Zoe Keaton’s bad-girl attitude is renowned for landing her in trouble. So when her advertising executive job is on the line and she travels to Italy to land a vital business deal, she has to rein in every natural instinct to flirt with royalty. But the guy she needs to convince, the totally hot yet closed-off Prince Dominic Ricci has no intention of listening to her pitch. Zoe never gives up so with the queen’s help she does whatever it takes to get the job done. Including kidnapping the prince!
However, she doesn’t count on the matchmaking queen’s interference stranding Zoe and Dominic on the royal family’s secluded island. Zoe can’t afford to mix business with pleasure. She must prove that she’s more than an entitled rich girl who bought her way to success. But who can resist a sexy prince and when Dominic turns on the charm the latent chemistry between them ignites.
Zoe knows it’s just a sizzling fling…or can a gorgeous Italian prince hiding a tragic past fall for a girl like her?
USA TODAY bestselling and award-winning Australian author Nicola Marsh writes page-turning fiction to keep you up all night.
She has published 86 books across genres, including contemporary romance, women's fiction, domestic suspense, and fantasy.
She's a Waldenbooks, Bookscan, Amazon, iBooks and Barnes & Noble bestseller, a 2013 RBY and National Readers' Choice Award winner, and a multiple finalist for many other awards.
Thoughts from me ... It's not often that a book from the brazen collection doesn't work for my reading tastes, sadly for me 'wanton heat' missed the mark. There was plenty that I should have fallen in love with but not enough to capture my reading heart completely. There were a few issues with this novel that prevented me from falling into brazen love with this story, firstly the characters; I failed to connect with Zoe the heroine or Dominic the prince and hero of the story. secondly this book had the dreaded Instant ready made microwave love. Magically out of nowhere Zoe and Dominic fell in deep seated loving. There was nothing that convinced me that this couple should have fallen head over for each other, the instant 'let-me-have-you-right-here-right-now' I fully understand, but on the flip side instant 'I-love-you-after-spending-one-minute-in-your-company' not so much. Lastly the storyline left me feeling a little bored and distracted, It all passed me by in an forgettable blur and although the book had some shining moments of like-ability it was never enough to make it a top star rating. I'm a huge fan of the brazen collection and I'm sure it won't be too long before I'm swooning over future brazen books to come. This may just be the beach-themed romance that you are looking for, sadly this time around I felt I missed out ...
*ARC generously provided by entangled publishing in exchange for an honest review.*
3 Blunt Yet Vulnerable Stars * * * I was given the opportunity to read the current releases for the Entangled/Brazen group. One of them was this quick read, Wanton Heat by Nicola Marsh. I had not read the first book in this Feel the Heat series so I had no knowledge of the characters involved. For me, it had no bearing and did not take away from the story.
The premise is Zoe, brash, feisty and anti establishment minded, is pitching the ad campaign of her life to a prince of one of the small surrounding island of Italy. Zoe is coming off a terrible time at the agency. She recently became a partner, something she had been but not in name. She had co funded the company with Allegra from the start but wanted to prove her talents to all the nay-sayers. She was tired of people accusing her of being a rich daddy's girl... good for nothing except spending his money. She tried her hand at pitching fresh new ideas to the client base Allegra had built with Zoe's research and detailed presentations only to drive them away and dump the agency. This campaign has important written all over it and it is make or break time for her.
Prince Dominic Ricci has no desire to comply with any advertising campaign and is only humoring his grandmother in hearing the proposal. It is the only way she will let a cardiac doctor check her heart so he is compelled to hear the pitch.... but he is not going to agree. He will never agree as that would be betraying his father's wishes...wishes he holds onto as that is all he has left of his father. Both his parents were killed in an accident. He also had the misfortune of having the one women he thought he could trust die as well... so he is not about to do anything which will cause him to change anything to his beloved island.
These two meet... their agenda is firmly planted in their minds- he to say no; hers to convince and get the approval for the campaign.
Throw in the grandmother arranging them to be together for an extended time with no way to separate; emotional baggage discussed and then shared by both allowing a way for them to rid the masks and barriers... with the promise of them learning about themselves and each other.
This tale has all the makings of a fun little read... it does have the intsta-connections which can be off putting in they happen really really fast and furious...
