If it's easy, it's not worth it...After a tumultuous divorce, the last thing Harper wants--or needs--is a new man in her life. She's done with love and romance. When a smear of lipstick and a Pink Squirrel turn into a chance encounter that she'll never forget, everything changes.
Nothing worth having comes easy...Jack can't believe his luck. When the mysterious woman he's had his eyes set on falls into his arms--literally--he realizes he can't let her go. He's willing to do whatever it takes to keep her, even if it means playing with fire.
FALLING FOR JACK is the first book in this sizzling hot duet. The second book is CONVINCING HARPER.
The series continues with WAITING ON JASON and HEALED BY CHELSEA which are both standalones in the Santa Lena Sizzles Series.
Over Easy is book one in the Santa Lena Sizzles duet by Jessa York. This is Jessa’s debut as an author and what an entrance she is going to make with this duet.
Harper was badly hurt by her good for nothing ex-husband. After the divorce, she wants nothing to do with men. She has two zany neighbors that keep her company and her work friends. Harper works at Brentford Organics, an organic produce supplier, and she loves her job. It’s been eighteen months since she split from her now ex and her friends have decided it’s time for her to get out. So, ladies night was born.
“Fine. I’m fine. Don’t worry about me. Everything’s fine. I like my newfound independence. It’s fine. I’ll just stay home, alone on a Saturday night. But the truth? I was so far from fine, it wasn’t even funny.”
Jack McCallister is a sexy, suave restaurant owner and chef. He’s currently in the middle of plans to open his second restaurant and is exhausted. But then out of the corner of his eye, he sees her, and he’s immediately smitten. Luck was on his side when later, she literally ran into him. After a drink called the pink squirrel, a lot of maraschino cherries, and some luck, Harper agrees to go home with Jack, giving him the chance to get to know this beautiful woman better.
Harper has some pretty deep scars from her ex, so trust is not easy for her. She can’t understand what this gorgeous man sees in her. But Jack is patient and determined. He’ll do whatever it takes to win this woman.
I ended up really enjoying this. I need to admit I had just a bit of a rocky start. But I loved Jack and Harper. I really loved Harper’s family. Her parents are hilarious. Jack and Harper are so good together and I particularly enjoyed watching Harper’s self confidence grow. But, even as their relationship is beginning to move forward, not everyone is happy about it. And there are some secrets being kept here.
I thought that this was a really great mix of silly, sweet, sexy, and suspenseful. Four important “S” words! Jack and Harper had fantastic chemistry. I loved Jack’s dirty talking ways. And a sexy man that can create magic in the kitchen. Oh yeah!
I do have some words for Jessa about that ending! Yes, it’s a cliffhanger. And it literally made me gasp! It’s a good thing that the second book won’t be far behind the first so you won’t have to be left hanging for long. Great start, Jessa! You’ve got me hooked. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Oh my gawd, I absolutely loved, Loved, LOVED this book!
Harper is just coming off of an awful divorce from a man who treated her miserably. When she agrees to a night out with the girls the last thing she’s looking for is a man. But that’s exactly what she finds when she runs into Jack. A smear of lipstick, some fumbling awkwardness and a Pink Squirrel later she’s pulled into his sphere.
Jack has a lot of baggage and he’s not sharing what it is. He really doesn’t need to add a new relationship into the mix but then again, he never saw Harper coming until she literally fell into his arms. Despite trying to put some distance between them, the fact is his every thought is consumed with her and her safety. When a worrisome episode transpires right in front of him he gives up and gives in.
I loved both of these characters individually and together. Harper is a bit insecure but has every reason to be but as Jack helps her to see herself through his eyes she begins to grow in confidence. We don’t know much about Jack’s past at this point but we are very aware that he’s totally into Harper and all her crazy and wacky ways.
This was such a cute, fun and romantic read! It is well written and fast paced with an awesome hero and heroine. And Lord, the secondary characters are to die for! There isn’t a moment of boredom or place where you’ll want to skim. Nothing gets bogged down here as the characters are constantly moving, the relationship always evolving. This is quite literally one of the very best romantic comedies I’ve read in a very, very long time!
So, this is definitely one of the worst books I've read this year. The characters were absolutely awful and the plot wasn't much better. Let me make you a "Why not" list...
1. The characters are idiots. Not just one of them, but both. They talk like 10-year-olds and act like 16-year-old hormonal little teens.
2. They are way too fictional, even for a (fictional) book. I need to give up too much reality to actually try and read this.
3. Bad writing. I expected a bit more from this author... I got bored of the book even before finding out it's a 2-book series. [image error]
4. Boring, typical, cliche plot. I don't expect a lot from a romance, but well, when you have nothing else, at least make the plot a bit more interesting.
5. Idiots (I know, I mentioned this before, but believe me, it's worth mentioning again).
So, in case you haven't noticed, I do not recommend this book. To anyone. Ever.
4.5 stars. This book was great. Very funny, great MCs and awesome secondary characters. But THAT ENDING!! I don’t know if there’s any coming back after that. Hmmm I’m happy the second book is out because I wouldn’t want to wait for the second book, that’s for sure.
~ A Copy Of The Book Was Provided IN Exchange For An Honest Review~
IT’s hard to believe that This is a debut release by Jessa York
I admit it took a tad bit of patience at the beginning but once the ball got rolling, I was on board The OVER EASY train!
Without giving away the spoilers… Harper (I love the name!) has had her heart broken by her ex-husband. Her level of trust in men is pretty low at the moment. There in comes Jack. Knight in shinning armour in a form of a sexy chef/restaurateur.
There is something about a man who loves to cook! *sigh*
I really enjoyed reading Over Easy. I loved Jack …. He’s as real as you could get.. patient, undaunted by the ‘trivial’ things in life, a tad possessive (who doesn’t love that right?) and have I mentioned he loves to cook? (I thought I’d mention that again hahaha)
Over Easy was a good contemporary romance with a dose of sweet and sexy. With a cliffhanger that was so unexpected , I can’t wait for book 2.
What a refreshing and lovely book. Harper and Jack are breath of fresh air. Their chemistry is off the charts. Prepare yourself, and this is only semi spoiler I'm going to give you. Over Easy begins with a bang and ends with an explosion. This is the first book I've read by Jessa York and I will confirm that I'm officially hooked. Her writing is original and fresh. The storyline flowed seamlessly. The slow build of Harper and Jack's relationship was intense and beautiful. Jessa also provides you with a little comedic relief. I highly recommend for this book to be added to you library. And while your doing that I'm going to be impatiently waiting for the next book to be released.
Wow!!! What a debut book - really loved it. Harper and Jack's love story was a really fantastic read. Great dialogue, believable chemistry and just the right amount of sweet to have me churning through the pages. I have to say I also really enjoyed the supporting characters - they made for a well developed story that was really rich and fun to read. Definitely looking forward to book 2 in this duet & many more stories to come.
Wow! This book was so packed with so many things! It totally kept me interested from the beginning! And with that cliffy.... Now I NEED the next book! Jack is one of those bbf you really just want to squeeze and slap all at the same time. And Harper is such a lovable, relatable heroine! She is absolutely someone I could see myself being friends with. Characters like that make it really easy to root for them! I totally recommend this book... Especially since the follow-up is already available.
Over Easy is the debut book of Jessa York and I must say that I really enjoyed it. I mean who doesn’t like a man that cooks for you all the time... swoon!!! Jack is a chef, he is sexy, sweet and with lots of baggage. He’s restaurant comes first, and is not looking for any relationships. But once Harper is in the picture things begin to change. Harper is divorced, she is not looking for anything butter friends really want her to move on and live life. When she decides to go out with her friends she meets Jack. Sparks fly between the two and is so romantic and sweet how this two interact. Although I must admit at times Harper need it a slapped across the head because she is so clueless, but I loved her innocence at the same time. This two have a journey to complete and I really can’t wait to see what Jessa delivers next. Great easy, swoon worthy read.
4.5 Stars!!
** I read an ARC and this is my honest opinion ***
This romance novel by new author, Jessa York, not only provides love, humor and heat, but also thrills and suspense! It kept me hooked from the beginning with many plot elements (but not too many) and ended with a HUGE cliffhanger and me wanting more! I can’t wait for the next book!
”Not all men are like that. Never settle for one who dims your light or tries to hide it. Find someone who lifts you up to shine brighter.”
“To be frank, I was still under his spell. He could have said he was taking me to an alien autopsy, and I would have gone along, no questions asked.”
**Synopsis:** Eighteen months ago Harper finally divorced her cheating, gambling, douchebag husband . Her friends think it’s high time she get back in the saddle, and a girls night out is just what she needs.
When she literally runs into Jack, her night certainly becomes much more interesting. After a lipstick incident, a pink squirrel, and a hot and heavy make-out session, Harper sneaks off in the middle of the night in Jacks’s shorts, shirt and flip flops. The next morning finds her at a business meeting face to face with the “victim” of her theft and he’s none to happy about the way she left his bed. Can anyone say awkward??
**The following are my thoughts about this book: ** * * side characters were fun and added to the story
* * Jack ghosting Harper didn’t make sense. It was kind of explained, but not really. So it just didn’t sit right with me.
* * This was very predictable. Once a certain topic was introduced it was a no brainer how it was going to turn out.
* * Harper cried a lot. Sad tears. Happy tears. Scared tears. Sex tears. You name it…..she cried. 😏
* * I got bored. Cooking, reading, going to work, sex, that’s all that really happened. Yes, there was a crazy ex, but nothing really happened until the last page.
* * Harper was very innocent and naive when it came to sex. It was hard to believe someone who had been married was that inexperienced
**Overview:** - Content Warning: none - Setting: Santa Lena, California - POV: Dual POV
- Who is the Hero? Jack McCallister. (age: almost 30). Chef who owns an upscale restaurant * The following words/phrases were used to describe Hero: well respected, confident, kind, loves to cook, likes to watch rom coms * H likable? Yes.
- Who is the Heroine? Harper Halle (age: ?). Admin assistant for an organic food company. Her ex was a gambling, cheating, a$$hole. * The following words/phrases were used to describe Heroine: smart, funny, caring, insecure * h likable? Yes.
- h virgin? No - First time they kiss: 27% - First time they sleep together: 77% - Safe sex? Yes. Condoms used - First time they say I Love You not said in this book - steamy? Yes. Descriptive bedroom scenes - OW/OM drama? Yes. - H/h cheat? No - Time apart? 3 weeks or so - Did I skip pages? Yes. I got a little bored - Big secrets? Yes. Jack has a secret that is revealed on the last page - Did I cry? No - Did I laugh? I had a chuckle here and there - Did I swoon🥰? although I liked Jack, I didn’t have any big swoony moments. - Cliffhanger? Yes - HEA? not in this book - Epilogue? not in this book - Recommend? it was ok.
**Quotes** “Coming out of my stupor, I walked to my “sad clothes” and looked at them. Really looked at them. Was she right? Were my clothes depressed? I picked up my long blue skirt and rubbed the material carefully, trying to get a read on it. “Talk to me, skirt. Are you sad?” Hmm.”
“A man should make you feel more like a woman, not less. Never less,”
“His good looks hypnotized me like some kind of helpless snake trapped in the tune of her own personal charmer. Problem was, I had no urge for his music to ever stop.”
“I zeroed in on Harper like a hungry hawk waiting for a rabbit to pop out of its hole.”
“God, I loved how she lit up when she laughed—it was melodious and adorable. Not to mention contagious. Thank God. Some women sounded like fucking foghorns when they cut loose.”
“And what did your mommy and Auntie Vivienne have for lunch? A big fat gossip burger with a side of idle chatter?”
“I have no fucking clue what I want to do. Other than get in a time machine, go back four years, and throat punch my much younger self.”
I am not as good at writing as I am reading however, I felt this book deserved a review so bear with me. 😊 What can I say about “Over Easy” by Jessa York without sounding like every other cookie cutter review out there? This book was the definition of a page turner and had me hooked for 3 hours straight (because I couldn’t fall asleep until finishing it). The ending left me wanting to cry and scream, heartbroken and scared, right along with the characters (If you didn’t know yet, this is a cliffhanger). I read a lot of books, and I believe a good author can pull you into the story making you want to read the story to the end. A great author pulls you in, hooks you with vivid descriptions, allows you to envision what you are reading and causes you to feel what the characters are feeling, making you NEED to finish the story, now, in one sitting. Jessa York is a great author.
