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The Billionaire Series #1
Breakfast with the Billionaire
Popular chef.
Billionaire playboy.
The boss.
Chelsea Bartlett knows all she needs to know about chef Grant Forelle: his reputation as a lady’s man precedes him. Now, she works in one of his restaurants, and despite his allure—and how much he flirts with her—she’s vowed not to cross the line between boss and employee. After all, she dreams of owning her own business someday, and a glowing recommendation from him is at stake. And, in her heart, Chelsea knows a simple fling would never be enough.
Grant Forelle wants his restaurant to succeed, and Chelsea Bartlett just might be the person to help make that happen. But Grant isn’t counting on his intense attraction to Chelsea or the way she challenges him. And that citrus-vanilla scent that seems to permeate the air when she’s near . . . If he chooses to chase her, he’ll lose sight of his end goal: turning his restaurant around. And life is all about the restaurant business, isn’t it?
A weekend trip to Charlotte, North Carolina, changes things for both Chelsea and Grant. And now, a question for them both arises: What’s a more important pursuit, business or love?
Billionaire playboy.
The boss.
Chelsea Bartlett knows all she needs to know about chef Grant Forelle: his reputation as a lady’s man precedes him. Now, she works in one of his restaurants, and despite his allure—and how much he flirts with her—she’s vowed not to cross the line between boss and employee. After all, she dreams of owning her own business someday, and a glowing recommendation from him is at stake. And, in her heart, Chelsea knows a simple fling would never be enough.
Grant Forelle wants his restaurant to succeed, and Chelsea Bartlett just might be the person to help make that happen. But Grant isn’t counting on his intense attraction to Chelsea or the way she challenges him. And that citrus-vanilla scent that seems to permeate the air when she’s near . . . If he chooses to chase her, he’ll lose sight of his end goal: turning his restaurant around. And life is all about the restaurant business, isn’t it?
A weekend trip to Charlotte, North Carolina, changes things for both Chelsea and Grant. And now, a question for them both arises: What’s a more important pursuit, business or love?
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2023
40 people are currently reading
1205 people want to read
About the author
Keely Stephens
4 books22 followersNature Lover. Bob Ross Enthusiast. Feminist.
Keely Stephens grew up reading her mom’s (not very spicy) Harlequin books on summer afternoons, at a time when she couldn’t imagine a happily ever after for a shy, nerdy introvert like her. Though it took Keely a while to find the courage (and time) to write her own happily-ever-after books (both spicy and not), she’s thrilled to have found how much she enjoys writing them. She hopes to always write strong, capable characters (of all sorts) that view sex (of all sorts) positively. Keely still reads romances on summer afternoons. She loves to hear from readers, so feel free to get in touch! IG: @keelystephensauthor; FB: @AuthorKeelyStephens
Keely Stephens grew up reading her mom’s (not very spicy) Harlequin books on summer afternoons, at a time when she couldn’t imagine a happily ever after for a shy, nerdy introvert like her. Though it took Keely a while to find the courage (and time) to write her own happily-ever-after books (both spicy and not), she’s thrilled to have found how much she enjoys writing them. She hopes to always write strong, capable characters (of all sorts) that view sex (of all sorts) positively. Keely still reads romances on summer afternoons. She loves to hear from readers, so feel free to get in touch! IG: @keelystephensauthor; FB: @AuthorKeelyStephens
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
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February 13, 2023I just couldn’t feel it. I was not in the mood for I-want-you-but-I-shouldn’t kind of story.
Dnf @ 30%
Dnf @ 30%
January 21, 2023
Fun steamy slow burn romance with a billionaire superstar chef and the new sous chef who he fired on her first day of work.
February 4, 2023
Steamy! So Steamy! While romance is not my genre of choice, I do enjoy a well written one on occasion. Stephens’ new book does not disappoint. Looking forward to the next in series!
February 3, 2023
Breakfast with the Billionaire by Keely Stephens is the story of Grant and Chelsea. He’s a renowned chef. She’s just starting out! They make an agreement…and things begin to spiral out of control after that! Bring in a handsome friend, lots of misinterpretations and miscommunications, and you have this story!
