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Taking the Heat
To support herself and her one-year-old daughter, Gabrielle Hadley is working as a prison guard - just about the only job available - in the small desert town of Florence, Arizona, where Randall Tucker is a prisoner with just one goal: to survive to prove his innocence and reclaim his eight-year-old son.
When Randall escapes during a transfer, Gabrielle tracks him into the unforgiving desert. Soon staying alive becomes the only thing that matters and the balance of power between them shifts as they're drawn together.
It's a relationship that shouldn't exist...
When Randall escapes during a transfer, Gabrielle tracks him into the unforgiving desert. Soon staying alive becomes the only thing that matters and the balance of power between them shifts as they're drawn together.
It's a relationship that shouldn't exist...
378 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
228 people are currently reading
521 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Novak
238 books6,987 followersIt was a shocking experience that jump-started Brenda Novak’s bestselling author career.
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
April 23, 2022
Loved this book! Gabrielle chases after Randall Tucker who is an escaped prisoner. They are now having to survive the harsh Arizona desert while suspicious of the other's motives. I loved the desert scenes, and didn't want to finish the book too quickly. This author is one of my favorites, and her books always pull me in till the end.
March 18, 2017
I would have given this book 4 stars up until the last few pages. Nothing wraps up this quickly, though, and is still believable. :/
December 14, 2016
It’s a down on your luck kind of story. I didn’t smile. It was hard to root for someone.
Most stories need some bad things happening to the main characters. But I want to see some fun, interesting, or unusual things the main characters do in response to bad events. This story was flat, kind of like a TV soap opera. Things were predictable.
It needed more interesting character interaction. Things were wrapped up too quickly giving us a happy ending, but it was not well thought out.
There was one sex scene briefly referred to.
STORY BRIEF:
An innocent man Tucker is suffering in prison due to evil prison guards and an evil warden. They want to kill him. Gabby is the newly hired prison guard trying to do what’s right. Tucker manages to escape. Gabby chases after him. They get to know each other. Tucker wants to investigate and clear his name. Gabby was abandoned as a child and has learned the address of her biological mother. Gabby wants to meet the mother.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 384 pages. Swearing language: mild plus the s*** word used a couple times. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: 1. Setting: current day Arizona. Copyright: 2003. Genre: romantic suspense.
Most stories need some bad things happening to the main characters. But I want to see some fun, interesting, or unusual things the main characters do in response to bad events. This story was flat, kind of like a TV soap opera. Things were predictable.
It needed more interesting character interaction. Things were wrapped up too quickly giving us a happy ending, but it was not well thought out.
There was one sex scene briefly referred to.
STORY BRIEF:
An innocent man Tucker is suffering in prison due to evil prison guards and an evil warden. They want to kill him. Gabby is the newly hired prison guard trying to do what’s right. Tucker manages to escape. Gabby chases after him. They get to know each other. Tucker wants to investigate and clear his name. Gabby was abandoned as a child and has learned the address of her biological mother. Gabby wants to meet the mother.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 384 pages. Swearing language: mild plus the s*** word used a couple times. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: 1. Setting: current day Arizona. Copyright: 2003. Genre: romantic suspense.
June 17, 2024
Brenda Novak was one of my favorite authors back in the early part of the century. I loved all of her romantic suspense and cozy slice of life Harlequins and I she was an auto-buy before my tastes changed. It was definitely fun to revisit this title from 2003 when pay phones reigned supreme and good would triumph over the bad guys and the romance was deftly told without wasted words and the book wasn't 700 pages long. Or about hockey.
Gabrielle and Tucker felt like adult characters and neither felt like they were a tropey tiktok creation. The plotting and the pacing were tight, and the love story was still the central point of the book. I miss these types of contemporary romances sooooo much.
Gabrielle and Tucker felt like adult characters and neither felt like they were a tropey tiktok creation. The plotting and the pacing were tight, and the love story was still the central point of the book. I miss these types of contemporary romances sooooo much.
January 14, 2022
This was a great read, loved the mystery, and loved their romance!
September 1, 2018
Enjoy this book
This book was very enjoyable. I have worked at a prison and had a lot of empathy for Gabby. Knowing how the system works was very true to real life. The romance part didn't happen in real life, but in the book it was wonderful. She just looked deep in his eyes and tingled. Tucker just knew he had to stay away from her. It just didn't work out that way. No matter what she seemed to be right there. And he tingled to! I loved this book I usually do when love works out in the end.
