wine_country_booklover 's review for:

The Arrogant One by Marni Mann

5.0

emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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I think this is one of the hottest and steamiest first chapters I’ve ever read. In fact I was fanning myself so many times during this book. The opening scene with Hart and Sadie flirting at the bar is pure gold. Marni Mann is a master at the sexy flirty banter. 

And holy 5 alarm fire, Batman, the steam in chapter 2 is off the charts!

 

Lockhart is a serial one-nighter until Sadie walks up to the bar of the hottest restaurant in town. Both are there on a mission to find out what is so special about the new steakhouse. But quickly their focus changes to the sizzling attraction the two have together. And business gets tossed out the window in place of fun, only first names and one night of “I’ve never felt this way before” chemistry. But the yearning is so strong that when they happen, by chance, to see each other at a different restaurant, they can’t deny their chemistry. But both are hiding secrets that could turn their relationship upside down. 

 

The chemistry between these two is so smokin’ hot. Lordy, I blushed! And It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book with this much sexual tension. It is superb! This romance has a well-developed plot and fully flushed out characters. I found the twists and turns kept me hooked. Oh, the deceptions are going to get Sadie in some trouble. 

 

Am I the only one who thinks that a future book will be Walker and the head chef at Horned, his competition restaurant? Is it just me? Hmmm theories abound! A solid 5 star read and one of my top romances so far of 2025