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Swelter
After her affair with a married senator makes prime time news, congressional aide Teal Giovanni is fleeing her shattered life.
Betrayed by the lover who was her partner in a successful law practice, August Reese is waiting at a small cattle ranch to testify against a drug kingpin.
Attraction sparks when Teal’s aging Honda blows its engine and she and August meet on a steamy Texas blacktop. But as the spark bursts into flame, their worst nightmare comes calling. Will they survive or swelter as the heat becomes unbearable?
Betrayed by the lover who was her partner in a successful law practice, August Reese is waiting at a small cattle ranch to testify against a drug kingpin.
Attraction sparks when Teal’s aging Honda blows its engine and she and August meet on a steamy Texas blacktop. But as the spark bursts into flame, their worst nightmare comes calling. Will they survive or swelter as the heat becomes unbearable?
240 pages, Paperback
First published December 13, 2016
15 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
D. Jackson Leigh
25 books212 followersD. Jackson Leigh grew up barefoot and happy, swimming in farm ponds and riding rude ponies in rural south Georgia. Her love of reading was nurtured early on by her grandmother, an English teacher who patiently taught her to work New York Times crossword puzzles in the daily paper, and by her mother who stretched the slim family budget to bring home grocery store copies of Trixie Belden mysteries and Bobbsey Twins adventures that Jackson would sit up all night reading.
It was her passion for writing led her quite accidentally to a career in journalism and, ultimately, North Carolina where she lives with her small pack of three terror, uh, terriers.
It was her passion for writing led her quite accidentally to a career in journalism and, ultimately, North Carolina where she lives with her small pack of three terror, uh, terriers.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 3, 2018
**! Was into it from the prologue but then it went downhill after that. About this storyline: it drags on way too long at times,too detailed,the writing was very confusing & off kilter,the betrayal plotline that the author was trying to explore in this book was never written clearly for readers to comprehend while i felt that other storylines were a little bit too fictitious like(particularly the Senator and cousin who owns the ranch)....even though it helped the book to get an okay ending...Meh!
November 14, 2016
If you have a passion for ranch management, well then this is the book for you. I’m talking livestock production, breeding programs, animal health, management principles with a side of romance and a nefarious drug lord.
Griffin Reese is an up and coming defense lawyer from Dallas. Her business partner and lover, Christine, begins taking legal cases for drug kingpin and all hell breaks loose. On the run from the man who aims to kill her before she can testify in federal court, Griffin hides out on her grandfather’s cattle ranch in the panhandle of Texas.
Teal Giovanni was a US senator’s right-hand woman and her lover too. The problem is the senator happens to be married, while the senor’s husband is understanding of her extramarital affairs, her constituents are not. When the press catches wind of Washington’s juiciest headline, Teal is cast aside while her boss plays innocent. She tucks her tail between her legs and heads for her cousin’s ranch in New Mexico. Her car gives out, and she is stranded in Texas and guess who rescues her, you got it, Griffin.
Where books with similar premises thrive (ex. Carsen Taite’s latest, Without Justice), this one does not. Swelter is not a long book by any means but it feels like you just read forever. There are too many details about inconsequential subjects, which become distracting, and quite frankly boring as hell. Paragraphs about castrating cattle just don’t make my heart swoon, but hey maybe it’s just me. The setting should add to a story, not be the story.
Griffin Reese is an up and coming defense lawyer from Dallas. Her business partner and lover, Christine, begins taking legal cases for drug kingpin and all hell breaks loose. On the run from the man who aims to kill her before she can testify in federal court, Griffin hides out on her grandfather’s cattle ranch in the panhandle of Texas.
Teal Giovanni was a US senator’s right-hand woman and her lover too. The problem is the senator happens to be married, while the senor’s husband is understanding of her extramarital affairs, her constituents are not. When the press catches wind of Washington’s juiciest headline, Teal is cast aside while her boss plays innocent. She tucks her tail between her legs and heads for her cousin’s ranch in New Mexico. Her car gives out, and she is stranded in Texas and guess who rescues her, you got it, Griffin.
Where books with similar premises thrive (ex. Carsen Taite’s latest, Without Justice), this one does not. Swelter is not a long book by any means but it feels like you just read forever. There are too many details about inconsequential subjects, which become distracting, and quite frankly boring as hell. Paragraphs about castrating cattle just don’t make my heart swoon, but hey maybe it’s just me. The setting should add to a story, not be the story.
December 5, 2016
3 1/2 Stars. I am a fan of Leigh, and really enjoy her books. Unfortunately, this was not nearly as good as some of her others, but I did still enjoy it in parts.
The story is about two women running away from their pasts. They wind up at a ranch together and form an immediate attraction. Will the have a chance at love, or will their pasts come back to haunt them?
Both characters are easy to like. You feel a compassion for both of them because of what they had been through in their past. I just wished they were developed a little bit more, than they would have been great characters.
I thought the romance was pretty good. It is a little fast, but it was not instant love, so I'm okay with it. The sex scenes were pretty decent to.
Leigh writes stories with horses well. While I'm not a horse person in real life, something about lesbians and horses, works for me in books. I know some people complained there was a little too much ranch details, but It didn't bother me. It was almost like Leigh lauds you into a false sense of security with mundane details before the excitement of the end happens.
My biggest problem is I felt the book left a few too many things unanswered. The book ended too quickly for me. Both characters had a backstory that was left hanging and we don't know how it all played out. Also, without giving the book away, certain ranch hands played a big role in the end of the book. I felt like they were just thrown in there, besides two of them, the rest were just in the background. Then they have a large part in the end of the book, and I was left wondering if I even knew they worked on the ranch. They were just not developed well enough and I had trouble telling them apart.
If you are new to Leighs books, I would not necessarily recommend starting with this one. If you have enjoyed her books before, you would probably like this one.
An ARC was given to me from Bold Strokes Books, for a honest review
The story is about two women running away from their pasts. They wind up at a ranch together and form an immediate attraction. Will the have a chance at love, or will their pasts come back to haunt them?
Both characters are easy to like. You feel a compassion for both of them because of what they had been through in their past. I just wished they were developed a little bit more, than they would have been great characters.
I thought the romance was pretty good. It is a little fast, but it was not instant love, so I'm okay with it. The sex scenes were pretty decent to.
Leigh writes stories with horses well. While I'm not a horse person in real life, something about lesbians and horses, works for me in books. I know some people complained there was a little too much ranch details, but It didn't bother me. It was almost like Leigh lauds you into a false sense of security with mundane details before the excitement of the end happens.
My biggest problem is I felt the book left a few too many things unanswered. The book ended too quickly for me. Both characters had a backstory that was left hanging and we don't know how it all played out. Also, without giving the book away, certain ranch hands played a big role in the end of the book. I felt like they were just thrown in there, besides two of them, the rest were just in the background. Then they have a large part in the end of the book, and I was left wondering if I even knew they worked on the ranch. They were just not developed well enough and I had trouble telling them apart.
If you are new to Leighs books, I would not necessarily recommend starting with this one. If you have enjoyed her books before, you would probably like this one.
An ARC was given to me from Bold Strokes Books, for a honest review
April 2, 2017
Well. This was a nice romance from a very assured author that writes within this genre extremely well.
However, the final quarter of the book suddenly turns into a major thriller/peril situation and one of the MC turns into a complete badass with skills off the charts. This just left me going WTF...
This is not to say that the writing, dialogue and narrative are not well realized, just that it turned rather on it's head and for me the context and plotting didn't match.
Enjoyed the MC's, but the secondaries are very under developed and rather two dimensional (again a bit "Ahh, shucks ma'am for me).
Scenes of passion were hot!
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
However, the final quarter of the book suddenly turns into a major thriller/peril situation and one of the MC turns into a complete badass with skills off the charts. This just left me going WTF...
This is not to say that the writing, dialogue and narrative are not well realized, just that it turned rather on it's head and for me the context and plotting didn't match.
Enjoyed the MC's, but the secondaries are very under developed and rather two dimensional (again a bit "Ahh, shucks ma'am for me).
Scenes of passion were hot!
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
August 3, 2018
This is the first book I've read by this author because somehow none of her previous work caught my attention. Even though I live in semi-rural Ireland, I'm not into horses but for some strange reason I decided to give this book a try. I started reading it without any expectations so I cannot say I'm disappointed though I'm not thrilled either.
The story has many levels: the similar betrayal suffered by the main characters, their romantic involvement, Teal's harassment by the press, August's chase by a drug cartel and her management of the ranch. All these plots and subplots, along with the big number of secondary characters (human and animal) make it a huge challenge for the writer who, at times, seems to be biting off more than she can chew. As a result, some parts of the book seem more resolved than others, which can be frustrating and annoying. Luckily for the romance fans, the love part is developed satisfactorily.
Overall, an ok read if you don't mind a bit of digression or if you are into a more humane treatment of cattle. 3 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
The story has many levels: the similar betrayal suffered by the main characters, their romantic involvement, Teal's harassment by the press, August's chase by a drug cartel and her management of the ranch. All these plots and subplots, along with the big number of secondary characters (human and animal) make it a huge challenge for the writer who, at times, seems to be biting off more than she can chew. As a result, some parts of the book seem more resolved than others, which can be frustrating and annoying. Luckily for the romance fans, the love part is developed satisfactorily.
Overall, an ok read if you don't mind a bit of digression or if you are into a more humane treatment of cattle. 3 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
March 14, 2017
This was a very enjoyable romance with some nice thrills to go with it. The chemistry between the woman builds naturally. Both leads are well developed and easy to care about. The sex is pretty steamy in my book. Easy 4 stars in my book. I liked reading about the ranch setting. Kind of reminded me of the Australian TV series, McLeod's Daughters. Great show btw. But back to the book, Lesbians on horses. Hot :D
Netgalley ARC received for an unbiased review.
Netgalley ARC received for an unbiased review.
November 11, 2016
*The copy provided by NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books Inc. in exchange for an honest review. *
This was an OK read. There are things I really liked in this book, and also, there are things I felt are there just to distract and to drag the book through its pages (the cousin thing...). The whole thriller thing was OK - I expected more intensity, but it the end it was "just" OK... Romance, however, was quite captivating. August and Teal had great chemistry from the start, and the fire hasn't quenched till the end. The scenes even though pretty graphic, weren't lacking artistry.
This was an OK read. There are things I really liked in this book, and also, there are things I felt are there just to distract and to drag the book through its pages (the cousin thing...). The whole thriller thing was OK - I expected more intensity, but it the end it was "just" OK... Romance, however, was quite captivating. August and Teal had great chemistry from the start, and the fire hasn't quenched till the end. The scenes even though pretty graphic, weren't lacking artistry.
November 8, 2016
The story veered off somewhere it's like the author forgot what they were writing. There is the loose end with the Senator and Teal. What about the cousin who was waiting for her to arrive at his Ranch?. Then there is the trial maybe the author has another book for this to tie up loose ends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2022
Really enjoyed this one - I'd forgotten how good DJL was, and I berate myself for not reading more of her's. Excellent the way the romance moved to thriller back to romance. Recommended.
November 26, 2016
I liked the story and the two main characters both haunted by their history and their demons are thrown together by accident. sometimes it coud have gone a little deeper into the background story of both characters, but it had everything you need. Suspension, chemistry, people that supported them, ... fun read! The only thing I didn't like was the name August (doesn't really fit her)
December 1, 2016
Both August and Teal have been left with nothing after their significant others break their hearts and ruin their careers. When August pulls in to help a stranded traveller, she never thought she’d meet the woman of her dreams. Both woman are on the run from their lives and their broken heart’s. August is running her late grandfathers ranch while hiding from her life as a criminal defense lawyer in Dallas. Teal has the paparazzi after a story about her affair with a Washington senator. Teal has no where to go and August gives her room and board in turn for working on the ranch... But then sparks begin to fly between them.
I was really enjoying the book until about 75% of the way through. When the life August has been hiding from finally catches up her at the ranch I felt the story went in another direction for too long before it came back to being about the love story again. The subplots where the main things holding it back in my opinion. More so August's former life and i think it was too much to have both woman running from something, it complicated things more than it had to be.
I enjoyed the love story between Teal and August, especially the love seen after the bar fight. They seem to be of similar upbringing and have been on the same life path until they meet. In other words they where meant for one another and it really shows in the conversations they have and the love they build.
I would like to have known more about what happened to August's Ex, Christine and Lauren, the Senator from Washington that Teal was having the affair with. They are only ever mentioned a few times but you don't have anything concrete about what happened to them by the end.
All in all not a bad book per say but i definitely lost my momentum a few times while reading it. I think i'll need to check out some of D. Jackson Leigh's other novels.
3 Stars.
I was really enjoying the book until about 75% of the way through. When the life August has been hiding from finally catches up her at the ranch I felt the story went in another direction for too long before it came back to being about the love story again. The subplots where the main things holding it back in my opinion. More so August's former life and i think it was too much to have both woman running from something, it complicated things more than it had to be.
I enjoyed the love story between Teal and August, especially the love seen after the bar fight. They seem to be of similar upbringing and have been on the same life path until they meet. In other words they where meant for one another and it really shows in the conversations they have and the love they build.
I would like to have known more about what happened to August's Ex, Christine and Lauren, the Senator from Washington that Teal was having the affair with. They are only ever mentioned a few times but you don't have anything concrete about what happened to them by the end.
All in all not a bad book per say but i definitely lost my momentum a few times while reading it. I think i'll need to check out some of D. Jackson Leigh's other novels.
3 Stars.
December 19, 2016
Clearly, I loved this book and I can honestly say I've never been disappointed by one of this author's novels. The story is highly improbable and that's one of the things that makes it great. I'm looking for blissful perfection in my fiction, not realism. Add in a couple of hot women and some steamy scenes and you've hit the jackpot. Thank you DJL.
December 5, 2016
Another great story by D Jackson Leigh.
December 21, 2017
I always like this authors style and books. I’d give this book 3 1/2 stars, only because it didn’t capture me as quickly as usual. The characters took a while for me to figure out.
July 5, 2019
3.5 stars. Some elements of this book I really liked, but others I felt were quite disjointed, especially at the end where there was so much happening I felt it lost its way a little...
March 5, 2017
An honest review thanks to NetGalley. This was an amazing book, it started out slow, so slow that it took me awhile to get through two chapters. Once I did though I couldn't put it down. The setting, problem, and characters got to me. Especially Rio! This author tells a great story with three dimensional characters that you won't get enough of!
June 22, 2020
Texas is not the only thing sweltering in D. Jackson Leigh’s Swelter. Leigh brings plenty of steam with Teal and August’s chemistry. Then Leigh adds in the heat of the chase from the press and the bad guys and Swelter makes for one heck of a ride.
I do not know what I enjoyed more: the hot and heavy romance or the action in the Canyon. Holy sugar, Leigh provides so much entertainment in this one book it was like a tennis match to see what was going to happen next because something was going on everywhere. There was so much drama you did not know what was going to “blow” up first. Very exciting to read.
Swelter reads quickly. The love scenes are pages you might be bookmarking (laugh). The action sequences are heart-stopping. Leigh brings it and then some. Gotta love Texans and Teal and August.
I got this book from my library. I love my local library and you should check out yours too. Request LGBTQ+ books and they will stock them! #ebooksforall
I do not know what I enjoyed more: the hot and heavy romance or the action in the Canyon. Holy sugar, Leigh provides so much entertainment in this one book it was like a tennis match to see what was going to happen next because something was going on everywhere. There was so much drama you did not know what was going to “blow” up first. Very exciting to read.
Swelter reads quickly. The love scenes are pages you might be bookmarking (laugh). The action sequences are heart-stopping. Leigh brings it and then some. Gotta love Texans and Teal and August.
I got this book from my library. I love my local library and you should check out yours too. Request LGBTQ+ books and they will stock them! #ebooksforall
October 21, 2024
D. JACKSON LEIGH Stuck the Ending!!! It was Great! "This heat wave is us, baby"
Swelter
Swelter
September 7, 2017
Wonderful reading
Another wonderful novel by D Jackson Leigh.
Horses, smart beautiful women, and a dog. Can't get any better than that.
Another wonderful novel by D Jackson Leigh.
Horses, smart beautiful women, and a dog. Can't get any better than that.
June 4, 2019
This is my first time reading D Jackson Leigh novel and I have to be honest it won't be my last.
DJL really know how to write, and as a reader she kept hooked, once started I didn't put down
This is a wonderfully written story, the romance between TJ/Teal and August is both enjoyable and the build up is heart warming.
The plot has it all romance, passion tension and danger.
I would certainly recommend this novel, a very good read
DJL really know how to write, and as a reader she kept hooked, once started I didn't put down
This is a wonderfully written story, the romance between TJ/Teal and August is both enjoyable and the build up is heart warming.
The plot has it all romance, passion tension and danger.
I would certainly recommend this novel, a very good read
December 28, 2016
This book is a romance with a great deal of suspense. From the moment I opened the book, I was hooked. As with many of the other books written by Ms. Leigh, the underlying theme has a strong equine favor.
One of the main characters is August Reese. She is being hunted by drug dealers who will stop at nothing short of her death and anyone who is around her. Because of this threat, August is constantly concerned with how she can protect those she cares about. Teal Giovanni is the other main character and she, too, is being sought after because of an affair she had with a senator. Neither has shared their past with each other and soon their worlds collide and this causes a major blow up.
From the moment the two main characters meet, sexual tension builds. The author quite masterfully leads the reader through this build up first with the individual’s thoughts about the other person and then with hot, sexy scenes. Passion is high.
I feel the story line was very well developed as were the characters. The main part of the story takes place in Texas. It is during the time of the year when it is hot and dry. The name of the book is Swelter and is so appropriate.
The cover of the book is especially noteworthy. I know that if I was browsing for a book to read, this cover would draw me to Swelter.
I highly recommend this book and give it a 5 out of 5 stars.
I was given this ARC in return for an honest review.
One of the main characters is August Reese. She is being hunted by drug dealers who will stop at nothing short of her death and anyone who is around her. Because of this threat, August is constantly concerned with how she can protect those she cares about. Teal Giovanni is the other main character and she, too, is being sought after because of an affair she had with a senator. Neither has shared their past with each other and soon their worlds collide and this causes a major blow up.
From the moment the two main characters meet, sexual tension builds. The author quite masterfully leads the reader through this build up first with the individual’s thoughts about the other person and then with hot, sexy scenes. Passion is high.
I feel the story line was very well developed as were the characters. The main part of the story takes place in Texas. It is during the time of the year when it is hot and dry. The name of the book is Swelter and is so appropriate.
The cover of the book is especially noteworthy. I know that if I was browsing for a book to read, this cover would draw me to Swelter.
I highly recommend this book and give it a 5 out of 5 stars.
I was given this ARC in return for an honest review.
December 27, 2016
Swelter finds ex-congressional aide Teal Giovanni, escaping from the paparazzi, thrown into the path of August Reese, in hiding from the drug lord she has exposed to the law. The attraction is instant, although they both keep their secrets. Over time, however they can’t keep their hands off each other, their bodies collide and their hearts aren’t far behind.
D Jackson Leigh writes great romances, and this one is no exception. The characters are gorgeous, strong, powerful women, more than capable of handling themselves. They are all high achievers in one way or another, and live out the dream finding their happy ever after.
The plotline is exciting, a decent page turner – we always know its going to turn out ok, but what our heroines have to suffer first keeps the interest and the juices flowing. I really enjoyed the portrayal of the ranch and wilderness, the story makes excellent use of the land and the heritage imbued in it’s history and culture.
