Ready to Burn

Stewart Island #3

by Tracey Alvarez

Love small-town romance with an unforgettable cast of characters? The Due South series will transport you to an unspoilt, wild island of the coast of New Zealand. Meet Shaye and Del...

Take one sassy Harland girl…

Shaye Harland, sous chef de-awesome, desperately wants the role of Due South’s head chef. Though a little out of her depth, she can totally cope with the extra demands if she can resist her future brother-in-law when he muscles in on her kitchen. The Hollywood wannabe is nothing but a troublesome distraction and he fries her sex-ometer to a crisp. But as far as romance? Forget it. Love, when she finds Mr. Perfect, will be as sweet as her to-die-for cookies.

Add a bad-boy from LA…

Del Westlake swore he’d never again set foot on the island he calls the “ass end of New Zealand.” With his reputation as a sous chef in one of LA’s hottest restaurants trashed, and his estranged father’s restaurant needing a head chef, Del wants nothing more than to go in, get the job done, and get out. Except his feisty second-in-command carves herself a spot in his heart and completely incinerates his plans.

Watch the sparks fly as they burn it up in the kitchen…

Winning a spot on a TV reality show is just what Del needs to jumpstart his career back in the States. Nothing can get in the way of him winning—not even the woman whose trust he’d destroy if she discovers his secrets. But with a film crew capturing the explosive kitchen chemistry between them, will his bad-boy ways rear up and ruin his shot at becoming Shaye’s Mr. Perfect?

This is an ACE for the book with ISBN-10: 9780473300.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Ebooks, Enemies To Lovers, Slow Burn, Fiction

324 pages, ebook

First published October 1, 2014

About the author

Tracey Alvarez lives in the Coolest Little Capital in the World (a.k.a Wellington, New Zealand) where she’s yet to be buried under her to-be-read book pile by Wellington’s infamous wind—her Kindle’s a lifesaver! Married to a wonderfully supportive IT guy, she has two teens who would love to be surgically linked to their electronic devices.

Fuelled by copious amounts of coffee, she’s the author of contemporary romantic fiction set predominantly in New Zealand. Small-towns, close communities, and families are a big part of the heart-warming stories she writes. Oh, and hot, down-to-earth heroes—Kiwi men, in other words.

When she’s not writing, thinking about writing, or procrastinating about writing, Tracey can be found reading sexy books of all romance genres, nibbling on smuggled chocolate bars, or bribing her kids to take over the housework.

Tracey also writes flirty, dirty stories under the penname Jessie Logan.

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ready to Burn is book three in the Due South Series by Tracey Alvarez. This book was generously provided to me by the author in return for an honest review.

“Cooking is like love, it should be entered into with abandon or not at all.”

Del Westlake was forced to leave Oban, the beautiful little island community in New Zealand, with his mother when he was just a kid. His parents split up and he went with his mother while his older brother stayed with his father. He never forgave his dad for sending him away. He and his brother somehow managed to keep in touch and retain their relationship and now his big brother is getting married, and his dad is sick. But that’s not why he is going home to the place he said he’d never return to. He messed up his life big time in Los Angeles. He never wanted to do anything more than to be a head chef at a famous restaurant. He was so close to his dream. Now he was jobless and couldn’t pay his rent.



Shaye Harland almost has everything she ever wanted. She loves her life in Oban. Her sister is about to marry the man of her dreams. And Shaye is so close to becoming head chef at Due South, the restaurant she has worked at since she was a teenager, the restaurant that is owned by Del’s dad, Bill. Bill is sick and can no longer perform his duties at the restaurant and Shaye has been taking over for him. She admits she is a little overwhelmed but this is what she has dreamed of, running the restaurant on her own. So no one is more surprised as she is when Del comes home and says he’s there to help out his dad and take over as head chef of Due South…HER Due South.



It seems Del has a little more planned, though, than just taking over the restaurant. He has a plan to salvage his name and restart his career. A reality TV cooking show wants to send a film crew and a famous chef to their restaurant to film them under the guise of fixing their restaurant. This would bring a lot of attention to their little community, more tourists and more attention to Due South. How can she say no?



There is more than just heat from the cooking, though, steaming up the kitchen with Del and Shaye. The chemistry is undeniable but Shaye has a checklist of what a perfect man would be like and Del definitely does not meet her criteria. Still, she can’t deny that her girly bits react every time he comes near her.



Del only plans to stay long enough to get his career jump started and this reality TV show is just what he needs to do the job. He does not want to stay in this town where there is no future for him except cooking at Due South. So why can’t he resist the sweet as a cupcake, Shaye? He should stay away from her, but he can’t. There are also some dark secrets Del is keeping from Shaye and from his family. Would Shaye still accept him if she knew what sort of a man he really was?



