Can't Stand the Heat

Gibbons Gold Digger Novel #1

by Shelly Ellis

Gleefully demonstrating that a person cannot be defined by his or her past, Ellis bubbles to the top with the Gibbons Gold Diggers series launch. - Starred Review, Publishers Weekly

Ellis starts her new Gibbons Gold Digger Series, about a family of women who seduce men for money, in fine form. - RT Book Reviews

Over three generations, the Gibbons women of Chesterton, Virginia, have built their reputation as a family of shameless--but refined--gold diggers. They even have a strict set of rules by which they operate. But the rebellious, youngest Gibbons is about to break them all...

Lauren Gibbons is committing the ultimate family betrayal: abandoning the tradition of seducing men for money. Nothing is worth the abuse she's endured from her sugar daddy. Now a sous chef, Lauren is hoping to break from the past for good. And when she meets hot former NFL player Crisanto Weaver, she even lets herself imagine a future. But the small-town rumor mill--and her own sisters--aren't ready for a new Lauren. Between her conniving relatives, her vengeful ex, a mountain of debt, and a whole lot of haters, can she escape her old life, and create something new?

Genres: Romance, African American, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook, Chick Lit

296 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Shelly Ellis is a NAACP Image Award-nominated women's fiction/romance author and creator of the Gibbons Gold Digger and Chesterton Scandal series. Her fiction writing career began when she became one of four finalists in a First-Time Writers Contest when she was 19 years old. The prize was a publishing contract and having her first short-story romance appear in an anthology. She has since published ten novels and was a finalist for 2015 NAACP Image Award in the Literary Fiction Category, a three-time finalist for the African American Literary Award in the romance category (2012, 2016, and 2017), and a finalist for the 2015 RT Reviewers' Choice Award in Multicultural Romance category.

She is married and lives in Prince George's County, Maryland with her husband and their daughter. Visit her at her web site www.shellyellisbooks.com.

Reviews

[Lois · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5
Meh this is the first series and it shows.

[Erin Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel. I finished it in two days. The author has painted a wonderful picture of a family of women that have been raised to look out for themselves and each other by doing the thing they do best....gold digging. I admit, at first I was skeptical and wondered how the author could possibly redeem women who do such unsavory things, but she succeeded well in the case of Lauren.

Lauren is the youngest sister in the family and along with her sisters has been taught the family rules of gold digging. (I freely admit those rules were good stuff) After fleeing her abusive sugar daddy, Lauren takes a job as a sous chef determined to put her gold digging ways behind her and be an independent woman.

Enter former NFL star, Cris Weaver who has just moved to town and is smitten with Lauren as soon as he sees her. Between Lauren's crazy family nearly bungling their romance, her insane ex out to make everyone's lives a living hell, Cris' manipulative ex, and Lauren's own inner turmoil, the author weaved a very well written story. Despite Lauren's past I found myself rooting for her and hoping that things finally worked out for her.

I will say that Lauren has to be the best of her sisters. The actions of some of the others left me laughing, or shaking my head at their foolishness. I can't wait to see what the author comes up with for Lauren's 3 sisters in her next novels.

On a whole, this was a beautiful romance. It was realistic, honest and in even more of a nod to the talent of the author, it did not have to rely on gratuitous sex to sell the novel. This novel was fantastic enough that I would have remained engrossed in it, even if all Lauren and Cris did was share a few kisses. I really liked the rules the author came up with and I can't wait to read her next book, The Player and The Game. 5 Stars!!!!!

[T.A. Beasley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gibbons sisters, along with their mother, are taking the men of Chesterton, Virginia by storm in Can’t Stand The Heat by Shelly Ellis. Gold digging is the name of the game and the Gibbons family is willing to play. Lauren Gibbons has tried to follow her family’s rules but has a change of heart, which causes a small rife in the family. Lauren’s last relationship with millionaire, James Sayers, turns her off of being a gold digger. The relationship got out of hand when James started using his fists to solve their problems.

Lauren gets away from him and decides she is giving up the lifestyle to have freedom and peace of mind. Lauren wants her independence back not knowing it will be harder than she expected. When Lauren meets retired football player, Cris Weaver, she believes her luck has changed because their attraction to one another cannot be ignored. Lauren believes this could be true love, but Cris and Lauren soon discover their ex’s are not going to make it easy for them.

Cris Weaver relocates to Virginia after retiring and learning that his ex-girlfriend was not who he believed her to be. Cris has dinner at a local restaurant and meets one of the chefs. Cris has an instant connection to her and tries to come up with another way to ask her out on a date since she turned him down the first time. Cris hires Lauren to prepare dinner for a party he is throwing. When Cris confesses to Lauren that the party is fake their conversation ends with them going on a date.

The two start dating and everything seems to be going well until Lauren lets her ego take over and both of their ex’s decide they won’t take no for an answer. Will Cris and Lauren survive?

Can’t Stand The Heat was an entertaining story of one woman’s desire to change her life. Lauren goes against all of her family’s rules to have a meaningful relationship. This book had a romantic feel with a hint of drama that kept me turning the pages. The characters were well-developed which delivered a strong storyline. I was shocked to find this was the author’s debut novel. The author has a wonderful writing style and I cannot wait to read the next book in the Gibbons Girl series.

This book was provided by the publisher for review purposes.

Teresa Beasley
APOOO BookClub

[African Americans on the Move Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone loves a good love story..and everybody loves a little drama where here's where they meet! I.enjoyed this book because no matter how trifling the Gibbons sister could be their family values came fussy and meant something to them. I.was glad to see that two people could be 100% HONEST.with each other and make their own destiny despite all the odds against them. Thus was a fantastic book.

Majesti Burroughs
AAMBC Reviewer

[Danita Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across this author @ the urban book festival in Baltimore 2013. I have a signed copy of Shelly Ellis novel "Can't Stand the Heat, and there is 3 more after that. The Gibbson family takes gold digging 2 a new level and have been cast as such by the whole town. This was truly a page turner.

[Lisa G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story by a 1st time author. I can't wait to read more by her

[Byron Washington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent!!

🚨🚨SPOILER ALERT🚨🚨

The premise of this book, while interesting, was tough to accept after awhile. People can be petty and cruel, especially so in small towns, but the cruelty being displayed throughout the book was saddening. Domestic violence, especially by powerful people over the less powerful, sets my teeth on edge. But then the synopsis warned me, I just didn't listen.

I wanted to give 3.5 stars, but I decided upon 4, because 3 would've been too low. The story was well written and easy to read, so there's that. It's the content that got to me. And I HATED the marriage proposal, but c'est la vie.

Buy it, read it and enjoy👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fair warning, very kink shamey. But otherwise great.

[Romance Novels in Color · Rating 5 out of 5]

CAN’T STAND THE HEAT by Shelly Ellis is a story about the Gibbons women. The Gibbons women over three generations have built their reputation as gold diggers seducing men for their money. The family also has a set of rules that they follow.

After three generations of the women in her family seducing men, Lauren Gibbons decides to change it. Lauren suffers abuse from her sugar daddy and is hoping to break from the past for good. Her sugar daddy had beaten her one too many times. She meets an NFL player named Cris and looks for a future with him. With her conniving relatives, vengeful ex, and debt, she may not be able to escape from her past. To her family, Lauren is committing the ultimate betrayal and abandoning the family tradition.

The characters were so realistic and well-developed. They grab you from the pages and stay with you. The story-line catches you from the beginning and draws you in. The dialogue was well developed and written, and you will love the hot, delicious romance. The chemistry between Lauren and Cris was great, and once I started the book I didn't want to put it down. I had to know what was going to happen next.

Can’t Stand the Heat is the first book by Author Shelly Ellis. As a debut novel for a series, this author has done a wonderful job. I love the author’s writing style. The story-line will remind you of a lifetime movie. I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series, and I highly recommend this book to all readers. This book would make an excellent book club discussion.

Thank you Author Shelly Ellis for a wonderful story.

-Reviewed by: Barbara

[Collette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could think of a thousand things to teach my daughter if I had one.....and a thousand other to teach my grand daughter in which I do have. But none of the things that the Gibbon's girls were taught from their mother and grandmother. I was straight shocked and had to re -read to make sure I wasn't mistaken. The things these girls called family values were straight crazy and they held each other up to those standards. It was really all about the almighty dollar with the ladies and at times fighting each for the source of income. But they did somehow believe in "first come, first serve "among each other......which I say was funny to me. The one sister Laurent decided she had had enough of the family creed so to speak. Her ex -boyfriend (James) treated her like a piece of trash all because he felt he owned her (strongly felt) . But the man who was going to help her free herself from James and her family values was on his way by the name of (Chris) . At the end of this story they were finally together, but you MUST READ to see exactly what happened in between their meeting and their getting together.

This is a good read......a must read......an enjoyable read. For your reading pleasure make this your next read. And guess what I see that we are going to have a second book behind this one focusing on one of the other sister...lets get ready.

[SassyMama · Rating 5 out of 5]

An ENTERTAINING start to the Gibbons Gold Digger Series...this family of women have some MAJOR issues...from the mother to the youngest daughter...however the youngest, Lauren is looking to break the family rules and make drastic changes in order to get her life back on track...to be different from the rest of her family and their gold digging ways...but can she BREAK free...can she RECLAIM the dreams she once had...can she find a man that will love her despite her past ways...will her chance meeting with Cris be a good thing or cause her to revert back to her old gold digging ways...this was a ENGAGING read..looking forward to more DRAMA with the Gibbons family and their circle of friends and enemies.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lauren and the rest of her family are known as gold diggers in her town of Chesterton, Virginia. This is something that Lauren is not happy about and hoping to change. The rest of her family is not ready to change but Lauren is ready to turn over a new leaf after she gets attacked by her ex-boyfriend. After this incident, she has decided to work on herself and never resort back to her old ways. But she meets Cris and she sees this as a way to start anew. Then things occur in her life which makes it hard for her to stick to her guns. This was a fast paced book and it was hard for me to put it down. I liked the author’s writing style and I definitely plan to read the rest of the series.

[KC Girlfriends Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the main character in the novel, I identified with her rebelliousness and struggle for independence. The supporting characters did just that, support, without being overwhelming. The book was contemporary without being "street".

I didn't find any cons. The only thing that ate at me was "if Phillip was creole why wasn't he Phillipe?"

Overall I believe the book was well written, it was enjoyable and I would read the author again. I read it twice and enjoyed it just as much the second time around. I would definitely recommend it to friends and family. Don't let the cover or the "Goldigger Series" fool you, it is a good read.

4.5 Stars

Rochelle V
KC Girlfriends Reviewer

[LaCeasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. The fact that he loved her for who she is now and not based on what someone else told him and that she was truthful with him about her past was wonderful. I do however think the ex-boyfriend should have been exposed for what he really is. Overall I have to say that I really enjoyed this book. And I am currently reading the next installment.

[Tru Royalty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't stand the heat was a very relatable story. I enjoyed Lauren recognizing the wrong of her way and trying to make a change in spite of rumors and those around her. Cris was a dream come true I believe every woman desires the life and security he provided. Everyone deserves a second chance with caution I am glad Lauren decided to change and Cris decided to judge for himself.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

All right I got to read the 1st one and way to go to start off a series. These sisters and their mom are something else but you like them none the less. It'll be fun to see each one find love or if they find love.

[Michelle Chavis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never read anything from Ms. Ellis, but I really enjoyed this book. Can't wait to read more from her. A new author I will be adding to my list.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick and easy read!

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good.

[Sharene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this first book. Most have heard about gold diggers - yes most of the time it is a woman…but there are men gold diggers too! The Gibbons family has taken gold diggers to a level of...…Is it really that serious?! We are talking generations of teaching the women how to seduce men to “take care of them.” That type of life style can make one walk alone similar to the main character - the youngest sister Lauren. After being abused by her Sugar Daddy, she decided to change that cycle of using men. She recognized that was not the right way to live and worked hard for her independence. With Lauren changing her thought processing and it will changed her life – Cris is a dream come true! It goes to show you that second chances do come around.
Life is full of drama. One must decide what type of drama you want to have in your life!

[BossyLadi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was just ok. It dragged in some parts and was mildly entertaining overall. Not a lot of action or moving parts here. Be prepared for a very slow start. It doesn't get good until well past the half way mark.

Lauren is the FMC. She comes from a family of gold diggers and is a reformed gold digger herself. She meets and starts dating Cris, a former NFL star worth 40M. The book follows their relationship and all the town haters, including Lauren's abusive ex, James. Storybook ending.

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t imagine someone not liking this book. It had absolutely everything...drama, suspense, betrayal, romance, just everything. I’m a fan of this author now and cannot wait to read the rest of the series.

[Francine Jiles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is excellent. Although, I don't like the use of the word ,glower, being used over and over the book, for the most part, is well written. The characters are intriguing and the featured family is interesting.

[Geneva(GG) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. I love Shelly Ellis' writing, she never disappoints.

[Jenise Shumaker]

It is true your past can sometimes stop you from living life but you have to let go and start getting the new things started. This was a good book.

[Carol Hornsby-mccoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. Just goes to show you people change. Also being a gold digger is not all it’s caked up to be. Never let a man control or buy you. It could cost you much more.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series so far, I enjoy this author!

[SassyMama · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ENTERTAINING start to the Gibbons Gold Digger Series...this family of women have some MAJOR issues...from the mother to the youngest daughter...however the youngest, Lauren is looking to break the family rules and make drastic changes in order to get her life back on track...to be different from the rest of her family and their gold digging ways...but can she BREAK free...can she RECLAIM the dreams she once had...can she find a man that will love her despite her past ways...will her chance meeting with Cris be a good thing or cause her to revert back to her old gold digging ways...this was a ENGAGING read..looking forward to more DRAMA with the Gibbons family and their circle of friends and enemies.

[Diamond Drake · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, I just have to say how much I love and appreciate that Can't Stand the Heat was so well written from a grammatical standpoint. I found that very refreshing. The reason I didn't rate it higher, however, is because the story dragged in certain spots and didn't always hold my interest. I started it a while ago, put it down, and came back to it. I guess the biggest thing was that I never really felt connected to any of the characters. I didn't love or hate any of them and for me to fully enjoy a book I need to have some sort of emotional connection or reaction to what's being done or said. Though, I realize that's more personal taste than anything else.

I'd rate Can't Stand the Heat 3.5

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looks can be deceiving!

I really enjoyed this novel! Lauren and Cris had to overcome a lot of obstacles to be together. The Ribbons have a long standing reputation of being gold diggers. Lauren was determined to break away from that label no matter what her family thought. I thought the story flowed well and progressed very well. I look forward to the other sisters stories!