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I don’t do relationships.

I’ve lived my life hiding my scars, revealing myself only the in the scripts I write and the characters I voice.

Few people know the real me. I’m too careful. Too afraid of getting burned all over again.

Enter Beverly Martin. A movie star. A woman so beautiful and caring she makes my heart ache. She says she wants me—and her touch almost makes me believe that a girl like her could love a man like me.

But being with her would mean letting the spotlight of fame shine on me, too. And I’m not sure I can do that—even if walking away means losing the woman I love.

Each novel in the series is a STANDALONE romance with a guaranteed HEA!

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 26, 2018

149 people are currently reading
1141 people want to read

About the author

J. Kenner

191 books10.4k followers
J. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over one hundred novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.

Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit.

JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A six time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy) and in 2017 for Wicked Dirty in the same category. Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development as a television show.

Her books have sold over three million copies and are published in over twenty languages.

In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
Profile Image for Patricia.
1,955 reviews5 followers
June 23, 2018
The realization that this is the 11th book and that this series is almost to an end makes me sad yet more than satisfied with the outcome.

First you just can't go wrong when opening a book written by J. Kenner and this is probably the one I've really been looking forward to. Griffin has earned a special place in my heart for his strength and good heart. His story, as with all the men in this series does not revolved around perfect lives or pasts but about the good things that can happen when you open your eyes and allow what could be to happen.

Beverly is the most real and down to earth woman yet. She may be a movie star but her head and heart are all in the right place. She is enjoying her job as the emcee for the Man of the Month contests. But along with all that it's her turn to find love.

This is a must read book. Even though these are all individual stories that can be read on their own, I really think you would be denying yourself the warming feeling of reading each in order. You meet each individual and start to feel like you are part of the gang at the "The Fix". By the end of this series it will be like saying goodbye to old friends. SIGH :( But lets just say it's been one hell of a ride.
Profile Image for Mindy Lou's Book Review.
3,026 reviews807 followers
June 23, 2018
3.5 Stars

Out of all the characters in this series, Griffin is the one I really wanted to see be happy. He's been in almost all the books, if not all of them. We've gotten to know him more than the other MC's before his story.

What we learn about Griffin is that he's living his life under a hoodie to hide his burn scars. He's a part of the group but on the edge of that group. His job has made him well known but never in the spotlight. In Light My Fire, we learn how he handles moving into that spotlight when he becomes interested in actress Beverly Martin.

Beverly first fell in love with Griffin's writing. When she seeks him out to let him know she wants to be a part of his future project, she falls for the man. Working side by side with him on his screen play, she falls even more. She just needs to convince him that she doesn't care about his scars and neither should he.

It's good to see Griffin be happy. It was a very short story and pretty fast paced, but well done. Next up is Brent and Elana's story.
Profile Image for Tasha Mahoney.
1,215 reviews44 followers
June 26, 2018
Light my fire is number 11 in the Man Of The Month series by the outstandingly talented J Kenner. It can be read as a standalone ( which is how I read it, as even though I have a couple of others in this series I have not had the chance to read them yet.) or as part of the Man Of The Month series.

I really enjoyed the way that Light My Fire flowed seamlessly throughout the moving and romantic story of Griffin, (who shies away from publicity) and movie star Beverly Martin (for whom publicity is part of her job.)

Even though this was a relatively short story it was well paced and contained a whole lot of emotion and romance. It did not lack in any area and yes, that includes off the chart passionate moments.

I received an arc copy from J Kenner and Social Butterfly PR This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
June 26, 2018

Each book in the series is a STANDALONE novel with NO cliffhanger and a guaranteed HEA!



I was waiting for Griff's story and J. Kenner did not disappoint me at all. Griff and Beverly were everything that I was hoping for and then some. This story could have gone a totally different direction but J. Kenner wrote a beautiful story about love, trust, choices and overcoming your fears. She captivated me with how she brought Griff out of the darkness and into the light.

Griff was an enigma from the first time that we met him sitting at the bar at the Fix on Sixth. He enthralled me and I truly wondered what his full story was. My heart kind of broke for him and I understood his reasons for hiding behind the hoodie. Then I got a little angry when he refused to practice what he preached, when he refused to think that Beverly would truly want him for him and that his scars didn't mean anything to her. I yelled at him, I cheered for him and then I was proud of him. Griff was the man that I knew he could be.

Beverly wore her heart on her sleeve. She knew she fell in love with the man inside the scarred body but had no idea how to get through him. He flinched whenever she touched him … pulled away whenever she tried to get closer. She knows that it's time to put herself out there and show him how she feels. Now, she has to wonder what kind of life they would have together if they never go out in public, if he never goes on her press junkets with her. A long distance relationship was not what she signed up for even though she knows the reasons why. It's time for him to make a decision … life with her or life on his own.

My heart was truly full after reading Light My Fire. Overcoming a fear is a hard thing to do and J. Kenner did a wonderful job of explaining the fear and showing us just how bad it can get and can affect your life. She also showed us that there are a lot of people who look past the outside and see the true person underneath it all … the one with the big heart, who cares about other people and has a whole lot of love to give.
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,103 reviews1,419 followers
June 26, 2018
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

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Light My Fire by J. Kenner is one of those sweet stories that reminds us all that it doesn’t matter what you look like on the outside, it’s what on the inside that counts. And for Griffin Blaize, a horrific burn as a child had left him to be a man who hid himself from the public eye. He is a man who lives behind his computer and hoodie that is until he meets Beverly Martin. Beverly is unlike any woman he met. She fell in love with his writing and saw Griffin for who he was. A man who was beautiful on the inside as well on the outside. A man whose is worthy of love. As Griffin and Beverly’s love begins to deepen, will Griffin be able to stand the spotlight? Or will he get burned?

#LightMyFire


Griffin’s book was definitely much anticipated and J. Kenner did not disappoint as she delivered a story that was sweet and most importantly had heart and character. So if you are looking for an easy, enjoyable and worthy summer read that was beautiful then this book is for you.

 photo MICHELLE1_zps3515xymk.jpg J. Kenner

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Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
June 26, 2018
LIGHT MY FIRE by J. Kenner is book 11 in the Man of the Month series. This is the story of Griffin and Beverly. I have read the previous books but feel this can be a standalone book.
Griffin was burned as a child and since much of his life behind a hoodie and a computer.
Beverly is a movie star but a down to earth one that is caring. Griffin is attracted to her but with his scarring issue he doesn't think he would have a chance nor would he be able to handle the spotlight.
Beverly sees past Griffin scars and sees a man too love.
Their story had a underlining theme of Beauty and the Beast I thought.
I really enjoyed reading their story...a great addition to this series.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,263 reviews219 followers
June 25, 2018
5 Star Review Light My Fire (Man of the Month #11) by J Kenner
 
This is the eleventh book in the series and is Griffin and Beverly’s story. Light My Fire blew me away from the first page to the last.  
 
I have been waiting anxiously for Griffin’s story. I knew it was going to be amazing and it did not disappoint in any way.

From the glimpses we have seen of Griffin throughout the series, his was the story I couldn’t wait to read.

My heart broke for him as Griffin was badly burnt as a child. It has left him badly scared, both inside and out. He doesn’t believe that any one, particularly Bev, could possibly be interested in him.
 
Although he has his friends from The Fix, he still holds himself apart, convinced he will never be truly accepted.

Beverly’s feelings for Griffin have grown over the months she has known him. She wants to take their friendship further but is hindered by the walls that he has put up.

The chemistry between Griffin and Beverly is intense but these two deserve to find their happiness together.

Can Bev break down his walls? Or is Griffin destined to live vicariously through his friends? Can Griffin face the publicity dating Beverly will bring or will he wall away from love?

Knowing that there is only one more book left in this series is bittersweet. The books in this series can easily be read as stand alone, but since they are not that long and a quick and easy read I would recommend you one click them all.
 

 
 
 
Profile Image for Bookgasms Book Blog.
2,863 reviews1,571 followers
June 25, 2018
I've been (im)patiently waiting for Griff's story since the very beginning of the series. I knew it would be a bit heart wrenching, and I was right. But I absolutely adored how Griff and Beverly's relationship built slowly, first through their friendship and mutual respect for their business knowledge and creativity. They learned to trust each other, and actually fall in love--even when it seemed that they'd be left in the friendzone. I loved to see Griff finally accept himself, flaws and all. And I loved how Beverly never gave up in her pursuit to her own happiness and happily ever after.

Light My Fire is the next to last book in this fantastic Man of the Monthseries. I'm sad it's quickly coming to an end, but I cannot wait for Brent and Elena's story in Walk the Line. ~ Missy, 4 stars
Profile Image for Siobhan.
5,047 reviews597 followers
July 9, 2018
Light My Fire is the eleventh book in J. Kenner’s Man of the Month series, and it was my most anticipated book of the series. With the focus of this story being on my favourite trope, I knew I was in for a good time. After all, every little glimpse we got at the characters in the prior books only made me more desperate for this one. Thus, I devoured Light My Fire when I got my hands on it. It may not have been all I had hoped it would be, but it was certainly one of my favourite books in the Man of the Month series.

The Man of the Month series is a collection of interconnected romance stories, proving individual stories as a larger story plays out. Each novel features a favourite romance trope, ensuring there is something for everyone. The first book, Down on Me, provided us with the friends-to-lovers trope; the second book, Hold on Tight, provided us with the second chance romance; the third book, Need You Now, provided us with the brother’s best friend trope; the fourth book, Start Me Up, provided us with the one-night stand; the fifth book, Get It On, provided us with the secret baby trope; the sixth book, In Your Eyes, provided us with the bad boy billionaire; the seventh book, Turn Me On, provided us with the friends with benefits trope; the eighth book, Shake It Up, gave us the May-December romance; the ninth book, All Night Long, provided us with the opposites attract trope; the tenth book, In Too Deep, provided us with the fake relationship trope. With book eleven, we received the Beauty and the Beast trope – and, as I’ve already mentioned, it’s my favourite trope of all.

Although each book is an individual story with a start and an end, I would recommend reading these books in order. To understand some of the details of the story in full, you need to understand how things came to be throughout the prior books. You’re certainly told, to ensure you have the basic facts to understand the story, but it is not the same as experiencing all that happened – for a bigger picture, read the series in order. It’s even more important now we’re down to the last couple of books – we’re constantly receiving references to the past books, we’re seeing couples from the prior books, and we’re able to see how things have been building throughout. By no means am I saying you need to go back and read all the books, but I am saying you will appreciate this series much more if you read things in order. Plus, it’s nice to watch how the underlying story is playing out.

With each book in this series you go in with certain expectations – you have an idea of how the trope plays out and you know who is to be the man of the month. Despite this, you’re interested in seeing how the little details play out – and for those following the series, you’re interested in seeing the additional elements added to the overall story. Although we’re never given anything new to the genre, we’re always given something unique to keep us wanting more. Plus, by this point, we’re so in love with all the characters, we’ll desperately take whatever we’re given.

With my expectations being so high for Light My Fire, a part of me had feared this book would not live up to what I had in mind. After all, I’d waited so long for this one that a part of me was worried it wouldn’t be one of my favourite books in the series, especially with how much I have loved some of the prior books. Fortunately, my fear was unfounded. Light My Fire was just as addictive as I’d hoped, containing all the things I love so much about the Beauty and the Beast trope. I admit that I would have liked to have spent longer with this couple, I would have liked to have slipped even deeper into their world, but this quick read provided all the essentials for a good Beauty and the Beast story.

Plus, for fans of J. Kenner’s Stark stories, we get another nod in this book. The nods received in prior Man of the Month books had me curious about the Stark universe, yet this book left me desperate to dive in. The information I received has left me with another series where I have high expectations – and if the Stark universe proves to be as interesting as the Man of the Month books, I’m sure I’m in for a good time.

We also get a lot of nods towards the final book in the Man of the Month series, Walk the Line, getting us ready for how it all ends. Saying goodbye to the series will be a sad time, but I’m crossing my fingers we end on a high. Admittedly the whole series has been great, but the last couple of books have been extra fun, leaving me sure the very last book will finish us off with a bang.
Profile Image for Jodi Bird (Ruby Red Romance Review).
1,169 reviews98 followers
June 26, 2018

5 STAR Review by Jodi for Ruby Red Romance Review

Friends, this series will be ending soon and I'm so heartbroken. I have honestly fallen for these amazing characters. Griffin and Beverly are no exception to that love. Griffin has been around since the first book. Always hiding behind his hoodie, Griffin is a good man. He's sweet and smart. Griffin has been there to see each and every one of his friends fall in love. He wonders when his time will come. Griffin is an amazing writer, but now one of his books is becoming a movie and Griffin will be thrust in the spotlight.

Beverly is a star. No really, she's a movie star. When she gets the chance to read Griffin's script, she knows she needs this part. She knows she needs to know the man behind the words. Griffin was more than Beverly could have counted on. While he may be scarred, he's beautiful to Beverly. Beverly wants it all with Griffin, but Griffin hasn't had that type of relationship before. Can he move past his fears and let Beverly love him?

I'm so in love with this story. I know, I know. I say it every Man of the Month book, but this time, I mean every word of it. I love Griffin. His story was everything I wanted for him and more. J. Kenner has done an amazing job with these fantastic books. I'm honored to have been able to read them.
Profile Image for Courtney.
2,004 reviews210 followers
June 26, 2018
Griffin's book is finally here!!! It's the eleventh book in this series and man was it worth the wait!!

We see Griffin throughout this series and I think because he's the broken one, my heart was more into this story than any of the other ones. I have always enjoyed the more troubled or broken heroes stories and want them getting their HEA.

Griffin has found his home away from home at the local bar, The Fix on 6th after moving to the area from LA. Everyone knows how he is and tries not to push outside of his comfort zone. Except Beverly makes him uncomfortable in ways he never experienced.

Beverly is the emcee for the Man of the Month contest. So she too has become a regular at the local bar but Griffin believes they can never be more than friends. He has nothing to offer and knowing he will never be comfortable in her world of glitz and glamour, he keeps her at a distance.

Beverly and Griffin work extremely well together. The chemistry between them is intense but the walls he puts up prevents them from moving forward. Beverly wants to prove to him that she sees more than his scars.

I loved this book so much. Even though it was super fast and I wanted more, I still really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Ruthie Taylor.
3,724 reviews39 followers
June 25, 2018

~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This is the eleventh book in the series, and finally reveals the mystery that is Griff. You definitely need to read these books in order, to get the full picture, but actually this has a strong enough core story to work on it’s own too.

From day one, Griff has been the hidden, hooded regular at The Fix. No reasons given, just hints at the damage done by burns. We also have watched him see everyone else pair up, and his pleasure at Bev’s company, even if he will never act on their attraction.

But, finally his screenplay is picked up by a famous director and she will be the lead. And as we know, they both have feelings for each other ... can it happen, or will he always pull away?

I think that this may have the ultimate love conquers all moment of the series, and there have been a few in the last few months. Only one more to go, how will I manage without my Fix?


Wicked Reads Review Team

Profile Image for Lisa Mandina.
2,345 reviews496 followers
June 27, 2018
This book was a hard one to rate. So probably really I'd give it 3.5 stars. While it took half the book for them to really get together, as soon as they did, it was a night of sex and then they were a couple immediately the next day. Which, yay, it should always be like that, but it made quite a jump for me to believe. I liked the connection between Beverly and Griffin, and even though we'd met them before in other parts of this series, it still felt like we missed out on a lot for this. I wanted a whole book dedicated to all of their time together. More with Griffin's back story. More with Beverly's story before they got together. Missing out on those things, or at least feeling like they were missing made the ending feel a little off as well. I had trouble believing that Griffin would go to quite the extreme he did without more.
This was a very quick read, almost felt shorter than the others have been. It's definitely worth a read. I liked it, don't get me wrong. If you take one thing away from this review, know that I would be happy to read this story again, fleshed out with all the things that I felt were missing. I'd love if the author had time for that!
Profile Image for Crystal's Book World ~ Crystal Cordova.
1,782 reviews27 followers
June 24, 2018
After reading each previous MOTM books, Griffin's story had me the most intrigued. I think because his romance story with Beverly reminds me of my favorite fairy tale story, Beauty and the Beast. Griffin has hidden in the shadows, but his beautiful work keeps bringing him back into the spotlight. When Beverly enters the picture, she falls in love with what is behind the scars. Their journey for a HEA will have your emotions all over the place. Light My Fire had me holding my breath until the very last page! I can not believe we are already with book 11! This series is a whole lot of sexy and fun! These characters help this series bloom into something magical!

BRVW
Profile Image for Marie Vasquez.
1,598 reviews78 followers
June 25, 2018
3.75 Stars

Griffin’s story is one I’ve been anxious for since I started this series. He was mysterious with his hoodies to hide away his scars. His and Beverly’s story was quick and sweet but not as emotional as I would have expected. Especially once the battle to overcome his fears and insecurities began. In the end there wasn’t much conflict for Griffin to finally let go of all those fears in order to ensure his future with Beverly; which proved his feelings for her ran much deeper than his fears but also didn’t show enough depth to truly involve my emotions.

Full review to follow
Profile Image for Mayas.
2,467 reviews49 followers
July 1, 2018
Loved the underlying story of Beverly and Griffin. I waited forever for his story and was not disappointed. The inner dialogue was so deep but the phone call from Jessie broke my heart and gave me hope.

That is truly what Grif needed and what I wanted to happen. Him and Beverly just fit and the way she accepted and cherished not on him but his wishes were what made me believe in them. Her standing her ground is what made me believe in HER ability to be his forever girl.
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,351 reviews205 followers
June 25, 2018
4 stars

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 26, 2018

I don’t do relationships.

I’ve lived my life hiding my scars, revealing myself only the in the scripts I write and the characters I voice.

Few people know the real me. I’m too careful. Too afraid of getting burned all over again.

Enter Beverly Martin. A movie star. A woman so beautiful and caring she makes my heart ache. She says she wants me—and her touch almost makes me believe that a girl like her could love a man like me.

But being with her would mean letting the spotlight of fame shine on me, too. And I’m not sure I can do that—even if walking away means losing the woman I love.

Each novel in the series is a STANDALONE romance with a guaranteed HEA!


••••

REVIEW: LIGHT MY FIRE is the eleventh instalment in J. Kenner’s contemporary, adult MAN OF THE MONTH novella, romance series focusing on a fund raiser for the popular Austin, Texas bar known as The Fix. This is writer and podcaster /voice actor Griffin ‘Blaize’ Draper, and actress Beverly Martin’s story line. LIGHT MY FIRE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary although I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion.

SOME BACKGROUND: The Fix on Sixth, a local Austin hangout and bar, is in desperate need of renovations and a quick influx of cash so a plan is put into motion, by a group of regulars, a plan that includes a Man of the Month calendar competition, a recipe book, and a reality show aimed at rehabbing the bar.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Griffin and Beverly) LIGHT MY FIRE follows the slow building romance between writer and podcaster /voice actor Griffin ‘Blaize’ Draper, and actress Beverly Martin. For months Griffin and Beverly have been dancing around once another but Griffin hides the painful reminders of a childhood accident, an accident that has left our hero both emotionally and physically scarred. When his most recent manuscript is selected for Beverly’s next movie, our leading couple must work together in an effort to prepare the manuscript for final reading. What ensues is the barely veiled palpable sexual energy and attraction between Beverly and Griffin, and the potential fall-out as Griffin struggles with the paparazzi, Hollywood’s perception of beauty, and the scars that are attracting some unwanted attention.

LIGHT MY FIRE is a quick read; a story of the physical vs the mental; of one man’s struggle to move on with his life, and of one woman who has fallen in love with his heart and his soul. The premise is engaging, revealing and emotional; the romance is passionate and seductive; the characters are real and energetic. LIGHT MY FIRE is a tender, sweet and spicy story where love does conquer all.

Copy supplied for review

www.thereadingcafe.com
Profile Image for Shelly Reynolds.
702 reviews18 followers
June 24, 2018
"Bev was the kind of woman who went after the things she wanted. And lately, she'd come to realize that what - who- she wanted was Griffin."

I have loved Griffin since Wicked Grind. And when I saw that he was in this series as well, I was so hoping he would get his happily ever after! This has to be my favorite book of this series, hands down!!

Griffin Blaize stays out of the spotlight for a reason. Severely scarred following being burned as a child, he's content hiding behind his computer, his words, and his ever-present hoodie. As one by one, his friends find happiness with their soulmates, he can't help but long for the same thing, knowing it will never happen. After all, who would love him with the way he looks anyway? Beverly? He's wanted her since their first meeting but he's keeping her at arm's length to protect his heart from wanting something it can never have. But, now the safety of his privacy is threatened when his script is becoming a movie, with Beverly in the leading role. Long hours of script revisions put her so close to him, it's pure torture. Should he act on his feelings? How will handle having to be in Beverly's celebrity spotlight, when all this time he's been able to hide away? Will he ever be able to be comfortable in his own skin and be the man she needs him to be, or is it just easier to walk away now? Which leaves a bigger scar - the burns, or losing her?

Beverly Martin read the script and knew she had to do it. She needed this part, and she needed to meet the man behind the words. Meeting Griffin changed her life. She knew he'd been scarred as a child but he never let anyone get close enough - never let anyone see. All she saw was the man - not the scars - and he was hot. Good looks, ripped bod, and a creative mind that blew her away. She knew she'd fall in love with him from their first meeting, but it's been an uphill battle to get out of that friendship zone. She'll fight for him - for them. But he has to meet her in the middle. She won't settle for only half of him. She wants him all in, or not at all. Is her love for him enough to give him the courage to come out of hiding and stand beside her? Doesn't he realize that losing him would scar her too.

My heart broke for Griffin, but when he finally gives in? Holy Hannah is that man fine! Hello, Mr. November! I'd highly recommend this series to everyone!
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,889 reviews159 followers
June 26, 2018
Readers who are up-to-date with J. Kenner’s Man of the Month series are no stranger to Light My Fire’s leading man, Griffin, but even though we’ve seen him in the background and in his interactions with the other couples of the series, it’s not until his own story that we’re introduced to the ‘real’ Griffin, the one who prefers to work and live behind-the-scenes…the one whose internal and external scars dictate how he lives his life and who he allows inside his inner circle.That’s the Griffin that readers have been waiting to meet and that’s the man who deserves his happily ever after, just like all the men of the month that have come before him.

But while The Fix on 6th has become Griffin’s home away from home, allowing him to become friends with a small group of people, who feel more like family, accept him as he is, there’s still something missing from his life, and even though he’s not one to put himself in the spotlight nor does he feel worthy of a beautiful woman like Beverly Martin, there comes a point where Griffin cannot deny his attraction to her or his need to be by her side, even if it makes him feel

J. Kenner paired Griffin up with his perfect girl because despite the fact that Beverly is a movie star and used to being in the spotlight, she’s a caring and down-to-earth woman who has been enamored with Griffin, first through his words and then through the man who he is beyond the scars, and while it’s not an easy challenge to take on, Beverly understands its importance and willingly takes on this difficult role because it’s one that will ensure her the best life and partner possible.

It amazes me how much story J. Kenner packs into these Man of the Month stories; it’s a fast-paced read that builds a complete plot and develops the personalities of its main characters and while I’m sure there would be even more development and characterization if the stories were a bit longer, the texts are meant to be quick, standalone steamy romances with a ‘guaranteed happily ever after,’ and each one definitely fills that role.

4 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
Profile Image for Deb Hanson.
1,368 reviews15 followers
June 25, 2018
Light My Fire
Man Of The Month 11
J. Kenner
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Wow, this book is… WOW! If you’ve read the previous books in this Man Of The Month (& you so should be), we have has many glimpses of Griffin Blaize, and his quiet life he lives now. He harbours some serious scars both physical and emotional, from a fire that almost claimed his life as a teenager. He doesn’t do relationships, he doesn’t do the public and he hasn’t done love in a long time, if ever.... Until Beverley Martin enters his world.

Although she is a movie star, and golden girl in LA, Beverley is very down to earth in her normal day to day life. She finds herself being with screen writer and podcaster Griff a perfectly normal experience, and being with him when he gets the best news only anchors her feelings even more. Knowing how he feels towards his scars and her high profile life, Beverley is pulled between her job she loves and the man she is falling for. Taking him to her premiere is amazing as well as scary as hell, he is her little secret that night. As the paparazzi Discover her mystery man is Griff, it opens up everything he has tried to hide – himself.

As a writing/actress team Griff and Bev are perfect, finding that in their personal life is something different. He is the man who hides behind a mask of hoodies, but if he wants to keep Beverley, he’s going to have to open his heart to her, letting her in, scars and all. In a story so moving I found myself stopping just to breath and take in what someone like Griffin must feel on a daily basis. Stepping up to speak to others with scaring and similar burns is easy, but when a young girl calls him out on his behaviour, Griffin is made to rethink his hidden world, removing everything for his woman.

In a display of so much power and beauty Griffin will show himself to the world, and the Fix as your Mr November, shocking Beverley beyond belief. He really is her perfect man! Oh god there is only one book left in this series, I’m not prepared for that… My withdrawals will not be pleasant, but I can re read them all, oh and bring on Brent.