I have loved this series from the start and this book was a perfect addition. Shaye and Del both needed to adjust their thinking, Shaye to what her perfect man was, and Del, to what sort of a future he really wanted. I loved spending time with all the characters I have grown to care about from the previous two books. Is Del home to stay? Or will he follow his cooking dreams back to the United States? I look forward to Kip and Del’s stepsister, Carly’s story in book four, Christmas With You.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 HUGE FUN FILLED STARS!

What Worked
I love that this whole series focuses on family and a small town community.
It was wonderful that ALL the characters from the previous books were added in and some new characters too.
How Del’s attitude towards his home town of Oban and also his friends and family changed so much over the course of this book.
The banter between ALL the characters and their friendships was AMAZING!
The chemistry and heat between Shaye and Del was excellent.
The many of humorous moments that was rolled into the story line.

What Did Not Work
I pretty much enjoyed this whole story. The only thing I can think of that did not work for me was when Shaye asked another man to be her date for Shaye’s sister’s wedding. I thought that was an immature thing for her to do.

Best Scenes
When Shaye and Del first met up again on the Stewart Island Ferry. It was a funny scene when the wind ripped Shaye’s bag of lingerie all over and Del helped pick it up.
The poker game, Once again the banter between all the characters added a lot of humor. Also the bets Del and Shaye made during the game were fun to read.
When Del was woken up by a KaKa bird, I felt this added a fun touch to the story.
When Shaye jumped into the ocean to save Del after he fell off of the boat. She did not hesitate even though she has deep fears of being in the ocean.
The food fight between Shaye and Del in the Due South kitchen. How Shaye pelted Del with cookie dough and he retaliated with frosting. This food fight ended up with Shaye and Del in a VERY HOT SCENE!
The beginning of the Halloween party when Del and Shaye were talking with the children. Once again this scene was hysterical, I LOVED the thoughts that Del had, they had me roaring with laughter.
When Del finally tells Shaye his true feelings for her. The things he said to her were very romantic.
The epilogue was FANTASTIC and I had a huge smile as this book concluded in a wonderful and happy ending for all.

Favorite Character
I’d have to say my favorite character was Del. He overcame so many obstacles and changed in so many ways. He learned to open up and deal with his own demons. He was also caring, kind, fun and SEXY, in the end I felt he was the perfect hero.

Overall thoughts
Ready to Burn is the third book in the Due South Series. I have loved everyone so far. The humor, fantastic characters, the banter between everyone plus the sexual tension and heat throughout keep me coming back for more. This series is set in a small town and revolves around a huge cast of family and friends. I truly love getting glimpses of all the characters, I felt like I was visiting old friends.
After reading the epilogue, I found out that book four of this series Christmas With You will be releasing soon. This book is a novella about Carly and Kip and it will be the perfect Christmas read for me, I can hardly wait to read how these two get together.
My rating for Ready To Burn is a HUGE 4.5 FUN FILLED STARS!

[Johanna Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for a free copy of this wonderful book to read and review.

"It's definitely wine and chocolate o'clock". Yes it's definitely time for a new release from Tracey Alvarez, and another chapter in the Stewart Island saga. This book made me laugh, made me cry, and made me crazy....but a good kind of crazy. In this novel, West's brother Del returns to the mainland to help out in the restaurant, and be head chef. Del hadn't been back in thirteen years due to some animosity towards his father and due to circumstances he is scraping the proverbial bottom with no other job offers. So in order to regroup he heads home and in time for West's wedding. Once there he clashes with Shaye, and sparks fly the rest of the book. The book has cute humor, and all around romantic fun. I enjoyed it immensely, and would recommend it to anyone loving romance. Overall entertainment is five stars. Can't go wrong here. Your best bet would be to read all of them in order to identify with the characters but it's not necessary.

[Rob. C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review could be very easy and short: why are you still here? Go buy this book now!
But I think Tracey wouldn't like it that much so I will try to write a proper review.
The book features Shaye Harland, who's only been a secondary character so far, and Del Westlake, whom we've only heard about from his brother (and my all-time favorite character) Ryan/West or other characters in the previous books.
I loved Shaye in the first two books, even though she didn't have any major roles, and I was looking forward to reading her story. Del hadn't been in the previous books, so I wasn't sure what to think of him at first, but since he's a Westlake and Ryan's brother, he deserved to be given a chance.
Shaye and Del's meet-cute is rather funny, and it made me immediately love Shaye. As for Del, well, my first impression of him was that he was a cocky jerk and I wanted to slap his handsome face and send him back to Hollywood.
Thanks to Tracey's writing, though, it was very easy to be pulled into the story and into Del's mind, and understand the reasons for his behavior. Seeing the pained teenager who'd been pulled away from his home, brother and friends inside the grown man was heartbreaking at times, and in a little more than a few chapters he earned my trust, my support and my affection.
Shaye was fantastic. I loved her attitude, the constant banter with Del and the way she wanted to be with him and push him away at the same time. Her contrasting feelings about Del were quite amusing at times.
Shaye and Del's story seems to start off slowly and sweetly, but boy does it get steamy! But even though it is a sexy romance (I guess not PG rated), it's not one of those "I want to skip these parts 'cause they make me wrinkle my nose" books. Sure, you may blush a little, but the sexy scenes between Shaye and Del fit the story and they're not overly-descriptive and annoying.
I was so very happy to find all my favorite characters from book one and two, and to meet new ones, and it was good to be back on Stewart Island and live the small town life for a few days.

Thank you, Tracey, for crafting yet another romantic, entertaining, sexy, funny story.

***I was gifted a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review***

find the full review here: http://robertasdreamworld.blogspot.co...

[Sherilee Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ready To Burn

This is the third book in the Due South series and it was soooo damn good. Like a giant piece of chocolate cake after a long crappy day. Delicious. I have loved all the books in this series, but Del and Shaye completely won me over, managing to sneak into top spot. Which is no easy feat! I love a wounded hero, and Del Westlake has plenty of demons to overcome. Watching Shaye slowly chip away his defenses and win him over made for some wonderfully hot and heartwarming scenes.

Like the previous books in this series, we get plenty of glimpses into the previous couple’s lives and what they’re up to, without detracting from the main couple, as well as catching up with the other colorful cast of characters Tracey Alvarez has created in this fabulous series.

Ready To Burn is sexy and sweet, will make you laugh out loud, and break your heart all at once. And with a satisfyingly, sigh-worthy HEA, this book ticked all the boxes for me.

Can’t wait for the next in this series!!

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Tracey’s third book in her Due South Series. Although each book could be read independently and enjoyed for her beautifully written prose, cleverly injected humour and quirky one liners, it is so much better when you have devoured and enjoyed book one and book two beforehand, as I have.

They say it takes a Village to raise a child. Tracey’s many and diverse characters, accumulated over this series, have now become that Village for me, as real and familiar as a well watched TV show. In my mind, Shaye and Del are alive and enjoying spending time with their family and friends in the small town of Oban. I imagine if I jumped on a plane I could visit them. I could no doubt recognise each family member as I walked the streets based on Tracey’s descriptive and well rounded characterisations.

Shaye’s and Del’s love story built slowly and I gobbled up each delicate morsel, happy for both of them, and anxious at the same time. Tracey took me through the highs and lows, pulling at my heart strings as any seasoned writer knows how to do, and I loved every minute of it. Their love scenes were hot and steamy, beautifully written to draw the reader into their experience, and send their temperature soaring.

I cannot wait for Tracey’s next book.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tracey Alvarez has created a community with characters that are one hundred percent likable and set them in a small coastal town in New Zealand thatI would love to visit. This third book in the Due South series is the story of Del Westlake, chef from Los Angeles, and Shaye Harland, sous chef in the kitchen that Del’s father owns. The characters in previous books do make a few appearances but the book is mostly about Del and Shaye, their dreams and the fulfilling of them, their families and what makes them tick, and of course the development of their relationship with a few hurdles to overcome. I look forward to reading what will happen in book four and have a feeling it might be about Carly and Kip.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, for 10/25/14.

Be a bridesmaid, they said. It'll be fun, they said.
--Shaye Harland

Oh, Shaye, I feel your pain. Spanx is no fun at the best of times, and when you're the last of your siblings to still be single? Doubly painful...

Shaye Harland's older sister's getting married (Piper from In Too Deep --which you don't have to have read to appreciate Shaye's dilemma here, but if you haven't yet, why the heck not?? ;)), and Shaye's going to be a bridesmaid. This is all lovely--Piper's fiance's a great guy, and he's been a friend of the family for years. Shaye works for him, actually--she's sous chef at Due South, the Westlake family pub. Bill Westlake, the family patriarch, is also its chef, and Shaye's been told by him on more than one occasion that one day the kitchen of Due South will be hers to run. Bill's sick, though, and Shaye's been struggling with the extra workload. She's determined to make it work, however. She can do this--she's focused, determined, and unshakable in the kitchen, even if her personal life is a bit shaky at best.

Except...

Del Westlake is back. Del Westlake, the second son who left the island thirteen years ago to live in California with his mom. Del's wanted nothing to do with the father who he believes threw a confused and heartbroken fourteen-year-old away without a second thought, and his relationship with his older brother Ryan (AKA Piper's fiance West) isn't much better. Del's been living the high life as a sous chef at one of the hottest restaurants in LA, and has had zero interest in Due South. So why is he suddenly back in town, weeks before the wedding? Shaye hopes against hope it's just to see if he'll be a viable kidney donor for his dad.

Yeah, not so much.

Del has no intention of being tested. Unknown to everyone, his personal and professional life has hit rock bottom--at least he hopes it's rock bottom. Surely it can't get any worse, right? His one chance for breaking back into the profession he loves is getting onto a restaurant-based reality show, and filling in for his dad at Due South will give him the perfect opportunity. So what if he has to step on a few toes in the process? It's not like he owes these people anything, right?

But Shaye Harland has such delectable toes. Not to mention a few other choice body parts--and suddenly he can't stop thinking about what it would be like to crush her pouty lips to his while he...

