Smoke & Soul: An Enemies-To-Lovers Short Story

by Janae Dixon

Nia didn't escape whitewashed kitchens and judgmental investors just to let some BBQ pitmaster with a god complex ruin her grand opening. But Damien Carter is standing on her sidewalk, serving ribs and smirking like he owns the Third Ward. Their rivalry explodes on social media, lands them in a viral cook-off, and puts them in the same kitchen where the only thing hotter than the stove is the way he looks at her when he thinks she's not watching.Damien's been smoking meat since he could hold tongs, and he's never met a chef who could match his fire. Until Nia. She's got skills, curves, and a mouth that makes him want to argue just to hear her talk. Every touch is a challenge, every kiss tastes like winning and losing at the same time. He's supposed to be her competition, but all he wants is to be hers.

When pride and pleasure collide in a restaurant kitchen, can two stubborn chefs find a way to share the heat... or will they both get burned?

A sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance where the food is hot, the banter is hotter, and the spice level is off the charts.

59 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 11, 2025

Reviews

[Symone · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ Baby he got under her skin, and the tension mixed with that heated chemistry was everything. This had me hungry for some food and kicking my feet at the same time. A battle between vegetables and meat… and honestly, there were some low-key truths in this one that really made me pause and think. Overall amazing read! I'm officially a fan of Janae Dixon's. This is the second short shory I've read of her's that gave me the feels i needed 🥰

[KiKi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

This was a quick read. It was a cute concept. I kinda wish it was longer but it was clearly a novelette.

[Kisha Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steamy from start to end

I love a good enemies to lovers romance and this one did not disappoint. Definitely a page turner. Nia was feisty and Damien knew just how to give it back to her. I lobed their chemistry

[Nikita · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️