Scarlett Ward is bored. Newly graduated with PhD in hand, she yearns for a well-deserved adventure before she settles into a lifetime of monotony. Exploring a tropical rainforest sounds like a perfect escape, and Captain Nash Wright's aging riverboat cruise promises all the exciting adventures she can handle.
Too bad for her, not everything is what it seems in the rainforest. Is the charismatic captain keeping secrets from his passengers, secrets that could turn this fantasy cruise into a trip from hell? Or maybe the curse the locals whisper about is true…
Scarlett isn’t looking for love, but close quarters and rising tensions with her fellow shipmates threaten to serve up more excitement than she bargained for. Between the fugitive Campbell Hart, who’s trying to cover up an eco-mission gone bad, and the wealthy yet cold and grumpy investor James Remington, who wants nothing to do with either of them, Scarlett wonders why on earth she thought the rainforest would ease her soul.
Especially when the adventure starts to go wrong in strange ways. The four wanderers must work together and keep their wits in order to survive the mysteries that surround them.
All is fair in love and war, but what happens when destiny changes the rules?
Torri Heat has control over everything in her life, except for the plot. Her characters demand centre stage, and she just goes along with whatever they want and hopes for the best. You never know whether you’ll end up with a dragon tail or on a submarine, but you will always get a taste of darkness with your romance. Her fierce women will inspire you to be sassy, and her dominant men will teach you how to be a good girl. When she isn’t creating alternate realities, you can find her working her other job as a nacho connoisseur.
Torri is represented by Katie Monson at SBR Mediakatie@sbrmedia.com
Add to your TBR if you like... 🧭Forced proximity ⚓Why Choose 🧭Scientist FMC ⚓Unreliable narrators 🧭Insta-love
Adventure, a lost-cursed city, and multiple POVs? Count me in! This story brings together two of my favorite tropes: golden retriever and grumpy MMC. I really enjoyed the adventure and thriller aspects throughout the story. The horror fanatic in me ate up the trippy fever dreams that ensued further into the jungle adventure. However, the romance didn't quite hit the mark for me. The insta-love vibes made the spicy scenes feel a bit lackluster; I really think a more gradual buildup and tension would have enhanced the overall story more.
ok so like?? you know how most RH spicy books are just spicy and nothing else?? well THIS ONE said "hold my ancient artifacts" and threw in some lost city x horror vibes and i am LIVING for it!!
the tension?? ELECTRIC. the spice?? THERE. the ancient cursed city trying to probably kill everyone?? LOVE THAT FOR THEM! but can we talk about how they really said "here's this amazing lost civilization plot" and then speedran the ending like it was a minecraft challenge?? girl what was the RUSH?? i was invested in the lore!! i had THEORIES!! and for what??
the romance was also giving "oh no we might die, quick let's kiss" energy towards the end which like... fair... but also?? slow down?? we were doing so well?? And i need MORE of the lost city stuff!! you can't just drop all these breadcrumbs about ancient civilizations and then leave me hanging?? this should have been two books and i will die on this hill.
4/5 stars because: - spooky lost city vibes - actually thrilling moments - ending went speedrun - romance said PARKOUR - my lost city theories found dead in a ditch
What happens if you cross the vibes of Indiana Jones, The Mummy and Scooby Doo: Zombie Island? You get 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐦....
I want to start off by saying just how immersive Torri's writing is, reading this you truly feel like you're in the rainforest.
I jumped straight into Torri's DM's because this book is a mindfuck at its best, and in the best possible way.
Due to its dual POV's you really get to know each character perfectly and in depth and they all have meaning to the story.
I absolutely loved the dynamic of these four. Scarlett is fierce and headstrong, but not in an annoying way. James is cold, hard, but a total softy once you work through his layers. Camp is the cute teddy bear of the group, and lastly Nash, the leader of this adventure, he's spent the last decade of his life aboard the Carpe Deim, and knows the jungle like the back of his hand... Or so you would think.
This book had absolutely everything I wanted, it was mysterious, adventurous, sexy and at times had me wondering if anything paranormal was going on.
When you finish I implore that you read the alternative ending on Torri's website (because 1. How cool is it that we get a second ending, and 2. You can go and slide into Torri's DM's if you were as confused as I was) Delirium drops on the 28th February, RUN don't WALK for it
Delirium is a forced proximity, why-choose romance that whisks you away on the adventure of a lifetime. With twists that keep you guessing—Is it all real, or just a tantalizing hallucination?—this story will have you questioning everything.
Torri masterfully weaves tension, desire, and uncertainty, keeping you hooked from start to finish. The chemistry between the characters crackles off the page, and the high-stakes adventure will leave you desperate to uncover what happens next. If you’re looking for a romance packed with spice, suspense, and surprises, Delirium delivers.
-whychoose -enemies to lovers -forced proximity -jungle adventure -unreliable narrators
yall. this was one of the craziest books with a crazy ass plot line i've ever read...& really like..you have to experience it to fully get what i mean! but i was HOOKED!
I don't believe I have ever read a book like this. It was shocking, unexpected, and amazing and steamy all wrapped up in one. Delirium is a forced proximity book that follows Nash the captain for his riverboat cruise in the rainforest, Scarlett who has just graduated with a PHD and years for an adventure, James who is using the cruise as transportation to his investment and the fugitive that hopped on the boat that is Campbell.
I can only remember a few tropes of this book. Apart from that, I went in blind and everything was like a whirlwind happening at once. The plot and character growth especially was amazing, this adventure the four of them were on would change their lives forever, not that they knew it at the time.
The title of the book is quite a big giveaway of what you can expect as the book progresses on, I didn't even realise it at the time. It gets to the point where it is hard to even understand what is real and what is actually just hallucinations. That point in the book is very trippy, if I may say.
I loved how completely unexpected everything was across the book, and how close the characters got to each other and grew in their own ways, the heat certainly got firery and numerous parts of the plot between all of the characters with Scarlett. Everything about this book was perfect, and now all I want are books similar to this plot and the feeling it gave off. I only wish we would have had more scenes, maybe group or more individual ones, but regardless, I am very happy with the book and can't wait to read more of Torri's books.
Delirium leans into an explorer/action/adventure feel, a little Indiana Jones-ish (though light on the action), with a unique setting for a romance. It’s got a fun mix of adventure, a paranormal-ish twist, and a why-choose romance at its core. This was my second read from this author, and it gave me the same overall vibe as Sunk—just with less grief.
The story follows Scarlett, a sociologist looking for adventure; Camp, an environmental vigilante; James, a snobby rich guy checking on his investment; and the boat captain leading them all through the jungle. I appreciated how each POV felt distinct—something paramount in a why-choose! Their dynamic kept things interesting, and while the romance and spice were decent, the real standout was the fresh setting and engaging plot.
Overall, this is a solid, fun adventure with a unique backdrop, strong character voices, and a bit of spice. If you're in the mood for a quick, entertaining why-choose romance with an adventurous twist, this one is worth picking up!
This book was such a crazy adventure!! Absolutely Loved it. I’ve never written a review before so bear with me but this book was definitely a roller coaster. A really good one. The descriptions, the characters, (even when they were attacking me personally with the truth) were fantastic. They are so relatable as humans in such a situation most would never physically find themselves in. And yet Torri manages to take you through the black mirror into the rainforest, or maybe jungle, possibly both (?) you’ll have to ask Scarlett and Camp to clarify that. Also the spice definitely be spicin in the scenes!! Highly recommend Delirium for anyone wanting one more adventure!!!!
I enjoyed this book so much. It’s like a spicy Indiana jones-esque river boat why choose. And it definitely gets mindf*cky towards the end (not posting any spoilers). This book has plenty of adventure and exploration, in more ways than one if you get my drift🌶️, and will keep you on the edge of your seat.
But remember, “Please keep your hands and feet inside the boat at all times. Beware the pretty things—they’re the deadliest. Don’t trust your judgement.”
To me this book was just okay. I know it’s supposed to be a quick lighthearted adventure why choose read, but I didn’t really care for the MMC’s. The concept of the book was interesting and close to the ending really got me shocked but other than that I don’t have much to say.
What do you get when you put 4 strangers all with secrets of their own on a jungle cruise? A very hot (not only literally) trip full of mystery.
