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Southern Roots Sweet RomCom #2
Just His Boss
She's just his boss, especially since Tara just barely hired Alec. But when things heat up in the kitchen, Tara will have to decide where Alec is needed more—on her arm or behind the stove.
Tara:
Alec Ward makes sure everyone knows I'm the boss. He thinks it's some sort of homage to me or something. I find it as sarcastic and annoying as he is drop-dead gorgeous.
I'd have fired him on his first day for his Grumpy-Cat attitude, but he's the best thing to happen to Saucebilities since I opened the doors a decade ago. He acts like dating is beneath him, and I'm happy to feed that opinion for him by telling him all about my dating disasters while we whip up delicacies for the rich and famous around Charleston.
I know just how to handle men like Alec.
Until an article comes out that could devastate me. The headline?
No one trusts a skinny chef, but can the plump cooks in this town find love?
I'm the headliner in the article, thanks to an ex who's looking for revenge. "Plump?" I rage to Alec, a knife in my hand. "I'll show him plump."
I expect him to laugh, pluck the knife away before I hurt myself, and tell me to get over it. Instead, he says, "You should show him that women of all sizes can find love."
So he's deeper than I thought. Big deal. Doesn't mean I'm going to fall for his knife skills or the muscles it takes to lift all those pounds of potatoes. I do take his advice and leave a comment on my ex's article.
When my ex walks into my kitchen, uninvited I might add, and demands to know who I'm dating, Alec steps right to my side with, "Is this the guy, baby?"
Oh, he's the guy, and I suddenly want to show him—and myself—that I'm a good catch, curves and all...
Get ready to laugh out loud in this hilarious, sweet workplace romantic comedy! The romance is clean, the jokes witty, and the office-kitchen grump swoon-worthy. Read today!
Duration: 8 hours 6 minutes
Tara:
Alec Ward makes sure everyone knows I'm the boss. He thinks it's some sort of homage to me or something. I find it as sarcastic and annoying as he is drop-dead gorgeous.
I'd have fired him on his first day for his Grumpy-Cat attitude, but he's the best thing to happen to Saucebilities since I opened the doors a decade ago. He acts like dating is beneath him, and I'm happy to feed that opinion for him by telling him all about my dating disasters while we whip up delicacies for the rich and famous around Charleston.
I know just how to handle men like Alec.
Until an article comes out that could devastate me. The headline?
No one trusts a skinny chef, but can the plump cooks in this town find love?
I'm the headliner in the article, thanks to an ex who's looking for revenge. "Plump?" I rage to Alec, a knife in my hand. "I'll show him plump."
I expect him to laugh, pluck the knife away before I hurt myself, and tell me to get over it. Instead, he says, "You should show him that women of all sizes can find love."
So he's deeper than I thought. Big deal. Doesn't mean I'm going to fall for his knife skills or the muscles it takes to lift all those pounds of potatoes. I do take his advice and leave a comment on my ex's article.
When my ex walks into my kitchen, uninvited I might add, and demands to know who I'm dating, Alec steps right to my side with, "Is this the guy, baby?"
Oh, he's the guy, and I suddenly want to show him—and myself—that I'm a good catch, curves and all...
Get ready to laugh out loud in this hilarious, sweet workplace romantic comedy! The romance is clean, the jokes witty, and the office-kitchen grump swoon-worthy. Read today!
Duration: 8 hours 6 minutes
9 pages, Audible Audio
First published May 24, 2021
689 people are currently reading
687 people want to read
About the author
Donna Jeffries
10 books116 followersAuthor Donna Jeffries loves everything about the South, from the big ships to the food. Oh, and the office grumps in her Southern Roots Sweet Romantic Comedy series. Get ready to laugh out loud, sigh at the sweet, tender moments, and swoon over the office grumps in her sweet office romcom series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
December 7, 2021
I enjoyed reading the first book in the series and decided to read this book. It started out really well and I loved how both the main characters were so mature. Knowing that they had feelings for each other, they decided to give their relationship a chance instead of playing games. That is where all the positive things in this book end.
The whole book took a nose-dive because of the Tara's insane jealousy with Alec's best friend, Jess. It is understandable to be insecure about oneself and be jealous of another person but it is unacceptable to behave so horribly with another person who has been nothing but kind to you. Tara was so unbelievably selfish that she failed to see that while she had so many people in her life who loved her, Jess only had Alec. She didn't trust the guy (and Alec felt that too) she loved so what was the point of being in a relationship? The author tried to depict that Tara had a hard past and it was the reason for her insecure behavior but it still didn't make it okay.
All the other characters in the book try to make excuses for her including her bestfriend, Callie, who tries to justify this by saying that no one has chosen Tara first and if Alec truly loved her then that's all he had to do; pick her. Not only was it inaccurate, it was also horribly enabling behavior. You are basically telling the man to ditch his bestfriend and that too by texting the said bestfriend! Would anyone like to be dumped by their bestfriend for a significant other, just because he/she was too insecure of your completely platonic friendship?
Even when Tara did come around in the end, she lacked the empathy to understand where Jess was coming from and what Tara had tried to take away from her. If I was Alec, I would dump this selfish woman in a heartbeat and never look back. What I wouldn't do was act like a fool and even think of abandoning my childhood best friend, one who was truly alone at this point in life, one he claimed to love and be protective of, all for such a childish insecure woman.
The whole book took a nose-dive because of the Tara's insane jealousy with Alec's best friend, Jess. It is understandable to be insecure about oneself and be jealous of another person but it is unacceptable to behave so horribly with another person who has been nothing but kind to you. Tara was so unbelievably selfish that she failed to see that while she had so many people in her life who loved her, Jess only had Alec. She didn't trust the guy (and Alec felt that too) she loved so what was the point of being in a relationship? The author tried to depict that Tara had a hard past and it was the reason for her insecure behavior but it still didn't make it okay.
All the other characters in the book try to make excuses for her including her bestfriend, Callie, who tries to justify this by saying that no one has chosen Tara first and if Alec truly loved her then that's all he had to do; pick her. Not only was it inaccurate, it was also horribly enabling behavior. You are basically telling the man to ditch his bestfriend and that too by texting the said bestfriend! Would anyone like to be dumped by their bestfriend for a significant other, just because he/she was too insecure of your completely platonic friendship?
Even when Tara did come around in the end, she lacked the empathy to understand where Jess was coming from and what Tara had tried to take away from her. If I was Alec, I would dump this selfish woman in a heartbeat and never look back. What I wouldn't do was act like a fool and even think of abandoning my childhood best friend, one who was truly alone at this point in life, one he claimed to love and be protective of, all for such a childish insecure woman.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2022
Richa's review is spot on: the h is really selfish and using her insecurities to manipulate people. It was disgraceful that her friends backed her by socially isolating a perfectly innocent woman.
Very rarely do I find a book with a plus-size/curvy heroine where she is not some sort of psychological time bomb. She never has successful affairs in the past unless they are with men who died. Any sex she's had will have been terrible and made her even less confident. Casual sex for her is out of the question, and her confidence is zero, even if she's professionally extremely successful.
I hate the idea that young curvy women who read these books have these heroines to identify with rather than ones who are mostly at peace with themselves. I don't expect romantic heroines to be entirely at peace with themselves because then there's really no point for the book. However, they should be generally satisfied with who they are and how they're placed in the world.
Very rarely do I find a book with a plus-size/curvy heroine where she is not some sort of psychological time bomb. She never has successful affairs in the past unless they are with men who died. Any sex she's had will have been terrible and made her even less confident. Casual sex for her is out of the question, and her confidence is zero, even if she's professionally extremely successful.
I hate the idea that young curvy women who read these books have these heroines to identify with rather than ones who are mostly at peace with themselves. I don't expect romantic heroines to be entirely at peace with themselves because then there's really no point for the book. However, they should be generally satisfied with who they are and how they're placed in the world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2023
3.5 rounded up.
This was a spunky, kissing only workplace romance between a curvy restaurant owner/chef and her parrot loving ex-marine sous chef. Good on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Gigi Blume, Jenny Proctor or Kelly Cain. Overall I liked this one and would read more in the Southern Roots series, but I didn't love how much the FMC questioned her own self-worth.
This was a spunky, kissing only workplace romance between a curvy restaurant owner/chef and her parrot loving ex-marine sous chef. Good on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Gigi Blume, Jenny Proctor or Kelly Cain. Overall I liked this one and would read more in the Southern Roots series, but I didn't love how much the FMC questioned her own self-worth.
August 17, 2021
I love romantic comedies. And what makes me love them even more is when they are a series and talk about loved characters from previous books as well. I loved this one for that reason. Donna Jefferies writes such great characters and such great romantic comedy.
This one features Tara and Alec. I loved how these two were not really even friends at the beginning. They worked together. Tara was the boss. But they didn’t even really like each other. I loved the way these two slowly became more than boss and employee.
So many things about this one just worked for me. The characters, the plot, the comedy and the cooking were all my favorite things. I loved that I was able to get this one right after finishing reading Just His Secretary. I can’t wait for more by this author!
This one features Tara and Alec. I loved how these two were not really even friends at the beginning. They worked together. Tara was the boss. But they didn’t even really like each other. I loved the way these two slowly became more than boss and employee.
So many things about this one just worked for me. The characters, the plot, the comedy and the cooking were all my favorite things. I loved that I was able to get this one right after finishing reading Just His Secretary. I can’t wait for more by this author!
June 20, 2023
4⭐ Peaches, Chickens, kitchen kisses
April 20, 2024
These books may be my guilty pleasure— I love listening to them while doing research stuff. I promise I’m reading a real book too— med school is currently kicking my butt
June 5, 2021
Just a very good story
Like the first in this series, this is an entertaining story with an engaging group of characters. While you don't have to read the first to read this one, you'll miss out on some of the relationship building that I think contribute to the second story's impact.
It's a very good story, but it would have benefitted from spending more time on how things changed for Alec & Tara in Florida and less time on Tara's irrational waffling & jealousy.
I didn't mind the incorporation of the characters coming up in the next two books into the story; it actually gives things a more natural feel.
Rather, it was hard to get a full grasp of Tara's character motivations, & while much was made of telling us about Alec being temperamental, Tara seemed to be the one who actually appeared to be so. She just didn't directly take it out on people - unfortunately, indirectly, she did repeatedly.
I suspect that's why the reviews aren't quite as enthusiastic for this one as the first (at least as of this writing). It has so much good going for it; it just needed more of their beginning & less of their mired middle - it's in the odd position of feeling fun & at the same time dragged out.
So I definitely recommend reading it, just temper your expectations a little
*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
Like the first in this series, this is an entertaining story with an engaging group of characters. While you don't have to read the first to read this one, you'll miss out on some of the relationship building that I think contribute to the second story's impact.
It's a very good story, but it would have benefitted from spending more time on how things changed for Alec & Tara in Florida and less time on Tara's irrational waffling & jealousy.
I didn't mind the incorporation of the characters coming up in the next two books into the story; it actually gives things a more natural feel.
Rather, it was hard to get a full grasp of Tara's character motivations, & while much was made of telling us about Alec being temperamental, Tara seemed to be the one who actually appeared to be so. She just didn't directly take it out on people - unfortunately, indirectly, she did repeatedly.
I suspect that's why the reviews aren't quite as enthusiastic for this one as the first (at least as of this writing). It has so much good going for it; it just needed more of their beginning & less of their mired middle - it's in the odd position of feeling fun & at the same time dragged out.
So I definitely recommend reading it, just temper your expectations a little
*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
September 16, 2025
Horrible Heroine!
Ok, I’m being generous with the three stars. The heroine ruined this book. She was absolutely awful. First she just RIDICULOUSLY clumsy. Like, I get it. But the author makes her constantly fall for no reason and the number of times she knocks down the hero and they end up tangled together on the floor is preposterous. It’s cringe, but not in the way that you’re like second hand embarrassed for her. Oh no, it’s cringe in the way you can’t believe the author actually wrote this and thought it was good.
I could overlook the stupid clumsy trait it if she wasn’t so insecure that she just became a horrible person. She’s so unreasonably jealous that makes her boyfriend dump his female best friend that he’s known since they were children. The girl is obviously in a vulnerable situation and you’re so insecure you take away one of the only lifelines she has?
Don’t even get me started on the hero who just let this happen and tells his BEST FRIEND FOR HIS ENTIRE LIFE that they can’t be friends anymore. She should have grown a pair and stuck with it when you told her to “grow up” before completely backtracking.
So yeah, Tara is awful and sucked out any enjoyment I MIGHT have gotten out of this. I’ll probably try to read the next one but I already have mixed feelings on Jessie, the next heroine. Ugh.
Ok, I’m being generous with the three stars. The heroine ruined this book. She was absolutely awful. First she just RIDICULOUSLY clumsy. Like, I get it. But the author makes her constantly fall for no reason and the number of times she knocks down the hero and they end up tangled together on the floor is preposterous. It’s cringe, but not in the way that you’re like second hand embarrassed for her. Oh no, it’s cringe in the way you can’t believe the author actually wrote this and thought it was good.
I could overlook the stupid clumsy trait it if she wasn’t so insecure that she just became a horrible person. She’s so unreasonably jealous that makes her boyfriend dump his female best friend that he’s known since they were children. The girl is obviously in a vulnerable situation and you’re so insecure you take away one of the only lifelines she has?
Don’t even get me started on the hero who just let this happen and tells his BEST FRIEND FOR HIS ENTIRE LIFE that they can’t be friends anymore. She should have grown a pair and stuck with it when you told her to “grow up” before completely backtracking.
So yeah, Tara is awful and sucked out any enjoyment I MIGHT have gotten out of this. I’ll probably try to read the next one but I already have mixed feelings on Jessie, the next heroine. Ugh.
April 23, 2023
I'd read this before but hadn't reviewed it. I really enjoyed the knife puns. The chemistry was fun and the banter even better. I love that we get to see a continuation of the story from the previous book but this book could say and on its own. Clean romance, super funny at times, some awful exes for sure, as well as some jealousy and a super cute parrot. Would reread, oops haha, already did!
March 28, 2023
I can’t exactly say this was a grumpy versus sunshine story. This was more of a grumpy versus grumpier. (And you can decide whether it’s Tara or Alex that fits which description.) These two have so much emotional baggage they need to unpack before they’re ready to be a real couple. I liked that the somewhat fake nature of their relationship gave them a safe space to do that with each other. I’m quickly falling for the supporting cast in this series and I can’t wait to read the books about the rest of them now.
November 23, 2022
Looove
I did not like that much the first part, but this one is superb. I loooove every single page of it. I love main characters with their insecurities and charm. The only thing I would change is the cover because its connection to the story is basically zero.
I did not like that much the first part, but this one is superb. I loooove every single page of it. I love main characters with their insecurities and charm. The only thing I would change is the cover because its connection to the story is basically zero.
August 9, 2021
Full spoilers.
I'm going to break down how I arrived at 3 stars for this entry in the series, rather than the 4 I was ready to dish out.
This is not a 5 star read because the flow of the plot was a little clunky. What I mean, is while reading there would be sections that made me feel like I've missed something. Almost like there was a paragraph of chapter that had been removed during editing. Whenever this happened I was momentarily removed from the story as I tried to figure that out. There were also some minor editing issues but this never really bothers me that much. I also thought the progression of Tara and Alec's relationship was a little fast and slow, which I attribute possibly to editing. Especially when their relationship first starts to shift, there were spots where I couldn't track how they had arrived at certain emotional places.
So I was thinking 4 stars, because this book made me smile and the chemistry was nicely done between Alec and Tara. I did get nervous because things seemed hunky dory at the 50% mark and I just knew shenanigans were about to happen. I was even trying to guess what manufacturered issue would drive these two apart. My money was on Alec's ex who is now his brother's wife making a re-appearance. I think that would have been interesting. But the author didn't go that way. No. She went the jealousy route. Tara's inexplicable jealousy of Alec's childhood and longtime best friend Jessie. Down on her luck Jessie who's alienated from her family, alone in a new place, jobless, only has one friend in the world Jessie. And I was infuriated. Because Tara was so cruel to Jessie. And Alec by proxy.
