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Smoke In The Citi
When Passion Phillips agrees to work elbow to elbow with the man who left her at the altar, flames ignite inside the Citi Café. Flames capable of engulfing her mind and body. Burned by his betrayal, she is determined to keep him at a distance. She’s made the mistake of loving him once, but won’t make the same mistake again. If only her heart would listen.
Dasher Howard is not the man he used to be. All he needs now is the opportunity to show Passion that he’s no longer the man she once knew. With a mission to prove to her love can be better the second time around, he’ll do whatever it takes to reclaim her heart. Even if it means manipulating the odds in his favor.
The only thing hotter than the food inside Citi Café is the blaze scorching between the two. How will Dasher prove to Passion that he is the only man for her? Especially when she's hell-bent on hating him.
Dasher Howard is not the man he used to be. All he needs now is the opportunity to show Passion that he’s no longer the man she once knew. With a mission to prove to her love can be better the second time around, he’ll do whatever it takes to reclaim her heart. Even if it means manipulating the odds in his favor.
The only thing hotter than the food inside Citi Café is the blaze scorching between the two. How will Dasher prove to Passion that he is the only man for her? Especially when she's hell-bent on hating him.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2014
31 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
About the author
Joy Avery
40 books226 followersBy day, Joy Avery works as an engagement manager. By night, the North Carolina native travels to imaginary worlds—creating characters whose romantic journeys invariably end happily ever after.
Since she was a young girl growing up in Garner, Joy knew she wanted to write. Stumbling onto romance novels, she discovered her passion for love stories; instantly, she knew these were the type stories she wanted to pen.
Real characters. Real journeys. Real good love is what you’ll find in a Joy Avery romance.
Joy is a member of Romance Writers of America.
Since she was a young girl growing up in Garner, Joy knew she wanted to write. Stumbling onto romance novels, she discovered her passion for love stories; instantly, she knew these were the type stories she wanted to pen.
Real characters. Real journeys. Real good love is what you’ll find in a Joy Avery romance.
Joy is a member of Romance Writers of America.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 18, 2014
I truly enjoyed this author's debut novel. The characters are well developed and wholly believable. I found myself sharing all the ups and downs of Passion and Dasher's relationship, at times feeling sad, angry and excited.
One of the many things I found so refreshing about this book is the humor. Sadly, when some authors try to introduce humor into a romance, it fails miserably. This story had just the right amount of "funny" in all the right places. The supporting characters, Angel and Juan provided most of it and I enjoyed them immensely.
Passion and Dasher cause each other a lot of heartache throughout and at times you question whether they truly are meant to be. But as in any relationship, there are usually a multitude of layers to peel away to get to the deep layers of love and trust that lies beneath, holding it together. Their chemistry was potent and you literally felt their desire leaping off the pages.
I am thoroughly impressed with Miss Avery's writing style. The story was well written and just as important, well edited. Great first novel. I can't wait to read many more!
One of the many things I found so refreshing about this book is the humor. Sadly, when some authors try to introduce humor into a romance, it fails miserably. This story had just the right amount of "funny" in all the right places. The supporting characters, Angel and Juan provided most of it and I enjoyed them immensely.
Passion and Dasher cause each other a lot of heartache throughout and at times you question whether they truly are meant to be. But as in any relationship, there are usually a multitude of layers to peel away to get to the deep layers of love and trust that lies beneath, holding it together. Their chemistry was potent and you literally felt their desire leaping off the pages.
I am thoroughly impressed with Miss Avery's writing style. The story was well written and just as important, well edited. Great first novel. I can't wait to read many more!
November 18, 2016
This was the authors debut book so now I know where her pattern of the couples breaking up and getting back together comes from which is a pattern of a lot of romance writers. In the beginning you know why the couple is no longer together and I actually understand the second break up but then they keep breaking up. What makes it frustrating is the couple when they break up realize they can't be without each other. I also think the emotional issues they both had were not addressed as well, I still don't get how they were together for years and were about to get married but she had never met his father? Or they didn't know any real personal information about each other. Overall I give it a 3.5 since it started strong but then it just went downhill.
August 6, 2014
I always enjoy a good love story. This was an excellent debut novel by Joy Avery. Recommend read
August 24, 2018
Where there's smoke...When Passion Phillips (restaurant Citi) agrees to work elbow to elbow with the man who left her at the altar, and campaigns outside her business for a job, flames ignite inside the Citi Café. Flames capable of engulfing her mind and body. She's made the mistake of loving him once, but won't make the same mistake again. Burned by his betrayal, she is determined to keep him at a distance. If only her heart would listen...there's fire! She decides to wear her wedding gown to a restaurant we’re he’s meeting with his boss, and give him a piece of her mind. Little did she know, he later bought the business for 18 million dollars. Both have been emotionally and physically abused so trust is difficult. Dasher Howard (multimillionaire game designer) is not the man he used to be. All he needs now is the opportunity to show Passion that he's no longer the man she once knew. With a mission to prove to her love can be better the second time around, he'll do whatever it takes to reclaim her heart. Even if it means manipulating the odds in his favor. The only thing hotter than the food inside Citi Café is the blaze igniting between Passion and Dasher. How will he prove to her that he is the only man for her? Especially when she is hell-bent on hating him.
too many stops, starts, arguments, and misunderstandings
too many stops, starts, arguments, and misunderstandings
April 29, 2022
Good Debut
I have to be honest and say by page 85 I was wondering what else could she write about in this story. She had me hooked for the most part. But I was not a fan of Passion's indecisive nature. I preferred reading from Dasher's point of view at one point because it was irritating. I prefer stories where the characters know what they want or they have a solid view point. Dasher after the initial meeting and getting to know him it was quick for the reader to pick up on his feelings and what he wanted. But the inner dialogue of the heroin in my opinion did not match even the dialogue that she had with the hero. Overall entertaining read. The story was unique and after reading Something so sweet I can see how the author has developed and grown as a writer. I will continue with her backlist I'm glad I started with her debut novel. I really enjoyed her creativity and the stepping out of the box. I can tell in Mrs. Avery writing that she enjoys being an author, to me her love for writing shows strongly in this debut novel. That was a prominent feeling for me throughout the course of this book. I'm excited for her new release, and to jump into some more stories by this author.
I have to be honest and say by page 85 I was wondering what else could she write about in this story. She had me hooked for the most part. But I was not a fan of Passion's indecisive nature. I preferred reading from Dasher's point of view at one point because it was irritating. I prefer stories where the characters know what they want or they have a solid view point. Dasher after the initial meeting and getting to know him it was quick for the reader to pick up on his feelings and what he wanted. But the inner dialogue of the heroin in my opinion did not match even the dialogue that she had with the hero. Overall entertaining read. The story was unique and after reading Something so sweet I can see how the author has developed and grown as a writer. I will continue with her backlist I'm glad I started with her debut novel. I really enjoyed her creativity and the stepping out of the box. I can tell in Mrs. Avery writing that she enjoys being an author, to me her love for writing shows strongly in this debut novel. That was a prominent feeling for me throughout the course of this book. I'm excited for her new release, and to jump into some more stories by this author.
June 12, 2022
Loved It!
Thank loved the undeniable passion between Dasher and Passion. Now they got on my nerves at times, but what couple doesn’t? Hell I get on my own nerves sometimes when it comes to me and my hubby. 😂. I think that’s why I enjoyed this book so much. It reminded me of my relationship with my hubby. A passion that is so intense that it almost scares you. You do stupid stuff only to find yourself running back to the very person you were running from. It’s a love so pure that even amidst the outside influences of people and the lies you tell yourselves when you are angry that you’re done, you realize that living without each other is not an option. Not if you want to be happy.
Passion and Dasher exhibited that kind of raw, passionate, devoted love. Beautiful story of real life people, dealing with real life issues, and still choosing each other against all odds.
Thank loved the undeniable passion between Dasher and Passion. Now they got on my nerves at times, but what couple doesn’t? Hell I get on my own nerves sometimes when it comes to me and my hubby. 😂. I think that’s why I enjoyed this book so much. It reminded me of my relationship with my hubby. A passion that is so intense that it almost scares you. You do stupid stuff only to find yourself running back to the very person you were running from. It’s a love so pure that even amidst the outside influences of people and the lies you tell yourselves when you are angry that you’re done, you realize that living without each other is not an option. Not if you want to be happy.
Passion and Dasher exhibited that kind of raw, passionate, devoted love. Beautiful story of real life people, dealing with real life issues, and still choosing each other against all odds.
February 18, 2018
A very entertaining book for a first timer. Ms. Avery has an exceptional talent for the intricacies of dating, especially the stress and strife of one.
The back and forth, the ups and downs are what's expected for this type of story, and she nails it. I read reviews about stories that swear theses types of storylines don't exist. Or that no one goes through this kind of hassle in real life.
Thing is, this kind of chaos happens often, & yes they may be acting stupid or childish, but it happens. Also keep in mind that it's fiction. If you can accept alien planets with human like interactions, surely a quirky romance can't be that impossible.
I thoroughly enjoyed traveling with this couple, and seeing it to the end right along with them. I think you will too.
The back and forth, the ups and downs are what's expected for this type of story, and she nails it. I read reviews about stories that swear theses types of storylines don't exist. Or that no one goes through this kind of hassle in real life.
Thing is, this kind of chaos happens often, & yes they may be acting stupid or childish, but it happens. Also keep in mind that it's fiction. If you can accept alien planets with human like interactions, surely a quirky romance can't be that impossible.
I thoroughly enjoyed traveling with this couple, and seeing it to the end right along with them. I think you will too.
December 31, 2022
Love's ups and down
Dasher and Passion's story started with quite a scene. She's standing in her wedding gown that she didn't get to show off at her wedding in a restaurant to show him what he ruined, because he was the runaway groom. He became determined to right that tremendous wrong. His solution was hilarious but got what he wanted. But things kept getting in the way. Would they finally get their happily ever after?
Dasher and Passion's story started with quite a scene. She's standing in her wedding gown that she didn't get to show off at her wedding in a restaurant to show him what he ruined, because he was the runaway groom. He became determined to right that tremendous wrong. His solution was hilarious but got what he wanted. But things kept getting in the way. Would they finally get their happily ever after?
November 29, 2017
Trials And Tribulation
Talk about love enduring all trials and tribulation. Dasher and Passion definitely had their fair share. I'm pretty sure like every woman reading this book,at the beginning I was "Oh Hell Naw!", but Dasher wore me down with persistence and strength. Passion didn't stand a chance. Credence needs a few good smacks.
Talk about love enduring all trials and tribulation. Dasher and Passion definitely had their fair share. I'm pretty sure like every woman reading this book,at the beginning I was "Oh Hell Naw!", but Dasher wore me down with persistence and strength. Passion didn't stand a chance. Credence needs a few good smacks.
December 7, 2022
Smoke In The Citi
This was a love story about Passion Phillips and Dasher Howard. They had enormous ups and downs during their courtship because of hidden secrets from early childhood. once they took time to converse and examine their inner feelings they discovered they were truly meant for each other through their unbreakable love towards happily ever after.
This was a love story about Passion Phillips and Dasher Howard. They had enormous ups and downs during their courtship because of hidden secrets from early childhood. once they took time to converse and examine their inner feelings they discovered they were truly meant for each other through their unbreakable love towards happily ever after.
May 17, 2025
Worked My Last Nerves!!!!
Whew Chile, Dasher and Passion had my pressure up with all of their foolishness. I ended up not liking them as a couple and to top it off Ms. Avery didn’t even give us an epilogue. With all of the bickering and back and forth that epilogue was necessary. We need to know if they really made it.
Whew Chile, Dasher and Passion had my pressure up with all of their foolishness. I ended up not liking them as a couple and to top it off Ms. Avery didn’t even give us an epilogue. With all of the bickering and back and forth that epilogue was necessary. We need to know if they really made it.
January 16, 2018
They took the long road but they got there
Although they went through so much, Dasher and Passion finally got there. This was a solid story, but it was long and frustrating to me. The issue with her father was handled too lightly in my opinion.
Although they went through so much, Dasher and Passion finally got there. This was a solid story, but it was long and frustrating to me. The issue with her father was handled too lightly in my opinion.
November 27, 2018
Just never got into this one
As much as I tried l, I couldn't finish this one. Tje characters, while they had chemistry, didn't click for me. I love Joy Avery, just not this specific story.
As much as I tried l, I couldn't finish this one. Tje characters, while they had chemistry, didn't click for me. I love Joy Avery, just not this specific story.
October 18, 2023
Good read
The angst seemed a little forced in this one. I don't think I've read a book with so many break ups - hell it started with a breakup. I don't prefer second chance romance but Joy Avery is so good at them.
The angst seemed a little forced in this one. I don't think I've read a book with so many break ups - hell it started with a breakup. I don't prefer second chance romance but Joy Avery is so good at them.
January 8, 2020
Unbelievable
I hated the story line and characters. The story was long and drawn out. I could not believe there happily ever after. This is the first Joy Avery book I did not like.
I hated the story line and characters. The story was long and drawn out. I could not believe there happily ever after. This is the first Joy Avery book I did not like.
November 20, 2022
Yet Another One
I've spent all weekend reading Joy Avery's books; I can't get enough because they're Just. That. Good! Once again EXCELLENT READ.
I've spent all weekend reading Joy Avery's books; I can't get enough because they're Just. That. Good! Once again EXCELLENT READ.
January 1, 2024
Passion and Dasher had really work hard to become Mr.and Mrs.Howard she childhood and his her sister and his father the fact that both were as stubborn as a horse. I loved it!
January 7, 2016
Smoldering love
Once I stopped giggling at the names Dasher & Passion I truly enjoyed this couple! Through the ups and downs their love burned the pages. Dasher and Passion's journey was filled with humor, drama and an outstanding support cast! Ms. Avery has a gift of writing great stories!!
Once I stopped giggling at the names Dasher & Passion I truly enjoyed this couple! Through the ups and downs their love burned the pages. Dasher and Passion's journey was filled with humor, drama and an outstanding support cast! Ms. Avery has a gift of writing great stories!!
May 10, 2024
Smoke in the City
Beautiful book of love lost and found again. The relationship with his father dictated who he viewed marriage but in the end long won. I would recommend this book for others to read!
Beautiful book of love lost and found again. The relationship with his father dictated who he viewed marriage but in the end long won. I would recommend this book for others to read!
November 28, 2015
Love it!!!
This is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. The characters in her books are so lovable and entertaining. I give this book two thumbs up.
This is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. The characters in her books are so lovable and entertaining. I give this book two thumbs up.
November 30, 2015
Smoke In The City
I chose this book because its set in North Carolina, then when I began to read it I fell in love with the characters. They went through so much but love won.
I chose this book because its set in North Carolina, then when I began to read it I fell in love with the characters. They went through so much but love won.
December 27, 2015
Awesome
I absolutely loved this story. I wanted more and didn't want the story to end. I want to see love for Angel, Juan, and Credence.
I absolutely loved this story. I wanted more and didn't want the story to end. I want to see love for Angel, Juan, and Credence.
January 10, 2016
Ok
This book was ok I really liked some of here or here books. But this one the main lady character. Was every childish more like a 15 year old instead of a 22 year old.
This book was ok I really liked some of here or here books. But this one the main lady character. Was every childish more like a 15 year old instead of a 22 year old.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews