Being a single dad while managing one of the biggest businesses in New Orleans keeps me very busy. Any free time I have I spend with my daughter, Bella—reading to her, styling her hair, or choosing nail polishes appropriate for an eight-year-old. But I’m okay with that because she is my whole world. After my divorce, I made myself a promise: I wouldn’t date until Bella was older. Then all my good intentions go up in smoke when I hire our newest chef for the flagship restaurant in the French Quarter. Scarlett Jones is unlike any woman I’d ever met. She’s smart and beautiful and I can’t get enough of her. For more reasons than one, I need to keep my distance. So when I begin flirting… surprising her with beignets and coffee at break time, then king cake after hours, I know I’ve gone too far. And when I join Scarlett on a ridiculous haunted tour of the city, I’m certain I’ve lost my mind. She’s become my addiction. I want to explore those curves, find out her deepest desires—and make them come true. But it’s when she offers to teach my daughter how to bake, I know I’m in wayyyyy over my head. When the three of us are together, I get a glimpse of the family we could be. The question is, are we both ready to put our fears behind us? And to think, it all started with a little flirt.

Julian Leblanc's story is a sizzling fake relationship romance set in the heart of New Orleans. She’s too damn hot, but also rude and unprofessional... yet that doesn’t stop me from becoming her fake boyfriend. I pride myself on never doubting my decisions. It’s why my business runs so smoothly. But when a disgruntled supplier tracks me down, and I discover that she lost business because of me, I’m determined to make things right. First step—I invite Georgie to a Mardi Gras party, to wave the proverbial white flag. Only her asshole of an ex shows up, insulting her. All my protective instincts kick in and I kiss her on the spot. That shuts him up. The only problem is, once I have a taste, I crave more. So I proposition to be her fake boyfriend. My excuse? I’ll help her get her clients back by taking her to elite parties around New Orleans. But this fake dating becomes addictive. Suddenly a kiss is not enough; a touch is only the beginning and Georgie is captivating me in a way no one ever did. Then one evening at midnight, all masks come off. And so do our reasons for pretending. I desperately want her, but I’m not the settle-down-type-of-guy, and Georgie deserves that. With her, I’ve become the man I never thought I ever could be. Our passion is real. But can it be more?

I love my job. So when a grumpy grouch wants to shut us down, I’m ready for the fight of my life. I was heading for serious career burnout until my dream job came true. Making pralines for a living has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me. So it comes as quite a shock when I find out that the owner wants to shut down the LeBlanc-Broussard confectionery because it’s not profitable. My hope is that I can win him over. Once he realizes how integral the confectionery is to the city, to the very makeup of New Orleans he’s bound to agree, right? Wrong. Xander LeBlanc is a grump, and it’s questionable whether he has a heart at all! Though I’m ashamed to admit I was blindsided by how hot he is—definitely a 10+. Unfortunately, his personality is a zero. All he’s concerned about are profits and not the charitable work the business is known for. But suddenly, Xander begins to show up at various events we sponsor. When he arrives at the children’s hospital where I hand out treats during the holiday season, I see an entirely new side to him when he starts playing The Grinch for the kids! When he takes me home later that evening things between us escalate. He confesses that he's been attracted to me from day one and let’s just say, the man has hot skills in bed. But the inevitable closing of the confectionary still weighs heavy on my mind and I don’t know if I can separate the two. Can I love a man who wants to take away the only joy I have in life? But the bigger question is… Can I melt the ice around his heart and find my way inside it for longer than a few nights?

Confronting my family’s nemesis wasn’t on my to-do list. Neither was falling for him. After my difficult divorce, I thought my life was over. But now, I’m happier and more successful than I could’ve ever imagined. My cosmetics business is thriving and I’m almost ready to get back out there and find Mr. Right. Almost. When I hear that a therapy ranch on the Bayou is seeking an investor, I jump at the opportunity. I know only too well that spending time with animals is healing. When I visit the owners to ask for details, I find out I’m not the only one interested. Zachary LeBlanc is also there to make an offer. Why is that a problem? His family ruined my family’s reputation. He immediately tries to discredit me in front of the owners. Needless to say, I’m ready to give Zachary LeBlanc a piece of my mind. Days later, I spot Zachary in the French Quarter, at the edge of the Mississippi River. As I hurry over to give it to him good, the unthinkable happens and I fall into the river! I’m certain I’ll drown, but he somehow pulls me out. That’s when I see an entirely new side to this man—though maybe I’m still in shock from the trauma. Zachary is kind and patient, but before long, we’re back to arguing again. And that’s when he kisses me! After he pulls back, I wonder if his intention was to shut me up, or if he’s truly attracted to me. One thing I know for sure; I've met my match in Zachary Leblanc. Because I'm not going down without a fight, and neither is he. There are so many reasons why we can’t be together. So why am I ignoring all of them?

In New Orleans, I'm known as the fun and laid-back LeBlanc brother. The Rebel CEO. I’m successful and determined, but I don't play by the rules. Heck, I don't even have rules except one. I never ever get involved with my assistants. After a very bad experience years ago, I know better than to mix business and pleasure. I've had no problems sticking to my rule until I hired Daisy. When I first meet her, I have no idea she’s my new temp assistant. I just set eyes on this gorgeous woman at my favorite coffee shop, and do what I do flirt with her like there's no tomorrow. When I realize my mistake, I change the tune. I'm cold and distant but my plan is not working. Not one bit. Whenever she steps into my office, all I think about is bending her over my desk. When she gives me sass, all I want is to cover her mouth with mine until she begs for more. Daisy is fun and unlike anyone I've met, and I gravitate toward her whether I want it or not. When she suddenly gets a call from home that her family needs help, I immediately take over. All lines blur, but one thing I know for sure, I won't let Daisy go. I just have to convince her that I'm the one. And I'm very convincing when I want to.