She was the one that got away. He was the one she could never forget.
Three years could change a man. I was proof of that. Pride and selflessness forced me to make choices that altered my life forever. But my biggest regret would always be letting her go. The love of my life. My forever.
Destined for culinary greatness, I left behind the only life I’ve ever known, and the man who owned my heart until he tore it apart, shattering it to pieces. He was my everything...until he made me feel like nothing.
He is my weakness. She is my hope.
Our relationship may have died, but the love we share still simmers. A constant flame that refuses to burn out.
But love only fixes everything in fairy tales. It can’t always bind broken hearts. Unless fate decides our fairy tale isn’t over.
I'm a self proclaimed book addict. It's sad but true. I want ALL THE WORDS! My love of words led me to blogging and blogging led me to this new and most awesome adventure as an author. What a ride this will be!
I'm a southern girl and mom to two amazing little dudes with a strong addiction to Godzilla and I’m wife to a wonderful man whose undying support has made this writing journey possible. Over the years I have amassed a collection of Godzilla toys, dinosaurs, LEGO pieces and blocks in all shapes and colors. Not fun to step on in the middle of the night. Romance novels have been my thing since my aunt put a Harlequin in my hand when I was ten. From all things old school to romance that has made me swoon, this has been on crazy adventure.
I was TOTALLY enraptured by this sweet, funny, angsty-at-times and SEXY little novella from CG Burnette!!! It MAY be a novella, but let me tell you, it packs a punch right to the solar plexus!! Gideon is, without a DOUBT, one of my FAVE BBFs!!! He's so sweet, so supportive, soooooooo MINE!!! He checks ALLLLLL the boxes for me....and THEN SOME!!! Just remember when you read this (and you MUST READ THIS!!!) Giddy is spoken for....that is all!
CG Burnette is a shining star in the Indie Universe and I can't WAIT to see what she comes out with next!!!
WOW!! What an awesome romantic story about true love and second chances. Simmer is well written and CG Burnette immerses you into the story with her beautiful descriptive writing. You can feel the authors emotions for these characters through her words. Bethany is such a sweet, caring woman who is also strong and independent. She follows her culinary dreams despite the heartbreak she's endured. And Gideon!! Gah! Gideon!! He's such a caring, selfless man and I promise you will fall in love with his dirty talking, alpha protecting ways. Everyone should have a Gideon in their lives. Did I mention she's a chef and he's a baker? I did get a little hungry while I was reading and found myself craving cookies. And when these two get together, the heat sizzles off the pages. Another thing I was hungry for was More! More! More! of Gideon and Bethany when it was over. There are lots of sweet, loveable secondary characters who definitely deserve their own book. I really can't wait to see what's next from CG Burnette because she certainly cooked up the perfect recipe with her debut!!!
Where do I start with this book? A story that unfolds before your eyes, a story that pulls you in, makes you feel all the emotion, will have you shouting at your kindle and having WTF moments and OMG what did I just read. You are so deeply wrapped up in this story the words weave deep into your soul and if you close your eyes it’s like a movie playing in your head, the story is short but it’s packed with detail and flows beautifully. A beautifully crafted read that’s not to be missed.
OMG! This debut book was over before I knew it as I devoured it in one sitting. Gideon and Bethany's story quickly consumed me as the characters are simply beautiful and the storyline captivating. This second chance romance is sweet and sexy and Gideon is now my book friend! -The Voluptuous Book Diva
#FAA4 #FosterAnAuthorBlogger
{I requested a copy for reviewing purposes and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions contained herein are unbiased and my own.}
What a great and short piece of writing! It was fast, but you still got a lot of detail... Past and present in this book. Gideon and Bethany loved each other, and their past created a the year Gap that was hard to ignore.
In the present, they were together and working through their issues. It was an emotional loving short-story. I voluntarily reviewed this book from the author. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
This book wasn't for me. Second chance is one of my favourite genres but the reasons why the couple need a second chance can be 'iffy'. Sometimes the reason for splitting up or leaving are not good enough or could have been sorted out if they talked it through. I didn't understand why he didn't talk to her about his situation before hand. I felt it was cruel of him, she fully expected him to go with her. The second issue that can come up with this genre is on the return there needs to be enough redemption. For me this was weak, everyone says what a difficult time he's had in the last three years, and when this is explained to her she just forgives him and jumps right back in. He also tells her about the other woman he was seeing, (the heroine dated in the separation as well), and how she was there for him, (including 'staying over')when he had no-one during those difficult times, he didn't give the heroine the opportunity to be there for him. And she's really hurt by this. He sort of throws in she was seeing a chef that was all over social media, as if it justified his involvement with the other woman. I am not saying neither of them could try to move on, they are not together, I just thought the way he explained it was hurtful. He had intended to move on with this other woman, as he couldn't have the heroine. There were no intimate scenes with anyone other than the Hero and heroine. No cheating. HEA. I appreciate my opinion seems in the minority but it is what it is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Gahh I’m so bloody happy right now after getting lost in all the love that burst from the pages of this truly gorgeous novella, by CGB, who is let me tell you, a brand new indie author & one I’m hugely looking forward to following.
Simmer is set in Savannah, a place CBG painted so beautifully with her words, a place I now see so clearly & vividly, as if I’ve lived there my whole life. It’s a fabulous story of second chance love. of accepting the past & learning to let go of the regrets that have held two very precious hearts hostage for too long.
Gideon & Bethany are just perfect souls. Strong & determined individuals in their own right, but it’s when they come together I saw their true colours shine the brightest & got swept away in their love & tenderness. Their journey may have been bumpy, with its unfair share of heartache, but this couples destiny was written in the Savannah stars & I adored how simple they made loving each other to be.
I loved that even though novellas are typically shorter than normal books, CBG gave me so much more within these pages. She managed to not only bring a place I want to visit to life, but breathed real, honest emotions into these gorgeous characters, making sure I felt all their pain as much as I felt all their happiness, from start to finish.
An exceptional start to a what promises to be the start of a fantastic writing journey.
Simmer is C.G Burnette's first novel and I hope there will be more to come in the future. Part of the wider Meet Me In Savannah Collection it is a short second chance romance that by the end leaves you satisfied.
Simmer is Gideon and Bethany's story a couple that met working as chef's at Simmer, Savannah's up and coming restaurant. As their careers are taking off their path's lead in different directions, resulting in a bitter breakup leaving both characters heartbroken. Three years later Bethany and Gideon have had no contact with each other; but neither party can let go of their feelings going through life with a piece of themselves missing.
Gideon remained at Simmer, however events in Bethany's career and a family gathering are leading her back home - to Savannah. Once she is with her family, Bethany settles for the first time in a long time, she is beginning to feel free. When she is told about the tragedies Gideon has been through while she has been gone her mind is made up, she needs to see him and tell him she has never stopped loving him, praying she isn't too late.
As soon as Gideon and Bethany meet and reconnect it's obvious they are meant for each other. They spend time together with clear chemistry. I loved that Gideon wanted to catch up on the last 3 years of their lives apart before taking things further. His son Greyson now being the most important person in his life now and the single dad moments made my heart melt. Reading how Gideon's heart would swell and his thoughts and feelings at seeing Bethany interact with his son, were beautifully written. Another favourite moment of mine was their date night to Stoned restaurant, both dressed to the nines and seeing the naughty alpha side to Gideon and Bethany's sexy temptress come out, was so easy to picture as you read the words that depicted this evening vividly.
Simmer is a great first novel, a well written second chance romance and I really enjoyed the real family feel to this story, I felt entwined in the small town community within Gideon and Bethany's world. The reason I didn't rate it higher is because of the first half of the story. When our hero and heroine were apart it felt a little flat, which represented the relationship at that point in time. However as a result at didn't engage with the story as much. Then we get back to Savannah and the novel came alive, it was like Bethany and Gideon were breathing life back into the story as they were in their relationship. The second half of this book was more engaging and many of the secondary characters left me wanting to know more about them, there are plenty of stories to be told here. Overall a great debut and I will be keeping my eyes peeled for more from C.G Burnette in the very near future.
Bethany left her life behind to escape the man who broke her heart. When she runs into Gideon again, their feelings for one another ignite into another slow burn.
This is another second chance romance that is set to a slow boil. Bethany followed her dreams of culinary success despite having her heart broken. The author did a wonderful job of pulling you into the story. She whisked me away into a story that was realistic, steadily paced, and the characters were believable. The downside to this story, it made cooking seem fun. Unfortunately I do not have a culinary bone in my body.
I loved the story, and I cannot wait to read more from the author. I love the Meet Me in Savannah collection, and I will recommend this to others.
First time author here & CG Burnette has done herself proud. A story that has heart as well as heat. In Gideon, the author has given us a hero that we all can fall in love with, however, his fierce feeling of responsibility that permeates all his relationship decisions may be his downfall...you be the judge once you've read this sweet story. Brittany is a strong heroine who knows what she wants and goes after it....but she finds her dream, that she left everything behind for, is not necessarily what makes her happy. This story is a short read (a novella) but makes quite an impact within its pages. It delivers Gideon & Bethany a second chance to understand what is most important in their life; a second chance to ease the hurt that was caused; and simply, it delivers a second chance at happiness and of accepting the truth that the love they had, could never really be extinguished. If you like short, sweet stories that contain a smattering of heat...this one's for you.
This is the first book by C.G. Burnette I have read and I really liked it. This is a second chance romance. This book was moving and so romantic. Bethany and Gideon headed two different ways in life. When Bethany won the cooking contest he felt like he couldn’t leave town. Now three years she is back and feeling conflicted about her cooking show. She loves cooking but the way they are wanting her show to go isn’t what she wants. With her back in town they could have a second chance. So much has changed in those three years. But not the way they feel about each other. I absolutely love Gideon. He is so strong and just wants to take care of everyone else. Even if it isn’t what’s best for him. Bethany is amazing. She is caring, funny, and amazing. This book is so good and I can’t say enough about it. The love between these two unfolds right before your eyes. I would love to get to read more about the characters in this book. I look forward to reading more books by C.G. Burnette as well.
Three years have passed since Bethany saw Gideon, since he broke her heart. Now she is back in Savannah and knows that she cannot move on, cannot go another day without him back in her life. Gideon tried to be strong, knowing that Bethany was living her dream. But when she walks back into his life, he knows that he should have never let her walk away. Sometimes home is a person, not just a place.
Seriously, Simmer kept me up way past my bedtime and then I was back up early to finish it. I didn't want to sleep, I was holding my breath desperate for Gideon and Bethany to be together. Bethany is so strong to go after her dreams, even with loneliness weighing her down. Gideon stays committed to being there for his family, even if it meant sacrificing his happiness. To watch these two people finally make it home to one another was so amazing, I was in tears. Another amazing debut author who I hope to see many more stories from very soon!
4.5 AMAZING STARS!!! WOW this book had me simmering; dang Gideon is a smooth talker. Bethany is an upcoming rising star in the culinary world. She has it all at her fingertips yet she needs to do it all away from her home and Gideon. Gideon knew that Bethany shouldn’t be held back, he saw how amazing she is and knew she belonged in New York not Savannah. He let her go and prayed she would come back one day. That day came and with the help of family Bethany had her chance again.
I loved this book and I loved the chemistry this couple has for each other. They need to be together, but see that they need to fight for it. WOW and when they do it is BEAUTIFUL. I just wish this story was longer, it was so easy to fall for Bethany and Gideon. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
Simmer was such a sweet, feel good book! And it was a wonderful start for new author C.G. Burnette.
I absolutely loved Gideon and Bethany and what they brought to the table. And this second chance romance, brought on by the choices both of them made 3 years prior to the present day, is one that is wonderfully thought out and written.
They were both very strong characters that you couldn't help but enjoy and root for. And the side characters were very well written. I want to know more about Jessa and Clara.
I had a hard time with some of the wording and some of the tense hopping throughout the story, but otherwise this was one that I thoroughly enjoyed and would absolutely recommend to others.
Gideon and Bethany’s story is such a great ‘second chance at love’ story.
After 3 years of not talking or seeing each other, Bethany returns to the only place she feels truly at home, Savannah, and back to the only man she ever loved. But has she left it too late?
Gideon is so selfless with everything he does in his life, always putting other people first, including Bethany and her career but at what cost??
Such a brilliant story from beginning to end, you can actually feel the love between them both and so can everyone around them. This is the first book from C.G burnette but I hope it’s not the last! ❤️
When given a second chance with your soulmate do you scoop her up and don’t let her go or let her drift away again? That is what we find out in Simmer. Gideon and Bethany practically fell in love with each other at first sight. They were inseparable and were each other’s rock. When Bethany was given an opportunity of a lifetime Gideon let her go. Fast forward 3 years when circumstances in Bethany’s life make her return to Savannah and we find out if the love that was between Gideon and Bethany still exists or not.
Simmer is an emotional read that left me close to tears a couple of times. My heart ached and my heart cheered. A true love story about getting a second chance at love. This is my first book by C.G. Burnette and I enjoyed reading Gideon and Bethany’s story.
Simmer is a well written, flawlessly detailed novella packed full of all the feels. Gideon and Bethany's lovely story alternates between past and present which enables the reader to really glimpse how deeply their struggles are rooted. It’s a very emotional story. The author's writing is is that of a veteran storyteller, skilled in meaningful character development and impactful story lines. This story has enough angst it will leave you wanting to smash your Kindle. This is a story sure to satisfy the readers.
Simmer by C.G. Burnette is a sweet, angsty novella. It had some fun moments and some HOT sexy times too. I loved Gideon, he may have only had a short story to tell his tale in but boy, did he make it work. This caring, generous guy made me totally swoon. Bethany is sweet and caring too, but she’s also a strong independent woman who doesn’t take any sh*t from anyone. She’s followed her dreams and hasn’t let heartbreak get her down. When these two came back together the sparks flew and not just in the kitchen!!
Great story about a second chance romance. He is dedicated to helping everyone and putting them first. She is pursuing the opportunity they both agreed on but takes her away from him. Great passionate story from a new to me author. I truly enjoyed the characters and the style of the author. It was a sweet and refreshing story, Once again communication or lack there of got in the way. When alls said and done it was great and I will definitely enjoy this author again.
This is a fab well written debut novel that I inhaled pretty quick.
This is a second romance story based on Gideon and Bethany. Bethany is a chef and Gideon is a baker. I was seriously salivating while reading this.... for more than one reason lol
A great read with two awesome main characters. It may be a novella but I was delighted that it felt like a complete story. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
This is a new to me author and, WOW! What a nice story! This is a book in the Meet Me in Savannah series. I loved all of it. Second chance romance, steamy southern setting, babies, the culinary world, love of family. All of it tied up into a short but very well worth the read book.
I would read more by this author. Great way to showcase their work to a new set of readers.
*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
Bethany and Gideon have been in love for so long. Everyone thinks they’ll be together forever. Bethany joins a cooking competition that could change her life. What happens if she wins? Will Gideon and her stay together? Will all her dreams come true?
Super real read ... Bethany left Gideon three years ago and now she's going home!! Gideon is the typical boy next door sweet as can be and totally swoony. Its hard on Bethany when she realizes all the tragedy Gideon has been through but they reconnect quickly. This book was a quick great read.
Such a lovely story . Gideon always puts others before himself . He had to be the man of the house , after his dad died he had to look after his mother & brother . Gideon & Bethany were so in love , but she had a dream & Gideon was determined that she lived that dream , but he couldn't be with her when she did . After living in New York for 3 years Bethany knew it was time to go back home to Savannah. She didn't just want to go back , she needed to go back . Once Gideon & Bethany see each other again they know they are each other's forever . Such a great read , prepare for a cry here & there
Great romance about following your dreams, sacrifices made, love lost and second chances. 99% clean romance, 100% love This book deals with tough subjects, being true to oneself and to what one's heart wants. While this is Gideon and Bethany's story, it is also the story of a community. Reading one book in this collection would never be enough.
What a fantastic read! This is a second chance romance that draws you in and keeps you turning the pages as quickly as possible. Three years have passed since Bethany saw Gideon. It hasn't been so easy to move on though and she knows she wants Gideon back in her life. Gideon knows that Bethany was trying to live her dream and he tried to remain strong, but when he sees her again he knows he wants her back with every beat of his heart.
This was one of my favorite reads from the Meet Me in Savannah Collection and I cannot wait to see what this author does next!