Reviewer: Robyn Roberts
Title: Heat Wave
Author: Stephanie Bond, Leslie Kelly, and Heidi Betts
Publisher: Harlequin
ISBN: 0-373-83714-3
Release Date: July 2007
Genre/Sub-genre: Contemporary Romance
Year/Setting: Present day
Overall Rating: 3.75
Featured Story Rating: 4.0
Sexual Content Rating: Subtle/Sensual
Language (Profanity/Slang) Rating: Mild
Violent Content Rating: None/Minimal
Stephanie's Website:
www.stephaniebond.com
Rex on the Beach by Stephanie Bond (Featured review story)
Lucinda Bell, PI, has never failed on a case. So finding a runaway groom should be a piece of cake—until she meets the best man who probably knows where the groom is hiding. Rex McCormick has a body that won’t stop, is intelligent and knows how to treat a lady. Lucinda has seen his type before and can stay immune to his moves while she finds her man. Will she be able to keep her distance or will she opt for a little fling on the beach.
Lucinda is a smart, sexy and witty woman. She seems to be able to roll with the punches and still keep a sense of humor about her. I enjoyed the fight that both she and Rex put up to keep each other at bay. After all, he has an almost fiancée to think about. As they begin to get to know each other better, Lucinda agonizes over the lies she’s telling Rex. Will they ever be able to get past their own baggage and lies and have a relationship of their own?
A great quick read for vacations, beaches or just for fun. Ms. Bond does a great job of fleshing out the story completely without making you feel like you missed something in the shorter novella. I thought the story stood on it’s own and felt finished at the end. I think you’ll really enjoy having—or reading—Rex on the Beach !
Getting Into Trouble by Leslie Kelly
Single mom Allie Cavanaugh has given up her entire life to become Hank’s mom. She managed to leave a crippling situation where she was shunned and outcast by her Grandfather and the entire town where she had been living. Starting over in Trouble, Pennsylvania has been a good thing for her. She is devoted to her son and hopes to someday find a man to love---but not until Hank is grown and gone.
When the carnival comes to town, "Damon, The Gypsy King," a hypnotist with a great act and a killer body, mesmerizes her. Her friends coerce her into spilling her deepest desires and sparks desire in Damon, too. Damon is running from his own demons, but thinks Allie might be able to slay them. When circumstances interfere, it looks like they will never meet again.
Can Damon or Allie stand it if they never meet again? Will they be able to overcome the major hurdles between them if they ever meet? Can love really overcome despair?
I really enjoyed this story. It was well put together and does connect with the Trouble Series. The story stands alone, but I believe it will dovetail well to the other stories if you are a returning reader. Allie and Damon’s story has sparked an interest in me and I now plan to read more of the Trouble Series.
Shaken and Stirred by Heidi Betts
Abby Weaver needs a vacation after her recent breakup. Her friend talks her into a girls-only week on the beach in sunny Florida. When her friend has to change plans, Abby finds herself going alone on a vacation she didn’t really want to take. What is she going to do for a week?? On her first day at the beach, things look up a little when she meets Mike Mastriani, USMC. What a hunk of man, and for once in her life, Abby finds herself looked at as the object of desire.
Can they work out their chemistry and enjoy a week on the beach? Can Abby really walk away with her heart intact?
A quick read with a few steamy sex scenes. The passion sizzles and if you’re reading this book on the beach, you might find yourself sweating a little. Ms. Betts writes a book with a wonderful look into the human mind and how pretty girls sometimes think they are the ugly duckling. And enjoyable romance all the way around.
Robyn
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