What do you think?
Rate this book
Austin Heat #1
The One Who Undid Me
Rumor has it, that Austin, Texas just got a little hotter! Fans of Tessa Bailey and Christina Lauren will fall for this sexy story of mistaken identity, electric attraction, and irresistible romance. The first installment in Amari Nylix’s addictive new series, Austin Heat , will make you laugh and swoon, while you twist in anticipation. And of course, you’ll need a few cold showers…it gets hot in Texas!
Jake is desperate to rewrite his past with women and leave behind the media storm surrounding his off-the-field antics that cloud his potential. He’s done with the stream of models, actresses and NFL cheerleaders that have warmed his bed since he made a name for himself as starting quarterback for the University of Texas. He desperately wants to meet a normal girl in his hometown of Austin.
After moving to Austin to be the hired girlfriend to one of her long-term escort clients, Rakell finds herself wishing she could live a normal life with an average guy. Turned off by the billionaire clients she’s been serving for the last five years, she longs to get out of the business’ and build a life where she doesn’t live in the shadows of her escort persona. “Just get through this year and then you’re done Rakell,” she reminds herself.
When Jake saunters into her life, with his jet-black hair, cocky sweet bravado and piercing blue eyes, Rakell is knocked off-guard. She finds herself internally buzzing and fantasizing about getting him naked. Can she have a low-key relationship with the guy from the gym without things getting complicated? Will she finally get to sleep with someone she’s chosen? She’s trained to leave her heart out of sexual relationships, but can she do that with Jake?
Their worlds collide and the spice is off the charts. “Pretty boy” Jake Skyler has met his match with saucy-mouthed, sex driven, Rakell McCarthy. Both think they’ve fallen for an average personin Austin, Texas. Both are wrong! What happens when their physical connection explodes, and their hearts take charge? Both are concealing secrets that threaten their future together and things are about to get heated.
Jake is desperate to rewrite his past with women and leave behind the media storm surrounding his off-the-field antics that cloud his potential. He’s done with the stream of models, actresses and NFL cheerleaders that have warmed his bed since he made a name for himself as starting quarterback for the University of Texas. He desperately wants to meet a normal girl in his hometown of Austin.
After moving to Austin to be the hired girlfriend to one of her long-term escort clients, Rakell finds herself wishing she could live a normal life with an average guy. Turned off by the billionaire clients she’s been serving for the last five years, she longs to get out of the business’ and build a life where she doesn’t live in the shadows of her escort persona. “Just get through this year and then you’re done Rakell,” she reminds herself.
When Jake saunters into her life, with his jet-black hair, cocky sweet bravado and piercing blue eyes, Rakell is knocked off-guard. She finds herself internally buzzing and fantasizing about getting him naked. Can she have a low-key relationship with the guy from the gym without things getting complicated? Will she finally get to sleep with someone she’s chosen? She’s trained to leave her heart out of sexual relationships, but can she do that with Jake?
Their worlds collide and the spice is off the charts. “Pretty boy” Jake Skyler has met his match with saucy-mouthed, sex driven, Rakell McCarthy. Both think they’ve fallen for an average personin Austin, Texas. Both are wrong! What happens when their physical connection explodes, and their hearts take charge? Both are concealing secrets that threaten their future together and things are about to get heated.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2023
985 people are currently reading
5012 people want to read
About the author
Amari Nylix
6 books341 followersIG: author.amarinylix Tik Tok: author.amarinylix
Amazon #1 bestseller Amari Nylix tells sordid stories revolving around tempestuous love affairs. Inspired by the secret liaisons of old west villains, heroes and the temptress women who lure those powerful men into their webs. She particularly enjoys it when the men’s armor is ripped away, exposing their soft under bellies known as their hearts. She relishes in the men’s pursuit of the soft, feminine kitten, only to find themselves shocked when she turns out to be a wanton minx.
Years of traveling the globe, studying her human subjects as they let their emotions draw them into sticky situations, taking notes along the way, led Amari to write stories that taunt. She delights in sharing her torrid stories of heart-wrenching, epic love that begin with the desires of the flesh and evolve into affairs of the heart.
Amari resides in the finest hotels the world over, enjoying the attention of the men that dare. Little do they know, her motives are to reel them in, then use them for ‘research’ purposes. Her objective is always to dissect the hidden ‘sweet’ motivations of the men she writes about that are often disguised behind their alpha bravados. She makes no apologies for her pernicious ways. Her sole goal is to give all the minxes that follow her writing a fulfilling ride on the provocative, emotional, and often humorous train they bought a ticket on.
She currently splits her time between Austin, Texas and wherever the hell else she wants. She has an affinity for old hotel bars where she can be seen enjoying a cocktail or two, while she imagines all the saucy liaisons that were sparked within those walls. Her favorites are the Driskill Hotel (Austin), Palmer House (Chicago), the Hotel Del Coronado (Coronado Island) as well as the Hotel Rosewood (London). When she’s not writing, which is often, she enjoys being served by hot, ripped men…while doing ‘research’ for future books.
In the AUSTIN HEAT series, Amari works closely with bestselling author of both non-fiction and fiction, Tara Delaney. Tara has extensive professional experience in behavior and nervous system development, while also having studied how early trauma impacts our responses as adults. Tara is directly responsible for trimming back Amari’s sex scenes, allowing room for all the FEELS.
They have a productive, albeit contentious, working relationship. Tara insists that the only way to draw readers into characters is through their hearts and minds, while Amari insists that readers only slog through ‘that stuff’ to get to the spice.
AUSTIN HEAT WARNING:
Tara advises that although the emotional tension will pull you in, it is important to note, the spicy scenes are intense and explicit. Not everyone is naughty enough for this series.
Amari advises you to read it! Enjoy the ride…you may realize you’re naughtier than you’d like to admit. Amari promises to keep your secrets a secret…those are between you and your lipstick.
DISCLAIMER:
Ms. Nylix is NOT responsible for your increased water bill due to the number of COLD showers required to get you through this steamy series.
Amazon #1 bestseller Amari Nylix tells sordid stories revolving around tempestuous love affairs. Inspired by the secret liaisons of old west villains, heroes and the temptress women who lure those powerful men into their webs. She particularly enjoys it when the men’s armor is ripped away, exposing their soft under bellies known as their hearts. She relishes in the men’s pursuit of the soft, feminine kitten, only to find themselves shocked when she turns out to be a wanton minx.
Years of traveling the globe, studying her human subjects as they let their emotions draw them into sticky situations, taking notes along the way, led Amari to write stories that taunt. She delights in sharing her torrid stories of heart-wrenching, epic love that begin with the desires of the flesh and evolve into affairs of the heart.
Amari resides in the finest hotels the world over, enjoying the attention of the men that dare. Little do they know, her motives are to reel them in, then use them for ‘research’ purposes. Her objective is always to dissect the hidden ‘sweet’ motivations of the men she writes about that are often disguised behind their alpha bravados. She makes no apologies for her pernicious ways. Her sole goal is to give all the minxes that follow her writing a fulfilling ride on the provocative, emotional, and often humorous train they bought a ticket on.
She currently splits her time between Austin, Texas and wherever the hell else she wants. She has an affinity for old hotel bars where she can be seen enjoying a cocktail or two, while she imagines all the saucy liaisons that were sparked within those walls. Her favorites are the Driskill Hotel (Austin), Palmer House (Chicago), the Hotel Del Coronado (Coronado Island) as well as the Hotel Rosewood (London). When she’s not writing, which is often, she enjoys being served by hot, ripped men…while doing ‘research’ for future books.
In the AUSTIN HEAT series, Amari works closely with bestselling author of both non-fiction and fiction, Tara Delaney. Tara has extensive professional experience in behavior and nervous system development, while also having studied how early trauma impacts our responses as adults. Tara is directly responsible for trimming back Amari’s sex scenes, allowing room for all the FEELS.
They have a productive, albeit contentious, working relationship. Tara insists that the only way to draw readers into characters is through their hearts and minds, while Amari insists that readers only slog through ‘that stuff’ to get to the spice.
AUSTIN HEAT WARNING:
Tara advises that although the emotional tension will pull you in, it is important to note, the spicy scenes are intense and explicit. Not everyone is naughty enough for this series.
Amari advises you to read it! Enjoy the ride…you may realize you’re naughtier than you’d like to admit. Amari promises to keep your secrets a secret…those are between you and your lipstick.
DISCLAIMER:
Ms. Nylix is NOT responsible for your increased water bill due to the number of COLD showers required to get you through this steamy series.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
October 18, 2023
If you are a following the Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce and/or Alix Earle/Braxton Barrios romances and if you love steamy books with substance, Austin Heat should be next on your list!
For background context, I read a lot of Rom Coms, but not so many spicy books because I find the way a lot of the steamy scenes are written to be cheesy, annoying or cringeworthy and I can't get into books that have no plot or bad writing as I've found with many many spicy romances.
Given that Austin Heat promised to have a deeper story line set in one of my favorite cities, Austin, I knew I wanted to give it a read ... and it did NOT disappoint!
The story is told from the alternating points of view of Jake Skyler, an NFL Quarterback home in Austin for the off-season, and Rakell McCarthy, an Australian transplant living in Austin with her long-time escort client. The pair meet at the gym and share a lot of fun banter before realizing that they may actually be falling for each other as they meet up at different Austin hot spots. Both long for a normal relationship, but there are some very specific complications standing in their way, not to mention that neither is aware of the others' professional occupation when they start dating.
Jake, Rakell and their friends are all well-rounded characters with three-dimensional lives and the book tackles important topics like having an autistic child and being afraid to have one's parents discover their true sexuality. The steamy scenes are well-written and decidely un-cringey - lol. I was happy to discover there is also a lot of tenderness and even some humor thrown into the mix.
This book is the first in a series and ends on a bit of a cliffhanger: One character learns the other's profession, but one is still hiding a lot (and I want to know more about what happened in this character's past as there were several hints!)
I really look forward to reading the next installment - I am rooting for Jake and Rakell's romance!!!!
I received a copy of this book from the fabulous author, herself - Thank you so much!!!
Content Warnings: Homophobia, Racism, Death of a parent, drugs and alcohol
For background context, I read a lot of Rom Coms, but not so many spicy books because I find the way a lot of the steamy scenes are written to be cheesy, annoying or cringeworthy and I can't get into books that have no plot or bad writing as I've found with many many spicy romances.
Given that Austin Heat promised to have a deeper story line set in one of my favorite cities, Austin, I knew I wanted to give it a read ... and it did NOT disappoint!
The story is told from the alternating points of view of Jake Skyler, an NFL Quarterback home in Austin for the off-season, and Rakell McCarthy, an Australian transplant living in Austin with her long-time escort client. The pair meet at the gym and share a lot of fun banter before realizing that they may actually be falling for each other as they meet up at different Austin hot spots. Both long for a normal relationship, but there are some very specific complications standing in their way, not to mention that neither is aware of the others' professional occupation when they start dating.
Jake, Rakell and their friends are all well-rounded characters with three-dimensional lives and the book tackles important topics like having an autistic child and being afraid to have one's parents discover their true sexuality. The steamy scenes are well-written and decidely un-cringey - lol. I was happy to discover there is also a lot of tenderness and even some humor thrown into the mix.
This book is the first in a series and ends on a bit of a cliffhanger: One character learns the other's profession, but one is still hiding a lot (and I want to know more about what happened in this character's past as there were several hints!)
I really look forward to reading the next installment - I am rooting for Jake and Rakell's romance!!!!
I received a copy of this book from the fabulous author, herself - Thank you so much!!!
Content Warnings: Homophobia, Racism, Death of a parent, drugs and alcohol
July 11, 2023
Trying to get away from his playboy image we follow a very proud Texan that will one minute pull at your heartstrings and then the next have you pulling at your hair. Superstar NFL player Jake Skyler is training in his off-season when he meets a beautiful Aussie Rakell. I definitely appreciate the dual pov because we can see both fighting their inner battles and obvious attraction to each other. Jake exudes a charming southern boy on the outside but with his family and friends, he is very caring and passionate about those he holds dear. Rakell is trying to come to terms with who she is. After years in a profession where she has to pretend to be someone or something else she settles in Austin for the year hoping to lay low and maybe snag a normal cutie. She is used to being lavished with expensive jewels and whisked away on exotic vacations. She is slowly falling for the normal Jake that takes her to picnics in the park or mini-golfing. The whole time they hide their professions from each other and your girl here was screaming at them to be honest! Like please, find happiness you both deserve it. What started as a slow burn definitely turned up by a few hundred degrees. I had to fan myself a few times to take a small break. Both characters were very easy to fall in love with and made me look forward to their next interaction to see how they would fight their attraction towards each other plus bonus banter. Also, the author has some amazing short videos showcasing Austin. Let me tell you I binged them all and it was so surreal seeing fictional characters coming to life. I can't wait for the next one.
September 18, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ for this steamy, Austin based, not looking for love romance
Austin Heat is the first in a new series by Amari Nylix. Let me just tell you that this book brings ALL the HEAT! The scenes between Jake & Rakell were scorching off the page. Jake is a NFL star with a rep for being a pretty boy player. Rakell is a high priced call girl. They meet at a gym in Austin and sparks fly immediately for Jake. Rakell is aloof and definitely plays hard to get. She is wrapped up in her life and working to get out of the escort business and into a career as a model and actress. She's not looking for a boyfriend, considering what she does for a living. Jake has had his share on Hollywood romances and isn't looking for that. He just wants a normal girl who wants to get to know him, not the NFL star. They start to spend time together, not knowing the truth about who each other are. They cannot deny their attraction, the chemistry is palpable. They enjoy each other's company but each have walls up due to their secrets.
This was a slow burn (relationship wise) but the heat was anything but once they got together. I did struggle with how long they lied to each other, especially Rakell. I felt for Jake, falling for her knowing that he couldn't really get past her walls and not fully understanding why. Rakell ran hot and cold and kept herself emotionally unavailable. It was kinda hard to root for her.
I enjoyed the secondary characters, especially Jake's friends. I definitely need more of Dwayne's story! be forewarned that this does not end in a HEA but rather a cliffhanger. My poor Jake, I'm left needing to need to know if you get your happy ending. When's book 2 coming????
Austin Heat publishes Tuesday, 9/19. If you like your romances filled with sizzling steam, dirty talk, secrets and hot cowboys/football players who aren't looking for love but fall hard then you won't want to miss this one.
Austin Heat is the first in a new series by Amari Nylix. Let me just tell you that this book brings ALL the HEAT! The scenes between Jake & Rakell were scorching off the page. Jake is a NFL star with a rep for being a pretty boy player. Rakell is a high priced call girl. They meet at a gym in Austin and sparks fly immediately for Jake. Rakell is aloof and definitely plays hard to get. She is wrapped up in her life and working to get out of the escort business and into a career as a model and actress. She's not looking for a boyfriend, considering what she does for a living. Jake has had his share on Hollywood romances and isn't looking for that. He just wants a normal girl who wants to get to know him, not the NFL star. They start to spend time together, not knowing the truth about who each other are. They cannot deny their attraction, the chemistry is palpable. They enjoy each other's company but each have walls up due to their secrets.
This was a slow burn (relationship wise) but the heat was anything but once they got together. I did struggle with how long they lied to each other, especially Rakell. I felt for Jake, falling for her knowing that he couldn't really get past her walls and not fully understanding why. Rakell ran hot and cold and kept herself emotionally unavailable. It was kinda hard to root for her.
I enjoyed the secondary characters, especially Jake's friends. I definitely need more of Dwayne's story! be forewarned that this does not end in a HEA but rather a cliffhanger. My poor Jake, I'm left needing to need to know if you get your happy ending. When's book 2 coming????
Austin Heat publishes Tuesday, 9/19. If you like your romances filled with sizzling steam, dirty talk, secrets and hot cowboys/football players who aren't looking for love but fall hard then you won't want to miss this one.
October 22, 2023
Ok this one was hot! This is the first in a new series and I can definitely see the potential here. Jake and Rakell had amazing chemistry despite keeping secrets from each other and it’s a slow burn before they get it together and finally hook up. While it’s steamy there was also plenty of depth as well and the characters were well developed and interesting. I was a little surprised that things weren’t resolved in the end but overall I enjoyed this sexy and fun read.
August 25, 2023
Jake is an NFL player with a "certain" reputation. Rakell is desperately trying to get herself out of the escort life. The two find each other at the same gym which they work out at. What initially starts as harmless banter begins to take on a physical form. However, both carry secrets that might derail them before they begin.
I enjoyed this book a lot. I thought Rakell had a lot of sides to her and was always interested in what she’d do next even as broken as she is. I also love that she is an Australian native. Jake is really trying to get his act together and you can see how much he wants to be better. I am looking forward to the remainder of the series.
I enjoyed this book a lot. I thought Rakell had a lot of sides to her and was always interested in what she’d do next even as broken as she is. I also love that she is an Australian native. Jake is really trying to get his act together and you can see how much he wants to be better. I am looking forward to the remainder of the series.
September 15, 2023
Wonderful entry into romance - great start to a series that promised hot hot heat!! Can't wait for #2.
July 28, 2023
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. These opinions are my own.
This book felt unfinished and unedited. I appreciated the secondary characters, the discussion of race, and the steamy scenes. However, other parts of the book did not hold together.
I could not root for the romance. Jake was trying to change his negative reputation as a player. Rakell gave him lots of mixed signals. And her backstory didn't explain all of her standoffish and inconsistent behavior. Both main characters had secrets, lies and lots of miscommunication.
Strangely, the book began with a prologue that was actually a letter to readers celebrating the cover model. That needs editing and to be moved to the back with acknowledgements.
There was a really sweet scene with Jake's niece and nephew. But the next chapter jumped time as if the scene had never happened. The book was trying to do a lot bringing these kinds of scenes that gave more depth to the characters in, but they didn't lead to a consistent narrative. Additionally, there was a thrown in story about a suicide attempt that was not adequately addressed, and some questionable representation for body image and bisexuality.
Finally, this is not a stand alone. It is too long already and ends with a cliffhanger and the expectation that their story will continue in a later book.
CE: suicide attempt, homophobia
1.5 rounded up
This book felt unfinished and unedited. I appreciated the secondary characters, the discussion of race, and the steamy scenes. However, other parts of the book did not hold together.
I could not root for the romance. Jake was trying to change his negative reputation as a player. Rakell gave him lots of mixed signals. And her backstory didn't explain all of her standoffish and inconsistent behavior. Both main characters had secrets, lies and lots of miscommunication.
Strangely, the book began with a prologue that was actually a letter to readers celebrating the cover model. That needs editing and to be moved to the back with acknowledgements.
There was a really sweet scene with Jake's niece and nephew. But the next chapter jumped time as if the scene had never happened. The book was trying to do a lot bringing these kinds of scenes that gave more depth to the characters in, but they didn't lead to a consistent narrative. Additionally, there was a thrown in story about a suicide attempt that was not adequately addressed, and some questionable representation for body image and bisexuality.
Finally, this is not a stand alone. It is too long already and ends with a cliffhanger and the expectation that their story will continue in a later book.
CE: suicide attempt, homophobia
1.5 rounded up
August 8, 2023
I wanted to like this book, but I found myself just wanting to get it over with. Then, when I finally got to the end, I found out it’s the first of a series and nothing has been resolved. It was too long, the characters are not well-developed, and the storyline jumps around. It was not well edited, either. If I had to read about the FMC’s eyetooth one more time I was going to lose it! I don’t care enough about the characters to read to next book and I’m sorry to say I would not recommend. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
July 11, 2025
Quick Summary: A slow and go romance
My Review: The One Who Undid Me by Amari Nylix is book #1 in the Austin Heat series.
About the Book: "...story of mistaken identity, electric attraction, and irresistible romance.
Jake is desperate to rewrite his past with women and leave behind the media storm surrounding his off-the-field antics that cloud his potential.
He desperately wants to meet a normal girl in his hometown of Austin.
After moving to Austin to be the hired girlfriend to one of her long-term escort clients, Rakell finds herself wishing she could live a normal life with an average guy.
When Jake saunters into her life, with his jet-black hair, cocky sweet bravado and piercing blue eyes, Rakell is knocked off-guard.
Can she have a low-key relationship with the guy from the gym without things getting complicated? Will she finally get to sleep with someone she’s chosen? She’s trained to leave her heart out of sexual relationships, but can she do that with Jake?
Both are concealing secrets that threaten their future together..."
In My Own Words: A pro athlete with a bit of a reputation and a woman with an atypical past meet in a gym, flirt, and ultimately have sexy times.
My Final Say: This novel was a slow and go read for me. I tried so hard to get into it, but I had difficulty. It was a pick up/put down type of book. I simply did not like it. It was brutal, I am sorry to say. There was something there, however, I was unable to fully connect with what was going on, which was unfortunate. The premise initially appealed to me.
I do not plan to continue the series.
Other: Unfortunately, this gets a low mixed read rating on the - side. Some people may likely enjoy this story and others may not.
Rating: 2/5
Recommend: -
Audience: A
Status/Level: ⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the author, to the publisher (AuthorBuzz | Temair Media), and to NetGalley for granting a review opportunity. I am appreciative for the chance to read and critique this work. The words I have shared are my own thoughts and opinions. Although this installment was not for me, I do hope it attracts a following, as I understand how much goes into undertaking an endeavor such as this.
My Review: The One Who Undid Me by Amari Nylix is book #1 in the Austin Heat series.
About the Book: "...story of mistaken identity, electric attraction, and irresistible romance.
Jake is desperate to rewrite his past with women and leave behind the media storm surrounding his off-the-field antics that cloud his potential.
He desperately wants to meet a normal girl in his hometown of Austin.
After moving to Austin to be the hired girlfriend to one of her long-term escort clients, Rakell finds herself wishing she could live a normal life with an average guy.
When Jake saunters into her life, with his jet-black hair, cocky sweet bravado and piercing blue eyes, Rakell is knocked off-guard.
Can she have a low-key relationship with the guy from the gym without things getting complicated? Will she finally get to sleep with someone she’s chosen? She’s trained to leave her heart out of sexual relationships, but can she do that with Jake?
Both are concealing secrets that threaten their future together..."
In My Own Words: A pro athlete with a bit of a reputation and a woman with an atypical past meet in a gym, flirt, and ultimately have sexy times.
My Final Say: This novel was a slow and go read for me. I tried so hard to get into it, but I had difficulty. It was a pick up/put down type of book. I simply did not like it. It was brutal, I am sorry to say. There was something there, however, I was unable to fully connect with what was going on, which was unfortunate. The premise initially appealed to me.
I do not plan to continue the series.
Other: Unfortunately, this gets a low mixed read rating on the - side. Some people may likely enjoy this story and others may not.
Rating: 2/5
Recommend: -
Audience: A
Status/Level: ⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the author, to the publisher (AuthorBuzz | Temair Media), and to NetGalley for granting a review opportunity. I am appreciative for the chance to read and critique this work. The words I have shared are my own thoughts and opinions. Although this installment was not for me, I do hope it attracts a following, as I understand how much goes into undertaking an endeavor such as this.
September 18, 2023
Review: Austin Heat - Amari Nylix
I was lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC.
This is book 1 of the Austin Heat Series.
Jake is desperate to rewrite his past with women and leave behind the media storm surrounding his off-the-field antics that cloud his potential. He’s done with the stream of models, actresses and NFL cheerleaders that have warmed his bed since he made a name for himself as starting quarterback for the University of Texas. He desperately wants to meet a normal girl in his hometown of Austin. After moving to Austin to be the hired girlfriend to one of her long-term escort clients, Rakell finds herself wishing she could live a normal life with an average guy. Turned off by the billionaire clients she’s been serving for the last five years, she longs to get out of the business’ and build a life where she doesn’t live in the shadows of her escort persona. “Just get through this year and then you’re done Rakell,” she reminds herself. When Jake saunters into her life, with his jet-black hair, cocky sweet bravado and piercing blue eyes, Rakell is knocked off-guard. She finds herself internally buzzing and fantasizing about getting him naked. Can she have a low-key relationship with the guy from the gym without things getting complicated? Will she finally get to sleep with someone she’s chosen? She’s trained to leave her heart out of sexual relationships, but can she do that with Jake? Their worlds collide and the spice is off the charts. “Pretty boy” Jake Skyler has met his match with saucy-mouthed, sex driven, Rakell McCarthy. Both think they’ve fallen for an average personin Austin, Texas. Both are wrong! What happens when their physical connection explodes, and their hearts take charge? Both are concealing secrets that threaten their future together and things are about to get heated.
This book had me hooked from the beginning! I loved seeing the heat between these two characters!
I really enjoyed Jake and Rakell’s characters! I hate that they both lied about their professions but I understand where they both are coming from.
I definitely recommend this book!!
I cannot wait to read book 2 and read more of Jake and Rakell’s story.
Rating: 4 / 5⭐️’s
I was lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC.
This is book 1 of the Austin Heat Series.
Jake is desperate to rewrite his past with women and leave behind the media storm surrounding his off-the-field antics that cloud his potential. He’s done with the stream of models, actresses and NFL cheerleaders that have warmed his bed since he made a name for himself as starting quarterback for the University of Texas. He desperately wants to meet a normal girl in his hometown of Austin. After moving to Austin to be the hired girlfriend to one of her long-term escort clients, Rakell finds herself wishing she could live a normal life with an average guy. Turned off by the billionaire clients she’s been serving for the last five years, she longs to get out of the business’ and build a life where she doesn’t live in the shadows of her escort persona. “Just get through this year and then you’re done Rakell,” she reminds herself. When Jake saunters into her life, with his jet-black hair, cocky sweet bravado and piercing blue eyes, Rakell is knocked off-guard. She finds herself internally buzzing and fantasizing about getting him naked. Can she have a low-key relationship with the guy from the gym without things getting complicated? Will she finally get to sleep with someone she’s chosen? She’s trained to leave her heart out of sexual relationships, but can she do that with Jake? Their worlds collide and the spice is off the charts. “Pretty boy” Jake Skyler has met his match with saucy-mouthed, sex driven, Rakell McCarthy. Both think they’ve fallen for an average personin Austin, Texas. Both are wrong! What happens when their physical connection explodes, and their hearts take charge? Both are concealing secrets that threaten their future together and things are about to get heated.
This book had me hooked from the beginning! I loved seeing the heat between these two characters!
I really enjoyed Jake and Rakell’s characters! I hate that they both lied about their professions but I understand where they both are coming from.
I definitely recommend this book!!
I cannot wait to read book 2 and read more of Jake and Rakell’s story.
Rating: 4 / 5⭐️’s
November 11, 2023
ARC Netgalley
We follow an escort (leaving the business) and NFL player (who is trying to redeem his playing the field persona) falling for each other during off season without either of them being honest about what they do for a profession. It was easy to read, spicy in places and the characters were both likeable. Would recommend for a romantic read.
We follow an escort (leaving the business) and NFL player (who is trying to redeem his playing the field persona) falling for each other during off season without either of them being honest about what they do for a profession. It was easy to read, spicy in places and the characters were both likeable. Would recommend for a romantic read.
September 22, 2023
2.5 stars
Jake is training in the off season of the NFL when he sees Rakell in the gym he is at. He is instantly smitten, while she gives him the cold shoulder. He’s tired of his playboy image and his past relationship issues. He wants a meaningful relationship. Rakell is an escort but is determined to leave it.
This is a super steamy book with dual POVs. It’s written in the third person, which I am not a big fan of. I didn’t like how all the chapters were broken up and jumped from one POV to another. I did feel like this was a tad too long to end on a cliffhanger.
I was really interested in the premise of this book from reading the synopsis, but once I started reading, it just wasn’t for me. Some books you just click with, and this is not one of them for me.
Thank you to Get Red PR and the author for an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Jake is training in the off season of the NFL when he sees Rakell in the gym he is at. He is instantly smitten, while she gives him the cold shoulder. He’s tired of his playboy image and his past relationship issues. He wants a meaningful relationship. Rakell is an escort but is determined to leave it.
This is a super steamy book with dual POVs. It’s written in the third person, which I am not a big fan of. I didn’t like how all the chapters were broken up and jumped from one POV to another. I did feel like this was a tad too long to end on a cliffhanger.
I was really interested in the premise of this book from reading the synopsis, but once I started reading, it just wasn’t for me. Some books you just click with, and this is not one of them for me.
Thank you to Get Red PR and the author for an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 7, 2023
I thought this was just going to be a steamy novel but it had depth. Rakell is a high end escort but wants to get out of that business but can’t do it just yet as she has one long term client. Jake is an NFL quarterback, pretty much partying all the time with many different beautiful women. But if he is to be taken seriously he has to clean up his act. Jake and Rakell meet at the gym and Jake immediately is taken by her. Rakell is not so keen although she is very attracted to Jake. She seems afraid of commitment. Their journey is is so fun to follow, lots of laughs, some crying and hoping they will make it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 8, 2023
On the surface, this book brings the spice and passion that can exist between two people who barely know each other. However, if you sit with the main characters, Jake and Rakell, for a bit, you see the fallibility in their wanting to be on an intimate level but not wanting to make themselves vulnerable to potential heartache. Amari definitely started to peel back the layers on these two individuals leaving me primed for her next book in the series.
April 18, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. WOW...this novel really keeps the spice flowing. It also comes with a very interesting plot playing in the background. Jake and Rakell really mesh and it just gets better as time goes by. Definitely read this book.
July 24, 2023
I'm new at reviewing Romance novels so will try to add more thoughts later. TLDR: I really enjoyed it. I JUST NEED MORE! I need to know more of the story.
March 13, 2024
Austin Heat by Amari Nylix
Rating: 3.5 stars
Steam: 2 chilis
Pub date:
Thank you so much to Get Red PR for my gifted copy.
Jake Skyler is an NFL quarterback who is tired of the superficial life he’s been living. He wants to settle down and can’t believe his luck when he spots Rakell, the gorgeous girl he meets at the gym. Their attraction is instant, and Rakell doesn’t seem to know who he is, which only adds to her appeal. Rakell has her own secrets, which might become a problem down the road.
Jake and Rakell have instant chemistry, and their slow-burn romance sizzles with tension. But beneath the steamy surface lies a complex web of lies and secrets that threaten to tear them apart.
While I was rooting for Jake's genuine desire for a meaningful connection, Rakell's emotional walls and continued lies were hard to ignore. However, the dynamic between them is undeniably compelling and drew me into their whirlwind romance.
The secondary characters were a lot of fun, and I’m hoping we get more of Dwayne’s story! This book ends on a crazy cliffhanger, so make sure you have book two ready when you’re finished.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Steam: 2 chilis
Pub date:
Thank you so much to Get Red PR for my gifted copy.
Jake Skyler is an NFL quarterback who is tired of the superficial life he’s been living. He wants to settle down and can’t believe his luck when he spots Rakell, the gorgeous girl he meets at the gym. Their attraction is instant, and Rakell doesn’t seem to know who he is, which only adds to her appeal. Rakell has her own secrets, which might become a problem down the road.
Jake and Rakell have instant chemistry, and their slow-burn romance sizzles with tension. But beneath the steamy surface lies a complex web of lies and secrets that threaten to tear them apart.
While I was rooting for Jake's genuine desire for a meaningful connection, Rakell's emotional walls and continued lies were hard to ignore. However, the dynamic between them is undeniably compelling and drew me into their whirlwind romance.
The secondary characters were a lot of fun, and I’m hoping we get more of Dwayne’s story! This book ends on a crazy cliffhanger, so make sure you have book two ready when you’re finished.
October 20, 2023
I always love a book with spice but I also want the plot to be developed. This book had both. The romance was a very slow burn but once they gave into temptation there was spice until the end. I totally understand why each of them want to keep their profession a secret, especially Rakell, but I was begging her to open up to Jake. Their communication when it came to their feelings was not the best but they had great banter and I loved the way Rakell put Jake in his place. There was a little bit of head hopping the way it was written but it was not confusing at all like some others I’ve read. Even without the deep conversations between Jake and Rakell we still got to know alot about them and that was because of the secondary characters. I loved both of their friend groups and how they had the “tough love” conversations with them. I was not expecting for this book to end the way it did and now I have to get my hands on book two.
Thank you @getredprbooks and @author.amarinylix for the gifted copy
Thank you @getredprbooks and @author.amarinylix for the gifted copy
November 12, 2024
This is the 1st book in the author's Austin Heat series, and let me tell you, it is HOT!🥵I normally don't read spicy books, so this most definitely gets 5🌶!
Jake Skyler is an NFL quarterback home in Austin for the off-season. Rakell McCarthy is an escort who moved to Austin to be the live-in girlfriend to a long-time client. They meet at the gym, and Rakell has no idea who Jake is, and he likes it that way. He's trying to keep a low profile, and he wants a girl to be with him for him and not for his fortune and fame. Rakell doesn't know how to be with a man for herself since she gets paid to do what they want. But that's all about to change. How will she ever tell Jake that she's an escort? How will Jake tell Rakell he's not just a "normal guy"?
This steamy romance told in alternating POVs pleasantly surprised me. I really enjoyed the storyline, and it most definitely kept me entertained. Jake and Rakell were great main characters, and their chemistry was off the charts! I also really liked the secondary characters. This book does end in a cliffhanger, so I'll most certainly be reading the next book. If you're looking for a spicy, hot football romance, I'd highly recommend checking out this book!
Jake Skyler is an NFL quarterback home in Austin for the off-season. Rakell McCarthy is an escort who moved to Austin to be the live-in girlfriend to a long-time client. They meet at the gym, and Rakell has no idea who Jake is, and he likes it that way. He's trying to keep a low profile, and he wants a girl to be with him for him and not for his fortune and fame. Rakell doesn't know how to be with a man for herself since she gets paid to do what they want. But that's all about to change. How will she ever tell Jake that she's an escort? How will Jake tell Rakell he's not just a "normal guy"?
This steamy romance told in alternating POVs pleasantly surprised me. I really enjoyed the storyline, and it most definitely kept me entertained. Jake and Rakell were great main characters, and their chemistry was off the charts! I also really liked the secondary characters. This book does end in a cliffhanger, so I'll most certainly be reading the next book. If you're looking for a spicy, hot football romance, I'd highly recommend checking out this book!
Read
February 26, 2024Kindle #4
May 26, 2024
All I have to say really is meh…it was ok. Felt a little forced.
September 20, 2023
A great start to a series. There are interesting characters and the story has you intrigued from the start. There is spice and intense moments, but it is also funny at times. I can’t wait to see what happens next in the series. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.
September 18, 2023
I really enjoyed this book!! I do wish the ending hadn’t been so abrupt, but that’s just because I’m DYING to know what happens! I can’t wait for the next in the series. My one complaint is the constant use of the word “hole” to describe her lady bits… it was used approximately 7 million times and every time it took me out of the spicy scenes and made me cringe.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Publication date- 9/19/23
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Publication date- 9/19/23
August 31, 2023
Amari Nylix kicks off the "Austin Heat" series with a bang! It's a slow romance with a whole lot of Texas heat. Jake, the NFL football guy, is about ditching his player reputation, while Rakell, the escort, dreams of leaving her old life behind. Set in Austin, their chemistry's off the charts, sparking severe banter. You'll be rooting for Jake's real-deal romance and feeling Rakell's need for normalcy. Secrets and misunderstandings keep you flipping pages as they struggle to make it work. The book dives into self-discovery and what society expects versus what we want. The sizzling romance and cool side characters keep things interesting. I can't wait for the next book - I'm in for the long haul with this series!
September 1, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. OMG!!!! I am going to start at the end with, OMG!!! This left on such a cliffhanger. I kept thinking, this is coming to the end and only half has been resolved and than BAM the end. I truly enjoyed this book. THe banter between out main characters was so much fun to read. I can not wait to read book 2.
August 31, 2023
This book was very close to being a "did not finish" for me, though I struggled through. It did help me solidly realize that my taste runs in the romantic comedy direction, I need the banter, the playfulness and the laugh out loud moments. Compared to a more direct, drama-based read.
Some things that didn't work for me, but that I thought could possibly be worked on:
* The point of view switches sometimes between paragraphs, leading to a very jerky, unsmooth read. Sticking with one perspective for a whole chapter, or until clearly indicated line-breaks might be helpful.
* The pacing felt very rushed. While it does take time for the characters to get together, that build up was lost by the tone of the book. It felt more like there was a checklist of things that had to happen before the characters could be together, and that checklist was being ran through in the effort to get to where the author wanted to be.
* Character development. While they both had potential, it didn't seem like there was the time to develop them as individuals, which for me made it so that I wasn't very invested in them. Rakell definitely had a more interesting backstory, but even then...
Especially with the "to be continued" ending, this read a lot more like a fanfiction or fictionpress type story. For me, it lacked the structure for a novel. However, I would say Amari definitely has some room for growth in the story department, but could definitely have the potential to get there!
If you're just reading for some spicy romance, then the second half of the book is for you!
Some things that didn't work for me, but that I thought could possibly be worked on:
* The point of view switches sometimes between paragraphs, leading to a very jerky, unsmooth read. Sticking with one perspective for a whole chapter, or until clearly indicated line-breaks might be helpful.
* The pacing felt very rushed. While it does take time for the characters to get together, that build up was lost by the tone of the book. It felt more like there was a checklist of things that had to happen before the characters could be together, and that checklist was being ran through in the effort to get to where the author wanted to be.
* Character development. While they both had potential, it didn't seem like there was the time to develop them as individuals, which for me made it so that I wasn't very invested in them. Rakell definitely had a more interesting backstory, but even then...
Especially with the "to be continued" ending, this read a lot more like a fanfiction or fictionpress type story. For me, it lacked the structure for a novel. However, I would say Amari definitely has some room for growth in the story department, but could definitely have the potential to get there!
If you're just reading for some spicy romance, then the second half of the book is for you!
September 11, 2023
This book, for me, was the definition of high school emotion games. I personally didnt like this book. I was hoping for an HEA but it just drug on until the very last page with the games.
August 18, 2023
Austin Heat by Amari Nylix
This is a series starter and it ends in a cliffhanger! Will Rakell stay? Will she disappear into the ether? Will Jake push too hard or will he accept how skittish Rakell is? Will Jake wait for Rakell to be emotionally ready? Ahhhhhhh!
I enjoyed these two emotionally stunted people. They both have Issues with a capital I! This book is Emotional with a capital E, Steamy with a capital S, and very Interesting.
I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a series starter and it ends in a cliffhanger! Will Rakell stay? Will she disappear into the ether? Will Jake push too hard or will he accept how skittish Rakell is? Will Jake wait for Rakell to be emotionally ready? Ahhhhhhh!
I enjoyed these two emotionally stunted people. They both have Issues with a capital I! This book is Emotional with a capital E, Steamy with a capital S, and very Interesting.
I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 20, 2023
Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Jake is in Texas and hopes to change his image. He loves football and hopes he can live a quiet life. When he meets Rakell he is immediately smitten. The two of them together can set off fireworks. A good read.
Want to read
August 16, 2023Austin Heat was a book I had to push myself to get through and, overall did not enjoy as much as I hoped I would.
There was A LOT of telling in this story. Rakell felt this, Jake was that... This book was not edited or edited properly. There was an excess of explanations of gym exercises and a background of the MCs lives, but an underwhelming amount of character development and enjoyable scenes. I wasn't rooting for anyone at the end of the book, except for it to be over. There were so many things that were repeated, i.e., Rakell's physical appearance (her tooth in particular), and I felt that it needed to be cut. We get it, we don't need it mentioned in every chapter. I didn't enjoy the banter; I was as confused as Jake and Rakell were during their early gym conversations.
Another issue I had were the little icons of the fire in between scenes in the chapters. First, it's so close to the Tinder logo; it made me uncomfortable. Second, they were overly inserted in places they didn't need to be. There were so many scenes that could have continued without them being there.
There's unfortunately not much that I enjoyed in this book, except maybe the scenes with Jake's niece and nephew. I usually want to continue a series after, but this was the first book I don't feel I want to continue.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the chance to review this free arc in exchange for my review.
There was A LOT of telling in this story. Rakell felt this, Jake was that... This book was not edited or edited properly. There was an excess of explanations of gym exercises and a background of the MCs lives, but an underwhelming amount of character development and enjoyable scenes. I wasn't rooting for anyone at the end of the book, except for it to be over. There were so many things that were repeated, i.e., Rakell's physical appearance (her tooth in particular), and I felt that it needed to be cut. We get it, we don't need it mentioned in every chapter. I didn't enjoy the banter; I was as confused as Jake and Rakell were during their early gym conversations.
Another issue I had were the little icons of the fire in between scenes in the chapters. First, it's so close to the Tinder logo; it made me uncomfortable. Second, they were overly inserted in places they didn't need to be. There were so many scenes that could have continued without them being there.
There's unfortunately not much that I enjoyed in this book, except maybe the scenes with Jake's niece and nephew. I usually want to continue a series after, but this was the first book I don't feel I want to continue.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the chance to review this free arc in exchange for my review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews