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Crazy From the Heat
alternate cover edition of ASIN B00JS2NHNS
Life is like high school.
For Grey Talbot teaching high school history was a choice. When a gorgeous blond punk of a kid walks into his class with attitude to spare, Grey fears his choice might just be his undoing.
High school kids kept getting younger and Paul Gaines stayed the same. Moving from one city narcotics unit to the next, his youthful looks and slender body made him a perfect undercover cop for the job.
Meeting the professor wasn't part of the deal. The man was smart sexy and off limits even if he was younger than Paul.
For Grey getting involved with one of his students, even if that student wore a badge meant playing with fire. Fire that could burn them both.
Warning: This is a Mercy Celeste book. Proceed with caution. Contents are hot!
Life is like high school.
For Grey Talbot teaching high school history was a choice. When a gorgeous blond punk of a kid walks into his class with attitude to spare, Grey fears his choice might just be his undoing.
High school kids kept getting younger and Paul Gaines stayed the same. Moving from one city narcotics unit to the next, his youthful looks and slender body made him a perfect undercover cop for the job.
Meeting the professor wasn't part of the deal. The man was smart sexy and off limits even if he was younger than Paul.
For Grey getting involved with one of his students, even if that student wore a badge meant playing with fire. Fire that could burn them both.
Warning: This is a Mercy Celeste book. Proceed with caution. Contents are hot!
175 pages, ebook
Published April 17, 2014
38 people are currently reading
531 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
April 26, 2014
1.5 please-hire-an-editor stars
This started off promising. Undercover cop posing as high school student is hot for teacher! At the very least, I thought I'd get some mild daddy kink and handcuffs.
But no. The relationship between Grey, the teacher, and Paul, the cop/student, was artificial and undeveloped. Paul is 30 passing for 17, which I found almost impossible to believe. Grey finds out that Paul is undercover almost immediately, but instead of a slow burn and layers of sexual tension, there is almost immediate verbal masturbation followed by a quick fuck in a bathroom at a football game (because obviously those bathrooms are always empty). The chemistry between the MCs was so sorely lacking even the steamy scenes felt wooden.
Paul was supposedly a professional, undercover detective, but he acted like a hormonal teenager. After Grey discovers Paul's identity, all goes on as before. Incredibly, the undercover work isn't compromised. I hesitated putting this on my "cop" shelf, because there was no sense of detective work, no build up to the climax.
Toward the end, in true Celeste fashion, a whole pile of angst is thrown in with crazy plot twists and bodily harm.
And the writing was a godawful mess: typos, inconsistencies, fragments (that read like mistakes vs. artistry), garden-path sentences, and more.
Oh, and the cover? Dear baby jesus, save me. Is that Frankenstein's son, some deformed deity? Because it's certainly not a 30-year-old passing for 17.
One word: fuckery
This started off promising. Undercover cop posing as high school student is hot for teacher! At the very least, I thought I'd get some mild daddy kink and handcuffs.
But no. The relationship between Grey, the teacher, and Paul, the cop/student, was artificial and undeveloped. Paul is 30 passing for 17, which I found almost impossible to believe. Grey finds out that Paul is undercover almost immediately, but instead of a slow burn and layers of sexual tension, there is almost immediate verbal masturbation followed by a quick fuck in a bathroom at a football game (because obviously those bathrooms are always empty). The chemistry between the MCs was so sorely lacking even the steamy scenes felt wooden.
Paul was supposedly a professional, undercover detective, but he acted like a hormonal teenager. After Grey discovers Paul's identity, all goes on as before. Incredibly, the undercover work isn't compromised. I hesitated putting this on my "cop" shelf, because there was no sense of detective work, no build up to the climax.
Toward the end, in true Celeste fashion, a whole pile of angst is thrown in with crazy plot twists and bodily harm.
And the writing was a godawful mess: typos, inconsistencies, fragments (that read like mistakes vs. artistry), garden-path sentences, and more.
Oh, and the cover? Dear baby jesus, save me. Is that Frankenstein's son, some deformed deity? Because it's certainly not a 30-year-old passing for 17.
One word: fuckery
Want to read
April 18, 2014
WAIT NO LONGER!!
YOU ARE MINE!
*cackles*
April 19, 2014
Man, I had such high hopes for this one. I waited for ever and ever it seems like and now that I read it, I am actually dreading writing this review. Don't hate on me please!
So, Grey is a young, hot thing, having gotten a PhD and working as a history teacher by age 28. Cool. Paul is a detective with very youthful features, which land him undercover missions one after the other. When he walks into Grey's classroom though, things change. Grey is intrigued, but does not have inappropriate thoughts, so no reason to be worried that he has the hots for an under-age kid or anything. The age and undercover operation reveal come quickly, so everything that follows between them is legal and 100% consensual.
Things I liked:
Paul walking into the classroom for the first time had me hooked! He rocked the punk look and Grey calling him "Pauly G?" I cracked up! They had chemistry together and yes, their encounters were steamy enough. Lemme think, lemme think. That's about it.
Things I didn't like:
My main issue was the plot. I had to suspend disbelief to great degrees to continue reading. I mean, come on. Really, really, really suspend disbelief. Paul's behaviour and past negated the whole "accomplished" detective aspect of his character. In fact, he was clearly deeply into his role because he acted like a hormonal teenager 90% of the time, consequences be damned. The whole reveal at the end was just beyond this world. I wish I knew how to work the damn gifs because a few with exaggerated eye-rolls would work just fine here.
I also didn't feel the connection between the characters. The whole teacher-student fantasy was really overdone. It just felt like the author was trying too much to sell it and I wasn't buying it. Not only was Paul directly calling Grey "Prof", "hot teacher", and the like, but during the sex scenes, Grey was described as "the teacher" multiple times, as if to drive the point home that they are in fact in a student-teacher relationship, even if it's pretend. It was quite the turn-off.
There were some editing issues as well, but I am usually not a stickler for those, just thought to mention it because I know some people get really frustrated with them, so heads up on that.
I can't NOT recommend this book, because, hello, it's Mercy Celeste, and if you usually like her writing style and her books, you might actually quite enjoy this. Unfortunately, it didn't work for me.
So, Grey is a young, hot thing, having gotten a PhD and working as a history teacher by age 28. Cool. Paul is a detective with very youthful features, which land him undercover missions one after the other. When he walks into Grey's classroom though, things change. Grey is intrigued, but does not have inappropriate thoughts, so no reason to be worried that he has the hots for an under-age kid or anything. The age and undercover operation reveal come quickly, so everything that follows between them is legal and 100% consensual.
Things I liked:
Paul walking into the classroom for the first time had me hooked! He rocked the punk look and Grey calling him "Pauly G?" I cracked up! They had chemistry together and yes, their encounters were steamy enough. Lemme think, lemme think. That's about it.
Things I didn't like:
My main issue was the plot. I had to suspend disbelief to great degrees to continue reading. I mean, come on. Really, really, really suspend disbelief. Paul's behaviour and past negated the whole "accomplished" detective aspect of his character. In fact, he was clearly deeply into his role because he acted like a hormonal teenager 90% of the time, consequences be damned. The whole reveal at the end was just beyond this world. I wish I knew how to work the damn gifs because a few with exaggerated eye-rolls would work just fine here.
I also didn't feel the connection between the characters. The whole teacher-student fantasy was really overdone. It just felt like the author was trying too much to sell it and I wasn't buying it. Not only was Paul directly calling Grey "Prof", "hot teacher", and the like, but during the sex scenes, Grey was described as "the teacher" multiple times, as if to drive the point home that they are in fact in a student-teacher relationship, even if it's pretend. It was quite the turn-off.
There were some editing issues as well, but I am usually not a stickler for those, just thought to mention it because I know some people get really frustrated with them, so heads up on that.
I can't NOT recommend this book, because, hello, it's Mercy Celeste, and if you usually like her writing style and her books, you might actually quite enjoy this. Unfortunately, it didn't work for me.
June 12, 2014
1.5 Stars
Frankly, this book kinda stunk. Dr. Grey Talbot and Detective Paul Gaines. The chemistry between Grey and Paul was lacking. The story felt forced and the writing was choppy. I'm a fan of 'show, don't tell'. This book presented a different problem: not showing enough. It often felt like pieces were missing. I had difficulty tracking the storyline on more than one occasion. The "mystery" wasn't really a mystery and the ending? Fucktarded!
Lastly, (and because I cannot let it slide) a note about the cover art: it's awful.
Bottom line: This was a cluster fuck. Read one of Mercy Celeste's other splendid offerings and give this one a pass.
Frankly, this book kinda stunk. Dr. Grey Talbot and Detective Paul Gaines. The chemistry between Grey and Paul was lacking. The story felt forced and the writing was choppy. I'm a fan of 'show, don't tell'. This book presented a different problem: not showing enough. It often felt like pieces were missing. I had difficulty tracking the storyline on more than one occasion. The "mystery" wasn't really a mystery and the ending? Fucktarded!
Lastly, (and because I cannot let it slide) a note about the cover art: it's awful.
Bottom line: This was a cluster fuck. Read one of Mercy Celeste's other splendid offerings and give this one a pass.
April 27, 2015
This is a hard one to rate. For most of it, I enjoyed the book. Paul is an narcotics officer who is undercover as a high school student. I don’t know many 30-year-olds that could pass for 18, but whatever. I’m willing to let that go. His history teacher, of course, is the incredibly sexy Dr. Grey Talbot. Grey accidentally finds out that Paul is really a cop. They both know they shouldn’t, but they can’t seem to stay away from each other. I enjoyed their romance and really liked the book up until the last 15% or so. Then things kind of got out of hand. Crazy drama and plot twists. Revelations that came out of left field and had me rolling my eyes.
April 16, 2016
This was a very enjoyable read filled with undercover cops, sexy teachers, bad guys who were good, good guys who were bad and a bit of a surprise at the end.
In spite of the fact that the editing could have been better and the idea of a 30 year old man pretending to be a 17 year old high school student, I still liked reading this story and getting through it didn't seem to be a hardship.
This was probably closer to 2.5 stars for me. Especially when I compare it to previous books that I have read by this author such as 'Beyond Complicate', 'The 51st Thursday'or 'In From the Cold'. But still overall a pleasant read.
In spite of the fact that the editing could have been better and the idea of a 30 year old man pretending to be a 17 year old high school student, I still liked reading this story and getting through it didn't seem to be a hardship.
This was probably closer to 2.5 stars for me. Especially when I compare it to previous books that I have read by this author such as 'Beyond Complicate', 'The 51st Thursday'or 'In From the Cold'. But still overall a pleasant read.
February 24, 2017
This is the only book of this author's I haven't liked (and I've read a lot of her books), so I will clock it up as an anomoly. The characters didn't feel right, the sex scenes were boring, the big reveal at the end confusing at first, then silly/annoying. The epilogue felt like it was attached to fix things. Now I understand why it's got a low rating on Goodreads. I'm glad I only read it on Kindle Unlimited or I would've been annoyed. But it won't stop me from reading her other books, as they are usually good.
April 24, 2014
Definitely not one of Mercy's best unfortunately. Aside from some stilted dialogue and editing problems, the plot of the story was confusing and a bit ridiculous. I couldn't help feeling that the whole thing was done in a rush just so it could be called "DONE". But I was able to put all that aside long enough to finish the book, even if I was rolling my eyes a lot by the end.
November 7, 2014
I just couldn't find myself liking the story. Too much drama, too much unnecessary risk, too much asshattery.
This was just not for me.
This was just not for me.
July 5, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. At times a light read and but at others, a twist into the dark, Mercy Celeste delivers a good tale in this take on hidden agendas and secrets best kept in the shadows. I'd highly recommend this book for a few hours of really well crafted story.
January 4, 2024
This book was something else. I did enjoy moments of it, but then it would get kind of dark and serious out of nowhere. Don’t even get me started on the last couple chapters. That stuff came out of left field with like no foreshadowing. I kind of guessed what was going on as it played out, but what the heck.
This had a student/teacher relationship, so it was a bit taboo. However the student was a 30 year old undercover cop that the teacher knew was overage from basically day one. The undercover cop was actually 3 years older than the teacher. I’d try something else by this author, but this wasn’t a favorite of mine. Maybe 2.5 out of 5 stars?
This had a student/teacher relationship, so it was a bit taboo. However the student was a 30 year old undercover cop that the teacher knew was overage from basically day one. The undercover cop was actually 3 years older than the teacher. I’d try something else by this author, but this wasn’t a favorite of mine. Maybe 2.5 out of 5 stars?
July 28, 2018
Niet uitgelezen. Het begon redelijk goed, maar de spanning was al gauw weg; ik had het verloop anders verwacht.
Op ongeveer de helft vond ik er geen uitdaging meer in verder te lezen. Jammer.
Op ongeveer de helft vond ik er geen uitdaging meer in verder te lezen. Jammer.
May 30, 2014
My Review:
I enjoy Mercy Celeste's style of writing and this book was no exception. I spotted this on her list for coming releases months ago and was so excited about the plot. I grew up on 21 Jumpstreet so this was right up my alley. (Note: there were also several references in the book to the show and I loved that, too.)
In the book, Grey is a history teacher in high school. He has his phD (and is why Paul calls him professor), although he's still very young... only 27-28. Paul is a student in his class, although he's actually an undercover 30 yo detective posing at the school with his "brother" (also a cop). Although, Paul's cover is blown with Grey fairly early in the book, this is still very much a forbidden relationship for both of them because it could cause one or probably both of them to lose their jobs. For Paul especially, he has a history of issues on his job which could ultimately be in jeopardy if he skirts the line again. But they have incredible chemistry and neither has been real sexually active lately so it's hard to resist the pull toward one another.
I've read a couple of really scathing reviews for the book and I can see a few of the points as far as the believability of aspects of the story line, but hello...did you read the story description? I knew those aspects were going to be there going into it and it wasn't anything that kept me from enjoying the story. There were also mention of editing issues and honestly, I didn't see anything more than most books (including from the big-name publishers) have these days. Humans proofread and edit these books...and no matter how many people view them, things slip by. But if you are someone who is super-anal about those things, then you may want to stay away from this book as there were a few words that were wrong, etc.
There was a LOT revealed at the very end with lots of twists and double-crosses. It was a bit confusing about what exactly was truth and what exactly was acting and tricking other people into confessing. I did get lost with the exact facts, besides who ultimately was in charge of the entire coverup... and that surprised me as well as another little twist which I totally didn't see coming. I love it when I get shocks like that.
But overall, I'm so glad I picked this one up. I already knew that I liked the author, but did worry after reading a few of the reviews. I shouldn't have worried. The book worked for me and provided great entertainment for a few hours time. I also feel the need to go back and re-watch some 21 Jumpstreet episodes.
I enjoy Mercy Celeste's style of writing and this book was no exception. I spotted this on her list for coming releases months ago and was so excited about the plot. I grew up on 21 Jumpstreet so this was right up my alley. (Note: there were also several references in the book to the show and I loved that, too.)
In the book, Grey is a history teacher in high school. He has his phD (and is why Paul calls him professor), although he's still very young... only 27-28. Paul is a student in his class, although he's actually an undercover 30 yo detective posing at the school with his "brother" (also a cop). Although, Paul's cover is blown with Grey fairly early in the book, this is still very much a forbidden relationship for both of them because it could cause one or probably both of them to lose their jobs. For Paul especially, he has a history of issues on his job which could ultimately be in jeopardy if he skirts the line again. But they have incredible chemistry and neither has been real sexually active lately so it's hard to resist the pull toward one another.
I've read a couple of really scathing reviews for the book and I can see a few of the points as far as the believability of aspects of the story line, but hello...did you read the story description? I knew those aspects were going to be there going into it and it wasn't anything that kept me from enjoying the story. There were also mention of editing issues and honestly, I didn't see anything more than most books (including from the big-name publishers) have these days. Humans proofread and edit these books...and no matter how many people view them, things slip by. But if you are someone who is super-anal about those things, then you may want to stay away from this book as there were a few words that were wrong, etc.
There was a LOT revealed at the very end with lots of twists and double-crosses. It was a bit confusing about what exactly was truth and what exactly was acting and tricking other people into confessing. I did get lost with the exact facts, besides who ultimately was in charge of the entire coverup... and that surprised me as well as another little twist which I totally didn't see coming. I love it when I get shocks like that.
But overall, I'm so glad I picked this one up. I already knew that I liked the author, but did worry after reading a few of the reviews. I shouldn't have worried. The book worked for me and provided great entertainment for a few hours time. I also feel the need to go back and re-watch some 21 Jumpstreet episodes.
April 20, 2014
3.5 stars
I just want to start by saying that this book has a serious case of unfortunate cover syndrome. The guy kinda looks like a scruffy Will Ferrell and that's not who I have pictured for a hot, young, professor.
Wow, okay so... not what I was expecting. I was thinking more along the lines of "we can't get caught" and this was more of a .....Well let's see if I can explain:
Paul is 30, an undercover officer, and you'll learn, unfortunate in pretty much all of his assignments. Chicago didn't work well... New Orleans was a mess, and it looks like Alabama's a wash too. I don't know what the heck he was thinking, surely he could have kept his attraction to Grey at bay for a little while, right?
Grey is this irresistible, hot 28 year old professor working as a high school history teacher. He's got a rough background and has turned his life around. Surely he could have kept his attraction to Paul at bay for a little while, at least until this undercover investigation was complete, right?
Nope, the heat addled their brains.
The Love bomb is thrown around really early, when really they know nothing about each other. Heavy Lust, yeah I can see that, and while you both have chemistry (physically) I can't believe it's love.
I had a few instances of thinking if I were Grey, I'd be all "S#*t just got real, Peace!" 'Cause who would stick around for any of that?!
But what really got me was the last 10%... Drama out the wazoo and trying to keep it straight was confusing. Grey waffles between believing Paul and thinking it's all a lie, I waffle between caring or not and when it's all said and done there's really no resolution. I would have loved to find out the consequences of everything that went down.
There were a few typos (beware)
Now onto the good parts: Yeah... physical chemistry was HOT. That desk scene alone will have me re-reading this again at some point. I think the sneaking around aspect of the plot was great and I would have loved the story even if it were only involving that. I did kind of like the whole criminal aspect of the plot but it was really crammed in there near the end.
For those who Like Mercy's writing style, this is recommended for you, or anyone really. Just remember it's fiction. Take all that drama with a grain of salt.
I just want to start by saying that this book has a serious case of unfortunate cover syndrome. The guy kinda looks like a scruffy Will Ferrell and that's not who I have pictured for a hot, young, professor.
Wow, okay so... not what I was expecting. I was thinking more along the lines of "we can't get caught" and this was more of a .....Well let's see if I can explain:
Paul is 30, an undercover officer, and you'll learn, unfortunate in pretty much all of his assignments. Chicago didn't work well... New Orleans was a mess, and it looks like Alabama's a wash too. I don't know what the heck he was thinking, surely he could have kept his attraction to Grey at bay for a little while, right?
Grey is this irresistible, hot 28 year old professor working as a high school history teacher. He's got a rough background and has turned his life around. Surely he could have kept his attraction to Paul at bay for a little while, at least until this undercover investigation was complete, right?
Nope, the heat addled their brains.
The Love bomb is thrown around really early, when really they know nothing about each other. Heavy Lust, yeah I can see that, and while you both have chemistry (physically) I can't believe it's love.
I had a few instances of thinking if I were Grey, I'd be all "S#*t just got real, Peace!" 'Cause who would stick around for any of that?!
But what really got me was the last 10%... Drama out the wazoo and trying to keep it straight was confusing. Grey waffles between believing Paul and thinking it's all a lie, I waffle between caring or not and when it's all said and done there's really no resolution. I would have loved to find out the consequences of everything that went down.
There were a few typos (beware)
Now onto the good parts: Yeah... physical chemistry was HOT. That desk scene alone will have me re-reading this again at some point. I think the sneaking around aspect of the plot was great and I would have loved the story even if it were only involving that. I did kind of like the whole criminal aspect of the plot but it was really crammed in there near the end.
For those who Like Mercy's writing style, this is recommended for you, or anyone really. Just remember it's fiction. Take all that drama with a grain of salt.
August 23, 2014
2.5 Stars
So, uhm, Spicoli :)
This started off good, but then it kind of fell flat. I wasn't a fan of Grey being reckless. I wasn't a fan of both of them not being able to keep it in their pants. I wasn't a fan of the ending-I needed more. I liked both of their backgrounds and would have liked more from Grey. Seems like he lead an interesting life Also, you would think that if you were undercover you'd be living life as a teen and not going out in public acting like your normal self in the same town as the school.
Overall, I liked the teacher/student thing. "Lose the shades, Spicoli."
"Pauly G"
So, uhm, Spicoli :)
This started off good, but then it kind of fell flat. I wasn't a fan of Grey being reckless. I wasn't a fan of both of them not being able to keep it in their pants. I wasn't a fan of the ending-I needed more. I liked both of their backgrounds and would have liked more from Grey. Seems like he lead an interesting life Also, you would think that if you were undercover you'd be living life as a teen and not going out in public acting like your normal self in the same town as the school.
Overall, I liked the teacher/student thing. "Lose the shades, Spicoli."
"Pauly G"
April 29, 2014
The cover is TERRIBLE. Really, really bad. So bad I was afraid to click on it, and Mercy Celeste is nearly an auto-buy for me.
And once again, it could be better edited. This is a consistent problem with Mercy Celeste books, it's actually gotten worse instead of better, and I don't understand it. This would be a deal breaker for me with anyone less talented with this kind of material. While I WILL put up with it for the sake of the stories she weaves, it is annoying to run into what is really sloppy proofing (fragments, weird or missing commas, naval instead of navel, etc.), and it kind of feels like she's coasting on her ability and reputation.
On the plus side, there were no significant loose ends in the plot, and she pulled off a totally from left field twist just about seamlessly.
I claim, in print, fairly frequently, that some writers can make almost anything work, and Ms. Celeste consistently proves me right. The plot should be ridiculous, but it becomes a compelling, almost plausible roller coaster ride of a read. Sensual, unpredictable, and actually haunting. Her understanding of both baggage and want light up the page and become almost tangible.
And once again, it could be better edited. This is a consistent problem with Mercy Celeste books, it's actually gotten worse instead of better, and I don't understand it. This would be a deal breaker for me with anyone less talented with this kind of material. While I WILL put up with it for the sake of the stories she weaves, it is annoying to run into what is really sloppy proofing (fragments, weird or missing commas, naval instead of navel, etc.), and it kind of feels like she's coasting on her ability and reputation.
On the plus side, there were no significant loose ends in the plot, and she pulled off a totally from left field twist just about seamlessly.
I claim, in print, fairly frequently, that some writers can make almost anything work, and Ms. Celeste consistently proves me right. The plot should be ridiculous, but it becomes a compelling, almost plausible roller coaster ride of a read. Sensual, unpredictable, and actually haunting. Her understanding of both baggage and want light up the page and become almost tangible.
May 16, 2014
Um, what just happened? There I was reading along, mostly ignoring the editing and not rolling my eyes too much when BAM out of nowhere comes the ending. Now don’t get me wrong, I am not saying I didn’t like it – I did in fact, enjoy this book. But, I enjoyed it in spite of the problems I had with it. This is classic Mercy Celeste – there are so many twists and turns in the story, so many revelations out of left field, so much sex – lots and lots of hot sweaty sex.
Read the rest of the review here:
LoveBytes
Read the rest of the review here:
LoveBytes
February 8, 2015
Paul walks into Greys history class and there is an instant attraction.
What Grey doesn't know is that Paul is really an undercover narc. He was sent into the school to look to see if a faculty member is involved in drugs.
The plot twists and turns, with nobody really being whom they seem to be.
I loved this book.
What Grey doesn't know is that Paul is really an undercover narc. He was sent into the school to look to see if a faculty member is involved in drugs.
The plot twists and turns, with nobody really being whom they seem to be.
I loved this book.
March 31, 2018
I was loving this book right up until the last chapter;
I think it was a matter of too much going on in the last scene. I couldn't keep up with who everyone was and how they fit into what had gone on in the rest of the plot.
I think it was a matter of too much going on in the last scene. I couldn't keep up with who everyone was and how they fit into what had gone on in the rest of the plot.
July 8, 2014
Liked it. The end? Totally saw that coming. I guess I feel like everything was going well until we started to hit the big reveal. Around there, I felt rushed. Still, it was good fun. I liked the characters well enough. So maybe this is hitting 3 stars for me, but just barely.
December 17, 2016
I usually love Mercy Celeste's stories. I did not hate this one, but the lack of editing interfered with my reading ease. Also for two adults with careers to lose, they acted like hormonal teenagers. Not bad but a disappointment.
September 17, 2021
This book rocks! I glad that I bypassed the reviews prior to reading it. It’s Mercy Celeste so it has to be good. Right?
A totally different take on the student/ teacher romance trope. The plot had me glued to my chair. The semi-public sex had me squirming in my seat.
A totally different take on the student/ teacher romance trope. The plot had me glued to my chair. The semi-public sex had me squirming in my seat.
May 3, 2014
I was a little nervous when I started this book because I have a son in high school and was really afraid of where the teacher/student affair was going. But imagine my relief, and surprise, when Paul’s undercover persona is almost instantly blown and Grey realizes that the hot kid in his class is actually not a kid at all. That worked for me…big time.
I loved the “Spicoli” references throughout the story as Paul really did look the part of Sean Penn in Fast Times from Ridgemont High. The fact that the “student” was actually older than the teacher was different, but I find that I like different and that’s why I am drawn to Mercy Celeste’s books. I love her style, I love her willingness to walk on the wild side, and I love that she is able to throw real world, real life references into her stories and they fit.
So in this Crazy book, we have an undercover Narc posing as a student. The fact that Paul, who at 30 years old could look 17 was a little much, but I could work with it. I loved the whole taboo that was making Grey squirm. He knew Paul was a grown man, a man actually older than himself, but it still bothered him that Paul was technically his student. The ramifications, no matter the circumstances, would be brutal to his career.
Paul and Grey are two very naughty boys inside the bedroom, and out. The tattoo’s, the surprise piercings, the hot sex, and the feels between them were very plausible. I found myself rooting for them because they both deserved a little happiness.
Mixed in with all the naughty school boy – naughty teacher taboo is the reason Paul is at the school in the first place. There is a drug problem and the supplier just may be a teacher. Let the fun begin. Is it Grey? Is it the bitchy-slutty teacher Sarah? Is it a set-up? What the heck is going on anyway? We get that at the end, and even though I was rooting big time for who I thought it was and wanting them to suffer…I was wrong.
I did not see that ending coming…at all!!! And I love when that happens. Just when all the pieces start falling into place, when all the odds are stacked and there is no way I could be wrong…I was still wrong. That’s so great!
There is nothing I can say to not give it away; you have to read it yourself or it takes away the surprise and overall enjoyment of the story. Needless to say, I love Ms. Celeste’s books, I love the trouble her boys are always getting into, and I love reading a little bit of taboo and controversial story lines from time to time. Yes, I saw the editing issues and yes, the cover is not very attractive, but all in all, it did nothing to ruin my enjoyment of this book and I easily let it go.
I loved the “Spicoli” references throughout the story as Paul really did look the part of Sean Penn in Fast Times from Ridgemont High. The fact that the “student” was actually older than the teacher was different, but I find that I like different and that’s why I am drawn to Mercy Celeste’s books. I love her style, I love her willingness to walk on the wild side, and I love that she is able to throw real world, real life references into her stories and they fit.
So in this Crazy book, we have an undercover Narc posing as a student. The fact that Paul, who at 30 years old could look 17 was a little much, but I could work with it. I loved the whole taboo that was making Grey squirm. He knew Paul was a grown man, a man actually older than himself, but it still bothered him that Paul was technically his student. The ramifications, no matter the circumstances, would be brutal to his career.
Paul and Grey are two very naughty boys inside the bedroom, and out. The tattoo’s, the surprise piercings, the hot sex, and the feels between them were very plausible. I found myself rooting for them because they both deserved a little happiness.
Mixed in with all the naughty school boy – naughty teacher taboo is the reason Paul is at the school in the first place. There is a drug problem and the supplier just may be a teacher. Let the fun begin. Is it Grey? Is it the bitchy-slutty teacher Sarah? Is it a set-up? What the heck is going on anyway? We get that at the end, and even though I was rooting big time for who I thought it was and wanting them to suffer…I was wrong.
I did not see that ending coming…at all!!! And I love when that happens. Just when all the pieces start falling into place, when all the odds are stacked and there is no way I could be wrong…I was still wrong. That’s so great!
There is nothing I can say to not give it away; you have to read it yourself or it takes away the surprise and overall enjoyment of the story. Needless to say, I love Ms. Celeste’s books, I love the trouble her boys are always getting into, and I love reading a little bit of taboo and controversial story lines from time to time. Yes, I saw the editing issues and yes, the cover is not very attractive, but all in all, it did nothing to ruin my enjoyment of this book and I easily let it go.
January 14, 2016
4 Stars
Ooooh, this one got me good. I had one of the characters pegged as the right target for this I most definitely did not anticipate in any way shape or form. A plot twist I never expected came out of left field and considering I've seen almost every single television drama & reality police procedural show since Hill Street...well, that doesn't happen often. I can count on one hand how many times I've been surprised like that, and I skimmed it again looking for clues or foreshadowing and couldn't find ANY - so, Brava, dear author.
Crazy hot sex , touching romance, angsty back stories, a great pace...Oh, and again - the setting is spot on. I could almost feel the humidity seeping out of my Kindle.
The shamelessly kinky part of me wished Grey Yeah, that would have been naughty, awkward and indecently smoking hot.
Great read, of course, just as it is. Off to drown myself in another Mercy Celeste book...
Ooooh, this one got me good. I had one of the characters pegged as the right target for this I most definitely did not anticipate in any way shape or form. A plot twist I never expected came out of left field and considering I've seen almost every single television drama & reality police procedural show since Hill Street...well, that doesn't happen often. I can count on one hand how many times I've been surprised like that, and I skimmed it again looking for clues or foreshadowing and couldn't find ANY - so, Brava, dear author.
Crazy hot sex , touching romance, angsty back stories, a great pace...Oh, and again - the setting is spot on. I could almost feel the humidity seeping out of my Kindle.
The shamelessly kinky part of me wished Grey Yeah, that would have been naughty, awkward and indecently smoking hot.
Great read, of course, just as it is. Off to drown myself in another Mercy Celeste book...
May 26, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
I loved this book, but that shouldn’t be a surprise. I loved 21 Jump Street too. Crazy from the Heat is a play on the student/teacher flirtation from the aforementioned film. Except this time the teacher knows the student is a cop and of age. And this book way hotter than the film ever hoped to be. I like not only the steamy bedroom scenes—cuz let’s face it, if there’s one thing Mercy Celeste is known for it’s hot sex (and angst, but this book has none of that)—but the plot, the mystery, is wonderful, and something I never saw coming. They mystery of this book is exciting and frustrating and captivating, which are all points I look for in a good cop story. So yes, the relationship/sex attracted me to the story, but the mystery kept me wanting more until the very end.
Read Crissy's review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
I loved this book, but that shouldn’t be a surprise. I loved 21 Jump Street too. Crazy from the Heat is a play on the student/teacher flirtation from the aforementioned film. Except this time the teacher knows the student is a cop and of age. And this book way hotter than the film ever hoped to be. I like not only the steamy bedroom scenes—cuz let’s face it, if there’s one thing Mercy Celeste is known for it’s hot sex (and angst, but this book has none of that)—but the plot, the mystery, is wonderful, and something I never saw coming. They mystery of this book is exciting and frustrating and captivating, which are all points I look for in a good cop story. So yes, the relationship/sex attracted me to the story, but the mystery kept me wanting more until the very end.
Read Crissy's review in its entirety here.
October 31, 2019
Re-read Oct/19 1 star
Very convoluted story, very trite ending, very bad editing.
2 stars
synopsis:
grey is a high school teacher who has found his place in life. one day, a gorgeous senior walks into his class, late, and grey finds himself attracted. paul is an undercover police officer, looking to find a drug ring in the high school. he's immediately attracted to grey, but knows that nothing can happen because he's undercover. one night, though, grey happens to be run over by a punk that paul is chasing, and paul stops to help him. grey finds out that paul isn't what he seems, and the two start a clandestine relationship.
what i liked: i liked grey and paul together, their insta-love notwithstanding. i liked the fact that both had doubts and worries.
what i didn't like: the fact that paul and his partner were still at the same school, even after grey knew who he was. i didn't really like the insta-love, but it wasn't too over powering. i didn't like all the convolutions at the end; they seemed trite and uncessary.
Very convoluted story, very trite ending, very bad editing.
2 stars
synopsis:
grey is a high school teacher who has found his place in life. one day, a gorgeous senior walks into his class, late, and grey finds himself attracted. paul is an undercover police officer, looking to find a drug ring in the high school. he's immediately attracted to grey, but knows that nothing can happen because he's undercover. one night, though, grey happens to be run over by a punk that paul is chasing, and paul stops to help him. grey finds out that paul isn't what he seems, and the two start a clandestine relationship.
what i liked: i liked grey and paul together, their insta-love notwithstanding. i liked the fact that both had doubts and worries.
what i didn't like: the fact that paul and his partner were still at the same school, even after grey knew who he was. i didn't really like the insta-love, but it wasn't too over powering. i didn't like all the convolutions at the end; they seemed trite and uncessary.
June 15, 2014
Throws You For a Loop Every Step of the Way
It's implausible, yet possible. That's how I would sum up virtually every aspect of the plot of this book which starts off like a smoldering fireplace blaze and turns into a non-stop conflagration of lust, deception, and ultimately totally shocking conclusions.
Mercy Celeste has done it again, and as usual she doesn't take "no" for an answer. She throws her seemingly straightforward and focused characters--high school teacher Grey Talbot and one of his "students," Paul Gaines--into situations they cannot possibly understand and live with, and you say "No, please don't do that, please don't let this happen!" Then she does let it happen, and just goes on from there to grab you by the throat, heart, and libido until a shocking denouement leads to a completely unexpected (no spoilers) ending.
This book could not possibly become a series. Or, could it? Please, Mercy, don't say "No!"
It's implausible, yet possible. That's how I would sum up virtually every aspect of the plot of this book which starts off like a smoldering fireplace blaze and turns into a non-stop conflagration of lust, deception, and ultimately totally shocking conclusions.
Mercy Celeste has done it again, and as usual she doesn't take "no" for an answer. She throws her seemingly straightforward and focused characters--high school teacher Grey Talbot and one of his "students," Paul Gaines--into situations they cannot possibly understand and live with, and you say "No, please don't do that, please don't let this happen!" Then she does let it happen, and just goes on from there to grab you by the throat, heart, and libido until a shocking denouement leads to a completely unexpected (no spoilers) ending.
This book could not possibly become a series. Or, could it? Please, Mercy, don't say "No!"
July 18, 2015
enjoyed!
I love m/m books and this one didn't disappoint! From the first page until the last I was kept in suspense and I was riveted. The plot was about Grey, a high school history professor, not a teacher since he has a PHd, and a student by the name of Paul who walks into Grey's classroom and there's an immediate attraction between them. Grey later finds out that Paul is an undercover policeman sent to sniff out drugs in the local high school. There's no sugar coating lovey dovey crap, but more of a straight forward and in your face realism which I appreciated since this is a story about two adult men who have both been around the block more than a few times! This is the first book I've read from this author and look forward to reading more from her.
I love m/m books and this one didn't disappoint! From the first page until the last I was kept in suspense and I was riveted. The plot was about Grey, a high school history professor, not a teacher since he has a PHd, and a student by the name of Paul who walks into Grey's classroom and there's an immediate attraction between them. Grey later finds out that Paul is an undercover policeman sent to sniff out drugs in the local high school. There's no sugar coating lovey dovey crap, but more of a straight forward and in your face realism which I appreciated since this is a story about two adult men who have both been around the block more than a few times! This is the first book I've read from this author and look forward to reading more from her.
March 9, 2015
I've waited awhile to write this because I wanted to gain some perspective. After reading several of Mercy's other books, I was looking forward to a new one. I've tried to read this book twice and given up both times. Sloppy writing, poor grammar, and bad editing are just the start of the problems for this book. Quite honestly, I felt most uncomfortable with the theme of a teacher fighting his attraction for what he believes to be an underage boy. As a gay male teacher myself, this is a constant concern in the workplace. This book made me feel as though I were a pedophile by proxy which is why I've had to stop reading it.
May 5, 2014
I really enjoyed the story, but I do have to admit that there is a terrible need for some serious editing. The comma is an important tool when writing, as is other punctuation and grammer.
With proper editing, this would of been even better, but I still enjoyed this very much, and will be keeping Mercy Celeste on my must watch author list.
With proper editing, this would of been even better, but I still enjoyed this very much, and will be keeping Mercy Celeste on my must watch author list.
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