Heat Waves by Susan Lyons
Contemporary Romance
4 stars
Heat Waves is a sexy contemporary romance which is a two part anthology. These two stories tie in together but can be easily read by themselves. I really enjoyed how the author cleverly links the stories and makes the book itself seem interesting.
Rock the Boat
Gwen is slowly recovering from the tragic death of her much older husband. He died from cancer. Now she has begun a new career as a wedding planner. She is anxious because this is her first international wedding. When she finds out the cruise director has been replaced by a newbie (and young hottie) named Santos, she is worried that the wedding may fail. In reality, Santos is an insurance investigator in disguise, and he has never directed a cruise in his life! He is there to spy on one of the wedding guests whom he suspects stole five million dollars. Santos tells Gwen his real plans and warns her of his intent to seduce her in his spare time….
Making Waves
Flynn is taking a much needed break after being accused of stealing five million dollars. He is recovering after at lengthy trial and a public smear, which have made him bitter and angry. But when he discovers the evil prosecutor named Kendra is on the same ship for the wedding, he immediately confronts her. It turns out Kendra is also a guest of the wedding and not there to further harass him. Although he hates everything Kendra stands for, he has secretly dreamed about Kendra sexually. She is a beautiful woman. Although he was acquitted, Flynn knows his reputation has been damaged forever. But the sexy Kenrda is in his thoughts and when the meddling guests play matchmaker, Kendra and Flynn don't stand a chance!
Contrary to the cover, these stories are sexy and a bit adventurous but never over the top or 'kinky.' I liked how they both focused on the main two characters and really delved into their background. Each character has past issues which they are able to resolve with the support and comfort of the other main character.
Of the two stories I liked Kendra and Flynn’s more because of the past tension built into their story due his prosecution. Their story was more exciting to read and quicker to start the 'action.' The only quibble I had was that I found it a bit sudden that they hopped into bed together since Flynn has so much animosity toward Kendra. I also felt his fast forgiveness of Kendra seemed a bit rushed.
On the other hand, Gwen and Santos’s romance was slower to start. They were very sexually aware of each other but waited to understand and respect each other more before they 'got together.' Theirs was a sweeter romance. While I admired that Santos immediately told Gwen that he was really an insurance investigator, I sort of wished he had kept it secret a while to add more mystery to the story.
The best part about these stories are how the author makes the characters feel real. I especially like how she is not afraid to let her men be more thoughtful and even considerate. Alpha men are good but in the end you also want someone who does listen, is understanding, and is not afraid to be vulnerable, too.
Likeable characters and sexy stories made for entertaining reading.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club