This whole saga culminates in Alec having to "choose" Tara over Jessie because "no one ever chooses her". Tara realises she's a monster (although her bestie Callie assures her she's not a bad person which further irritated me, because no, friendship is not enabling someone's bad behaviour, be there for them sure, but if you're no holding them accountable who is, and Tara was hands down the villain in this story). Tara has her moment of realising that Jessie is Alec's best friend and he's allowed to have his best friend since she has her own best friend and people need the things that support them and make them happy. It was so stupid because any person with a single shred of maturity would not have needed to put two innocent people through the emotional wringer for such a ridiculous reason.
This would have been two stars for that plot point alone, but Tara showed a relatively good degree of self awareness and she was appropriately contrite at the end. But the whole thing made me really dislike Tara and therefore my investment In this relationship plummeted.
I am super excited for Jessie and Lance's entry though.
I'm going to break down how I arrived at 3 stars for this entry in the series, rather than the 4 I was ready to dish out.
This is not a 5 star read because the flow of the plot was a little clunky. What I mean, is while reading there would be sections that made me feel like I've missed something. Almost like there was a paragraph of chapter that had been removed during editing. Whenever this happened I was momentarily removed from the story as I tried to figure that out. There were also some minor editing issues but this never really bothers me that much. I also thought the progression of Tara and Alec's relationship was a little fast and slow, which I attribute possibly to editing. Especially when their relationship first starts to shift, there were spots where I couldn't track how they had arrived at certain emotional places.
So I was thinking 4 stars, because this book made me smile and the chemistry was nicely done between Alec and Tara. I did get nervous because things seemed hunky dory at the 50% mark and I just knew shenanigans were about to happen. I was even trying to guess what manufacturered issue would drive these two apart. My money was on Alec's ex who is now his brother's wife making a re-appearance. I think that would have been interesting. But the author didn't go that way. No. She went the jealousy route. Tara's inexplicable jealousy of Alec's childhood and longtime best friend Jessie. Down on her luck Jessie who's alienated from her family, alone in a new place, jobless, only has one friend in the world Jessie. And I was infuriated. Because Tara was so cruel to Jessie. And Alec by proxy.
This whole saga culminates in Alec having to "choose" Tara over Jessie because "no one ever chooses her". Tara realises she's a monster (although her bestie Callie assures her she's not a bad person which further irritated me, because no, friendship is not enabling someone's bad behaviour, be there for them sure, but if you're no holding them accountable who is, and Tara was hands down the villain in this story). Tara has her moment of realising that Jessie is Alec's best friend and he's allowed to have his best friend since she has her own best friend and people need the things that support them and make them happy. It was so stupid because any person with a single shred of maturity would not have needed to put two innocent people through the emotional wringer for such a ridiculous reason.
This would have been two stars for that plot point alone, but Tara showed a relatively good degree of self awareness and she was appropriately contrite at the end. But the whole thing made me really dislike Tara and therefore my investment In this relationship plummeted.
I am super excited for Jessie and Lance's entry though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2021
I enjoyed the wittiness, mutual attraction and common careers. Tara didn't come across as a bossy boss, she has an overload of self-doubt that have her all over the place, emotionally. Alec has had his share of odd relationship history but he's managing that better, is really an open book and is very patient. Reading how the worked through their differing relationship woes based on their individual baggage was interesting and emotional. I'm fine with supporting characters for a taste of introducing what's to come, series wise, to me, that's too heavy this time. I do understand why but just prefer more focus on Alec and Tara as a couple without it. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 23, 2021
Never knew a man with a bird could be sexy
I really enjoyed the book until Tara couldn’t handle Alec having a female best friend. Seemed a little archaic to me. Also the book misnamed Alec as Alex several times. Other that i appreciated the puns and the sweet nature of Alec!
I really enjoyed the book until Tara couldn’t handle Alec having a female best friend. Seemed a little archaic to me. Also the book misnamed Alec as Alex several times. Other that i appreciated the puns and the sweet nature of Alec!
April 1, 2022
So many knife jokes!
I will be thinking about making up knife jokes or my own type of jokes for a while after this read. Super sweet and great characters. Could see it as a fun RomCom movie. Binging this series and I can't get enough!
I will be thinking about making up knife jokes or my own type of jokes for a while after this read. Super sweet and great characters. Could see it as a fun RomCom movie. Binging this series and I can't get enough!
March 22, 2025
This book had potential. There is no real big issue to overcome other than the FMC being jealous and self-conscious. She constantly makes issues because of it. Due to her "hating confrontation," which is mentioned multiple times in the last few chapters. A confrontation she is creating in her own mind. Tara, as a character, though, is not a good character. I was more invested in the continued story of Callie, Dawson, and Lance.
The entire book shows Alec showing growth through their relationship to ensure he can have a successful relationship with her. While she has zero growth. Barely even at the end.
The ending, the big grand gesture, is absolutely disgusting. The MMC should not be the one to make it. It should be the FMC. MMC actually tells her “Maybe you should grow up,” and she really does. She's jealous over the MMCs female best friend, which has had multiple statements of there's nothing to be jealous of. They grew up together. They consider each other as siblings. The best friend has also done nothing but try to be friends with the FMC. Yet, she can't handle their friendship. The best friend tells the MMC that it's okay for him to choose the FMC over her. Just eww.
Then just before she sees his grand gesture, she realizes she shouldn't have to make him choose, but only after she finds out her own best friend choose her over his and her congratulations party over her getting her first real job.
And yet, even at the end, all she does is melt over him, making a grand gesture. And then says “I’m so, so sorry. I’m just this flighty bird, and I don’t know. I let the wind push me this way and then that way, and there was this prettier bird, and I just got jealous.” She steps back. “Then I realized that you need Jess to be whole, and what kind of seagull-trash-bird am I to separate the two of you? And you’ll never be whole without her, and I don’t want a non-whole Alec.”
Tara, at the very least, could have brought Jessie with her as a peace offering. Something to ensure she is actually is showing that she really is over or working through her jealousy. Especially because Jessie was even trying to help Tara get her cookbook printed. By offering to contact family, she doesn't talk too, or at least having Alec contact them to ensure Jessie doesn't get brought down by her family.
The entire book shows Alec showing growth through their relationship to ensure he can have a successful relationship with her. While she has zero growth. Barely even at the end.
The ending, the big grand gesture, is absolutely disgusting. The MMC should not be the one to make it. It should be the FMC. MMC actually tells her “Maybe you should grow up,” and she really does. She's jealous over the MMCs female best friend, which has had multiple statements of there's nothing to be jealous of. They grew up together. They consider each other as siblings. The best friend has also done nothing but try to be friends with the FMC. Yet, she can't handle their friendship. The best friend tells the MMC that it's okay for him to choose the FMC over her. Just eww.
Then just before she sees his grand gesture, she realizes she shouldn't have to make him choose, but only after she finds out her own best friend choose her over his and her congratulations party over her getting her first real job.
And yet, even at the end, all she does is melt over him, making a grand gesture. And then says “I’m so, so sorry. I’m just this flighty bird, and I don’t know. I let the wind push me this way and then that way, and there was this prettier bird, and I just got jealous.” She steps back. “Then I realized that you need Jess to be whole, and what kind of seagull-trash-bird am I to separate the two of you? And you’ll never be whole without her, and I don’t want a non-whole Alec.”
Tara, at the very least, could have brought Jessie with her as a peace offering. Something to ensure she is actually is showing that she really is over or working through her jealousy. Especially because Jessie was even trying to help Tara get her cookbook printed. By offering to contact family, she doesn't talk too, or at least having Alec contact them to ensure Jessie doesn't get brought down by her family.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2025
I enjoyed reading the first book in the series and decided to read this book. It started out really well and I loved how both the main characters were so mature. Knowing that they had feelings for each other, they decided to give their relationship a chance instead of playing games. That is where all the positive things in this book end.
The whole book took a nose-dive because of the Tara's insane jealousy with Alec's best friend, Jess. It is understandable to be insecure about oneself and be jealous of another person but it is unacceptable to behave so horribly with another person who has been nothing but kind to you. Tara was so unbelievably selfish that she failed to see that while she had so many people in her life who loved her, Jess only had Alec. She didn't trust the guy (and Alec felt that too) she loved so what was the point of being in a relationship? The author tried to depict that Tara had a hard past and it was the reason for her insecure behavior but it still didn't make it okay.
All the other characters in the book try to make excuses for her including her bestfriend, Callie, who tries to justify this by saying that no one has chosen Tara first and if Alec truly loved her then that's all he had to do; pick her. Not only was it inaccurate, it was also horribly enabling behavior. You are basically telling the man to ditch his bestfriend and that too by texting the said bestfriend! Would anyone like to be dumped by their bestfriend for a significant other, just because he/she was too insecure of your completely platonic friendship?
Even when Tara did come around in the end, she lacked the empathy to understand where Jess was coming from and what Tara had tried to take away from her. If I was Alec, I would dump this selfish woman in a heartbeat and never look back. What I wouldn't do was act like a fool and even think of abandoning my childhood best friend, one who was truly alone at this point in life, one he claimed to love and be protective of, all for such a childish insecure woman.
The whole book took a nose-dive because of the Tara's insane jealousy with Alec's best friend, Jess. It is understandable to be insecure about oneself and be jealous of another person but it is unacceptable to behave so horribly with another person who has been nothing but kind to you. Tara was so unbelievably selfish that she failed to see that while she had so many people in her life who loved her, Jess only had Alec. She didn't trust the guy (and Alec felt that too) she loved so what was the point of being in a relationship? The author tried to depict that Tara had a hard past and it was the reason for her insecure behavior but it still didn't make it okay.
All the other characters in the book try to make excuses for her including her bestfriend, Callie, who tries to justify this by saying that no one has chosen Tara first and if Alec truly loved her then that's all he had to do; pick her. Not only was it inaccurate, it was also horribly enabling behavior. You are basically telling the man to ditch his bestfriend and that too by texting the said bestfriend! Would anyone like to be dumped by their bestfriend for a significant other, just because he/she was too insecure of your completely platonic friendship?
Even when Tara did come around in the end, she lacked the empathy to understand where Jess was coming from and what Tara had tried to take away from her. If I was Alec, I would dump this selfish woman in a heartbeat and never look back. What I wouldn't do was act like a fool and even think of abandoning my childhood best friend, one who was truly alone at this point in life, one he claimed to love and be protective of, all for such a childish insecure woman.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2022
It was an alright read and I am going to read the next books in the series.
BUT.
I hated Tara. So much.
1. We get it, apparently plus size women in romance novels need to be clumsy and have food related weirdness. Do I like it? No. But as a plus size woman myself this was almost offensive. Nobody is that clumsy. Also, she is a functioning aldult, right? Why is she constantly having ice cream for breakfast? (Not all of our food choices are amazing but we understand the general sense of a breakfast, thank you very much.)
2. "Nobody has ever chosen Tara." Ok, Callie. I don't care. Tara - choose your fucking self! Choose to be better, to work on yourself. I get it, she had bad experiences in the past but Alec NEVER, not once gave her a reason to mistrust his brotherly affection/friendship of 30 years with Jesse. In fact, he chose Tara's opinion/side/wishes/comfort over Jessie's several times, therefore denying himself to help his best friend in a way he clearly wanted to and usually would have. Also Jessie never made moves on him, was a bitch towards Tara or tried to seperate them. Making him choose was the most pathetic thing I've seen in a long time and it broke my heart. Also so shortsided: her insecurity won't vanish just because Jessie does and he will clearly begrudge her for making him loose his best fucking friend of 30 years. WTF. Not a good look, Tara. She saved herself in the end but I felt like the damage was already done.
3. Also, yesterday you didn't trust him and can't "allow" him to have a platonic friendship that has made him happy for 30 years but today you want to get married quickly without an engagement time? Ähm, ok.
Liked the first book better and have high hopes for Lance and Jessie.
BUT.
I hated Tara. So much.
1. We get it, apparently plus size women in romance novels need to be clumsy and have food related weirdness. Do I like it? No. But as a plus size woman myself this was almost offensive. Nobody is that clumsy. Also, she is a functioning aldult, right? Why is she constantly having ice cream for breakfast? (Not all of our food choices are amazing but we understand the general sense of a breakfast, thank you very much.)
2. "Nobody has ever chosen Tara." Ok, Callie. I don't care. Tara - choose your fucking self! Choose to be better, to work on yourself. I get it, she had bad experiences in the past but Alec NEVER, not once gave her a reason to mistrust his brotherly affection/friendship of 30 years with Jesse. In fact, he chose Tara's opinion/side/wishes/comfort over Jessie's several times, therefore denying himself to help his best friend in a way he clearly wanted to and usually would have. Also Jessie never made moves on him, was a bitch towards Tara or tried to seperate them. Making him choose was the most pathetic thing I've seen in a long time and it broke my heart. Also so shortsided: her insecurity won't vanish just because Jessie does and he will clearly begrudge her for making him loose his best fucking friend of 30 years. WTF. Not a good look, Tara. She saved herself in the end but I felt like the damage was already done.
3. Also, yesterday you didn't trust him and can't "allow" him to have a platonic friendship that has made him happy for 30 years but today you want to get married quickly without an engagement time? Ähm, ok.
Liked the first book better and have high hopes for Lance and Jessie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2021
This book was alright--definitely a HUGE step down from "Just His Secretary". It lacked the wit and character chemistry that Jeffries nailed in the first book. I actually think Alec had more chemistry with his parrot. A hero can go on and on about how in love he is with his heroine, but at the end of the day, the proof is in the pudding. It's not believable unless the chemistry is evident in their interactions, and for me their relationship was just meh. The whole book was meh.
Also, whoever edited this book needs a demotion. I found so many mistakes. Alec actually said something bothered his "conscious". Yes, 'conscious' not 'conscience'. Smh. Not to mention countless times where "Alec" was mistyped as "Alex," sometimes on the same page! I mean, if she had trouble deciding between the two names I can understand that. But how hard is it to hit Control-F and use the find and replace feature to make sure Alex is replaced with Alec throughout the whole book? Ugh. It was so detracting that it detracted from an already underwhelming storyline. You'd think this was an ARC or something for how horrible the editing was. Also wasn't a fan of the ending. After the conflict resolution the story was just lackluster and I skimmed through it just to get this book over with. Tara was just annoying. Overall, this is a thumbs down.
I had such high hopes for this book and was sorely disappointed. I've pre-ordered the next in the series, though. Hopefully that one will do more justice to the writing I know Jeffries is capable of.
Also, whoever edited this book needs a demotion. I found so many mistakes. Alec actually said something bothered his "conscious". Yes, 'conscious' not 'conscience'. Smh. Not to mention countless times where "Alec" was mistyped as "Alex," sometimes on the same page! I mean, if she had trouble deciding between the two names I can understand that. But how hard is it to hit Control-F and use the find and replace feature to make sure Alex is replaced with Alec throughout the whole book? Ugh. It was so detracting that it detracted from an already underwhelming storyline. You'd think this was an ARC or something for how horrible the editing was. Also wasn't a fan of the ending. After the conflict resolution the story was just lackluster and I skimmed through it just to get this book over with. Tara was just annoying. Overall, this is a thumbs down.
I had such high hopes for this book and was sorely disappointed. I've pre-ordered the next in the series, though. Hopefully that one will do more justice to the writing I know Jeffries is capable of.
July 18, 2022
I really liked this book.
Let's talk about Alec💜 this man, just wow! I love the grumpy cat exterior with such a cinnamon roll underneath. I love how sincere he was, also how he read Tara so well, gave her her space but also took his chances on getting what he wanted.
With Tara, she was definitely likeable but stubborn. She had her own issues to deal with. Her past took a toll on her. She had a really hard time trusting Alec and that was like 🙃. I wanted to see what change in Florida for them, but it wasn't described as much.
I loved Alec's chef puns. They were really 🔪😂. I love how he wanted to deal with his past decisions to move forward. He was such a centered hero, and I am here for it. I loved how he listened to Tara and was all in to talk all the time and solve their problems. Even when she was too jealous to see.
Peaches took my heart. I really loved her, as well as the dogs🐶 and chickens🐔. All the second characters are so awesome. I loved the healthy friendships and efforts to get along and protect everyone. I also loved how we got introduced to Jessie and how lovely she was despite all.
Every dish that mas mentioned made my mouth watered. I so want to dive into the Southern US roots of food. I loved the pace of the book, it felt right.I liked how it worked out.
Go check it out!
⚠️TW: body shaming, cheating.
Let's talk about Alec💜 this man, just wow! I love the grumpy cat exterior with such a cinnamon roll underneath. I love how sincere he was, also how he read Tara so well, gave her her space but also took his chances on getting what he wanted.
With Tara, she was definitely likeable but stubborn. She had her own issues to deal with. Her past took a toll on her. She had a really hard time trusting Alec and that was like 🙃. I wanted to see what change in Florida for them, but it wasn't described as much.
I loved Alec's chef puns. They were really 🔪😂. I love how he wanted to deal with his past decisions to move forward. He was such a centered hero, and I am here for it. I loved how he listened to Tara and was all in to talk all the time and solve their problems. Even when she was too jealous to see.
Peaches took my heart. I really loved her, as well as the dogs🐶 and chickens🐔. All the second characters are so awesome. I loved the healthy friendships and efforts to get along and protect everyone. I also loved how we got introduced to Jessie and how lovely she was despite all.
Every dish that mas mentioned made my mouth watered. I so want to dive into the Southern US roots of food. I loved the pace of the book, it felt right.I liked how it worked out.
Go check it out!
⚠️TW: body shaming, cheating.
July 16, 2023
I liked this book but I couldn't give more stars, it will be 3,5 stars. I loved Alec, that man was the sweetest, he really liked her a lot, he was there for her, he didn't give up. He deserved love and so much more. The man was perfection, swear to God. Tara, I liked her but then when she started to let her insecurities blend into her relationship, that pissed me off. Especially her being a b*tch to poor Jessie, that man was so sweet, she wouldn't hurt a fly, she and Alec were bff and that was that. At any given time did they pass on the impression that they were more than that. What Tara did, wasn't fair. I seriously felt like crying when Alec threw Jessie a little party to celebrate her having finally a job and Tara made it all about her. She didn't show up and neither did her bff and her husband. Poor Alec cooked everything because he wanted everything to perfect and no one except him and Jessie showed up because poor Tara needed a minute. THE HELL???!!!! I really hated her when she did that. Projecting her insecurities to someone who just wanted to be her friend, that was as low as low can get. At least, in the end, she understood she was the wrong one and the bad person and tried to make things right. But yeah, what she did, that I just can't forgive
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2021
Just His Boss is one of those books I could not put down and I did not want to end. Tara and Alec are people who have had major disappointments in life and so, they are grumpy. They are also food obsessed - totally appropriate since Tara owns a catering business and Alec is a very good chef - who works for Tara. Tara fights her attraction to Alec because she is sure that he is going to quit as soon as he finds a restaurant job, while Alec is sure that dating his boss will eventually get him fired. Slowly they begin to drift towards one another. The process speeds up when Tara is the subject of a nasty article written by her ex-fiance. Alec pretends to be Tara's boyfriend when the ex-fiance shows up at the catering kitchen - surprising himself and everyone else. Tara and Alec get their happy ending but first they have to work through the obstacles their past lives created. I thoroughly enjoyed Just His Boss and recommend it to readers who like feel good romances. This is a perfect summer beach book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 15, 2021
I don’t know if I’m going to finish this or not. I’m about 46% and I don’t think I have it in me. It is just WAYYYYY to similar to the first book in this series. Smoking hot, grumpy, damaged guy. “Plump”, self conscious power woman, and a fake relationship. Add to that I don’t really like the characters. Tara and Alec. Tara blames her not having a relationship on her owning her own business. BS! I’m sorry but if that were the case half the women out there would t be in a relationship. Plus she seems to have enough time to have a relationship with her best friend. Then there’s Alec. His relationship with his parrot is flat out weird. I don’t own a bird, not really a bird person. I do have 2 cats and a dog. I can honestly say I have never in my life considered taking a shower with them……just saying. Add to the fact he dislikes one of the chefs bc he thinks he’s dirty and shouldn’t be cooking. Yet he lets his parrot, who poops EVERYWHERE into his kitchen when he’s cooking. That totally gave me the germy creeps….. so I think I’ll be moving onto a different book.
April 25, 2022
I like it. There's a lot of pushing people away situation. Which I can relate. Sometimes you want something but feels like it'll put you in a spotlight and someone deserve more than you do because they just do. And you do tons of self-pity because you didn't get what you want yet too scared to voice them out because you thought people going to assume that you're being selfish. The cycle moves on and on in which in the end, you just left with all these resentment and regret. (I feel like the ugliest person inside that has just been found out after reading this book)
But their situation is different and thank god for this cute Alec who is mature end confident enough to pursue her and makes her feel like she does matter. Because any human does matter. And Peaches? and all the chicken? and the knife jokes (that left me cringe at the end cause it's too much)? Its' all good. Could've been better but it's enough the way it is. Guess I'm going to open up a catering business and find me a hot chef asap!😍😂
3🌟
But their situation is different and thank god for this cute Alec who is mature end confident enough to pursue her and makes her feel like she does matter. Because any human does matter. And Peaches? and all the chicken? and the knife jokes (that left me cringe at the end cause it's too much)? Its' all good. Could've been better but it's enough the way it is. Guess I'm going to open up a catering business and find me a hot chef asap!😍😂
3🌟
February 14, 2022
Who would like it/Who wouldn’t
like it:
If you like slow burn semi forbidden romance novels with good chemistry and tension, this is the book for you.
If you need a lot of spice, this is not for you, probably
REVIEW:
After reading two “romance” novels back to back that I genuinely hated, it was nice to find a fun, easy to read, fluffy romance that didn’t feature toxic as hell immature characters. Tara and Alec are both amazing on their own. And the way Alec talks about Tara, both in his thoughts and to her face, is honestly refreshing. I really enjoyed him. Tara’s backstory is honestly really heartbreaking too and I enjoyed her working through those issues. Even when she’s at her worst when another character is introduced, she’s able to move past it with support and she ultimately becomes better for it.
