Turn Up the Heat

Checking E-Males #1

by Isabel Sharpe

Vibrant and multifaceted party organizer Candy Graham is looking to forget her dating past, even if it means joining a dating website. But creating four different e-profiles to suit her personality could land Candy in hot water...or better yet, in the arms of her scorchin'-hot neighbor!

Journalist Justin Case suspects he has the scoop of a lifetime--women hired to lure men into online dating. Could Candy be part of some kind of e-romance scam? But try as he might, even he can't resist the temptation of sexy, sweet Candy...and one taste is definitely not enough!

Genres: Romance, Harlequin Blaze, Harlequin, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 17, 2011

About the author

Isabel Sharpe began writing in 1994 after leaving her job to raise her son. A former “bored housewife,” she has authored over twenty Harlequin novels and now writes women-focused fiction for Avon/HarperCollins, embracing her unexpected career.

Reviews

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: Checking E-Males

[Jo Reads Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Average romantic read
3 stars

It's been a year since party planner Candy Graham was dumped by her ex and her friends think it's about time she gets back in the dating game. So they sign her up for a dating site with not one but four e-profiles to give her a chance to see all different sides of herself.

Writer, Justin Case, has to make an effort in the town he's just moved to - and that means signing up for a dating site. But it's neighbour Candy who is ticking all his boxes for an ideal date. But when he discovers she's got 4 different dating profiles on the site then things are going to get complicated.

This was an average romantic read and one that centres around Valentine's Day. Candy was, despite her name, a likeable character and one I was surprised I could like. Justin, too, was nice enough and I liked him and both as a pair. Neither were particularly memorable and I didn't feel huge chemistry between them so 'nice' is the perfect word.

The plot was okay but I did feel it was a little bit silly and juvenile at times. There was a lot of to-ing and fro-ing between the characters and getting them to admit that they liked each other. I understand there was supposed to be distrust over each other's motives but it was nothing that a decent conversation wouldn't have sorted out.

Added to that was the fact that both characters, Candy in particular, were still caught up on their exes. There was so much boo hooing about losing the love of their lives that it had me rolling my eyes. I want to read about the romance of the couple, not about the people who have dumped them!

Overall, this is an average read that I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend. I finished it and enjoyed it for what it was but I can't give it more than 3 stars, I'm afraid.

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I admit it. I totally liked this story. I mean really who can't dig a story using internet dating or online matchmaking websites as a storyline? If you have ever created a dating profile or signed up for a matchmaking service then this book is seriously entertaining. I personally enjoyed the misunderstandings between Candy and Justin. It seems that it's one book in a series about four women who are part of the Women in Power business professionals group. I have to look up the other books and learn the other women's stories.

[Suze · Rating 3 out of 5]

Going up to 3.5. I liked the book, and certainly found the second half more intriguing. I liked Justin, displaced California boy in mid winter Wisconsin. Wasn't so convinced by Candy - she was definitely more of a goer than she thought - the evil ex boyfriends doing. The premise of friends dating agency was ok but am looking forward to the dance between Marie (agency owner) and Quinn (well met friend).

[Brianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an up and down book for me. I was not too fond a the beginning but then the story and the heroine grew on me as a I kept reading. I like the overall premise of the friend looking out for and wanting happiness for her three other girlfriends. I am very interested in the plot line involving the matchmaker, but it is clear that the plot is going to carry over the trilogy.

[Mem]

Candy has not dated since her divorce. Her friend Marie has an on-line dating service and insists Candy fill out the form and begin dating again. She does but realizes she has 4 different personalities, which raises a red flag when her neighbor Justin notices her different appearances when she leaves on dates.

[Dawn ♥ romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot of this steamy story was pretty good but the romance had so many mixed messages and sometimes it got too heavy with details so I skimmed a bit. A friend wants to setup party organizer Candy with online dating and she is intrigued by her neighbor Justin, a writer.

[Mombo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story by Isabel Sharpe.

The romance was sweet and sometimes scorching, the characters both immensely likable, and the ending was terrific.

I am so going to read this one again!