Light My Fire

“—too damn scared—and too damn scarred.”

I’ve been wanting Griffin’s story ever since I met him while reading Wicked Grind which features his sister Kelsey. I always gravitate toward the broken characters, and he definitely fits into that category. He’s scarred inside and out, but he has a big heart and a big talent. His career choice has allowed him to remain behind the scenes, giving voice to his characters but keeping himself hidden. As you may have noticed on the book cover, he’s trying to fade into the background and avoid being noticed.

Like so many characters that I’ve met while reading this amazing series, he’s found a home at The Fix on 6th, the local bar. His group of friends there are like family and are very accepting of his choices, not pushing him to step too far outside of his comfort zone. It’s Beverly, the Man of the Month Contest emcee, that really takes his comfort to another level, making him feel uncomfortable in a different way. She’s beautiful, as the whole world already knows if they’ve ever watched her on the big screen. But her beauty is on the inside too.

Griffin wants her, there’s no denying that. But his insecurities convince him that he has nothing to offer her. And when he looks at her life and tries to imagine himself in it, he doesn’t like what he sees. But he still wants her…

Beverly sees his heart and his talent. She enjoys his company and his sense of humor. They work well together and she thinks they’d do even better together in other ways if he’d just let her in. She can see past the wall that he puts between himself and everyone else, but can she climb over it?

As I blazed through this book (did you catch that?) and got close to the end it finally hit me that this is month eleven. I started shaking my head in denial, reluctant for there to be an end, willing for it to never end. I’ve become so attached to this incredible cast of characters and totally agree with this statement, “I’m supporting this place’s growing reputation as an alternative to Internet dating sites.” There’s no disputing that there have been some beautiful and blazing love matches that got their start at Fix on 6th. The author really knows how to Light My Fire with her words, making me feel their pain and their passion.

As she’s done with each of the stories in this series, she leaves me with the epilogue that introduces the next book. Letting me know who it’s going to feature and whetting my appetite for more. And yes, as you surely already guessed, it’s gonna be a doozy. I can’t wait for it to get here, but at the same time, I’m reluctant for it to be over. The line forms here…

LIGHT MY FIRE is the eleventh instalment in J. Kenner’s contemporary, adult MAN OF THE MONTH novella, romance series focusing on a fund raiser for the popular Austin, Texas bar known as The Fix. This is writer and podcaster /voice actor Griffin ‘Blaize’ Draper, and actress Beverly Martin’s story line. LIGHT MY FIRE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary although I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion.

SOME BACKGROUND: The Fix on Sixth, a local Austin hangout and bar, is in desperate need of renovations and a quick influx of cash so a plan is put into motion, by a group of regulars, a plan that includes a Man of the Month calendar competition, a recipe book, and a reality show aimed at rehabbing the bar.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Griffin and Beverly) LIGHT MY FIRE follows the slow building romance between writer and podcaster /voice actor Griffin ‘Blaize’ Draper, and actress Beverly Martin. For months Griffin and Beverly have been dancing around once another but Griffin hides the painful reminders of a childhood accident, an accident that has left our hero both emotionally and physically scarred. When his most recent manuscript is selected for Beverly’s next movie, our leading couple must work together in an effort to prepare the manuscript for final reading. What ensues is the barely veiled palpable sexual energy and attraction between Beverly and Griffin, and the potential fall-out as Griffin struggles with the paparazzi, Hollywood’s perception of beauty, and the scars that are attracting some unwanted attention.

LIGHT MY FIRE is a quick read; a story of the physical vs the mental; of one man’s struggle to move on with his life, and of one woman who has fallen in love with his heart and his soul. The premise is engaging, revealing and emotional; the romance is passionate and seductive; the characters are real and energetic. LIGHT MY FIRE is a tender, sweet and spicy story where love does conquer all.

LIGHT MY FIRE by J. Kenner is book 11 in the Man of the Month series. This is the story of Griffin and Beverly. I have read the previous books but feel this can be a standalone book.
Griffin was burned as a child and since much of his life behind a hoodie and a computer.
Beverly is a movie star but a down to earth one that is caring. Griffin is attracted to her but with his scarring issue he doesn’t think he would have a chance nor would he be able to handle the spotlight.
Beverly sees past Griffin scars and sees a man too love.
Their story had a underlining theme of Beauty and the Beast I thought.
I really enjoyed reading their story…a great addition to this series.

Being afraid is not always an option.

Griffin & Bev have had feelings for one another for a number of years. Griffin is a burn victim and thinks he’s never going to be in a relationship because of it. He has a successful podcast and has written a screenplay which will now become a movie. Bev is an actress who has just finished her first big movie, and is starring in Griffin’s. She loves him, but thinks he doesn’t return his feelings. They met at a bar called The Fix and have become friends. He wears a hoodie to hide the right side of his face and a glove to cover his right hand. The right side of his body is all scarred, too. He always hides in the shadows. They are working together on revisions of his screenplay. Griffin goes through a lot of emotions and has to decide if he can stand by Bev’s side through all the limelight or whether he has to stay behind in the shadows. This story is written brilliantly. J. Kenner brings out issues that burn victims go through emotionally. This is a must read.

4 stars
I purchased a copy of the steamy short novel Light My Fire: A Man Of The Month Novel book 11 by J. Kenner and this review was given freely.
An attraction at first sight and a modern take on Beauty and the Beast. Poignant, heartwarming and a touch of humor. Actress Beverly falls in love with the talented screenplay writer/web star Griffin but he has a hard time opening up and moving past his scars to build the relationship they both long for.

I was given this book for an honest review. Book 11 of 12. Wow, what a ride so far.

This is the book I’ve been waiting for. I’ve always wanted more of Griffin’s story. This book did exactly that.

Beverly was perfect for him too. I’m so glad I got to read this book.

I can’t wait for the the last book, to finish the series out strong.

I am going to miss this series when it is completed. Mr. November is Griffin Blaize. Griffin was severely burned when he was a young teen. His scars are so extensive that he wears hoodies and gloves to hide his burn from everyone. As an adult his has made a name for himself (under a different identity) with his podcasts. He watches all his friends from The Fix on Sixth fall in love and become a couple. Griffin wants that so badly but he is afraid to take the risk since he believes that no woman would want him with all his burns and scars.

Beverly Martin is a rising Hollywood actress who has been the host of the Man of the Month contest. She has been working with Griffin on a screenplay and wants to know more about Griffin but she sees his resistance to let people get close to him. Beverly is attracted to Griffin but can’t figure out how to let him know and break down his resistance.

When Griffin’s screenplay is bought and revisions are requested, both he and Beverly work in close quarters to get the revisions completed. They give into their attraction for each other but Griffin still thinks that once Beverly has to go back to Los Angeles, their relationship will end since he can’t see how a gorgeous actress will want a long term relationship with someone that is disfigured. Beverly sees beyond Griffin’s scars and tries to get him to see himself for the person he is and not just the physical scars.

Griffin has been afraid to show his true self since he believe people will be repulse by his appearances. He doesn’t understand why anyone could love him with all his scars but he wants to believe that Beverly wants him no matter his appearance. Griffin must get pass his insecurity about his scars and appearance and show the world his true self.

Griffin Blaize/Draper might be the fiercest Man of the Month hero. Die-hard readers were first introduced to Griffin in Wicked Grind, his sister Kelsey’s story, which took place in Los Angeles. Griffin moved to Austin to pursue his own career and often used our friendly neighborhood bar, The Fix on Sixth, as his working office writing scripts for his podcasts. As a regular, he has witnessed all the previous Man of the Month contests, with our heroine, Beverly Martin, a rising movie star, as the emcee. The two of them end up spending a lot of time together editing a screenplay they co-wrote, which has been optioned by a studio to turn into a movie. The story is told from a dual POV so we know each harbors strong feelings for the other but each are afraid to make the first move and possibly upset the friendship balance.
When I found out Griffin would have his own story, I was very curious to know how Ms. Kenner was going to incorporate a physically scarred Hero into a “calendar model”. Light My Fire follows the beauty and the beast story trope, and Kenner did not disappoint by taking a wonderful friendship and building up a combustible romance for these two! I was on the edge trying to figure out how Griffin and Beverly would reach their HEA, and I loved the catalyst that pushed Griffin to a satisfying ending!

This character driven novella was fresh and emotional. It is Beauty and the Beast themed, with a built up love between a broody, scarred and reclusive hero and a sweet heroine. Griffin and Beverly made the most wonderful characters. What was so special was how they both saw beyond the physical in each other and related on a much deeper level.
Griffin is a fourth-degree burn survivor and has lived his life hiding his scars. He has been making a name as a voice actor and has made a splash with a podcast for a web series, Beverly is a famous actress starring in his next project. Griffin is not ready for a relationship, he thinks no one could ever love him or be attracted to him. And yet Beverly wants a chance to truly get to know him. They struggle with their attraction, and they are both very good at hiding their emotions. But Griffin trusts Beverly to look at his badly scarred face while Beverly grapples to make it clear to him that she sees him beyond his scars.
This new addition in the Man of the month series kept me engaged and riveted from the first page to the last. Of course, there was a Man of the Month contest at The Fix on Sixth. But, it was totally secondary to this beautiful story of growing beyond your past.

Five luminous stars! Mr. November will light your body with the intensity of a bonfire.

My heart is about to explode because of this book! Light my Fire by J. Kenner is the most soulful, emotionally rewarding and uplifting book. She delivered a fierce love romance between a broken Prince and a beautiful movie star. It is a modern fairy tale made real in the pages of this tender masterpiece. Each page took my breath away!

The plot is extremely expressing, deep and highly compelling. Griffin stole my heart like a thief in the dark, with his sorrowful soul and brilliant talent. He reminds me of Le Fantôme de l’Opéra. The pacing is swift-flowing. The dual narration is quite complementary. To be honest I loved Griffin’s thoughts more than anything. His soul captivated me like no other book boyfriend! I guess I’ve fallen in love with him! J. Kenner, please tell me where could I find my own Griffin?

In my opinion Light my Fire is the most heart-warming book written by J. Kenner. She nailed perfection. My heart and soul were literally consumed by this beautiful man and his tormented self. J. Kenner has accustomed us to intense, arrogant and possessive alpha male characters nevertheless she surprised us with a tortured man by his scars on his skin and heart. Griffin is a broken man with a golden heart.

Fear and anxiety are something that haunt Griffin’s life. He has fear of what people will think of his appearance. His scars made him lock himself. Trusting is not easy for him. His scars and pain made him the man he is. Showing his body is a hard limit. He is not comfortable in his skin. However some one will light his heart and soul. Beverly tempts him with her beauty and talent. Working close to her will be a bittersweet temptation. Will he open his heart to the actress that is shaking his world?

Falling in love for a man like Griffin is easy. I quite understand Beverly. She was drawn to him like a magnet. His words seduced her and his soul captured hers. Like the Beauty and the Beast the convince made them close. The attraction between them is there: stronger and all consuming. It burned their insides. It made their heart explode like firecrackers and their skin lighted with every touch.

Griffin and Beverly’s story is a discovery of trust and real love. It is acceptance. It is beautiful redemption. It is fierce protectiveness.

This book shines like a diamond. The story line is intensely captivating and addictive. Everything about it made me crave more. I devoured this book in one sitting. If your thing is a enthralling romance then Light my Fire is perfect for you!