Nope. Not going to go there. Because he's not the guy for her, not at all. She's looking for a Mr. Perfect, and Del's got nothing but flaws. But hey, life is short and he's not going to be on Stewart Island for long. Maybe they could scratch a mutual itch while he's here, and make a few good memories for him to take back to LA? What could go wrong with that plan?

“Let me tell you something else, cupcake. I’m not perfect. I’m just a guy and a pretty ordinary one at that. I belch after a beer, hog the TV remote, and scratch my balls because I damn well can. I won’t pretend to like Pride and Prejudice, I don’t remember birthdays and anniversaries, and the day I get on my knees and grovel for a woman’s affection will be the day I ask Dr. Joe to ring the psych department for a straitjacket.” He stabbed a finger at her. “But I want you, and you want me— and it pisses you off because you can’t bear getting messy with a man who’ll never measure up to your unrealistic expectations.”

(I'm still trying to get over the slight to my beloved P&P, Dang, it's hard. But for Del, I'll make the extra effort.)

Ready to Burn definitely did not disappoint--don't tell Piper and West or Ben and Kezia, but Shaye and Del might just be my favorite couple in this series! Shaye's creative cursing--to avoid having to put money in her own curse jar at work--was both amusing and hunger-inducing. (Surely I can use "Effing cinnamon sticks!" and "Jittering-freaking-jalapenos!" and "Holy-freaking-guacamole with a side order of cinnamon sicks" at some point this week?) I love the way she thinks ("If he'd been a department store sample strip, she would've rubbed him over her body to transfer the delicious smell onto her skin") and that she's worked so hard to keep her family going despite tragedy and still manages to carve out a successful professional life for herself on the island. Del is deliciously yummy (refer back to Shaye's errant thought above) but has some very real flaws--flaws he eventually mans up to and works overtime to try and repair. Okay, he's not a fan of my favorite period drama, but he does have a standing breakfast date every morning with the annoying bird that wakes him up way too early. How can you not love this guy?

I had to pace myself while reading their story because I wanted to make it last--not an easy feat, because I was so anxious to get to their HEA :) Tracey Alvarez makes them work for it, and work hard they do--in funny, touching, heartbreaking, and very real situations and scenes.

Sigh... Such. A. Good. Book.

Next up: a Due South Christmas novella ( Christmas With You ) featuring Del and West's half sister Carly. Sign me up; I can't wait until my next trip to the island!

Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Del Westland hat sich in L.A. als Koch einen Namen gemacht. Er ist erfolgreich und begehrt, jedoch hat ihn der Tod seines Stiefvaters mitgenommen. Als sein Privat- und Berufsleben in Scherben liegt, ist er gezwungen, das Angebot seines entfremdeten Vaters anzunehmen und nach Neuseeland heimzukehren. Dort soll er die Küche des Familienhotels, das sein Bruder West führt, übernehmen. Darüber ist Shaye Harland, Köchin im Due South nicht begeistert – wollte doch sie Küchenchefin werden. Die Rückkehr von Del bringt für sie lästige Gefühle und nervige Ablenkung mit sich. Doch die beiden raufen sich zusammen und stellen sich den Herausforderungen wie Kindern im Zuckerschock, gesundheitlich angeschlagenen Familienangehörigen, Pipers und Wests Hochzeit sowie ihren aufkommenden Gefühlen. Del ist jedoch nicht nur aus Familiensinn zurückgekehrt – er ist entschlossen, einen Platz in einer TV-Reality-Kochsendung zu ergattern, um seine Karriere wieder in Form zu bringen. Dieses Geheimnis ist jedoch nicht das einzige, was seine aufkeimende Beziehung zu Shaye in Gefahr bringen kann.

Shaye, die wir schon in den ersten beiden Teilen der Reihe kennenlernen, ist ein toller, sympathischer Charakter. Aus Rücksicht auf ihre Familie hat sie die Insel nie verlassen; ihren Träumen nie nachgegeben, sondern ist in Oban geblieben. Dass Del jetzt auftaucht und ihr den Platz streitig macht, nimmt sie daher nicht gerade gut auf. Gleichzeitig ist aber er es, der ihr Tipps gibt und sie ermutigt, über den Tellerrand zu blicken und ihre Bedürfnisse in den Vordergrund zu stellen.
Shaye ist stur und taff, aber auch verletzlich. Das konstante Geplänkel mit Del brachte mich regelmäßig zum Schmunzeln. Auch der Kontrast in ihrem Verhalten - mal will sie Del nahe sein, mal stößt sie ihn von sich - war nicht nervig, sondern unterhaltsam.

