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Elite Men of Las Vegas #2

Burning Rivalry: A sizzling enemies-to-lovers workplace romance.

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224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 9, 2026

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About the author

Missy Walker

48 books425 followers
Missy is an Australian author who writes kissing books with equal parts angst and steam. She loves writing stories about billionaires, enemies to lovers, and the boy next door- just to name a few.

When she’s not writing, she’s taking care of her two daughters and doting husband.

Inspired by the acreage she lives on, Missy regularly distracts herself by visiting her orchard… some days more often than writing!

Then there’s her overweight cat, Charlie, chickens, and bees if she needed another excuse to pass the time.

And, when the day ends, there’s nothing better than unwinding with a gin and tonic as the sunsets surrounded by the ones she loves.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
21k reviews264 followers
June 9, 2026
This is the second book in this impressive series, and this is Claudia and Sebastian’s story.
Claudia is stubborn, and is a talented pastry chef, who refuses to be intimidated by Sebastian, her grumpy, cold, arrogant, emotionally guarded, and controlling boss. The sparks fly between these two, and Sebastian becomes protective and obsessed with Claudia, when he finally realizes his feeling for her.
This is a beautifully written, slow burn, with tension, boss / employee, workplace romance, obsession, enemies / lovers, opposites attract, challenges, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining and addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Jenna Lundberg.
343 reviews2 followers
June 9, 2026
Missy Walker has done it again! Burning Rivalry completely pulled me in from the very first chapter and refused to let go. I sat down intending to read a few chapters and ended up devouring the entire book in an afternoon. Between the professional kitchen setting, the enemies-to-lovers tension, the chemistry, and two characters who constantly challenged each other, I was hooked from start to finish.

One of my favorite parts of this story was Claudia. She is exactly the kind of heroine I love to root for. After discovering her fiancé had cheated on her, she leaves New York behind and heads to Las Vegas for a fresh start. Despite winning a nationally televised baking competition, Claudia isn't chasing fame or attention. She's chasing opportunity. The more I learned about her background, the more I admired her. Growing up without much money shaped the way she views food, success, and hard work. Her determination, resilience, creativity, and refusal to give up on herself made her incredibly easy to love. Even when things weren't going her way, she kept showing up, kept working hard, and kept fighting for her ideas.

And then there's Sebastian McConnell. I'll be honest—I wasn't always his biggest fan in the beginning. 😂 He can be arrogant, stubborn, controlling, and frustratingly inflexible. But as the story progresses, the layers start peeling back and you begin to see the man underneath. Sebastian isn't just building restaurants; he's building community. One of my favorite things about his character was discovering how much he genuinely cares about creating places where people feel welcome, comfortable, and connected. Learning about his family history and understanding why he holds so tightly to control made his character feel much deeper than the grumpy boss he initially appears to be. Beneath the attitude is a loyal, caring, family-oriented man who carries more responsibility on his shoulders than most people realize.

The chemistry between Claudia and Sebastian was fantastic. This is absolutely a true enemies-to-lovers romance. These two constantly clash, challenge each other, and push each other's buttons. Their banter was one of my favorite parts of the entire book. What made their relationship work so well for me was that it wasn't just built on attraction—it was built on respect. Claudia wasn't afraid to challenge Sebastian when she thought he was wrong, and Sebastian slowly learned to recognize just how talented and valuable Claudia truly was. Watching them move from frustration and competition to understanding and trust made their relationship feel earned.

As someone who loves watching cooking competitions and has always been fascinated by what happens behind the scenes in professional kitchens, I absolutely loved the restaurant setting. The kitchen staff, especially Lucas and Allie, added so much warmth and personality to the story. I also appreciated the glimpse into the reality behind televised cooking competitions and how Claudia's experiences shaped her perspective on success and fame. Combined with the restaurant sabotage subplot, there was always something happening to keep me invested.

And of course, we need to talk about the spice. 🔥 While this is definitely a slow burn, the chemistry is present from the very beginning. Once these two finally stop fighting their feelings, the spice delivers without ever overshadowing the story. Their emotional connection and growth remained the heart of the romance, which made every romantic moment even more satisfying.

Burning Rivalry is a workplace enemies-to-lovers romance filled with tension, banter, chemistry, personal growth, and two characters who challenge each other to become better versions of themselves. Claudia was a heroine I admired from beginning to end, and Sebastian slowly but surely won me over despite his tendency to be a complete pain at times. 😂 If you love chef romances, workplace tension, strong heroines, grumpy heroes who fall hard, and stories that keep you turning pages long past bedtime, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.

I was generously provided an advance reader copy from Missy Walker & BookSprout, and I’m pleased to share my honest review.
3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 31, 2026
If you love workplace romances packed with tension, chemistry, and a hero who falls first and falls hard, this book delivers everything you could want.

The story follows a talented pastry chef who finds herself working under a notoriously cold, demanding boss. He's rude, controlling, and determined to keep everyone at arm's length, while she's passionate, stubborn, and refuses to be intimidated by his attitude. Their constant clashes create some of the best enemies-to-lovers tension I've read in a while.

While he starts off closed-off and frustratingly grumpy, it's incredibly satisfying to watch him unravel. Once he realizes he's in love, he's completely gone for her. His protective instincts come out in full force, and seeing this intimidating, emotionally guarded man become devoted to her was both swoon-worthy and surprisingly emotional.

The heroine is equally strong. She doesn't let his position or attitude dictate her choices, and she earns his respect through hard work and determination. Their relationship develops gradually, making every breakthrough feel deserved.

The chemistry between these two is undeniable. Whether they're arguing in the kitchen, competing for control, or sharing quieter moments, the sparks practically jump off the page. The workplace setting adds extra pressure and intensity, making every interaction feel meaningful.

Overall, this is an addictive enemies-to-lovers romance featuring a grumpy boss, a talented employee, forced proximity, delicious sexual tension, and a boss who becomes utterly obsessed with protecting the woman he loves. Fans of slow burns, workplace romances, and emotionally guarded man who fall first won't want to miss this one.
Profile Image for Lisa Stout.
49 reviews
June 12, 2026
Burning Rivalry by Missy Walker delivered everything I love in a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance. Sebastian and Claudia couldn't be more different, which made their constant clashes and witty exchanges so much fun to read.

Sebastian is fiercely protective of the restaurant he's spent his life building, and when Claudia is brought in to help revitalize it, he fights her every step of the way. Claudia is confident, talented, and refuses to let Sebastian's stubborn attitude stop her from doing what she does best. Watching her gradually earn his respect—and his heart—was one of my favorite parts of the story.

The romance develops at just the right pace, allowing the characters to grow individually while also building a believable relationship. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and the emotional conflict near the end had me completely invested. Sebastian's refusal to listen almost costs him everything, making the eventual resolution that much more satisfying.

This was a fun, emotional, and engaging romance with lovable characters and great tension throughout. I highly recommend it to fans of slow-burn romance, billionaire heroes, workplace rivals, and overprotective book boyfriends.
4 reviews
June 15, 2026
Burning Rivalry

I absolutely loved Burning Rivalry! The setting was a refreshing change from the usual romance novels, taking place in a bustling kitchen environment filled with creativity, pressure, and ambition. The story follows a talented pastry chef who gains recognition after winning a prestigious competition, only to find herself working under a demanding new boss. From their very first interaction, the tension between them is undeniable, and the chemistry continues to build throughout the story, keeping me completely hooked.

Missy Walker does a fantastic job of balancing romance, rivalry, and personal growth, creating characters that are easy to invest in. The witty banter, emotional moments, and slow-burning attraction made it impossible to put the book down. Every chapter left me wanting more, and I found myself eager to see how their relationship would unfold.

Another fantastic read from Missy Walker, and one that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys workplace romance with plenty of sparks. I’m already looking forward to seeing what she writes next!



Profile Image for Toni Wallace.
32 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 31, 2026
Book 2 in the Elite Men of Las Vegas series follows Claudia and Sebastian.

