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Rules are meant to be broken, especially when it comes to this curvy chef and infamous playboy.

Miya Montgomery is the head chef and one-fifth of Southern Soul, a family-owned soul food restaurant. On the heels of a nasty breakup, Miya welcomes the shift in ownership and preparation for expansion. That's before her brother, Kamal, calls home, his best friend, Dean.

Dean Wellington arrives in Houston, ready to consult the Montgomery family through its management transition, not expecting Little Miya to be the curvy bombshell who steals his heart on sight.

Ignoring their chemistry is impossible. Dean's sweet smile and steamy eyes scorch through Miya's clothes and her objections. However, her tattered heart is counting his casualties, refusing to be Dean's next victim.

Kamal has a strict rule concerning his baby sister: Hands off. But since when has Dean met a rule he didn't want to break. And Miya's finding it harder to ignore his independence and Southern charm.

Dean's hell-bent on making their own rules, and Miya's worried that when he's had his fill, he'll leave her with an irreparable heart. But their late nights have her willing to play with fire, praying...she doesn't get burned.

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 10, 2020

211 people are currently reading
113 people want to read

About the author

Ja'Nese Dixon

71 books629 followers
Ja’Nese Dixon pens tales of romance in various subgenres. But her favorites are the ones that manage to keep readers sitting on the edge of their seats lying to themselves about reading “just one more chapter”.

She is an avid reader and coffee drinker, who also loves to run, cook, and craft. Her ultimate goal as a writer is to give you a little “staycation” with every story.

Ja’Nese calls Houston home with her husband, three kiddos, and a four-legged diva dog. Visit her website at http://www.janesedixon.com if you enjoy romance, suspense, and good stories.

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5 stars
336 (63%)
4 stars
142 (26%)
3 stars
44 (8%)
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6 (1%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
Profile Image for QuinnReads.
3,716 reviews205 followers
December 2, 2022
Slowing Down

I enjoyed Miya and Dean's story that starts at enemies (at least from Miya's perspective) and morphs to friends before finding more. It's a slow progression as Dean is constantly jet setting, Miya wants forever not casual, and both try to ignore the chemistry that is always simmering just under the surface, but they are worth the wait.

Mamma: She grabs her heart. "You wouldn't. Not my only daughter."
Miya: "And they wonder where I get my dramatic flair."
Mamma: "Oh no, they don't wonder— they know."

I love this family! They occasionally blow smoke, but most of the time they keep it real and full of love - bullshit insurance and all.

How did I live thirty-three years avoiding love only for it to find me and take me hostage?
-- Dean Wellington

When he stops hiding from his feelings, he really digs deep. I like Dean a lot. He has a wounded heart and soul from the fallout of his parents' divorce. It's sad that he was never a priority for either. Thankfully, his found family was there to show him a better way, something to perhaps strive for, even if he thought he never wanted it.

And bless my man's soul, because he doesn't have a lick of rhythm, but it doesn't stop him from dancing.
-- Miya Montgomery

I do like that there are dance breaks. 💃🕺👯 My favorite is when everyone gets involved. Love just oozes from them. ❤🤗❤

I read this as part of the Southern Gentlemen Romance Box Set Volume 1 collection.
Profile Image for Rosie.
1,646 reviews32 followers
December 20, 2020
All Yours centers around the baby sister of The Montgomery Family, Miya Montgomery. She's been appointed Head Chef of her family's restaurant in place of her soon retiring mother. Much to her surprise and dismay, she isn't given Carte Blanche and feels a bit insulted when her brother, Kamal (of Play to Win) decides to bring in one of his best friends, Dean Wellington for his assistance in the restaurant's re-launch. Dean is known in the hospitality industry as a Restaurant Whisperer--it's his family's line of business. Miya doesn't care how good he is, she wants him gone but Dean won't make it easy for her.

I'm loving this author's full length romance stories. This was a tasty slow-burn romance and the second book I've read this month where the couples didn't immediately fall into bed and I found that aspect very refreshing. Highly Recommended: Read It!
Profile Image for The Book Junkie Reads . . ..
5,010 reviews153 followers
September 14, 2022
Chef get shown up in her own kitchen....

Miya had a chip on her shoulder and a something to prove to her big brother. She just was not anticipating having to prove herself to a stranger. Dean was a friend and business partner of her brother, Kamal. He was in a place that he was not welcomed in, at least not by her. Dean finds that he is attracted to the sexy, vivacious, chef. He was not there to lust after his friend's baby sister. Baby Miya was off limits, until she proved to be so much more than a baby.

Sexy southern gentleman number two down. Bring on the next one.

This was a continuation of characters that I have met and liked in a previous book. I had to come back and see what they had to give. I liked it.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read Entertaining Wonderful characters
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,943 reviews13 followers
March 13, 2021
From opposition to forever

Baby Miya did not want Dean to shadow her and almost passed up her happily ever after in the midst of it! Kamal was set against it but in the end he had no choice, they fell in love! I loved this and I really appreciated how Dean was so loving caring and concerned. It was a great read! Looking forward to the others finding love! Can hardly wait for Rashaad and Catrina to cash in their attraction for each other! Great series so far!
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
May 28, 2023
I think what made this book so much fun to read was Baby Miya standing up to her family letting them know she was ready to take her place in the family and then proceed to let her actions show what her words said. It was iffy at the start with Dean, but he quickly showed her that he had value in what he was doing and why. The two of them were so different, it was interesting to see them work together, lots of bumps along the way. But by the end they both were looking out for the other. I think the romance between them initially surprised them both. I liked that they kept that low key until the end and then it was all in, quickly letting the family know their intentions. And honestly, that went better than I expected. Loved how this one ended, the restaurant ready to go and Miya and Dean starting something of their own.
1,705 reviews7 followers
March 3, 2021
READ!!! Southern Gentleman 🥰 🤩

This book is so good I've enjoyed Dean and Miya's story. Miya is a independent, traveled woman. She's also the baby of her family with four brothers and her own "bullsh**t insurance" 😉.
Dean's no slouch either he's the man in his business, a best friend and a partner. But can he love the families Baby Miya? I love it I can't wait to read about the rest of the Montgomery family. Always a pleasure Ja'Nese reading your books
186 reviews
December 12, 2020
***4 and 1/2 stars***

Love, Family and Friendship...

I absolutely enjoyed this book! It was mature and real. This is the latest installment of a series featuring the Montgomery clan and starring the youngest of the five siblings and only girl, Miya Montgomery and Dean Wellington. Dean is the best friend of oldest sibling Kamal and he's asked by Kamal to help in a complete overhaul of the family restaurant/business; and Miya is the unofficial new chef. Miya doesn't remember Dean from back in the day, but Dean does, and can't believe how grownup she is. Miya resists Dean's help in the beginning and acts like a brat about it. She eventually comes around and she and Dean learn to work together and really get to know each other.

I liked that with all of their issues surrounding relationships and commitment, they are real and honest with themselves; especially Miya. When Dean laid out what he thought about relationships and commitment, I liked that Miya listened, absorbed that, and went on about her business. I was proud of her for that. She recognized that no matter how much she cared about him, she couldn't make him do anything. It set the pace for her reactions and how she handled her attraction to him. It was refreshingly realistic and mature. Watching Dean grow and change was a joy. His own experiences with his family were sad and lonely and shaped his views on family, love and commitment. So, when Dean finally went in, he went ALL in. Even without the best of examples, Dean really knew how to treat his woman!

Miya's brothers were funny and typical older bros! The family is big, messy, flawed, nosey, crazy and tight. I loved that.

Easy and pleasant. It was a good read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jess *lovetolovebooks*.
678 reviews151 followers
February 3, 2021

”It just happened. Loving her just fucking happened.”

Oh gosh I am absolutely loving this series from Ja’Nese Dixon. It’s got true friendships, deep family love, and sizzling romance. This one is a brother’s best friend romance between Miya (sister of Kamal who we met in book one) and Dean (one of Kamal’s best friends). So there’s a little forbidden aspect happening. They don’t really sneak around but there is definitely a lot of heated glances, flirting, and fighting the chemistry. Dean is a playboy with commitment being on his “no thanks” list and Miya (a very well respected chef and now new head chef for the family restaurant) takes an immediate dislike to Dean when he comes to help make the new menu for the family restaurant reopening/rebranding. So there’s also a slight enemies to lovers vibe in the beginning and I ate that up of course.

"But the thought of getting back to you. Talking to you. Seeing you. Hearing you rattle along about your day. It makes my soul dance."

I loved Miya. She was a take no shit, plus sized queen. And Dean was one flirty gentleman. I so enjoyed them together.

The only reason that this book is getting four stars instead of five like book one is that I ran across quite a few grammatical/spelling errors and while one or two doesn’t bother me, it began occurring more and more often and I’d have to go back and reread sentences which took me out of the story a little bit. I know this doesn’t bother some people but I thought I’d mention it. I don’t remember having this issue with book one in case you were curious.
Overall rating 4 stars
Steaminess 3 stars
6,125 reviews17 followers
December 18, 2020
This is such an entertaining and fun read. It's a brother's best friend plot with a twist. The attraction and chemistry between the two characters in undeniable. Miya and Dean are great. I really enjoyed how the relationship between them changed and developed. Miya did not want his help but eventually came around. Dean didn't want forever due to his experience but he finally came around and went in big. A good read!!
Profile Image for Jill.
223 reviews5 followers
November 21, 2025
Really loved this story, would have rated 5 but there were a few little things that bugged me but it didn't take away from the story too much. OMG I loved Miya she knew what she wanted and would accept nothing less. Dean, Dean, Dean (swoon alert) wasn't afraid to admit that what he thought he wanted had changed and went and got his girl. Loving Ja'Nese Dixon's writing, second book of hers that I loved.
10.8k reviews125 followers
December 18, 2020
I've read a lot of books written by Ja’Nese Dixon; she has done a great job at writing a good book; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of books her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
609 reviews3 followers
December 19, 2020
GREAT STORY 👍

I absolutely LOVED Dean and Miya's story,and what a great story it was. It has everything you want to read about in a story. No spoiler here you will just have to get the book you won't regret it. After reading this book I am going to read book one now. Great job Ja'Nese Dixon, and thank you keep up the good writing. 👍🙏💜🎄
Profile Image for Antoinette Jones.
924 reviews7 followers
September 27, 2022
They found love in the kitchen.

Oh my goodness did I LOVE Miya and Dean's story. These two were like oil and vinegar. Miya had the opportunity of a lifetime to be the executive chef at her family's restaurant Southern Soul. But the catch was she had to create a menu with Dean. And that was a problem. Dean was asked by his best friend Kamal to assist Miya and create a menu. That's where the fireworks began.
Miya fought Dean at every turn. Until one day he showed her he knew his way around the kitchen. And let me tell you how hungry I got reading this book. I LOVE. me some chicken & waffles!! Ooooo Chile!! And from this point Miya saw Dean differently.
Dean and Miya found chemistry, romance, passion not just with each other, but for food. And I loved those junk food buffets!! Platinum Prestige is amazing! Dean and Miya had some work to do on themselves to get past their old world view in order to receive the blessing that was waiting for them. And the blessing came to them through Miya's cooking. I enjoyed their journey to each their HEA. No two people deserved it more. Of course I was cracking up about the BS insurance. 😂😂 I truly loved this installment of the Southern Gentlemen series. Once again love was brought these two people together through some good ole down home southern soul cooking. Can it get any better?
4,852 reviews18 followers
December 18, 2020
When you find a partner that cooks and cleans up, keep him! This sounds like an absolutely, amazing family! Dean is hired by Kamal to help with the launch of the restaurant under a new chef. His recommendations, are final. Dean's process of assessing, is amazing and spot on. Baby Miya, finds out her new job as Head Chef is contingent. Since the deciders are all her family and everyone has an equal vote, easy peasy, right? Miya, is moving back home after catching her boyfriend in bed with another woman. Dean is in a pack with his boys, to stay single. He sees Miya, dancing in the kitchen, and he's gobsmacked! Will Miya, who has a lot to prove accept Dean's recommendations? Is Dean perceptive enough to step carefully? Is the launch successful? The relationships among the family, Dean with Kamal and Miya with everone is a joy to read. The author did an excellent job introducing us to the characters. Well done! I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Totally hot cover art!
Profile Image for Alvina.
747 reviews23 followers
May 23, 2021
All Yours

This has been my favorite thus far in the series. Miya, aka Baby Miya, is the baby and only girl of the Montgomery siblings and she definitely can hold her own amongst her big brothers.

Dean Wellington is a man with the looks, the business, the friends, an extended family amongst the Montgomery Crew, yet he still feels like something is missing; until he lays eyes on free dancing Miya.

I loved that they each were guarded, yet willing to completely let go and be totally honest and upfront to each other about their inhibitions, once all the cards were on the table.

Kamal was about to give Dean the business for going after his sister, Demetrius too. I love that Dean was willing to stand his ground. Miya popping in and Q & Emmitts' commentary was HILARIOUS 🤭🤣🤣.

This was a great story. The family unit of the Montgomery Crew is so refreshing to read about. I cannot wait for Emmits story. Really good read.
Profile Image for Darlene D. Bullock.
139 reviews
August 16, 2021
All Yours is All That!

So, I am fully engaged in the Montgomery Family. Baby Miya has 4 big brothers who protect her and love her. The relationship that she has with her brothers are all special! After her heart is broken and she is just about to give up on finding love, BAM in works Mr. Dean Wellington!

So, the brotherhood shared between Dean Emmitt and Kamal is so precious . These men respect each other but Kamal has his "rules" and what happens when those rules are broken. Dean has his own issues about what he expects from a relationship but Ms. Miya will shatter all of that baggage!

Mama & Poppa Montgomery, what a history! Ok, I do not want to give the book away, please read this book! Emmitt is too funny and I can't wait to read his story to see who rocks his world! Also, can't wait to read Rasheed & Catrina's story!

Good stuff and I will continue future stories from Ms. Dixon!
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews359 followers
December 17, 2020
Miya Montgomery and Dean Wellington are brought together when Kamal, her brother, asks his best friend to help as a consultant with the changes they are making to the family restaurant. Miya is delighted to be the “unofficial” new chef. Insulted that she would need direction on her menu and such, Miya doesn’t want Dean's help, but she finally starts working with him as they get to know each other better. Her own refreshing attitude about relationships helped Dean grow as well to the point where he was ready to get serious about how he felt about her. And she was strong and confident enough that she could manage her brothers if they got too overprotective, but they all were there for each other!

The story was good. The question now is, which one, Miya or Dean, will make the first move toward the other to start a relationship they both seem to want?
Profile Image for Annette.
3,167 reviews9 followers
December 13, 2020
Very entertaining best friends sister romance. Two strong, driven and well-matched characters, love their directness. Love Dean, he's very supportive and up to the challenge Miya presents and shows her in more ways than one that he is willing to be all hers, despite their misgivings and obstacles. This was just perfect for me in my "give me the good stuff" reading season. Their recipe for love is a mixture of a little bit of business, lots of pleasure, a dash of humor, all covered with a large scoop of sweet happily ever after on top. I love this writing style because of the way it focuses on the romantic journey of the couple without all the fillers. Enjoyed it so much that I read it twice.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Buttercup1201.
560 reviews3 followers
December 18, 2020
A great story of finding love in the wrong place. Miya is a strong, career and family orientated gal. She has a chance to prove herself to her family that she can be head chef of the family business. Dean is brought in to help upgrade the menu. He is also her brother’s best friend. The two are thrown together and sparks fly but is it worth losing your friend.

Truly enjoyed Miya’s character. She embraces her big size like all of us do (even with doubt sometimes), worked hard for what she wanted as a career and as successful as she was, the men she choose was not the greatest. She represents us all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Q. Moore.
960 reviews38 followers
January 1, 2022
Compatibility

This is the second book of this series and when I say I am invested in it, I am. I am a little upset that the next book does not release until April of 2021. Kamal and Dean both make me desire a southern gentleman especially if they possess all of the qualities these two men share.

I figured that either Dean or Miya was going to fall for the other. I did not know if it was going to be both or just one. It was good to see them become a couple, they were the same. The love for all things food including cooking and tasting was beautiful.

I am looking forward to Rashaad and Catrina's story next. I also would like to read Jayda and Kamal's wedding first. I recommend this book, a matter of fact the whole series. You will not be disappointed.
1,917 reviews7 followers
December 20, 2020
I love this author. Her stories are about real people and life situations we can find ourselves in.
Miya and Dean are great characters. Miya is trying to find her perfect life. She almost has her dream job. She hasn't found the one and she 's not at her goal weight, but things have to get better.
Dean is a Kamal's friend and someone who wants to help anyone who needs his help regardless of how far he stretches himself.
These two just fit together but their baggage is keeping them apart.
Miya is sassy and is has learned to stand up for herself but still has a lot of self doubt. Dean is a man of his word.
Love this family and can't wait for the next book.
This is an honest voluntary review
Profile Image for *Ebony I*.
1,403 reviews158 followers
June 7, 2021
Love Unexpectedly

Dean was a member of DEK and the three of them swore to be single because their examples of relationships were full of heartbreak. However, after seeing Baby Miya as an adult, he immediately began questioning everything he thought he knew. Miya was a beautiful carefree spirit that was very focused on leveling up her career while continuing her family's legacy. She had a rough patch in past relationships and was unprepared for the connection she had with Dean. Dean felt like he was living life with Miya, she gave him something to look forward to...she was his home. Loved the way the story developed.
Profile Image for Holly.
2,878 reviews
December 15, 2020
Lovely romance. Very entertaining, i was laughing from the beginning..
Meeting Montgomery siblings is a joy. Very opinionated, rich and very grounded. Four brother and little sister are family oriented.
Brothers are protecting their Baby Miya even as this grown up lady will give them ride for their money. She definitely knows how to deal with them, she is thirty years old and can stand up to them. But in the crisis they are first she call for.
Enjoy romance with little heat and southern gentlemen.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Adalle.
1,608 reviews8 followers
December 20, 2020
Simply Burnin’

This book will have you feeling hungry and yet leaves you sated.
Both Miya and Dean is BURNIN UP the pages of this book, and will have you wanting more just from their chemistry alone.

I would like to say, that Emmitt is truly a fantastic character and I would definitely love to see his story. But only after Raashad.

Any opinions expressed within this review are solely and uniquely made by me and I am happily leaving this review. I originally voluntarily received an advanced copy of this book via bsprout.
Profile Image for melody rainbow.
190 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2021
Miya is a executive chief at Southern soul and Dean helps her to do up a new menu for Southern soul.
They both find themselves attracted to each other but try not to do anything about it because Miya is his best friends sister.

They start a relationship but don't tell anyone and now Miya has some exciting news.

A wonderful book I love how Miyas family are close and there for each other. I like it how Miya is so strong and goes for what she wants in life.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Beverly.
767 reviews7 followers
April 12, 2021
Taking a chance on True Love

As much as I didn’t want to like this story I fell in love with Dean And Miya. This story shows that true love conquers all boundaries even race and bro codes. Having brothers myself I understood the issues Miya was facing because of her feelings for one of her brothers best friend. Dean however had the biggest hurdle because he had to choose between breaking a pact made with his best friend about never going near his younger sister and losing a long friendship or walking away from his one chance at True love.
Profile Image for Mary Calton Gerard.
1,211 reviews6 followers
February 12, 2022
Family love

I recommend this book about the strength and love of family. The characters, Miya and Dean dance around their attraction while preparing to reopen a family restaurant. This story builds on the first in the series, "Play to Win". Mother, daughter and sons become closer than they already were close. Dean, A best friend of the brother loses his heart and finds a family.

This author has my attention and I have enjoyed the books. She is an amazing storyteller. Anticipating the next book, " Honest and True" .
Profile Image for Steph's Romance Book Talk.
2,864 reviews1,399 followers
February 19, 2023
4.25 Stars / 3 Steam Fans

I enjoyed Miya and Dean, a fast-paced story that gave swoon, sweetness, and sexiness. Miya took over the family kitchen and Dean her big brother's BFF and business partner was an attraction to love at first sight (adulthood). I did think because of the fast pace we missed out on the development of Miya and Dean's backstories/commitment issues. Overall, I am loving this series.

Video review available in Week 8: Feb 19 – Feb 25, 2023, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)
Profile Image for Yvonne Daniels.
2,695 reviews22 followers
October 24, 2023
Enjoyable

Oh wow this is a fantastic story! This one will have you on the edge of your seat with excitement along with characters that are amazing and their chemistry is sizzling hot.There is so much drama and emotions I must say it again that the romance is absolutely hot. I really enjoyed this story ! I have devoured every moment in this story and I know I will be reading each one of them again. There is plenty drama and romance that makes this story binge worthy. I am so excited and impatient to read another book written by this author. I highly recommend this book.

Profile Image for Ka-Bee Brown.
346 reviews4 followers
December 13, 2020
Coming Together As Family

Miya and Dean come together in a way that Dean knows will hurt his friendship with Kamal. I like the fact that Dean waits until the project is over to pursue Miya. I like the fact that Miya is cautious about starting something new with Dean. They both want something from each other, who will make the first move? Read this book to see. I’m looking forward to reading Catrina and Rashad story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews

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