I liked the characters and the story line…this was a mostly enjoyable read…parts dragged a bit and there was little-to-no tension. But, overall a good read!
I am volunteering to leave a review for an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I liked the characters and the story line…this was a mostly enjoyable read…parts dragged a bit and there was little-to-no tension. But, overall a good read!
I am volunteering to leave a review for an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
October 5, 2025
chelsea annoyed me so much that i was bored halfway through. i didn't see any chemistry between them too, i'm sorry. most of the time, all they think about is how hot the other person is and their random fantasies and i'm just tired.
i hated the miscommunication thing. they could've easily resolved those if only they know how to be mature and communicate properly.
anyway, i got this kindle copy for free ages ago and it was an okay-ish read.
i hated the miscommunication thing. they could've easily resolved those if only they know how to be mature and communicate properly.
anyway, i got this kindle copy for free ages ago and it was an okay-ish read.
February 2, 2023
While Women’s Fiction is my preferred genre I do indulge in reading romance novels from time to time. Breakfast with the Billionaire did not disappoint! I enjoyed Chelsea and Grant’s story and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 13, 2023
4.5 🌟
This book was incredible. If slow burn, billionaire romance is your thing, then this book is the one for you.
When chelsea Bartlett is in culinary school, she has a chance encounter with the great chef Grant Forelle, which leaves her with a not so favourable impression of him!
Years later, chelsea applies for a job as the chef in one of his restaurants. Their first meeting in the restaurant definitely leaves an impression, especially on Grant,
'𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓻𝓸𝓷𝓰 𝓰𝓻𝓲𝓹 𝓸𝓯 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓻𝓼 𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝔀𝓪𝓻𝓶𝓽𝓱 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓪𝓷 𝓮𝓵𝓮𝓬𝓽𝓻𝓲𝓬𝓲𝓽𝔂 𝓱𝓮 𝓱𝓪𝓭𝓷𝓽 𝓯𝓮𝓵𝓽 𝓲𝓷 𝔂𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓼. 𝓐𝓵𝓶𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓼𝓹𝓪𝓻𝓴𝓼, 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓺𝓾𝓲𝓽𝓮....'
As their professional relationship develops, they both begin to realise that maybe they want more than a boss/employee relationship, but they must first overcome personal hurdles to be able to have what they both secretly want!
I loved the dynamic between Chelsea and Grant she is a strong and sassy character, even if a little indecisive at times!! And Grant tries to pull off the alpha asshole billionaire thing, but he's just a nice guy deep down!!
This book is a definite must-read, and i can't wait for more in the series.
This book was incredible. If slow burn, billionaire romance is your thing, then this book is the one for you.
When chelsea Bartlett is in culinary school, she has a chance encounter with the great chef Grant Forelle, which leaves her with a not so favourable impression of him!
Years later, chelsea applies for a job as the chef in one of his restaurants. Their first meeting in the restaurant definitely leaves an impression, especially on Grant,
'𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓻𝓸𝓷𝓰 𝓰𝓻𝓲𝓹 𝓸𝓯 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓻𝓼 𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝔀𝓪𝓻𝓶𝓽𝓱 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓪𝓷 𝓮𝓵𝓮𝓬𝓽𝓻𝓲𝓬𝓲𝓽𝔂 𝓱𝓮 𝓱𝓪𝓭𝓷𝓽 𝓯𝓮𝓵𝓽 𝓲𝓷 𝔂𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓼. 𝓐𝓵𝓶𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓼𝓹𝓪𝓻𝓴𝓼, 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓺𝓾𝓲𝓽𝓮....'
As their professional relationship develops, they both begin to realise that maybe they want more than a boss/employee relationship, but they must first overcome personal hurdles to be able to have what they both secretly want!
I loved the dynamic between Chelsea and Grant she is a strong and sassy character, even if a little indecisive at times!! And Grant tries to pull off the alpha asshole billionaire thing, but he's just a nice guy deep down!!
This book is a definite must-read, and i can't wait for more in the series.
April 1, 2023
I loved this charming, steamy book from Stephens and can't wait for more! I'm a sucker for work romances, restaurant settings, and seeing how the 1% lives, so this book was right up my alley. Stephens does an awesome job exploring her characters and their issues, and keeps the reader rooting for them when all seems lost. Definitely five stars!
February 18, 2023
Despite her preconceived perception Chelsea Bartlett has of chef Grant Forelle due to what she witnessed years ago Chelsea applies and ends up securing a spot working alongside Grant. Which she feels is a great stepping stone to one day running her own restaurant.
Grant Forelle is a billionaire with incredible skills in the kitchen. He buys struggling restaurants and turns them into successes. When he meets Chelsea, he hires her then instantly fires her due to a misunderstanding. Once he sees that Chelsea has great talent as a chef and that she has spunk he rehires her despite the instant attraction he has for her.
The chemistry between Grant and Chelsea is immediately felt by both but they both want to respect the boss and employee relationship. As they work together it gets harder to ignore the spark between them.
This book would have been rated higher if the characters were younger. I’m all for misunderstandings tropes but given their ages there was way too many misunderstandings between them and they both seemed a bit childish.
Thank you to the author and publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book was just not for me, but it was very well written and I do recommend everyone give it a chance.
Full review on my blog
Grant Forelle is a billionaire with incredible skills in the kitchen. He buys struggling restaurants and turns them into successes. When he meets Chelsea, he hires her then instantly fires her due to a misunderstanding. Once he sees that Chelsea has great talent as a chef and that she has spunk he rehires her despite the instant attraction he has for her.
The chemistry between Grant and Chelsea is immediately felt by both but they both want to respect the boss and employee relationship. As they work together it gets harder to ignore the spark between them.
This book would have been rated higher if the characters were younger. I’m all for misunderstandings tropes but given their ages there was way too many misunderstandings between them and they both seemed a bit childish.
Thank you to the author and publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book was just not for me, but it was very well written and I do recommend everyone give it a chance.
Full review on my blog
April 17, 2023
Breakfast with the Billionaire
Breakfast with the Billionaire
I stumbled across this book in the stuff you kindle day, and I'm super glad I did.
Popular Chef Grant Forelle
Billionaire playboy
The Boss
These are the 3 things Chef Chelsea Bartlett keeps reminding herself because she is his new Sous Chef, and her dreams of owning her own restaurant are in reaching distance if this all goes well.
Grant Forelle has only 1 goal, and that's to be the very best and for his newest restaurant to be a success, but lines get blurred, and assumptions get made before these 2 can get that Hea.
This is a proper slow burn, which I usually don't go for, but I really loved this. It's definitely worth a read.
Slow burn
Boss/employee
Reformed playboy
Grumpy sunshine
And of course, Hea
Breakfast with the Billionaire
I stumbled across this book in the stuff you kindle day, and I'm super glad I did.
Popular Chef Grant Forelle
Billionaire playboy
The Boss
These are the 3 things Chef Chelsea Bartlett keeps reminding herself because she is his new Sous Chef, and her dreams of owning her own restaurant are in reaching distance if this all goes well.
Grant Forelle has only 1 goal, and that's to be the very best and for his newest restaurant to be a success, but lines get blurred, and assumptions get made before these 2 can get that Hea.
This is a proper slow burn, which I usually don't go for, but I really loved this. It's definitely worth a read.
Slow burn
Boss/employee
Reformed playboy
Grumpy sunshine
And of course, Hea
February 10, 2023
Chelsea and Grant are heating up the kitchen
Chelsea loves to cook went to culinary school and is about to land a job working with Chef Grant Forelle. The only problem is she can’t stand him. She takes the job and in her first day gets fired and rehired. The chemistry and attraction between Chelsea and Grant is so intense. Grant has to go back to the west coast to help his other restaurant and Chelsea goes with him. Can they keep this relationship boss and employee? Great characters and storyline. Highly recommended Amazing book. I love Chelsea and Grant. Amazing supporting characters like Chelsea’s best friend Lilly and Grant’s brother Byrd and Josie. This is my first book by this author definitely not my last
Chelsea loves to cook went to culinary school and is about to land a job working with Chef Grant Forelle. The only problem is she can’t stand him. She takes the job and in her first day gets fired and rehired. The chemistry and attraction between Chelsea and Grant is so intense. Grant has to go back to the west coast to help his other restaurant and Chelsea goes with him. Can they keep this relationship boss and employee? Great characters and storyline. Highly recommended Amazing book. I love Chelsea and Grant. Amazing supporting characters like Chelsea’s best friend Lilly and Grant’s brother Byrd and Josie. This is my first book by this author definitely not my last
March 23, 2023
I have to be honest here and tell you that I had to stop myself constantly from picturing Gordon Ramsay whenever Grant was being ragey. LOL I couldn't help it!!
I really liked the tension between Grant and Chelsea. However, the miscommunication aspect grated my nerves just a bit too much. There were so so many opportunities for either one of them to clear the air, but they just didn't.
I'm still giving the book a good rating because the writing is solid and the bones of the story is good. I just think that if the instances of miscommunication could be pared down a bit, it could be better.
👉🏻💥Always check the TW/CW💥👈🏻
Anywho! Time to wrap this up with the goodies:
Read: 3🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 2🌶🌶
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really liked the tension between Grant and Chelsea. However, the miscommunication aspect grated my nerves just a bit too much. There were so so many opportunities for either one of them to clear the air, but they just didn't.
I'm still giving the book a good rating because the writing is solid and the bones of the story is good. I just think that if the instances of miscommunication could be pared down a bit, it could be better.
👉🏻💥Always check the TW/CW💥👈🏻
Anywho! Time to wrap this up with the goodies:
Read: 3🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 2🌶🌶
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 21, 2023
This was an interesting take on the boss/employee trope! Chelsea Bartlett comes to work for Chef Grant Forelle, and although they start off on the wrong foot, Grant begins to realize that he needs her - both in his restaurant and in his life. I thought this book was super cute, it did have a good amount of angst but wasn’t overly sad. I liked Chelsea, I thought she was smart and knew what she was doing in the kitchen. Grant definitely made mistakes, but I truly believe he’s a good man at heart. I would definitely recommend if you’re looking for something with the billionaire and/or workplace trope!!!
February 16, 2023
Breakfast with the Billionaire is the story of Grant, a world-renowned chef and new sous chef Chelsea. Chelsea had always wanted to work for Grant, but found that she was attracted to him and this led to difficult choices.
The characters were fun and well written and enjoyable but the slow-paced storyline occasionally dragged. There is miscommunication and misinterpretation involving Chelsea’s handsome friend.
The story was a slow burn and the will they, won't they had you on the edge of your seat.
Received an arc for a fair and honest review.
The characters were fun and well written and enjoyable but the slow-paced storyline occasionally dragged. There is miscommunication and misinterpretation involving Chelsea’s handsome friend.
The story was a slow burn and the will they, won't they had you on the edge of your seat.
Received an arc for a fair and honest review.
April 3, 2023
I was gifted this copy in a giveaway by the author. All thoughts expressed are my own.
There are so many great tropes in this book, including: boss/employee, billionaire romance, and light enemies to lovers. I’d recommend this book for fans of The Fine Print by Lauren Asher except it takes place in a kitchen instead of a theme park.
I really liked Chelsea and Grant’s development in both their relationship and their personal characters. Chelsea really grew into herself while Grant learned to not be such an asshole.
It’s a quick and easy read with a fun plotline. Go check it out!
There are so many great tropes in this book, including: boss/employee, billionaire romance, and light enemies to lovers. I’d recommend this book for fans of The Fine Print by Lauren Asher except it takes place in a kitchen instead of a theme park.
I really liked Chelsea and Grant’s development in both their relationship and their personal characters. Chelsea really grew into herself while Grant learned to not be such an asshole.
It’s a quick and easy read with a fun plotline. Go check it out!
February 8, 2023
✨ARC Review ✨
***
Thank you to Keely Stephens and Passion Author Services for the ARC to review.
***
Breakfast with the Billionaire was good. I loved the chef and restaurant take of the story. Both characters were witty and funny. Their relationship was cute and their banter was sweet. I loved Lilly and AJ. Every girl needs friends like them. The ending was sweet and both characters were loveable.
***
⭐⭐⭐.5
***
***
Thank you to Keely Stephens and Passion Author Services for the ARC to review.
***
Breakfast with the Billionaire was good. I loved the chef and restaurant take of the story. Both characters were witty and funny. Their relationship was cute and their banter was sweet. I loved Lilly and AJ. Every girl needs friends like them. The ending was sweet and both characters were loveable.
***
⭐⭐⭐.5
***
February 17, 2023
Meet girl-next-door-beauty, Chef Chelsea and her piping hot Billionaire, new boss Chef Grant. Artfully crafted subplots reveal painful pasts that motivate and humanize these original, lively characters. As the situation at the Plum Hawk Bistro quickens and roils, so will your pulse. With an ending as satisfying as a freshly torched Crème Brulee, Stephens assumes the role as queen of the agonizingly slow burn toward . . . "breakfast."
February 13, 2023
I’m a sucker for a good boss-employee romance but this one was such a sweet and sexy treat! Chelsea has always wanted to work for Grant Forelle, his reputation not withstanding. But when she has the chance for more - both personally and professionally - will she trust her gut and take a chance or will she stick with what she knows and not trust the playboy billionaire chef?
I loved the tension between Grant and Chelsea. Both are intensely involved in achieving their dreams and goals for the future - which don’t include anything personal - but when things ramped up and they could no longer deny the connection between them, I was on pins and needles waiting to see if they would finally expand their dreams to include each other or if they’d let their professional goals trump the chance at true love. What a great read and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
I loved the tension between Grant and Chelsea. Both are intensely involved in achieving their dreams and goals for the future - which don’t include anything personal - but when things ramped up and they could no longer deny the connection between them, I was on pins and needles waiting to see if they would finally expand their dreams to include each other or if they’d let their professional goals trump the chance at true love. What a great read and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
February 16, 2023
This is the first book that I have read ny Keely and it was a great story. Although Chelsea knew about Grant's history, she was not afraid to stand up to him. His reputation is large, but it doesn't stop Chelsea from doing what she needs. I will definitely read more books from Keely and am looking forward to her next book!
February 10, 2023
Holy cow was this book steamy. Grant is a renowned chef. He also has a reputation for being a lady's man. Chelsea applies for a chef position at Grants restaurant. They both make a deal, but it soon spirals out of control. As their work relationship begins to evolve, both realize that maybe they want more. I loved the story and the characters so much. I would highly recommend this book. You're in for a tasty treat.
February 15, 2023
Whew! This is one spicy will-they-or-won't-they story. Readers will feel the tension as Chelsea debates her future, including whether or not to cross certain lines with her hot billionaire boss. Trust me when I say you'll never think about breakfast the same way again.
February 22, 2023
Grant was a grumpy but I still liked him. He and Chelsea have an awkward encounter where he fires her as soon as he meets her. They have an unusual relationship but had great chemistry. It is an entertaining read.
April 15, 2023
This book was definitely a slow burn. After reading a few chapters, I was debating if I should DNF because I didn’t find it that catching. But, I decided to continue reading the book and found it not bad. Chelsea definitely got me annoyed at some parts but, overall it was a good reads
dnf
December 7, 2023DNF @ 14% I received a copy of this ebook in a Goodreads giveaway. I found this book to be a little cheesy and while I don’t mind some mutual attraction how consistently they obsessed over the other’s body was a bit much.
February 14, 2023
This cat and mouse game was something else.
February 28, 2023
This was a really fun and steamy book. I picked it up after it was recommended by Passion Author Services. I'm so glad I did. Did not disappoint. I'm looking forward to more books by this author.
Read
March 15, 2023[dnf @ 39%] i got bored...
April 2, 2023
I enjoyed this book, and I enjoyed Grant and Chelsea's tension.
April 7, 2023
A fun read, wasn't exactly perfect to all my liking, but it was rly fun to read, had fun banter.
dnf
October 16, 2025DNF 68%
Omg the slow burn was too much. Plus, the push and pull was more annoying than tension building.
Omg the slow burn was too much. Plus, the push and pull was more annoying than tension building.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews