bullies tried to break her. And she can't let some temporary fun get in the way of her plans, even if she can't resist him when he's at his sweetest, most charming self.
I want to live in Candy Cane Key! It's where Christmas is all year around, and people fall head over heels in love. Matt didn't stand a chance once he set eyes again on his beautiful Ellie. And there's no way Ellie could resist the hot firefighter from her past. I've been loving all the Man of the Month Club stories, but I think I've found my favorite one now - Ellie and Matt make unrequited longing look as delicious as Ellie's Hot Chicken.
ARC provided by Give Me Books Promotions for an honest review.
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August 4, 2023
I went into LM Fox’s Hot Chicken not really knowing what to expect, and I have to say I was more than pleasantly surprised. The book takes place in the Florida Keys and follows Matt and Ellie as they revisit the secret crushes they had on each other in high school. They both discover those feelings never died, but face conflicts due to Matt’s work in North Carolina and the fact that Ellie is tied to their hometown.
I loved the plot of this book from the moment I opened it on my kindle and read the dedication and found it dedicated to anyone who had ever been affected by bullying. Elie was bullied in high school. She was a bit overweight and due to her family’s financial woes she didn’t always have the most up to date clothing. The flashback scenes were a very real look into what high school is usually like, and it truly helped drive the story forward by providing necessary context. It adds another layer to Ellie and Matt’s relationship that would not have been there otherwise, and allows the reader to truly be present as they rediscover each other.
Watching Ellie and Matt’s relationship develop was what kept me turning the page. They both have baggage from the past to overcome, and together they truly manage to do just that. Woven within the pages of this love story is also a strong message about found family and doing whatever you can for those you love that for me truly hit me in my emotional core. There was simply so much to enjoy in this 158 page novella.
I truly loved the main characters in this book, especially Ellie. I couldn’t help but identify with her in so many ways, especially in the flashback scenes. She puts up a facade of strength, but the words and actions of others can still cut deep and leave lasting hidden scars. Watching her finally allow herself to be vulnerable and then the way the story wraps up the conflict with the town bullies was so incredibly satisfying.
If I had any complaint it would be with the lack of depth in the town bully. I know there are some mean girls who never grow out of it, but there was simply no maturity from someone who was supposed to be nearing thirty. There are only a few short scenes with that particular character, so it doesn’t really take away from the story. I just love a ‘villian’ who isn’t all bad since no one is truly just good or evil.
Ratings:
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Overall, I very much enjoyed this book! There’s spice, although it is not the main focus. If you love a sweet, small town romance about second chances with the one that got away, this is a book for you!
I loved the plot of this book from the moment I opened it on my kindle and read the dedication and found it dedicated to anyone who had ever been affected by bullying. Elie was bullied in high school. She was a bit overweight and due to her family’s financial woes she didn’t always have the most up to date clothing. The flashback scenes were a very real look into what high school is usually like, and it truly helped drive the story forward by providing necessary context. It adds another layer to Ellie and Matt’s relationship that would not have been there otherwise, and allows the reader to truly be present as they rediscover each other.
Watching Ellie and Matt’s relationship develop was what kept me turning the page. They both have baggage from the past to overcome, and together they truly manage to do just that. Woven within the pages of this love story is also a strong message about found family and doing whatever you can for those you love that for me truly hit me in my emotional core. There was simply so much to enjoy in this 158 page novella.
I truly loved the main characters in this book, especially Ellie. I couldn’t help but identify with her in so many ways, especially in the flashback scenes. She puts up a facade of strength, but the words and actions of others can still cut deep and leave lasting hidden scars. Watching her finally allow herself to be vulnerable and then the way the story wraps up the conflict with the town bullies was so incredibly satisfying.
If I had any complaint it would be with the lack of depth in the town bully. I know there are some mean girls who never grow out of it, but there was simply no maturity from someone who was supposed to be nearing thirty. There are only a few short scenes with that particular character, so it doesn’t really take away from the story. I just love a ‘villian’ who isn’t all bad since no one is truly just good or evil.
Ratings:
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Overall, I very much enjoyed this book! There’s spice, although it is not the main focus. If you love a sweet, small town romance about second chances with the one that got away, this is a book for you!
July 28, 2023
Wow, that seems to sum up this book. Author LM Fox did not disappoint, it was quick read, but it held my interest none the less. Small town romance with a sweet side.
Matt and Harrison are brothers who were both adopted when they were young, Matt was adopted three years after Harry, but their dad refused to give Harry the last name of Hightower because he said he was not a true son. Their dad showed his true colors once their mom was diagnosed with cancer, he left and left her to care for the kids on her own. While trying to support the boys and survive chemotherapy her health dwindled.
The boys both grew up to be amazing young men. Matt became a fire fighter and Harry worked in construction. Matt had taken a leave from work to come back and help Harry care for their mother, she was not doing well and needed around the clock care.
Elliot “Ellie” was the girl in school that everyone avoided, she was never picked for any team, not even as the pity pick because she was the last one there, they just walked off and began their game. Ellie grew up with her grandparents when her mom was killed in a car accident. She took her grandmas recipes and ran a small deli out of the gas station outside of the tourist area, but it was the favorite of several locals, including Matt’s brother and his crew.
Ellie had a crush on Matt in high school, little did she know that he had a crush on her as well, so when she saw him walk into her deli her heart was pounding. He did realize who she was as she had grown in a very attractive young lady, it only took one time hearing who she was to stir all those feelings back up again.
Can the two rekindle what they both felt when they were in younger, letting their feelings for each other move them closer instead of letting the past push them apart? I would 100% recommend you go buy this book; you will not be disappointed. It’s a shorter read but it was not short on emotion and romance.
More on this amazing book over at out blog https://cuzweread.wordpress.com/2023/...
Matt and Harrison are brothers who were both adopted when they were young, Matt was adopted three years after Harry, but their dad refused to give Harry the last name of Hightower because he said he was not a true son. Their dad showed his true colors once their mom was diagnosed with cancer, he left and left her to care for the kids on her own. While trying to support the boys and survive chemotherapy her health dwindled.
The boys both grew up to be amazing young men. Matt became a fire fighter and Harry worked in construction. Matt had taken a leave from work to come back and help Harry care for their mother, she was not doing well and needed around the clock care.
Elliot “Ellie” was the girl in school that everyone avoided, she was never picked for any team, not even as the pity pick because she was the last one there, they just walked off and began their game. Ellie grew up with her grandparents when her mom was killed in a car accident. She took her grandmas recipes and ran a small deli out of the gas station outside of the tourist area, but it was the favorite of several locals, including Matt’s brother and his crew.
Ellie had a crush on Matt in high school, little did she know that he had a crush on her as well, so when she saw him walk into her deli her heart was pounding. He did realize who she was as she had grown in a very attractive young lady, it only took one time hearing who she was to stir all those feelings back up again.
Can the two rekindle what they both felt when they were in younger, letting their feelings for each other move them closer instead of letting the past push them apart? I would 100% recommend you go buy this book; you will not be disappointed. It’s a shorter read but it was not short on emotion and romance.
More on this amazing book over at out blog https://cuzweread.wordpress.com/2023/...
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