When it Sizzles

The McGuire Brothers #7.5

by Lili Valente

I’m a nerdy virgin—glasses, spreadsheets, collection of test tubes, you get the idea—and proud of it.

I don’t mess around with unpredictable things like lust, let alone love.

Or so I think…until a gorgeous, brilliant blast from the past kisses me at my sister’s wedding. Suddenly, I’m staying up all night with Dr. Connor Sinclair, making out, making plans, and kicking his adorable butt in chess.

The catch? Connor’s leaving town in three days Three days! That isn’t nearly enough time to spend with this delicious, sexy, oh-so-perfect-for-me man.

So when he shows up at my place the next morning with two tickets to Vegas and a wild plan to roll the dice on forever, I shock myself by saying…yes.

Yes, to a whirlwind romance.

Yes, to saying “I do” in Sin City.

Yes to breaking all my logical rules.

Will this turn out to be the biggest mistake of my life? Or the best illogical choice this nerd ever made?

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Small Town Romance, Doctors, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

154 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 6, 2024

About the author

Visit Lili at www.lilivalente.com

Author of over forty novels, USA Today Bestseller Lili Valente writes everything from steamy suspense to laugh-out-loud romantic comedies. She can't resist a story where love wins big. Because love should always win. She lives in Vermont with her two big-hearted boy children and a dog named Pippa Jane.

*Lili rarely visits this site as it is a site intended for readers, not authors. If you have questions, the best way to reach Lili is through her website contact form. Happy reading!

Reviews

[Sandra Shipman ~ Two Book Pushers · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it Sizzles is the eighth and final book in The McGuire Brothers series by Lili Valente.

Wendy Ann doesn’t believe she has a wild side. She is an over-thinker who loves her spreadsheets and her family. So, what she never expected was leaving her sister’s wedding with someone she hasn’t seen since she was just a child. To have a one-night stand. Or so she thought…

She only just met Connor again but she already knows she doesn’t want to say goodbye and he is leaving town in a few days. And apparently he fells the same way since he proposes. And she says YES!

Vegas, baby! Will rolling the dice on a quickie marriage be enough?

This was such a fun read! I am so happy that Wendy Ann showed us her wild side.

[Corinne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series was super weird a lot of the time. And I’m kind of disappointed it wasn’t super weird in this final book.

[Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe it’s the end of the McGuire Brothers, it’s been such a fun series to read. “When It Sizzles” is a flirty, sweet and romantic novella that was a fun and great conclusion to the series.

Wendy Ann is the last single McGuire sibling and at her sister’s wedding, she ends up talking with someone from her childhood, Connor Sinclair. Connor is a few years older than her so they never hung out as kids. But he’s back in town and a doctor. The two start chatting and it’s apparent there's chemistry there. The two leave together and in an insta you know moment, they’re on their way to Vegas to get married.

Wendy and Connor were so adorable and I loved how they didn’t want to wait for each other. With some couples; when you know, you know. Wendy is a self proclaimed nerd and even still holding her V-card, she’s confident in herself. She loves her job and even if it was quick, she knew Connor was the one for her. And Connor is so swoon worthy and I loved how he said he was sapiosexual, that he was attracted to the intelligence of a person. These two were straight forward with each other and I loved how there was no drama with them. They wanted to be married and made it happen. And Lili didn’t disappoint because she added a quirky animal in the story which is always a favorite of mine. I can’t wait to read the next series Lili releases.

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know it's an awesome romance in a fantastic series when your only complaint is that it's too short. There's something so ridiculously appealing about pediatrician Connor Sinclair and brainiac Wendy Ann McGuire, the last of the Bad Dog, MN, clan to find love.

Wendy Ann believes in love, having helped parent trap her sister and her new husband, but it's not something she spent a lot of time considering for herself. When she and Connor kiss at her sister's wedding reception, they click. And in less than 48 hours, they can’t imagine being apart and are jetting off to Las Vegas to get hitched.

This is my new favorite in the series and I loved these characters so much! With lots of laughs, a nice dose of steam, and surprising depth of heart, this one hits all the right notes for a prefect romance read. Charming, humorous, and heartfelt, you’ll love every minute you spend with Wendy Ann and Connor. And when you’re finished with this one, catch up with the rest of the series. Your romantic heart will thank you.

[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love at first chess game

I loved, loved this nerdy virgin, love at first sight, Las Vegas wedding romance of all the things. It had the perfect mix of fun, humor, love, real life issues, geekiness, and spice. I smiled, swooned and laughed the entire time I read this book. The loving geekiness of this pair made the nerd and the hopeless romantic in me equally happy. Wendy Ann is a virgin, a nerd and the last single McGuire sibling. Connor is a pediatrician and a sapiosexual who just sold his practice and is leaving town in three days. When they meet at Wendy Ann’s sister’s wedding they agree to one spicy night that rolls right into forever. This heartwarming story was well written and included engaging dialogue, three dimensional characters, and a swoony and heartwarming storyline. I have loved this series about the messy and wonderful McGuire family and the town of Bad Dog. I am going to miss them which means I’ll have to visit them with a reread.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wendy Ann attends her sister's wedding and as the last unmarried McGuire, her mother is always trying to find her a husband. Her mother attempts to get to go talk to the youngest Sinclair brother (Petey), who as a child when they played together was way into his boogers. She ducks her mother trying to get him and her together. But, what Wendy Ann wasn't expecting was to run into his older brother, Conner.

Conner Sinclair is at the McGuire wedding and runs into Wendy Ann McGuire. He remembers her as a child but she was younger than him. In talking to her, his interest is immediately peaked at her intelligence....just his type.

Conner is leaving town in a couple of days, Wendy Ann is a nerdy virgin. Somehow, the two get together and do some things that are totally out of character for both of them.

Great characters (animals included), great story. I'm sorry this was the end of the series!

[Payton Box · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I’m obsessed with this cover, it is easily my favorite of the series, something about the models, the colors, and the title all really clicks with me!

Next, I loved this novella, it was a little fast paced, as novellas are, but the author really put focus on the beginning and took the time to let these two characters connect and develop chemistry and a instant friendship, so it made this novella a five star one for me!

Wendy and Connor meet at Wendy’s sister’s wedding and decide to have a one night stand cause why not right. Next thing they know they are spending a weekend together and between their connection and the amount of fun they have together, they decide to elope in Vegas. Such a fun little book!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When It Sizzles was a sweet, love at first sight story that was absolutely adorable. Wendy Ann is the last remaining McGuire sibling that hasn’t found love, but that all changes at her sister’s wedding when she dances with Connor. These two are immediately attracted to one another and their instant connection is both intellectual and physical. I loved this sweet story of fate and taking a chance on feelings. When It Sizzles was the perfect ending to this wonderful series although I’m sad to say goodbye to this wonderfully quirky family.

[Tami Talbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it Sizzles is the fantastic conclusion to The McGuire siblings’ romance series. While I'm not usually a fan of love-at-first-sight plots, Lili Valente’s creativity, exceptional writing, and captivating characters have thoroughly won me over. In this whirlwind romance, complete with a parrot that communicates through song lyrics, I found myself falling for Wendy Ann and Connor just as quickly as they fell for each other. My only regret is saying goodbye to Bad Dog and The McGuire family, along with the quirky friends and critters we encountered. Well done, Ms. Valente!

[Jessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freaking loved this Bad Dog novella! It's sweet and swoony, fast paced and unputdownable.

Wendy Ann is a super intelligent woman who has never really felt a romantic connection. Connor is not only attracted to intelligence, he craves that type of connection. These two meet by chance and her sister's wedding and sparks fly! Connor makes her feel beautiful and understood. Wendy Ann makes him happy in a way no one ever has. Their story is the perfect insta-love romance! I loved watching two logical thinkers throw caution to the wind and take a chance on love!

ARC review.

[KS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a quick, fun read!

You'll get to know Wendy Ann well in Book 7 although you'll likely fall in love with her anyway. She encounters Dr. Connor Sinclair who she knew from childhood and their chemistry is off the charts. These two spend a great night together talking, making out, and playing chess...rather innocent fun.

Then the next morning, Connor shows up ready to whisk Wendy Ann away to Vegas to make their one night into a lifetime! Swoon!

This was short, but full of fun, love, and of course some crazy antics. This ends this wacky series in such a fun and entertaining way.

I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wendy Ann runs into Connor at her sister's wedding while hiding from her matchmaking mother. With a crazy strong connection these two immediately hit it off in what becomes a whirlwind of an evening.
I just love how Connor is majorly attracted to and turned on by her intellect. So happy she stumbles upon someone that appreciates her and values her. And when he shows up on her doorstep? Ohh My god!
Lili had me all up in my feelings at the end in this one. So freaking good! This will definitely be a repeat read!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final McGuire sibling gets their story. This was a delightful quick read. I was so happy Wendy was getting her story told. After helping Binx find her HEA it is her turn. Though it is quite an unexpected journey. I love nerdy characters. Wendy and Connor may find each other physically attractive, but their brains really attract one another. They have the chemistry, but man they are so adorable together! This book also has the humor I love with this series. Plus we have a song loving parrot. What is there not to love. A great addition to this series!!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this!

I loved this story of Wendy Ann and Conner! Though I am sad this is the last of the McGuires!! They met at Binx and Steven's wedding reception. Wendy Ann's mother was trying to fix her up with Conner's brother. While she was trying to escape, she runs into Conner. Their chemistry is fire. It's a whirlwind from there! I love these two together. I love this book and series. I highly recommend! The whole series is so fun, crazy and sexy. You won't be disappointed!

[Emily (Mrs B's Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last book in the McGuire Brothers series and this short but sweet Novella is the icing on the cake.

Wendy Ann is the youngest child and has always had the threat of her older siblings to keep her being a 24 year old still holding her V-Card, whilst being a bit of a nerd.

Connor Sinclair is in his thirties and moving away from Bad Dog after selling his medical practice, he does not want to work with his barely tolerable young brother and is moving to Boston.

When the pair meet at Binx and Sevens wedding the sparks between this pair leap of the pages and the chemistry lights up the pages as their wits also find a true challenge within beautiful wrappings. It's a true meeting of the minds.

I have enjoyed the whirlwind romance and leap of faith that the characters take and am actually sad that this is the last of the series.

[Favey_Listens · Rating 5 out of 5]

~*~ Audiobook Review ~*~ Nerdy virgin meets gorgeous doctor at a wedding and they Collide in all the best ways… YES - sign me up. This novella has all the feels, plenty of steam, and a whirlwind romance that just makes sense. Wendy Ann and Connor are a perfect match and this story was exactly what I needed. Jason Clarke and Lili Valente are wonderfully talented performers who always deliver a wonderful story. This is no exception. I loved it!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars.

The last book in the McGuire Brothers series, a bittersweet ending. I liked the story, even though it was a little too much speed 0 to 100 for me. It was a simple no-brainer and that's exactly what I needed right now. I finished it in one sitting as it was easy-to-read and a quick read. I liked it!

[Cheriwinkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Jason Clarke and Lili Valente. Lovely finish to the series and loved how they acquired their pet. Just wish that Wendy could have been just ‘Wendy’ and not Wendy Ann. For me, the inclusion of the middle name for constant use is distastefully 1800s and I can’t imagine any girl over 9 yrs old not refusing to answer to it.

[Sammye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the eighth book in the McGuire Brothers series. Wendy Ann does, indeed, have a wild side!! This was such a sweet, fun read! The characters are engaging and likable. What a great way to end the series.

[Lauren Lascola-Lesczynski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wendy Ann & Connor experience love at first sight. Conner brings out her wild side, while she brings out his softer side. I love this cast of characters and only wish I could read more of them! Lili has knocked this spicy, witty story out of the part yet again!
#maplecandy #darkmatter

[Shannon Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable Novella!

Wendy Ann & Connor make the best decision ever. Such an adorable end to the Bad Dog McGuires. Little sisters should always get the happy ending they deserve.

Thanks for the escape.❤️

[Jetscarbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Possible spoilers ahead
This is a very short book. Pretty much instalove right at the beginning.

For some reason, the name Wendy Ann really annoyed me. I’m petty like that so i deducted one star 😬

[Leah Reimer · Rating 3 out of 5]

They deserved a much better, longer story. We fans deserved a longer story. I’m sad the series ended with a tiny, fluffy novella. The rest has been so good and so much fun. But the narration was great. Love Jason Clarke and LV rocks narration too.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wendy Ann and Connor

This final instalment was a novella and seemed very rushed as this age gap/virgin story hurtled from meeting to marriage in double quick time, but they make a nice couple.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

🔥🔥
3.5⭐️
Short novella

[Julianna Snell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorably sweet and short

This is such a sweet, cute read. I loved the instant connection and love these two share. I just wish it was longer, I need more of their life, their story💜

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25*

[MissyLynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story. Pretty much instalove.
When you meet your person you just know story.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short story. Sad that the McQuires series is over.

[Ace · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5