Melt for You (Slow Burn Book 2)

On its face, this is a lighthearted, super fun rugby romance. I mean Cameron McGregor is literally everything I love about a romance hero: incorrigible, witty, smart, kind, dead sexy, and just a little wounded. The tone of this book is, for the most part, light and easy and there were moments where I felt my heart race in that way that I am completely unable to resist.

Unfortunately, it wasn't a perfect read for me. I have loved every single thing I have read by this author, so this felt like a rare misstep for me. It's not that the book isn't good, rather I suspect this is a case of "it's not you, it's me." There were moments that I loved, and lines that made me laugh so hard. However, I had a really hard time connecting with the heroine. I didn't like her. I mean, I did - at first. She came on fiery and fierce and while I found her a bit tightly wound, I appreciated her feisty spirit. However, that spirit quickly fizzled out and I didn't love how all-encompassing her low self-esteem was. And that's a tough thing to say because I have struggled with the same issues that she does - and I have for almost my entire life. However, she made me sad. She was like a version of me without pluck or humor or perspective. I didn't like how her vision of herself influenced her relationship with Cameron. I didn't like how his role was to prop her up, over and over again, while she kept trying to tear herself down. And, honestly, I wasn't crazy about the way she treated him.

I also struggled mightily with the fact that she kept pursuing/lusting after one man while falling slowly into a relationship with another. As if there was any competition, pfft. However, this is entirely my own fault. I know that these storylines don't usually work for me but I was so excited by a new release from an author I love (and a rugby player to boot!) that I overlooked this potential issue. And it was an issue for me. It kept me from attaching myself to the love story, and it caused repeated side-eye feelings toward the heroine, with whom I already had some issues.

So, in the end, not my favorite offering by this author, but also not a total loss. There were some fun, campy scenes with secondary characters (including an adorable deaf cat, and a hilariously dramatic eccentric landlord). It's a solid Ugly Duckling storyline and Cameron McGregor is charming as all get-out, protective and alpha growly just the way I like my heroes. It was impossible for me not to love him.

At work, Joellen was the yes woman. Never declined an assignment and always on time. Then there’s the unfortunate fact she’s been in love with her married boss for a decade. And all I was thinking was girl, please get a life! There’s so much more out there! Outside of work, she had this snarky vibe that I just felt was hiding someone who had the potential to be more, except she lacked the self confidence to find and explore it. When her new neighbor Cameron offers to help her catch her divorced boss’s attention, she takes a leap of faith.

Cameron was my absolute favorite character hands down. He’s got the brains, self confidence, emotional acumen, brawn, cocky arrogance, and holy heck he’s Scottish, but seriously, his intelligence was a beautiful thing to see in action! He was an annoying neighbor, yet his boyish charm made him a little irresistible. Celebrity status aside, he’s also just a guy with ghosts in his closet, so he’s not perfect by any means, yet smack me silly because it took Joellen freaking forever to see past the perfection to a regular guy with his own issues. His lessons with Joellen were hysterical and spot on and I looked forward to whatever bit of advice he tossed out, because it meant tantalizing banter would occur!

Joellen was hard for me to like and I really wanted to! She wasn’t naive, she was just really unaware of her potential. She lit the room on fire with her passion, but was blinded by what she perceived as perfection. I struggled waiting for her to wake up and smell the roses, not just about Cameron, but more so about her own self image. I completely understood her reasoning of not being good enough, but it didn’t mean I had to enjoy the pacing of her decision making process.

Cameron was a one man cheerleader and positive support group. His cocky remarks kept things at a reasonably lighthearted level and balanced out Joellen’s heavy self-berating, and their banter?! It was the best! Granted, it oozed one sided awareness sexual tension, yet I looked forward to whatever off the wall remark would pop out next!

Overall, I liked most of the story. This was an ugly duckling tale full of snarky quips, sexy banter, and steamy kisses I loved. There’s the topics of body image and self esteem that sent a good message. My only issue was that the story dragged on plot progression and the ending just hit out of nowhere.

And I wished Cameron could have kicked Michael’s overinflated, snotty ego across the room.

Joellen Bixby has worked for Maddox Publishing for the last 10 years and has been in love with the owner for the same amount of time. She has very low self-esteem and puts herself down constantly, internally and out loud. She is socially inept. I struggled with all her negative self-talk from the beginning. And I really despised her parents and sister. No way would I have put up with that.

Cam MacGregor, a Scottish rugby captain, defines the ultimate narcissistic manwhore with all the excesses - women, drinking, partying. He is cocky, arrogant and repeatedly brags about his prowess with women. His first introduction to Joellen is when she goes storming over to his door pounding on it because the music is so loud. He opens the door shirtless, in a kilt and with a table of half-dressed men and women playing strip poker. His extreme lifestyle has landed him in a bit of trouble. At the request of his manager, he switches apartments "across the pond" with his cousin to lay low until the heat dies down.

The juvenile, snarky banter between these two is at times funny and other times eye rolling ridiculous. The whole triangle thing grew old quickly. Especially when Joellen didn't have much interaction with her boss over the last 10 years. Then, all of a sudden, she's on his radar big time. Cam switches from sleazy party boy to single minded focus on Joellen. I just couldn't see the two of them together, even after he works so hard to boost her self-esteem. The story drags for most of the book then rushes to the end.

After having thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the series, this was a bit of a letdown for me. However, I do enjoy this author’s writing style and look forward to the next book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

I love my online book club! Through this book club, I found a lot of new to me authors that I absolutely loved! Once such book is Melt for You by J.T. Geissigner. I’ve never heard or read this author before and I was NOT disappointed!

Melt for You turned out to be a 5-star read and I literally could not stop listening to it! I was laughing out loud and crying (sometimes at the same time)! Yes, it was THAT good!

I normally don’t read slow-burn romances because sometimes, the relationship build-up is just too slow for me, but in Melt for You, it’s not! The chemistry between Cameron and Joellen was sizzling and the banter was amazing! I could not stop listening to the audiobook!

Oh, and did I mention that the heroine is curvy and older?! YES, MA’AM! I love how this book addressed Joellen’s insecurities and made her love the skin that she is in. Also, it’s Cam who helped her gain confidence and love herself.

Melt for You also started as an enemies-to-lovers romance because Joellen was annoyed when her new neighbor was making such a racket. Also, the banter is spectacular! Did I just say that twice? I’ll say it again; the banter is SPECTACULAR!

Cameron is a famous Scottish rugby player who is on holiday and is living at his cousin’s apartment in New York while his cousin is in Scotland. This is where Cam and Joellen meet! I love the side characters in this book, especially the retired theater actress (I forgot her name), who was so quirky and fun!

Ultimately, I loved Melt for You because it made me laugh and cry and the awesome character development. Throughout the book, you see how Joellen’s character and self-esteem grows, which is also apparent to her co-workers and her boss that she has had the hots for, for over 10 years!

I also love it when a curvy girl is represented well in romance. As a fellow curvy girl who ended up married to a guy who is slim, this romance ticked a lot of boxes for me.

Melt for You is also read in first-person POV – Joellen’s POV and I can’t help but want to read Cam’s POV so bad!

I highly recommend reading Melt for You! I’m in the middle of reading the first book, Burn for You which is awesome because the heroine is a chef and there is definitely a lot of southern cooking there! You also don’t need to read the first book in the series to enjoy Melt for You because these books are in fact, standalones and aren’t connected to each other!

I also got the companion audiobook for this and listened to it instead. It is read by Pippa Jayne and she is really good! The voices and pacing are on point and I didn’t have any problems with following the story.

Joellen Bixby spent a decade listing after Michael Maddox the CEO of her publishing company and who, is very married. Just about the time she will maybe have a chance with him, Cameron MacGregor blasts into her life. He's loud, egotistical, arrogant, drop dead gorgeous and has more muscles than a god. She has no idea who he is; the most famous athlete in the world, a rugby player. After a rocky start, he agrees to quit blasting his music if she will feed him. Wanting to preserve her hearing as well as her sanity she agrees. She somehow ends up confessing her lust for her boss and Cameron offers to be her relationship coach as well as her personal trainer. Cameron is a master manipulator and Joellen is his unknowing prey. Training her for another man? Yeah right! He teaches Joellen that loving herself is her goal, not changing herself to meet other's expectations. Although Joellen keeps her eyes on the prize, the CEO, Cameron is sneaking into her thoughts at the most inopportune times quickly replacing the CEO. The event that Cameron has been coaching Joellen for, her company Christmas party finally arrives and it turns into a complete disaster. She's convinced that after the Christmas holidays she will be fired from her job. When she arrives to work in the new year she reports to the conference room as directed and is given the shock of her life. The CEO is out, she has the job as an associate editor if she wants it but Cameron is leaving to return to Scotland without her. Even though she's come up a list of all the reasons they "won't work," she suddenly realizes that she can't let him leave without her. They end up in Scotland and get what they both want....HEA.

I really enjoyed this book. These two characters were absolutely delightful. The back and forth wordplay between Cam and Joellen....priceless. The storyline was fun, evenly paced and thoroughly entertaining.

Strongly
I eagerly hoped that I would be able to voluntarily review this book!!!!

YOU CAN'T GO WRONG WITH GEISSINGER!!!! When she writes about all the feels and situations that push "your" buttons, then you've got a grand slam! This was my grand slam, touchdown, 3 pointer from half court and hat trick. It had everything I love in a novel and when I grow up I want to be just like Joellen with her snarky, take no prisoners mouth. Dear Lord, I laughed so hard that I was in danger of an accident (not in a car).

If you love smart mouth heroines (and Joellen is hysterical!) who is not perfect (in that, I mean today's standard of beautiful) and Scottish rugby players with the accent who knows what he wants from the get go......MELT FOR YOU is for you!!! Enjoy! :D

From the sexy cover to the captivating synopsis, J.T. Geissinger has completely outdone herself in Melt For You. Having read the previous book in the series, I couldn’t wait to read the next book and it didn’t disappoint at all. The author has managed to create a charming story filled with swoon worthy moments that will leave you wanting for more.

At the beginning of the story we are introduced to Joellen Bixby, a thirty-six-year-old copyeditor who has been working for Maddox Publishing for the last ten years. She has also been in love with her boss and CEO, Michael Maddox for that long. Although she is socially awkward, Joellen wants to get her boss to notice her but doesn’t know how and that frustrates her. It’s when she gets back to her apartment one day that Joellen comes to a stop when she hears very loud music coming from her neighbor’s apartment. She walks up to the apartment and comes face-to-face with a very handsome stranger who happens to have a very sexy Scottish accent. The spell immediately crashes the minute he starts to bicker with her and he tells her that he will stop with his music if she cooks for him return. They make a bargain of some sorts and when he finds out that Joellen has been wanting to get her boss’ attention he is willing to help her. It is through Michael that she finds out who her neighbor really is.

Cameron McGregor ends up being the captain of a rugby team called the Red Devils. Although he is well known, Cameron has been on the papers lately and not for good reasons. This concerns Michael and he tells Joellen to be careful and to not trust Cameron. She knows that her neighbor is bad news, but he has offered to be there for her and spending time together has definitely made Joellen see him in a new light. What I loved about the story was how entertaining it was and all the heavy banter that they have is sizzling. Although they have fantastic chemistry, Joellen is set on getting her boss’ attention and love. She has viewed herself as the ugly duckling in her family and not being in a relationship at her age makes everyone around her see her differently. She has a lot of self-esteemed issues that she needs to overcome and Cameron is there to remind her that it’s okay to be herself no matter what other people think of her. In the end she has to decide if she truly wants Michael or if giving Cameron a shot is worth it or not.

As I mentioned before, I truly loved reading this story it was sweet and charming. Cameron is swoon worthy and just the perfect guy that anyone would want to have. He loves bickering with Joellen and causing trouble, which made things that much more fun to read. There is a big issue of self-esteem that the author handled very well and this empowered Joellen to be who she wanted to be in the end. We also be to find out more about Cameron and what brought him to New York. It’s evident from the very start that both of the characters have issues to overcome and it all ends up tying really well in the end. There are a bit of twists and turns as well, but I wish the author could have added more details towards the end. There were a few issues that felt unresolved to me that could have made the book that much better. I would highly recommend reading this book, it was lovable and swoon worthy, a definite must-read for sure. :)

***ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.***

Sometimes, a book comes into your life that at the end of the journey, you are thankful you got the chance to experience it. I absolutely loved my journey listening to Melt for You. It has the perfect mix of humour, sexiness, emotion and a smidge of angst to keep things interesting. This is the kind of book that makes me glad to be a romance reader and is going on my Best-of-the-Bestest shelf.

The narrator does a fabulous job with multiple characters and different accents. I had no problems knowing when the characters changed and I recognised their voice/accents straight away to identify who was talking. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this one and think that the experience was enjoyed more because of the talents of the narrator. There is no way I would/could do it justice if I had read it myself.

Melt for You is my favourite kind of contemporary romance. It was paced perfectly and I never felt like it was drawn out or dragged. The characters came alive for me and I loved that the heroine was someone I could relate to and live vicariously through. The hero is definitely the kind of guy that gets my heart pumping. He’s the naughty boy who comes good when he realises the perfect woman is in front of him. Cameron will do anything to make sure he’s in Joellen’s orbit…even help her attract another man.

A slight vulnerability in both characters made them even more lovable. Joellen doesn't see her beauty because she's always felt ugly around her beautiful family. Cameron makes her believe in the beauty he sees. It doesn't take long for Joellen to realise that Cameron is more than just a party boy. She shows him friendship when most people only want him for his good looks, fame and fortune. I loved that they brought out the best in each other.

Again, I fell into the trap of falling in love with my audiobook which means it was over and done with too quickly. I couldn’t help myself, and in some ways, I don’t regret it. It’s kind of weird to think I got a little swoony over listening to a woman who does...performs...puts on, a man’s voice. But, it may have a wee bit to do with the Scottish accent.

If you’re a reader, you will love Melt for You. If you’re an audio listener you will love Melt for You. Either way, you can’t go wrong…AND…the audio was only a couple of dollars in you’ve bought the Kindle version. BARGAIN!!!

Now that I’ve found J.T. Geissinger there’s a pretty good chance that this is the start of a new and beautiful friendship…in a non-stalkerish, book-nerdy love, kind of way.

The Delight
A modern day rugby playing Scotsman in a kilt teams up with a supposedly dowdy thirty something woman to help her win her dream man. I couldn’t help but fall in love once again with one of this authors books.

Review
Joellen doesn’t have much of a life. She’s worked for ten years for a publishing company and longs for a promotion that she never gets, although she deserves one. She is also hopelessly in love with the married CEO of her company, Michael. She lives alone with her cat and tells all her problems to Mrs. Dinwiddle, the elderly actress that lives down the hall from her. She meets Cam when he swaps apartments with her neighbor across the hall from her for the holidays. Cam is the ultimate mega famous, womanizing, athlete with a penchant for wild parties and loud music. He also seems to have an aversion to wearing a shirt. Joellen has no idea who he is at first, but it doesn’t matter, she just wants him to turn the music down. And she wants her cat to not love him at first sight as well.

The banter in this book is my favorite part. Joellen is full of snark with witty comebacks like you wouldn’t believe. Every time Joellen gets in Cam’s face about his loud music, or his latest sexcapades they end up in some of the funniest banter I have ever read. Laugh out loud stuff. When he finds out about her thing for her boss and that Michael’s getting a divorce, he decides he’s going to help get her healthy by taking her running every morning at 5 a.m. In return, she’s cooking for him. A friendship of sorts (reluctantly on Joellen’s part) starts happening.

I ended up loving both Joellen and Cam. It took awhile for me to care about Cam at all because he made me as mad as he made Joellen-in the beginning. It didn’t take me long to see he had a backstory that wasn’t that great and that he wasn’t the scoundrel Joellen initially thought he was. Joellen’s backstory included having a model for a mother, a beauty queen sister and a father that is a fashion photographer. She is constantly being told that’s she’s not pretty enough or good enough by her mother. So her mother was who I stayed mad at throughout the book.

There’s a reason that I can’t wait for this author’s new releases. I have loved her books since I found her Night Prowler books way back in the beginning of her writing career. To this day(fifteen books into her career), that series is still in my top ten favorite paranormal romance series that I’ve ever read. She flat out knows how to write and her banter, as I said before, is some of the best I’ve ever read. Her books are usually full of romance and she doesn’t use sex scenes in place of story. That’s not to say there’s not some(and sometimes more than some) erotica going on, but this book is a bit tamer than some others by her. She’s also very responsive to her readers and that’s a plus for me as well.

If you enjoy reading about a huge hunk of a man with a Scottish brogue that sometimes wears a kilt, then this might just be your next read. Or if you like a heroine with self esteem issues that finally realizes that she really is good enough for anything or anyone, then this also could be a good read for you. I loved the whole thing. Highly recommended! FYI-This book is a standalone. Copy of this book was provided to me by Net Galley in exchange for a fair and honest review. (Originally posted on Delighted Reader)

Melt for You is pretty much outlined in the synopsis, my fellow romance book loving friends. What you get is a slow burn romance between a sassy but oblivious to reality, insecure leading lady and a too handsome for his own good famous Scottish rugby player, who is temporarily living next door. It takes until nearly the end for their passion to finally be unleashed and completely engulf their hearts, minds, and bodies into flames. Mainly because that is how long it takes for one of them to finally see the light and possibilities of what is right in front of them.

It was rather refreshing Joellen seemed completely immune to Cam’s flirtatious, cocky comebacks and demeanor in the beginning. In fact, for someone touted as a wallflower she was quite outspoken with him from the get go. Her antagonist off the cuff responses were a perfect contrast to Cam’s seductive, silver tongue devil banter. In the long run, there was no escaping the heat, passion, and chemistry that keep simmering between them. Unfortunately, something else remained smack dab in the middle most of the time as well, another man named Michael, her married boss.

Joellen’s ten year unrequited obsessive infatuation with Michael blinded her to everything else. She never acted on those feelings in the past, but once he claimed he was getting divorced she thought fate was handing her the man she’s always wished for. Sadly, she learns two valuable life lessons: “Be careful what you wish for” and “All that glitters isn’t gold”. This girl certainly needed more than just her glasses to see what was really going on around her. Sure, she was sweet and sassy when it came to dealing with Cameron, but this gal was completely clueless about pretty everything else.

To my surprise, this author took a type of leading man I wouldn’t normally touch with a ten foot pole and turned him into someone decent and likable. It was sweet how he came to care for clueless Joellen to the point it felt really wrong how he was trying to help her win Michael’s attention and affection.

Being obsessively insecure at 36 and still putting up with put downs from her own family was bad enough, but continuing to pine over a man who never should have been on her radar to begin with made Joellen’s character difficult for me to completely embrace. Her constant negativity regarding her own self image was hard to swallow, as well.

What kept me engaged and reading to the end was the saucy, witty, antagonist to attraction back and forth banter between the main couple, knowing Cam was likely keeping a very big secret. I was pleased as punch I was right, folks. I also absolutely loved how Cam got angry every time Joellen said negative things about herself and tried to help her self-esteem issues. The short epilogue was perfectly done to give a glimpse into their perfect together, right as rain HEA.

Title: Melt for You, Series: Slow Burn (Book 2), Author: J.T. Geissinger, Pages: 344, stand-alone, flirty/cocky/Scottish rugby player, socially awkward/doesn’t know she’s beautiful/clueless to reality heroine, hears him with one random OW, infatuated with her married boss, not romance safe, sassy for a wallflower, funny back and forth antagonist banter, can’t stand him at first, HEA, brief epilogue, slow burn, very steamy scenes near the end.

Book 1 - Burn for You (Bianca & Jackson), Pages: 348
Book 2 - Melt for You (Joellen & Cameron), Pages: 344

(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)

Readers will be wearing a perpetual smile on their face as they watch next door neighbors find romance while engaging in rapid-fire banter teeming with sexual tension. Opposites attract in this charming romance with two unforgettable main characters who deal with their heartbreaking pasts and find unexpected love along the way. By the turn of the final page readers will be full of warm fuzzies and sweet dreams courtesy of a sexy Scotsman who’s the epitome of romantic.

Joellen Bixby is an average gal. She’s been working at the same job for the last ten years, is happy to be the worker everyone goes to when things need doing, and has had a crush on her suave and debonair boss since the day she was hired. She’s also kindhearted, befriends her elderly neighbor, and cares for a deaf cat. She’s got a lot of wonderful qualities, but nothing that makes her stand out. It’s been that way since she was a baby. As the daughter of a professional photographer and successful supermodel, and with a beautiful sister who’s made waves on the pageant circuit, she’s always felt lacking. The insensitivity of her family when it comes to judgments about her weight and inability to find a man has left her self-esteem bruised though. Their constant criticisms have left her in a rut, too scared to go after what she wants but frustrated with herself in an endless loop that leaves her just settling for crumbs. The moment she confronts her noisy new neighbor though is the moment her life changes irrevocably. The moment Cam sees her he takes it upon himself to transform her into the woman she wants to be. Through snarky yet heartfelt interactions the sexy Scotsman slowly worms his way into her heart and along the way she also discovers new things about herself that empower her. Being around Cam pushes all her buttons, frustrates her but forces her into speaking up and working for what she wants, in a connection that crackles. The hurt to her psyche was clear from the moment readers meet her and it had me longing to hug her. She was in a low place at the start but her friendship with Cam invigorated her and like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon she became a much stronger-willed person. Joellen’s the kind of heroine you can easily relate to, the kind you want only good things for. She might’ve been full of uncertainties with others, but she wasn’t afraid to go toe-to-toe with Cam in a scorching friends-to-lovers romance that had me laughing one moment and blushing the next!

Cameron McGregor seems to have it all as a star rugby player. He’s surrounded by beautiful women, has lots of money, and has an invite to party wherever he wants. It’s all starting to get to him though. He’s angry about the superficiality of his life, fueled by his painful past of disability and death. He overcame a lot in his childhood but his anger is finally coming to a head and putting his career and his future in jeopardy. Seeking a bit of peace and quiet he leaves Scotland behind to move into the apartment of a friend. It ends up being a life altering decision where he finds not only love and support but deals head-on with his past to find a future with a woman he sees more clearly than she sees herself. Cam’s a brash Scotsman, rippling with muscles and oozing self-confidence. It’s self-confidence that he’s happy to share with Joellen in a combustible relationship that evolves from friends to something more. Cam at first seems like a carefree playboy, but there’s a lot of substance below his sexy surface. He refuses to let Joellen put herself down in any way, shape, or form. He encourages her but also makes her question things in order for her to find her HEA in a romance that had him wearing his heart on his sleeve. Readers may fall for Cam’s sexiness when they first meet him, but it’s his big heart and protective nature that had me falling for him and rooting for him every step of the way.

This was a decadently delightful book courtesy of its fun and flirty banter between two apparent opposites. Joellen’s steady, smart, and loyal but is also riddled with uncertainties over her weight and looks. She’s an Ugly Duckling by her own admission, but I found her an immensely likable heroine. Her family were hurtful at times with their thoughtless words and though it bruised her emotionally, they didn’t break her. She was easy to relate to and I cheered her on through her empowering actions every step of the way. Cam’s the quintessential book boyfriend. His outer package is appealing, but it’s his charming heart and supportive words that made him drool-worthy. He pushed Joellen to see herself as he sees her, instead of through the judgmental eyes of her family. Though he’s younger than her in years it’s his painful past, his words of wisdom, that made him speak so wisely. He set out to save Joellen as he couldn’t save his own mother and along the way he fell for her. He never pushed her to love him back though. He supported her as she worked through her unrequited love for her boss and his actions made me love him all the more. Alongside this appealing main couple was a small cast of equally entertaining secondary characters. Among my favorites were the dramatic and colorful elderly neighbor, Mrs Dinwiddle, who took over every scene she was in as she didn’t hesitate to tell it like it was. Mr. Bingley, Joellen’s deaf cat, also left an impression as he was drawn to Cam from the very start which showed him to be one smart kitty. On a whole this was an unforgettable romance full of heartfelt words and deeds, heartwarming charm, and a friendship longing to be more that I wholeheartedly recommend!

3.75 stars--MELT FOR YOU is the second instalment in J. T. Geissinger’s contemporary, adult SLOW BURN erotic, romance series. This is twenty-nine year old, Scottish rugby captain Cameron McGregor, and thirty-six year old Joellen Bixby’s story line. MELT FOR YOU can be read as a stand alone as there are no apparent connections to the previous story line.

Told from first person perspective (Joellen) MELT FOR YOU follows the acrimonious relationship between New York neighbors Scottish rugby captain Cameron McGregor and Joellen Bixby. Cameron McGregor has come to America, if only temporarily, in order to avoid a scandal back home. Sexy, athletic and an arrogant womanizer Cameron is about to come face to face with a woman whose self-esteem has been shattered; whose maturity level is questionable; whose naïvete and caustic barbs draw our hero like a moth to a flame. Joellen Bixby has spent ten years of her life pining after her boss, a married man she hopes to attract at the upcoming company party. Her self-deprecating humor and attitude gets old pretty fast, so much so that Cameron struggles with her constant put-downs and disparaging personal remarks aimed at deflecting compliments and praise. What ensues is the growing relationship between Joellen and Cameron when Cameron offers to work with Joellen as she sets out to get noticed by the company CEO.

MELT FOR YOU is a story of opposites-attract. Joellen is a wallflower, an ‘ugly duckling’ who hides behind a poor self-image, and a lack of confidence including the inability to say no when it counts. A bit of a push-over whose aggressive attitude hides years of emotional struggles Joellen wants to find love but in doing so dismisses the man who battles his attraction to a woman who is oblivious to his ministrations and growing love.

The world building follows a ‘stream of consciousness’ as the reader is pulled into the mind of a woman caught between what she thinks she wants, and what is right in front of her. Our heroine’s naïvete is compounded by her single mindedness as it involves her attraction to, and desire for the company CEO, missing the growing love of a man who is willing to give her his all. Weeks will pass and our heroine will remain oblivious so much so that she is willing to risk everything for her shot at the top.

MELT FOR YOU is an engaging and entertaining story line but the heroine’s over the top, combative and whiny personality is frustrating such that I was unable to truly enjoy all of the potential humor, and the back and forth repartee between the leading couple. Joellen’s issues of low self-esteem had been branded into her psyche by those she considered more beautiful and worthy, and her character development was questionable as Joellen continued to struggle with body image all the while focusing on her end game of falling in love with the ‘perfect’ CEO. A ‘slow burn’ romance MELT FOR YOU was a bit of a struggle but the kilted Scottish rugby player is worth the price of admission alone.

I will note that the author adds a cautionary tale at the end of the story – a warning of sorts for anyone who battles with, or knows someone who struggles with heart breaking issues of low self esteem that oft times, do not transfer, to a happily ever after.

Cam and Joellen engage in a delightful battle of wit and the ultimate winner is the reader.

This is a perfect novel for any romance reader because every woman will empathize with Joellen Bixby, or more truthfully, everyone woman is Joellen Bixty. Like Joellen, we each see our own flaws like a glaring beacon (too fat, too scrawny, too busty, not curvy enough, too shy, too awkward, too intimidating) and those flaws are the reason we can’t ________ (find love, get that perfect job, lose weight, finish our education). Even the most “perfect” woman you know fights her own internal demons. And if we don’t notice them for ourselves, there is always someone there to point them out for you. In this story, Joellen has grown up with a Miss America runner-up sister, a former model mother and a fashion photographer father. No matter how pretty Joellen is, she is always the ugly duckling in the group, and she is reminded of it constantly, whether it is the off-hand “were you adopted?” comment or reminders from her own family of how she is a catastrophic failure.

Joellen has spent the last ten years pining for her perfect man, who unfortunately is her boss. Michael Maddox, the CEO of Maddox Publishing is Joellen’s Prince Charming, and even if he was not already married, she knows that someone like her would never have a chance with someone as special as Michael.

Enter bad-boy Scottish Rugby star Cameron McGregor who is taking some time off from the spotlight before the season begins and traded apartments with his cousin in New York. The only thing larger that Cameron’s muscles would be his ego. He turns heads whereever he goes and women follow him with only the crook of his finger.

Well, all women except one particular quick-witted, salty lass across the hall who has caught his attention. Cam delights in all barbs thrown by Joellen, except for the ones she throws at herself. It is Cam who forces Joellen to see herself for all her glorious traits rather than allowing her to wallow in what she sees as her failings.

And when Joellen announces that Michael’s marriage is doomed for divorce, it is Cameron who offers to show Joellen how to win her heart’s desire which he hopes she realizes isn’t a perfect Prince Charming, but a shaggy, rough Mountain man who can’t get enough of her. Just because he is always surrounded by people, doesn’t mean that Cameron isn’t as lonely as Joellen, and he is setting his heart on the smart-mouthed, kind-hearted beauty.

I couldn’t get enough of the Cam and Joellen moments, but (and I hope to express this to you effectively), while their chemistry was off the charts, their sexual passion took way too long to show up. Each moment between Cameron and Joellen sparkled and I smiled and laughed with each encounter. But this was written as a first person POV from Joellen and Joellen was romantically focused on Michael with only an occasional pique of interest in Cameron and the romantic interest we know is supposed to be coming from Cam is muted through Joellen’s eyes because she isn’t catching it. Part of that is her Michael-blockage and part of that is still her inferiority complex. We only get our first whiff of sexual attraction between the two when Cameron convinces Joellen that she should practice kissing with Cam so she doesn’t mess it up when she finally gets to kiss Michael, and it is not Michael who fills her thoughts while doing it. I just would have liked to see more internal conflict in Joellen as she got to know Cameron better and as we see her esteem growing for Cam while wiping a little more shine off of Michael as she got to know him better as well. Cameron’s interest was there from the begining and Joellen’s realization of her feelings turned so sharply it was almost jarring. These two develop an incredible bond but the hot and sexy doesn’t show up until very late which is the only disappointment.

This was a stunning and entertaining story of two lonely people finding a love they never expected. Melt for You has definitely made a place for itself on my re-read shelf.

Received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

***5 ‘Mountain’ Stars***

I’ve found that many of Ms. Geissinger’s books take me on a major emotional rollercoaster, which I’m not complaining about in anyway because that is always a good thing when it comes to a book, but this one...this one was a category 5 hurricane settled over me the entire time I was devouring the words. I think the term ‘All the feels’ is an understatement, a huge one because I felt them all and then some, but even with the huge emotional upheaval I’m sitting here typing this out with a big dopey smile on my face, because regardless of emotional hurricane, it was kind of everything.

Joellen I wanted to hug and Gibbs smack in equal measure. There were so many times I was like “Don’t go there...don’t go…*Big heavy sigh* You went there” but I also got her. I mean like deep down, I could pretty much predict what she was going to think kind of GOT her. It was scary, but it was real. And when I wasn’t sighing in frustration, I loved her sass and snark and just how golden her heart was.

Cameron drove me craycray. He did. I had so many “seriously” moments with this man it was nuts BUT I couldn’t help but adore him. The goodness in this man mixed with a heavy dose of tenacity that would make a pitbull proud.

These two drove me craycray in equal measure. I don’t think there are many couples in romancelandia who I can say I was equally divided about while experiencing their journey with them, but I know Cameron and Joellen aren’t the first. There were so many times I wanted to reach through the Kindle and shake them, hug them...Gibbs smack them, but I coudn’t and had to sit back and wait for them to actually go there finally. But what they put each other through was funny, frustrating, sweet and smexy and in the end they truly got the HEA they so richly deserved because they ended up being exactly what the other never realized they needed.

I’m sure you get it by now that I adored the book and am a fangirl, so we’ll it at that. The secondary characters were a definite mixed bag. I honestly did like most of them, but I do have lots of love for Mr. Bingley & Mrs. Dinwiddle and possibly Portia...kind of sort of...you’ll see when you read it. And you really should read this one. It’s got it all and will leave you with a huge smile on your face in the end.

~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~

4.5 Stars

Joellen Bixby has a record low self esteem and an eternal crush on the CEO of her company. Unhappy in her self image and more lonely than ever, the cherry on the top of her craptastic life is her new and completely obnoxious neighbor.

Cameron McGregor is a beastly rugby player. Scottish and sexy AF, the minute his new neighbor confronts him, he can't get enough of their mutual discord.

Joellen wants a man she could never dream of having... and Cameron wants to... help her get him? With a completely unlikely attraction and a whole lot of practice kissing, when Joellen and Cameron embark on a unique friendship their sparring quickly becomes something neither of them wants to live without...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I seriously couldn't get enough of this book and the realistically flawed and completely genuine characters I couldn't help but become attached to...

Joellen has been judged by her appearance for as long as she can remember, and her biggest critic is the one who sees herself in the mirror everyday. When she meets her new neighbor they immediately rub each other the wrong way. Cameron is beautiful, full of himself and a complete man whore. But, Cameron treats her and looks at her unlike any man she has ever known.

Cameron is laying low in the US after some drama at home. Meeting Joellen does something for him that no amount of success, parties or random women, ever has. She makes him... happy. With all of her talk of attracting another man, Cameron steps in to help her along her way. And if he can get her to see herself as he and the rest of the world sees her, then he will leave a happy man.

Cameron was the most special and considerate man, wrapped in one a delicious, giant package. Sexy, sweet and incredibly frustrating at times, Cameron and Joellen have a lot of work to do before they find their HEA.

Superbly written and thoroughly entertaining, you must read this slow burn, friends to lovers romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

It’s been ages since a contemporary romance has completely swept me up and along page to page like MELT FOR YOU did. I wanted to exist in this book, particularly the first 50% of it. I literally laughed our loud for significant portions of my reading time, highlighting the banter like a ninja; I literally have too many amazing quotes to choose from.

His voice is warm with teasing laughter, and he’s lucky he’s not standing in front of me, because I’ve got a brand-new pair of scissors in my top drawer that would look lovely protruding from his eye socket.

“It’s too bad you got stuck in puberty, McGregor-you might have made a productive member of society one day.”

The heroine, Joellen is a shy but competent woman in her late 30s, she lets everyone in her office walk over her. The unrequited longing she has for the CEO in her company, Michael was exciting in the beginning and toe-curlingly not later on. Cam, her noisy neighbour-rugby star visitor became her trainer and transformer and everything between these two was laden with buckets of tension, the good kind. The dialogue was fantastic and it was the key reason for my enjoyment of the book as a whole.

The slow burn style of writing totally floats my boat and JTG knocked this one out of the park in terms of the wait and the reward. I felt like the book had two phases, the first half where it was quippy, sexy and fun dialogue and then the second half where things got real and Cam showed a whole different side to himself. Cam seemed initially superficial but was well read, deep and sculpted (sorry, but he was!). Did I also mention that’s he's Scottish?

“Eyes up top, darlin’.”

“Starin’ at my baby maker again, lass,” says the Mountain with a low chuckle. “It’s becomin’ a bad habit of yours, innit?”

So far, this series that’s started off super-strong is getting even better, so you know what you need to do...

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

Oh, wow! This book was sooooo funny!

"Stop pretending you're a mouse, dragon lady, and go after what you want."

Joellen Bixy is the ugly duckling in a family of beautiful swans. She's been in love with a man, who doesn't know she exists, for ten years. She doesn't really have any friends except her cat, Mr Bingley, and the eccentric, older English lady who lives in her building. She's normally tongue-tied and mousey, until an obnoxious new guy moves in across the hallway disturbing her peace and quiet.

"I'm in a bad mood every I see you because I'm seeing you."

Cameron McGregor is a big, brawny Scottish rugby player. He's gorgeous with muscles for days. He parties hard, is outrageous, and has the biggest ego on the planet! For some reason, he brings out the dragon in Joellen and her razor-sharp tongue.

This novel was so funny! I was laughing out loud for much of it, as Cameron is annoyingly but adoringly bigheaded and egotistical. You know he's joking the whole time but Joelle just bites every time! Her comebacks are hilarious!

"You're not weird. You're unique. There's a difference."

When Cameron persuades her to let him help her get her man, the sparks really start to fly, and has Joellen confused and questioning her feelings. He's sexy, forward, and really riles her up, however, the more time she spends with him, she begins to see the pain he hides beneath his cocky bravado.

"His expression and voice are nonchalant, but his eyes. Oh, his eyes. How hotly they burn."

Gah! I just adored this book. The chemistry and sexual tension between Cameron and Joellen was tangible. The dialogue and banter between them was often snappy and hilarious, and sometimes really quite serious. I loved how Joellen's self-deprecating ways made Cameron angry; how she couldn't see herself as beautiful.

This was a funny, sexy novel but with a real message about self-perception and self-image. Thoroughly recommend!

I’ve read several of JT Geissinger novels before and loved them, but for some reason, Burn For You (book one of this series) did not appeal to me. However, Melt For You happen to fall into my list to review and I had to give it a go. I’m not sure why I doubted this series to start with and I shouldn’t have. I’ve only rated this author’s books mostly four to five stars and Melt for You is no different.

Joellen is socially awkward, sweet, and at times naive, more often than I’d like her to be, but I suppose it comes with her personality and her past. I do promise that there’s a reason for it. Despite her naivety, I really liked her. She’s sweet and she made me laugh. Since being in love with her boss, Joellen is determined to win his heart, but not quite sure how. Her new neighbor seems to think he knows how and promises to help her. Of course, in exchange for some good cooking.

Cameron McGregor the rugby superstar, aka the neighbor, is of course, Joellen’s opposite. He is confident, a little too confident at times and let me tell you, he has all the right to be. Cam is ever so sexy, has appeal, and knows exactly what he wants. He is after all a rugby superstar. I find him even funnier than Joellen.

Truly enjoyed this book. Again, I shouldn’t have avoided this series, to begin with. I liked it so much that I went through this book lighting quick. I couldn’t put it down and yep, I had lack of sleep because of this gem. It was amazing from start to end; the storyline, characters, humor, sexy banter, and that includes the author’s note. Thank You, Ms Geissinger, for that note as I have two daughters myself.

Melt for You. Well. It was special. lol

Early on? Well I was going honey if you need to go on a stabbing spree I will help you hide the bodies. I WILL HELP YOU HIDE THE BODIES! Because seriously everyone but the heroine and her deaf cat were just begging for it. Lordy!

The Gist: An obnoxious neighbor who likes to prance around half nekkid and blast foul rap music vs a buttoned up, suppressed book editor who just wants some peace and quiet. Oh yeah. The battle is on between this unlikely duo and...fireworks!

Okay, yes. These two. Cameron's...a handful. A sexy handful but oh my gosh boy take it down a notch! lol Famous rugby player, cocky as all all get out, often shirtless, cat and woman whisperer. lol Yes, Cam is quite the thing. But he also has an incredibly soft and tender side under all that arrogant swagger.

And Joellen, well, she's his opposite. Quiet, a little mousy, inexperienced. She's also 7 years older than him. She's sweet, oblivious, nursing a whole lot of insecurities.

As a pair. Oh my god. Yeah. They're fiery and sometimes ridiculous. But somehow they made me laugh instead of want to strangle them. I enjoyed watching him help her try to win a guy at work all the while getting closer to her. They were funny and cute and had some tender moments.

I did have a couple issues with editing. Thinking she could hop an international flight if she got to the airport 15 minutes before it took off with cat in tow. Erm, good luck with that. Some real questionable turns of thought-- heroine was totally thinking her ovaries could supply a hotel buffet with eggs because the hero was so hot. Um Yall! lol

Overall, though, Melt for You was pretty entertaining. These two crazy kids won me over and had me laughing and doing that whole girly sigh thing. Now back to book one.

J.T. Geissinger has written another fun and interesting novel with Melt For You, the second book from her Slow Burn series. I enjoyed the first installment, so naturally when this novel became available I just had to request it. This is a slightly slow-paced read, replete with an engaging plot, captivating characters, and a complicated romance. The story takes place in Manhattan, and the sights and sounds of the city are well executed. Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.

Copy editor Joellen Bixby has crushed on her boss's boss, CEO Michael Maddox, for the past ten years. Now Michael is getting a divorce, while showering Joellen with attention. Due to Joellen's low self-esteem, she does not feel that she is good enough for Michael. When her new neighbor, rugby superstar Cameron McGregor offers to help her get into shape, and learn how to be a seductress, she reluctantly accepts his assistance. Cam sees all the goodness in Joellen and wants her to see it as well.

Cameron is big, tattooed and gorgeous. He is also full of himself at times and his womanizing ways are highly publicized. When he walks into a room everyone turns their head. He is also smart, and has made a good life for himself despite his extremely troublesome childhood. Cameron likes Joellen the moment he meets her and he wants to get to know her. With them spending so much time together, it is no wonder they fall in love.

This is an enjoyable story and the characters light up each and every page. Mrs. Dinwiddle, their feisty elderly neighbor, is a real hoot, and her theatrics add lots of humor to the present happenings. I even enjoyed Joellen's cat, due to his finicky qualities. The love triangle is depicted with class and Joellen’s sonnets were quite good. Overall, a solid read.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

**4.25 Blushes**

Cameron McGregor is HUGE - in stature ;-), gorgeous and a very famous rugby player who has a penchant for walking around half naked. He’s taking an unscheduled holiday in the US as advised by his lawyers due to a scandal back in Scottland. Switching homes with his cousin seems like a great idea.

Joellen Bixby is on her way to being the neighborhood cat lady. She slaves away every day at Maddox Publishing while secretly in love with the CEO. She’s sweet but a bit of a doormat and has some “mommy issues”. Sees herself as getting the short end of the look lottery in her genetically blessed family.

Cam moves in, starts blasting gangster rap and literally rattles her world and quiet little existence. Joellen is taken aback by his in your face approach but can’t deny that he stirs something in her.

Little by little, these two form an unlikely friendship. He offers to tutor her in the art of getting her dream man aka Michael Maddox in exchange for home cooked meals. Since he knows how to do a body good, he teaches her to eat healthily and out of the kindness of his heart he even offers tutoring in how to kiss. What a nice guy! Lol.

Slowly Joellen comes out of her shell and grows a backbone. Cameron turns out not to be not the bad guy that she assumed he was at the beginning. They both carry pain and their unlikely friendship starts the healing process. Turns out you truly cannot judge a book by its cover.

Melt for You was sweet, sexy, angst, heart touchingly romantic goodness! The shenanigans that ensue are laugh out loud funny. Much to my delight there are some surprises ahead that you won't see coming. J.T. Geissinger's latest is more than worth the purchase price.

5+ Stars

This was such a MARVELOUS book! I SO adored the characters. Told from Joellen’s POV, we are given a heroine filled with sass and spark, but so introverted very few people get to see that side of her.

Like most women, she’s plagued with body image and self-esteem issues that keep her held back from developing many relationships- friend or otherwise. She was awkward and clumsy and funny as hell! A true spitfire when she had her moments and with Cameron McGregor around...those moments were MANY. His bad boy exterior and playboy attitude didn’t not leave her with the best impression of him. But their frenemy beginning only added a delicious amount of angst and tension between them.

While Joellen was a relatable heroine, Cameron was the perfect book boyfriend. Sexy, muscled, tattooed on the outside and soft, sweet and supportive on the inside. He may have had an ego the size of a stadium...but his heart was bigger. He was so amazing.

Melt For You was such a great story. Not only did JT Geissinger deliver a beautiful and powerful message, but she provided me with an unforgettable reading experience. Page one made me giggle, by ten percent is was chuckling and forty percent I was full on belly laughing.

And I just melt.

What happens when a wallflower gets seduction tips from a manwhore athlete?

Trouble.

Joellen has been in love with her boss for a very long time. But how can he possibly notice her when she blends into the wall just perfectly? Her social life consists of having dinner with her neighbor, petting her cat, eating ice cream and fantasies hat starred her boss.

Everyone knows who Cameron McGregor is, except Joellen. He’s one hot Scottish rugby captain with all those swoony accent that just moved in next door. He knows how to push her buttons. He’s annoying. He’s definitely not her type. No way! But then, he offers to teach her everything he knows on how to get her man.

Jo is something else, and Cam knows it. He hates it when she thinks so low of herself. She’s funny, she doesn’t know she’s petty and sexy. After a while, and all those 5-am wakeup calls, Jo finally bloomed! And she’s about to get her man! Sorry for Cam, he just pushed the woman he wants into the arms of another man. How to get her back? He will surely have the match of his life.

I love, love, love this book. Not just because of the hot-emotional and sweet romance, as well as the amazing characters but the issues that has been tackled as well. I love the fact that this book deals with one of the most sensitive topics of this generation with regards to body issues and body shaming.

Although I would have killed for Cam’s POV!!! I would have love to know his innermost thoughts.

Melt For You is a spectacularly written novel with REAL, imperfect characters, real emotions and amazingly-paced romance that will steal your hearts in no time.

A humorous, steamy, romance novel

Scottish accent and a kilt. Check. Rugby player. Check. Tattoos. Check. Cameron McGregor is walking sex on a stick!

Joellen, is a curvy woman working a publishing firm. She is “in love” with her soon-to-be divorced “perfect” boss and she believes the she is invisible to him. She suffers from low self-esteem when it comes to her looks having grown up with a runway model mother and her beauty pageant sister who would make disparaging remarks about her looks.

Cameron is Joellen’s annoyingly loud neighbor who offers to help get her boss to notice her. He sees her for who she is - a beautiful woman whose family have belittled her looks and self-worth throughout her life - and is angry that she looks down on herself.

J Geissinger tackles the difficult subject of self-esteem issues related to body image and she does a good job. Be sure to read the author’s note at the end of the book to learn about why she developed the character, Joellen. I love the dynamic between Cameron and Joellen and I really enjoyed the witty banter between them. Some of the conversations between them left me snorting back a laugh (also earning me the side eye from my husband who’s wondering what is so funny). Then the officemate, Denny, and his fart jokes had me chuckling. This book was hilarious, steamy, and romantic. Will Joellen overcome her self-esteem issues? Will she be with her “perfect” boss or will she choose with the egotistical, annoying rugby player who has always seen her? I received this book as an ARC.

Until the epilogue, when she acted halfway decent. When I was young I was very naive, extremely self-conscious, timidly shy and a people pleaser. But I was never stupid. The h was just too self centered and seemed to be dumb enough she couldn’t tell how badly she was hurting him. Even though she was a supposedly nice, caring person. The author did make her strong enough, though, that she tried to fight off the bad guy, so kudos for that. Which reminds me, why was her fellow office worked lurking instead of helping her? That was all kinds of wrong, even if something good did come out of it. I did appreciate the author’s reason for this character, and appreciated her trying to do the character justice. As one of those people myself, though, it just didn’t work for me.

The H was a sweetheart. He let her get away with too much, though, and deserved someone much better. She was not only ready to throw it all away, he even had to ask her to tell him she loved him. Because she didn’t do it on her own. That’s just sad.

Even though I didn’t care for the h, I did like the story. Mostly. The her being stupid was unfortunately dragged out way too long. I think if it had been a bit shorter then she might not have annoyed me as much. I thought the humor was great, which is partly why I scored it as a 3.5 instead of a 2. This was my first book from this author, and I liked her style well enough that I’ll try another one.

***4.5 stars***
I found the relationship between Joellen and Cameron totally fascinating, and loved following their story. The author has a brilliant writing style that had me laughing aloud on a few occasions. The story was fun although a bit slow at times.
I did have a very significant problem with this book though; I missed Cameron’s POV. I’d love hearing both sides of the story and understand better his strong feelings for Joellen. Cameron is one of the most sexy characters I have ever read, Scottish, handsome, great body, funny but unfortunately I couldn’t get to see everything play out between these two through both of their eyes and to understand both of their feelings and doubts.
Joellen was a perfectly flawed character with a good heart. Cameron saw through her low self-esteem, helped her love herself and made her believe she is worthy of love. The sex scenes, which came toward the end of the book, were super hot steamy, the banter between the two was hilarious and the sexual tension was palpable.
Overall, this is a great book that will melt your heart and I would recommend people who love slow burn romance books to read it.

In short:
Hero 4/5 | Heroine 5/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 4/5 | Writing Style 5/5 | Steam 4/5 | Romance 4/5 | Angst-Suspense 3/5 | Darkness 0/5 | Humor 4/5 | Secondary Characters 4/5 | Drama-Conflict 4/5 | Mystery 0/5 | Twists 4/5 | Pace Steady | Action 3/5

ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

Quirky heroine, Swoony Hero and fun banter!
Joellen is a great quirky heroine who sees herself as the ugly duckling her family has always told her she is. She has her sights set on attracting her boss Michael who doesn’t seem to notice her until she makes a few changes and catches his eye.

“I am unruly in emotion and appetite. I’ve spent so much of my adult life trying to not be unruly, to be smaller, more contained, more acceptable, but underneath it all I’m still myself. All the passions and desires and tempestuous needs, all the wants and hurts and sorrows, all the ugly and wonderful things. I am just unruly, peculiar me, and I’m so tired of pretending otherwise.”

When Cam moves in across the hall with loud music and even louder personality, sparks fly.
I adore the fun banter that peppers this story without hiding the message and emotion.

“Ha,” I say sourly. “You have all the charm of an open grave, McGregor.”
“Tch. Just admit it. You’re in love with me.” He bumps me with his elbow, and I send him a look designed to melt his face.
“Love? Hardly. If you were on a life support machine, I’d unplug it to charge my phone.”

Melt For You has solidified J.T. Geissinger as a “One-Click and don’t bother to even read the blurb” author for me!
5 Stars!!

Melt For You by JT Geissinger

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book was so unexpectedly different than what I imagined it would be, but it was different in the best possible way.

Cameron McGreggor is a famous Scottish rugby player. He’s cocky and has some serious swagger going on. For a few weeks, He switches apartments with his cousin and it puts him in proximity to Joellen Bixby. Joellen is awkward and basically a doormat to everyone because she can’t/won’t say no. She has body image issues thanks to her family. The best part about Cam is that he thinks she is perfect the way she is. Joellen and Cam start as annoyed neighbors and morph into neighbors helping each other and eventually lovers. Honestly, I liked Cam more than Joellen. He was dealt a sucky hand but he’s learned to deal with it. She didn’t do anything but exist until Cam. I love them together, even as friends. They each look deeper into the other and see the real person, not the whole person they project to the world.

“Every choice you make about you appearance should be about what makes you feel good, not what makes some random lad-or your mother-think your cute. Don’t set aside your preferences for anyone.” I loved this quote. It is so relatable for every person. It also speaks to Joellen about herself and her crush at a pivotal moment.

Gah!! This story was just amazing!! I absolutely lovee Ugly Duckling/Swan stories and boy was this a hit. Combine it with RUGBY and OMG I am in swoony heaven. Cam and Joellen were so funny and swoony and their banter was just fantastic. I might actually have a small (READ: HUGE) crush on Cam and his honesty and passion for all things Joellen!

This novel hit me right up in the feels folks. I love that the author didn't give us a perfect heroine. She was REAL and human with doubts and securities and 1000% relatable. She had self confidence issues about her appearance and her worth to others. But Cam. Man do I love that Hot Rugby badboy. He was laugh out loud funny and just so delicious. He SAW the beauty that Joellen was inside and out and refused to let HER or anyone else belittle her. He is one of my favorite J.T. Geissinger heroes to date. 

While I loved this story and Cam and Joellen's banter and steamy moments, on a purely selfish level, l found that I missed the dual perspective narrative in the story. I would have done ANYTHING to get into that gorgeous Scotsman's head to see him tick and to see his emotions and feelings for Joellen. All in all however, this was amazing and highly enjoyable and another favorite of mine from this author. I can't wait for more!! Bravo! 4.5 stars! ~Ratula

5 KILT WEARING, DARLIN', EXTRAORDINARY, FANTABULOUS, PRANCER STARS!!!!
I am not sure how to say this, I am not sure how she does it, but every time I read a book by J.T. Geissinger I am floored by the emotional whiplash I receive and it's always for the Hero. I mean, Really? Seriously? Please tell me how you do it Ms. Geissinger? Please, I beg of you to explain how every bloody freaking time, I am coo coo for cocoa puffs over the hero? Lol. This story was truly amazing from the witty sarcastic retorts, to the serious minded nature of the emotional and mental abuse that women and men go through, to the over the top love that I have for Cameron McGregor. Joellen has been made to feel unloved all her life it seems until a younger famous Scottish rugby player tells her that she is sexy and gorgeous all on her own. Joellen only has eyes for her boss, Michael Maddox (booooooo) I didn't like him at all, but I'll fault Joellen's self-esteem for her serious lack in judgement. I totally saw what Cam was doing with her the whole time, to bad she just couldn't get the obvious hints in their situation and I can honestly say that it would have flown over my head too, she and I are kin like that, Lol. Excellent read, excellent writing, excellent on a job well done, again! I Loved it so much!!!!

“You’re the reason God created the middle finger.”

Sexy, sweet, heartwarming, hilarious, and so damn witty, MELT FOR YOU by J.T. Geissinger was an unputdownable romance! With characters that will fill your heart and a storyline that will have you grinning from ear to ear, Joellen and Cameron couldn’t have been more perfect! The chemistry went from antagonistic, to steamy, to ON FIRE in the span of just a few chapters. This was a sexy and entertaining rollercoaster ride of a romance that pulled at my emotions every which way. Ladies, Joellen is ALL OF US! I loved her so much! And Cameron, well, this is one cocky SOB that you will fall HARD for! These two characters come from completely different worlds, but they end up tearing each other’s walls down, brick by brick, until there is nothing left but the love, respect, and admiration they have for one another. This enemies to friends to lovers romance had me SMITTEN from the very beginning! I couldn’t get enough!

MELT FOR YOU is book #2 in Geissinger’s Slow Burn Series, but it can be read as a complete standalone. I, however, recommend any and ALL of her books! She’s an INCREDIBLE romance writer who knows just what her readers need to fall in LOVE!

*ARC provided by the publisher

This author is very talented. However, I found her story telling ability very lacking. The h is excruciating tiresome and that is because the author failed to explain how a female got to be 40 and become so tiresome, boring,clueless and trifling. The h personal growth was non existent: her human contact was minima and negative except for a neighbor and the H. Other than her issues with her mother and father, why was this character so dysfunctional? Lets not even try to figure the reason for the love jones for 10 years over a married man. Really? Obviously, the H was perfect. This character did not grow a pair until about 90 percent of the book. And let's not understand her sexual proficiency because a character that is dysfunctional, a deliberate loner and emotionally immature, somehow found her sexual stride? I am not saying that it is not possible to evolve sexually and otherwise, after all the author can write whatever she wants, just show the growth. I would not recommend this book...very depressing and shows the issues of being a woman without providing the incremental growth of being a better person regardless of a man. Not even the afterword excuses this book.

My Review:
This book was amazingly good. I loved it so, so much!!

Joellen is awesome at the same time I just wanted to slap her upside her head for being so dense. I did love her overall, but I adored Cameron and the fact that he sees her beyond the issues that she thinks she has (and throughout so much of the book I wondered how much of her perception of herself was warped by her family and way off from what everyone else saw).

I loved the relationship and how Joellen and Cameron interact with one another. Their relationship starts out so contentious, but their dialogue is snappy and fun and that makes reading this book so much fun. I loved watching the two of them together. They were definitely oil and water at first with a huge dash of chemistry thrown in. While Joellen was completely oblivious to what was happening, it was fun to watch and it was obvious that Cameron was seriously falling for her.

It was just a fabulously fun book to read. The dialogue was witty and fun and the story. completely engaging and absorbing. I truly loved reading it and the romance between the two characters.

I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.

The first book in this series was phenomenal had everything I could of loved in a book. When I saw there was another in the series I was intrigued to read it. As much as I loved the first one this one was not as good, to me at least. I am not saying I hated it, just that I didn’t love it and it was just OK. The blurb drew me in, I mean who doesn’t love a hot scot! Joellen with all her awkward and negative self depreciating comments were hard to like. Too much of the self bashing over and over again. She kind of was a “yes” man at her job and was taken advantage of repeatedly. The fact that she had a crush on her boss for 10 yrs seemed beyond believable. Then she meets Cameron. He is staying in the apartment across the hall and throws a wrench in her everyday life. He’s loud, obnoxious, cocky yet is really just a sweet hearted teddy bear. I really liked Cam and him and Joellen had some good bantering and arguments. He is way more invested in her and it took her forever to catch on and follow through with the chemistry that they had together. All in all it was a cute read and I would still recommend to read it.

I asked for an advanced uncorrected readers copy from the publisher via Net Galley for an honest opinion.

HOLY S***! This book was about me!!!!!!!! ??
Oh. My. GOD!

I can't believe my luck to have received this ARC. It was more than amazing. It was amazing x 100.
Oh, damn, how I wish I was more eloquent and had more words in my vocabulary to express everything I feel about this book and its awesome author!

The heroine was totally me. I'm like that. Exactly like that. Maybe not as smart as her, as I don't usually find my words in a crazy banter.
I can tell you that I've highlighted half of the book. Almost everything was worth remembering and spoke to me like no other so far.
I've laughed so hard today, i fell of my chair.

I feel like reading it once again right now, like putting a song on repeat for a couple of days. I never had this feeling about any other book.

Read the blurb and please trust me when I say you don't want to miss out on this book. Mark your calendars May, 15th and go buy it without blinking.

J.T. Geissinger, you just became my favorite author. For me, this was your true masterpiece.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR GRANTING ME THIS ARC!

ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

You know when you have those books that were just so bloody good you almost hate yourself for reading it because you'll never have a first time reading it again. This was that book for me. It's one of those kind of romances that no matter what the subset of romance they might enjoy, i.e. Biker, billionaire, gritty, dark, light, paranormal, etc, they can and will love this book. The only readers that might be a little frustrated are the insta love types because it's most definitely a slow burn. A very delicious slow burn.

Cameron and Joellen were absolutely pure perfection. The banter is just fall out of your chair funny. His shutting down of her negative body image, we all need someone like that in our lives that can make us feel beautiful just the way we are. It's just so perfect.

I got this on KU but I'm gonna actually purchase it so I can keep it and never have to return it. I really can't say enough about how this book made me feel on an emotional level. It wasn't really angsty but it was sad at times. I felt that heartbreak she had with her mom saying she should be in her own weight class.

Gah! I just loved it so much I could babble on and on. You should most definitely give this book a go. It is pure enjoyment.

I loved this hilarious and heartfelt enemies to lovers romance! Joellen Bixby is a meek wall flower, but also a natural caretaker. She works hard, takes care of the people around her and has been in love with her boss for years. Then famous footballer, Cameron McGregor, moves in across the hall. He is loud, rugged, very sexy, and he upends Joellen's tidy world. They have a rocky, antagonistic start, but Cam has a way of getting past all Joellen's defenses. He loves her wicked, sassy mouth, that she doesn't fall at his feet and her marvelous cooking. He talks her into cooking for him and he will help her attract her boss. As they spend time together, priorities change, making enemies become friends and their fiery attraction begs for even more! I loved their hilarious banter and how they learned to trust each other. Cam is so cocky, funny, and had me totally swooning! Joellen was awkward, and quirky, and I loved seeing her grow into a strong, self assured woman. There were several emotional moments that made this a wonderfully multifaceted story. The epilogue was so perfect along with the list of 10 reasons why rugby doesn't suck! I highly recommend this hilarious and heartfelt romance!

**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**

I know we have all read books and though, damn, this should be a movie...well this is one of those books!! Joellen and Cam have the most amazing chemistry right off the bat. The back and forth with these two had me laughing out loud with tears in my eyes. Joellen has lost herself along the way. She didn't do it to herself though. She let others influence how she saw herself, until she didn't see herself anymore. She thinks she is the ugly duckling, but boy was she wrong!! Enter the big, in more places than one, strong, handsome, cocky rugby player Cam!! I could tell right off that he liked a real woman. Exactly what Joellen was, but didn't see. She has been at a job for 10 years and harboring this huge crush on the CEO, Michael Maddox. The plot thickens.....and by chance, Cam offers to help Joellen win him over. I loved every minute of this book. Heck, I read it twice over the last 36 hours. There were moments in this book where I cried. I think all of us have had times when we doubted and judged ourselves. It hit home with me. I love books that bring out all your emotions. I even swooned, yes, swooned out loud!! I even googled some rugby matches! I am a fan! This is the book that you want to see play out on the screen. When I closed my Kindle for the second time I read this, I literally lied down, closed my eyes, and watched it play out like a movie. It's just that good! Another 5 star read for me, and will be another purchase. J.T. Geissinger, your talent amazes me! Never stop writing!!!!

Melt for You melted me! Why? Cameron McGregor! He is funny, sexy and so darn swoony! This is book 2 in the Slow Burn series and can be read as a complete standalone, and honestly I loved Book #1-Burn for You so much that I didn't think this book would live up to it, but believe me, it far exceeded it. I can't remember laughing so hard while reading a contemporary romance, but the dialogue was hysterical! Joellen's character is freaking funny, as was some of Cameron's one-liners -- I think I had tears running down my face for most of the book. But aside from the laughs, there are some very emotional, heartfelt moments in this book that really resonated with me because of some of the issues that Joellen deals with. Add in the secondary characters that were absolutely perfect and you've got an incredible read. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone so suffice it to say that this is an excellent romantic comedy with tons of laugh-out-loud moments, emotional and intense "feel" moments and an all around awesome storyline. I didn't want it to end and that's a good indication of how much I enjoyed this read! Can't wait to see what this author has in store for us next!

Joellen has been in love with her married boss, Michael, since she 1st started working for his company 10 years ago.
Now, he is getting divorced, and her dream of being with him could finally become a reality; however, Joellen's self-esteem is not great, since she has always been compared to her super model mother and gorgeous and thin sister. Cameron, Joellen's neighbor's cousin who is the most famous athlete in the world, is staying in the apartment across from hers while he waits for some bad press to die down, and he works on his image that is spiraling out of control. Cameron agrees to help Joellen in her quest to lose weight and become less awkward to win Michael, but does Cam really want to get the girl for himself? The banter between Cameron and Joellen is smart and very funny.

The story was well written and funny throughout the entire book.

This is book 2 in the series. You do not have to read book 1 to enjoy this 1 as the characters in each book are completely different.

Joellen Bixby is what people would describe as a wallflower. Quiet, blends in with her surroundings, terrible self esteem. She is secretly in love with the CEO of her firm and has been for 10 years. When Cameron McGregor moves in next door she is appalled by his cocky attitude and music. After coming to an agreement to get him to stop playing his loud rap music Joellen learns to calmly deal with Cameron. When he finds out about Joellen’s feeling for her boss he offers to help her pursue him. She wants to lose weight get toned so Cam helps with an exercise program and better eating habits. He works hard to get her to stop putting herself down and getting upset about the things people say to her. With helping Joellen get what she wants he realizes he is pushing the women of his dreams into another man’s arms. With her boss showing her some attention Joellen is super excited. She is also up for a promotion at work which she is excited for also. When she finds out her boss is not who he seems she is devastated. Cam is there to pick up the pieces. Maybe the man of her dreams has been right in front of her all this time.

Joellen is an introvert who prefers to spend her evenings dreaming about her boss at Maddox Publishing as she has for the last 10 years. It doesn’t matter to her that not only is he not available, but he has never looked at her as more than an employee, but it doesn’t stop her from hoping.

Cameron is the sexy rugby player and the neighbor that plays his rap music way too loud! When she finally has had enough she heads over to get him to turn the music down, but she never expected the muscular Scotsman to change her life.

A friendship develops between the two and when her boss may be available she decides that he has the expertise and knowledge to show her how to catch her man. He agrees and hopes that along the way she will realize what she really wants is right in front of her.

The chemistry between them is intense, the banter humorous and Cameron helped Joellen realize she didn’t need to change that she was beautiful as she was, and she brought light to Cameron after his painful past. This is a heartwarming romance that you won’t soon forget.

Amazing read...I think I’m developing a huge love for slow burn romance – I kinda hate myself it would seem. To get to the first kiss was such a torture but it was so good that i didn't even care by the time we got to that.

This one was one of the best slow burns I have read. Cam and Joellen were so great together – I loved everything about them. From the way he kept helping her to the way she just didn't see what was in front of there. And to say that she was clueless is an understatement of the year. I loved how he kept encouraging her: »Just don't forget who you are. Don't forget what you are Joellen: not for anyone.« and when she doubted that she wasn't “good” enough for him: »You're not a crutch to me, Joellen. You're a gift.« Talk about charming Scotsman – dear God in heaven I wish I could find a man like that – I’d divorce my husband in a heartbeat. DO NOT tell him I wrote that :)

First book by the author and I’m so in love – she found a repeat reader in me.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***