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Blue Collar Alphas #4

Under Pressure

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Jean-Luc Martel knows good taste. As the award-winning celebrity chef of éloïse, he's amassed a high-end clientele and hordes of dedicated foodie fans. But while he's a master in the kitchen, his reputation for being a nightmare to work with precedes him. Known for his rapid-fire temper, chiseled good looks, and a dash of tattooed, bad boy edge, Jean-Luc doesn't take shit from anyone. Until he meets Delaney Thomas. She's talented, sassy, entirely too sexy for her own good, and the niece of his best friend and sous chef.

Every bone in his body is telling him to take what's his, but outside forces soon conspire to pull them apart, and Jean-Luc finds himself more torn and tortured than he's ever been. As his bad boy reputation threatens to rattle the very foundations of the forever he's trying to build with Delaney, they'll both be forced to decide if love really can exist under the most intense pressure.

Warning: Jean-Luc is a sex-on-a-stick, walking, talking, blue-blooded alpha male. The only thing that melts this man's frozen heart is the woman of his dreams, and something tells him nothing would taste sweeter than Delaney on his tongue. If you can't handle the heat, stay out of Jean-Luc's kitchen!

63 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 24, 2017

120 people are currently reading
281 people want to read

About the author

Aria Cole

162 books1,372 followers
Aria Cole is the pen name of a USA Today bestselling author who published her first book in 2012 and began writing contemporary romance long before that.

Her books always feature possessive alpha men and the sassy, curvy, nerdy heroines who love them, along with a healthy dose of irresistible insta-love and happily-ever-afters sweet enough to make your teeth ache.

Follow Aria on Amazon for new release updates, or stalk her on social to see which daring book boyfriend she's writing next!

Newsletter - http://eepurl.com/ccGnRX
Instagram - http://bit.ly/2OzIWSA
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5 stars
187 (33%)
4 stars
167 (29%)
3 stars
156 (27%)
2 stars
39 (6%)
1 star
10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
Profile Image for Chantal ❤️.
1,361 reviews912 followers
March 26, 2017
4.5 UNDER PRESSURE STARS

"You come alive in the kitchen.”
"Someone like you needs fire....We’re the same, Delaney.”

Delaney. Claimed. By. Me.
"I want to fuck my name right off your lips.”


Before I start my review I will admit to being very touched by the fact that Aria Cole wrote a short dedication to me. It was very nice of her and totally unnecessary. I enjoyed our chats and short brainstorming sessions. And I hope we can continue to chat.

NEVERTHELESS, I THANK YOU FOR THE SHOUT OUT AND NOTHING BUT LOVE GIRL FROM ME!

description

Now, for my review. This story was about a very human chef called Jean-Luc (great French name btw), who has suffered a lot of lost and dealt with it in his own dysfunctional way through drugs and cigarettes.
In fact, it was the only reason this book lost a half star. The SMOKING.

However, it did make his character much more believable and his backstory captivating.
I loved Jean-Luc and his character came alive on the pages for me.
He wasn't just one thing, he was many things and he was complex and engaging.

Okay, I will admit the fact that he was a gorgeous, tattooed, French chef did have something to do with my adoration for his character.
But come on, Let's face it ladies... that is a SERIOUSLY HOT compilation.

description

Also, Delaney the heroine was amazing as well. She was reluctant at first but fearless when it came to getting and keeping her MAN.
She said
“I love you, Mr. There’s-No-Going-Back. Remember? So if you’re having an existential crisis, that's fine. You just gotta let me know.”

She loved with all her heart and was just about the most amazing combo of passion and affection.
She was the PERFECT MATCH for this reluctant and resistant hero.

description

THEY ARE THE PERFECT COUPLE AND I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THEM!

The story was pretty good too. But honestly it was the realism of the characters that made this book a knockout!

description

It packed A seriously realistic punch for me and I hope you give this book a chance. It may surprise you!

Also, it had the sweetest epilogue ever with 11 months and 10 years later.
The whole book was just AMAZING!

description

Safety: is perfect without others drama or cheating.

Oh and here is the link for the book:

https://www.amazon.ca/Under-Pressure-...
Profile Image for warhawke.
1,548 reviews2,234 followers
March 28, 2017
Type: Standalone Book 4 (novella) of Blue Collar Alphas series
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:




Jean-Luc Martel worked hard to be where he was now. As owner and chef of éloïse, he dedicated his life to the passion of his craft. But a new addition to the team made him realized all he's been missing.

Delaney Thomas grew up in restaurant business. Coming from a long line of Italian family in the field, she knew how to take charge both front and back of the house. And she's out to prove her salt and gain the trust and the heart of the notoriously difficult chef.



I love men who cook and I like doing it myself, so of course I couldn't resist this one.

Working side by side with the very sexy, very moody Jean-Luc was proving a challenge.


Being French, Jean-Luc already got free sexy points. He's also tattooed and an award winning chef. But his temper was also well known. Just imagine a younger, much hotter version of Gordon Ramsay.

Jesus Christ, she was a mini-me. The walking, talking, sexy female version of me.


I like how sassy Delaney was. She's not some annoying bumbling character. She could certainly go head to head with the hothead chef.

I hummed, another orgasm pummeling through me as he fucked me at just the right angle, the pain-and-pleasure sensation too much to handle as waves of release flowed through every muscle.


Even though it was super short, I do like all the characters and the storyline. However, I was hoping for more hanky panky (and spanky) considering all the potential of the location and the tools within reach haha!

Shit, one look from her and I forgot my own fucking name.


Under Pressure put a couple's attraction to each other under the heat lamp. The light, sexy read would appeal to readers looking for a quick read.


Standalone books in the series:
Under Construction by Aria Cole Under Her Hood (Blue Collar Alpha Males) by Aria Cole Under Fire (Blue Collar Alphas) by Aria Cole Under Pressure (Blue Collar Alpha Males) by Aria Cole


For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

Profile Image for Carvanz.
2,379 reviews897 followers
March 27, 2017
Fast, fast paced. Almost too fast. This really could’ve been strung out a little more but it’s pretty typical of the steamy novellas. It was still an enjoyable read. I loved that the H was so grumpy and growly and that the h brought him back down to calm. I especially loved that this book was dedicated to my sweet Goodreads friend Chantal. For that alone it gets an additional star.
Profile Image for Alex ♈.
1,568 reviews1,405 followers
Read
December 18, 2018
Too short to get off.

I need more foreplay at my age…

Profile Image for Janie.
873 reviews81 followers
April 8, 2017
I really liked this novella by Aria Cole. I honestly wish this one had been longer. I loved both Delaney and Jean Luc. If this story had been fleshed out more and the characters developed more it would've been amazing.
Profile Image for May Reads Books.
684 reviews
March 26, 2017
4.5/5
Hot fast safe read
Insta love story

-Virgin h
-celibate H
- older man (??) younger woman (21)
-h is badass and sassy
-H is from broken and harsh past
- mild pushing away but it's resolved right away
-No OW/Drama
-sweet and romantic
-great writing!! Easy to read and flows well
-HEA plus 2 epilogues

For me Cole's books get better and better!! She's definitely in my top 5 all time favourite authors!

Looking forward for her next one! I devour each book she publishes!

A must read!
Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews447 followers
March 27, 2017
Jean-Luc is a reformed bad boy who ends up becoming a fantastic chef and restaurant owner. He is considered the “master” in the kitchen. Thing is, he needs help in said kitchen and Jean-Luc's sous chef, Nero niece – Delaney – comes in to apply for the job. She has grown up basically in a kitchen so she knows what to expect from working and keeping it running smoothly. She has heard about Jean-Luc from her uncle but didn’t think he would be so sexy or handsome.
Jean-Luc doesn't mince his words when it comes to Delaney but that’s ok, she stands up to him and gives as good as he dishes out. Delaney is his match and I loved every interaction they have together.
This story is another hit by Ms. Cole – the FAB characters, the storyline and the chemistry that literally pops out from start to end. I can’t wait to see what she has next to come out.

My rating: 4.8 stars ****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Profile Image for Jenny.
3,160 reviews558 followers
March 29, 2017
Yet another awesome Aria Cole book! Steamy, over the top insta love Between Jean-Luc, a rich and famous chef and Delaney, his sous chefs niece. I love instalove and babies. The epilogue was truly heartwarming! 4 kids and a pregnancy. Adorable!
Profile Image for Darlene I read WAY to many books.
3,675 reviews2,426 followers
October 24, 2019
Pretty fast pace and easy read.

Jean-luc has had a tough life but he has turned his life around and is all about cooking and being a hard ass!! And he meets Delaney a new cook in his kitchen shes sassy and just like him takes charge and bosses them around. Thats what drew him to her even more.. but he can't touch her for many reasons, but he's done holding back and she's done also. Steamy hawt times between the two before tiny little drama that has Jean-Luc pushing away for a split second. Delaney isn't having any of it she goes to get her man.

Glad it didn't take jean to long to get his head out his ass..

No ow/om drama, no cheating, sexy times, tiny secondary charas, Virgin gal and not a manwhore

Recommend- yes
cover-⭐⭐⭐

Instalove/lust
Slight push/pull from both
Older/younger couple
Seperation for 1 day
Safe
No condom
Hea
Epilogue
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for lily.
1,266 reviews
January 12, 2021
Jean Luc is a Sexy Chef with a rough past and
Delaney is the new hostess , this was so steamy with HOT sex and the cutest epilogues
4 kids and Pregnant heroine 👍❤
Profile Image for Elizabeth Neal.
1,786 reviews146 followers
March 26, 2017
Jean-Luc, thirty-two, is a very talented yet temperamental chef and restaurant owner, and he's tired of incompetence and just needs a quick cigarette break to decompress. When his sous chef, Nero, interrupts even that moment of peace, Jean-Luc knows he can't handle any more crap tonight. Then he sees her and the way she looks at him...

"Why did she keep looking at me like that? Like she was seeing inside my soul." - Jean-Luc

Delaney, Nero's niece, knows the ins and outs of the restaurant business as her family has a long history in it. Jean-Luc agrees to hire her, providing she proves her competence, and he's quickly blown away by not only her knowledge, but also her wit and beauty. She may only be twenty-one, but he realizes Delaney is the complete package, everything he never knew he needed.

Delaney isn't sure what she wants to do with her life, but she does know being near Jean-Luc is wrecking havoc on her. Unfortunately, he doesn't seem to have the same problem. However, Delaney quickly learns differently as Jean-Luc reveals the feeling is mutual and they act on the explosive chemistry between them.

Jean-Luc knows with his past he isn't good enough for Delaney, nor does he know how to give or accept love, but for and with her, he wants everything. While Delaney knows she's already fallen for Jean-Luc as well, things become difficult when someone, knowing Jean-Luc's past, believes they know best and tries to come between them.

Can Jean-Luc prove he's the perfect man for Delaney? Will he fight for her? Will Delaney let Jean-Luc walk away, sacrificing their future? Or will she show Jean-Luc, and anyone threatening their relationship, how much she loves him? Will Jean-Luc and Delaney get their HEA?

One-click now and follow along as a man realizes the love of his life sees the man he's become, not the one he was when she looks at him.

**I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
Profile Image for Lauren.
6,131 reviews57 followers
March 25, 2017
I enjoyed this book. If you’re looking for a fast paced steamy romance then this book is for you. I devoured this book in one sitting and really enjoyed it. I liked both the hero, heroine ad storyline.
I like how openly honest Jean Luc is. He doesn’t hide his past and he doesn’t lie. Delaney is feisty. She knows how to rule a kitchen and also how to help a chef. She instantly clicks with Jean Luc. They’re perfect together. They are so alike yet so different.
No matter how hard Jean-Luc tries, Delaney see’s through him and breaks down his walls. Although Jean – Luc tries to stay away from Delaney, he can’t. His attraction to her is undeniable.
The epilogue for this book is super sweet.
An alpha hero and a feisty heroine, what more could you want?!
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and delicious to devour. Aria Cole’s stories never fail to leave me satisfied.
Profile Image for Jan .
2,156 reviews45 followers
March 26, 2017
If you can't handle the heat, stay out of Jean-Luc's kitchen.

Restaraunt owner & chef but also a Bossy,moody, demanding, walking talking sex on a stick alpha male. Jean-Luc was all those things until Delaney walked into his kitchen and the heat turns up for other reasons other than what's on the stove.

Under Pressure is a quick insta-love story told in dual pov's.

Not an in depth story but you get just enough detail of the characters & background to give you an understanding of both Delaney & Jean-Luc as you follow their hot insta romance.

Like most of Aria Cole's books Under Pressure is a good hot quickie with likeable characters that leads to hea.

Arc gratefully received for review purposes

http://www.Bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookb...
49 reviews1 follower
March 24, 2017
Talk about turning up the heat! Dear Lord! This book is so hot it should come with a warning.

Jean-Luc is a chef with a lot on his plate. His restaurant holds a high rating, he's one of the top chefs in the area, his heart and soul belong to this place. His past is troubled but he's on the right path focusing only on becoming better than he is...that is until he meets his match.

Delaney has been in the restaurant business her entire life. Her family is Italian and food is everything to them. so when she is offered the chance to work in one of the areas top restaurants with her uncle she takes the job without a second thought. not knowing that this job would lead to something she hadn't planned for.

Jean-Luc and Delaney's relationship is fast, intense and OFF THE CHARTS! there are some really steamy moments between these two!
I absolutely loved this book! All Aria Cole’s books are phenomenal. she always gives the reader exactly what they want. plus the extra glimpse into their future will always make you SWOON!
this is a must read!!!!
1,465 reviews3 followers
March 24, 2017
Under Pressure is a quick read with lots of scorching hot scenes. Bachelor, alpha, sexy, up & coming Chef has a story that has you wanting to wrap your arms around this broody man. The niece of his sous chef, Delaney is a recent addition to his restaurant and the brightest light that has ever shined in his path.

This is an instalove, no cheating love story. Oh my goodness, & those Epilogues are the absolute best. Aria Cole’s writing shines in this story.
Profile Image for Nikki Anderson.
210 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2017
Short, sexy, sweet read about a tattooed alpha chef named Jean-Luc with a dark past. His sous chef brings in his niece Delaney to help and when JL sees her he knows he can't resist. They come together in an explosion of passion. I loved this book it was sweet and hot at the same time. The perfect balance in a read. Really enjoyed it!!
Profile Image for *CJ*.
5,096 reviews622 followers
October 26, 2019
"Under Pressure" is the story of Delaney and Jean-Luc.

Sexy May-December romance between a hot older chef, who falls head over heels for his young, sassy protege. He chases her, they bang like bunnies, small glitch but ends in a HEA and sweet epilogue.

Safe
3.5/5
Profile Image for Vera .
508 reviews
March 25, 2017
Wow Aria Cole has done it again!! Under Pressure is hot and steamy and oh so delicious!!!
Jean Luc is a complete alpha male and chef!!
Delaney is an absolutely sweet girl who's helping out at his restaurant. She sees the real Jean Luc!!
Their chemistry is intense and passionate!!
Short and sexy insta love novella!!
Profile Image for Geeky Girl Review Cafe.
1,230 reviews98 followers
April 23, 2020
Chef's Treat

This was a super fast and steamy read.

I liked the chef/restaurant theme of the book as well as the boss/employee and older man/younger woman themes in the book.
Profile Image for M.K..
Author 287 books623 followers
March 25, 2017
Yet another freaking awesome Aria Cole book! This is a super quick, over the top instalove Between Jean-Luc, an excellent chef and Delaney, his sous chefs neice who comes to help in the kitchen. Safe, Steamy, HEA
Profile Image for Sabrina Gabriel.
304 reviews3 followers
March 23, 2017
Whoa Delaney way to handle Jean Luc. So much passion it was an awesome read .i love insta love and babies thanks for the extra insight on what happens later. On in life I love when that happens . A glimpse into there life after to see they are still smoking hot. Great 5 star. You were definitely cooking with this one ..amazing
129 reviews1 follower
February 7, 2018
This story would actually be a 4 stars if it weren’t for a lack of physical description. I hate when I can’t imagine what they look like. By 24% we only know that she is short with blue eyes and he is tall with tattoos, no other descriptions. We do eventually find out about her. It’s not until 35% that we find out he has long hair. And we never find out his hair or eye color.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews

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