I don’t want to get into too many specifics about the book and risk giving anything away. I do however, want to go visit Harper, make Perogies with Roza and go shopping with Riley, I’m sure we’d all be best friends. Also, are one or both of Jack’s siblings a brother? Single?
If you like romance, a little comedy, arm porn and a touch of suspense (what is Gabe going to do), read this book. If not, read this book anyway, it’s that good. 😊 Now to go wait (not so) patiently for the release of book #2.
I wish you could all hear how loud I gasped at the ending of this book. Holy mother of a cliffy. Being shocked is a severe understatement to how I felt when I found out that this was Jessa York’s debut novel. She hit the nail on the head so strong, the hammer broke to pieces. I absolutely loved everything about Over Easy. There is drama, a little mystery, some comedy, high quality swoon worthy moments, sexy steamy scenes, and so much more. I could not love Harper and Jack more than I already did if I tried. I’m full on how much I adored these two. Jesus Christ! That man was pure perfection. How do you make a sexy, successful, super caring, alpha man even better? You make him know his way around a kitchen! Then there’s our Harper. That woman reminded me of a flower. So small and insecure in the beginning of the book, but with a little love and attention, blossomed into such a beautiful and confident woman. I know that if I divulge more about the story, I’ll end up giving something away. NO SPOILERS HERE! I’ll just implore you to give this book a chance. You will fall in love with Jack and Harper. You’re also going to want to punch several people through your reading devices. I SUPPORT THIS! I can’t wait to start book two. I AM OFFICIALLY HOOKED ON JESSA YORK!!
After catching her husband in flangrante delicto (I’ve always wanted to use that description!), Harper retreats from everything and focuses on herself for a bit. However, with well meaning, nosy friends, she’s decided to reluctantly jump back into the dating pool with unexpected, yet steamy results!
Jack’s work life is scheduled to the second, probably because from the little tidbits mentioned, his personal life is going to h-e-double hockey sticks-in a hand basket. It isn’t the best time to meet and fall for a girl, but darned if Jack has any control over his feelings or his libido! He could blame his mom and the Pink Squirrels though...
Overall, Over Easy was a cute, funny read, but I had some hiccups with Harper and Jack sometimes acting younger then they actually were, especially Harper’s reaction to kids. I finally settles in, but I was almost 60 percent in when that happened. Her ex was a twatwaffle with creepy stalkerish tendencies, but I loved her two zany neighbors and coworkers who went the extra mile for her. Jack was hot and cold with his actions, but after the cliffhanger...even though I saw it coming...I’m reserving judgment there!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I won this book as an ARC and I couldn’t be anymore happier that I did because otherwise I don’t think I would of found it. Even though this is a book I normally wouldn’t of picked I absolutely loved it. Contemporary romance isn’t usually at the top of my list but after this book I will forever be a fan of Jessa’s. I loved the story, the characters and the way it was wrote. The authors writing style made it relatable and easy to imagine in an everyday occurrence. I actually laughed out loud at some bits and other bits made me smile. The main guy Jack is a chef that’s not looking for a woman until one literally falls in his arms. Harper has had a hard time with a douche of a husband and her confidence is at a low point. She isn’t looking for a man either. The build up of there relationship sweeps you away as he’s an alpha male that knows his way around a kitchen and a woman’s body. What could be any better than that? I literally devoured this book in one sitting as I could not put it down. I can not wait to start the next one because the ending begs you and grips you ready for the next.
A great debut book by Jessa York! This book has the recipe for a great romance- relatable characters, supportive relationships, suspense, chemistry, caring.....
Harper is just out of a bad marriage and not trusting! She meets Jack, who sweeps her off her feet. He’s attractive, caring, is an excellent chef, supportive of her. She falls and falls hard for him.
Harper is surrounded by funny, supportive friends and family who only want the best for her. She has an ex-husband who keeps stalking her. Jack is there for her, all of the readers swooning over him, until you get to the end.......
Wow- what a surprise at the end but after all this is a duet! I can’t wait to read Over Hard to see the conclusion. I really enjoyed Jessa York’s first book, a great story that kept me wanting more!
It's hard to believe this is Jessa York's debut! I honestly didn't know what to expect going in and what a wonderful surprise!
Harper and Jack's story was engaging, filled with humor and surprisingly, suspense. It's so rare to find a book that can have you laugh one second, and then have your jaw drop a second later.
The secondary characters are some I've ever read and hope that they'll get their own story after the second book. I'm usually never shocked when it comes to cliffhangers but holy smokes! Over Easy's cliffhanger shocked the daylights out of me! Thank goodness the second book releases in a week! I'm getting read to one-click that baby!
I loved this book!!!!!! Jessa York has written such amazing characters!!! I just adore Harper and Jack. They are so relatable and real. They both carry a ton of baggage but we don’t learn a lot about Jack’s. Harper has so many insecurities but with good reason. Jack shows her how to live and love again. This book is a duet and will leave you dying for book 2. It’s so worth it it though. I am anxiously waiting for the conclusion of Harper and Jack’s story.
"Over Easy" (Santa Lena Sizzles #1) by Jessa York is a great read. I enjoyed Harper and Jack's story so far. This is a great debut from this new author. This story has drama, romance, passion, suspense, humor, entertaining characters, twists and turns, and more. I'm anxious to see what happens next! Highly recommend to all fans of romance, humor, and series.
I want to start by saying I was blown away to learn that not only was Jessa York a new author but that Over Easy is her debut book. The book is very well written and has all the things I love about a good storyline: humor, romance, aghast and suspense. It also has terrific characters that are written in such a way that you feeling you know them and can feel their emotions. It also has one factor I truly hate which is that it ends in a Cliffie. However, I’ll give the author a pass on this as she has promised book two in a few weeks plus This particular Cliffie adds excitement at the perfect time, IMHO.
Harper is newly divorced from what A cheating, cold heartless guy, a guy that wants her back. She is living in a cheap apartment complex and has made friends with two older women in her building. These ladies have basically become her social life since her divorce. They finally convince Harper to go out for drinks along with a couple of her coworkers. That is when she runs into Jack. She literally bumps into him, spilling her drink on him. Jack is the owner of the upscale restaurant next door to the club she was meeting her friends at. Jack was instantly smitten and wanted to know everything about her. But Harper doesn’t trust easy and leaves Jack hanging. But Jack refusing to give up. Will Harper give him a chance? And what about her crazy ex? What kind of troubles will he bring when he he thinks she moving on?
2 Thumbs Up for an excellent read that will keep you entertained as well as on your toes and this reader is anxiously awaiting part 2, Over Hard. I highly recommend grabbing up Over Easy, you won’t regret it.
This is the author's first book and let me tell you that after this duet, she will be in your radar! For a debut book is actually really good! I liked both the writing and the story!!
Harper is in a bad place when she finds her husband cheating on her with her cousin. What's worse is that he has the audacity to ask her why she's home early. Man come on you were cheating on her and complain?! She gets rid of him thankfully but then she's becoming closed off. Her neighbours decide to cheer her up. Both Riley and Roza are the best people she could ask at her time of need. Roza is my favorite; she's hilarious and her no-nonsense behavior made me love her even more!
Our male hero, Jack, is opening a new restaurant. He's a sexy chef; a man with big hands (per Roza's standards) that cooksand loves reading!! Where can I get one of those?! I like their chemistry. He's sweet and attentive. He really likes Harper and does everything to show her how a real man should treat his woman!
Since this is a first book of a duet, there is something that closes this book with a bang! To be honest, through the book I catch many hints about what the bomb might be and I kind of saw it coming. Nonetheless, that didn't change my interest for the book. I loved it and I devoured it in one sitting! I was so happy that I already had the second book when I finished this one!!
If you are looking for a book with a sexy male lead and a female that even though she had it bad in the past is getting stronger, then give this book a try. Jessa York's debut novel will not disappoint you. In the contrary, it will leave you wanting more!!!
I won an ARC in a giveaway. Thank you to the author for sharing her words with us.
Harper has had a hell of a time the last couple of years. The man she thought she was going to spend the rest of her life with ended up being even more of a loser then she already thought he was. Now the divorce is final and she's content to live her life without love and men, she can't risk what's left of her heart. Meeting Jack though has her heart beating a different tune. She loves the way he makes her feel. He cherishes her, protects her and makes her just feel wanted.
Jack is opening a new business, he's got too much on his plate as it is. He doesn't need a woman but one walks into his restaurant and he was instantly drawn to her. He wanted her badly. When he got to talk to her he wanted to know more. When someone started trying to hurt her he had to protect her.
I really enjoyed this book. This is Jessa's first book and I have to say she hit it out of the park! Jack is sexy and intense. He is a chef and lord is that hot! I know how can a man that cooks be sexy but it is. There is an air of confidence about Jack that gives him the appeal. Harper has been through the wringer and she's gunshy about men. Her ex was a complete douche bag. Jacks seems to good to be true. Could that be the case?
FYI this book does end in a cliffhanger but the second one is coming out September 28th so you won't have long to wait to see what happens.
I absolutely LOVE this story, it gets five giant hearts from me! The writing, the story, the characters are all amazing. It’s thorough, with a great flow, a realistic timeline, it is a complete well-rounded story that made me feel so many emotions. The chemistry between the characters is so hot, from page one the author had my attention and continued to pull me deeper. It’s funny and sexy and he's dreamy…..everybody should have “a Jack”.
Jack is a chef and restaurant owner who stole my heart from the first smile. He’s so sweet and loving, just what Harper needs, and deserves. The two of them together made me smile, giving me that warm gooey melt my heart kind of feeling. There are many challenges ahead of them and I can’t wait to see how they manoeuvre through them. Her friends and family are awesome! They are encouraging and I love their banter. I’d be a mess if my daughter brought a chef home for dinner; her poor mom!
Her past is so sad to me, but realistically sad. I could relate to her story, her feelings were totally valid and understandable and her hesitations expected. Her psycho Ex did a number on her, that's for sure. This is the messed up part of the story that makes me so angry, yet I couldn’t look away. I can’t wait to see how this goes…..
This is my first book by Jessa York, I know it’s not my last. I’m ready to dive into Over Hard!
I received an ARC of this book and as Jessa York is a new author to me I was excited to dive into her world. This is Jessa's debut novel and it does not disappoint! Told with the restaurant industry as a backdrop, Jessa York thoroughly draws you in. The hero, Jack, is a chef and restaurant owner who is not only a talented chef, but a bit of a dirty talker, with a heart of gold. Let's face it. There is nothing sexier than a man who wants to express his love for you through his love of food. Swoon! Then he runs into, Harper (literally), who has been broken by a bitter divorce, and this sexy, sweet man is done for. If you are looking for a funny, sweet, sexy read with well developed secondary characters served with a side of angst, drama and a few twists and turns, then Over Easy is for you. Be aware this does end in a cliffy, but take heart, you will not have to wait too long for the next book in this sizzling series, Over Hard.
This is a new romance author to me and I was lucky enough to win an ARC of the first book in the Santa Lena Sizzles duet. I really enjoyed the book. It is a funny, sweet, sexy romance about second chance love. Jack and Harper are great couple, but both come with some baggage. In this first book, Harper's baggage is more apparent than Jack's, which is shrouded in a bit of mystery. Harper's friends and colleagues are terrific secondary characters some of whom also have a bit of mystery surrounding them. The book does end on a cliffhanger and left me wanting more. The good news is that it appears book #2 will be released not long after the first book so reader's shouldn't have to wait long to see how the story plays out.
I won an ARC of this book from the author in a Facebook giveaway.
Over Easy is a great debut story by Jessa York. It's a great read containing romance, drama, humour, suspense and passion.
I enjoyed Harper and Jack's story so far. They both carry lots of previous relationship baggage but we don’t learn much about Jack’s until the very end (although it was pretty clear to me what it was!). Harper has so many insecurities but with good reason having found her cheating husband with her cousin. Jack slowly shows her how to live and love again even though he is just as scared to get involved with someone new.
Harper's friends and colleagues really add to the story and one of them is a bit mysterious so I'm looking forward to find out what that's about.
I'm really excited to see what happens next. Especially after that HUGE cliffhanger ending!