Del und Shaye kennen sich seit ihrer Kindheit, als West und er viel Zeit mit den drei Harland-Geschwistern verbracht haben. Dann musste er mit 14 die Stadt verlassen, um mit seiner Mutter in die Staaten zu ziehen. Während seine Mutter nach dem Tod ihres zweiten Mannes wieder nach Stewart Island zurückkehrt, um ihrem erkrankten Exmann beizustehen, will er nichts von einer Versöhnung wissen. Zu tief scheinen die Narben, die die Zurückweisung seines Vaters und die Trennung von seinem Bruder hinterlassen haben. Del muss seine Meinung jedoch ändern, denn privat und beruflich ist er momentan am Boden angekommen. Die Ereignisse in seiner nahen Vergangenheit haben aber auch negative Auswirkungen auf sein Wohlbefinden. Genau diese könnten der Grund sein, Shaye zu verlieren. Denn neben Lügen hasst sie nur noch eine Sache mehr.

Im Gegensatz zu Shaye und den anderen ist Del noch in keinem der vorherigen Bücher aufgetaucht, aber ich gab ihm eine Chance, obwohl Del scheinbar ein arroganter, wenn auch gut aussehender Idiot war ;) Doch als sich die Geschichte weiterentwickelt und man einen Einblick in seine Gedanken und Vergangenheit erhält, versteht man auch die Gründe für sein Verhalten.

Die Liebesgeschichte der beiden entwickelt sich langsam, aber stetig und die beiden passen wunderbar zusammen, auch wenn Del nicht allen Punkten auf Shayes „Mr. Perfect“-Liste entspricht.

Ich bin so froh, dass ich Tracey Alvarez entdeckt habe! Ihre „Due South“-Reihe ist eine erfrischende Abwechslung zu den herkömmlichen New Adult-Romanen. Wie ich bereits in einem der vorherigen Rezensionen zu ihren Büchern erwähnt habe, liegt das unter anderem an dem familiären Setting. Eine Kleinstadt wie hier bringt reihenweise tolle Charaktere mit sich, die mal die Haupt-, mal die Nebenrolle spielen. Es ist jedoch schön, sie alle in jedem Band wiederzutreffen. Und Gott sei Dank gibt es noch einige Kandidaten, die als nächstes in den Mittelpunkt gerückt werden können.

Dels und Shayes Geschichte ist sexy und romantisch, sie bringt einen zum Lachen und zum Mitfühlen. Tracey Alvarez schafft es mit „Ready to Burn“ wieder einmal aufs Neue, mich mit ihren Geschichten und Charakteren emotional zu berühren und ich kann es gar nicht erwarten, mehr von ihr zu lesen! ♥ ♥

[winterthekatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, finishing a book I really like is a bittersweet moment. I am happy for all the characters from Due South because I've gotten attached to them over the course of these 3 books but I'm sad too -in a purely selfish way because now I have to sit and wait. While reading Tracey Alvarez's books, I've felt so comfortable and so at home imagining life in a place like Stewart Island.

In Ready to Burn, we get the story of 2 chefs: Shaye Harland and Del Westlake. We know Shaye from the first 2 books as Piper and Ben's little sister and Kezia's friend. However, since Del left for the States with his mother years ago, we only knew of him. This is the first time he returns to Oban and of course, him and Shaye butt heads. I loved seeing how their initial reactions to each other changed and evolved into a hot attraction. I think Tracey Alvarez did a great job putting 2 people in a tense and uncomfortable situation (one that neither one of them wanted to be in) and then turning it around into a great love story.

I give it 5 stars because at this point I wouldn't expect any less from Ms. Alvarez!

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

[Cheryl Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this third book of the Due South series, we have the story of Del Westlake and Shaye Harland. Del is a chef in the U.S. and his mother asks him to return to New Zealand to help is ailing father, Bill, at his restaurant called Due South. Shaye is Bill's sous chef and assumed that one day she'd take over as head chef. You can imagine her shock and anger when she sees Bill's son Del arrive on the island and she's told Del will take over, temporarily, as head chef. She was angry when Del moved to the U.S. with his mother when she was 10 years old. She doesn't want to like Del but the sparks fly when they look at each other. Del doesn't want any ties because life for him is complicated enough right now but he just can't resist her. Shaye has a check list of traits her perfect man will have. Does Del measure up? What happens when they have to work together every day?

I've only given you a glimpse of what's going on in this story. Del, faults and all, ends up being an amazing man. Shaye is tough and stubborn yet still vulnerable. I love that all the women in this series are strong, independent, and smart. Their sense of family is evident on this island they call home.

Super excited for book four starring Carly and Kip!

Received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Booktart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ready to burn continues the wonderful Due South series.

I was so excited to be back on Stewart Island with all my favourite characters and the new and simply delicious Del Westlake (definitely good enough to eat)! Tracey Alvarez kept me hooked from the beginning with her wonderful descriptions and colourful characters. I love how Tracey draws you into the story and makes you care about all the good citizens of Oban. I think I may have to push the boat out and admit this is my favourite of the series so far, (and I loved the other two) I wish I could give it 10 stars!

[Alexia Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story by Tracey Alvarez. My favourite part about these books is the character development, especially of the hero. At the beginning, I wasn't fond of Del Westlake, and I wondered how the author is going to turn him around. By about halfway, I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, by the end, I'd marry him. Del Westlake has a lot on his plate (pun intended) and he has to learn to accept help before he can truly be worthy of our heroine.

A wonderful read although if I'm honest, it could do with a few less swearwords.

[Nina ~ Meleth Bookaddicted ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

READY TO BURN is the third book in Tracey Alvarez’ beautiful Due South series – and yet another book I devoured and didn't want to end. This series has so many wonderful characters that I grew fond of, and you always get another glimpse of the couples from the previous books, which always makes me excited to return to that beautiful little island at the back of beyond that is Stewart Island. This series feels so real – like you could board a plane and go visit the characters. The fact that I’ve been to Stewart Island before even strengthens this feeling – this desire.

The third book features Shaye Harland, Piper and Ben’s little sister, and Del Westlake, West’s little brother, who returns to Stewart Island after 13 years of absence.

Shaye Harland is happy – she is going to be a bridesmaid at her sister Piper’s wedding and she is sous chef at Due South, the restaurant of the father of her soon-to-be brother-in-law West. The only thing deflating this happiness is the sickness of Bill – West’s father –; he is no longer able to work as much at Due South as he used to, which is increasing her workload drastically. But she is determined to make it, fueled by her hopes to take over as the head chef one day.

While Shaye is struggling to keep up in the kitchen, Bill’s family is desperately searching for a matching donor for a kidney, as well as for additional help in the kitchen. …which brings Del Westlake back into the picture. Against his will he had to leave Stewart Island more than 13 years ago, to live in California with his mother. Now he is a chef in the U.S., not wanting to ever return to the father who sent the teenager he was back then away without a second thought. Who would want to exchange a job at a hip restaurant in L.A. with a job at a small restaurant in nowhere anyway?
Still, after his mother’s pleading he returns to the far end of the world he once called home, albeit temporarily.

Much to Shaye’s dismay Del has no intention of being tested, instead he takes over the – HER – job as Due South’s head chef. She still holds a grudge against him for leaving the island – and her – such a long time ago …but why then can’t she prevent the sparks that fly between them, the connection she feels with him? It is not like Del would fit into her version of Mr. Right anyway – and she does not even know the whole extent of his flaws yet.

Soon the mutual attraction wins and together they start to burn not only the kitchen. But what will happen if – when – Del leaves again? Will her heart come out in one piece?

Before this book I wasn't sure if I would connect with Shaye, but after her first encounter with Del after so many years I was a goner. So incredibly funny! Oh, and her curse jar at Due South! Anyone who cursed at work had to put one Dollar into that jar. In order to avoid losing money herself, she comes up with pretty creative curses – such as “Effing cinnamon sticks” to give an example. Just hilarious!
Other than that, she is the glue that holds her family together, despite all that tragedy that happened. She is strong, smart and oh-so stubborn. Simply a heroine you can only love.

On the other hand, there is Del. While I liked Shaye instantly, it took a while for me to warm up to him. But if you see behind his bad-boyish attitude you will discover a wonderful personality with some serious flaws – and Shaye is just the right one to melt his icy cover… maybe with a little help of the annoying bird, a Kaka, that wakes him up every morning at an inhuman time of day.

Their story is beautifully written, contains sexy and steamy scenes that heat up the bedroom …and the kitchen, and has moments that will break your heart and some that will make you laugh out loud. All this guarantees for an entertaining romance read.

READY TO BURN isn’t one of the shorter novels by any means – yet I finished it at record time, much faster than I did some of the shorter books I’ve recently read. Yes, it is that good! And yes, I am sad that it was over so fast. Now it’s to wait for the next book – CHRISTMAS WITH YOU – a Due South novella centered on Del and West’s half-sister Carly. I cannot wait!

[Nancy Stopper · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful visit back to Stewart Island and a chance to catch up with old friends, and make some new ones. We first meet Del as a brooding man who is clearly unhappy with the direction his life has taken, and is contemplative about his past, and his future. Throughout the book, we see many complexities to Del but at the root of it, we see a little boy who is yearning for acceptance from his father. Everything he has done in his life, from being a chef, to seeking love and acceptance but not commitment, can be tied back to his need for acceptance and love from his father. He feelings of isolation run deep and he is continually reminded of his feelings of rejection each time he sees his childhood friends as adult, in the places he longed to feel belonging in. He was a wonderfully-endearing character and despite his broodiness and often boorish behavior, you can't help but root for him to get the love and acceptance he needs in his life - from his father, and from a good woman.

Shaye feels the need to take care of everyone and everything. Her caring nature is often translated into her relationships, and her feelings of desire for Del become intermingled with her need to help him through his troubles with his father and his issues with previous relationships. A broken man and a nurturing woman - what could be more perfect! And you would think so, but of course, love is never that easy. Shaye's deep held feelings for her home on Stewart Island are constantly offended by Del's immense need to protect himself from continued hurt at home by expressing disdain for the island and everything about it. His need to leave and her need to stay create a conflict you aren't sure, as the reader, they will be able to overcome. We aren't just talking about leaving a small town for the big city here - we're talking about one of them needing to be halfway around the world! The twists and turns the author produces with that conflict (and it's SO not what you would have expected) creates a situation where you the reader can't predict whether these two will get the happily-ever-after you know they both deserve.

The book is well written and I appreciated the balance of dialogue and narrative presented by the author. There are sex scenes but they do not overwhelm the story and are included in such a way that they contribute to and enhance the story. And, as an American, I love the taste of New Zealand that I get each time I read a book by this author, who even includes some fun pokes at Americans with her jabs at Del's adoption of American words and pronounciation of words over their New Zealand counterparts. Its a fun visit back to Stewart Island and I enjoyed catching up with old friends such as West and Piper and Kezia and Ben, and seeing what's been happening since we last saw them!

[DawnMarie Carpintero · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Amazing Stars

I was given this book for my honest review

As the earth turns on its axis we know that it takes 365.25 days. We feel the seasons go from fall to winter, then to spring into the infamous summer season. As we get nearer to our beginning emotions that we get from another year past and gone we can think about what we have accomplished and what we have yet to accomplish. Did you ever think that when the earth rotates that it takes each of our hopes and dreams and promises for a new tomorrow, another year with it? This shows us our lives are not just special with each breath that we take but with each rotation around the sun as well.

This is the 3rd book in the Due South Series the 1st is In Too Deep, the 2nd is Melting into You

Del-a chef and hunky hot

Shaye-cocky and pretty

West and Piper-In Too Deep book 1

Please come and join me for as I did them of the wedding of Piper and West it is sure to be a blast.
Del is a very handsome chef. He is making his journey home not to visit or relive his past but to celebrate the coming of two. His brother West is getting married to the woman of his dreams. At the same time Del has a few different agenda’s going on but will he be able to pull them off or will he cave at the final moment? Will Del’s heart get in the way for he has eyes on the girl with the eyes of the color of the sky above?

Shaye is a pretty sous chef with a smart mouth on her. She isn’t afraid to say what is on her mind for fear that she will hurt anyone’s feelings if anything she thinks it enlightens them. However one man can squash her like a bug and doesn’t even know it. She feels the flutter in her heart but will she act upon it? Will she let the flutter out?

Del and Shaye’s journey is a hard one. Del carries secrets within that he is ashamed of. He is afraid to see how his family and most importantly Shaye will react. Will Shaye run from him once she finds about Del’s true self or will she encompass it? Will Shaye be able to hold her tongue long enough to hear and feel the words that her heart is saying? Will this couple make it to their forever? The sex is explosive once they get past the grit and find themselves within the throws of passion.

To the author: You have amazed me once again. You have enthralled me, made me laugh and want to throw something at this couple several times but in all a good way. I hope your readers find the same happiness within your words as I did. Major kudos

To the readers: All I can say is enjoy

Happy Reading

[Siobhan Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a mind-blowing book! Easily my favorite of all the books I've read in this series so far.

Ready to Burn has everything I adore in a book: Sublime writing, witty dialog, brilliant character development, stunning world building, strong emotions & relationships, lots of hot, steamy romance, and a fast-paced plot. There is nothing I would fault in the slightest.

Del Westlake has burned his bridges in LA so when an opportunity presents itself to go home, he can't turn it down. Especially because it may well allow him restart his chef career in Chicago. Del is hiding behind his fair share of demons and it takes a very special lady to crack his nut. (Ahem!)

Shaye has been one of my fav characters in this series to date so I was really looking forward to reading this book. She is warm but sassy, strong yet vulnerable; particularly to Del's charms.

They spark off each other at the start, and Shaye's nose is understandably out of joint when she finds out Del has been hired temporarily as Head Chef, a position she believes she can easily fill. However, she quickly falls for Del's Hollywood bad-boy charm and is soon in deep over her head.

I loved Del and Shaye as a couple and really enjoyed how Del transformed his whole attitude on life by the end of the book, even opening up to his family about the demons that have been torturing him. He was a great leading man.

I also adored the reality-TV theme, it added an interesting dimension to the story.

There was some really funny, laugh out loud moments in this book, like this bit: "Her revenge was squeezing your bum and letting you put a tongue in her ear? Sounds like cruel and unnecessary punishment."


All in all, a truly amazing read. I'm only sorry I read it so quickly. I wish I could wipe my brain and start over, to relish the enjoyment all over again.

This is an excellent series and I highly recommend it.

[Lily Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story by the Jill Shalvis of the South Pacific.

I'll never tell you the story - that's why you have to buy this third book by Tracey Alvarez. But I will tell you that Del is one screwed up guy and Shaye is looking for Mr Perfect-complete with check list of character traits. Clearly there are going to be fireworks, and Ms Alvarez doesn't disappoint.
We get to see the characters from her first two books, adding to the family dramas and providing support when it's needed. And, we get to see the main characters grow and face their fears and have their happily ever after - it is a romance after all.
I thoroughly enjoyed Ready to Burn and am looking forward to Ms Alvarez's Christmas novella.

[E Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready to burn

Oh my, what a story. Sweet little Shaye can be hot little Shaye with Del, AKA Hollywood. The two of them have chemistry from the handcuffs in the start of the story through the pain and trouble they go through. This story made me laugh, cry, and again made my toes curl from the steamy scenes between Del and Shaye. This was such an easy and great read. I totally love this series, so glad to have read it and makes me want to go explore New Zealand and find what would draw people to it. Absolutely read this book, it was fantastic, even though I wanted to kick Del's butt a few times for being a stupid alpha male!! But he made up for it in his hot and sweet way with Shaye.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What are the best romance novels made of? One part sassy-but-realistic heroine named Shaye. Add a heavy dollop of sexy, mouthwatering, why-can’t-I-find-one-of-these-guys named Del.

Read full review in the 2015 February issue of InD’tale Magazine.

[Jemi Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner! Del and Shaye are so much fun - and the book had me smiling and laughing a lot. The twists and turns pulled me in and I had a hard time putting it down to deal with Real Life. A great read!

[SandyL · Rating 3 out of 5]

Del Westlake has been gone for years from Stewart Island (his mom moved him to the US when he was a teen after a divorce) and he's been trying to make it in LA as a chef. He gets called back to Stewart Island to help out at his family's restaurant while his dad is sick. Shaye Harland is not happy to learn Del is taking over HER position at Due South. But working in close quarters, the two find they are attracted to each other. Del makes a pitch for the restaurant to be a part of a reality show, hoping to win a job offer anywhere but home. To be honest, this book did not keep my attention and the only reason I kept reading was I needed it for a challenge. I never warmed up to Del, and when I don't particularly care about the MC, it's hard to stay interested.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow this book was on my to read shelf for 10 years. Uh whoops. I've owned it since 2021, at least according to my owned shelf, as well so really I should have read this a long time ago.

This was slower than I expected. I'm not going to completely blame the book. Its sat here for so long it is quite dated no two ways about that.

Romance is OK. I didn't really care for either of them it just didn't grip me and make me want to read it. I was hoping to fly through this and then read the next book which is Christmas focused and can kind of read that in the season but I can't put myself through the next book so think thats surviving until Christmas 26. Still it wasn't terrible hence the 3 stars.

[Lea · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars - This is a better than book 1, probably because I felt I knew the characters and the island more. The tension is hot between Del and Shaye, in and out of the kitchen. There's a lot of drama of course, but Shaye is the fixer of all things unsettling so the angst isn't too high. I felt like the ending was rushed a bit to get us to the HEA conclusion but overall I enjoyed it and really feel connected to the island and its inhabitants.

Biggest issue is this quote, wtf does this even mean: "A friendly, good-looking-in-a-non-gay-way kinda guy." at 42%

[Vera-Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 Stars

I have read this book before, and for some reason I remember liking it more the first time around. I originally thought that this was going to be my second favorite of the first three so far. Now that I'm thinking about this, I actually think it's my least favorite so far. I think West and Piper and Ben and Kezia are better and more flushed out than these two. I love the cooking and baking aspect. I love the setting. I just feel these two aren't as flushed out. Especially because yes they have history, but not romantic history like Piper and West.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great book in the Stewart Island series. It is filled with great characters, strong emotions, witty dialogue and wonderful romance. It is always great to go back and check in on the couples we have met in earlier books and even better when Shaye finally finds her Mr. Perfect-for-me. Del returns to Oban, he reconnects with his father, patches up his relationship with his brother and finds a woman he can love.

[Leigh Sonnekus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Del and Shaye are like oil and water, not only complete opposites but also resistant to mixing together!! But, thanks to their undeniable chemistry, they soon realize that even if it’s a recipe for disaster; they can have lots of sexy fun while getting it right!
Shaye is such a beautiful, giving person and it was endearing to see Del’s character bring out the fire and sass in her personality, even while her love brought light back into his shadows.

[Sarah Gilsenan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a good, quick read but completely ruined by the talk of soda, Dr Pepper, cookies (except for the American born mother) and the use of Fahrenheit temps instead of Celsius.....call me picky but this is a Kiwi context distorted to fit an American one. Use an American setting if you are going to use American language.
A reasonable series ruined by pandering to a specific reader base.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Del returns to Stewart Island after many years away with no intention of staying. Falling for Shaye is not in his plans particularly when he has a secret that will push all her emotional buttons. A good story but I could have done with less swearing in the first half of this novel.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book gifted by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Greystar · Rating 5 out of 5]

8/31/21: One of my Favorites of 2017
I know this is Book 3 in the series but, because of the restaurant/cooking focus, I decided to read this one first. I loved it! I flew through the book and then went on to read all of the other books in the series. Shaye and Del are probably my favorite couple in this series and I would gladly read any book with them as the main couple.