Also, side note, there are are pet chickens and parrots in this book and I really enjoyed that side story too.
Lastly, the body positivity that Alec expresses to and about Tara is lovely. I wish Alec was a real man.
TL;DR:
Super fluffy, no spice, quick read with pet chickens and parrots and amazing body positivity message in this cute romcom.
like it:
If you like slow burn semi forbidden romance novels with good chemistry and tension, this is the book for you.
If you need a lot of spice, this is not for you, probably
REVIEW:
After reading two “romance” novels back to back that I genuinely hated, it was nice to find a fun, easy to read, fluffy romance that didn’t feature toxic as hell immature characters. Tara and Alec are both amazing on their own. And the way Alec talks about Tara, both in his thoughts and to her face, is honestly refreshing. I really enjoyed him. Tara’s backstory is honestly really heartbreaking too and I enjoyed her working through those issues. Even when she’s at her worst when another character is introduced, she’s able to move past it with support and she ultimately becomes better for it.
Also, side note, there are are pet chickens and parrots in this book and I really enjoyed that side story too.
Lastly, the body positivity that Alec expresses to and about Tara is lovely. I wish Alec was a real man.
TL;DR:
Super fluffy, no spice, quick read with pet chickens and parrots and amazing body positivity message in this cute romcom.
May 30, 2021
Tara Finch owns Saucebilities catering business. She has a crush on Alec but doesn't know what to do about it. She is a curvy chef. Her ex-fiance wrote a nasty article in the local paper saying she is fat and can't keep a boyfriend for more than a week.
Alec Ward is a former Marine and one of the chefs working for Tara. He has a grumpy attitude. He owns a parrot named Peaches who he adores. His best friend of thirty years is the girl who grew up next door Jessie. He has a crush on Tara. He lost the inn and restaurant he created because he dated his boss and does not want to make that mistake again.
They agree to be fake dating after the article comes out but then it turns real. Tara and Alec both have a lot of personal baggage and issues that have to be dealt with before they get their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Alec Ward is a former Marine and one of the chefs working for Tara. He has a grumpy attitude. He owns a parrot named Peaches who he adores. His best friend of thirty years is the girl who grew up next door Jessie. He has a crush on Tara. He lost the inn and restaurant he created because he dated his boss and does not want to make that mistake again.
They agree to be fake dating after the article comes out but then it turns real. Tara and Alec both have a lot of personal baggage and issues that have to be dealt with before they get their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 4, 2023
I definitely enjoyed this installment less than the first, mostly because it’s not really “enemies to lovers,” but more of a “they’re both in denial (but not really)” vibe. I liked Alec a lot, but Tara’s insecurities were so prevalent that after a while they became annoying; in particular, it really bothered me that she didn’t trust Alec around Jessie. He literally TOLD her he got cheated on in his previous relationship and she still couldn’t believe him when he told her, several times, that they were just friends… I found that frustrating and kind of a red flag.
So yeah, I don’t think I’ll be continuing with the series either. Especially after Lance’s characterization in this book, jesus. He was a real asshole—like, more than Dawson lol. So no, I don’t need that toxic bullshit in my life.
3.5 out of 5 stars
So yeah, I don’t think I’ll be continuing with the series either. Especially after Lance’s characterization in this book, jesus. He was a real asshole—like, more than Dawson lol. So no, I don’t need that toxic bullshit in my life.
3.5 out of 5 stars
October 4, 2021
This one was kind of awful
I enjoyed the first book in the series and was looking forward to this one. But it really was not great. The story seemed all over the place. There were times when I couldn't figure out why the main characters were upset or why they were laughing. The FMC was REALLY whiny which I can't stand. There was no sexual chemistry at all. I don't know if the author was rushing to get this out or just really not feeling this couple. There are quite a few small typos as well where the wrong word or name is used. I gave it 2 stars because it had potential and I liked both Peaches and the names of Tara's chickens. That was clever. But this story needs an editor with a heavy hand or a very critical beta reader to do some reworking.
I enjoyed the first book in the series and was looking forward to this one. But it really was not great. The story seemed all over the place. There were times when I couldn't figure out why the main characters were upset or why they were laughing. The FMC was REALLY whiny which I can't stand. There was no sexual chemistry at all. I don't know if the author was rushing to get this out or just really not feeling this couple. There are quite a few small typos as well where the wrong word or name is used. I gave it 2 stars because it had potential and I liked both Peaches and the names of Tara's chickens. That was clever. But this story needs an editor with a heavy hand or a very critical beta reader to do some reworking.
April 15, 2024
Southern Charm
This it's the second book in the series and i recommend reading this series in order. There is a lot of carryover from the first book in regards to characters and the sequence of events, they directly tie together.
This book picks up where the last one left off. We still get to see quite a bit of our couple from book one while building the love story here for Alex and Tara. She owns a catering company and he's one of the chefs will work for her. We got a sneak peak are their bidding romance in the first book.
I really enjoy how this series flows together. The character are well developed and their chemistry feels organic. There's even a bit of humour thrown in for added charm.
This it's the second book in the series and i recommend reading this series in order. There is a lot of carryover from the first book in regards to characters and the sequence of events, they directly tie together.
This book picks up where the last one left off. We still get to see quite a bit of our couple from book one while building the love story here for Alex and Tara. She owns a catering company and he's one of the chefs will work for her. We got a sneak peak are their bidding romance in the first book.
I really enjoy how this series flows together. The character are well developed and their chemistry feels organic. There's even a bit of humour thrown in for added charm.
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