This book was very enjoyable. I have worked at a prison and had a lot of empathy for Gabby. Knowing how the system works was very true to real life. The romance part didn't happen in real life, but in the book it was wonderful. She just looked deep in his eyes and tingled. Tucker just knew he had to stay away from her. It just didn't work out that way. No matter what she seemed to be right there. And he tingled to! I loved this book I usually do when love works out in the end.
December 6, 2019
A little different - very good!
I wavered a little between 4 or 5 star rating. Some aspects of the story was a little hard to believe, but it sure did hold my interest. And since I've never been lost in a desert (or even in a desert at all), and have no knowledge of female prison guards, I went for giving the benefit of the doubt and gave all 5 stars. The setting and circumstances set this apart from many "romance" books. The characters were either loveable or love-to-hate, and plenty of action, danger and suspense to keep me reading!
I wavered a little between 4 or 5 star rating. Some aspects of the story was a little hard to believe, but it sure did hold my interest. And since I've never been lost in a desert (or even in a desert at all), and have no knowledge of female prison guards, I went for giving the benefit of the doubt and gave all 5 stars. The setting and circumstances set this apart from many "romance" books. The characters were either loveable or love-to-hate, and plenty of action, danger and suspense to keep me reading!
December 19, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. From what I have heard from a few people I know that work at a prison several of the guards really do act the way they did in this story.
Was Tucker really innocent like he says? Or is he really guilty and just claims he isn't? I loved Allie and Landon. Tucker and Gabby were strong characters as well.
Grab this book and go for the ride. I had my asssumtions on who was the guilty party in this story and was right.
Was Tucker really innocent like he says? Or is he really guilty and just claims he isn't? I loved Allie and Landon. Tucker and Gabby were strong characters as well.
Grab this book and go for the ride. I had my asssumtions on who was the guilty party in this story and was right.
August 5, 2018
Fantastic read!
I absolutely LOVED the storyline of this book. I’ve not read anything close to this kind of story before but I truly enjoyed every page. The characters were relatable and I grew very fond of Tucker and Gabrielle as they did everything they could to fight the attraction. Extremely well written and developed, Taking the Heat is definitely a must read. Captivating her audience is a skill Brenda Novak has mastered.
I absolutely LOVED the storyline of this book. I’ve not read anything close to this kind of story before but I truly enjoyed every page. The characters were relatable and I grew very fond of Tucker and Gabrielle as they did everything they could to fight the attraction. Extremely well written and developed, Taking the Heat is definitely a must read. Captivating her audience is a skill Brenda Novak has mastered.
March 1, 2020
Exceptional!!!!! I loved this story! Gabrielle believes in treating everyone with kindness, whether it is the guards at the prison where she works or the prisoners and when she sees that the other guards are picking fights with one prisoner in particular she goes to the warden to complain. But things don’t turn out how she expects them to and the prisoner ends up getting transferred with Gabby on transfer detail. Thus the story continues........
September 6, 2017
I had to read this book since it was about prison and I worked in a county prison at one time. It was very accurate in regards to what goes on with the officers. Intense storyline and a book I did not want to put down! I loved the characters and the story and was so happy with the ending of this book!
November 13, 2018
Skimmed to finish. Picked it up on the premise but it didn’t feel very...accurate. Parts felt like a copy/paste from Wikipedia, like where the MC’d are discussing desert flora and fauna, other parts felt completely unresearched, like the protocol of the prison guards. And then there was my personal pet-peeve of romance novels, children. Skimmed to the end. Just wasn’t for me.
February 2, 2019
Will new prison guard, Gabby, be able to follow her conscience or allow prisoners to be mistreated? After three days on the job she comes on a unfair fight. Other guards are trying to stop it but Gabby does will it cost her the job?
She is there to find her mother who gave her up at three years old and to get answers. Her ex-husband wants her back and there's a sweet baby involved.
She is there to find her mother who gave her up at three years old and to get answers. Her ex-husband wants her back and there's a sweet baby involved.
October 15, 2019
It took me a few chapters to really get pulled in. Once pulled in, I had a hard time putting it down.
Life certainly has thrown curves to both Gabby and Tucker. Innocent people can get hurt. For some unexplained reason, Gabby believed Tucker. Now what to do? They have to be careful. Jealousy can turn good people bad.
Life certainly has thrown curves to both Gabby and Tucker. Innocent people can get hurt. For some unexplained reason, Gabby believed Tucker. Now what to do? They have to be careful. Jealousy can turn good people bad.
February 14, 2018
A strong will woman, who wants to find herself and who she is.
A man that is innocence of being charged with killing his wife.
An ex husband who does not want to let go of his ex-wife.
l enjoyed reading the romance. Who done it mystery.
A man that is innocence of being charged with killing his wife.
An ex husband who does not want to let go of his ex-wife.
l enjoyed reading the romance. Who done it mystery.
February 27, 2018
WOW! Brenda Novak definitely has done it again. from the moment I opened this book, I was drawn in. with a hero and heroine you instantly fall in love with, and a story line that keeps you intrigued this is definitely worth your time!
July 23, 2018
This is a story of a very inexperienced correctional officer. Likely she would be hurt if she did much of this in real life. However as a story it was true to form and very entertaining. More romance than expected, but it was a unique love story for sure. Also a very unlikely one.
August 13, 2018
TAKING THE HEAT
Loved this book, although the desert scenario could have been a little shorter. Gabrielle and Tucker have chemistry right from the beginning, it was interesting watching it play out. Good back story of Gabrielle's biological mother and family.
Loved this book, although the desert scenario could have been a little shorter. Gabrielle and Tucker have chemistry right from the beginning, it was interesting watching it play out. Good back story of Gabrielle's biological mother and family.
May 8, 2020
Another smash hit read!!
Definitely a book to recommend is you love books with adventure, twists and a slight emotional rollercoaster. This book will keep you hooked until long after you read the last word! I couldn't put it down!!!
Definitely a book to recommend is you love books with adventure, twists and a slight emotional rollercoaster. This book will keep you hooked until long after you read the last word! I couldn't put it down!!!
May 20, 2020
I never get disappointed with a Brenda Novak story and this was no different. Gabby falls for a man convicted of murdering his wife, she believes in his innocence. Loved watching the feelings spark between her and Tucker.
August 9, 2020
I really enjoyed this book but was happy when Gabby and Tucker did find their way out of the desert. I sometimes wonder how 2 people can fall for each other so fast though. The ending did come as a surprise and I would recommend this book if you like Brenda Novak books.
December 29, 2022
Taking the Heat was fast paced, often unrealistic but as always, this is why we read fiction. Gabrielle is a prison guard, new to her job and Randall is a picked on inmate prisoned for murdering his wife. He has a chance to escape, Gabby chases him and sparks fly. I enjoyed it a lot.
July 20, 2023
Taking the Heat
Awesome read, second time reading this book . I was rooting for Gabrielle and Randall from their time in the dessert.
I would recommend that you read this book.
Awesome read, second time reading this book . I was rooting for Gabrielle and Randall from their time in the dessert.
I would recommend that you read this book.
July 23, 2017
Review
Once again, I have read a spellbinder by Brenda Novak. Great book and I highly recommend it to all. Could not go to sleep until I finished it.
Once again, I have read a spellbinder by Brenda Novak. Great book and I highly recommend it to all. Could not go to sleep until I finished it.
August 26, 2017
Another great book from Brenda Novak. You will need to stay up all night with this one because you will not be able to put it down.
March 9, 2018
Fast-paced suspense-romance had me keep turning the pages and wanting more!
March 15, 2018
I loved this. Brenda had me really thinking through out this book and it ended up being a totally different outcome than what I expected.
April 2, 2018
Taking the Heat
I love Brenda Novel's style of writing. Strong characters, supense, romance and justice! I highly recommend all the books she has written!
I love Brenda Novel's style of writing. Strong characters, supense, romance and justice! I highly recommend all the books she has written!
May 12, 2018
I loved it.. I didn't the end coming..
July 13, 2018
Another great book!
Brenda Novak sure knows how to keep her readers attention!!! This one was no exception!! Gabby and Tucker are great together!!! Loved how it all turned out!!
Brenda Novak sure knows how to keep her readers attention!!! This one was no exception!! Gabby and Tucker are great together!!! Loved how it all turned out!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews