September 5, 2022
This charming romance from Jackson (I’m So (Not) Over You) takes readers to the quaint town of Harper’s Cove, Maine, to which Black, gay business school grad Xavier Reynolds returns after losing both his job his boyfriend. Xavier initially mistakes chef Logan O’Hare, a white, bisexual single father, for a burglar breaking into his parents’ house, leading to a comical but slightly over-the-top meet-ugly. The cutesy narration of this opening dials back a bit as the plot progresses, allowing the story room to breathe. When Xavier takes a sous chef job in Logan’s restaurant, the very different men soon learn to work together—and indulge in some intense “erotic flirting.” They also reveal their vulnerabilities, which may be why Logan trusts Xavier to run the restaurant alone one night—unaware that a make-or-break food critic is in the house. Complications further arise from their clashing desires: while Logan is looking for a relationship, Xavier plans to leave ASAP. And when Xavier develops a secret plan to help Logan’s business, he jeopardizes their budding romance by violating Logan’s trust. Jackson seasons his rom-com with quippy dialogue and oodles of pop culture references, if not quite enough food porn. Even so, readers will eat this up. Agent: Jim McCarthy, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret.
October 1, 2022
Professional and personal setbacks lead Xavier to retreat to his small Maine hometown, Harper's Cover. Not even an awkward and hilarious meet-cute with hot chef Logan can make him feel better about returning home, a place he never desired to live again. Loved, but not understood or entirely supported by his parents and best friend, Xavier is anxious to get back to the life he expected to lead. His disinterest in planting roots in town takes a backseat to practicality; working at Logan's restaurant will give him the opportunity to quickly earn enough money to leave town and get his life back on track. While Xavier can't help but like the grumpy, tattooed, devoted single dad who is also extremely good with his hands, he doesn't want to get distracted en route to this reboot of his life. Knowing there is more to Xavier's decision to take a job at his restaurant, Logan does his best to protect his heart, even while reveling in their growing closeness. VERDICT Jackson's (I'm So (Not) Over You) sexy grumpy/sunshine romantic comedy will grab readers from the first page. Highly recommended for all collections.--Nicole Williams
Copyright 2022 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
October 1, 2022
Sparks fly in and out of the kitchen in this age-gap contemporary romance. Following a disastrous two months in which Xavier Reynolds loses his job, his fellowship opportunity with the Carey Foundation, and his boyfriend, he moves back into his childhood bedroom in Harper's Cove, Maine. While his parents and longtime best friend, Mya, are happy to have him around, that doesn't stop them from meddling in both his professional and personal life. Xavier has already made a disastrous first impression on Logan O'Hare, an older local restaurateur who's a friend of his parents', and word travels fast in such a small town. When the Carey Foundation calls to offer Xavier another spot in their program, he agrees, knowing that the cost to attend is pretty steep. He needs a job, fast. The Wharf, Logan's restaurant, is in desperate need of a sous chef, and Xavier's family legacy in the kitchen seems like a perfect match for a temporary solution. The two stubborn men dance around their attraction, their banter over delectable New England fare serving as foreplay. Xavier's point of view is charming and snappy; it's a delight to be in his head. But unfortunately, Logan falls short. With his smarmy attitude and frequent undermining, Logan often treats Xavier more like his preteen child than a grown man with his own wants and needs. Sadly, the romance element of the book feels unnecessary and even, at times, detrimental to Xavier's growth. Logan and Xavier eventually resolve their communication issues, but this is a romance in which the main character deserves so much better. Though Jackson nails the tone and humor, the romance falters.
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