When a blue-eyed bombshell with fabulous legs bursts into his backyard in search of a pair of runaway dogs, Michael Groover has no idea his life is about to change forever. Sure, he knows about Paula Deen, the Food Network star who's won hearts across the country, but when she appears at his fence one day, he is more concerned with what the dogs are doing to his lawn than he is with the silver-haired owner giving chase. Still, even in an apron and a baseball cap, she is real attractive, and though Groover has pretty much given up on the idea of love, he asks her out.

Paula's legions of fans know that this chance encounter begins a courtship that will end in a fairy-tale romance and wedding, but they've never heard Michael's side of the story. Here, for the first time, the Savannah native tells all, from his quintessential Southern childhood on the banks of the river to his career as a docking pilot to his international travels with his bride. Along the way, he speaks frankly about the children he adores, the challenges and rewards of blending families, and the pleasures and difficulties of fame.

Michael loves food and is a pretty good cook himself, and each chapter is accompanied by one of his trademark recipes, such as Bayou Banana Puddin' or Captain's Deviled Crabs. He's not out to compete with Paula, but if they were to go head-to-head on chicken and dumplings, he's pretty sure his recipe would come out on top.

It's all here: shopping with Paula, eating with Paula, traveling with Paula, romance with Paula, and, of course, cooking with Paula. So if you've ever wondered how delicious it is to live and love with Paula Deen, climb on board. There's interesting sailing ahead!