“Turn Up the Heat” by Lori Foster, Christie Ridgway and Victoria Dahl

Turn Up The Heat by Christie Ridgway, Lori Foster, Victoria Dahl
Published by Harlequin, HQN on December 31, 2013
Genres: Contemp Romance
Pages: 336
Format: eBook
Source: NetGalley
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Three sizzling tales from three bestselling authors Love Won't Wait Lori Foster Brendan "Brick" Carlisle is used to women falling at his feet, so shy waitress Merrily Loveland is a breath of fresh air—and an irresistible challenge. But before he can make his move, Merrily comes to him with an offer he can't refuse. If only their "no-strings" pact didn't leave him wanting so much more…. Beach House Beginnings Christie Ridgway She might have avoided Crescent Cove, California, for years, but no-nonsense Meg Alexander is confident she can handle a brief trip home. What she doesn't count on is the spark of desire she feels for Caleb McCall. Can a weekend in paradise convince her to give love a second chance? Strong Enough to Love Victoria Dahl Photographer Eve Hill had always told herself that sexy Brian Stewart was off-limits. But now he's back in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Eve can't resist their long-denied attraction. When the reality turns out to be hotter than the fantasy, Eve might end up getting more than she bargained for….

Shameless plug to follow Lori Foster on Facebook because I’m telling you she puts some great stuff up.  Right now she’s doing a whole debate about chest hair vs. no chest hair.  Honestly I don’t care either way, but if it means I get to stare at all those sexy torsos then debate away, Lori, debate away 😉

Lori’s contribution is “Love Won’t Wait” where Brick Carlisle is interested in Merrily Loveland a waitress at a place he frequents.  I liked their chemistry right off.  I also like the chemistry between his friend and Merrily’s landlord so hopefully we’ll get that story late…*hint, hint*   It was a nice quick read that didn’t feel too sped up or that a lot of plot was sacrificed to get to the happily ever after ending.  Let me tell you her ex-boyfriend is a real heel.   You can also tell how much of an animal lover Lori is because they’ve been featured a lot in her stories recently including this one but c’mon don’t we all love that pic of the big muscly man holding the fuzzy puppy?  Ladies start your ovaries.  Definitely a Lori Foster story worth the read, and re-read, and re-read…

Christie Ridgway’s “Beach House Beginnings” was a little schmaltzy for my tastes, but I can see why it would appeal to people.  I liked the concept of a woman returning to a place where a traumatic event in her formative years took place (emotionally not physically) and how she’s trying to deal with that.  Then add in someone from that time who wants to help her forget and heal and there you have it.  Again, not a bad read, just not my taste.  However, I did read the whole story instead of skipping to the end so that should tell you that if you like this kind of romance then you will enjoy this story of healing and redemption.

Victoria Dahl’s “Strong Enough to Love” is an interesting one.  *Possibly, slightly spoiler-ish* I waffled back and forth between liking it and not liking it.  I mean I get where the main character is coming from in her heartbreak, the guy was married and went back to his wife.  However, can you fault a guy for trying to save his marriage in this “me” era?  I got her side, I got his side, then I didn’t care about either side but then I felt their heartbreak.  I don’t know.  I’m still trying to decide.

The best thing about these compilations is that there is something for everyone, and I would definitely recommend picking this one up!