As always D Jackson Leigh’s heroines and sex scenes are hot and steamy, this time the landscape adds to the heat. She writes extremely good erotic action as well as well done action and adventure.
Traditional romance at its steamy best – definitely no fade to black found here!
D Jackson Leigh writes great romances, and this one is no exception. The characters are gorgeous, strong, powerful women, more than capable of handling themselves. They are all high achievers in one way or another, and live out the dream finding their happy ever after.
The plotline is exciting, a decent page turner – we always know its going to turn out ok, but what our heroines have to suffer first keeps the interest and the juices flowing. I really enjoyed the portrayal of the ranch and wilderness, the story makes excellent use of the land and the heritage imbued in it’s history and culture.
As always D Jackson Leigh’s heroines and sex scenes are hot and steamy, this time the landscape adds to the heat. She writes extremely good erotic action as well as well done action and adventure.
Traditional romance at its steamy best – definitely no fade to black found here!
December 1, 2016
I was give this book for free by Netgalley for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book. I found the romance paced well and I enjoyed the details of ranch life. The details of the ranch showed August to be thoughtful, & intelligent since you don't have a chance to experience August in action as an attorney. So this way you find yourself going "yeah, I see how she could outsmart the villains". Teal is warm & kind. You can also catch glimpses of how capable she is/was in PR. The big finale at the end was a little lacking, so that is why I gave it 4 stars.
After her affair with a married senator makes prime time news, congressional aide Teal Giovanni is fleeing her shattered life.
Betrayed by the lover who was her partner in a successful law practice, August Reese is waiting at a small cattle ranch to testify against a drug kingpin.
Attraction sparks when Teal’s aging Honda blows its engine and she and August meet on a steamy Texas blacktop. But as the spark bursts into flame, their worst nightmare comes calling. Will they survive or swelter as the heat becomes unbearable?
I enjoyed this book. I found the romance paced well and I enjoyed the details of ranch life. The details of the ranch showed August to be thoughtful, & intelligent since you don't have a chance to experience August in action as an attorney. So this way you find yourself going "yeah, I see how she could outsmart the villains". Teal is warm & kind. You can also catch glimpses of how capable she is/was in PR. The big finale at the end was a little lacking, so that is why I gave it 4 stars.
After her affair with a married senator makes prime time news, congressional aide Teal Giovanni is fleeing her shattered life.
Betrayed by the lover who was her partner in a successful law practice, August Reese is waiting at a small cattle ranch to testify against a drug kingpin.
Attraction sparks when Teal’s aging Honda blows its engine and she and August meet on a steamy Texas blacktop. But as the spark bursts into flame, their worst nightmare comes calling. Will they survive or swelter as the heat becomes unbearable?
January 8, 2017
I rec'd a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I'm a fan of Ms. Leigh. A multi-layered tale with sex, romance and intrigue. Teal and August meet and fall in love with the usual twists and turns. Is there anyone out there who doesn't like a romance with a ranch backdrop? 4 stars.
January 4, 2017
Great story.
The writing is solid, the characters are lovable and the romance is fantastic. Can't wait for another book from D. Jackson Leigh!
The writing is solid, the characters are lovable and the romance is fantastic. Can't wait for another book from D. Jackson Leigh!
February 3, 2017
Very enjoyable book.
I really enjoyed Swelter. Who wouldn't want to be rescued from the side of the road by a beautiful woman rancher. Story moves right along. Great setting.
I really enjoyed Swelter. Who wouldn't want to be rescued from the side of the road by a beautiful woman rancher. Story moves right along. Great setting.
May 28, 2019
D. Jackson Leigh is one of those authors whose books I'll always pick up. Swelter provides a good solid read - everything you want from a Jackson Leigh novel - horses, lesbians, a bit of action, a lot of romance . I wasn't sure if I liked Teal's character at first but she grew on me. The set up is a bit heavy handed, but I enjoyed the characters and their relationship. The latter part of the book moves from romance to action/thriller which strained credulity a bit, but overall it was still a fun and engaging read.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews