Since Brianne Nelson’s parents have died in a plane crash, she never had any anxiety attacks. As young as her twenty-age at the time, she’d had to pull herself together in order to raise her younger brother Marc. She wanted stability and steadfastness for her brother, things she never had had while growing up because their parents loved for their care-free life have overlooked the fact they had had a teenage daughter and a much younger son to take care of. But they were one of those that thrived on danger…adrenaline junkies that ultimately led them to their early grave, much to Brianne’s disappointment and perhaps relief that her anxiety attacks and days of sleeping over next-door neighbors have stopped.
Now, as a full-grown woman still trying to make ends meet because she wanted her brother to have the life she never had, sent him to a special private school which her Physical Therapy job couldn’t very well afford. So, she’d had to acquire a second job as a waitress thanks to her best friend who hired her who’s both the bartender and owner of the resto-bar. She was living her comfortable, albeit rather frugal, vulnerability-free way of life until she became aware of one customer who seemed to frequent the bar. He was the most gorgeous and sexy guy she ever cared to lay eyes on and whenever he looked at her, his eyes seems to caress her. But they have never spoken to one another… only looked at each other from across the crowded bar sizzling with sexual chemistry that only the two of them were aware of. She’d often wondered if she would ever meet with him on a personal level. Brianne thought it funny that since she’d seen him in the bar, he’s starred her dreams in a most erotic and sensual way. A man of her fantasy!
But that fantasy were put into reality when she was hired by a wealthy young woman who needed a physical therapist for her brother. Their agreement were that she moved into the penthouse and live with her brother the entire summer while working on his progress, while she’d be gone, away holidaying in Italy. It was a nice set-up. She’d have a summer’s free rent and the pay was so generous, she could save up some after Marc’s tuition. Although she’d enjoyed waiting on Jack’s bar, she never did care for it, so she’s more than happy to give it up. Though, at some point it made her sad that she wouldn’t be able to see anymore much less gone the chance that she would finally get the courage to come up and talk to the man who became the object of her desires. Well, she guessed that some things were not truly meant to be… or NOT! Because when she finally met with her patient… she was stunned and rather dazed to find that it was none other than the gorgeous and sexy man she’s wanted for ages…Jake Lowell. And when she learned the reason he needed the therapy was because he’s a cop who busted his shoulder during a dangerous assignment…she was disillusioned! She knew right there and then that the best course of action had to distance herself and not get involved. She could never be vulnerable again and risk anxiety attacks. Just the term danger made her hyperventilate. Although, once their therapy had started, she couldn’t seem to get enough of touching Jake, he was proving to be harder to resist than she originally thought.
Jake Lowell was on forced leave of duty until he could prove to the station that he’s physically fit to work on assignment once more. He’s extremely upset because he had to sit out the most important case of his life where he needed to nail the scum who killed his best friend and fellow cop, Frank. He just had this intense driving need to put away Louis Ramirez, the drug-dealing cop-killer scum who had been causing several college-aged teenagers to OD on drugs. And since he’s officially off the case because he’s on leave, he’s really bored out of his wits until he saw HER in a bar where he’d agreed to meet his sister for a drink. She’s the most beautiful and sexy waitress he’d ever seen and couldn’t help the sputter of powerful sexual awareness he instantly felt towards her. From then on, he went to the same bar for drinks several times a week just to have a glimpse of her. They never speak or anything, but he knew that she’s as much aware of him as he was of her sensually. The air around them practically sizzled when they look at each other. His nights were consumed by thinking about her if not of his case against Ramirez. But mostly his thoughts were occupied by one sexy waitress, dreaming and fantasizing about her. If he wanted to pursue her, then he had to wrap the case soon. But first he had to put himself on physical therapy sessions so he could return to work as soon as he’s physically fit and able. And also to get his sister Rina off his back and stop badgering him to visit rehab and make himself better. He’s also agreed to babysit her penthouse and dog Norton while she’s away for the summer. Since she’s his only sister and family, he was humoring her. Besides she’s got him a surprise the day she went off on her vacation. And surprised he definitely was… because Rina’s surprise had turn out to be none other than his fantasy came to life, Brianne Nelson! And he’s got her all to himself for the summer. He thought he’d died and gone to heaven, LOL!
Body Heat was really a very good story. The story line was really great and the principal characters were both likeable. They have depth and character especially Brianne. She was rather amazing in this story taking care of her brother Marc. She was really selfless. And one thing that made the story terrific was the dose of conflict in it. The character of Louis made for a very compelling antagonist. I must admit the conflict of the story and the hot sizzling sex have added to the anticipation and excitement of reading it.