Stuffed

by Emma Bray

Enjoy this steamy holiday romance by USA Today Bestselling romance author Emma Bray…



He's going to be stuffing a lot more than the turkey...

Claire Harper never thought she'd spend Thanksgiving at an inn—let alone one run by a smoking-hot chef with a smile that could melt butter. But when the opportunity to help out at Jax Donovan's newly inherited inn comes up, Claire’s determination to prove herself as a successful food blogger pushes aside any thoughts of romance. That is, until she steps into Jax’s kitchen.

Jax might be new in town, but he’s already stealing hearts and stirring up trouble. The moment Claire walks in, his smoldering brown eyes lock onto hers, and he can’t help but flirt with the fiery beauty who’s as talented as she is stunning. As they spend the day prepping the ultimate Thanksgiving feast, the chemistry between them boils over. The playful banter escalates, and Jax’s teasing innuendos leave Claire weak in the knees—and hungry for more than just turkey.

This is a steamy holiday romance filled with sizzling chemistry, saucy innuendos, and plenty of heart-melting moments. Perfect for readers who like their Thanksgiving served with a side of irresistible heat.



For fans of Jessa Kane, Olivia T. Turner and Jenna Rose, this is a HOT romantic story with a guaranteed happily ever after. Like all Emma Bray’s books, it features an obsessed hero and an innocent curvy girl heroine. Enjoy!

Genres: Holiday, Contemporary

60 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 9, 2024

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Emma Bray writes intense, steamy romances with possessive alpha males who’ll stop at nothing to claim the women they want. Emma’s instalove stories are filled with heat, passion and happily ever afters.

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Reviews

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

A recipe for forever. 

Claire Harper is a food blogger trying to expand her career and brand. Normally her family's Thanksgiving dinner is hosted by Claire's Aunt Lily. But her mother calls to tell her the dinner is being moved to the Rosewood Inn. She heard that Jax is planning an innovative Thanksgiving menu. It will be a perfect opportunity for Claire to collaborate with him and boost both of their brands. Like her, he's reinventing classic traditional holiday dishes. She's interested, but is he? 

Jax Donovan has taken over as the head chef at the Rosewood Inn. He inherited it after the death of his uncle. He intends to make his mark on the world starting right here and right now. He's been obsessed with Claire since he first spotted her videos. She's actually the reason he moved here to take over the inn. He has both personal and professional plans for both of them. Lucky for him, she seems to be as interested in him as he is in her! 

I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stuffed is a short holiday romance that is set around Thanksgiving time which I thought this book was quite charming and a definite page-turning romance. I absolutely LOVED reading this amazing book. Author Emma Bray has created another fabulous romance book that captivated from beginning to end. While reading Stuffed, I realized that I couldn’t set the book down for a single second. Stuffed is the narrative of Claire and Jax who are beautifully written and phenomenally executed throughout the book. I absolutely adored learning about who both Claire and Jax are as the main characters in this book. I love that Claire and Jax has a happily ever after with them being together and having a family. Now I’m not going to give out any details about this book because this book is a short story romance. However, I would definitely recommend Stuffed to anyone who is looking for a book that would be a quick read. I’m looking forward to seeing what else Author Emma Bray will come up with for her next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire (h), a food blogger with a knack for traditional recipes, isn’t expecting her Thanksgiving to turn into anything more than a blog post, until she meets Jax (H), the new chef at her mother’s favorite inn. Jax’s bold flavors and undeniable charm spark an attraction between them that’s as intense as his cooking. As they exchange ideas, tasting and testing recipes, there’s a continuous undercurrent of flirtation, with lingering touches and glances that escalate the tension between them. They team up to prepare a Thanksgiving meal, the kitchen heats up with more than just simmering spices. But Jax isn’t just looking for a holiday fling and is determined to make Claire his. Hot and spicy instalove Thanksgiving romance, exploring love, desire, professional and personal connections, and possessiveness.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stuffed is a short and steamy, OTT, instalove, girl gets her hunk Thanksgiving romance. Claire is a food blogger. Jax is the head chef at the Rosewood Inn. He moved there to be closer to Claire, and he loves her videos. When she agrees to work with him for Thanksgiving, more than the turkey will be getting stuffed. Their chemistry was off the charts hot, the banter was hysterical, and the ending was so happy. I loved this light, fast-paced read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Stuffed. Jax was obsessed with Claire before he inherited the inn. Now he’s determined to make her his and have their future together. Claire is drawn into Jax and wants to have a future with him. This is a short and sweet story. He’s obsessed and now thing but Claire will do. I would definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deidre Coker · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly just not for me. The sex scenes kinda all feel the same and there's like no chemistry between the characters? It just feels like they meet and within the first 3 days they're fucking like crazy and telling each other they're in love. which like, it's smut. Kind of the point, but it's just not well written smut.

[Aleksandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

laire Harper, a dedicated food blogger eager to elevate her brand, is surprised when her family’s Thanksgiving dinner moves from her aunt's house to the Rosewood Inn, where the buzz is all about Jax Donovan’s innovative holiday menu. Known for reinventing traditional dishes, Jax is precisely the kind of chef Claire hopes to collaborate with—and this opportunity could boost both of their careers.

Jax, now the head chef at the Rosewood Inn, inherited the place after his uncle’s passing and plans to make a name for himself, starting with this holiday menu. Secretly, he’s been captivated by Claire since he first saw her cooking videos, and she's the reason he took this position. When they finally meet, their mutual passion for food sparks an undeniable attraction. As they work together to craft a Thanksgiving feast, the kitchen heats up with shared ideas, lingering glances, and a simmering tension that’s more than just professional. But Jax isn’t looking for a casual fling—he’s set on making Claire a part of his future, both in the kitchen and beyond. This hot and spicy holiday romance brings together love, ambition, and culinary chemistry, blending tradition with a fresh take on Thanksgiving.

[Malini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tasty by MeemsAngel82

A fun Thanksgiving read! Often you don't see books necessarily for this holiday, but I was happy to see this one. Things are certainly tasty in the kitchen as two food lovers turn up the heat in the kitchen. He is immediately drawn to her as she is to him and that was so nice reading about his change of life bringing him to her.

He had a change in his life and it caused him to take the plunge with her. Luckily she was loving having him in her town!

And in her heart and other places, lol. I do wish things were drawn out a bit but expect some very hot dishes to be coming out of their kitchen! I liked how her mom encouraged her and it gave her literal food for thought as this overwhelming man gave her a tour of his domain. He was dominant and their steam was great! A lovely HEA for two sexy foodies!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well …well know if you start you won’t put it down until the last page has been turned. Claire, a sweet flood blogger gaining more views she has a taste for traditional foods but when her mom throws their usual Thanksgiving plans out the window so to speak deciding to have dinner at her favorite inn she decides to post and in doing so she meets the new chef instant attraction something unexpected. Jax sexy new owner of the inn left to him by his uncle so he decides to head there to try his hand at what he loves to do cook, when he learns there is a food blogger in his inn oh boy the excitement, and the moment he meets her he knows they are meant to be but will she come to the same conclusion, will his food help her blog grow further, will his inn by way of his food take off because of her blog, and will they find they are perfect partners along the way?

[Grinning Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Jax and Claire
Genre- Holiday Romance (Thanksgiving)
Length- about 50 pages plus previews
Heat- they are like unto bunnies.
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers? Sex. Lots and lots of sex.
Tropes- Instalove, Secret Crush, What’s Cookin’ Good Lookin’?, Banter and Innuendo, Baby I’m Going To Stuff… The Turkey, Virgin Heroine
What I liked- holy cats, this book was hot! I liked the culinary setting and thought that the banter and innuendo were fun.
ETA: changed from four to five stars because this one has stayed with me all day and normally I have a ten-second attention span before I’m off looking at the next sparkly thing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A food blogger and a chef, an explosive culinary recipe to take you to romance heaven . Claire Harper the blogger in question is intrigued and ready to try out his dishes. Jax Donovan has taken over the chef position with his late Uncle’s good wishes …well actually he’s the Inn’s new owner and he’s making waves. When bants ends up with him losing his pants and leaving her panting from the heat in the kitchen. It isn’t the food that has her all hot and in a fix ,it’s the chef that knows how to six it because their love menu is certainly off the normal menu . Steamy innuendo filled delights for your reading pleasure nights. Awesome storytelling ,well written , great characters and super descriptors too. Emma Bray this blew me away.

[Praline 99 · Rating 4 out of 5]

romance in the kitchen.
Claire is a young food blogger, when her mother announces a change of plans for the Thanksgiving meal which will finally be in an inn. She sees it as a chance for her blog to meet the new chef of the inn Jax, she did not expect a thunderbolt for him.
Jax has just inherited the inn from his uncle, he decides to drop everything in town to get closer to his dream. And what luck he has when Claire the famous blogger arrives in his kitchen.
Will Jax let himself melt for Claire and will Claire not be afraid of Jax's secret...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ms. Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire Harper writes a food blog. Her mother calls and says Thanksgiving dinner will be at the Rosewood Inn. It was recently taken over by a young chef named Jax Donovan. Her mother thinks it would be a great collaboration with him for her brand. Her mother didn’t tell her that Jax is extremely good looking.

Jax has followed Claire’s blog for a while now. When his uncle left him the inn, he knew he had to move there in hopes of meeting Claire.

These two foodies were just too cute. Loved this short story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute and hot holiday romance that brings chef, Jax, and food blogger, Claire, together. These two are quick to play on the connection between them but since they have such strong chemistry, it's not a big surprise. I thought they may have ego issues in the kitchen but their time together was drama free and fully supportive of each other. Expect to need a cool drink when you dive into this steamy romance as they work their way to a wonderful HEA...and make a fab Thanksgiving dinner ;D Good fun!

[Aspen G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stuffed is filled with piping hot intensity and an obsessive alpha male who would do anything for his woman. Jax is dominant, intense, and commanding, and Claire responds to him so beautifully. This novella dives right into the tension between the two and builds on it with every page. They have explosive chemistry and the steamy moments are all-encompassing. Prepare yourself for some seriously smexy moments with this one!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[De Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Just Stuffed Turkey.
Amazing. Claire doesn’t know how see found herself helping in the kitchen at the Inn but, it’s going to be interesting. Jax wants more than her help and has been dropping hints to that effect. Is she really that clueless or very good at hiding what she’s feeling from him? This could turn out to be a Thanksgiving feast like no other. Join Jax and Claire to see if the meal makes it to the table.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debdutch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heat in the kitchen.
“Stuffed” by Emma Bray offers a steamy instalove tale perfect for a cozy hour. Jax, a charismatic chef, and Claire, a spirited food blogger, sizzle with chemistry as they whip up a Thanksgiving feast. The playful banter and fiery attraction keep the pages turning. A fun, spicy read packed with heat and heart!
I received a free copy of this book. This is my honest opinion, freely shared.

[laura.lovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re searching for a short, spicy, sexy thanksgiving themed story to either get in the mood or escape a short time at thanksgiving, you found it.
When Jax, a famous chef, and Claire, a food blogger, meet their connection grows hotter than any meal, they cook. You get a super hot, Instalove romance story with steam, chemistry and a happy ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire writes a well-known food blog and is quite successful. Jax is a chef who is making a name for himself. Claire doesn't know it, but Jax has been interested in her for a while. Since he has inherited the restaurant, it is the perfect time to pursue Claire. This is a short read that is spicy and sweet. I love it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stuffed was a quick and super steamy holiday romance by Emma Bray. The chemistry between culinary blogger Claire Harper and chef Jax Donovan was off the charts hot. It got hot in the kitchen before they turned on the ovens! The instant Jax saw Claire's blog he knew she was the one for him. So when he inherited the Rosewood Inn from his uncle he saw his chance to finally make Claire his. Great read.

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stuffed: a small town holiday romance story of Jax and Claire..He is the new chef and the owner of the town Inn who he inherit from his uncle.;She is a food blogger who never expected herself to spend Thanksgiving helping out at the inn owned by a charming,gorgeous and naughty chef who intrigue and captured her interest..A wonderful,interesting,sweet,steamy and lovely story that you will enjoy reading..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting ready for Thanksgiving

Stuffed is a fun and entertaining book with a large side order of steamy hawtness. The story if about Claire Harper, a food blogger, and Jax Donovan, a chef who recently moved to town after inheriting his uncles inn. As it turns out this Thanksgiving the turkey is not the only thing that will be stuffed when these two end up turning up the heat in the kitchen together.

[J.p · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and steamy story between Claire a food blogger and Jax the new chef in town. This thanksgiving, Claire’s family decide to celebrate it in Jax’s restaurant. When they meet their chemistry is instant and the heat is on inside and outside the kitchen. Once they’ve had a taste of each other it’s forever. A good read with plenty of heat.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Thanksgiving cooking collaboration between Claire, a food blogger and Jax, a chef and the owner of a small inn form the basis of this hot little smut fest. And that’s pretty much all it was but that’s ok, I don’t read romance for the realism, it was definitely hot and spicy. 4 Stars!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jax & Claire: She is a food blogger and he is a chef who is the new owner of the Rosewood Inn. They both share a passion for food, and things heat up between them in the kitchen too. This is a short novella perfect to spice up your Thanksgiving holiday.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an instalove short story . Jax is famous chef and Claire has a food blog. Instant attraction for both characters. Quick short story. Enjoyable read for about an hour read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spicy, steamy instalove story. Jax and Claire are thrown together to create a Thanksgiving feast but they cook up so much more!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delicious tale filled with cute banter brimming with innuendoes. Lots of heat can also be found in this quick read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Morgan Schell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Searching for an Insta-love Thanksgiving-themed story? Look no further. Jax and Claire sizzle from start to finish. When an acclaimed chef and food blogger get together the heat is set to high.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a fast-paced Thanksgiving Themed story that pulls us into the lives of Jax and Claire. The story keeps us turning the pages with instant connection, inflated egos and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.