Profile Image for Ria Alexander.
2,683 reviews51 followers
June 26, 2018
Griffin and Beverly - beautifully emotional

LIGHT MY FIRE
is the penultimate book in the Man Of The Month series and it was one that I was really looking forward to. Finally, we get Griffin's story, one that I've been patiently waiting for and Julie did not let me down. This story had everything, passion, emotions and a man who just wanted to be loved like everyone else.

As a young teenager Griffin Blaize was severely burnt. His scars aren't only on the outside though, they are also deep within, he has the belief that no one could truly love him as he is. For months he has watched each of his friends fall in love, often hoping that maybe, one day, that too would be him. Enter Beverly Martin, Hollywood star and the host of the Man Of The Months events at The Fix. The attraction is instant, however due to his appearance Griffin keeps back and admires her from afar, not knowing that she too is attracted to him. Working together on a script brings them even closer. This is a woman who sees beyond the external scars to the beauty of the man within.

This is a beautiful and emotional story that will pull on your heartstrings and having you reaching for the occasional tissue. Learning of Griffin's insecurities and how they have shaped his life just makes you want to reach inside the book and cuddle him. Watching how Beverly helps him overcome these insecurities simply wonderful. But it takes a 13 year old girl to teach Griffin how he is wasting his life, instead of living it.

I loved Griffin's story and I'm so pleased that Julie waited until now to tell it. I will even go as far to say that it is the best one of the series. I cannot wait to read Brent's story in the conclusion to this amazing series. This one is definitely a recommended read.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

FIVE STARS
Profile Image for Sofia Lazaridou.
2,864 reviews134 followers
June 26, 2018
The first thing I did when I got this book was to check the epilogue and see who is going to be Brent's lady. As it turns out I got my wish and she is Elana, Tyree's daughter. I love them already and I can't wait for their book. Hopefully. we will see a lot of Brent's daughter and also I hope that the book will be longer in length. As you can understand after getting the happy news I began reading the book with a positive attitude and everything was going great until we were reminded once again about how Griffin came to know Meghan and he didn't spare any detail on that part. It really soured my mood. I know I haven't really gotten to the part where I say something about the main couple, but all the books are closely connected, so we can't avoid some characters and Meghan seems to be particularly a lot on the spotlight.

I have to say that the cover is a faithful representation of Griffin's character. I love that the model wears a hoodie. I don't usually pay attention to how much a cover represents the characters on the inside, but this one drew my attention. Griffin and Beverly are one of my favorite couples in the series. Beverly was a good woman who saw past Griffin's scars and never made him feel bad about himself. Griffin is hiding from the world after he got this scars and doesn't let many people in. Beverly, of course, finds a way to sneak in and the story after that is told in this book. I liked that the girl in the hospital called him out when his actions contradicted his words and he actually listened to her. He might be stubborn, but he is also wise.

Overall, the book was mostly good and I had a good time reading about the adventures of this couple. I hope we will see them in the next and final book or something like that. The book is one of the best in the series and I would recommend it.
June 27, 2018
I feel like Ms Jenner was saving the best story for the end of this quick, beautiful, satisfying novella series. The message of this story was so real and could be applied to everyone. Outside appearances can only define you in the way you want to or allow it to. 

We met our scarred Mr. November, Griffin Draper/Blaize, all the way in the beginning. While wildly popular in Austin area for his Podcast, he shied away from the limelight of Hollywood. Which is amazing considering he is a screenplay writer in works for making a huge blockbuster with up and coming starlette, Beverly Martin

Except we all know what happens in romance books. Those who work in super close proximity... fall in love super hard. 

I loved this story so much because it conveyed such an important message while being delivered in awe-inspiring, quick, and absolutely beautiful love story. 

*deep sigh* 1 more story to go... #sadfeels

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Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,604 reviews138 followers
June 25, 2018
I can’t believe we are nearly at the end of one of my favourite series Light My Fire is book 11 or Mr November in the Man of the Month Series and for me each book has been better than the last and this is one is no different I loved it.
Griffin Blaize avoids the spotlight because is badly scarred and in constant pain from a terrible accident when he was only 13 he is very self conscious and spends most of his time working from home as a voiceover actor and writing when he does venture out he is covered by his trusted hoodie.
Beverly Martin is a successful actress and once she read his script she knew she had to do it she also needed to meet the man behind the words and when she finally met him she only ever saw the man never his scars and she fell hook line and sinker for the hot guy with the ripped body. Finally it’s the turn of the woman who has had a hand in each of the previous romances through her job as emcee at The Fix Man of the Month contest to find her own true love but will Griff trust her enough to except she doesn’t see his scars she only sees the man she has fallen in love with.
I’m sad that we are coming to the end of this series because everyone of these characters have become a friend and I don’t want to say goodbye. This is a must read series for all lovers of romance.
Profile Image for Carla.
750 reviews41 followers
June 26, 2018
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book, given by the author.
https://thesecretworldofbooklovers.bl...
Griffin's and Beverly's story was just everything.

We have all been secretly crushing on mysterious Griffin since the series began and in this book we get to see under his hoodie, and I wasn't disappointed.

He is a tortured soul, his burns are deeper than what meets the eye and he has no idea who he is outside his writer persona.
Hiding has worked all this years for him, keeping him safe from the prying eyes, but now he wants her and his fear is standing between him and the most beautiful and smart woman he has ever seen.

Beverly doesn't see his scars, she never has. She was captivated by him even before they met, his work had her under a spell and meeting the man only fueled her passion for him.

Their friends status has never worked for her, but she has been patiently waiting for him to take the next step, she gave him all the time he needed and now she is ready to collect.

Settling for less than everything is not something she will do, so Griffin will have to choose between his privacy or letting his fears go and fighting for his woman.



Just Amazing!
Profile Image for Jenn C Reads.
1,966 reviews49 followers
June 26, 2018
Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.

Finally! I have been waiting for Griff's book since his sister got her HEA! What starts as a professional relationship - Bev lined up to star in Griff's movie - slowly builds into something more as they spend more and more time together working on the script. Each is so desperately into the other, but they're scared to move forward. Griff, because of the scars that mar his face and body after a fire when he was 12 and Bev because Griff has been putting up walls, preventing her from getting too close, literally.

When the bough finally breaks, it's so wonderful seeing how Griff is able to let down his walls around Bev and how Bev is able to show that she can be trusted with this fragile part of him. While he is slowly getting comfortable around her, he is quickly pushed out of the comfort zone when it's revealed that he's her mystery man. Is this going to be too much, too soon?

All in all, another wonderful MOTM read, but I do wish we had more. I wanted more about Griff and Bev together. It felt like a very quick read, which is great, but I could have used a little more to round out their relationship and really connect with them. That said, I'm so insanely excited for Brent's story...is it two weeks from now yet!?!?
Profile Image for MJ's Book Blog and Reviews.
3,063 reviews66 followers
June 26, 2018
Review by: Jennifer
(4 stars)

This is the eleventh book in the Man of the Month series, and you can read them as standalones, but it just makes it a more complete read when you know who the other characters are and their stories, as most of the characters mentioned have had their story. Griffin has been the character that has hidden in the shadows. Always hiding the scars from being burned when he was younger, Griffin doesn't let many people in and definitely doesn't let many people see him. Working with Bev has been a test for Griffin, he wants her but surely she can't want someone like him, someone scarred and disfigured. For Bev, she wants Griffin more than anything, but the fact that he wont open himself up to her puts a damper on things, added to that how is a girl to feel if someone flinches or pulls away with every touch. But when Griff does open up and goes for what he wants, will Bev be happy with a partner that hides from the spotlight?

So this was a good and entertaining read. You can't help but feel for Griff and the pain he has had to endure in his life. With some ok sexy times, loads of drama and a nice HEA, I give this 4 stars.
Profile Image for Melissa.
606 reviews125 followers
June 26, 2018
**ARC provided courtesy of the Author**

I've been looking forward to Griffin's story for quite some time now, having met him in other Man of the Month books. These books are absolutely all standalones and can be enjoyed as such, but I've enjoyed the series as a whole as well.

I liked the way the story developed between Griffin and Beverly. It didn't seem as rushed to me as some other book couples, and I believed in the way they came together. I appreciated how Beverly stood her ground with Griffin and wasn't willing to settle when she knew they could be so much more.

I will say I got a bit frustrated with Griffin at one point in the book. I didn't believe his choice and reaction, but I got over it fairly quickly.

The writing here was sharp and on point. I enjoyed learning more about Griffin and Beverly and watching their relationship develop. The Man of the Month books are quick reads for sure, and I definitely read this in one sitting. I would recommend this book.

**This and other reviews featured on our blog, Booked All Night, http://www.BookedAllNightblog.com**

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