I was so intrigued when I read the description when I applied for this arc and it did not disappoint. Scarlet booked a jungle cruise as an adventure and adventure is what she got with 3 hot men in search of a cursed lost city. There were secrets, there was spice and each character has a journey of its own. I really loved it.
This story reminded me of Indian Jones or Tomb Raider with the adventure and mystery. I didn't know what was going to happen next! I really enjoyed Scarlett's character (love an educated FMC) and how she acted as the emotional balance between the three MMCs. Camp, James, and Nash are all wonderfully flawed and complex. I enjoyed the differences between them and how they each complemented Scarlett in their own way.
A great story with compelling characters and just enough spice!
Going in, I was excited for an Indiana Jones-style adventure. It didn’t quite hit that mark, though there was some adventure. I did enjoy the story, but I found myself wanting a little more. I know the journey is supposed to be the best part, and it was good, but I really wanted more time at the destination.
I really liked the concept, and I think the author had a lot of potential to dig deeper. Just as we were starting to get to know the characters, it felt like the story sped up. I would have loved to see more of their backgrounds unfold as they explored.
This is a forced proximity romance, and while there was some nice initial tension, it did veer into insta-love territory pretty quickly. I would have liked a bit more buildup before things accelerated.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read, but I wanted more, it felt a bit like a tease. Maybe there will be another book so we get a chance to revisit these characters or even this setting.
This had me intrigued from the start just because it’s so different than what I usually read in romance. It’s an explorer/action/adventure why-choose romance, a bit Indiana Jones-ish if you will (though light on the action part). Really fun setting for a romance.
This book has an exceptional ‘voice’ for each character, they are very distinct which I really appreciate in a why-choose. The way this book is written felt very much like I was watching a TV show or kind of movie-like in a good way. Probably due to the strong characterisation and the adventuresome plot line.
Absolutely loved the MMC Camp from the get-go. All the MMCs are great but Camp is my fave by a mile. Also don’t be confused like me when his name first comes up on a bag tag. I thought it was “Camp Hart” like an overnight camp you’d go to as a kid lol took me a minute to realise that’s his actual name 😆
The characters do start getting hot and heavy pretty early on in the book, before they get to know each other much IMO. The early sex scenes fell kind of flat for me as a result, even the dirty dialogue. They just didn’t feel connected enough for me yet to make those great. There’s also times when they do start talking about their feelings for each other where it seems a bit too much too soon for me. So that knocked it down a little for me.
However, once I switched gears in my head that this is more of a lighter, fun book and not look into the depth too much, I enjoyed it for what it was. The rainforest/jungle adventure setting and the tale of these four strangers in a strange situation really sold it for me. The characters are fun, the plotline is fun, the setting is fun, the hot scenes are ok, and the relationships are ok.
This is a 3 - 3.5ish star for me, solid good read but just didn’t bump up into “great” (4 star). I really enjoyed the premise of this one and made it a really enjoyable read for me, just would have like some stronger and more in-depth relationships.
I wouldn’t turn someone away from reading this, it’s a good, fun, why-choose romance with an adventure and paranormal-ish theme. Definitely enjoyable and worth picking up!
I received an advance copy of the book and have left my honest, influence-free review
OMG. I absolutely loved this book. Torri slayed it! This is one book that will live rent free in my head forever!
"The most beautiful things were the most dangerous."
As soon as I started reading, I was instantly hooked. You could say that I got lost within the pages of this book. This is not a bad thing. The whole time that I was reading this book, it was like a movie playing in my head.
“I haven’t been able to get your lips out of my head,” he whispered.
There is Captain Nash and his boat Carpe Diem. The passengers, Scarlett, James, and Campbell. As soon as I met Nash, I was drawn to him. He had this sulky attitude that made me want to get close to him and see what he was all about.
"He settled back between them, alternating light-as-air kisses with teasing touches."
Then there is Campbell. He brings the dangerous side to the relationship. Finally, there is James. You may not like him in the beginning but by the end you will love him. The way that he had the emotional break down, made me gravitate towards him.
"Watch me. Want me. Own me."
The intimate moments were spicy. However, it was not just about the spice. The way that the relationship between all four evolved into a deep emotional connection was beautiful. Nash, James, Campbell, and Scarlett fit together like puzzle pieces...always meant to be together.
"He brought his lips down against mine, and without thinking, I kissed him back. James kissed me like a man starved for water, for air, for life. His lips pressed against mine, demanding and insistent, everything I expected him to be. Everything I wanted him to be."
This story feels like “Indiana Jones meets Lost” but with a badass heroine caught between three very different men.
Tropes Light why choose Journey in the rainforest Forced proximity Slow burn Inexperienced FMC Supernatural element
Scarlett is smart, passionate, and inexperienced but she’s also incredibly strong. (She’s in the middle of the rainforest, chasing her own adventure, so yeah, this girl has guts.) Nash, the rugged and protective captain, has a soft heart beneath his gruff exterior. James, the arrogant investor, is battling his own demons and family baggage. And then there’s Camp the wildcard, the stowaway.
Together, they set off on a treasure hunt that quickly turns into something far more dangerous.
The rainforest itself is almost a character in this book. The descriptions are so vivid that I could practically feel the sticky heat, hear the hum of insects, and sense the looming danger.
Everything builds slowly but surely, and when you reach the end, make sure to read the alternative ending on Torri’s website.
The why choose part is light and the spice too. This is absolutely not the point of this book, the plot is far too much interesting!
This book isn’t just an adventure, it’s an experience. It’s thrilling, gripping, and lingers in your mind long after you finish.
I had the privilege to receive this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
Now, it feels like I've been in a state of Delirium due to the craziness of preparing and waiting for a cyclone to hit 😅🤣. Felt like I was living in an episode of Doomsday Preppers/Storm Chasers....with a terrible climax 🤣. My review would have been out last week, but I'm excited to get it out now!
This was a delightful read and my first from Torri! If you are looking for a spicy, why choose, with 'Indiana Jones' vibes, then you'll want to pick this up.
I enjoyed the multiple POV of Scarlett, James, Nash and Camp, as it's a strong point for any why-choose romance. It helps make the relationships feel more dynamic and provides you an insight into each characters perspective. One of the downsides for me is how the characters all gave off the Insta Love vibe, taking away the depth for me, as I love reading how they build their connection with each other.
The setting and premise was a highlight, I mean from being transported down a jungle river on a tug boat to a lost cursed city......who doesn't want that kind of adventure! So, even with some bumps in the romance, I was still able to enjoy the lush adventure with danger, eerie supernatural happenings lurking around every turn. It's always nice when a book can have that balance of fun and tension. The spice was good too, but my little why choose heart was searching for more group scenes 🫦 *naughty naughty*.
This was a light and breezy read and was just a few steps away from being a 5 🌟.
Thank you, Torri and The Author Agency for giving me this ARC. ❤️
to sum it up: Characters are described one way and then behave completely differently (e.g.Camp seems to be an easy-going and cheerful person thorought the book, yet he is described as never smiling and reserved).
Scarlett is one of most annoying FMC i encountered. Most of the things she says is bs (idk if the author ever studied sociology, but most of Scarlett's ramblings are at best a made up guesswork), so having to read pointless dialogues or her inner monologues how she truly understands human nature was just tiring.
The whole lost city plot seemed empty and pointless. They were there for about two chapters, nothing came out of it and thats it. If they were just travelling, got sick, boat broke and had to hike back, that'd make it more enjoyable.
I didn't feel chemistry at all, or proper relationship development for that matter - it is like the author couldn't decide if she wanted more an adventure plot or romance plot and in the end we got poor execution of both. I cant see why any of MMCs fell for her (let's ignore the fact that the 'i love you's happened few days after meeting each other) - i think it was a mix of lust and malaria.
Smut was meh. so many good opportunities wasted.
At 85% i started to wonder if there's going to be a second book, because its impossible to resolve everything and wrap it in a nice ribbon in so few pages. welp, no. We just got a sloppy, rushed mess - truly felt like the author was tired of this book already and wanted to move on.
Delirium by Torri Heat is a captivating blend of suspense, mystery, and adventure. Scarlett Ward, a recent PhD graduate, embarks on a riverboat cruise through a tropical rainforest, hoping for the adventure of a lifetime. But things quickly take a dark turn. The passengers on the boat are all hiding secrets — Captain Nash Wright, the enigmatic leader; eco-warrior Campbell Hart, who’s not supposed to be there; and billionaire James Remington, focused only on his investment.
As strange things begin to happen, Scarlett and the others must work together to survive the mysteries surrounding them. Is the rainforest cursed, as the locals say, or is something far more sinister at play? The lush, dangerous setting creates a tense atmosphere, and the evolving relationships between the characters keep the story gripping until the very end.
In short, Delirium is a thrilling ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Torri Heat’s ability to combine adventure with mystery, romance, and suspense creates a novel that is impossible to put down. If you enjoy a story where no one can be trusted, the stakes are constantly rising, and every secret uncovered only deepens the intrigue, this is the book for you. Just remember, when embarking on this trip — not everything in the jungle is what it seems.
Thank you so much to @theauthor.agency and @torriheat the ARC!
"Here's the thing about seeking treasure - it's addictive. Once you start, you can't stop."
💖 Scarlett, Camp, James, & Nash 💖
Delirium takes readers on a wild, once-in-a-lifetime adventure deep into the heart of the rainforest, and I was completely hooked on its unique setting. I can’t remember the last time I read a book that immersed me in an environment like this—lush, mysterious, and teeming with danger.
The story follows Scarlett, a sociologist craving adventure; Camp, an environmental vigilante with a cause; James, a rich asshole keeping tabs on his investment; and Nash, the rugged boat captain tasked with guiding them through the jungle. Their journey is packed with Indiana Jones vibes, and at times, the book takes a trippy turn where reality and hallucination blur in ways that keep you guessing.
While the setup was incredible, I found myself feeling let down by the cursed lost city. The mystery surrounding the vanished team lacked resolution—I wanted more answers, more eerie supernatural elements, and for the paranormal aspects to have a stronger impact on the plot. Even with an alternative ending that tied things up a bit better, it still left me wanting more.
Overall, Delirium is a thrilling, immersive ride with a standout setting and an adventure that keeps you on your toes. The journey through the jungle is packed with danger, intrigue, and a touch of the surreal, making for an unforgettable experience. While I wished for a bit more from the ending, the adventure itself was absolutely worth the ride.
This was my first by Torri Heat. As soon as I saw the details I had to read it. I've never experienced something quite like this book, and I mean that in the best way possible. It blew any and all expectations I had out of the water.
The story follows Scarlett, a sociologist looking for adventure; Camp, an environmental vigilante; James, a snobby rich guy checking on his investment; and the boat captain leading them all through the jungle. I appreciated how each POV felt distinct-something paramount in a why-choose! Their dynamic kept things interesting, and while the romance and spice were decent, the real standout was the fresh setting and engaging plot. The writing is so well done I honestly thought I was there, in the book, with the characters in the rainforest. Multiple POV gives you a chance to get in the head of all of our main characters and get a glimpse of all that they are.
This was my first book by Terri Heat, and it was an enjoyable and captivating read. Terri has demonstrated remarkable skill in crafting a compelling storyline and developing well-rounded characters. All four main characters—Scarlett, Camp, Nash, and James—find themselves in a forced proximity on an adventurous cruise that compels them to confront their pasts, open up to one another, and reveal their vulnerabilities. This process leads them to form a beautiful bond between them. Scarlett serves as the unifying thread that holds everyone together, while the three guys are like beads in a necklace, each bringing their own unique colors and personalities that complement and harmonize perfectly with the others. Torri’s storytelling adds an intriguing layer of mystery that keeps readers engaged and eager to discover more. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and if you’re a fan of Adventure Romance novels with Why Choose trope, you might enjoy this book as well.
Who should you trust when you can’t trust anyone? Delirium had me losing my mind. I was pacing through my apartment, moments away from a red string board (you can ask my husband, he was an unwilling participant). I had no clue what was happening, and the characters wouldn’t tell me! Nothing and no one was as it seemed. And on top of that, it was spooky! I am not easy freaked out by fiction. “I laugh in the face of danger. Ha ha ha,” and all that. This book had me on edge. I had goosebumps, the heebiejeebies, the creeps, all of it. Chills down my spine, one might say… Which leads to…this book is amazing. The rainforest especially vibed really well; the descriptions of the overbearing heat and oppressing humidity were uncomfortable. I really dug the swirling dynamic of Scarlett, Nash, Camp, and James as they tried to navigate both the river and what-the-heck-is-this-we’re-doing? There are so many little things the author put in that turn out to be hints and clues the entire time. It’s brilliant.
Another hit out of the why-choose park! I think this just might be my favorite story of Torri's. Wasn't sure how a rainforest cruise could be s3xy but somehow, with the three hot men and the twisty plot right in the first chapter, I was hooked. Captain Nash the calm, cool, collected operator of the Carpe Diem, followed by James the tightwad and Camp the young activist all challenged and intrigued Scarlett in distinct ways. Being a why-choose, each of them had a few naughty tricks up their sleeve for the lady traveler, slightly different but quite a change from usual s3xytime locales :D and I loved every one! The rainforest imagery and jungle factoids I learned along the way just made the final optional twist that much more fun ;) If you like your HEAs with a little intrigue, read her alternate ending!
This book made me think and question my narrators in a way that I haven’t in quite awhile. This story follows Scarlett as are FMC who is a recent graduate in sociology who wants adventure for the first time in life. Outside of Scarlett, we have 3 MMCs (that’s right, a forced proximity why choose). James is the rich man in the rain forest checking on his investment, Cam who is the guy who is a bit on the run and turns stowaway and finally Nash who is the captain of this vessel. Relationships begin to develop with Scarlett while histories between some of the men begin to uncover. However there is a development (that I won’t spoil) that makes the reader question the voice of the narrators. And you do question all four of them because they are pretty even in their chapter assignments. There are still things that I question even after finishing this read.
Where do I even begin? I feel like with each new book I read by Torri, I’m drawn in even deeper into the worlds she creates and this one is the most colorful of them all. Indiana Jones meets Jungle Cruise meets ALTERNATE ENDING?! This book is everything. From the exceptionally well developed and diverse main characters of which you get to read from each one’s POV, making the story that much better, to the intricate world building and vibrant colors that she paints on the page, this story is immersive and so well-woven. You’ll be second guessing the characters, the author, and yourself by the time you’re done reading this book. AND it’s a why choose!? Scarlett, James, Camp, & Nash have been skillfully crafted for your reading pleasure, so what are you waiting for? Go be pleasured.
I bet you didn’t know you were craving a jungle why choose romance? But you absolutely are. I fell head over heels in love with Nash and Camp and slowly but surely I was falling for grumpy James. Scarlett is one lucky girl!! The spice is just right and yall that water fall scene!!!!!! 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Never had I wanted to be a female character in a book so bad!!! 🥵 Torri created such a colorful, dangerous world. The character development is top tier. AND an alternate ending?! The sex, the fever dreams, the hallucinations. It all had me on the edge of my seat. Do you believe in the magic of a curse? Did they ever escape the jungle? Are they cursed?
Go. Read. It. Nowwww!
Favorite sentence: “The residual taste of a dream lingered on my tongue, and I tried my best to grasp it.”
Delirium is something I’ve never experienced before. It’s like a cross between Indiana Jones which I love and a paranormalesque vibe. Torri wove a multi-layered why choose romance filled with unmatched twists and turns that’ll keep you guessing. You have no idea what you’re experiencing. Is it real or a hallucination? Either way it holds you utterly transfixed.
Additionally, the chemistry between these characters is pure fire. And Torri has given each character a distinctive voice really distinguishing them from each and adding additional layers to the already complex storyline. This is one adventure you don’t want to miss.
If you like: ~ Why Choose ~ Forced Proximity ~ Dual POV ~ Enemies to Lovers ~ And unreliable narrators (which was new for me)
Wow! What a read! This was the first book I’ve read by this author and it won’t be the last. Her detail in writing puts the reader into the pages alongside the characters, and at times I felt like I could be there in the rainforest.
I enjoyed the characters from the get go. You’ll follow Scarlett the educated sociologist, James the rich snobby guy, Camp the young activist and Nash the captain of the boat. Three totally opposite MMCs that all intrigue Scarlett. Love their dynamic, enjoyed the dual POV’s, and let’s not forget the steamy scenes whew!
So if you enjoy adventure with secrets, enemies to lovers, why choose, and with all the spice then look no further. It’s all to right here.