Recipe for Satisfaction (Madewood Brothers, #1)

by Gina Gordon

[Cocktails and Books]

Professional organizer Sterling Andrews was hoping to step outside herself to find happiness in the arms of man for just one night. One night where she didn't have to worry about money or what her parents may or may not be doing. A party on a private yacht, a bout of sea sickness and playboy Jack Vaughn turn Sterling's life upside down.

Jack Vaughn was trying to deal with the death of his foster mother and the ramifications the press had in making him seem like an uncaring cad. He'd stayed away from woman and hidden with his brothers hoping to make sense of his life. An encounter with Sterling makes Jack bargain with her to ensure he can spend more time with her. He starts to wish for things he'd never wanted before and wondering if the dreams he had for his family's foundation could come true and keep him home with his brothers.

Sterling had a pretty tough life and right away, as a reader, you can connect with her. You want her happy and you want her to get out from underneath the burden that is her parents. When she's with Jack, she sheds her obsessive compulsiveness and lives in the moment. She's more willing to try new things and open herself up to just being with Jack. And spending quality time with Jack isn't much of a hardship, even if she knows the there is a time limit for them.

Jack is a soul who is torn between his public persona and the person he really is. He doesn't let many see the real Jack, but there is something about Sterling that has him immediately opening up and being himself. That ability to open up and know that he always has someone in his corner gives Jack the push he needs to do what he's wanted to do for the family's foster kids cooking program. While deep down he knows the difference in his life is Sterling, it takes an intervention from his family to realize just how important she is.

I like the story. Jack is one sexy chef and Gina Gordan gives him charisma that seems to ooze off the pages. Jack and Sterling had chemistry together that made them a pleasure to read. Such a pleasure that I am anxiously awaiting the next Madewood Brother book.

If you're looking for a sexy, quick read, this is definitely one that should be picked up.