“I couldn’t believe this was happening, that I was sinking to my knees like some lovesick asshole. ‘I need you.’”

Claudia, fresh off winning a televised baking competition, lands a job working for restaurant owner Sebastian. What follows is an enemies-to-lovers story packed with tension, power struggles, and undeniable chemistry.

Claudia’s story had me feeling every emotion right alongside her. And Sebastian? I did not like him at the beginning! But don’t worry—he absolutely redeems himself as the story progresses.

This book strikes a great balance between angst and spice, with both characters challenging each other in the best possible ways. Their growth, connection, and journey kept me hooked from start to finish.

I can’t wait for Book 3!

I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review ahead of release.
588 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 2, 2026
This is Book 2 in the Elite Men of Las Vegas series. The books are interconnected standalones.

I like the characters in the series & in this book... Sebastian & Claudia definitely rub each other the wrong way for the first half of the book... but they do also have some attraction & chemistry... so it was fun to see them finally put aside the fighting & get together (although they do still continue to bicker some).

I like that Sebastian owns a restaurant & Claudia is a chef... it's a fun premise & I like the setting (Las Vegas), a place I've been to several times and enjoy going to... it's fun to hear about some prominent places I've enjoyed visiting.

Spice level: 3/5

*workplace romance
*enemies to lovers
*he's wealthy
*he owns the restaurant
*she's a chef
*she was on a TV show & has some popularity
*boss/employee
*interconnected standalone
*Dual 1st person POV

Thank you to the author (Missy Walker) & Booksprout for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Stacey Fulk.
19 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 3, 2026
I received this book as an ARC from the author.

Missy has done it again!

In this story, we meet Claudia and Sebastian. Claudia is the winner of a celebrity cooking competition who is trying to find her place in the restaurant world. Sebastian brings her on as his new baker, but the two quickly find themselves at odds. Claudia wants to introduce fresh, innovative ideas, while Sebastian is determined to keep things running the way they always have.

Their professional disagreements lead to plenty of tension, and the sparks fly as their power struggle turns into something neither of them expected. As they spend more time together, they discover that there may be more between them than just workplace conflict.

This was a fun, engaging read with great chemistry between the characters. Fans of workplace romance and enemies-to-lovers dynamics will enjoy watching Claudia and Sebastian navigate their differences while finding their way to each other.
22 reviews
June 9, 2026
Burning Rivalry is the second book in the Elite Men of Las Vegas series. In this enemies to lovers story, Sebastian and Claudia are forced to work together. As the winner of a baking show, Claudia is brought into Sebastian’s restaurant to help boost its image.

From the start, their relationship was so frosty. He resents the changes she wants to make to his desserts, and she can’t understand why he wants to keep to his traditional formula.

They fight their attraction to one another, but gradually their feelings and passion grow.

Mixed in with the love story is some drama as they work to find out who is sabotaging Sebastian’s new restaurant development.

This was a quick and easy read. I loved seeing Sebastian and Claudia work through their issues and find each other. Looking forward to the rest of the series!
13 reviews
June 12, 2026
To be completely honest, it took me a little while to settle into this one. It started off a bit slow for me, and I didn't really feel fully hooked until around the 11th chapter. But once the story clicked, I was totally invested. Watching Claudia and Sebastian navigate their new tension filled work romance was just great. Sebastian is the classic grumpy, controlling boss, and seeing him slowly unravel because of Claudia’s talent and stubbornness was incredibly satisfying.

The banter between them was sharp and funny. By the time I reached the end, I was all in. The payoff was well worth the buildup, and as usual, Missy delivered the heat and the heart that I have come to love in her books.

If you enjoy a good workplace romance with plenty of chemistry, this is definitely a must read. I really loved it!
Profile Image for Candy.
227 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 7, 2026
4 ⭐ ARC Review 'Burning Rivalry'

💜 Workplace Romance
💜 Enemies to Lovers
💜 Slow Burn to High Heat
💜 Grumpy Boss / Sunshine Employee
💜 Forced Proximity
💜 Workplace Rivalrys
💜 Power Struggle

It was nice to be back in the world of the Elite Men. Since being introduced to Sebastian back in book one Sinfully Bound, we got to see and discover his character more in his own environment, being within his restaurant empire.
Our FMC Claudia came to Las Vegas to start fresh after her world ripped apart by the two most important people she thought was in her life. Starting with a position at Sebastian's world renown restaurant. She is determined and strong with her choices for her future.
I loved the banter between these two characters. Claudia refuses to step down to Sebastian. Ignites his grumpy ways, she challenges him, and stubborn to his controlling ways. The push and pull between them and their differences ignites a workplace passion for what they love and for slowly for each other.
I always love Missy's writing. Great plot, storyline and character development. The right amount of passion and spice. Loving this interconnected character series can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Lizy Frankel.
18 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 2, 2026

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.. Work place romance at its best.. Claudia looking for a fresh start after winning a baking competition goes to work for Sebastian in his Restaurant, he’s grumpy, bossy, set in his ways and the two of them argue about everything
You can relate easily with Claudia and you can feel every emotion she does The chemistry is rolling off between Sebastian and Claudia right from the start with the tension, the struggles in the kitchen and the resistance of being together
Then watching and waiting for them to get together, the will they won’t they, had you right there with them, then add the spice into the mix of a slow burn enemies to lovers story and you have a fabulous read!!

42 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 6, 2026
Yet another Missy Walker book I devoured in a few hours! She is the queen of quick read, romantic slow burns with lovable characters and combustable spice that keeps you turning the page way past your bedtime!

Both Claudia and Sebastian grab you from the first pages. Their witty banter and undeniable chemistry have you rooting for them from the start. Who wouldn't want a work place romance with a gorgeous Chef/Restaurateur who has a true passion for his family, loyalty to those he loves, a penchant for public naughtiness and a dirty mouth to back it up!!

Elite Men of Las Vegas is a Highly Satisfying series with Book 2 Burning Rivalry, keeping the fires stoked 🔥 I cannot wait for the rest of the series!
238 reviews
June 10, 2026
Sebastian and Claudia’s story can definitely start a few fires in the kitchen! I loved how the author brought them together—it felt natural and let their journey unfold seamlessly. Claudia’s ex and Kristoff’s actions added extra tension to the plot, but this story truly belongs to Sebastian and Claudia. Their interactions, those intense, spicy moments, and the glimpses into his family life all keep you completely hooked. And I was very glad I didn’t have to reach for a frying pan before they finally got their HEA. Loved it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Gwen Smith-leak.
368 reviews7 followers
Want to Read
June 2, 2026
This is a story about a guy who own a restaurant and he very up tight about things happening in his restaurant. His business partner want Claudia who was on tv. When her first day came Sebastian, which is the guy who owns the restaurant a ruckus on every thing she try to show him.. A while later she was working in the new kitchen there was a fire . He race to get where the fire was because of her.A old boyfriend show up, she was not happy. Months later he went to see her . Find out what happens
3,020 reviews35 followers
June 9, 2026
Sebastian and Claudia made me laugh. So much spark and friction but so much romantic intention.

So well done. I enjoyed the whole experience. It was fun but also intense.

Sebastian is somewhat of a tyrant in the kitchen but for Claudia he is slowly, slowly giving up that intense control. But Claudia had something to prove to herself, not just him.

I liked the writing, very easy read and it was a quick book. The characters were spicy, snarky and full of vim. Such a pleasure that aspect is what I really enjoy.
7 reviews
June 9, 2026
As always, this was a wonderfully smooth read that I couldn't put down. This was my long weekend read.
I absolutely loved the workplace dynamic and the explosive chemistry between these two fiercely passionate people! Claudia and Sebastian made this such an engaging read with their intense passion, intimacy, and constant power struggles. It was fantastic watching their journey, especially seeing a stubborn man like Sebastian completely unravel because of Claudia and her strong personality.
I cannot wait to see what book 3 has install.
13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 2, 2026
Review of Advanced Copy sent by author

Where do I start?! I loved the banter between Claudia and Sebastian. The fact that he only saw her as a baker who won a TV show and treats her as such, but she refuses to give in. She knows her worth and isn’t afraid to push him. And the fact he falls first… swoon! I think that was my absolute favorite thing…this tough brooding control freak falls first makes my heart melt. Again, another Missy Walker book I binged and will 100% read again and again!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,033 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2026
As entertaining as the hero's cold, hostile, misjudging attitude and the heroine's standing her ground are, I'm also interested in the scorching flames of attraction, finding out who, for selfish reasons, dares to trouble their lives, and most importantly, the reasons and the way warm, emotional feelings develop.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Angee Owens.
712 reviews56 followers
June 15, 2026
I loved this story between Claudia and Sebastian. It was an enemies to lovers story set in a professional setting. Claudia was a wonderful MFC. You rooted for her the whole way through. Sebastian, not so much. I could understand why they were enemies. He was arrogant and a know it all. However, his character was written perfectly even if I didn’t always care for him. They characters had chemistry, banter, tension, and aHEA. Great story
Profile Image for Ashton( thebooklair) Jeffries.
31 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 2, 2026
ARC Review

In the begining of this one I kinda hated Sebastian,he comes off as rude and self-centered. By the end he had broken my heart in the best way!By the time I'd finished this book I was in awe of Sebastian and Claudia.

Wow what a ride I enjoyed this book. The plot was crazy the fmc is sweet yet won't take crap from anyone not even her boss!
392 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 5, 2026
I enjoyed reading Claudia and Sebastian’s story, book 2 in the Elite Men of Las Vegas series I read this book straight through in a few hours, it gave tension, chemistry & well written spicy scenes. Can’t wait for next book in series.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
25 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 6, 2026
I loved this classic enemies to lovers story with sizzling tension throughout. Made so much sweeter knowing Missy drew from personal family experience for the background setting. As usual for Missy’s books, difficult to put down and read within 24 hours (working slowed me down otherwise would have been straight through😊)
16 reviews
June 11, 2026
Another fantastic book by missy, every book im pulled in from the first chapter! A must read series which i can only assume is just getting started now I need to wait for the next one.

A workplace romantic with plenty of chemistry ,enemies to lovers, loads of heat in the kitchen 🔥🔥

Would definitely recommend this book and all of missys books 📚
2 reviews
June 11, 2026
Burning Rivalry is the second book in the Vegas Series. I was anxiously awaiting this one and it did not disappoint. I enjoy Missy's easy writing style. Her books are always a quick read for me because I can't put them down. My only "complaint" is that I never want the books to end. Thank goodness there's more to this series!
Profile Image for Cymone Levell.
10 reviews
June 13, 2026
Burning Rivalry has it all. The passion and determination of the main characters, Claudia and Sebastian, highlight how easily misinterpretation can happen. This book had me angry on their behalf, laughing out loud, and sighing with satisfaction. A great second book in what's shaping up to be a fantastic series. Well worth the read.
Profile Image for Jen Smith.
402 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy
May 30, 2026
4.5⭐️. Sebastian and Claudia had me captivated from the beginning. He was such a jerk and she needed a soft place to land. She deserved this HEA and he was perfect once he let himself be the guy she deserved. This book was a quick read and I really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Mallory Holy.
93 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 31, 2026
So so good. I have read a lot of mediocre books lately and was starting to think it was me. This book confirmed that it wasn't. I really enjoyed this story and definitely see it being something that I read again.
Profile Image for beautiful A Reads.
467 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 4, 2026
If you love a book with heated tension this ones for you !
I liked this book a lot it was engaging and entertaining and different… pretty sure it’s my first kitchen romance as well , I enjoyed Claudia characters and how she stayed her place when males wanted to make her little.
Profile Image for Sherri.
50 reviews
June 10, 2026
This book grabbed my attention from the beginning and held it the entire way through. The back and forth push/pull between Claudia and Sebastian is addictive. Their chemistry is off the charts and simply delicious!!! Another homerun from Missy Walker!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews