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Billionaire's Beach #1
Take Me Tender
Note: This book was previously published.
Award-winning and USA Today bestselling author Christie Ridgway serves up three sexy, sun-drenched romances with a decided emotional kick in the Billionaire’s Beach trilogy.
The most coveted stretch of sand in Malibu, California, is known as Billionaire’s Beach—a hat tip to the wealthy residents who enjoy its flower-scented air and dramatic ocean views. The surfside locale is heating up with happy-ever-afters too, as three determined heroines discover the deliciously wicked heroes their hearts desire.
Bachelor-about-town Jay Buchanan has sworn to go a year without women, but a guy’s gotta eat so he puts out feelers for a private chef. If the best applicant’s female, so what? More needs to come out of his Malibu kitchen than peanut butter and beer, and he’s in no mood for romance anyway.
Long ago Nikki Carmichael learned to put up her guard when it comes to men, and her new client, Jay Buchanan, is the manliest man she’s ever met. She figures ignoring his magnetism will turn him away…but instead it backfires, and Jay is only further intrigued by the woman who refuses to fall at his feet.
They flirt, they fight, they ultimately share a bed and then their deepest secrets…but can these two trust that what seems like a summer fling is truly the love of a lifetime?
This book was previously published as How to Knit a Wild Bikini. This edition includes some extras.
Read the entire Billionaire’s Beach Trilogy!
Take Me Tender (Book 1)
Take Me Forever (Book 2)
Take Me Home (Book 3)
Praise for Christie Ridgway:
"Ridgway rocks romance!"--Bella Andre, New York Times and USA Today Bestseller
"Christie Ridgway writes a sizzling combination of heat and heart."--Barbara Freethy, #1 New York Times Bestseller
Award-winning and USA Today bestselling author Christie Ridgway serves up three sexy, sun-drenched romances with a decided emotional kick in the Billionaire’s Beach trilogy.
The most coveted stretch of sand in Malibu, California, is known as Billionaire’s Beach—a hat tip to the wealthy residents who enjoy its flower-scented air and dramatic ocean views. The surfside locale is heating up with happy-ever-afters too, as three determined heroines discover the deliciously wicked heroes their hearts desire.
Bachelor-about-town Jay Buchanan has sworn to go a year without women, but a guy’s gotta eat so he puts out feelers for a private chef. If the best applicant’s female, so what? More needs to come out of his Malibu kitchen than peanut butter and beer, and he’s in no mood for romance anyway.
Long ago Nikki Carmichael learned to put up her guard when it comes to men, and her new client, Jay Buchanan, is the manliest man she’s ever met. She figures ignoring his magnetism will turn him away…but instead it backfires, and Jay is only further intrigued by the woman who refuses to fall at his feet.
They flirt, they fight, they ultimately share a bed and then their deepest secrets…but can these two trust that what seems like a summer fling is truly the love of a lifetime?
This book was previously published as How to Knit a Wild Bikini. This edition includes some extras.
Read the entire Billionaire’s Beach Trilogy!
Take Me Tender (Book 1)
Take Me Forever (Book 2)
Take Me Home (Book 3)
Praise for Christie Ridgway:
"Ridgway rocks romance!"--Bella Andre, New York Times and USA Today Bestseller
"Christie Ridgway writes a sizzling combination of heat and heart."--Barbara Freethy, #1 New York Times Bestseller
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2008
792 people are currently reading
1144 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
January 27, 2018
Nice romance. She is a chef that is forced to take a job that keeps her off her feet some. You see her knee was damaged during a terrible incident years ago and now needs an expensive operation.
He is a writer for a men’s magazine. His ‘research’ with women has given him the name ‘Hef.’ You know, for Hugh Hefner?
Anyway he has decided to go celibate for a story, until he hires our prickly chef.
Good story, nice romance. 😊
He is a writer for a men’s magazine. His ‘research’ with women has given him the name ‘Hef.’ You know, for Hugh Hefner?
Anyway he has decided to go celibate for a story, until he hires our prickly chef.
Good story, nice romance. 😊
June 12, 2008
A knee injury forces Chef Nikki Carmichael to quit a job that requires standing on her feet all day. Through an ad in a Los Angeles newspaper she obtains temporary work as a private chef to NYFM magazine editor, Jay Buchanan. (Please note that NYFM is supposed to be a hip men's magazine - naughty centerfolds and all.) Nikki is unaware that Jay also plans to use her as a fake girlfriend to ward off his neighbor, Shanna, and any overly-ambitious females while he practices abstinence over the next year.
The story of how Nikki and Jay meet is cutesy enough. Jay assumes she is a lesbian - this leads to (limited) funny dialogue and even hilarious discussions regarding Nikki's girl crush on Madonna. However, this is not the typical romantic comedy that I have come to expect from Christie Ridgway. There were several hard-to-follow threads throughout this book that included deeper, dark issues such as date rape, abuse, death, neglect and attempted suicide. There are also three other relationship subplots to follow which, quite frankly, were left hanging at the end of the book with promises of a new series that I'm just not looking forward to. The most frustrating of these subplots was about Jay's 17-year-old cousin. This poor girl was confused and no one ever really talked to her or counseled her through her relationship issues. She was simply taken to a knitting shop with Nikki and left as a better person.
Is this book about knitting? Not really. I had high hopes that the book was centered around Malibu & Ewe, the knitting shop that Nikki accidentally ends up running into while spying on a group of teenagers. I had pictured girl bonding, great dialogue between females, some funny, knitting tidbits. But it just didn't happen. It was all really sort of disappointing.
The story of how Nikki and Jay meet is cutesy enough. Jay assumes she is a lesbian - this leads to (limited) funny dialogue and even hilarious discussions regarding Nikki's girl crush on Madonna. However, this is not the typical romantic comedy that I have come to expect from Christie Ridgway. There were several hard-to-follow threads throughout this book that included deeper, dark issues such as date rape, abuse, death, neglect and attempted suicide. There are also three other relationship subplots to follow which, quite frankly, were left hanging at the end of the book with promises of a new series that I'm just not looking forward to. The most frustrating of these subplots was about Jay's 17-year-old cousin. This poor girl was confused and no one ever really talked to her or counseled her through her relationship issues. She was simply taken to a knitting shop with Nikki and left as a better person.
Is this book about knitting? Not really. I had high hopes that the book was centered around Malibu & Ewe, the knitting shop that Nikki accidentally ends up running into while spying on a group of teenagers. I had pictured girl bonding, great dialogue between females, some funny, knitting tidbits. But it just didn't happen. It was all really sort of disappointing.
July 29, 2009
I picked this up because it had all the ingredients for a good romance. It has the word “knitting” and “wild” in the title and the photo is of a bikini in the process of being knit. As is so often the case with books I pick up because they have even a hint of knitting in the story - it fell a row or two short of being a delight.
The story centers around Nikki Carmichael who loves her job as a chef - but must quit due to a debilitating knee injury. She has decided to be a personal chef and lands a job with Malibu’s “Hef Jr.” Jay Buchanan. It’s basically a reluctant love story from here on out. They are attracted to each other but the past and their individual fears keep them from moving forward. Add into the mix a neighbor who is part cougar on the prowl and part aged princess (Think Paris Hilton in ten years) and the side line of the knitting shop and it’s owner (who seems to know Nikki already in a strange way...) - and you pretty much have all the elements.
I struggled with this book for a good portion of it. I think Nikki is not realistic. I think the author either didn’t know what an abused woman was like or was not willing to reveal herself in her character. Nikki never seems to have body image issues. How many women - let alone women who have been raped - can you think of who don’t fret over there body? Yet Nikki never mentions any body issues other than her injured knee. She slithers into a crocheted dress that she had to step into and shimmy up her body without a second thought. She goes on a date with a man she has the heavy hots for and never frets over her hair or the dress she is almost wearing. Who does that???
The author wanted to make her seem detached and reserved and shielded - so she put her in an apartment with no art - hotel furniture and a pet that was a plastic fish. It’s just too much. And I feel like that was where the book failed. It describes something and then it has several of the characters comment on it too. It was just too much. I felt like there were giant signs all over this book with light up arrows saying things like “Nikki is in her shell”, “Nikki and Jay have chemistry”, “Nikki is pathetic - here are 8 examples”. Yick.
I felt like at the end it did pick up a little - but really I did think - why did I buy this - and the next two books as well??? It wasn’t by fault. I was suckered by the knitting!
The story centers around Nikki Carmichael who loves her job as a chef - but must quit due to a debilitating knee injury. She has decided to be a personal chef and lands a job with Malibu’s “Hef Jr.” Jay Buchanan. It’s basically a reluctant love story from here on out. They are attracted to each other but the past and their individual fears keep them from moving forward. Add into the mix a neighbor who is part cougar on the prowl and part aged princess (Think Paris Hilton in ten years) and the side line of the knitting shop and it’s owner (who seems to know Nikki already in a strange way...) - and you pretty much have all the elements.
I struggled with this book for a good portion of it. I think Nikki is not realistic. I think the author either didn’t know what an abused woman was like or was not willing to reveal herself in her character. Nikki never seems to have body image issues. How many women - let alone women who have been raped - can you think of who don’t fret over there body? Yet Nikki never mentions any body issues other than her injured knee. She slithers into a crocheted dress that she had to step into and shimmy up her body without a second thought. She goes on a date with a man she has the heavy hots for and never frets over her hair or the dress she is almost wearing. Who does that???
The author wanted to make her seem detached and reserved and shielded - so she put her in an apartment with no art - hotel furniture and a pet that was a plastic fish. It’s just too much. And I feel like that was where the book failed. It describes something and then it has several of the characters comment on it too. It was just too much. I felt like there were giant signs all over this book with light up arrows saying things like “Nikki is in her shell”, “Nikki and Jay have chemistry”, “Nikki is pathetic - here are 8 examples”. Yick.
I felt like at the end it did pick up a little - but really I did think - why did I buy this - and the next two books as well??? It wasn’t by fault. I was suckered by the knitting!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2008
This was cute enough. I admit that I picked this up on a Friday night at Target mostly because of the title. I'm a knitter. I like a good romance novel. What's not to like?
It was a cute enough book - oh, I said that already. I think she tried to do too much with one story. The chef gimmick AND the knitting gimmick AND the playboy bachelor AND the faux-lesbian thing AND the mysterious injury AND the emotionally absusive parent AND the rape at a young age AND... you get the picture. Take two, maybe three of these circumstances and flesh them out and you'd have a richer story. But all of them together just became a mishmash of unrealized potential.
And a book with a title like this I kind of expected to have a story centered around, well, knitting. But the shop that the main character "escapes to" (as said on the back of the book), I think she goes to two, maybe three times? But it's not really fleshed out, just more like "then she learned to knit."
All this said, the characters I found the most intriguing were Shanna and Jorge. They needed their own book as they renovated that old house together.
It was a cute enough book - oh, I said that already. I think she tried to do too much with one story. The chef gimmick AND the knitting gimmick AND the playboy bachelor AND the faux-lesbian thing AND the mysterious injury AND the emotionally absusive parent AND the rape at a young age AND... you get the picture. Take two, maybe three of these circumstances and flesh them out and you'd have a richer story. But all of them together just became a mishmash of unrealized potential.
And a book with a title like this I kind of expected to have a story centered around, well, knitting. But the shop that the main character "escapes to" (as said on the back of the book), I think she goes to two, maybe three times? But it's not really fleshed out, just more like "then she learned to knit."
All this said, the characters I found the most intriguing were Shanna and Jorge. They needed their own book as they renovated that old house together.
May 9, 2015
More knitting references on the cover than in the book. Unfortunately the cover is misleading in other ways as well, I found it neither "An irresistible read!" nor "Delightful" nor even "Pure Romance". "Supersexy" wouldn't be my description either, but sex was definitely the focus here. I didn't know playboys were so decent, nor that good sex is 90% of what's necessary for an emotionally insecure and damaged woman! I was going to give one star, but I was able to finish the book and for that I gave the extra one. Does not do what it says on the tin...
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April 20, 2019
Endearing
Nicki was a great character. I loved Jay’s wit. A sweet and fun read. I would recommend this book as a light but well developed book.
Nicki was a great character. I loved Jay’s wit. A sweet and fun read. I would recommend this book as a light but well developed book.
October 11, 2023
I found another romance series. Shame on me, but they are easy to read and i do enjoy the funny ones. 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 7, 2018
This was a fun read, as hinted at by the title. The sex was intense, a bit much for my taste at times. But a nice HEA for our confirmed bachelor hero and the personal chef heroine. She had a damaged childhood and he had to work hard to earn her trust. Sweet ending and a couple of interesting sub-plots to sweeten the storyline.
May 30, 2013
A great start to the Malibu & Ewe series. Romance is abundant along with a little humor, and the sexual steam can blow your top.
Summary:
Nikki Carmichael isn't one to turn to others for help. She grew up losing her mom at a young age with a man who made being coldly detached an art form. He taught her never to show her weakness, and to this day she abides by this personal rule. Having to quit as a chef in a restaurant due to an old ACL injury, she has decided to take the private chef route. Its not easy leaving the job she loves, but with a bum knee, rushing to make beautiful food is making it worse. Enter Jay Buchanan. Jay is Malibu's resident Hef Junior. He is known for his love 'em and leave 'em attitude as well as for his articles about men and relationships in the magazine he edits. After recent mistakes, mainly with his childhood friend and neighbor, Jay decides he is giving up women for at least a year. That resolution is quickly thrown aside once Jay meets Nikki. He needs her help in more ways than one. Nikki doesn't know what to think about Jay. After a communications error and a brief stent as a lesbian, Nikki is in Jay's sites for a lot more than breakfast. He is a playboy. She has no business feeling anything to his advances, yet she cant seem to help herself. She also cant believe her reaction considering she doesn't have a great past with sex. After a scary experience as a teen, Nikki hasn't hesitated to close herself off, protect herself with distance. Jay is determined to break through her barriers. He's never felt this way before, but he is smart enough to know that it could be a once in a lifetime feeling. Battling Nikki's demons may be a little more difficult than he first imagined, though. Especially with his reputation, and the fact that he's supposed to be keeping an eye on his young cousin as well. The situation really heats up when Nikki becomes aware that her whole life isn't what it seems. Will finding out she is a product of artificial insemination, and she has not one but two half sisters break Nikki further or give her the foundation to build herself back up? As the time of Nikki's employment end draws closer, Jay and Nikki get closer. Nikki isn't convinced that Jay can change though, while Jay doesn't know how to get Nikki to stay. Can Jay prove his love and get Nikki to stay with him or will Nikki continue to fight her feelings and disregard the trust she needs to put in Jay? Only time will tell, and maybe a desperate ad in a magazine. Lol.
I loved Jay! He was a typical guy, but i love watching the hero fall for the heroine then have to convince her of the rightness of it. To me, that is romance and strength in a man. Nikki was a fiery little heroine. I loved her spunk. The supporting cast was interesting asa well. Obviously, Cassandra was intriguing and I cant wait to get her story. The story of Shanna and Jorge would have been better had we been privy to a little more of it. For me, their ending was a bit rushed considering we saw them together one time. Still, a wonderful read, and I'm eager to get on with the next in the series. <3
Summary:
Nikki Carmichael isn't one to turn to others for help. She grew up losing her mom at a young age with a man who made being coldly detached an art form. He taught her never to show her weakness, and to this day she abides by this personal rule. Having to quit as a chef in a restaurant due to an old ACL injury, she has decided to take the private chef route. Its not easy leaving the job she loves, but with a bum knee, rushing to make beautiful food is making it worse. Enter Jay Buchanan. Jay is Malibu's resident Hef Junior. He is known for his love 'em and leave 'em attitude as well as for his articles about men and relationships in the magazine he edits. After recent mistakes, mainly with his childhood friend and neighbor, Jay decides he is giving up women for at least a year. That resolution is quickly thrown aside once Jay meets Nikki. He needs her help in more ways than one. Nikki doesn't know what to think about Jay. After a communications error and a brief stent as a lesbian, Nikki is in Jay's sites for a lot more than breakfast. He is a playboy. She has no business feeling anything to his advances, yet she cant seem to help herself. She also cant believe her reaction considering she doesn't have a great past with sex. After a scary experience as a teen, Nikki hasn't hesitated to close herself off, protect herself with distance. Jay is determined to break through her barriers. He's never felt this way before, but he is smart enough to know that it could be a once in a lifetime feeling. Battling Nikki's demons may be a little more difficult than he first imagined, though. Especially with his reputation, and the fact that he's supposed to be keeping an eye on his young cousin as well. The situation really heats up when Nikki becomes aware that her whole life isn't what it seems. Will finding out she is a product of artificial insemination, and she has not one but two half sisters break Nikki further or give her the foundation to build herself back up? As the time of Nikki's employment end draws closer, Jay and Nikki get closer. Nikki isn't convinced that Jay can change though, while Jay doesn't know how to get Nikki to stay. Can Jay prove his love and get Nikki to stay with him or will Nikki continue to fight her feelings and disregard the trust she needs to put in Jay? Only time will tell, and maybe a desperate ad in a magazine. Lol.
I loved Jay! He was a typical guy, but i love watching the hero fall for the heroine then have to convince her of the rightness of it. To me, that is romance and strength in a man. Nikki was a fiery little heroine. I loved her spunk. The supporting cast was interesting asa well. Obviously, Cassandra was intriguing and I cant wait to get her story. The story of Shanna and Jorge would have been better had we been privy to a little more of it. For me, their ending was a bit rushed considering we saw them together one time. Still, a wonderful read, and I'm eager to get on with the next in the series. <3
September 7, 2010
This was my first Christie Ridgway book and I’m salivating to read the rest of her backlist, and I don’t usually even like contemporary romance!
This book was super fun, cute, and very entertaining. There was a LOT going on though, and while I thought the author handled the many many plot threads well, and all the secondary characters, heroine’s issues from being raped as a teen, lots of other emotional baggage and current obstacles for the H/H to get together were also handled well, I felt like some of them could have been fleshed out more, or left out to concentrate on a tighter storyline.
That being said I don’t really know what I would change because I enjoyed each of those pieces of this book sooo much! Playboy and confirmed bachelor Jay changed his ways quite a bit during the book as his new pretend-lesbian-live-in-chef Nikki starts to get under his skin and into his heart. But that doesn’t mean his thought process changes right away and it was fun being in his head, like this quote when Jay is observing his friend confessing his devotion to his lover:
"“How could you imagine that I don’t love you? That if something happened to you, it wouldn’t kill me too?”…
Jay shuffled back, embarrassed by the other man’s very Latin, very emotional outburst. He almost held his breath, just like he did when he got in an elevator with someone who was sneezing. Shit like that might be contagious."
Jay and Nikki’s scenes together were also full of such fun dialogue and observations about each other, the writing throughout the book was snappy and attention grabbing and I felt each scene was important.
Ok, how many times have I said fun now? So while this would make a great beach read some of the emotional baggage from past issues definitely covers heavier topics and really got to me emotionally, so I felt satisfied on all levels of my reading preferences. Including the lusty scenes, they were pretty steamy, though I wouldn’t have minded of seeing more of Jay’s prowess due to his oft-touted history ;)
A- overall grade for me, I loved following Jay and Nikki’s journey to their acceptance of their feelings for each other.
This book was super fun, cute, and very entertaining. There was a LOT going on though, and while I thought the author handled the many many plot threads well, and all the secondary characters, heroine’s issues from being raped as a teen, lots of other emotional baggage and current obstacles for the H/H to get together were also handled well, I felt like some of them could have been fleshed out more, or left out to concentrate on a tighter storyline.
That being said I don’t really know what I would change because I enjoyed each of those pieces of this book sooo much! Playboy and confirmed bachelor Jay changed his ways quite a bit during the book as his new pretend-lesbian-live-in-chef Nikki starts to get under his skin and into his heart. But that doesn’t mean his thought process changes right away and it was fun being in his head, like this quote when Jay is observing his friend confessing his devotion to his lover:
"“How could you imagine that I don’t love you? That if something happened to you, it wouldn’t kill me too?”…
Jay shuffled back, embarrassed by the other man’s very Latin, very emotional outburst. He almost held his breath, just like he did when he got in an elevator with someone who was sneezing. Shit like that might be contagious."
Jay and Nikki’s scenes together were also full of such fun dialogue and observations about each other, the writing throughout the book was snappy and attention grabbing and I felt each scene was important.
Ok, how many times have I said fun now? So while this would make a great beach read some of the emotional baggage from past issues definitely covers heavier topics and really got to me emotionally, so I felt satisfied on all levels of my reading preferences. Including the lusty scenes, they were pretty steamy, though I wouldn’t have minded of seeing more of Jay’s prowess due to his oft-touted history ;)
A- overall grade for me, I loved following Jay and Nikki’s journey to their acceptance of their feelings for each other.
June 11, 2018
How does one develop characters without actually developing characters? This book seems to answer the question. While it provides revelations about each character and their issues and challenges, it is difficult for me to actually feel invested with any of them or their potential relationships...well, besides Cassandra and Gabe, that might get fiery. The intimacy is steamy and maybe a little too explicit for some readers.
My main challenge is with Nikki and her personality in general. You can be detached without being a sarcastic robot. *side eye* My main thing is that she spends most of her time tearing down each and every woman that comes across her path with the exception of one or two. Like seriously, get some freaking therapy.
My main challenge is with Nikki and her personality in general. You can be detached without being a sarcastic robot. *side eye* My main thing is that she spends most of her time tearing down each and every woman that comes across her path with the exception of one or two. Like seriously, get some freaking therapy.
April 13, 2009
More explicit sex than many of the romances I've read.
Mostly average as a romance. The message of the story was drummed into us, repeatedly. Ugh. And what is with having Jay call Nikki "baby"? Double ugh.
Will there be a book about Gabe and Nikki's half sister? Story with Jay's neighbor & Gorge isn't developed quite enough to be satisfying.
The book is not really helped by the narrator, especially how she portrayed Jay. I liked the way he sounded in my head much better.
And, hello, as far as I can tell, no one knits a bikini. Who the heck thought of the title?
Mostly average as a romance. The message of the story was drummed into us, repeatedly. Ugh. And what is with having Jay call Nikki "baby"? Double ugh.
Will there be a book about Gabe and Nikki's half sister? Story with Jay's neighbor & Gorge isn't developed quite enough to be satisfying.
The book is not really helped by the narrator, especially how she portrayed Jay. I liked the way he sounded in my head much better.
And, hello, as far as I can tell, no one knits a bikini. Who the heck thought of the title?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2015
Playboy Bachelor Jay Buchanan owns a Men's magazine. He needs a Chef for a month at his Malibu home.
Nikki had to quit her Restaurant job due to a knee injury which she needs surgery to fix. So she applies for the job. Jay's last Chef was a lesbian so he just assumes Nikki is also as he has sworn off Women for a year. They get off to a rocky start Nikki has some issues. But they are mutually attracted to each other .
Nikki had to quit her Restaurant job due to a knee injury which she needs surgery to fix. So she applies for the job. Jay's last Chef was a lesbian so he just assumes Nikki is also as he has sworn off Women for a year. They get off to a rocky start Nikki has some issues. But they are mutually attracted to each other .
September 30, 2015
I received a copy of Take Me Tender By Christie Ridgway in exchange for an honest review. With Christie Ridgway's stories you never know what to expect. She can write emotionally gripping stories that are full of hope, heartbreak and absolution or charming stories that are entertaining, humorous and unforgettable. Take Me Tender has a little bit of both. It makes you smile but stirs the emotions in a way that is both poignant and irresistible. Will be reading books 2 and 3 of this series.
April 25, 2022
3.5 stars
Mild spoilers...
The story of Nikki and Jay is cute, but there were several things I just really struggled with that kind of made the story not as enjoyable for me. One was the derogatory way they referred to lesbians and the whole "running joke" about Nikki being his new lesbian chef. Tacky, and not really essential to the story. The second is that Cookie is a terrible nickname, and I wanted to throat punch Jay every time he used it 😆. Other than that, I'm kind of a sucker for the story trope of a woman making a playboy realize he's done playing around and he wants to get serious after all, so I did enjoy the story overall.
One thing I found misleading is the book description mentions Jay's "picky palate" as the reason she runs to the Malibu and Ewe knitting shop; however, there is absolutely nothing picky about his palate. He literally eats everything she makes him and only ever compliments her on it. He never once mentions he doesn't like certain foods or make it seem like he's picky in the least. She pretty much only runs to the shop when she's worried about Fern or stressing about the way she's starting to fall for Jay. Maybe an earlier draft had him being super picky and that's where that came from? I don't know, I just know it kind of irritated me a little bit.
Mild spoilers...
The story of Nikki and Jay is cute, but there were several things I just really struggled with that kind of made the story not as enjoyable for me. One was the derogatory way they referred to lesbians and the whole "running joke" about Nikki being his new lesbian chef. Tacky, and not really essential to the story. The second is that Cookie is a terrible nickname, and I wanted to throat punch Jay every time he used it 😆. Other than that, I'm kind of a sucker for the story trope of a woman making a playboy realize he's done playing around and he wants to get serious after all, so I did enjoy the story overall.
One thing I found misleading is the book description mentions Jay's "picky palate" as the reason she runs to the Malibu and Ewe knitting shop; however, there is absolutely nothing picky about his palate. He literally eats everything she makes him and only ever compliments her on it. He never once mentions he doesn't like certain foods or make it seem like he's picky in the least. She pretty much only runs to the shop when she's worried about Fern or stressing about the way she's starting to fall for Jay. Maybe an earlier draft had him being super picky and that's where that came from? I don't know, I just know it kind of irritated me a little bit.
July 4, 2025
Rating: 3.5/5
✅ Pros
• The main romance was really sweet and felt natural; it actually developed over the course of the book rather than relying on insta-love.
• The characters had genuine conversations and meaningful interactions that made the relationship feel earned. And the womanizer character who said he understood women did actually understand women which was refreshing.
• There were some cute moments tied to the knitting theme (like the scarf and dresses).
❌ Cons
• The side stories (like the cousin’s and neighbor’s points of view) didn’t contribute much and felt unnecessary; they could have been left out or given more substance.
• The subplot about her half-siblings was interesting but felt random and underdeveloped.
• The knitting club, despite being central to the title, didn’t actually matter to the story — it could have been swapped for any other club without changing the plot.
• The ending could have used a longer, deeper conversation between the main couple to better wrap things up.
✅ Pros
• The main romance was really sweet and felt natural; it actually developed over the course of the book rather than relying on insta-love.
• The characters had genuine conversations and meaningful interactions that made the relationship feel earned. And the womanizer character who said he understood women did actually understand women which was refreshing.
• There were some cute moments tied to the knitting theme (like the scarf and dresses).
❌ Cons
• The side stories (like the cousin’s and neighbor’s points of view) didn’t contribute much and felt unnecessary; they could have been left out or given more substance.
• The subplot about her half-siblings was interesting but felt random and underdeveloped.
• The knitting club, despite being central to the title, didn’t actually matter to the story — it could have been swapped for any other club without changing the plot.
• The ending could have used a longer, deeper conversation between the main couple to better wrap things up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2019
Completely unrealistic, but very good storytelling and protagonists with an astonishing depth. Rich bachelor Jay has sworn off woman, not so rich cook Nikki needs the job as his cook after her knee injury forced her to resign from her job in a restaurant. When the sparks fly between them, Nikki reminds herself of the need to stay strong and show no weakness, especially not towards men, as she learnt the hard way. Jay is more and more intrigued by his cook.
There are a lot of interesting side characters, and numerous side plots - some supporting and aiding the storyline, some a bit superfluous in my opinion.
Personally, I think the story was a tiny bit too long, or emphasised various, perhaps not so necessary parts, instead of concentrating on others - I cannot decide which.
All in all, though, heartwarming, amusing and with enough tension and twists and turns to keep me glued to the pages.
And yes, I do want to read more in this series.
There are a lot of interesting side characters, and numerous side plots - some supporting and aiding the storyline, some a bit superfluous in my opinion.
Personally, I think the story was a tiny bit too long, or emphasised various, perhaps not so necessary parts, instead of concentrating on others - I cannot decide which.
All in all, though, heartwarming, amusing and with enough tension and twists and turns to keep me glued to the pages.
And yes, I do want to read more in this series.
May 10, 2017
Jay Buchanan needs a short term chef to prepares meals for his niece, Fern and him while she is staying with him. To also cater a meal for a family celebration.
Nikki Carmichael, a chef, just left a her job due to a knee injury. She thinks/hopes working for Jay will allow her time for her knee to get better.
I absolutely love the banter Jay and Nikki have.
Jay first comes across as pretty shallow and I absolutely hate the way he treated Shanna. He is the only one that can 'see' Nikki.
I really felt for Nikki, she is really closed off because of her upbringing. I was so happy that Jay was pushing buttons that was getting Nikki to open up more and more.
I also look forward to reading more about Jorge and Shanna.
Nikki Carmichael, a chef, just left a her job due to a knee injury. She thinks/hopes working for Jay will allow her time for her knee to get better.
I absolutely love the banter Jay and Nikki have.
Jay first comes across as pretty shallow and I absolutely hate the way he treated Shanna. He is the only one that can 'see' Nikki.
I really felt for Nikki, she is really closed off because of her upbringing. I was so happy that Jay was pushing buttons that was getting Nikki to open up more and more.
I also look forward to reading more about Jorge and Shanna.
April 15, 2019
This book made me crazy because it is the same story as How to Knit A Wild Bikini. I know this one was free but still I also paid for the original ebook way back when it came out. I was hoping it was another novel by Christie. I enjoyed the original book but still! I noticed Billionaires #3 is the same book as Dirty Sexy Knitting. Same with Billionaires #2 is the same as Un Ravel Me. It is a good thing I can remember books I read as I would be so mad if I had purchased all the BillionIres series to find out you changed the names on some of your old books that I already had.
March 7, 2020
Honestly do not know how I made myself stick with this and actually finish it. This is by far the worst thing I have been exposed to in a long time. The story is ridiculous, the explicit scenes will make you wince—“noiseless as a nematode” is not a sexy way to describe anything, and the behavior of all of the characters is so eye-rolling inducing that I feared I would have brain damage from the stupidity of this entire book.
I apologize for the unkind review but I do not recommend this to anyone.
I apologize for the unkind review but I do not recommend this to anyone.
March 31, 2019
This is more of a 2.5
I read the whole thing and I really wanted to like it but despite the back story of the main character, I was extremely annoyed with her lack of growth until almost the last few chapters but by then I was just not able to appreciate it because I was just so annoyed with her. I don't know if I want to keep reading this series. I also did not enjoy the yarn shop owner at all .
So I'm sad because the story is right up my alley but the main character just ruined it for me
I read the whole thing and I really wanted to like it but despite the back story of the main character, I was extremely annoyed with her lack of growth until almost the last few chapters but by then I was just not able to appreciate it because I was just so annoyed with her. I don't know if I want to keep reading this series. I also did not enjoy the yarn shop owner at all .
So I'm sad because the story is right up my alley but the main character just ruined it for me
May 1, 2020
It was okay for an adult novel. I didn't like the main character but that's just my personal preference, I don't like characters who are emotionally distant, but I understood why she was that way. I also liked how the main man called her Cookie I think that's a really cute nickname. What both couples did at the end of the book, I thought that it happened to quickly. I'm being vague so I don't spoil the ending. But overall, not that bad for a romance book.
December 3, 2021
I read this whole series when I was much younger, and I really only remember the last book in the series. I was recently in Malibu, though, so I was inspired to try it again. Nikki is really abrasive and hard to get behind, and while I liked Jay, a number of his comments haven't aged well (even though this book was originally published in the early-mid 2000s). Fine to set the stage for the trilogy, but not my favorite.
November 6, 2017
Bit all over
This book portrays 3 different couples. In some chapters there are no chapter breaks where it moves to another persons thoughts. One sentence ends and the next thing you know, you are reading another persons thoughts and have to reread the sentence again to make sure you know who the author is talking about. That was the most confusing part of this book to me.
This book portrays 3 different couples. In some chapters there are no chapter breaks where it moves to another persons thoughts. One sentence ends and the next thing you know, you are reading another persons thoughts and have to reread the sentence again to make sure you know who the author is talking about. That was the most confusing part of this book to me.
April 10, 2021
This is a cute romance that is deeper than you think. Nikki Carmichael was a chef who had damaged her knee and needed a rest from kitchen duty. She decided that as a personal chef she could take it easy but still,pay her bills. Then she met Jay Buchanan who rocked everything she believed in. Great little story
June 19, 2022
It's not a complete waste of time, but it's not a fabulous book that I couldn't put down. The hero is pretty much an immature jerk who suddenly realizes he needs to grow up because he's in love. The subplot with the heroine's sister is poorly written. I think I figured it out, but mostly it's obliquely alluded to without explanation.
Probably best as a beach read.
Probably best as a beach read.
April 16, 2019
Heartwarming
This book was really great.It was well written and the storyline fantastic. Jay & Nickki were great characters who made you feel like you were living the story with them. Could not put it down until the end. It also had an unexpected twist to it.
This book was really great.It was well written and the storyline fantastic. Jay & Nickki were great characters who made you feel like you were living the story with them. Could not put it down until the end. It also had an unexpected twist to it.
April 27, 2019
Great Story
I love how there are a lot of things going on inn the story but they all tie together. Nikki having things from her past holding her back from a great future. Jay being the ultimate bachelor but finding he might find love, and the sisters.
I love how there are a lot of things going on inn the story but they all tie together. Nikki having things from her past holding her back from a great future. Jay being the ultimate bachelor but finding he might find love, and the sisters.
June 3, 2021
😭 middle school me was definitely interesting. i want to reread it so I can write a better review but I can't. it's so hard to read - not in a large vocabulary way but as in you get second-hand embarrassment and very icky.
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