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It’s Getting Hot in Here
HER HOT FLUSHES MUST BE THE PERI-MENOPAUSE. THEY SURELY COULDN'T BE ... LOVE?
Lisa Darling - high-flying TV-exec and twice-divorced mother-of-two - has enough on her plate without having to deal with the handsome New Yorker parachuted in to her best friend's job at work.
She's already navigating life with a grotty teenage son, organising a PTA cheese & wine event, supporting her oldest friend through breast cancer treatment and, since she hit 47, facing a new perimenopause symptom every day. It's no wonder she never has time for Pilates or that DIY panelling she keeps seeing on Instagram (though she'd be the first to admit she'd rather share a bottle of wine with her friends any day).
So when Lisa starts feeling overheated every time she clashes with Zach Russo, she convinces herself it will pass. Maybe her HRT just needs adjusting. Until, that is, she finds herself in a sexy - and seriously ill-advised - clinch with him. And then another . .
All of which leads to one these long-forgotten feelings couldn't be caused by something else entirely . . . could they?
Fun, frank and fabulous, Lisa Darling is the romantic comedy heroine we've ALL been waiting for!
Lisa Darling - high-flying TV-exec and twice-divorced mother-of-two - has enough on her plate without having to deal with the handsome New Yorker parachuted in to her best friend's job at work.
She's already navigating life with a grotty teenage son, organising a PTA cheese & wine event, supporting her oldest friend through breast cancer treatment and, since she hit 47, facing a new perimenopause symptom every day. It's no wonder she never has time for Pilates or that DIY panelling she keeps seeing on Instagram (though she'd be the first to admit she'd rather share a bottle of wine with her friends any day).
So when Lisa starts feeling overheated every time she clashes with Zach Russo, she convinces herself it will pass. Maybe her HRT just needs adjusting. Until, that is, she finds herself in a sexy - and seriously ill-advised - clinch with him. And then another . .
All of which leads to one these long-forgotten feelings couldn't be caused by something else entirely . . . could they?
Fun, frank and fabulous, Lisa Darling is the romantic comedy heroine we've ALL been waiting for!
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2024
149 people are currently reading
16422 people want to read
About the author
Jane Costello
18 books1,100 followersI’m the internationally bestselling author of 15 novels, five of which have been published under the name ‘Catherine Isaac’.
The latest of my ‘heartwarming and hilarious’ romantic comedies is ‘IT’S GETTING HOT IN HERE’, the first book I’ve written that has a 40-something main character. My novels have been translated into 26 languages, selected by the Richard & Judy Book Club and I’ve been honoured to win a Romantic Novelists’ Award - twice!
I was born in Liverpool, where I still live with my husband and three sons. When I’m not writing, you’ll usually find me on the tennis court, wishing I’d started to play about 25 years before I did.
The latest of my ‘heartwarming and hilarious’ romantic comedies is ‘IT’S GETTING HOT IN HERE’, the first book I’ve written that has a 40-something main character. My novels have been translated into 26 languages, selected by the Richard & Judy Book Club and I’ve been honoured to win a Romantic Novelists’ Award - twice!
I was born in Liverpool, where I still live with my husband and three sons. When I’m not writing, you’ll usually find me on the tennis court, wishing I’d started to play about 25 years before I did.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews
February 14, 2025
TV Exec and twice-divorced Lisa Darling is struggling to raise her two sons alone, tackle perimenopause, and deal with an insane attraction to a new co-worker, the New Yorker taking over for her best friend while she battles breast cancer.
The best part of this book is for sure Lisa Darling, perhaps one of the most relatable MCs I have encountered, at least lately. While I am not yet at that stage in life, I so appreciated her struggles in trying to handle hormonal changes while also dealing with her teenage son handling his own hormonal shift.
There were quite a few laugh-out loud moments, but also a handful of more emotional ones as Lisa tries to figure out what is happening with her eldest child. While the romance is fun and light, it was more Lisa as a mom that I most connected with.
Read if you like:
▪️mature MC (late 40s)
▪️relatable characters
▪️single parent
▪️insta lust
▪️forced proximity
▪️humorous fiction
Thank you Zibby Books and Libro.fm for the gifted copies.
The best part of this book is for sure Lisa Darling, perhaps one of the most relatable MCs I have encountered, at least lately. While I am not yet at that stage in life, I so appreciated her struggles in trying to handle hormonal changes while also dealing with her teenage son handling his own hormonal shift.
There were quite a few laugh-out loud moments, but also a handful of more emotional ones as Lisa tries to figure out what is happening with her eldest child. While the romance is fun and light, it was more Lisa as a mom that I most connected with.
Read if you like:
▪️mature MC (late 40s)
▪️relatable characters
▪️single parent
▪️insta lust
▪️forced proximity
▪️humorous fiction
Thank you Zibby Books and Libro.fm for the gifted copies.
March 7, 2025
Finalllllllly!!! Thank you Zibby publishing, thank you Jane Costello and thank you Book of the Month for a wonderful romcom about a twice-divorced perimenopausal main character! I enjoy a lighthearted contemporary fiction story as much as the next girl out there, and usually that means a romance with a 25 year old character. It feels so good to be seen with a woman of my age.
And it’s not all menopause jokes- plenty of spice (if that’s your thing) struggles with her ex and co-parenting, work stress, and relationship building through strong major and minor characters.
At the end of the day, no matter our age or stage of life, most people are a little afraid that we are unlovable. Books like this give us a flawed but insecure character that we see ourselves in.
It’s British!
And it’s not all menopause jokes- plenty of spice (if that’s your thing) struggles with her ex and co-parenting, work stress, and relationship building through strong major and minor characters.
At the end of the day, no matter our age or stage of life, most people are a little afraid that we are unlovable. Books like this give us a flawed but insecure character that we see ourselves in.
It’s British!
July 21, 2025
*Decisions*
This was a fun and refreshing read. It follows Lisa Darling, a woman in her late 40s with two marriages and divorces behind her. She’s sworn off marriage and falling in love again.
Lisa has a full life, including being a single parent to two growing boys. As a TV executive, she also joins the PTA. However, her life takes a turn when her best friend goes through breast cancer. This means her friend has to step away from her work while she goes through treatment.
Her friend’s replacement, Zach Russo, is from New York and very handsome. Lisa instantly clashes with him and reminds him that her friend is coming back and his job is temporary.
Despite their clashes, they keep bumping into each other, and Lisa starts to feel overheated around him. Is it hot flashes, something else or does she need her HRT adjusted?
Fate has other ideas, and there are a few almost steamy moments, but not smutty. I like how relatable and real the book feels. The juggling of many hats and the father of the boys being as useful as a chocolate fireguard and never covers himself in glory.
The book also touches on how things change when you have made your mind up about someone only to see that your preconceptions can be wrong. Overall, it’s a solid 4 stars.
*There is a bonus epilogue, four months on and the info of how to get it is at the back of the kindle edition*
This was a fun and refreshing read. It follows Lisa Darling, a woman in her late 40s with two marriages and divorces behind her. She’s sworn off marriage and falling in love again.
Lisa has a full life, including being a single parent to two growing boys. As a TV executive, she also joins the PTA. However, her life takes a turn when her best friend goes through breast cancer. This means her friend has to step away from her work while she goes through treatment.
Her friend’s replacement, Zach Russo, is from New York and very handsome. Lisa instantly clashes with him and reminds him that her friend is coming back and his job is temporary.
Despite their clashes, they keep bumping into each other, and Lisa starts to feel overheated around him. Is it hot flashes, something else or does she need her HRT adjusted?
Fate has other ideas, and there are a few almost steamy moments, but not smutty. I like how relatable and real the book feels. The juggling of many hats and the father of the boys being as useful as a chocolate fireguard and never covers himself in glory.
The book also touches on how things change when you have made your mind up about someone only to see that your preconceptions can be wrong. Overall, it’s a solid 4 stars.
*There is a bonus epilogue, four months on and the info of how to get it is at the back of the kindle edition*
February 4, 2025
3.5
This was a really funny and relatable look at finding love in midlife, balancing motherhood, exes and romance with the challenges of getting older. I enjoyed the laugh out loud humor, the Bridget Jones vibes and the slow burn coworker romance. It was also good on audio and perfect for fans of books like Class mom by Laurie Gelman. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Steam level: fade to black
CW: side character with breast cancer
This was a really funny and relatable look at finding love in midlife, balancing motherhood, exes and romance with the challenges of getting older. I enjoyed the laugh out loud humor, the Bridget Jones vibes and the slow burn coworker romance. It was also good on audio and perfect for fans of books like Class mom by Laurie Gelman. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Steam level: fade to black
CW: side character with breast cancer
October 12, 2024
Wow! A brand new book from Jane Costello! What a treat! As always a fun and laugh out loud one.
February 15, 2025
I really loved this later in life romance! It was such a cute, funny and fast-paced read and I just flew through the pages 📖
February 28, 2025
Like that this is a mature woman romance but title seems off. Does make me wonder how many women experience increased libido during menopause… Romance was ok, just wasn’t as into main love interest but the main character made up for it. Like her arc a lot.
April 20, 2025
Review: Jane Costello is back and is making me laugh the way I have known and loved for so many years now. I love that authors I read in my 20s and 30 when they were writing about women like me in their 20s and 30s are now updating the narrative and writing about women like me in their 40s and 50s! I am here for all of it!
I loved getting to know Lisa and her to do list. Even though I don’t have the kids and the ex-husband that she has to deal with, I still absolutely related to her and her never ending to do list, her stressful job and the fact that she is the only one to volunteer for the PTFA events, the note taking and the clearing out of the hamster she didn’t actually ever want! She is a feisty individual and is just trying to live her life and do right by her friends, she family and most-importantly her two sons!
Then along comes Zach, covering in the media world for her best friend and he reality throws a spanner into her works. This is where all of the best romance tropes are hit, this author was really going for the bingo card of situations she could put Zach and Lisa into. This made me laugh but also made me incredibly frustrated (in a good way) at times too because I just wanted everything to work out for Lisa.
Although there are a lot of laughs in this book, there are also other parts that I am sure a lot of readers will relate to that are all parts of life when you’re in your 40s, lille having a friend who is dealing with cancer, having a lot of people let you down on a daily basis and having a son who is doing everything he can to assert his own identity by rebelling against you! I also loved the parts where she had last minute things for school come through and didn’t know how maths works in school today-very relatable!
If you are already a fan of Jane Costello, you will not be disappointed in this book and if this is the first time you have picked up a novel of hers, you are in for a treat! I loved every minute of this, I can really recommend the audio and I can’t wait for the next book that is out soon!
I loved getting to know Lisa and her to do list. Even though I don’t have the kids and the ex-husband that she has to deal with, I still absolutely related to her and her never ending to do list, her stressful job and the fact that she is the only one to volunteer for the PTFA events, the note taking and the clearing out of the hamster she didn’t actually ever want! She is a feisty individual and is just trying to live her life and do right by her friends, she family and most-importantly her two sons!
Then along comes Zach, covering in the media world for her best friend and he reality throws a spanner into her works. This is where all of the best romance tropes are hit, this author was really going for the bingo card of situations she could put Zach and Lisa into. This made me laugh but also made me incredibly frustrated (in a good way) at times too because I just wanted everything to work out for Lisa.
Although there are a lot of laughs in this book, there are also other parts that I am sure a lot of readers will relate to that are all parts of life when you’re in your 40s, lille having a friend who is dealing with cancer, having a lot of people let you down on a daily basis and having a son who is doing everything he can to assert his own identity by rebelling against you! I also loved the parts where she had last minute things for school come through and didn’t know how maths works in school today-very relatable!
If you are already a fan of Jane Costello, you will not be disappointed in this book and if this is the first time you have picked up a novel of hers, you are in for a treat! I loved every minute of this, I can really recommend the audio and I can’t wait for the next book that is out soon!
September 5, 2024
I could totally relate to Lisa being a similar age, I thought these aspects her of personal and family life were so well written. It’s a very easy read, Jane Costello always delivers!
Lisa is a 47 yr old mum of 2, her eldest is pushing every button and more. She’s juggling a busy career, PTA meetings and a to-do list which almost matches mine 😁
When her friend gets diagnosed with cancer Zach comes from the US to cover her job for 6 months. The title of It’s getting hot in here at this point is not just her to flushes but the effect Zach has on her 😊
The will they won’t they was just so typically relatable to being a mum with little personal space or time, I laughed and blushed thinking about this.
A great book and I totally recommend.
Thank you NetGalley, Jane Costello and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.
Lisa is a 47 yr old mum of 2, her eldest is pushing every button and more. She’s juggling a busy career, PTA meetings and a to-do list which almost matches mine 😁
When her friend gets diagnosed with cancer Zach comes from the US to cover her job for 6 months. The title of It’s getting hot in here at this point is not just her to flushes but the effect Zach has on her 😊
The will they won’t they was just so typically relatable to being a mum with little personal space or time, I laughed and blushed thinking about this.
A great book and I totally recommend.
Thank you NetGalley, Jane Costello and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.
February 11, 2025
This one was SO much fun and reminded me of older British chick lit with a heroine in her forties. As a woman in my forties with teenagers much of this was relatable and soo funny for me. I found myself nodding my head and laughing quite a bit and the humor was exactly my style. I’m a sucker for a narrator with an accent so I was all in here! Next time you want a realistic and flawed heroine try this, such a fun listen
February 17, 2025
This romantic comedy follows Lisa Darling, a single mom in her 40s juggling a demanding career in television, a challenging teenage son, and an overwhelming to-do list. With her best friend undergoing cancer treatment, Lisa is already stretched thin when Zach Russo—a charismatic and maddeningly confident new executive from Los Angeles—arrives and immediately disrupts her work life. Sparks fly between them in the worst and best ways, leading to an unexpected, ill-advised, yet undeniably steamy encounter that forces Lisa to reconsider what she truly wants from love and life in midlife.
Filled with humor and warmth, this novel celebrates the complexity and joy of starting over. The author's relatable writing—especially the never-ending to-do list—had me nodding in recognition. Her story reminds us that romance, reinvention, and fun don’t stop at 40. She writes with humor, heart, and insight, making readers feel seen. There’s a poignant line about how midlife is when you realize you’re skating on thin ice while carrying the weight of your family and career. It's so true. This book is smart, funny, and an uplifting, escapist read.
To listen to my conversation with the author, visit:
https://zibbymedia.com/blogs/transcri...
Filled with humor and warmth, this novel celebrates the complexity and joy of starting over. The author's relatable writing—especially the never-ending to-do list—had me nodding in recognition. Her story reminds us that romance, reinvention, and fun don’t stop at 40. She writes with humor, heart, and insight, making readers feel seen. There’s a poignant line about how midlife is when you realize you’re skating on thin ice while carrying the weight of your family and career. It's so true. This book is smart, funny, and an uplifting, escapist read.
To listen to my conversation with the author, visit:
https://zibbymedia.com/blogs/transcri...
February 13, 2025
Funny and relatable and charming – this book was just what my 47-year-old heart needed. It’s giving perimenopausal Bridget Jones as a mother to a teen and I could not possibly love it more!
Thank you to Zibby books for a complementary copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Zibby books for a complementary copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.
August 4, 2025
*Hardback
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨✨ (3.75/5)
“I didn’t want to be the bitter ex-wife, the angry, unreasonable, female. But you know what? Sometimes a woman has earned the right to be angry.”
Read if you like…
❤️Sexy kisses in the rain
📺Office Romance
🔥Devoted besties
❤️Hamster identity crisis (mistaken pronouns)
📺Enemies to lovers
🔥Reality TV
Read if you relate to being…
✅Overstimulated
✅Overwhelmed
✅Overworked
✅Overcommitted
✅Over IT!
✅And are anywhere near the “change” / menopause.
Overall this was a cute read, not too heavy but with some heavy petting lol.
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨✨ (3.75/5)
“I didn’t want to be the bitter ex-wife, the angry, unreasonable, female. But you know what? Sometimes a woman has earned the right to be angry.”
Read if you like…
❤️Sexy kisses in the rain
📺Office Romance
🔥Devoted besties
❤️Hamster identity crisis (mistaken pronouns)
📺Enemies to lovers
🔥Reality TV
Read if you relate to being…
✅Overstimulated
✅Overwhelmed
✅Overworked
✅Overcommitted
✅Over IT!
✅And are anywhere near the “change” / menopause.
Overall this was a cute read, not too heavy but with some heavy petting lol.
March 3, 2025
It's getting hot in here is honestly just vibes no plot. I think the me right now wasn't looking for this sort of read and is something that would be enjoyed much more on the beach somewhere if I was a little bit older and could have more relatability with the character. With that said, I do think the "just vibes" is an easy light hearted read that covers a broad range of topics. I wouldn't classify this as a romance book so I would not start this book with that idea in your head - there is romance but it is very brief and quick moving. All other aspects I enjoyed!
September 14, 2024
Was an extremely funny start to this book & never really a dull moment, if not rather predictable in alot of ways but I always enjoy a Jane Costello book.
March 1, 2025
3.5 🌟(rounded up)
It’s not every day you read a rom-com where the main character is 47, dealing with perimenopause, a moody teenage son, and a high-pressure job—and still manages to have a life beyond obsessing over a man. Lisa Darling was a breath of fresh air. She’s funny, doesn’t take herself too seriously, and felt like someone you’d actually want to grab a drink with.
The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Lisa and Zach was entertaining, with plenty of fun banter. And while the story was a bit predictable, I didn’t mind—it was a quick, easy, and enjoyable read. Perfect for February. I especially appreciated that Lisa had plenty going on outside of her love life, making her a more well-rounded and relatable character.
Overall, this was a light, fun rom-com that didn’t reinvent the genre but brought something refreshing to the table: a heroine who’s not in her 20s or 30s and still gets to have a great (if slightly chaotic) love story. More of this, please.
It’s a yes for me! 🖤
DeAnn
@deannsreadingriot
It’s not every day you read a rom-com where the main character is 47, dealing with perimenopause, a moody teenage son, and a high-pressure job—and still manages to have a life beyond obsessing over a man. Lisa Darling was a breath of fresh air. She’s funny, doesn’t take herself too seriously, and felt like someone you’d actually want to grab a drink with.
The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Lisa and Zach was entertaining, with plenty of fun banter. And while the story was a bit predictable, I didn’t mind—it was a quick, easy, and enjoyable read. Perfect for February. I especially appreciated that Lisa had plenty going on outside of her love life, making her a more well-rounded and relatable character.
Overall, this was a light, fun rom-com that didn’t reinvent the genre but brought something refreshing to the table: a heroine who’s not in her 20s or 30s and still gets to have a great (if slightly chaotic) love story. More of this, please.
It’s a yes for me! 🖤
DeAnn
@deannsreadingriot
December 12, 2025
i loved this romance novel, but i also loved that it wasn't typical or predictable. this book was about so much more than just "will she get the guy"- it was also about being a PTA mom with challenging kids, an obnoxious ex husband, and a best friend battling cancer. jane costello shows us all the aspects of a middle aged woman dealing with the peaks and valleys of both her career and personal life. this was truly refreshing!!
October 27, 2025
I’ve loved Jane Costello’s books for years! I still have a bunch of her older novels on my shelves that I adore and I’m slowly making my way through them. So, when I found out she was writing newer books I was elated! She has great humor, her female characters are relatable, and I love her writing style. This book is no exception, and I had so much fun reading it! If you like “mom-coms” with some romance, then I highly recommend it! While I do think this falls more in line with chicklit/women’s fiction there IS romance and it’s delightful!
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 12, 2024
Oh, it's so brilliant to read Jane Costello book again, after so many years! I mean, her books as Catherine Isaac were absolutely beautiful, but I am truly, really glad that she's back as Jane.
"It's Getting Hot in Here" can have two meaning really, one: menopause and two: the hot, hot affair. Actually, the menopause is not so prominent and present on the pages as I have thought it's going to be, but it's not bad at all, as I have read another book a few days ago and there was too much of a menopause, so I've found my balance, so there :)
So Jane Costello is back, really, truly, she hasn't lost her touch and her brilliant, witty way with words. I immediately felt at home when reading the book and loved the characters from the very beginning. Lisa was such a relatable character, trying to juggle life a single mum of two, one of them a rather challenging teenager, being great at work, supporting her friends, navigating through PTA meetings and also trying not to fall under the charms of her new colleague, who's only staying in England for a moment, right, and descaling the kettle - just your ordinary character. Relatable, honest and genuine, having to deal with things that we all know just too well, high five Lisa, it was really like reading about myself sometimes, forgetting things and having to write lists, not to mention many, many more things you have to deal with every day...
There is so much going on in this book, but you never feel overwhelmed. It's light - hearted, with some poignant moments, uplifting and humorous, not only hot romance, but though parts showing life is hard but you can get through it. I thoroughly enjoyed it, the plot, the brilliant writing style and the characters.
"It's Getting Hot in Here" can have two meaning really, one: menopause and two: the hot, hot affair. Actually, the menopause is not so prominent and present on the pages as I have thought it's going to be, but it's not bad at all, as I have read another book a few days ago and there was too much of a menopause, so I've found my balance, so there :)
So Jane Costello is back, really, truly, she hasn't lost her touch and her brilliant, witty way with words. I immediately felt at home when reading the book and loved the characters from the very beginning. Lisa was such a relatable character, trying to juggle life a single mum of two, one of them a rather challenging teenager, being great at work, supporting her friends, navigating through PTA meetings and also trying not to fall under the charms of her new colleague, who's only staying in England for a moment, right, and descaling the kettle - just your ordinary character. Relatable, honest and genuine, having to deal with things that we all know just too well, high five Lisa, it was really like reading about myself sometimes, forgetting things and having to write lists, not to mention many, many more things you have to deal with every day...
There is so much going on in this book, but you never feel overwhelmed. It's light - hearted, with some poignant moments, uplifting and humorous, not only hot romance, but though parts showing life is hard but you can get through it. I thoroughly enjoyed it, the plot, the brilliant writing style and the characters.
February 8, 2025
I had an absolute blast reading IT’S GETTING HOT IN HERE by Jane Costello! This rom-com checked SO many of my boxes, and had me giggling up a storm. As a woman in my mid-forties, I found it quite easy to relate to the main character, Lisa Darling. She’s around my age, a hardworking mother of two, has an awesome sense of humor, and most importantly, is a great friend. I truly appreciated all of the references on aging and menopause throughout. I’m definitely the target audience for this book! Ha!
THINGS I LOVED:
- 40-something protagonist
- Reflections on motherhood
- Strong female friendship
- Insight on raising teenagers
- Perimenopause experience
- PTA mama drama
- Perfect amount of spice/steam
- Multiple LOL moments
- Lisa’s never-ending to-do list
Costello’s latest will certainly appeal to the 40+ perimenopausal mothers with teenagers crowd! Hahaha! If you enjoyed IS SHE REALLY GOING OUT WITH HIM? by Sophie Cousen or PICK-UP by Nora Dahlia, then you gotta read this. It has the same “divorced mom finding love again at the workplace” vibes. 4/5 stars for IT’S GETTING HOT IN HERE! It’s out now!
THINGS I LOVED:
- 40-something protagonist
- Reflections on motherhood
- Strong female friendship
- Insight on raising teenagers
- Perimenopause experience
- PTA mama drama
- Perfect amount of spice/steam
- Multiple LOL moments
- Lisa’s never-ending to-do list
Costello’s latest will certainly appeal to the 40+ perimenopausal mothers with teenagers crowd! Hahaha! If you enjoyed IS SHE REALLY GOING OUT WITH HIM? by Sophie Cousen or PICK-UP by Nora Dahlia, then you gotta read this. It has the same “divorced mom finding love again at the workplace” vibes. 4/5 stars for IT’S GETTING HOT IN HERE! It’s out now!
February 18, 2025
I really enjoyed this one and thought it was a nice breath of fresh air for a romance book.
First off, our female main character was in her 40's, so she was older than a lot of the other romance leads that we see. She was dealing with very realistic problems in life such as balancing work as a single mom to a teenager and 10-year-old. Her love interest is also her age, with a young child of his own.
I thought the relationship was so very realistic and it was nice to read. There weren't all these red flags being ignored, they weren't throwing caution to the wind, they were balancing work and family first with their budding relationship coming second.
I was really routing for the couple in the end, but also would have been weirdly okay if they didn't work out because I knew that they were going to be okay one way or another.
I don't know how better to describe this one, but it is great if you are looking for a still steamy, but way more realistic romance.
First off, our female main character was in her 40's, so she was older than a lot of the other romance leads that we see. She was dealing with very realistic problems in life such as balancing work as a single mom to a teenager and 10-year-old. Her love interest is also her age, with a young child of his own.
I thought the relationship was so very realistic and it was nice to read. There weren't all these red flags being ignored, they weren't throwing caution to the wind, they were balancing work and family first with their budding relationship coming second.
I was really routing for the couple in the end, but also would have been weirdly okay if they didn't work out because I knew that they were going to be okay one way or another.
I don't know how better to describe this one, but it is great if you are looking for a still steamy, but way more realistic romance.
January 11, 2025
Funny and so relatable! Lisa Darling is a single mother trying to juggle work, kids activities, PTA meetings, and get to do lists done. She feels like she is failing her son as they keep fighting and he is being defiant by vaping and drinking. She needs her ex-husband to step up and be more reliable and help out more. She is always saying “yes” to PTA things and she keeps getting taken advantage of.
Lisa is 47 and she is experiencing hot flashes and keeps thinking her HRT need to be adjusted. Her best friend Rose has been diagnosed with cancer so she goes with her to treatments. Rose takes time away from work and Zach Russo steps in to take her spot. Lisa is having steamy dreams about her coworker and soon he is all she thinks about.
I liked all Lisa’s to do lists and how she kept track of everything. She soon discovers that she needs to put herself first and make some boundaries. I just breezed through this book as it was a sheer delight.
This was first book by this author and will be looking for more.
Thank you Zibby books for advance copy.
Lisa is 47 and she is experiencing hot flashes and keeps thinking her HRT need to be adjusted. Her best friend Rose has been diagnosed with cancer so she goes with her to treatments. Rose takes time away from work and Zach Russo steps in to take her spot. Lisa is having steamy dreams about her coworker and soon he is all she thinks about.
I liked all Lisa’s to do lists and how she kept track of everything. She soon discovers that she needs to put herself first and make some boundaries. I just breezed through this book as it was a sheer delight.
This was first book by this author and will be looking for more.
Thank you Zibby books for advance copy.
July 20, 2025
It's getting hot in here - Jane Costello
This was such a great read! After a few recent emotionally heavy books, this was such a lighthearted, funny, lovely book to tuck into.
Lisa Darling is a single mum in her mid-40s who has an endless to-do list, is dealing with perimenopause, and is absolutely hilarious. I love everything about her!
The characters are great, funny, and witty, and some are more than frustrating.
Very Bridget Jones. Loved it.
A fun read! ☺️
This was such a great read! After a few recent emotionally heavy books, this was such a lighthearted, funny, lovely book to tuck into.
Lisa Darling is a single mum in her mid-40s who has an endless to-do list, is dealing with perimenopause, and is absolutely hilarious. I love everything about her!
The characters are great, funny, and witty, and some are more than frustrating.
Very Bridget Jones. Loved it.
A fun read! ☺️
October 12, 2025
3 stars for this enemies to lovers romance. It’s Getting Hot in Here has a few spicy scenes, feels very romance/rom-com typical, and a likable MC who is figuring herself out.
I enjoyed it, but I’m afraid it won’t be memorable.
Thank you Zibby’s Publishing and Leo PR for the read.
I enjoyed it, but I’m afraid it won’t be memorable.
Thank you Zibby’s Publishing and Leo PR for the read.
March 8, 2025
Yay, a perimenopausal character trying to figure things out.
Nay, a so-so story.
Nay, a so-so story.
May 29, 2025
Ha estado bien. Romance adulto, creo que me he encontrado con pocos de estos por ahora, y también da gusto leerlos, hablando sobre la premenopausia, que siempre hay oportunidades y de hijos adolescentes.
No me ha cautivado tanto la escritura como otras autoras, pero me ha entretenido.
No me ha cautivado tanto la escritura como otras autoras, pero me ha entretenido.
February 14, 2025
For those picking up this book, don't expect it to be a romance. I started this book with that thinking, and was very disappointed. The pacing was very slow, nothing really romantic happens to the hero and heroine until maybe half or 3/4 into the book. Majority of the writing was about the heroine herself, and her reflection on whether she is doing a good job as a mom, in her job and daily life.
The romantic scenes between hero and heroine was scarce and the remaining felt like filler to me. It was so boring I skimmed every part and only read what little romance it had.
It grated on me that when they did finally get together at the end of the book, the book ends. Just like that, so abruptly. So we see them kinda struggle to get together, then when they do, bye readers!
Not my cup of tea writing.
The romantic scenes between hero and heroine was scarce and the remaining felt like filler to me. It was so boring I skimmed every part and only read what little romance it had.
It grated on me that when they did finally get together at the end of the book, the book ends. Just like that, so abruptly. So we see them kinda struggle to get together, then when they do, bye readers!
Not my cup of tea writing.
October 15, 2024
It’s getting Hot in here
By: Jane Costello
Pub Date: September 5, 2024
Publisher Hodder & Stoughton
I have found a new rom-com author. This one was so much fun. The witty banter between Lisa Darling and Zach Russo while their relationship heated had me flying though the pages.
Lisa is a TX exec and a mother of two who has been divorced twice. When one of her colleges and friends has to be out on leave she has to work with Zach on a temporary basis.
All kinds of sparks fly good and bad. Does she want to find love again?
By: Jane Costello
Pub Date: September 5, 2024
Publisher Hodder & Stoughton
I have found a new rom-com author. This one was so much fun. The witty banter between Lisa Darling and Zach Russo while their relationship heated had me flying though the pages.
Lisa is a TX exec and a mother of two who has been divorced twice. When one of her colleges and friends has to be out on leave she has to work with Zach on a temporary basis.
All kinds of sparks fly good and bad. Does she want to find love again?
February 9, 2025
The chemistry was nonexistent. The teenage boy’s problems got solved automatically. This book does not do justice to any of its plot points. All that wasted potential.
February 7, 2025
It's Getting Hot In Here is a fun, heartwarming read about motherhood, finding love later in life, exes, menopause, just a big blend of things. I thought it was really well done and the author navigated the subjects really well. All the subplots were well developed and easy to follow. They all connected perfectly to make for a truly cohesive storyline. The romance was definitely a slow Burn, but the banter between them was so fun, it was worth the wait !
The middle aged characters are truly what made this book so exceptional. I rarely read about older people and I loved it. They felt so mature, realistic, with life experience but still learning to navigate through daily life changes. I loved how Leo's teenager hardships and experimentation were included and how it affected others around him. I did feel I was missing a bit of development in Lisa & Zach's relationship, because they faced so many challenges, then I just felt the end rushed and the I love you’s thrown out there.
Overall, I think this is a great book for anyone that's into women's fiction. I feel older women will definitely relate more to the story, but truly it's for anyone! I enjoyed it, thought it was super fun and well written.
🎧 The narration by Marisa Calin was good. She did have a thick British accent which was to be expected, so I did have to listen to this one at quite a lower speed to make sure I grasped it all. She did a good job at voicing all the different characters and portraying all the emotions and fears. Very enjoyable.
✨️Thank you to @librofm, @zibbypublishing & @janecostello for my gifted ARC & goodies in exchange for an honest review.
The middle aged characters are truly what made this book so exceptional. I rarely read about older people and I loved it. They felt so mature, realistic, with life experience but still learning to navigate through daily life changes. I loved how Leo's teenager hardships and experimentation were included and how it affected others around him. I did feel I was missing a bit of development in Lisa & Zach's relationship, because they faced so many challenges, then I just felt the end rushed and the I love you’s thrown out there.
Overall, I think this is a great book for anyone that's into women's fiction. I feel older women will definitely relate more to the story, but truly it's for anyone! I enjoyed it, thought it was super fun and well written.
🎧 The narration by Marisa Calin was good. She did have a thick British accent which was to be expected, so I did have to listen to this one at quite a lower speed to make sure I grasped it all. She did a good job at voicing all the different characters and portraying all the emotions and fears. Very enjoyable.
✨️Thank you to @librofm, @zibbypublishing & @janecostello for my gifted ARC & goodies in exchange for an honest review.
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