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Turning up the Heat

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A sexy stand-alone, full-length novel!

Radio personality Kerri McCree really likes sex. Talking about sex, that is . . .

Kerri knows firsthand that you can hide a lot behind a microphone. Although she's earned a reputation for discussing every aspect of sex on her show, she's never had to back it up . . . until a sexy mystery caller proves to be even more irresistible in person.

Ian Carlisle is immediately intrigued by the sultry voice he hears on the late night radio show, and it doesn't take him long to arouse Kerri's imagination with his dirty talk. Now he's turning up the heat and seducing the rest of her. Their on-the-air chemistry sizzles and they heat up the airwaves, debating any and all provocative issues possible. As the ratings soar, so does the sexual tension.

But will Ian do when he discovers Kerri's not the sex expert she professes to be?

Originally published as Heat Wave under the name Janelle Denison

368 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 19, 2017

141 people are currently reading
610 people want to read

About the author

Erika Wilde

98 books1,849 followers
Erika Wilde (aka Janelle Denison) is the USA Today bestselling author of over 50 contemporary romances for multiple print publishers.

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5 stars
164 (43%)
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115 (30%)
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77 (20%)
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16 (4%)
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7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,968 reviews173 followers
September 8, 2017
Turning Up the Heat by Erika Wilde  
Brave, bold and sexy.  Erika Wilde goes there.  She tackles subjects that not many dare to touch, but all dare to experience.  Turning Up the Heat is the latest in a long line of taboo, yet entertaining novels.  A character like Kerri could have only been written by an author like Ms. Wilde.  She personifies brash and splash, but behind the shock value lies an insecure woman.  Ian is everything, Kerri displays to the world, but is afraid of becoming.  Turning Up the Heat hits on some serious issues while tempting with humorous dialogue and irresistible characters.  Through characters like Ian and Kerri, Ms. Wilde is saying it's okay to be a little different as long as we're true to ourselves. 
Profile Image for Laura.
2,594 reviews113 followers
September 6, 2017

***ARC Provided by the Author***

This is a re-issue of a book written a few years ago, and it is done very well and seems modern, like it was written in 2017. But at the same time, kind of like a movie that was filmed in the 80s feels like a movie from that decade, this one felt like this too. There was a retro feeling about the situations and the feeling of the book that I enjoyed.

I liked Ian and Kerri and I loved the idea of the attraction between them being explored over the radio before there was an in person relationship. The exploration of the attraction of what worked for each of them and how things could be with them, and the idea that this was all explored without in-person contact gave the reader a kinship with the characters, and I think this made the title relateable.

There was a lot going on with the secondary characters, and at times I thought there was a little too much and the scenes felt a little long, but at the same time, I felt that the relationship with Ian and Kerri was developed.

I loved the ending. Was it a little predictable? Yeah, it was. But it was also important that it ended that way and it worked...as it was the way I think it would have progressed if they were real people. And, when I can believe the characters are real, I am definitely more engaged with the book.

I recommend this title.
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews162 followers
September 13, 2017
Ian sure likes to give out kisses, “‘I had a great time’kiss,” he said, lifting his hand to tuck her hair behind her ear, an excuse to keep touching her. “An ‘I like you’kiss." His finger traced the shell of her ear and found the soft, sensitive hollow beneath her lobe. “An ‘I want you’kiss.” Ian is such a giver, “nope.” He looked all confidence, all male. “Now you’ve got me and I’ll teach you anything and everything you need to know about ***.” I fell in love with Ian and I enjoyed this book. I really can't get over how sexy Ian was.
Profile Image for Michele McMullen .
2,511 reviews84 followers
September 19, 2017
Kerri & Ian ~~~~Are sizzling in Turning up the Heat~~~
The lovely Kerri has a late night radio talk show. She has learned to reinvent herself and the station has taken notice when her ratings begin to reflect that fact! Kerri may talk about sex and what men and women may want but she is certainly not pulling from personal experience. Lady Luck has not smiled on her in that way......Yet.
Ian has distanced himself from relationships. He lost his first real love in a devastating accident. He has not yet met or heard a woman that has given him that same feeling ...Yet. Ian works hard and has become very successful in the investment world but comes home each night to an empty home. By chance he tunes in to his local late night talk radio and this is the moment he hears the sultry hypnotic funny woman he comes to know has Kerri. She listens and then does her best to talk through relationship woes. He can't turn it off so each night for the next several months he listens and calls in. Their witty sexually charged banter become the talk of the audience and the highlight of Kerri and Ian's day. It is inevitable that they should meet! The callers and station begin to root for this couple to finally make a face to face date.
The moment that Kerri and Ian meet the chemistry is real. Can they make it work and put those relationship and heartaches behind to find what they both may need and deserve.
Loved it !! Gifted a copy for an honest review!
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Profile Image for Jacquie.
596 reviews3 followers
September 8, 2017
Erika Wilde is a freak of nature!!! And I mean that in the BEST way possible!!! I simply ADORED this book!!! The incredible chemistry between Kerri and Ian was EXPLOSIVE and I was CAPTIVATED by this story from start to finish....I just couldn't put it down!!! It's FILLED with ALL THE FEELS...from the ADDICTIVE banter to the sweet and tender emotions to the INTENSE, HOTTER-THAN-HOT sex scenes...I LOVED it all and I didn't want this beautiful, fun and sexy story to end!

