Lili DeLuca really wants to get her masters in Fine Arts and pursue her dream job of photography but she is stuck in limbo.  Between helping take care of her mom who had breast cancer and helping her dad run the family's Italian restaurant, Lili is nervous to make the next move.

When Lili's sister, Cara brings her work back to Chicago, it causes many interesting feelings inside Lili.  Enter Jack Kilroy....hot, British, chef extraordinaire!  It seems Jack is going to challenge Lili's dad to cooking contest.  Tired of living her life in limbo, Lili decides to stop playing her life safe and hits on Jack.  Too bad for once in his life Jack has sworn off one-night-stands so he suggests a slower, getting to know each other...dating approach.  Of course this demoralizes Lili because she thinks since she is not the tall, slender type of woman that Jack is just not interested in her.  During the time Lili and Jack are together, it becomes very obvious that there is more heat between the two of them then in the kitchen!  Too bad one of those moments makes it to the internet and causes a huge sensation!

It will take a huge leap of faith from both Lili and Jack for these two to find their happy ending but thankfully they do!

I just adored Jack.  He was just sick and tired of everyone treating him like a piece of meat.  He really just loves to cook and longs for that simpler time in his life.  Lili was the type of person who always wants to please everyone.  Instead of sticking up for herself, she tends to get taken advantage of.  Together these just really balance each other out well and I really enjoyed their love story.

Lili's love is photography, but her father disapproves.  She works as the manager for her family's restaurant.  Jack is a chef/TV personality who had a bad breakup and has a bit of a reputation.  Lili's older sister, Cara, is his producer.  He has a new show in the works.

While I liked both Jack and Lili, each had their own Issues that I found annoying after awhile.  There was too much back and forth; just get over yourselves already!  The reminded (geez, my feeble brain might forget!) too many times of Lili's generous curves and love of food.  Lili, while likable, was too much of a doormat for her father/family. 

The last couple of chapters were excellent, but it was too little too late for me.

Lili's sister Cara's book is next and I'm not going to read it.  Maybe if I had liked this more, but I simply didn't like Cara.  In this book, she comes across as shallow and self absorbed.  Not impressed and no desire what so ever to read her story.  

Francey (Francesca) is a firefighter (I know- a female firefighter!). Her grandpa, dad, and a brother are also firefighters. She and her crew get called out to a fire. She rescues Alex, who fell asleep at his desk. 
I like both both Francesca and Alex. Fran is a tomboy and is one of the guys. Alex sees her and is intrigued. It helps that she doesn't fawn all over him. They play at being friends and later have things they need to work out.
I liked the firefighting terms and learned a little. I thought it was realistic at how a busy, city fire department is, with the stress of the job, but also the stress it puts on the family. There is a strong secondary story-line here too with Fran's parents, Ben and Diana who divorced when she was 3. 
The fire that Alex is saved from; that was predictable and I had wondered, at first, if that would have been a suspense point. Hint- it's not. Anyway, I was right.
Points off for this: "But it was her eyes that snared him. They were huge, almost translucent and the oddest color, indigo fanning out to deep purple." This is NOT a paranormal! (Natural) purple eyes do not exist!

Ripped Bodice Bingo:  firefighters square!

She saves him from a fire, then steals his heart without even trying. When white hot attraction kicks in, sparks fly!

Francey Cordaro is a dedicated firefighter, devoted daughter and a loyal friend who has made her way in a man’s world. She rejects material goods, doesn’t give a whit about her striking looks and focuses on saving lives, spending time with her family and friends, working out and playing poker with the guys. Until she meets Alex Templeton.

A wealthy businessman, Alex is the epitome of success in every area of his life. A decent man, he returns home to run the family company when his father takes ill and his brother loses his way. What he can’t control is his reaction to the sexy firefighter who dragged him from near death. She’s gorgeous, fun-loving and challenges him at every turn. But she refuses a relationship with him.

With differences that rival champagne vs. beer, uptown galas vs. karaoke bars, and the world of high finance vs. the reality of walking into burning buildings, their relationship seems doomed. Or is it?

With a secondary reunion romance as fiery as Alex and Francey’s, and cameo appearances of readers’ favorite firefighters from Hidden Cove, as well as Shay’s trademark tense and exciting rescue scenes, this book will pull on your heartstrings and make you route for these very likable characters.