Light My Fire

Light My Fire by J. Kenner is the eleventh book in her new 12 book Man of the Month series. Told in dual POV this is the story of Griffin and Beverly, a scarred man with a heart of gold and the indie-movie star beauty who fell for him inside and out. Finally, Griffin's story - I have eagerly awaited his tale. Scarred from horrific burns as a child he keep his trusted hoodie on at almost al times and does not interact well with strangers. A regular at the fix, a voice actor for his popular podcast and now a screen-writer, her is in close proximity on most days to the breakout indie movie star, Beverly. He is rapidly falling for her but with his hangups about his scars he won't ever let things get to that point where he could actually be in a relationship with her. Beverly has fallen for Griffin, hard. She knows he is very sensitive about his scarring but his personality, his hot body (because scars or not, dude works out), and his intense and brooding eyes, she is definitely falling for him. She knows he is worth it but how can she convince himself that his scars don't make him less of a person in her eyes or in others? Well-written and well-paced, this was another great read and I'm excited with how each of the upcoming characters are gently weaved into the plots in earlier stories without being obtrusive to the current story. Enjoy!

The most emotionally intense story of this series, so far. Griffin and Beverly are two characters who both want to be with the other, but have something holding them back. I found Griffin’s struggle with his scars to be agonizing and emotional for me as a reader. Beverly’s love helps him overcome so much and she is the true hero of the story. I’m a little sad we’re getting close to the end.

Light My Fire written by J. Kenner 5+++ “He’d let her live too long in his fantasies, spinning movies in his head where she was in his arms, her hands touching him, her lips kissing him. Her face revealing only love and not the slightest bit of disgust.” So bittersweet getting my hands on this book. I couldn’t wait to meet Mr. November and then I just kept thinking slow down and enjoy there is only one book left in the Man of the Month Series. Couldn’t this be a weekly contest instead of monthly? I’m not ready to have this series end. Hopefully The Fix couples can appear in later J Kenner books...hint, hint! Just a slight mention of the Starks in any other book puts a smile on my face...the calendar men would do the same in later series! “She couldn’t be in the same room with him without fighting her way through an electrical storm of attraction, all the more intense because he never let lightning strike.” Kenner has a way of taking an emotional struggle within someone and bringing beauty and light to the subject. I love the gentle, real exposure of the physical and emotional turmoil that lives within many and then she turns it into hope, love and light without dismissing the daily struggle it causes many. She brings awareness and healing while never underestimating the intensity, fear and insecurity it holds on the owner. “...living inside a snow globe while the outside world shook him up...” A snippet of Mr. December appears as though a possible taboo subject may be headed our way...knowing J Kenner she will shed light on the subject from a new direction and leave us cheering for this couple. Walk the Line is sure to bring us controversy and challenge. Lucky for me I don’t back down from a good challenge.

I have anxiously been waiting for Griffin's story. I have been intrigued with his story ever since his sister's book. I would have loved to have seen Griffin's story in a full length novel though versus a novella. Beverly and Griffin's story was so touching, but I felt like it could have been so much more if the story was more developed. I continue to enjoy this series though. I have really enjoyed meeting all of the couples. Griffin and Beverly's story was a good one, I just would have loved so much more.

This is the eleventh book in the Man of the Month series. I have been waiting on this story. I fell in love with Griffin Blaise’s story in Wicked Grind. I couldn’t wait to see him find someone who would love him for him. Beverly Martin has been in some of the past Man of the Month books. She is a Hollywood Star that has hosted the contest for the Man of the Month, to help save The Fix on Sixth. Griffin has hid his face from many people because of the scars he got when he was young. In comes Beverly who sees past all his scars. But will Griffin finally let someone see the true person? I love Griffin.

I enjoyed this book but it was way too short. I'm so proud of Griffin. He went through a lot. And suffered through unimaginable horror. I couldn't imagine. Thanks to Jessie (another burn victim), she put him in his place. He ended up shedding his insecurities. And grew as a character. I really liked Beverly. She was a strong h. I liked Beverly and Griffin together. They were innocent and really likable. Though I think I'd have written that Griffin was still a virgin. I think it'd have more of an impact. It would tie into his burns a bit better. The last chapter went at warp speed. I really felt a bit disappointed. I thought this book should have one more chapter then the epilogue. Though reading the epilogue, I'm super excited to read Walk The Line. Brent and Elena. Sounds like it might be a hot read.

Readers who are up-to-date with J. Kenner’s Man of the Month series are no stranger to Light My Fire’s leading man, Griffin, but even though we’ve seen him in the background and in his interactions with the other couples of the series, it’s not until his own story that we’re introduced to the ‘real’ Griffin, the one who prefers to work and live behind-the-scenes…the one whose internal and external scars dictate how he lives his life and who he allows inside his inner circle.That’s the Griffin that readers have been waiting to meet and that’s the man who deserves his happily ever after, just like all the men of the month that have come before him. But while The Fix on 6th has become Griffin’s home away from home, allowing him to become friends with a small group of people, who feel more like family, accept him as he is, there’s still something missing from his life, and even though he’s not one to put himself in the spotlight nor does he feel worthy of a beautiful woman like Beverly Martin, there comes a point where Griffin cannot deny his attraction to her or his need to be by her side, even if it makes him feel J. Kenner paired Griffin up with his perfect girl because despite the fact that Beverly is a movie star and used to being in the spotlight, she’s a caring and down-to-earth woman who has been enamored with Griffin, first through his words and then through the man who he is beyond the scars, and while it’s not an easy challenge to take on, Beverly understands its importance and willingly takes on this difficult role because it’s one that will ensure her the best life and partner possible. It amazes me how much story J. Kenner packs into these Man of the Month stories; it’s a fast-paced read that builds a complete plot and develops the personalities of its main characters and while I’m sure there would be even more development and characterization if the stories were a bit longer, the texts are meant to be quick, standalone steamy romances with a ‘guaranteed happily ever after,’ and each one definitely fills that role. 4 Poison Apples

She took a breath for courage, then lifted her hand, moving it to his hoodie. Gently she pushed it off his head. “Don’t,” he said, his voice tight. “Then stop me,” she said cupping her palm over his scarred cheek. Is the mysterious and damaged Griffin Draper finally getting his happily ever after? The devoted friend and loyal brother has made an appearance in nearly every book in the series, including Wicked Grind, but never had a love interest until now. Severely burned as a teen, he hides his scars behind a successful writing/blogging career and his ever present hoodie. Few people are allowed to see the man beneath the facade and gorgeous movie star Beverly Martin wants to change that. As their friendship evolves into more, Griffin realizes getting involved with a celebrity will throw him into an unwelcome spotlight. Is Griffin ready to reveal his scars to the world to stand beside the woman he loves?

I’ve looking forward to Griffin’s story and to see how J Kenner was going to tell it. I wasn’t disappointed. Beverly Martin was the perfect person to bring Griffin into actually living his life instead of being on the sideline. She never gave up on him and didn’t waver in her feelings. Once he made up his mind, boy, did he ever! Another great read and dreading that there is only one more month to go.

Oh Griffin! Griffin is a talented writer and has found a career that lets him hide the scars on his body. But when he meets Beverly, a famous actress, he finds a longing he never expects but doesn’t see any way she would want him. Beverly was captivated by Griffin’s writing before she ever met him but then he stole her heart. Even as he tries to hide from her, she sees the beauty within. When a big opportunity happens for both of them, it pushes their relationship even closer but will Griffin be willing to let down his “hoodie” to truly let Beverly in? Truly a beautifully sexy romance that delivered a few surprises along the way. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.