When Ian Carlisle becomes a regular caller on Kerri McCree's late-night talk show about sex, the sexual tension between them SCREAMS off the pages!!! It was so HAWT, so SEXY, it had me fanning myself and wishing I had an Ian to call my very own! Kerri hides her very limited experience with all things sexual well....or so she THINKS! When they embark on a series of "dates" for the radio show, things only get even HOTTER and MORE intense!!!

As the story unfolds, I totally and completely fell in love with Kerri and Ian and my emotions were all over the place with each revelation! At one point, I thought my heart would shatter with the decision Kerri comes to! Even the supporting characters in this book were well-developed and I can TOTALLY see a spin-off with Kerri's best friend Carly (sassy, spunky and I wish I had a friend like her!)

Bravo Erika on another CRAZY good, MUST READ love story that I would recommend to anyone!!! I can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve next!

Profile Image for Sofia Lazaridou.
2,864 reviews136 followers
September 19, 2017
Turning up the heat is a stand-alone novel by Erika Wilde. To some, the story might seem familiar which is logical considering that it was originally published as Heat Wave under the name Janelle Denison. To be honest, if I hadn't read that from the Goodreads blurb, I would have still thought that the book was written in 2017. It doesn't feel like an old story. I liked that. I liked how the tension between Kerri and Ian was building. They might have been speaking with each other on regular basis, but they had never seen the other in person which kept on for a while in the book. Just as I was about to start to worry and think that the main characters would never see each other until half the book was gone, Ian made his move and made me a happy woman. Want to know what else made me happy? The groveling in the end. It was almost like I had imagined it, which gave me a great pleasure. Also for the first time in forever the right person apologized first which is also a win for me and the book. The story is good and the characters very likable. I can't shake the feeling that I have read a book about some of the characters that appear in this book, but I might be wrong. Anyway, for me, this book deserves to be on your TBR list. I had a fun time reading it.
3,127 reviews
September 5, 2017
Kerri is a radio talk show host and her topics are heating up the air waves. She had a rough childhood and doesn't want to depend on a man for her happiness. Ian is an investment broker and is partner in the company. His fiancée died eight years ago and he still blames himself. He turns on the radio and hears the sexiest voice ever. He starts calling in and they develop a semi relationship over the phone.

When they go out and report back on the air how it went, the ratings start to rise. The manager and her best friend come up with a campaign, go out to some of the sexy places Chicago has and come back and tell about it on the radio. They also start to have a sexual relationship that is hotter than the nights. But then Ian buys the fledgling business and Kerri gets scared and breaks things off. Ian gives her the space she needs but will she make the right decision and go after her heart or will her insecurities get the best of her?

A sweet, sultry DJ and a handsome millionaire. Dirty talk. Sex. A story that keeps you hooked from the first line.

* Voluntarily reviewed this for the author.*
Profile Image for Becky Claxon.
2,210 reviews18 followers
September 7, 2017
Kerri McCree talks about sex on a late night radio program. She really has not had any good experience with sex in her life. But man does she come across sexy and knowing about sex. Ian Carlisle is intrigued by her sultry voice on the late night radio program. He has been calling in for a month now to give his input on the various sex topics. Her ratings are going up and is getting better advertisers. Unfortunately the man than owned the station passed away about three months ago. His young widow will not put money into the station and is trying to sell it.

Kerri did not have a healthy relationship to learn from by watching her mother who is on her fifth marriage. She does not want any man controlling her. Through the radio program, Kerri and Ian go on a date, and then after the date they tell the listeners how it went. I loved Ian and his personality. I felt that Kerri was very blessed to have a man like Ian attracted to her. The time Ian and Kerri spent was very hot, and Kerri learned a lot about sex and herself. I enjoyed the book and strongly encourage you to read the book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Felice Foster.
894 reviews1 follower
September 12, 2017
LOVED, LOVED, LOVED THIS BOOK!

Turning up the Heat is scorching hot from the beginning. Ian and Kerri are just made for each other. What I really loved about this story was how the author wrote Ian and sensitive aaaaand sexy at the same time. This character was able to understand Kerri's insecurities, help her work through them without controlling her, and still be that strong, sexy man that she needed. Not to mention we were allowed to see his vulnerabilities and insecurities as well.

I also enjoyed Kerri's friend Carly. She's exactly the type friend Kerri needs. Someone a little, brash, sassy, and not afraid to speak her mind. Ericka wrote her with a sarcastic and sexy sense of humor that lightened many moments in the book that could have taken a slightly darker route.

This was a fast, fun, and sexy read that I WILL re read immediately.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Christine Frieseke-Miller.
1,659 reviews4 followers
September 9, 2017
What an enjoyable read. Kerri and Ian meet during a night time radio show where they take their steamy on air connection, off air. Ian is charming and a total catch. Kerri isn't looking for a relationship and doesn't want to rely on any man for anything. I loved getting to know Ian in this story. He is such a great book boyfriend and I couldn't imagine anyone more perfect. Kerri has been burned in the past and hasn't had the best role models for relationships, so it takes her a while to see what a gem Ian truly is.

The writing and the story were good. I loved Ian's character, as I said he is the perfect book boyfriend. Kerri made me want to knock some sense into her LOL, but I could see where her issues stemmed from. This was a good read and the chemistry between the two was off the chart.
2,019 reviews15 followers
September 11, 2017
I am an absolute fan of every book I have read from Erika Wilde. Turning Up The Heat was fabulous in its originality. I really enjoyed the build up to their relationship over the air waves, and after their first meeting, their chemistry and instant physical attraction leapt off the pages.
There were times I wanted to pinch Kerri for being so stubborn and closed minded. Her past makes you understand why she acted the way she did, but she wasn't growing as a person.
Ian is just a beautiful man. He is hard working and loves the people in his life fiercely. Often going above and beyond to make other peoples lives better.
Great secondary characters also added to this great story.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
Profile Image for Shari G.
34 reviews
September 10, 2017
Seriously smoking hot sexual tension and build up between the 2 main characters, Ian and Kerri!

She's a sex talk radio host, with her "expertise" coming from books. He's a sexy, mind numbing, panty twisting, voice on the line that knows what he wants... and he wants Kerri.

Thankfully, he's all that and not a creepy stalker which would have turned this into a murder mystery instead of the fun, romantic comedy it is.

Read this as an advanced reader copy for my honest opinion. I'd recommend this one.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Edwards.
5,550 reviews9 followers
January 10, 2019
Yes, this is the 1st read I have read by Erika Wilde that was written by herself ... no I do know who she is and I have been meaning to get around to reading her books ... but other books get in the way and there is never enough time to get them all in ... had an author tell me I needed to take a "book vacation" ...that would be a much needed holiday (vacation) indeed!! Such a great idea for a book ... loved every second ... get the thoughts the idea of where it all goes ... thankful it has HEA ending ... well written ... great characters ... i think we all have a certain idea of radio shows and then they would probably all be such a letdown if we were allowed in to their talking location??! we all tend to blow up ideas and romanticizes them ... don't we??! look forward to more from Erika and so glad to have read such a winner. great read. must read indeed!! ( ;
Profile Image for Sarah Kirk.
160 reviews3 followers
September 6, 2017
Perfection! I don't use that word lightly in reviews. Ian and Kerri are two of the best written characters I've read in a very long time. You feel connected to their story from the very first page and cannot wait to see it through. I flew through this book and wanted more of their personalities and charming romance. They share a need for belonging and both give each other something that they have been missing. They allow each other to feel things that they thought weren't possible after their pasts colored their views on love. Erika Wilde really write a winner in this book. I just love her solo work, but this is by far my favorite and the steaminess is an absolute bonus!
574 reviews3 followers
September 8, 2017
THIS BOOK WAS SOOOOOO GOOOD! Can I give it 10 stars! I loved it! Loved the banter between Ian and Kerri and loved his description of different kisses!!!! One of my favorite parts of the book (oh and the limo!!!) Kerri has a radio talk show and Ian is a caller into her all talk radio show. Boy do they heat up the airwaves!!!! Loved Carly and Dan too! Erika never disappoints and always gives me a book that makes me feel all the emotions I love in a book. I received an ARC for an honest, voluntary review! (And seriously....the model on the cover of this book makes me keep going back to the cover of the book)
Profile Image for LisaMarie .
469 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2017
I absolutely loved this book! I think it's my favorite one of Erika's this year. Original storyline. Heartwarming, sexy, erotic, funny....All the FEELS!

Kerri is a radio personality. Ian is a caller into her all talk radio show. These two "turn up the heat" and then some! They are heating up the Chicago nights with their sexy banter and physical magnetism. And their are sharing every bit of it with the "On Air" listeners!
Profile Image for Latifa Morrisette.
2,581 reviews63 followers
September 19, 2017
Kerri McKree is a radio personality who loves to heat up the air waves with talks about sex. Ian Carlisle's fiancée died eight years ago and he blames himself. When he happens to hear Kerri's show he can't resist calling in. Things worth these two get hotter as the ratings rise. But what happens when Ian learns that she's doesn't exactly practice what she preaches? This was a fun, hot book to read and you will definitely feel like you need a cold shower after reading.
543 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2017
I was hooked from page one. I felt connected with the characters right away. Kerri McCree is a talk show hostess and Ian Carlisle is a listener that's falling for her sexy voice. He regularly calls and they heat up the phone lines, with everyone listening. The chemistry is there and I love how he talks her into a date. They are so HOT together, she wants an affair and he wants more. Can she work through her issues? I
Profile Image for Mel.
1,702 reviews4 followers
June 23, 2023
Super hot, fun read but the ending felt really rushed.

I started listening to this on audio and thought it sounded super familiar and came to GR and turns out I had already read it, 5 years ago. Anyhoo, it was good on audio but still, I thought the end was rushed and on reread, I did it think it was shady of the MMC to buy the radio station and not tell the FMC of his plans. That wasn’t great communication.
Profile Image for Renee.
1,501 reviews8 followers
September 5, 2017
Kerri is a talk show host for a sexy late night radio show. Ian is her number one fan and calls in every night. When the two are set up on a date arranged as a show stunt they can't deny the connection that has been building from the beginning.

Super fun, hot romance. Kerri and Ian's emotional issues are realistic given their past lives. Enjoyable and heartwarming book!
Profile Image for Heather Nobbs.
380 reviews
September 5, 2017
Loved this book! I liked the unconventional way Ian & Kerri meet. Ian was such a fabulous guy- how could anyone not love him! The love scenes were HOT! And the build up or should I say mind foreplay was fabulous. I liked how Kerri wanted to be independent and yet when she was having troubles it was the person that she helps out that helped her.
Profile Image for Kimkbries.
1,730 reviews
September 7, 2017
Kerri is a radio personality with her own talk show. Each night she talks on air with a man she cannot help but feel attracted to. What happens when they decide to meet? Will the attraction continue in real life? The story of Kerri and Ian was romantic and a very steamy book about two people looking for a HEA. Will they find it with each other? I really enjoyed finding out.
Profile Image for Crystal Singer.
331 reviews5 followers
September 10, 2017
If you're looking for a book that has a super sexy build up and a big payoff, this is it! I absolutely loved this story! Ian and Kerri had so much chemistry (sexual and otherwise) that I was hooked. It kept me enthralled in the story line and made me excited to watch them get their happily ever after. The only thing that I wished the ending had lasted a little longer. ;)

Happy reading!!
Profile Image for Kim.
378 reviews10 followers
September 11, 2017
Erika Wilde is known for Turning Up the Heat, so this story is aptly named. It's a slow, sensual buildup meant to tease and tantalize, and it does that and more. Watching this sweet, highly-skilled hero coax the cautious heroine to open up to new experiences and ultimately love was highly exhilarating.

3.5 stars

I was given an advanced copy and chose to write a review.
Profile Image for Dawn Guidry.
319 reviews16 followers
September 12, 2017
Holy hotness- did this book ever live up to its name! It was like reading one long, continuous foreplay session until they finally did the deed! Ian and Kerri had some of the most explosive chemistry I've ever read. Whether on the air waves or in person, they were just HOT! However, the ending was rather quick and left me wanting much much more. This was another great book by Ms. Wilde.
Profile Image for Michal.
766 reviews64 followers
September 23, 2017
DNF 57%

Sorry, it started great but than I got bored.
The heroine's monologues.. tsk,tsk,tsk.. she talked a lot with herself. Add to that with the slow burn.
Jeesh, I skimmed a lot.

'Bout the mc- the hero was a great seducer, with a sweet tongue, the heroine was a bit slow and too plane for my taste.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
501 reviews2 followers
September 11, 2017
This book was so sweet with a wicked twist. I really enjoyed Kerri and Ian's story. I loved the radio DJ/listener storyline. It did get to be cheesy and predictable in parts, but it still made for a great weekend read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews

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