Too Hot to Handle

by Aleah Barley

Too Hot to Handle by Aleah Barley:

She was playing with fire...

Honey Moore has made a pledge: no more stealing cars and no more lusting after Jack Ogden. But when an arsonist torches her house and chases her all over Los Angeles, she's forced to throw herself on Jack's mercy. No one will look for a convicted felon in an LAPD detective's apartment, right?

Jack doesn't need a woman like Honey in his life. She might be sexy, but trouble follows her everywhere. But it's hard to walk away from someone who lives at full throttle—and even harder to keep her safe. Now he'll have to sacrifice everything to protect Honey from the arsonist determined to kill her.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Ebooks, Fiction, Chick Lit, Adult

212 pages, ebook

First published May 12, 2012

About the author

Aleah Barley is a writer of humorous (she hopes) contemporary romance. After living all over the United States, she recently moved to Motor City with a fluffy Maine Coon Cat who is constantly trying to appropriate her computer. She is hard at work on her next book.

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains sexual content. Ideal for 18+.

Too Hot to Handle was my first novel by author Aleah Barley, so I went into it not knowing what to expect, but I have to say to I’m really pleased because what I got was a great read. It’s a hot and steamy novel – one that has a fast paced and exciting storyline, with a love story that was very intense and I loved it.

Honey Moore is known as a criminal. She’s stolen expensive cars including a cop car and has been in jail, but after being released, she’s trying to build a new life for herself. The problem is, someone just burned down her house and is now trying to harm her. The only person she can turn to is Jack Odgen, an old high school sweetheart who happens to be a cop, and the person whose cop car she stole. Honey and Jack’s relationship has always been complicated but at least she knows she can trust him, so of course, he’s more than willing to help her solve who’s behind the attack. But what they don’t realise is, it’s sure going to be a dangerous ride and Jack is going to have to sacrifice everything he loves in order to keep Honey save.

This book really was a fun, exciting and fast read and all the time I was reading it, I couldn’t help being reminded of the movies like “Gone in 60 Seconds” and “Two Fast in Furious” with all the car references – which I have to say, I really enjoyed.

Honey comes across as a tom-boy because she loves cars and well, she’s been in jail but she’s strong and definitely not a whiney character and deep down, she’s just like any girl – looking for the one guy that will treat her right. She really has found her match in Jack, even with all the obstacles that life throw at them, they really make a fantastic couple (even though they don’t always see it).
Now Jack, really? How do I describe him? Well, I’m going to leave it in the hand of Honey because she really says it all; "He was a double fudge sundae with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and cookie crumble. Beautiful. Rich. Bad for her." Need I say more? Jack really is amazing and is any girls dream. I love him!

Too Hot to Handle was definitely a hot read and if you’re looking for you're next adult fix, then this is the book for you. I can’t wait to seeing what Aleah Barley comes up with next.

Note: Want a chance to get the know the author more? How about winning an eBook copy of this book too? If you do, then stop by the blog http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.co... on June 21st!

[Jennifer (random jendsmit) · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a nut shell: really enjoyed this book… but that could be in part because of the fabulous Mopar in the book – Jake’s Superbee! Sorry I’m a Mopar Girl <3! So beautiful cars, action, and romance – how can this ever be a bad combo!

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My Rating: 4/5 stars

Details:
I really liked this book. The characters were good – there was action – emotion – romance. I love a girl who knows cars. **I’m married to a mechanic… so I know my cars** I love that Honey is trying to clean up her act and I absolutely love the past she and Jack have together. It makes for a fantastic twist later on in the book! Loved it – you’ll know what I’m talking about when you read it! **wink wink** Ummm where do I start with Jack?! Let’s see – badge, rich kid making it on his own, muscles, badass, stand-up guy, sexy as hell, SUPERBEE… **drooling – wiping at chin**

Ok enough of that… I really did enjoy this book and I’d recommend it to readers 18+ as it is steamy and for mature readers. This book was right up my alley with all the cars, the hotness, and well I just really liked it! So you need to pick up a copy of this book, and once you read it come back and let me know what you think! It is a steal for only $2.99 – click below to buy at your preferred shopping site!
Amazon
B&N

Until Next Time,
@jendsmit

[Kayleigh {K-Books} · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too Hot To Handle Review on K-Books

"He was a double fudge sundae with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and cookie crumbles. Beautiful. Rich. Bad for her."

Wow. Another totally hot short book for romance fans to swoon over. I really enjoyed 'Too Hot To Handle' and I was plesently surprised by it. I had never heard of Aleah before so when I was offered the chance to read this for Entangled Publishing I jumped at the chance. I have read quite a few Entangled Romance titles and loved so many of them. This isn't one of my favourites from their line but that in no way means I didn't enjoy it. It was so good and made me swoon as good romance books should.

Honey is a petty thief. After coming from a criminal background she knows there is no chance for her to be with her childhood crush. No matter her feelings, she is a criminal and Jack is a honerable cop. But when they meet again sparks fly and can two people from very different backgrounds end up with a happy ending?

I really enjoyed Too Hot To Handle and found myself really sucked into this story of the doomed love between a petty criminal with her life in danger and the cop who has always loved her and will do anything to protect her. Both main characters were incredible and I really enjoyed seeing their relationship develop throughout the book.

I really loved that the two of them were so different. One a petty criminal and one a cop and I love how their relationship was so close and they both meant so much to each other. The thing that really irritated me was that they were both so totally in love with each other and it just took so long for them to get their act together and I just knew it was going to happen and was just sat waiting for it to happen.

This is a great storyline and I really enjoyed reading this story. If you are a romance fan then you will definitely enjoy this story.

"You stole my heart a long time ago, and I never really got it back."

[Heidi McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too Hot to Handle is truly a story about love at first sight. While it may not start off like that, especially with an old high school flame breaking into a police officer's apartment. Or when we learn that said burglar also hot wired said police officer's car and did time in jail for joyriding. You would think author Aleah Barley is setting us up for a major criminal court proceeding, but no.

As Jack Ogden climbs the stairs to his apartment nursing wounds from a fight he was just in, the last thing he expected was to find women searching through his refrigerator. Only when she turned around, does she take his breath away because standing in front of him is the one he fell in love with in high school, the one that left him after a week - standing there in nothing but his t-shirt.

Honey Moore had led a life of not belonging. When she started a prestigious private school, she kept to herself. That is until Jack found his way into her heart. Jack never understood what made Honey tick and Honey made sure she kept herself closed off from him for many reasons. When life dealt Honey the ultimate blow - someone tries to kill her by burning her house down - she turns to the one person she knows that can keep her safe - Jack.

Jack is torn - arrest Honey for breaking and entering - or pull her into his arms and never let go. What transpires throughout this story is a testament on how love can and will conquer all. We should all be so lucky to have a first love that never dies.

While there's mystery, suspense and romance (lots of it) there is also a comedic undertone. Honey is quick with the one-liners and Jack is your quintessential cop who takes things a bit too seriously. . . you know like Honey stealing his car again. If you ask Honey, she just borrowed it.

Too Hot to Handle is the perfect weekend read when your lying by the beach this weekend.

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rhayne's review posted on Guilty Pleasures

3.75 Stars

Too Hot To Handle is a cute, funny, sexy read.

Honey and Jack have had a thing for each other since high school. They even dated for a very brief period of time. They are from two different worlds. Jack is from a very wealthy family with political prospects in his future. Honey is a criminal who has been busted repeatedly and spent some time in prison for stealing Jacks cop car for a beer run. She has grown up and has tried hard to put the past behind her and make something out of her life. Differences aside, Jack and Honey have always been drawn to one another and always had a connection. So it makes sense when someone burns her house down and is after her she turns to Jack. He is the one person she knows will protect her and keep her safe.

There is a lot of action and even suspense thrown in as they try to figure out who is responsible for the fire and why someone wants her dead. Jack is the perfect hot alpha hero guy that everyone would love to have for their own, and Honey is the sexy sarcastic witty heroine. When you put them together, there is delicious chemistry and lots of laughs.
This was a quick fun escape if you’re looking for a fast paced read with sizzling, sexy scenes and a bit of mystery.

There were a few places where I felt the story was a bit choppy. I also struggled with Honey keeping information from Jack during his investigation. He was putting everything on the line to help her, and I didn’t feel that it was an even trade. However, in the end it all worked out and it was well worth the read.

Enjoy!

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, well, well this book was exactly as the title described! Too HOT TO HANDLE, which is exactly what Honey Moore was.

Honey is known as a car theif, she made bad grades in school, and was only ever passionate and loving towards Jack... but he was jerked away from her too. When Honey's house gets burned down, she knows that someone was trying to target her but she doesn't understand why so she decides to run to Jack for help... Jack is a police officer and when he finds Honey in his apartment with nothing but a t-shirt and panties on he feels as if he's in Highschool and love struck all over again.

Even though Jack feels this way inside he doesn't show is because he doesn't want his heart crushed again. He acts as if he isn't happy to see Honey... but the only reason he isn't happy about it is because his old feelings start coming back.

Honey and Jack embark on an adventure together and have some steamy sex along the way! I loved this story, I read it in 2 hours and Honey cracked me up! This book made me feel all giddy inside :D I do wish that it had been a little longer but only because I wanted to spend more time with the characters!

You should definitely read this book if you would like a short and very satisfying read. I will be on the lookout for more Aleah Barley books in the future.

[Jessica ♡~ Book&Coffee Lover ~♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book from Entangled Publishing.. and again a very good one! It's official Entangled Publishing has the VERY BEST authors on board!! There hasn't been a single book/novella from Entangled Publishing that i didn't like so eveyrtime a new one comes out i buy it and i like it.

Love this new cover for 'Too Hot to Handle except that Honey on the cover has the wrong haircolor but i'm in a good mood after reading this book that i don't think it's a big deal .. lol ..

Loved the story, great to see a tough hero and an even tougher heroin in this story :) Absloutly loved Honey, she's def a real L.A girl.

The book had a lot of suspence in it, one or two steamy lovescene's and a few surprises for us in store. A must read for all! (if your above 18 that is .. lol ..)

[L.S. Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good steamy beach read that's enjoyable.

[Mari Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexy and fun to read! A new author with a lot of talent. :-)

[Kalika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful

I have truly enjoyed all of this author's titles, and this is certainly no exception. The characters feel real and the dialogue is playful and fun. Definitely a good beach book.

[Βασιλική Μπούζα · Rating 4 out of 5]

Μια περιπέτεια δράσης με ερωτικές περιγραφές, ζωηρές εικόνες πάθους, έντασης κι μυστηρίου. Το βιβλίο αναφέρεται στην κάλυψη των συναισθηματικών κενών. Τις περιστάσεις, τα παιχνίδια της τύχης, και πως κάποια στερεότυπα εμποδίζουν τις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις ώσπου οι χαρακτήρες ωριμάσουν κι αποκαλύψουν τις αληθινές προθέσεις.

[Evie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sexy read...

Honey is a former car thief, who never admits to thievery. In her eyes, she merely borrows stuff. And what "stuff" that is! She is good at borrowing cars. Not just any car, but freaking beautiful expensive cars. Well, she does admit to have paid her dues already, since she swears she's never hot wired a car, at least not with the intention of stealing it. She thinks somehow her past has caught up with her, someone wants her dead and she barely makes it out of her house alive. Finding nowhere else to go she seeks refuge at Jack's place.

Jack is not a just any detective. Let me tell you, he's got all the moves, the looks... um yeah, he's delish... delish to the eyes and delish in bed... yup, sorry, you'll have to read that and find out for yourself :) Anyway, the last thing he expects is for Honey to walk back into his somewhat ordered and pre-planned life. Why I say pre-planned? He's mom is a witch, and has it all planned out for him, but when Honey re-appears the woman almost has a heart attack.

Jack doesn't know whether to trust Honey, I mean he's the reason why she... tsk, well I can't say what he did because I'd spoil it. Then Honey only goes to him because she doesn't want to put her beloved ones in harm's way. Why she still wants to talk to him after what he did to her, which is the only reason why.... tsk, yes I can't say that either, but suffice it to say if I'd been her I wouldn't have gone looking for his help, nuh-uh.

What I also liked about the story too where the different cities and streets mentioned, I know all of them! Except maybe for the made up one in Malibu lol. The only other thing I wonder is where exactly in the Valley Honey's place was. I'm willing to bet it was right in the border of where the nice part ends and the not so nice begins.

Last, if you liked Gone in Sixty Seconds, then you'd most likely like this book. That's all I'm saying. I thought it was a real sexy read.

Blurb:

She was playing with fire...

Honey Moore has made her pledge: no more stealing cars and no more lusting after Jack Ogden. But when an arsonist torches her house and chases her all over Los Angeles, she’s forced to throw herself on Jack’s mercy. No one will look for a convicted felon in an LAPD detective’s apartment, right?

…and he didn't want to get burned

Jack doesn’t need a woman like Honey in his life. She might be sexy, but trouble follows her everywhere. But it’s hard to walk away from someone who lives at full throttle—and even harder to keep her safe. Now he’ll have to sacrifice everything to protect Honey from the arsonist determined to kill her.

[Tee loves Kyle Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

*******THIS IS A MATURE BOOK FOR ADULTS 18 AND OVER*******

I want to give a HUGE THANK YOU to Entangle for allowing me to read and review this book. I have to say I LOVED LOVED this book! I have been reading more and more adult books and I am getting hooked!

Honey is everything your parents warn you about. Fast and fearless and also reckless. See Honey has loved Jack for years but they come from two different worlds and Honey can't ever see them getting together. Then she is the target of an arsonist and she runs right to Jack. Jack wants nothing to do with Honey because he is a cop and Honey broke his heart.

Then Honey tells Jack that someone is out to kill her and she wants his help to find out why this person wants her dead. Jack decides he will help Honey and along the way he falls for her again. Jack and Honey have to piece together all the clues but can Honey learn to lower her guard long enough for Jack to come in? Will Honey learn to trust Jack again? Will Jack let down his guards in order to let Honey in?

Come along for a To Hot To Handle Summer READ! Jack is definitely my new swoon worthy guy! My song for Jack and Honey is Drake $ Rhianna's Take Care
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zzP29...

I've asked about you and they've told me things
but my mind didn't change
I still the feel the same
what's a life with no fun, please don't be so ashamed
I've had mine, you've had yours we both know, we know.
They don't get you like I will
my only wish is I die real
cause that truth hurts, and those lies heal
and you can't sleep thinking that he lies still
so you cry still, tears all in the pillow case,
big girls all get a little taste
pushing me away so I give her space
dealing with a heart that I didn't break.
I'll be there for you, I will care for you
I keep thinking you, just don't know
try to run from that, say you're done with that
on your face girl, it just don't show.
When you're ready, just say you're ready
when all the baggage just ain't as heavy
and the parties over, just don't forget me
we'll change the pace and we'll just go slow.
You won't ever have to worry,
you won't ever have to hide,
you've seen all my mistakes,
so look me in my eyes.

Read more: DRAKE - TAKE CARE LYRICS http://www.metrolyrics.com/take-care-...
Copied from MetroLyrics.com

[Wendy Sparrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

They're throwing around a clever logline on Twitter for this book... and I'm a sucker for a clever logline. "He stole her heart. She stole his car." Then, I read the blurb and it sounded like the perfect short read to get me through a rough day and a head cold. It was at that, but it was also really funny...but maybe that's the cold medicine talking.

No, it's not. Here are my favorite excerpts:

**
"Breaking and entering. I could arrest you. Again."
"Go ahead. Grand theft cookie." She took another bite. "That's a career-making bust."

**
"I didn't do anything." Honey sucked in a deep breath. "I'm not a thief."
"It's called 'grand theft auto.' Not 'grand I'm-just-taking-it-for-a-spin-around-the-block auto.'"

**

There's a lot more where those came from.

Honey's from the wrong side of the tracks and Jack was born with a silver spoon, but they both ended up at the same private school together where, after one amazing date, Honey dumped him flat and seemed determined to torment him. Years later--and a prison sentence for Honey, she's back in trouble and fearing for her life and Honey knows no one can keep her safe like her old flame Jack, now a police detective--and, if nothing else, he has a nice car she can "borrow."

I loved the muscle car references, and I immediately looked up pictures of the Super Bee and Volvo Sport when I got back on my laptop. This had all the sexy hotness of Gone In Sixty Seconds and the unicorn reference at one point ("Seeing her in a chop shop in West Hollywood was like finding a unicorn in a glue factory.")--almost seemed like an homage to that movie.

The characters are well developed and very, very likable, and the plot's pace was as fast as the cars in it. It even has a few car chases in it to ramp up the octane. If you like your romance to be funny and smart--and especially if you're a fan of reformed car thief plots, this is your book. If you're hopped up on cold medicine and probably couldn't get half the cleverness of this book--this is still your book. (I might have to reread this when my blood isn't .08 chicken noodle soup.)

[Rhayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 STARS


Too Hot To Handle is a cute, funny, sexy read.
Honey and Jack have had a thing for each other since high school. They even dated for a very brief period of time. They are from two different worlds. Jack is from a very wealthy family with political prospects in his future. Honey is a criminal who has been busted repeatedly and spent some time in prison for stealing Jacks cop car for a beer run. She has grown up and has tried hard to put the past behind her and make something out of her life. Differences aside, Jack and Honey have always been drawn to one another and always had a connection. So it makes sense when someone burns her house down and is after her she turns to Jack. He is the one person she knows will protect her and keep her safe.
There is a lot of action and even suspense thrown in as they try to figure out who is responsible for the fire and why someone wants her dead. Jack is the perfect hot alpha hero guy that everyone would love to have for their own, and Honey is the sexy sarcastic witty heroine. When you put them together, there is delicious chemistry and lots of laughs.
This was a quick fun escape if you’re looking for a fast paced read with sizzling, sexy scenes and a bit of mystery.
There were a few places where I felt the story was a bit choppy. I also struggled with Honey keeping information from Jack during his investigation. He was putting everything on the line to help her, and I didn’t feel that it was an even trade. However, in the end it all worked out and it was well worth the read.
Enjoy!

[Arlena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author: Aleah Barley
Published By: Entangled Publishing, LLC
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Blog For: GMTA

Review:

"Too Hot to Handle" by Aleah Barley was a cute funny romantic read. The title really sums up this good read. It seems like the hero (Jack) and the heroine (Honey) had known each other in HS where they had dated for a week or so. Later on it seems like Honey wired his police care to make a beer run and ended up in prison for as year and a half on grand theft auto charges. Now is is out of prison and desire to go straight, however, Honey's home is burned down and she ends up breaking into this policeman(Jack) home and this is where this fast paced story starts. Why would she go to him? Well, she knew him from school and she knew he would keep her safe. Will Jack help her? Does Jack really need a woman like Honey in his life? Well, this is the time that I will say you must pick up "Too Hot to Handle" and see just what is in store for these two. This is really a interesting read that I really did enjoy reading. These two characters will keep you turning your head asking what will happen next and I don't want to forget about the 'Superbee'.... of its importance in this novel that you will pick up during your read.

If you are in for a cute romance you have come to the right place...for Too Hot to Handle" is a good adult read for you.

[Jax O · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too Hot to Handle is a sexy and powerful short story. With a complicated past odds seem to be against Jack and Honey, but as this story unfolds readers will root for the happily ever after of their dreams. I was pleasantly surprised to find such an incredibly strong story with this hot and steamy romance. I loved the pairing Jack being a rich boy that has never quite fit in, and the poor troublesome Honey that together will make readers swoon. Like I said before the story is very short, but the storyline fits perfectly. After an impressively creative story I look forward to finding more from this author.

~BookWhisperer Reviewer JO~

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

Aleah Barley has a real knack for writing romance with a touch of humor that makes you fall in love with her characters as they fall for each other. An absolutely enjoyable read.

[Lhenry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun one, although I was very confused at the beginning. I liked the quick paced, witty feel to it.

[Dahlia (yadkny)]

TRR 5/27 / NOR

[Cocktails and Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review to come

[Julie (Let's Read Good Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Fun read with a unique heroine. The end was a little too tidy for my tastes, but this is a great book to enjoy while lounging in the sun.

Full review soon at www.mangamaniaccafe.com

[K · Rating 1 out of 5]

The writing was disjointed, which made a throw-away guilty-pleasure read a chore. Blah

[Stella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Detailed review to be posted soon.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast paces. Quick read good story

[paradox · Rating 2 out of 5]

Apparently everyone like this but it just wasn't my cup of tea.