Simon would rather be anywhere but London in winter—anywhere except a wedding, that is. It’s hard to celebrate love when you don’t believe in it. But it was his best mate, and he was best man. At least it was on an exclusive private island in the Florida Keys.
Delaney isn't sure how she landed the Executive Chef position at Paradise Key in the first place. Catering the resort’s inaugural wedding was the ultimate test. And fooling around with the best man is a surefire way to ruin the opportunity of a lifetime.
Macy is a foul-mouthed tennis addict whose sweet side comes out with her two teenage sons. She loves to write about sassy women who like their men Alpha in the bedroom and Beta at the breakfast table. Strong, smart heroines inspire her as much as hard-bodied heroes with hearts of gold.
Her passion is writing erotic stories that appeal to smart women, and men. She loves to show that happily-ever-after can come in many forms and can keep getting better, through characters ballsy enough to push their own boundaries to cross the line from fantasy to reality. She hopes to inspire readers to think outside the confines of social norms.
Delany never thought she would get this chance in a million years. Head Chef of a beautiful resort on a beautiful island in Florida. It has always been her dream, but she's not too sure she's ready. And what were they thinking asking her to cook for a wedding? Her nerves are frayed and what she doesn't need is a cocky man making her head spin. Simon doesn't believe in love and doesn't really want to be at a wedding, but it's his best friend and the best man so he doesn't really have a choice. However, when a beautiful woman catches his eye his vacation is about to look up. She's on the fritz and he finds her adorable. These two have chemistry and it's so beautiful, but they live in different places. Can they have the epic love story or will Simon go back home and know he just has a beautiful crush? Sometimes a vacation might just be that. Totally loved how this story was written and how Macy brought the colors in the description of things out.
I like this author’s books and this latest book is a hit. I think it might be my favourite so far. It is easy to read and once I started I couldn’t stop reading. The setting will transport you away and the plot will keep you hooked. Delaney and Simon are sweet, sexy and endearing. I loved their interactions but also their relationships with others such as Zayne and Gus. I really love how characters from other series/books by the author make appearances in this book. It is a fun and familiar element that helps pull storylines together and gives another look into their world.
Macy Butler is a new author to me and I am shocked that I have not come across her books before. I really enjoyed Keys to Paradise. It was an entertaining story that drew me in and held my attention from the first chapter.
Delaney is a chef working at a Florida Keys resort and is about to cater the resorts first wedding, for her boss’s friend. What she doesn’t count on is her intense attraction to the best man, Simon. She knows the last things she can afford is to become involved with a VIP guest but the heart wants who the heart wants.
Neither of them were looking for a relationship and yet that is what quickly happens. Simon has been struggling with baggage but meeting Delaney brings light to the darkness that has been his life recently. Delaney and Simon are well suited to one another and for me they were meant to be. The road they travelled was rocky but their journey was so worth it in the end.
Keys To Paradise was well written, with engaging characters and a story line that grabbed and held my attention throughout. This may have been my first book by Ms.Butler but it won’t be my last.
This is the first book I have read by this author but it won’t be the last because after reading Delaney and Simon’s story I’m left wondering why she hasn’t crossed my radar before now. Delaney us working as a chef in the Florida Keys and she is planning the resorts first wedding for her boss’s friend. Simon is the best man and having worked continuously for a while he needs a break so he extends his time in the Keys, he is meant to be relaxing not falling for the stunning chef…… From the moment these two meet sparks fly but neither are looking for anything more than a fling but we can’t control our hearts and love is sometimes found when we least expect it. This book has it all, it has wonderful characters with a great story, it’s witty, its funny it’s steamy but more importantly it’s believable. A captivating read that will appeal to a wide range of audiences.
Truly beautiful romance of being scared to love. Afraid to take the leap with someone. This book will pull at your heart and it has some incredible erotic scenes. Didn't want to put this book down. Looking forward to more books by Macy.
Who wouldn’t won’t to work in paradise?? Delaney is the executive chef for the resort and for her first big event is a wedding and dinner, that she so nervous for.. Who wouldn’t won’t to play in paradise?? Simon is there for his best friends wedding and trying to work out some trouble with his last relationship.. Delaney and Simon meets and hit it off right away But neither of them are in the right place to start something big… The relationship between these two is a roller coaster.. I love how this author books are all connected in someway and how even the side characters are great!!
ARC provided by BNW in exchange of an honest review.
3.5 stars
Keys to Paradise was a good quick read for me. The blurb made me pick it up and I was sure the author knew the places described in the story. Finding out she's a local explained all. The Keys were so amazingly described that I could almost be there myself too. I've rated it just 3.5 stars because I'd have loved the author to be so detailed even for the story itself as much she was for the island, food and activities. This story has so much more potential. I couldn’t relate with Delaney, even though at the beginning she seemed the perfect girl, but all her confidence vanished during the first chapters and I wanted to slap her almost in all pages. For her being an executive chef was a little disturbing her lack of confidence since seemed she couldn't take a decision without Gus's help, both goes for her work and her life... I loved Simon, though and Gus which for me saved it all. The end of the book was cute, the author wrapped it nicely in a HEA.
Spicy: 🌶🌶/5 Funny: 😆😆/5
Would I recommend it? Yes, if you like a second chance at love. Would I read it again? No.
This book was my hardest baby to birth in many ways, with so much else going on in life at the time. It felt like a hard slog to get to the happily ever after for a minute there. But it was SOOOOOO worth the effort in the end. Simon and Delaney were made for each other, and I put them through the wringer to make them realize it!! I hope you love it as much as I do.
“I didn’t let my mind wander to what-ifs often. Survival mode is about putting one foot in front of the other and never looking back.”
After being orphaned, Delaney goes to the one place that always made her heart happy, The Keys. Here she lands an executive chef job on an island, away from her problems. When she gets a first class wedding as her first big gig, Delaney isn’t sure she is good enough, and calls in her friend to help. But when she meets a certain handsome best man, Delaney feels off her game, and isn’t sure she can allow herself to fall. When Simon arrives in The Keys for his best friend’s wedding, he dreads the whole celebration. Being away from his daughter has made him skeptical of love and not wanting to be stuck celebrating love on some island. But when Simon spots Delaney for the first time, he is taken back. The more time they spend together, the more Simon is worried he will open his heart up again.
“We stepped off the dock onto the sand and before I knew it his arms were around my waist and his lips were on mine. I clutched my towel tight like it was my lifeline of restraint. Soft and sweet as his lips were, I couldn’t give into the temptation. He’d be gone in a blink and I’d be even more broken.”
Keys to Paradise is a chance to fall in love. It is also a chance to move on from the hurt in your past. By choosing The Keys, Macy has set a beautiful backdrop for the story. The characters are all so unique and add a little bit of themselves to the storyline. Delaney and Simon are a match made, so perfect yet so different. From meeting new friends to reconnecting with old ones, Keys to Paradise is a feel good book. There are some heartbreaking moments, some humorous moments and definitely some steamy moments, making Keys to Paradise a book to read.
“It was too much, too fast. As though he sensed my heart and mind racing, Simon seemed to retract, to give me space. “If that’s what you want, then yes.” Uneasiness mixed with appreciation for this incredible man and the life he was offering me. An offer I didn’t think I could accept..”
Delaney has the ideal job. She is a chef working at a resort in the Keys. She is her own boss and has the pleasure of designing the menu to her desire. What she doesn't have is a man. When Simon comes to the resort as the best man in the resorts first wedding, she is intrigued. Simon is working his butt off and needs a vacation. So when his best mate gets married, he extends the vacation in the Keys a bit so he can rest. When he gets to the resort and sees the chef, his heart is all aflutter. Neither Simon nor Delaney are interested in a relationship but love seems insistent. Opinion I think the most intriguing part of this book was the fact that Delaney lived in her version of paradise. I, myself, would prefer a mountain home but Delaney got to wake up every day and do what she loved in her perfect location. Add to the fact that the perfect man just lands at her feet and I'm sold on the book. I've never read anything else by Macy Butler. I was pleased to see she has 12 books out, according to Goodreads. I loved her style of writing. She switched back and forth between the two MC's point of view. Having insight into both let me see their desperation for each other and get a good grasp on all of the other emotions throughout the book. The book was full of many great scenes. My favorite was the scene when they were out with Gus and Elliot. They went to a gay bar. I just about died of laughter with what happened right before they left. I, personally, would have either been mortified or laughed my butt off if I were put in that situation. I'm not 100% positive which emotion I would have had. Many thanks to Bare Naked Words for providing me with an ARC of this book.
This was my first time reading a book by Macy Butler and I thoroughly enjoyed it! It certainly made me want to move to The Keys, that's for sure! Great detail was paid to the places mentioned in the book and made me feel like I was right there with the characters, and had me wanting to Google all the places that were visited (particularly Bourbon Street. That place really intrigued me with its pool and all. Ahem).
It was a wonderful story of second chance love and overcoming obstacles that were in the way, stopping them from opening themselves up to falling in love again. I did get a little frustrated with Delaney at times. She lacked confidence and didn't believe what an amazing chef she was but what was also frustrating was her holding back from Simon and not letting herself fully enjoy the time they had together. There were times when I'd be shouting at my Kindle saying, "Gah! Just let him in! Tessa and Clifton (her bosses) wouldn't deny you the chance to fall in love! They'll be fine! Go get it on with Simon already!" To be honest, I felt like that was just an excuse. She was just scared to fall in love again; she was scared he'd leave her. I love me an HEA and this ending was perfect!
Delaney is a chef at an exclusive resort in the Keys. This is her first job heading up a kitchen and she is suffering with doubts about her ability to do the job, particularly as the first function is a wedding. When she meets best man, Simon there is definite chemistry between them but she tries to keep a professional distance. from him.
For me, Delaney's self-doubt made her relatable but it did become repetitive over time. Lack of confidence is something that faces most of us at some point so it was good to have those feelings recognised. There was a huge amount of time spent describing the location, scenery and food, which was really good at drawing us into the feel of the place. However, I feel that there should have been more time spent looking at the emotions of the characters and providing more about the reasons for why the characters were feeling the way they were.
Simon is definitely hard working, confident and determined. He knew he wanted Delaney and he wasn't giving up. He continued to push until it was clear that Delaney's walls were not coming down. I liked Simon. He knew what he wanted and went for it, with Delaney and his daughter. Simon brought balance to Delaney that brought balance to the read.
This was a cute, entertaining slow burn romance. Delaney is the chef at the resort and only does the occasional hook up due to issues from her past. Simone is a guest at the resort who is attending a friend's wedding. There is a connection but Delaney tries to avoid him as she has a rule not to hook up with guest. But it's hard when he is the best man and she is in charge of cooking for the wedding during the two weeks they are there. Also being asked to join them every now and then since the bride and groom work with her boss too. This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed it and can't wait to read the first book and the next story.
I received an ARC and volunteered to leave a review.
Delaney has landed a new job on a private island paradise and the resorts new executive chef. Simon is from London and has a daughter with his ex. They meet when Simon is at the resort for his best friends wedding. Sparks fly. But Delaney doesn't want to cross the line with him because he's staying at the resort and leaving soon. What will happen when the sparks explode into something they both never saw coming? What will happen when Simon's stay is over? Will there be a HEA?
Delaney is a nervous wreck. Being an executive chef she gets her first catering job for a wedding whose friends with her boss. She is thrown for a loop when the best man shows up. He's distracting. Simon didn't want to attend the wedding but it was a must since his best friend was getting married. The moment her saw her he knew that it was going to be a good vacation afterall. I'm glad Simon and Delaney finally the courage to go after the happiness they deserved. A beautifully written romance.
So, I will admit I hadn't read Macy Butler before but I was intrigued and sold after meeting her at a book convention last year. I had to pick this up and I am so glad I did. This was fun, and super funny at times that I could not stop laughing. Simon and Delaney have amazing chemistry as well and I loved seeing them come to the realization that they needed each other. Did I read his scenes with a British accent? Yes, I did.
ARC provided by BNW in exchange of an honest review
It was a cute story even though I found some parts I rolled my eyes so bad. Delaney is a young executive chef that seems she's doing great but the more we read the more her lack of confidence ruin the story, which is a shame because it's a goodstory. Simon and Gus are my favorite, the author did a great job with them.
Simon is...delicious. When he travels to paradise for his best mate's wedding, the chef catches his eye. He has to meet her. Delaney has baggage and a hard shell. Simon is very likeable. The story moves along at a steady pace and I had trouble putting it down at bedtime. I loved book 2 of this series and am anxious to start book 3.
Down loaded from Kindle Unlimited . But it’s Violet : Hayden story not Simon and Delaney’s story . Like the story but now would really like to read Simon/Delaney. Anyone else have this problem