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Spiced Right
Jillian Parks doesn’t need her hybrid scorpion pepper to set her pulse racing. Wildly charismatic rancher Jack Reed does that all on his own in this scorcher from Gigi Templeton.
Don’t ever think I didn’t want more time with you, darlin’.
Those were her college boyfriend’s last words to her after a phone call summoned him home to Texas. In the ten years since, Jack Reed has taken over his family’s ranch, and Jillian Parks has experienced devastating losses with traumatic repercussions.
Now a reclusive insomniac, she podcasts about the specialty hybrid chili peppers she grows in her Seattle greenhouse, keeping a closed door between her and the past. But when Jillian’s producer coaxes her to make a surprise call in to Jack’s YouTube BBQ channel, their chemistry still sizzles!
An invite to the ranch for a follow-up collab is a scary proposal for Jillian. But forward movement is key to her recovery, and it’s time to take the bull by the horns. With Jack’s commanding yet soothing presence, maybe this charismatic cowboy is just the right ingredient to help her heal—while adding a different kind of spice to her life.
Don’t ever think I didn’t want more time with you, darlin’.
Those were her college boyfriend’s last words to her after a phone call summoned him home to Texas. In the ten years since, Jack Reed has taken over his family’s ranch, and Jillian Parks has experienced devastating losses with traumatic repercussions.
Now a reclusive insomniac, she podcasts about the specialty hybrid chili peppers she grows in her Seattle greenhouse, keeping a closed door between her and the past. But when Jillian’s producer coaxes her to make a surprise call in to Jack’s YouTube BBQ channel, their chemistry still sizzles!
An invite to the ranch for a follow-up collab is a scary proposal for Jillian. But forward movement is key to her recovery, and it’s time to take the bull by the horns. With Jack’s commanding yet soothing presence, maybe this charismatic cowboy is just the right ingredient to help her heal—while adding a different kind of spice to her life.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 23, 2024
512 people are currently reading
3727 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
September 28, 2023
A sweet southern ranch style romance with pinches of steam.
Second chance passion that was never truly lost between them.
I thoroughly enjoyed the recipes and cooking between them.
Pet peeves a bit too much of the southern twang for me, and the cover should have been maybe clipart of him and her and ollie. Don’t get me wrong, the guy on the cover is sizzling hot… but looks much older imo.
Overall it was super sweet, fun and a delight to read. Who doesn’t love BBQ, watching cooking videos with fun people making something you’d love?
A slow burn to an unexpected secret HEA.
Thank you to the Author, Publisher and Netgalley you can read this ARC now.
Second chance passion that was never truly lost between them.
I thoroughly enjoyed the recipes and cooking between them.
Pet peeves a bit too much of the southern twang for me, and the cover should have been maybe clipart of him and her and ollie. Don’t get me wrong, the guy on the cover is sizzling hot… but looks much older imo.
Overall it was super sweet, fun and a delight to read. Who doesn’t love BBQ, watching cooking videos with fun people making something you’d love?
A slow burn to an unexpected secret HEA.
Thank you to the Author, Publisher and Netgalley you can read this ARC now.
May 8, 2024
Bored me to tears
It's not the worst book I've ever read, so giving it 2 stars instead of 1, but good grief was this dull! Cliche. Monotonous. Predictable. Boring. So much of the story revolved on ingredients and cooking, which I thought I'd enjoy since I love to cook, but then, the rest of the story was one predictable cliche after another ad nauseum. I had to keep putting it down to read something else and then come back to it afterwards. I'm not sure I'll read this author again.
It's not the worst book I've ever read, so giving it 2 stars instead of 1, but good grief was this dull! Cliche. Monotonous. Predictable. Boring. So much of the story revolved on ingredients and cooking, which I thought I'd enjoy since I love to cook, but then, the rest of the story was one predictable cliche after another ad nauseum. I had to keep putting it down to read something else and then come back to it afterwards. I'm not sure I'll read this author again.
February 18, 2024
Totally dnfing this book. Bland characters. Unrealistic situations that made me roll my eyes. And I never read/listened to a book that made me hate a word before. First time for everything.
January 24, 2024
Check out our full post for SPICED RIGHT on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Mary – ☆☆☆☆
Jillian Parks has built her world of hot sauce. She grows and blends peppers to make new flavors that tempt buyers to her website.
Jack Reed found his true love when he was in college, but a family emergency had him leaving school and her behind. Now, 10 years later, she is calling his show.
When Jillian calls into Jack's cooking show, their banter makes the fans of the show go crazy. Jillian decides to go to Texas for a week to do several shows with Jack. Each show is fun and flirty, and the fans are loving it. Her sales are going through the roof.
Jillian tells Jack about her past, which is heartbreaking, and Jack takes it upon himself to help her overcome her fear of crowds by having her join his family for meals.
Jillian and Jack were each other's first loves, and the feelings are resurfacing. Can Jillian make a life change and move to Texas or will both of them be heartbroken forever?
I enjoyed this story and was hoping Jillian and Jack would end up together. As their story unfolds, you will see that they belong together. This story is filled with painful pasts for both Jillian and Jack. Jack has a large, loving family that accepts Jillian from the first meeting, a family that she didn't realize she needed. I hope you give this one a chance and that you enjoy it too. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
January 25, 2024
What a good start to a series by Gigi Templeton. A sweet and spicy romance, where two people, Jillian and Jack, find their way back to each other after years apart. They met in college but due to an emergency, Jack has to rush back home, leaving Jillian with the memories of a perfect night together. Ten years later, Jillian is a hot pepper queen with a podcast and Jack is a BBQ king with a cooking show. I mean, what a perfect reason to get together and create something special for their fans. And oh boy, the connection is real, and I don't mean just in the kitchen! Each of them do have their history to tend with, especially Jillian who has enochlophobia, and this does put a wet towel on their fire at times. But I definitely enjoyed seeing how they worked around it all.
There are a lot of minor characters but it was easy to keep up with all of them. And having the setting at Jack's ranch with his horses and big family was a plus. The book does feel a bit predictable and it does get a bit sappy. But I found myself rooting for them regardless and the ending was very sweet. This book won an award for best banter between characters, and while I did see how it won, it did take it a bit far in certain scenes. And the only other thing I felt was a tad redundant was Jillian's negative view of herself and her situation. I understand the reasons, but Jillian jumped right in with Jack, and I feel like if she was really truly against having a future with him, she would have had some serious reservations about taking even one step forward.
This is definitely for anyone looking for a sweet romance to fall into. And I would love to read the other books in the series, especially if they have to do with the characters we meet in this first book. I am grateful for the opportunity to read this!
There are a lot of minor characters but it was easy to keep up with all of them. And having the setting at Jack's ranch with his horses and big family was a plus. The book does feel a bit predictable and it does get a bit sappy. But I found myself rooting for them regardless and the ending was very sweet. This book won an award for best banter between characters, and while I did see how it won, it did take it a bit far in certain scenes. And the only other thing I felt was a tad redundant was Jillian's negative view of herself and her situation. I understand the reasons, but Jillian jumped right in with Jack, and I feel like if she was really truly against having a future with him, she would have had some serious reservations about taking even one step forward.
This is definitely for anyone looking for a sweet romance to fall into. And I would love to read the other books in the series, especially if they have to do with the characters we meet in this first book. I am grateful for the opportunity to read this!
March 5, 2024
**Reviewing an ARC of this book through Netgalley**
I don't know if it was just me being a non-American but the banter on this book all flew right over my head.
At first I found myself smiling when they were on their first phone call during his show – I was excited for them - but after a while, their so-called effortless "repartee" just felt too trying hard, too forced, and too... fake. It's like when you're on a date and you're constantly trying to be witty and charming, which gets exhausting to keep up with.
The writing itself is too complicated for me. Too many words that I don't feel belong in everyday conversation.
I may just not be the right audience for this book though.
I don't know if it was just me being a non-American but the banter on this book all flew right over my head.
At first I found myself smiling when they were on their first phone call during his show – I was excited for them - but after a while, their so-called effortless "repartee" just felt too trying hard, too forced, and too... fake. It's like when you're on a date and you're constantly trying to be witty and charming, which gets exhausting to keep up with.
The writing itself is too complicated for me. Too many words that I don't feel belong in everyday conversation.
I may just not be the right audience for this book though.
April 11, 2024
I’ve never wanted to DNF a book more in my life. I finished it via audiobook just so I could count it for my Goodreads goal, but damn it was awful. I hated their dialogue. I hated the way they talked about food. I hated his constant use of the word ‘darlin’. The spice was terrible. The audiobook narrators were just as bad. The MMC felt like a caricature of a cowboy - not a real one. ⚠️SPOILER⚠️ I hate that she was supposedly incapable of having children due to an accident, but *SuRpRiSe!* her body magically healed itself. Her doctors tell her she’s a medical marvel and that she’s pregnant. WTF 😬
March 17, 2024
I just finished this and already can’t remember what it was about other than it ended with a miraculous pregnancy. Like. Just let single women live and don’t automatically stick a bun in he proverbial oven.
September 23, 2023
Despite what the cover insinuates, this is a plot-dominated book and it’s actually very sweet with great writing. In fact, this was a 4 star book for me until the end. Note: the reason for the star deduction at the end is entirely due to a personal preference of myself as a reader, not some universal misstep on the writer.
Jillian and Jack hooked up in college for a few weeks and reconnect 10 years later for a business promotional collaboration: Jillian makes her own hot sauce and Jack has a cooking channel that he streams from his family’s ranch. Jillian had some really traumatic experiences in those 10 years that gave her a fear of crowds and turned her into a recluse. Jack is so sweet about listening to her back story, making sure her boundaries are respected, and that she never feels like a burden.
This was a fresh spin on the cowboy romance genre I really appreciated. Yes, Jack has all the classic cowboy sex appeal, but the primary focus of this book is Jack and Jillian cooking together. Where Jillian is mostly alone in life, Jack’s ranch is a family affair with everyone together all the time, and they’re all supportive and lovely. The relationship gives Jillian not just a partner, but a found family.
No spoilers, but the prevalence of pregnancy/having children as a theme is the reason I ended up taking it down to 3 stars. To Templelton's credit, it does thematically flow with the rest of the book and doesn't feel as superfluous as I typically see it. Personally, I think it's tough to put this trope into a romance book without making implicit (or sometimes explicit!) insinuations that a woman's worth and desirability as a partner is tied to her ability and desire to have children. If you're not someone with similar reservations, I think this is easily a 4 star book.
Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Jillian and Jack hooked up in college for a few weeks and reconnect 10 years later for a business promotional collaboration: Jillian makes her own hot sauce and Jack has a cooking channel that he streams from his family’s ranch. Jillian had some really traumatic experiences in those 10 years that gave her a fear of crowds and turned her into a recluse. Jack is so sweet about listening to her back story, making sure her boundaries are respected, and that she never feels like a burden.
This was a fresh spin on the cowboy romance genre I really appreciated. Yes, Jack has all the classic cowboy sex appeal, but the primary focus of this book is Jack and Jillian cooking together. Where Jillian is mostly alone in life, Jack’s ranch is a family affair with everyone together all the time, and they’re all supportive and lovely. The relationship gives Jillian not just a partner, but a found family.
No spoilers, but the prevalence of pregnancy/having children as a theme is the reason I ended up taking it down to 3 stars. To Templelton's credit, it does thematically flow with the rest of the book and doesn't feel as superfluous as I typically see it. Personally, I think it's tough to put this trope into a romance book without making implicit (or sometimes explicit!) insinuations that a woman's worth and desirability as a partner is tied to her ability and desire to have children. If you're not someone with similar reservations, I think this is easily a 4 star book.
Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
July 31, 2024
DNF total.
Las que me conocen saben que debe haber una situación de desastre cósmico o de catástrofe mundial para que yo no termine un libro, así que esfuerzo por mi parte no falta. Pero madre del amor hermoso, este libro me lo ha puesto tan imposible que no me ha quedado más remedio, he leído un tercio y me quería cortar las venas con una cuchara. A lo mejor es el inglés o es que el maromo es demasiado sureño hasta para mí pero muchas veces me he encontrado perdida en el lenguaje y, sinceramente, aburrida como una ostra. Y eso que a priori este libro me podía gustar, siendo un libro de segundas oportunidades y con maromo sureño. Los protagonista se conocieron en la universidad y tuvieron un rollete que se truncó porque él tuvo que irse debido a responsabilidades familiares. Diez años más tarde se reencuentran debido al trabajo, ella tiene una empresa de especias y cultiva pimientos picantes 🙄 y él tiene un rancho y es un chef estrella de Youtube especializado en carnes en las que usa las especias de ella 🙄🙄. A través de eso se encuentran y lo que parecía que iba a ser bonito es una cosa sin tensión alguna, donde hablan de carne y de mezclas de especias que más coñazo no puede ser y en la que si leo una vez más la palabra darlin’ me tiro por el viaducto. La escritura, además, es muy plana y sosa, no hay ninguna emoción de ninguna clase.
En fin, que no he podido terminarlo. Me devuelva usted el tiempo perdido.
Las que me conocen saben que debe haber una situación de desastre cósmico o de catástrofe mundial para que yo no termine un libro, así que esfuerzo por mi parte no falta. Pero madre del amor hermoso, este libro me lo ha puesto tan imposible que no me ha quedado más remedio, he leído un tercio y me quería cortar las venas con una cuchara. A lo mejor es el inglés o es que el maromo es demasiado sureño hasta para mí pero muchas veces me he encontrado perdida en el lenguaje y, sinceramente, aburrida como una ostra. Y eso que a priori este libro me podía gustar, siendo un libro de segundas oportunidades y con maromo sureño. Los protagonista se conocieron en la universidad y tuvieron un rollete que se truncó porque él tuvo que irse debido a responsabilidades familiares. Diez años más tarde se reencuentran debido al trabajo, ella tiene una empresa de especias y cultiva pimientos picantes 🙄 y él tiene un rancho y es un chef estrella de Youtube especializado en carnes en las que usa las especias de ella 🙄🙄. A través de eso se encuentran y lo que parecía que iba a ser bonito es una cosa sin tensión alguna, donde hablan de carne y de mezclas de especias que más coñazo no puede ser y en la que si leo una vez más la palabra darlin’ me tiro por el viaducto. La escritura, además, es muy plana y sosa, no hay ninguna emoción de ninguna clase.
En fin, que no he podido terminarlo. Me devuelva usted el tiempo perdido.
January 24, 2024
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here it is.
Jillian Parks has built her world of hot sauce. She grows and blends peppers to make new flavors that tempt buyers to her website.
Jack Reed found his true love when he was in college, but a family emergency had him leaving school and her behind. Now 10 years later she is calling his show.
When Jillian calls into Jack's cooking show, their banter makes the fans of the show go crazy. Jillian decides to go to Texas for a week to do several shows with Jack. Each show is fun and flirty and the fans are loving it. Her sales are going through the roof.
Jillian tells Jack about her past, which is heartbreaking, and Jack takes it upon himself to help her overcome her fear of crowds by having her join his family for meals.
Jillian and Jack are each other's first loves and the feelings are resurfacing. Can Jillian make a life change and move to Texas or will both of them be heartbroken forever?
I enjoyed this story and was hoping Jillian and Jack would end up together. As their story unfolds, you will see that they belong together. This story is filled with painful pasts for both Jillian and Jack. Jack has a large loving family that accepts Jillian from the first meeting, a family that she didn't realize she needed. I hope you give this one a chance and that you enjoy it too. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Jillian Parks has built her world of hot sauce. She grows and blends peppers to make new flavors that tempt buyers to her website.
Jack Reed found his true love when he was in college, but a family emergency had him leaving school and her behind. Now 10 years later she is calling his show.
When Jillian calls into Jack's cooking show, their banter makes the fans of the show go crazy. Jillian decides to go to Texas for a week to do several shows with Jack. Each show is fun and flirty and the fans are loving it. Her sales are going through the roof.
Jillian tells Jack about her past, which is heartbreaking, and Jack takes it upon himself to help her overcome her fear of crowds by having her join his family for meals.
Jillian and Jack are each other's first loves and the feelings are resurfacing. Can Jillian make a life change and move to Texas or will both of them be heartbroken forever?
I enjoyed this story and was hoping Jillian and Jack would end up together. As their story unfolds, you will see that they belong together. This story is filled with painful pasts for both Jillian and Jack. Jack has a large loving family that accepts Jillian from the first meeting, a family that she didn't realize she needed. I hope you give this one a chance and that you enjoy it too. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
December 13, 2023
Insta love. Traumatic past. He falls first.
3 spice scenes
Things I liked: complex feelings brought on by past experiences, family role fulfillment
Jack's family- they were all so supportive of each other and open, very accepting of Jillian and treating her feelings as real but not judging them
Jack's openness with his feelings
Jack!
The cooking fun and banter.
Things I didn't love: the insta love, they rekindled a college friendship with a night of romance and in a week were in love and making life choices
A little less times he says darlin' and honey. He could have had a more intimate nickname with Jillian
Just a note- I know Jack was all uplifting, understanding, and sweet, but I felt like he could have had a little more in the bedroom
**Spoiler alert**
I also don't know that Jillian would have ended up trying more new things or going back to Jack if it weren't for the baby
**End spoiler alert**
Overall a sweet, mid spice, story about second chances and over coming past traumas and expectations.
**I received a free ebook copy from netgalley in exchange for my honest review
3 spice scenes
Things I liked: complex feelings brought on by past experiences, family role fulfillment
Jack's family- they were all so supportive of each other and open, very accepting of Jillian and treating her feelings as real but not judging them
Jack's openness with his feelings
Jack!
The cooking fun and banter.
Things I didn't love: the insta love, they rekindled a college friendship with a night of romance and in a week were in love and making life choices
A little less times he says darlin' and honey. He could have had a more intimate nickname with Jillian
Just a note- I know Jack was all uplifting, understanding, and sweet, but I felt like he could have had a little more in the bedroom
**Spoiler alert**
I also don't know that Jillian would have ended up trying more new things or going back to Jack if it weren't for the baby
**End spoiler alert**
Overall a sweet, mid spice, story about second chances and over coming past traumas and expectations.
**I received a free ebook copy from netgalley in exchange for my honest review
February 19, 2024
In a romance about spice (literally and figuratively) I found the cooking and entertainment industry portion overpowered the romance portion. Many of the lingo and terms used with cooking alienated me as a reader since I'm not much of a spice enthusiast. I love cooking, but I feel that it was too much. The writing was superb (don't get me wrong), but I feel like it was a romance novel that focused more on showing off the writer's knowledge of YouTube and spicy cooking than the romance.
*I voluntarily read an ARC copy through NetGalley.com. All opinions are my own.*
*I voluntarily read an ARC copy through NetGalley.com. All opinions are my own.*
September 7, 2024
I won this book in a GoodReads Giveaway, and I gave it a two star and a three on the chili spice rating.
For me, the issue lies with the dialog. Using big words is fine, but at some point, you have to think how people really talk to one another. That made it very difficult to get into and enjoy the storyline.
For me, the issue lies with the dialog. Using big words is fine, but at some point, you have to think how people really talk to one another. That made it very difficult to get into and enjoy the storyline.
January 4, 2024
Gigi Templeton is a new author for me, and since I love to cook, I found the blurb about this novel intriguing--a second chance romance between a barbecue master (Jack), and a hot pepper horticulturist (Jillian/Jill/Jilly), and yes, it was just a tad too cute with their names. The two shared a brief, friends-to-one-time-lovers night as college freshmen, before the sudden death of Jack's father had him heading back to run the large family ranch. I love a good, sexy, second-chance romance but Spiced Right had the wrong kind of spice for this reader. 3 stars.
Ten years later, Jack is still running his family ranch, along with his siblings and the rest of his family, and Jack's grilling skills have made him rather famous in barbecue circles, winning awards and having his own regular podcasts.
Jillian, hasn't been quite so fortunate. After college she'd met and become engaged to a man, and while they were attending a concert, the stage caught fire and Jill, trying to help a fallen teenager, was badly trampled and nearly died. She also lost the 6-week old fetus she didn't know she was carrying, and her injuries were so severe, her fiance dumped her. As a result, she's become a recluse in Seattle, practically agoraphobic, rarely leaving her home and terrified of more than one or two people at a time. She's started an online website, sharing her love of all things guaranteed to scorch your stomach lining, growing new hybrid peppers in her home greenhouse, making and selling her spices and sauces to the public, and she's just self-published her first cookbook.
Jillian's agent presents her with an opportunity to increase her audience, her market, and her sale profits. Go to Texas for one week and join the barbecue master on his podcasts. While she's hesitant about leaving the safety of her home, her agent talks her into it, and, as romance readers, we already know that the barbecue master is her long-lost, one-night lover, Jack. Naturally, the man is a totally hot hunk, with charm, swoon-worthy, gentlemanly manners, a few too many "darlin's," and he's never forgotten his Jilly. So far, so good.
What then turned this overwise interesting read to a just-meh novel for me was the insta-love that followed. Ten years is a long time to be away from someone, yet these two hit it off in bed and out as though they'd never been apart. Additionally, after driving for days to reach Jack's ranch, since planes carried passengers, the rest of the novel went way overboard on the spicy menus they created and demonstrated, and non-stop talk of Jill's peppers, products, and her imaginative recipes, all featuring Jill's fiery concoctions. Although their sassy banter was charming at first, for this reader, one who isn't in love with super-spicy foods, who is deathly allergic to avocados, and who couldn't care less about Tex-Mex cuisine, none of this banter took the place of character development and true storytelling. If they weren't cooking and filming, they were in bed, and as a reader, I wanted more to their story than that. Aside from being attracted to each others' good looks, and their love of spicy food, what did they have in common? What kept their love alive after a 10-year, no contact separation? Where were the answers to these questions? Nowhere.
The ending, which I think was supposed to come as a surprise simply wasn't one. All in all, it wasn't a bad read, Ms. Templeton clearly is skilled at writing dialogue, but I wish she'd spent more time on developing her characters rather than their recipes, but as a result, this novel just didn't do it for me.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of his novel. The opinions stated are my own.
Ten years later, Jack is still running his family ranch, along with his siblings and the rest of his family, and Jack's grilling skills have made him rather famous in barbecue circles, winning awards and having his own regular podcasts.
Jillian, hasn't been quite so fortunate. After college she'd met and become engaged to a man, and while they were attending a concert, the stage caught fire and Jill, trying to help a fallen teenager, was badly trampled and nearly died. She also lost the 6-week old fetus she didn't know she was carrying, and her injuries were so severe, her fiance dumped her. As a result, she's become a recluse in Seattle, practically agoraphobic, rarely leaving her home and terrified of more than one or two people at a time. She's started an online website, sharing her love of all things guaranteed to scorch your stomach lining, growing new hybrid peppers in her home greenhouse, making and selling her spices and sauces to the public, and she's just self-published her first cookbook.
Jillian's agent presents her with an opportunity to increase her audience, her market, and her sale profits. Go to Texas for one week and join the barbecue master on his podcasts. While she's hesitant about leaving the safety of her home, her agent talks her into it, and, as romance readers, we already know that the barbecue master is her long-lost, one-night lover, Jack. Naturally, the man is a totally hot hunk, with charm, swoon-worthy, gentlemanly manners, a few too many "darlin's," and he's never forgotten his Jilly. So far, so good.
What then turned this overwise interesting read to a just-meh novel for me was the insta-love that followed. Ten years is a long time to be away from someone, yet these two hit it off in bed and out as though they'd never been apart. Additionally, after driving for days to reach Jack's ranch, since planes carried passengers, the rest of the novel went way overboard on the spicy menus they created and demonstrated, and non-stop talk of Jill's peppers, products, and her imaginative recipes, all featuring Jill's fiery concoctions. Although their sassy banter was charming at first, for this reader, one who isn't in love with super-spicy foods, who is deathly allergic to avocados, and who couldn't care less about Tex-Mex cuisine, none of this banter took the place of character development and true storytelling. If they weren't cooking and filming, they were in bed, and as a reader, I wanted more to their story than that. Aside from being attracted to each others' good looks, and their love of spicy food, what did they have in common? What kept their love alive after a 10-year, no contact separation? Where were the answers to these questions? Nowhere.
The ending, which I think was supposed to come as a surprise simply wasn't one. All in all, it wasn't a bad read, Ms. Templeton clearly is skilled at writing dialogue, but I wish she'd spent more time on developing her characters rather than their recipes, but as a result, this novel just didn't do it for me.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of his novel. The opinions stated are my own.
January 25, 2024
⭐ - 4/5
🔥 - 2.5
🧮 - would recommend
💜 - Tropes: second chance love, friends to lovers
📚 - Standalone or series: This an interconnected standalone, book 1 in a series
I'll admit it, I picked this one up because the cover and title grabbed me first! Then reading the blurb, it seemed like the perfect read to cozy up with.
Jillian - I just wanted to hug her so bad! The things this woman has gone through absolutely tore my heart apart. I respected the way the author wrote her experience with the traumatic event. It's something that not everyone realizes happens. Her situation was handled with care in my opinion. The focus on her mental health, understanding, and empathy went a long way for me with this story. I loved Jillian's resiliency. Through the motions of putting her life back together, she falls back into her passion. Something that has helped her create a name for herself while also being able to sustain her need to be isolated. I loved the way she met Jack again. The idea behind them coming back together was wonderful. This wasn't just about lovers spurned and sent away from each other. This was life circumstances keeping them apart. The way the sparks flew between them from the moment they heard each other's voices was hot! I loved it.
Jack - His dedication to making sure his family was taken care of after so much heartache was commendable. He took the chance to stay at home and take over after a familial loss. A loss that is incredibly hard regardless of our age. I loved that when he too had stuff that was taking over his life he fell back into his passions. Which was cooking. His appreciation for Jillian and the way her business has taken off was wonderful to see. He saw her as an equal and maybe elevated her a little more. I appreciated how he took care of her needs when it came to her limitations and boundaries. He's truly a cinnamon roll-type character. Who doesn't love a cowboy with a heart of gold?
Their conflict and realization that they needed to part again was routine to me. It wasn't angsty, which I don't think was needed like it is in other books. this one seemed almost natural. The reason for coming back together once again so made my heart happy! They got their happy ending in all the best possible ways.
The one aspect that took me out of the story at times was the (in my opinion) overuse of their names when they were talking to each other. In natural open dialogue, we don't communicate by using each other's names constantly.
If you're looking for a story with low angst, cinnamon roll-type cowboy, some spicy content (of a few varieties!), and just an overall good story, this is perfect.
🔥 - 2.5
🧮 - would recommend
💜 - Tropes: second chance love, friends to lovers
📚 - Standalone or series: This an interconnected standalone, book 1 in a series
I'll admit it, I picked this one up because the cover and title grabbed me first! Then reading the blurb, it seemed like the perfect read to cozy up with.
Jillian - I just wanted to hug her so bad! The things this woman has gone through absolutely tore my heart apart. I respected the way the author wrote her experience with the traumatic event. It's something that not everyone realizes happens. Her situation was handled with care in my opinion. The focus on her mental health, understanding, and empathy went a long way for me with this story. I loved Jillian's resiliency. Through the motions of putting her life back together, she falls back into her passion. Something that has helped her create a name for herself while also being able to sustain her need to be isolated. I loved the way she met Jack again. The idea behind them coming back together was wonderful. This wasn't just about lovers spurned and sent away from each other. This was life circumstances keeping them apart. The way the sparks flew between them from the moment they heard each other's voices was hot! I loved it.
Jack - His dedication to making sure his family was taken care of after so much heartache was commendable. He took the chance to stay at home and take over after a familial loss. A loss that is incredibly hard regardless of our age. I loved that when he too had stuff that was taking over his life he fell back into his passions. Which was cooking. His appreciation for Jillian and the way her business has taken off was wonderful to see. He saw her as an equal and maybe elevated her a little more. I appreciated how he took care of her needs when it came to her limitations and boundaries. He's truly a cinnamon roll-type character. Who doesn't love a cowboy with a heart of gold?
Their conflict and realization that they needed to part again was routine to me. It wasn't angsty, which I don't think was needed like it is in other books. this one seemed almost natural. The reason for coming back together once again so made my heart happy! They got their happy ending in all the best possible ways.
The one aspect that took me out of the story at times was the (in my opinion) overuse of their names when they were talking to each other. In natural open dialogue, we don't communicate by using each other's names constantly.
If you're looking for a story with low angst, cinnamon roll-type cowboy, some spicy content (of a few varieties!), and just an overall good story, this is perfect.
February 6, 2024
I'm going to preface this review with a disclaimer: this book is corny and filled with every possible pun you can imagine on the topics of cowboys and hot peppers. Yes, it was over the top and yes, I had a blast reading it. If you're not in the mood for a Hallmark movie romance with comically stereotypical southern twang, this one isn't for you.
But, if you're like me and need a pallet cleanser after binging eight paranormal urban fantasy romances, 'Spiced Right' is a good choice!
Jack and Jillian were briefly college sweethearts until Jack was pulled back home to take care of his family's ranch. Neither one of them got over each other, but circumstances meant they had to move on. But fate wasn't done with either of them, they'd just have to be brave enough to take a chance when it came their way.
"They'd both had dreams. They'd both been thrown curveballs. The plus side was that they'd learned to assimilate, to recover, to move forward."
A freak accident changed the course of Jillian's life and turned the once extroverted and lively woman into a recluse. Still set on growing a successful business, she is steadily making progress in her recovery but is cognizant that it takes time. Jillian was strong, but practical in knowing her limits. She was self-aware and didn't let fear rule her life even when she could have. When she saw a chance to reconnect with Jack, she leaped even as she felt terrified.
"For all the right business reasons, but also because kismet and some innate enthusiasm she couldn't grasp spurred her on. All wrapped around Jack Reed."
Jack is genuine and playful, a family man through and through shouldering the weight of keeping the ranch going no matter what it takes. He constantly makes sacrifices to put work first but Jillian makes him want to be a little selfish. A swoon-worthy book boyfriend, Jack was empathetic, responsible, and caring - what more could a girl ask for?!
"Jack, you're holding my dog's leash so I can double-fist a fishbowl of a margarita. There's just no way a woman recovers from that."
The book is called 'Spiced Right' and it certainly delivers on its promise, in both tension and on-page scenes. I don't watch YouTube at all, but if Jack was live-streaming his BBQ grilling show I may be tempted. Jack and Jillian had the best banter dialogue I've read in a hot minute and their chemistry was perfection.
Overall, I loved the 'spicy' theme running through the book, the puns and exaggerated southern accent are just fun. Jack and Jillian's story was predictably wonderful. The ending was rushed, but still sweet and I will keep my eye out for book two.
More reviews at www.ratherbookish.com
But, if you're like me and need a pallet cleanser after binging eight paranormal urban fantasy romances, 'Spiced Right' is a good choice!
Jack and Jillian were briefly college sweethearts until Jack was pulled back home to take care of his family's ranch. Neither one of them got over each other, but circumstances meant they had to move on. But fate wasn't done with either of them, they'd just have to be brave enough to take a chance when it came their way.
"They'd both had dreams. They'd both been thrown curveballs. The plus side was that they'd learned to assimilate, to recover, to move forward."
A freak accident changed the course of Jillian's life and turned the once extroverted and lively woman into a recluse. Still set on growing a successful business, she is steadily making progress in her recovery but is cognizant that it takes time. Jillian was strong, but practical in knowing her limits. She was self-aware and didn't let fear rule her life even when she could have. When she saw a chance to reconnect with Jack, she leaped even as she felt terrified.
"For all the right business reasons, but also because kismet and some innate enthusiasm she couldn't grasp spurred her on. All wrapped around Jack Reed."
Jack is genuine and playful, a family man through and through shouldering the weight of keeping the ranch going no matter what it takes. He constantly makes sacrifices to put work first but Jillian makes him want to be a little selfish. A swoon-worthy book boyfriend, Jack was empathetic, responsible, and caring - what more could a girl ask for?!
"Jack, you're holding my dog's leash so I can double-fist a fishbowl of a margarita. There's just no way a woman recovers from that."
The book is called 'Spiced Right' and it certainly delivers on its promise, in both tension and on-page scenes. I don't watch YouTube at all, but if Jack was live-streaming his BBQ grilling show I may be tempted. Jack and Jillian had the best banter dialogue I've read in a hot minute and their chemistry was perfection.
Overall, I loved the 'spicy' theme running through the book, the puns and exaggerated southern accent are just fun. Jack and Jillian's story was predictably wonderful. The ending was rushed, but still sweet and I will keep my eye out for book two.
More reviews at www.ratherbookish.com
September 18, 2024
3.75/4 ☆
Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for gifting this arc for early review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a really fun and enjoyable read. A second chance romance that felt very grown up in that the MC’s weren’t just dealing with a missed connection but the responsibilities and trials of life that separated them in the past, and then them fighting to overcome those obstacles in the present.
I loved the backdrop of the MMC’s family ranch and the extensive bbq and cooking references. They were detailed but didn’t outshine the other elements of the story. There was a great supporting cast in Jack’s family and Jillian’s manager/bff, Mindy, as well.
Towards the end, the pacing did feel a bit rushed, and I feel like another 50ish pages would’ve helped parse some of those things out. Esp. regarding the “miracle” at the end— I think a chapter of us seeing how Jillian came to grips with that after vehemently denying that she was interested in one of her and Jack’s last convos, beyond Mindy being like “girl you should want this, this is your HEA”— would’ve been great. Given everything Gillian went through and overcame, despite the magical medical breakthrough, her decision was a huge one. Even if it was just a short chapter of her inner monologue on the plane/drive to Triple R, like what was she working through in her head regarding this new chapter she was embarking on.
But the banter was great, and the whole southern gentleman/cowboy thing— which could’ve gotten really tired, somehow worked wonderfully. And it was clear that these were two characters who really deserved to be with one another and really made each other happy. I think another family moment/meal at the end or an epilogue would’ve nicely rounded things out as well, especially given the outcome of the final scenes, seeing how central the Reeds and Reed-Martinez’s were to the story at large. The lack of these aforementioned things and more of Jack and Jilly’s inner dialogue after/during the final scenes, caused the story to fall a bit flat for me. However, like I said, great characters with amazing chemistry, fun supporting characters, spice scenes that made sense and didn’t feel gratuitous (although those can be nice), I had a good time.
Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for gifting this arc for early review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a really fun and enjoyable read. A second chance romance that felt very grown up in that the MC’s weren’t just dealing with a missed connection but the responsibilities and trials of life that separated them in the past, and then them fighting to overcome those obstacles in the present.
I loved the backdrop of the MMC’s family ranch and the extensive bbq and cooking references. They were detailed but didn’t outshine the other elements of the story. There was a great supporting cast in Jack’s family and Jillian’s manager/bff, Mindy, as well.
Towards the end, the pacing did feel a bit rushed, and I feel like another 50ish pages would’ve helped parse some of those things out. Esp. regarding the “miracle” at the end— I think a chapter of us seeing how Jillian came to grips with that after vehemently denying that she was interested in one of her and Jack’s last convos, beyond Mindy being like “girl you should want this, this is your HEA”— would’ve been great. Given everything Gillian went through and overcame, despite the magical medical breakthrough, her decision was a huge one. Even if it was just a short chapter of her inner monologue on the plane/drive to Triple R, like what was she working through in her head regarding this new chapter she was embarking on.
But the banter was great, and the whole southern gentleman/cowboy thing— which could’ve gotten really tired, somehow worked wonderfully. And it was clear that these were two characters who really deserved to be with one another and really made each other happy. I think another family moment/meal at the end or an epilogue would’ve nicely rounded things out as well, especially given the outcome of the final scenes, seeing how central the Reeds and Reed-Martinez’s were to the story at large. The lack of these aforementioned things and more of Jack and Jilly’s inner dialogue after/during the final scenes, caused the story to fall a bit flat for me. However, like I said, great characters with amazing chemistry, fun supporting characters, spice scenes that made sense and didn’t feel gratuitous (although those can be nice), I had a good time.
January 4, 2024
I was excited to read this book. It seemed like a fun romance between a spice maker and a pit-roaster, which is something I've never seen in a romance. So, bonus points for the innovative setup. Jillian and Jack felt fleshed out, which is always a positive in my book. But something just didn't work for me, and it burned in the back of my head until I could finally put my finger on it. The romance just fell flat.
We're told in the beginning that Jillian and Jack used to date back in college, but their romance was cut short after Jack had to go back to his family's ranch for a family emergency. They continuously refer to the time gap as "ten years," so it's been a literal decade since they saw each other. They both note how they've changed as people in that time, with Jack in some way (I literally could not tell you) and Jillian having been in an accident that left her afraid of crowds, with scars from all the surgeries she had, without an emotional support system.
Because of this, Jillian had become a recluse. And while she mentions that she has her phobias in big crowds and that she doesn't want to participate in the big Reed family gatherings (Jack's family) he's like, "OK, but like, we're good people." Sir, phobias are phobias. They aren't necessarily rational.
Not to mention that even though they haven't seen or talked to each other in TEN YEARS, from the get-go, they are just all over each other and kissing and flirting like nothing has changed. While it has, not just for Jillian but for Jack, too. I'm not the same person I was 10 years ago, and if I saw someone I knew 10 years ago, I could guarantee you that things would go as if nothing had changed.
To add, the ending was predictable at least for me, and while it was well-written, the chapters felt very similar to one another, which made it feel like a chore to read rather than the fun way it should be. It wasn't the best or worst book I'd ever read, and I'd be interested to read another Gigi Templeton book again.
-thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
We're told in the beginning that Jillian and Jack used to date back in college, but their romance was cut short after Jack had to go back to his family's ranch for a family emergency. They continuously refer to the time gap as "ten years," so it's been a literal decade since they saw each other. They both note how they've changed as people in that time, with Jack in some way (I literally could not tell you) and Jillian having been in an accident that left her afraid of crowds, with scars from all the surgeries she had, without an emotional support system.
Because of this, Jillian had become a recluse. And while she mentions that she has her phobias in big crowds and that she doesn't want to participate in the big Reed family gatherings (Jack's family) he's like, "OK, but like, we're good people." Sir, phobias are phobias. They aren't necessarily rational.
Not to mention that even though they haven't seen or talked to each other in TEN YEARS, from the get-go, they are just all over each other and kissing and flirting like nothing has changed. While it has, not just for Jillian but for Jack, too. I'm not the same person I was 10 years ago, and if I saw someone I knew 10 years ago, I could guarantee you that things would go as if nothing had changed.
To add, the ending was predictable at least for me, and while it was well-written, the chapters felt very similar to one another, which made it feel like a chore to read rather than the fun way it should be. It wasn't the best or worst book I'd ever read, and I'd be interested to read another Gigi Templeton book again.
-thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2024
Quite a sweet story about two people getting their second chance at love after circumstances kept them apart 10 years previously. Jack and Jillian met at university in Seattle when they were 19 and after being friends for awhile they got together and spent one amazing night together but then Jack's dad died suddenly and he had to return to the family ranch in Texas to take over.
They both go their separate ways but still manage to end up in the same field - Jillian cultivates her own chilli's and creates spice mixes, rubs and sauces that she sells online alongside her podcast while Jack has his own YouTube channel grilling BBQ. He's a BBQ champion in Texas (not that I knew this was a thing!) and is quite successful on his channel as well as running the ranch.
Their managers get them together with Jillian calling in to Jack's show to offer some advice and whatnot for the spices to use on his BBQ and from there they decide to spend a week filming together at Jack's ranch.
What he's yet to learn about her is that she had a horrific accident several years prior that left her with a severe anxiety around groups of people - any size group will send her into a panic attack. When Jack finds out he is respectful and keeps her safe and within about 2 days she seems to shed most of this fear and starts joining the large family for meals - which seems a little ridiculous to me but maybe she just needed the right people to ease her back into being around people again.
The dialogue between Jack and Jillian felt a little clunky and forced at times. I know people can be understanding but Jack is above and beyond the average person which felt a little far-fetched at times. It's told in a third party POV so we get both sides but I would have preferred a dual POV - I think this would have elevated the story that bit more. I enjoyed it overall and I'm glad they got their happily ever after, but the ending did feel a little bit rushed. Also, reading this book will make you hungry so have snacks on hand!
Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
They both go their separate ways but still manage to end up in the same field - Jillian cultivates her own chilli's and creates spice mixes, rubs and sauces that she sells online alongside her podcast while Jack has his own YouTube channel grilling BBQ. He's a BBQ champion in Texas (not that I knew this was a thing!) and is quite successful on his channel as well as running the ranch.
Their managers get them together with Jillian calling in to Jack's show to offer some advice and whatnot for the spices to use on his BBQ and from there they decide to spend a week filming together at Jack's ranch.
What he's yet to learn about her is that she had a horrific accident several years prior that left her with a severe anxiety around groups of people - any size group will send her into a panic attack. When Jack finds out he is respectful and keeps her safe and within about 2 days she seems to shed most of this fear and starts joining the large family for meals - which seems a little ridiculous to me but maybe she just needed the right people to ease her back into being around people again.
The dialogue between Jack and Jillian felt a little clunky and forced at times. I know people can be understanding but Jack is above and beyond the average person which felt a little far-fetched at times. It's told in a third party POV so we get both sides but I would have preferred a dual POV - I think this would have elevated the story that bit more. I enjoyed it overall and I'm glad they got their happily ever after, but the ending did feel a little bit rushed. Also, reading this book will make you hungry so have snacks on hand!
Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
June 13, 2024
Habenero Hoochie Coo
TripleR1
This was soooo much fun!
I’m more of a savory than spicy kinda gal, but those concoctions made my mouth water … and … I want that Cookbook!
Jillian Parks has her eye on her bottom line. She has a podcast, blog and retail mail-order business built around spicy pepper hybrid plants, rubs and sauces. She has self-published a cookbook that is available online, and no one bothers her.
Because Jillian is, for many reasons, a hermit. She makes no personal appearances, everything is delivered - heck, even her mailman picks up her packages. Until her producer encourages Jills to phone in to a live YouTube show by a BBQ champion in Texas, who is reviewing her rubs and sauces, on air.
Trouble is, she knows this Texan. He was her “first” on many levels, and only the death of his father, set aside what they could have been to each other. And, trouble is, Jack Reed makes her laugh and flirt and desire - all things Jillian thought she’d never know again.
Jack Reed is a rancher down to the bone. He raises beef cattle and horses, and has won his share of BBQ competitions (and developed signature sauces and rubs, in that milieu).
Trying to find some way to secure an income stream that isn’t completely dependent on weather and disease effects, has involved and invested the whole family in Rub It In, his channel and blog. Finding out Hotter Than Haba was owned by his freshman year crush, was an unexpected surprise. But getting Jillian to come to Texas to cook with him, that is where the true sparks fly.
I enjoyed this book and see that the next in series Fired Up, will be out at the end of the month. Can’t wait! (And, Gigi, I am serious about that cookbook)
TripleR1
This was soooo much fun!
I’m more of a savory than spicy kinda gal, but those concoctions made my mouth water … and … I want that Cookbook!
Jillian Parks has her eye on her bottom line. She has a podcast, blog and retail mail-order business built around spicy pepper hybrid plants, rubs and sauces. She has self-published a cookbook that is available online, and no one bothers her.
Because Jillian is, for many reasons, a hermit. She makes no personal appearances, everything is delivered - heck, even her mailman picks up her packages. Until her producer encourages Jills to phone in to a live YouTube show by a BBQ champion in Texas, who is reviewing her rubs and sauces, on air.
Trouble is, she knows this Texan. He was her “first” on many levels, and only the death of his father, set aside what they could have been to each other. And, trouble is, Jack Reed makes her laugh and flirt and desire - all things Jillian thought she’d never know again.
Jack Reed is a rancher down to the bone. He raises beef cattle and horses, and has won his share of BBQ competitions (and developed signature sauces and rubs, in that milieu).
Trying to find some way to secure an income stream that isn’t completely dependent on weather and disease effects, has involved and invested the whole family in Rub It In, his channel and blog. Finding out Hotter Than Haba was owned by his freshman year crush, was an unexpected surprise. But getting Jillian to come to Texas to cook with him, that is where the true sparks fly.
I enjoyed this book and see that the next in series Fired Up, will be out at the end of the month. Can’t wait! (And, Gigi, I am serious about that cookbook)
April 2, 2024
Spiced Right by Gigi Templeton
Spicy second chance romance that sees two people perfect for one another finally get their happily ever after ~ Thoroughly enjoyed this book!
What I liked:
* Jack Reed: rancher, cowboy, pitmaster, charismatic, caring, responsible, loves his family, athletic dreams thwarted, has never forgotten…Jillian
* Jillian Parks: creative, entrepreneur, cookbook author, grows hybrid peppers in her own greenhouses, survivor, has never forgotten…Jack
* The producers of the shows Jack and Jillian run independently and their idea to have the collaborate – wonder I they might get together in the future
* The sensitivity, patience, and understanding Jack showed with Jillian as he learned what had happened since they were last together
* The strong family ties Jack’s family have for one another – would love to learn more about all of the singletons that have not met their matches
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* That I liked all the characters, could relate to them, and felt I would it in with the group if I were to drop in on them
* The recipes discussed that made me drool
* The chemistry and witty repartee between Jack and Jillian
* All of it really except…
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about all that Jillian had to deal with and the impact it had on her life – including her faithless fiancé
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author/in this series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Spicy second chance romance that sees two people perfect for one another finally get their happily ever after ~ Thoroughly enjoyed this book!
What I liked:
* Jack Reed: rancher, cowboy, pitmaster, charismatic, caring, responsible, loves his family, athletic dreams thwarted, has never forgotten…Jillian
* Jillian Parks: creative, entrepreneur, cookbook author, grows hybrid peppers in her own greenhouses, survivor, has never forgotten…Jack
* The producers of the shows Jack and Jillian run independently and their idea to have the collaborate – wonder I they might get together in the future
* The sensitivity, patience, and understanding Jack showed with Jillian as he learned what had happened since they were last together
* The strong family ties Jack’s family have for one another – would love to learn more about all of the singletons that have not met their matches
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* That I liked all the characters, could relate to them, and felt I would it in with the group if I were to drop in on them
* The recipes discussed that made me drool
* The chemistry and witty repartee between Jack and Jillian
* All of it really except…
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about all that Jillian had to deal with and the impact it had on her life – including her faithless fiancé
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author/in this series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
January 30, 2024
A sweet southern second chance romance.
Jack and Jillian originally met in college but Jack had to leave for personal reasons, returning to his families ranch in Texas. In the years that have passed, they have both lived separate lives but never forgot the time they shared together. In the current day, Jack is still on his families ranch but is also a champion pitmaster with a successful YouTube channel whilst Jillian is living in Seattle, running her own business creating hot sauces/dry rubs and podcast.
The two are reunited on a live show when its suggested they work together to grow their businesses and social media following. Jillian takes a trip down to the Texas ranch to create some more in person content after the initial success. As they get to know each other(and Jack's huge family!) once more, Jillian begins to open up about her past. She has been through a lot since she last saw Jack but he is the perfect understanding gentlemen as she opens up to him about her past.
I enjoyed how seamlessly they rekindled their friendship and relationship as the story progressed. I felt the amount of spice sprinkled throughout was the perfect amount. All the talk of the food definitely made me hungry whilst reading! Jack and Jillian were truly meant to be together and i'm glad they found their way back to each other!
Thank you to Netgalley for sending me a copy to review.
Jack and Jillian originally met in college but Jack had to leave for personal reasons, returning to his families ranch in Texas. In the years that have passed, they have both lived separate lives but never forgot the time they shared together. In the current day, Jack is still on his families ranch but is also a champion pitmaster with a successful YouTube channel whilst Jillian is living in Seattle, running her own business creating hot sauces/dry rubs and podcast.
The two are reunited on a live show when its suggested they work together to grow their businesses and social media following. Jillian takes a trip down to the Texas ranch to create some more in person content after the initial success. As they get to know each other(and Jack's huge family!) once more, Jillian begins to open up about her past. She has been through a lot since she last saw Jack but he is the perfect understanding gentlemen as she opens up to him about her past.
I enjoyed how seamlessly they rekindled their friendship and relationship as the story progressed. I felt the amount of spice sprinkled throughout was the perfect amount. All the talk of the food definitely made me hungry whilst reading! Jack and Jillian were truly meant to be together and i'm glad they found their way back to each other!
Thank you to Netgalley for sending me a copy to review.
January 31, 2024
Spiced right was my first book by Gigi Templeton and it was really enjoyable! It follows Jillian, an agoraphobic podcaster with an intense interest in growing chillies/peppers and creating her own line of spices. Following a traumatic experience, Jillian relies on outside support as she lives alone in her home. It was refreshing to see a woman aware of her trauma but also being confident in accommodating her triggers and daily troubles to make her as comfortable as possible.
Her producer and friend arrange for Jillian to call in to a popular barbecue web show hosted by ex-flame Jack Reed. Their chemistry is off the charts. Desperate to reunite with Jillian and capitalise from their success, Jack invites her out to his ranch to partake in his show in person as well as offering her own segment.
Anxiety riddled Jillian accepts the offer and journeys to the Reed ranch unprepared for the instant flirtation and chemistry between herself and Jack.
It was really cool reading about their cooking and food interests as well as reading about Jillian’s trauma and how she slowly opens up to Jack about her experience.
It was an emotional rollercoaster, but it was very enjoyable. There were lulls where I felt a little bored, but it never took long for the plot to pick back up. I hope the other Reed family members have their own book so we can get a glimpse of Jack and Jillian and their happily ever after. I will definitely be interested in reading Gigi’s other books!
Her producer and friend arrange for Jillian to call in to a popular barbecue web show hosted by ex-flame Jack Reed. Their chemistry is off the charts. Desperate to reunite with Jillian and capitalise from their success, Jack invites her out to his ranch to partake in his show in person as well as offering her own segment.
Anxiety riddled Jillian accepts the offer and journeys to the Reed ranch unprepared for the instant flirtation and chemistry between herself and Jack.
It was really cool reading about their cooking and food interests as well as reading about Jillian’s trauma and how she slowly opens up to Jack about her experience.
It was an emotional rollercoaster, but it was very enjoyable. There were lulls where I felt a little bored, but it never took long for the plot to pick back up. I hope the other Reed family members have their own book so we can get a glimpse of Jack and Jillian and their happily ever after. I will definitely be interested in reading Gigi’s other books!
October 19, 2023
Jack Reed is the sexy cowboy who stole Jillian’s heart ten years ago. They were just getting started when a family emergency brought Jack back home and a future with Jillian left in the dust. Now, Jack and Jillian are brought together again by their love of cooking. Perhaps they can rediscover their love for each other as well.
The flirtatious banter between Jack and Jillian was epic. It was entertaining enough that I was almost distracted from the agonizing slow burn - almost, but still not quite.
Jillian and Jack’s connection was probably one of the easiest I have encountered. They seemed to pick back up right where they left off, despite all those years in between. I loved how neither one of them put pressure on each other or defined expectations during Jillian’s stay. Jack was extremely patient, selfless, and understanding of her condition.
While I fully understood their love of food and cooking is what ultimately brought them together again, the details of their times cooking together admittedly was not what I was looking forward to the most with this book, and seemed to drag it out a bit longer than necessary.
Overall, this book lived up to its title and it was definitely Spiced Right!
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for this ARC, and the chance to share my honest review.
The flirtatious banter between Jack and Jillian was epic. It was entertaining enough that I was almost distracted from the agonizing slow burn - almost, but still not quite.
Jillian and Jack’s connection was probably one of the easiest I have encountered. They seemed to pick back up right where they left off, despite all those years in between. I loved how neither one of them put pressure on each other or defined expectations during Jillian’s stay. Jack was extremely patient, selfless, and understanding of her condition.
While I fully understood their love of food and cooking is what ultimately brought them together again, the details of their times cooking together admittedly was not what I was looking forward to the most with this book, and seemed to drag it out a bit longer than necessary.
Overall, this book lived up to its title and it was definitely Spiced Right!
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for this ARC, and the chance to share my honest review.
November 11, 2023
Thank you to Gigi Templeton, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book.
Jillian Parks doesn’t need her hybrid scorpion pepper to set her pulse racing. Wildly charismatic rancher Jack Reed does that all on his own in this scorcher from Gigi Templeton.
Don’t ever think I didn’t want more time with you, darlin’.
Those were her college boyfriend’s last words to her after a phone call summoned him home to Texas. In the ten years since, Jack Reed has taken over his family’s ranch, and Jillian Parks has experienced devastating losses with traumatic repercussions.
Now a reclusive insomniac, she podcasts about the specialty hybrid chili peppers she grows in her Seattle greenhouse, keeping a closed door between her and the past. But when Jillian’s producer coaxes her to make a surprise call in to Jack’s YouTube BBQ channel, their chemistry still sizzles!
An invite to the ranch for a follow-up collab is a scary proposal for Jillian. But forward movement is key to her recovery, and it’s time to take the bull by the horns. With Jack’s commanding yet soothing presence, maybe this charismatic cowboy is just the right ingredient to help her heal—while adding a different kind of spice to her life
I love the characters, the chemistry, the banter, and the plot. I love everything in this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Jillian Parks doesn’t need her hybrid scorpion pepper to set her pulse racing. Wildly charismatic rancher Jack Reed does that all on his own in this scorcher from Gigi Templeton.
Don’t ever think I didn’t want more time with you, darlin’.
Those were her college boyfriend’s last words to her after a phone call summoned him home to Texas. In the ten years since, Jack Reed has taken over his family’s ranch, and Jillian Parks has experienced devastating losses with traumatic repercussions.
Now a reclusive insomniac, she podcasts about the specialty hybrid chili peppers she grows in her Seattle greenhouse, keeping a closed door between her and the past. But when Jillian’s producer coaxes her to make a surprise call in to Jack’s YouTube BBQ channel, their chemistry still sizzles!
An invite to the ranch for a follow-up collab is a scary proposal for Jillian. But forward movement is key to her recovery, and it’s time to take the bull by the horns. With Jack’s commanding yet soothing presence, maybe this charismatic cowboy is just the right ingredient to help her heal—while adding a different kind of spice to her life
I love the characters, the chemistry, the banter, and the plot. I love everything in this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
October 7, 2023
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐁𝐲 𝐆𝐢𝐠𝐢 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐨𝐧
✨ARC Review ✨
My Rating: four stars
Release date: January 2024
A spicy and BBQ filled southern ranch romance
Tropes:
ღ Southern romance
ღ slow burn
ღ second chance
ღ pregnancy
Jack and Jillian have history from college, later reconnecting due to a surprise phone call for his cooking channel while using her popular spice business. Being apart for a decade has caused them to both grow and change into different people, Jillian facing some traumatic experiences that have left her being a recluse but the chemistry between these two has stayed rampant, even despite the years apart.
“Cowboys are sexy Jack, one who cooks….well…”
The fresh and fun spin on the classic cowboy romance made this an easy and enjoyable read, all while Jack maintains the classic sexy appeal of a cowboy. Who doesn’t love eye candy that can cook an amazing meal and make your mouth orgasm as well?
The cover has convinced me that this was gonna be mainly focused on smut, and I was pleasantly surprised the balance between plot, character/relationship development, and a decent side of smut. This story had me rooting for them despite all the challenges! I would definitely read another book by this author.
✨ARC Review ✨
My Rating: four stars
Release date: January 2024
A spicy and BBQ filled southern ranch romance
Tropes:
ღ Southern romance
ღ slow burn
ღ second chance
ღ pregnancy
Jack and Jillian have history from college, later reconnecting due to a surprise phone call for his cooking channel while using her popular spice business. Being apart for a decade has caused them to both grow and change into different people, Jillian facing some traumatic experiences that have left her being a recluse but the chemistry between these two has stayed rampant, even despite the years apart.
“Cowboys are sexy Jack, one who cooks….well…”
The fresh and fun spin on the classic cowboy romance made this an easy and enjoyable read, all while Jack maintains the classic sexy appeal of a cowboy. Who doesn’t love eye candy that can cook an amazing meal and make your mouth orgasm as well?
The cover has convinced me that this was gonna be mainly focused on smut, and I was pleasantly surprised the balance between plot, character/relationship development, and a decent side of smut. This story had me rooting for them despite all the challenges! I would definitely read another book by this author.
March 21, 2024
I received a free copy of this book.
Firstly, I wish that SPICED RIGHT came with an accompanying cook book because reading Jack and Jillian’s delicious cooking had me wanting to try their fantastic recipes out for myself. I challenge anyone to read this book and not want to try out their mouth watering meals for themselves.
Jack and Jillian reconnect after 10 years and things have changed in their lives, particularly for Jillian. But the sparks fly right from the start. The chemistry between this couple is electric and love that neither of them deny it and in fact, play on it, and not just in front of the camera.
What I really loved about this romance was that I couldn’t see how Jack and Jillian where possibly going to have a happily ever after and it was exciting experiencing their romance and being surprised by how it played out.
SPICED RIGHT is a sexy and romantic read. It has lots of fun moments and I found Jack’s ranch to be a wonderful and welcome place, somewhere I’d love to be. This gets four spicy stars from me.
Firstly, I wish that SPICED RIGHT came with an accompanying cook book because reading Jack and Jillian’s delicious cooking had me wanting to try their fantastic recipes out for myself. I challenge anyone to read this book and not want to try out their mouth watering meals for themselves.
Jack and Jillian reconnect after 10 years and things have changed in their lives, particularly for Jillian. But the sparks fly right from the start. The chemistry between this couple is electric and love that neither of them deny it and in fact, play on it, and not just in front of the camera.
What I really loved about this romance was that I couldn’t see how Jack and Jillian where possibly going to have a happily ever after and it was exciting experiencing their romance and being surprised by how it played out.
SPICED RIGHT is a sexy and romantic read. It has lots of fun moments and I found Jack’s ranch to be a wonderful and welcome place, somewhere I’d love to be. This gets four spicy stars from me.
December 8, 2023
3.5 stars
If you are looking for a dreamy cowboy who also moonlights as a grill master, you are going to eat this book right on up. (Pun intended.) Spiced Right’s third protagonist is the food, and man, is it meaty. (Pun intended.)
Author Gigi Templeton paints a vivid picture in her text, and creates one heck of a conflict between the female and male protagonists. Their connection and chemistry are palpable, but the reason(s) why they can’t be together seem truly insurmountable. The story lost me a bit in the back third, and (without spoiling the plot) there is a particular narrative choice the author makes that I just didn’t agree with. Sure, it tied up the story, but it felt sort of like a copout to me. But I think that readers who like this kind of plot element will enjoy the conclusion.
Overall, there’s a swoon-worthy hero and a heroine who has been through IT and fights to reclaim her life, and that’s pretty interesting to read.
Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for generously providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
If you are looking for a dreamy cowboy who also moonlights as a grill master, you are going to eat this book right on up. (Pun intended.) Spiced Right’s third protagonist is the food, and man, is it meaty. (Pun intended.)
Author Gigi Templeton paints a vivid picture in her text, and creates one heck of a conflict between the female and male protagonists. Their connection and chemistry are palpable, but the reason(s) why they can’t be together seem truly insurmountable. The story lost me a bit in the back third, and (without spoiling the plot) there is a particular narrative choice the author makes that I just didn’t agree with. Sure, it tied up the story, but it felt sort of like a copout to me. But I think that readers who like this kind of plot element will enjoy the conclusion.
Overall, there’s a swoon-worthy hero and a heroine who has been through IT and fights to reclaim her life, and that’s pretty interesting to read.
Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for generously providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 3, 2024
3.5-stars for Spiced Right:
Spiced Right was a sweet, lighthearted read that mixed romance and food in a fun way. I really enjoyed how the author weaved food and cooking into the storyline—it added a nice, cozy touch and made me want to head straight to the kitchen! The romance was charming, with a good balance of chemistry and playful banter between the main characters.
The pacing was mostly good, but there were a few moments where things felt a little predictable. I didn’t mind too much since the story had an overall feel-good vibe, but it left me wanting a bit more complexity in the plot. The characters were likable, though I would’ve loved to see a bit more depth and development in their backstories and motivations.
Overall, Spiced Right is a great pick if you’re looking for an easy, enjoyable read that combines romance with a love for cooking. It’s fun and sweet, but it didn’t quite have that “wow” factor to bump it up higher for me. Still, it’s a solid, charming story that’s sure to put a smile on your face!
Spiced Right was a sweet, lighthearted read that mixed romance and food in a fun way. I really enjoyed how the author weaved food and cooking into the storyline—it added a nice, cozy touch and made me want to head straight to the kitchen! The romance was charming, with a good balance of chemistry and playful banter between the main characters.
The pacing was mostly good, but there were a few moments where things felt a little predictable. I didn’t mind too much since the story had an overall feel-good vibe, but it left me wanting a bit more complexity in the plot. The characters were likable, though I would’ve loved to see a bit more depth and development in their backstories and motivations.
Overall, Spiced Right is a great pick if you’re looking for an easy, enjoyable read that combines romance with a love for cooking. It’s fun and sweet, but it didn’t quite have that “wow” factor to bump it up higher for me. Still, it’s a solid, charming story that’s sure to put a smile on your face!
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