Both characters seem to be like those magnetic dolls .... you know the ones... their little heads connect if just a fraction closer than allowed... and slam.... mouth to mouth... well, these two have some very slamming experiences...which can be hot to read...
I happened to have a couple of surprising moments with Ms. Marsh... and went to see if I had read anything else by her... I had, a book called Blush and remembered it fondly... so I will keep my eyes open and see what she brings next.
Arc generously provided by Entangled/Brazen in exchange for an honest review.
What would you do if you had the opportunity to make the deal of the century in your business career with a totally off the hook hot Italian Price? Make your sales pitch and when he turns you down head for the next deal? Or try a different tactic?
In the newest Nicola Marsh read the heroine Zoe does not back down, she goes straight for the next option, kidnapping!
Yes, you read it right I said kidnapping. That's of course not the next tactic any normal person would follow but it is the one that Zoe takes and it leads to unexpected nights of passion in Prince Dominic's arms. But the joke is on her as she soon discovers the Prince is after so much more than just nights of hot sex, he wants forever but she doesn't do love, does she?
I very much enjoyed this read, it was just as hot as other Nicola Marsh reads but twice as emotional and explosive! I completely adored that Zoe has this bad-ass go get 'em never give up attitude, not many people in life have this and for the most part they back down when turned down in any situation. It made Zoe one of those "I want to be this woman" heroines. Her issues with love did make me sit up and say "Really woman it's a Prince and he wants forever, which woman does not want that?"
But as the author dug deeper into her issues it became clear and I was very impressed with the manner the author used to let the character slowly come to terms with taking a chance. It also reminded me that what we see on the outside is not always all there is, people hide more than we think and we cannot ask the why's without the knowing it all.
The character of Prince Dominic was sensational! From the very first time the author brings him into the picture my knees gave way, my heart melted and I got all butterflied up! He is one of those hero's that if he was walking past you in real life you would immediately want to know more about him , not based on his good looks but simply because he has this certain air of mystery surrounding him. I loved how the author let me into his world of mystery and by the end of the read I had this perfect to die for hero. I loved how the author let this man go from playboy Prince to " I only want to live for you" hero, she dug deep into his issues and showed that even when you are a royal you are still human and you can also have emotional upsets to deal with , and most of all with all your royal attributes you can still learn a lesson or two.
The backdrop settings were so inviting and so very real, I could feel the island breeze and the warmth of the sun, it took me to an island escape one can only dream about. The dialogue is very hot and super emotional, but also has some crass wording here and there and I will advise that if you are not into that kind of reading this read is not for you. Having said this I will also remind you that this author writes very realistic characters and in real life no one goes their entire life without letting an expletive slip every now and then.
I am taking away a message of when we think we know it all , and those around us start to get pushy with ideas on how you should be doing things, we need to stop and listen instead of just brushing it off. The person might not sound like they have the best idea and of course your ideas look far better, yet it could be life's way of telling you it's time to learn something new and not carry the weight of every decision on your own.
I recommend this read for anyone looking for a scorching hot read set on a secluded island where dreams can come true.
4.5 star review " Kidnapping, stripping a Prince naked and having crazy wild sex on the beach. All in a days work at the office"
Wanton Heat by Nicola Marsh is the second book in the Feel The Heat series. While I enjoyed it I can’t say I was blown away by it.
If I am honest I found Zoe to be pretty annoying in the first book Wicked Heat, and seeing as this book is her story, it was always going to be a little hit and miss for me. That said I did like her take no bullshit attitude, and her feisty take charge approach in the bedroom. Unfortunately, she is also carrying around a bucket-load of Mommy and Daddy issues which has clouded her judgment with me in the past, when it comes to men. Realizing that she is starting to want more than just meaningless sex, and one-night hook-ups, she takes a vow to step away from this side of her life.
In walks Prince Dominic Ricci, an Italian Prince of the never heard of islands of Ancora and Osturo, and potential client of A.W Advertising, if Zoe can convince him to listen to her plans for the Kaluna resort that is based on Ancora. A virtual recluse, and distrustful of women, Dom doesn’t make things easy for her. However after being stuck together in a cottage whilst a freak storm rages outside, they do manage to find some common ground in the bedroom, and Zoe’s no-sex plans fly out of the window.
I liked the story and the premise, although all the while reading it, I felt like I had been transported back to my Mills & Boon reading days. Not a bad thing, but not really what I was looking for in this book. When imaginary Islands and Principalities are bandied about that is always the direction my mind is going to take. The sex was hot and well written and the argument they have towards the end of the book is absolutely on the button. With the pair of them flinging accusations and insults at each other the way people in love do when they are hurt.
The one main thing that annoyed me, the constant “BFF” and “Zo-Zo’s”, drove me nuts in Wicked Heat, did the same in Wanton Heat, do grown women really talk like that?
I am going to go out on a limb and assume that Molly will be the next girl to get her guy in this series. I will read her book, in the hope that Ms Marsh has taken out the bad and given us more of the good.
ARC provided by Entangled in exchange for the above honest review.
Once again Nicola Marsh has created a fun, sexy story that you just can't put down. I loved getting to know Zoe in this book, in the previous book we get little snippets of who she is, but I really enjoyed getting more insight into her character. I also loved the plot to this story, kidnapping a prince and getting stranded on a deserted island for a couple of days... come on, that's just the perfect kind of fun read.
I loved reading this, it was light and fun, with some steaminess thrown in. Marsh makes it easy to fall in love with her characters and I love that she's able to tell a full, well-built story in a short read. Sometimes you just want something quick and fun to read and Nicola Marsh is the perfect author for that.
So it’s never a bad thing when the hero is mostly naked and dripping wet from a swim in the first few pages of a book. However, I’m not so sure our heroine would agree, in fact I’m almost positive she’d tell me to “shut the ‘eff up” because one thing our heroine does is speak her mind. From the first moment the hero and heroine meet in Wanton Heat, that’s what you feel; it radiates off the both of them leaving the reader no doubt when these two get together they’ll be combustible. Characters that seem complete opposites and on opposing sides of an issue make for some intense and rather interesting moments in this book.
After majorly screwing up and almost ruining her friend’s PR business Zoe Keaton is on a mission to convince a Dominic Ricci, an Italian Prince, that letting the company she represents expand their resort and allowing the worldwide PR campaign to draw attention to the island is the best thing for him and an the people who live on the two islands involved. She soon finds out she’s met her match and found someone just as strong willed as herself.
It was so fun watching these two circle around each other both determined to win and both trying to keep their hands to themselves. However Dominic matchmaking grandmother has other ideas and she convinces Zoe that the best way to convince Dominic is to strand him on the very island she wants to promote. One huge storm and some very intense and satisfying sexual encounters find them this at odds but seeing the other side a little better.
Wanton Heat is skillfully written making the reader see the beauty of the island, feel the passion between the hero and heroine, and experience the thrill that comes when you let love in.
ARC given by netgalley for an honest review ; 4 stars This book lead us to the newly made partner of AW advertising, Zoe. A socialite from Texas, on the road to prove she can be more than a spoiled wealthy brat. The one blocking her path to success, Prince Dominic a in-shadow prince who owns an island but refused to develop into a commercial resorts. When two force of nature collide, what would happen? A storm of course (literally). After stranded in a secluded cottage, the time alone force them to confront their combustible chemistry that simmer from the first time they met. However, will Dom suspicious nature after being burned by his late ex set their newly budding romance apart? Can Zoe overcome her parents and past issue against a committed relationship? Will they both set aside their pride for better future? My review, I love the first book of the series, and dying to read the sequel. After reading it? I love the first one better. Not that this is not as great as the first, but I do love Allegra and Jett in Wicked Heat(1st) and the way they interact, from the 1st meeting and the romance progress, better. Still the story is wonderful, but I'm not too connected with the characters, feels something is missing somewhere. Still it a very good story overall. Love Dom meddling grandmother (so much) as she brings humour to the story, which is why I rated the book 4 stars. recommended
Lately I've been intrigued by the first impressions in the books I've been reading but this one takes the cake, "bare, bronzed chest glistening in the sun. Rivulets of water trickling toward a loosely knotted towel slung low on his hips. Long, lean legs. Muscled. She dragged her gaze upward to the sizable bulge beneath the towel... "Eff." The expletive slipped out before she could stop it. Not exactly how she'd imagined her first word to Prince Dominic Ricci." Dominic we learn turns everything into a naughty joke, "polishing the crown jewels can be a lot of fun," he said, his grin widening." Zoe is blunt, not bashful and speaks her mind, "I want pancakes, and I can't find the flour," she said, shoving canisters aside. "Are you going to help or stand there staring at my a** all day?" These two get into so many arguments and Zoe knows how to go in for the kill, "but thanks for the clarification. You want to eff me, but you don't want to know anything else. Got it." She help up her hand and pretended to write on it with the other. "No niceties. Not politeness. No mistaking a connection in the bedroom for anything other than a cheap fu-" Dominic will never get enough of Zoe, "what time are we meeting your friends?" Dom slid his arms around her from behind as she applied a final slick of lip gloss in front of the mirror and rested his chin on her shoulder. "Do we have time for a quickie?" I loved this book I really did I almost peed myself laughing at some parts.
WANTON HEAT by author Nicola Marsh is a February 2014 release by Entangled Brazen.
Zoe Keaton has to land this contract. The Prince just has to say yes, no matter what. It was her life and reputation on line here.
But Prince Dominic Ricci has no intention of saying yes to her pitch. So Zoe with the help of the Queen mother kidnaps the Prince. But is the Prince really kidnapped, because he is enjoying himself too much!
WANTON HEAT is a scorching hot and sensual romance. Author Nicola Marsh writes sizzling sensual romance and this one is no different.
The setting for this one is fantastic set on an island in The Mediterrean part of Italy as Zoe strong willed and determined advertising beautiful woman tries to convince Prince Dominic that he should use her advertising company to promote the upgrade of the resort on his island. But Dom is a loner and trusts no one but with his grandmothers pushing Zoe gets him alone for a few days on the island and wow what a hot few days they are but both Zoe and Dom have a lot to overcome from their pasts and the journey to a HEA is hot sensual and rocky but what a journey I really enjoyed this one.
This is the second book in the Feel the Heat series and if you are after a read with red hot chemistry, snark, a kidnapping or two and a sneaky grandmother, then this is the book for you. Yes it sounds an odd combination, but it really works.
I admit I wasn't sold on the blurb for this book, but something told me to give it a shot. After all I've read and enjoyed the first in the series Wicked Heat. Geez am I glad I did. I read this book in one sitting. I didn't want to put it down. The playfulness between the two main characters Dominic and Zoe was a highlight. Yes they had lots of chemistry which made for a hot read, but how Zoe didn't pander to Dominic even though he was both a prince and a client was really refreshing.
The snark and flirting was funny and at times hot. These two couldn't keep their hands off each other and it made for some interesting times. Dominic is a character that will keep you on your toes trying to figure out if you like him or not. Personally I liked him from the pool, but wanted to slap him at one point. You will understand what I mean when you read it.
Newly minted advertising executive Zoe Keaton needs to land this account. Full stop. No doubts about it. Or her advertising business with her best friend will go under. She travels to a small island in Italy determined to land the contract and save the business. What Zoe didn't expect to see when she arrives early for her appointment is the bronzed god that comes out of the pool at the castle.
Prince Dominic Ricci, touted a recluse, after loosing his parents and fiancé all within a year. But in reality he's a shrewd businessman. One who doesn't want the planned changes to happen on his family owned property. Plans that the blonde ad exec is here to convince him to agree to.
After a steamy poolside introduction, they meet for the planned sales pitch, but when the only pitch that happens is when Dom pitches a fit and storms out of the meeting, his adorable grandmother Queen Catarina colludes with Zoe to kidnap him and keep him on his family island during a big storm so he can hear her out. But what starts out as a plan to get him to listen quickly turns into something more, as passion flares to life and they do little to fight it. Why not take advantage of mother nature and slake the desire that rises between them ?
But as they learn more about each other and rapidly start to fall in love, can their past mistrusts and views on love stop the inevitable from happening ? She's a California girl, he's a prince. She's scared of love, he's been hurt before by someone he trusted. What happens when they go back to the main island and reality rears it's head ?
Grab a comfy seat, your reading device and sit back and enjoy the ride that is this book. If you haven't read the first, go on and do it, because in this story you will get to catch up with Allegra and Jett. I for one will be keeping an eye out for another book in this series or a spinoff with Catarina playing matchmaker perhaps ???
This book was supplied by the publisher for an honest review.
Zoe Keaton has a hell of an opportunity in front of her, and it's her one big chance to make up for the mistakes she made with her ad agency's other -- now former -- clients. Her business partner may not know that Zoe's take-no-prisoners attitude is what lost them several accounts, but Zoe's still determined to make up for it. And no sexy, brooding prince is going to stand in her way.
Prince Dominic Ricci is still reeling from the quick succession of losses that took his parents and fiance, and while he'll humor his grandmother by listening to an ad exec's pitch, he has no intention of letting anything mar the undeveloped island his father loved so much. He's spent his whole life dealing with people who want something from him, and his current guest is no different. Except that she kidnaps him.
Conspiring with the prince's grandmother, a woman known rather well among the locals for her matchmaking skills, Zoe manages to get Dominic to a nearby island just as a storm hits, stranding them for days with only each other for company. And that's when things start to get interesting...
[quote]“News flash, Your Hot Highness.” She waved a hand between them. “I’ll never be good for you. So let’s settle for me being bad, okay?” She stepped forward, bringing her within tantalizing touching distance again. “Trust me. Me being bad can only be good.”[/quote]
Wanton Heat is an incredibly fun read, and the chemistry between Zoe and Dominic is just...wow. From their first meeting until the very end, Zoe's refreshingly real, rarely hesitating to speak her mind and not holding back when it comes to what -- or who -- she wants. And oh, how she wants. Lucky for her, Dominic is of a like mind, and while he detests her reason for being there, he can barely control himself around her. Well, let's be honest; he doesn't exactly control himself at all.
Zoe's character didn't surprise me nearly as much as how much I liked her. I expected her to be brazen and willful, but where I usually feel those traits are overdone, she had just the right amount of vulnerability to even things out and make me truly understand her. Her reasons for not necessarily believing in love and relationships were pretty standard, but she didn't overdo the angst or inner reflections. She just was who she was and didn't throw up a million walls the second things began to change. It made seeing things from her point of view a believable adventure.
And Dominic... Well, that first meeting painted a pretty incredible picture and set the tone for the rest of the story. He's sex on legs, with a crown to boot, so while his attitude might not make him Prince Charming, he's a hell of a lot more interesting as Prince Charming the Pants Off Zoe. If only I were an ad exec on my way to an imaginary island tomorrow! While not a super-short book, Wanton Heat is such a fun read that I was finished with it in no time, and I can't wait to see what Nicola Marsh writes next!
First, I should probably start off by saying that I love Brazen (Entangled Publishing) books and this one is no different. Zoe is sent to Osturo, a small Italian island, to get approval for an ad campaign that showcases improvements to a resort on another island, Ancora. Both islands are controlled by Prince Dominic Ricci. Zoe needs to land this job to save her company and Dominic is determined to keep Ancora like it is. The heat between these two ignites as soon as they meet. However, Zoe is determined to not mix business with pleasure. Dominic is used to people only using him to get what they want, so he doesn’t expect anything different from Zoe. What is unexpected is how he feels pulled to her. He doesn’t trust her and doesn’t want to feel anything for her, but he can’t help but want to be with her.
~Less than four feet away, dripping water onto the flagstones, stood the most gorgeous male specimen she'd ever seen. Bare, bronzed chest glistening in the sun. Rivulets of water trickling toward a loosely knotted towel slung low on his hips. Long, lean legs. Muscled. She dragged her gaze upward to the sizable bulge beneath the towel... "Fuck." the expletive slipped out before she could stop it. Not exactly how she'd imagined her first word to Prince Dominic Ricci.~
In an effort to get Dominic to listen to her pitch her ad campaign, Queen Catarina (Dom’s grandmother) and Zoe plan to “kidnap” Dom and take him to Ancora. Zoe doesn’t realize is that Ancora is Dom’s favorite place and he loves going there. When they get trapped on the island due to a storm, they finally give in to their desires. What happens when they leave the island, will change their lives forever. This is a story about coming to terms with the events in the past, trusting others and learning to sacrifice for love. I truly enjoyed this book. It has plenty of heartache, loss, love and steamy hot scenes! Go get a copy today to see if Dom will realize that Zoe is not like the people from his past and if Zoe will admit how she feels and risk losing her company.
Quotes
���I’m the enemy, remember? And yet another leech wanting something from you, apparently. So quit trying to charm the pants off me, and let’s get inside before Mother Nature goes crazy.” ~ Zoe
“What we shared meant nothing beyond lust.” She dusted off her hands. “Now that itch is scratched, we can move on.” “You’re asking me to forget it?” He leaned forward and braced his forearms on his knees. “Because that’s impossible, cara.” His hypnotic stare made her flush all over. “Sex with you surpassed my fantasies.”
“With you by my side, there’s nothing we can’t do.” ~Dom
Okay Italian, Sexy and is a Prince GOT MY VOTE!!!!!! and definately my Attention!!!
Nicola Marsh always manages to capture me in the first paragraph and never disappoints in the story area as a whole. Her whit and fabulous story lines and absorbing characters manage to capture my attention fully and hold me until the very last second. This story was a complete page turner, I did not want to put it down.
Dominic definitely off the page SEXY!!! Loved him. His past has made him who he is today but his family has kept him grounded. His troubles with people is completely understandable being used and not really feeling like he has anyone interested in him for him other than his title or belongings. Trust is a huge part of his life and he takes it very seriously. As a man he is wonderful he has some excellent flirtatious lines that get Zoe ramped up.
Zoe is hilarious she is completely blunt and entirely honest no holes barred. LOVE that!!!! I love how she flirts with Dom and the way she sees him. I love that she never gave up on on Dominic listening to her presentation. She is entirely suited to Dom's character as a the female lead, her honesty will get her everything.
The whole Kidnap and make him listen is a great idea, who doesn't want to kidnap an Italian Price for a fantasy or four.
Their physical attraction is immediate within seconds of their first meeting and it sizzles from that second onward. Their sexual attraction is very potent and they come together in an explosive and surprising union which is off the charts hot. The first encounter is a sizzling scorchfest and leaves you little time to fan yourself until the next bout.
Them falling in love is inevitable and I love that their time together on the island cemented their bond. Having two leads fall in love with such a high sexual attraction and physical bond can be hard to convince readers that the love is real yet Nicola Marsh takes that challenge and and blows your mind.
Catarina the Queen is Hilarious and a closet matchmaker who hopes for her grandsons happiness hopefully with Zoe. Her involvement in them getting together is crucial, she is the voice that gives them the truth they needs to realise what they have.
The islands sound beautiful and spectacular I want to go and I want Dom with me.
After reading this I really need to read the first in the Feel the Heat series (Wicked Heat) and get Allegra's story and I see her male lead is Australian HOT!!!!! (Although this can still be read as a stand alone)
All up a fantastic Story that has it all Heat, Flirting, a bit of banter, some amazing characters and a kick-ass story. Must Read!!!!
ARC provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review..
This is the second book in Nicola Marsh’s "Feel the Heat" series, and I am being honest in telling you that I haven’t read the first one. I understand that the stories are standalone, but I have no doubt that we were introduced to Zoe in Wicked Heat.
Zoe Keaton is a partner in AW Advertising, and is on a mission to make the perfect pitch to an Italian Prince, concerning the improvements for tourism in his principalities of Ancora and Osturo. She has to get this contract, she just has to, she must, she most definitely needs to, addresses lots of failures in her past…ok I think we get it!
Prince Dominic Ricci is a known recluse, tormented by the death of his parents, and then the supposed love of his life. He isn’t really interested in Zoe’s pitch, and can’t think of anything more sacrilegious than spoiling his native homeland. He does, however, find her extremely attractive, and has many thoughts of how they could make better use of their time.
Lucky for Zoe, she has Queen Catarina on side. The figurehead matriarch, and Prince Dominic’s grandmother, sees her “Nicci Ricci” come alive when Zoe first arrives. In an attempt to force their isolation together, she sends them off on a tour of Ancora, knowing that storms are coming that will take days to pass. While they are holed up in the family cottage, will sparks fly?
Zoe and Dominic’s initial meet felt familiar to me, having already read a very similar scenario. The pool scene and Dominic’s opening thoughts and words were comparable.
I enjoyed Zoe’s forthright, bold manner, and her no nonsense dealing with Prince Dominic was amusing. I did, however, feel that the advance in storyline was abrupt, and could have benefited from a little more expansion. Jumping from "Hey, maybe you're all talk.." to "His mouth crushed hers..and ground his pelvis against her" a tad speedy!
I unfortunately did not become invested in this story, as Prince Dom’s charms completely evaded me.
If you want a fantastical, steamy, easy read, then this is the one for you. Sadly, it didn’t light my fire completely..just kept the embers smouldering!
Having read Wicked Heat last year, I was looking forward to reading Wanton Heat. However, I have to admit that it wasn't for me; I found it predicable and on the clichéd side.
Dominic Ricci is a weathly Italian Prince and Zoe, who we met in the previous book, is Allegra’s best friend and business partner sent to clinch a business deal with him. She’s a flirty love ‘em and leave ‘em girl, he has an attitude and a wariness of women and their motives towards him. And both are as stubborn as each other.
They have an instant, albeit strained, attraction and with their stubbornness there is sexual tension, but it did take me a long time to warm to them. And whereas I liked Zoe and Allegra’s interactions in the first book, I found all the ‘babes’ and ‘hons’ OTT this time around.
There’s no denying their intimate moments were hot and as a couple they did grow on me, but on the whole it just didn’t wow me in the same way many others in the Brazen line have.
I received a copy of this as an ARC courtesy of Entangled Publishing for an honest and unbiased opinion.
This is the second book in the Feel the Heat series and its Zoe's story..... And although I really enjoyed the book, I think from the exciting blurb I expected a little more.
This is the story of Zoe and she is headed off to Italy in order to sell a business deal for a resort to a rather hot Italian Prince.
Prince Dominic however wants nothing to do with Zoe and her resort and he would rather not give her any time of the day. However his interfering and spunky grandmother wants the resort to happen as well as put her matchmaking skills to good use, as she thinks snarky Zoe is just what her grandson needs.
After the feisty grandmother convinces Zoe to kidnap our hot prince on the island things really start to heat up for these 2. A storm rages in leaving them stranded for a few days in the little island cottage with nothing to do but discuss her proposal and share some hot steamy scenes.
HEAT is definitely a way to describe these our main characters in this story. From the moment they meet, they are pulled together by a sexual heat that cannot be denied.
Zoe has come to meet with Dominick seeking his permission to refurbish a resort that is on his property on the island of Ancora. He is Prince in name only, but contracts were signed nearly 30 years ago by his grandfather, giving him final approval to preserve the ecology of the island.
Zoe and Dom are both independent, self-sufficient and definitely hard headed. From the very beginning, the banter between them is full of innuendo and all out battle. There are no filters here to dilute their intentions. It is this basic honesty that also draws them together with their " no bulls**t attitude.
This book ended up being very entertaining. What more can you ask for besides a drop dead gorgeous prince, an exotic island, hot sexy love scenes, and an intrepid heroine?
From the start I liked Zoe's speak her mind character. Obviously her filter between brain and mouth was nonexistent. It made for some truly entertaining conversations between her and Dom. She has come to his home to convince him to allow her company to promote his Island (btw he's a prince) for the resort to bring in tourist and in doing this it will save her agency. He doesn't want his island changed and ruined so and is only listening to her because of this nonna the queen. Both characters have trust issues along with overactive hormones. These two challenge each other while running hot and cold. The book moved at a perfect pace while captivating me with interesting Bangor and one fuuny and deceiving queen. I have not had the pleasure of reading the first book in this series but plan on going back. This in my opinion could stand alone. Fuuny with enough chemistry to heat up the page but not offend those who are easily offended.
Zoe Keaton has always been a non conformist. She is in Italy to give a presentation to Prince Dominic Ricci. She has to change his mind on signing a contract with her company's most important client. She needs to succeed. What they don't know is that they are being set up. Queen Catarina is a matchmaker. The desire between Zoe and the Prince is very hot. Can their physical attraction lead to love? Will this business deal break any relationship? Nicola Marsh has written a passionate and erotic story. Zoe and Dom are both strong, stubborn and determined to get what they want. Their passionate encounter is extremely hot. The Queen's meddling is a nice humorous touch. I love her plan to trick the lovers. Wanton Heat is a fast-paced, enjoyable story. It is a perfect addition in the Feel the Heat series.
A sizzling story with some feisty characters, battling their own inner turmoil while trying to live.
Zoe arrives in Osturo, looking to close a business deal with the elusive Prince Dominic Ricci. Their first meeting is anything but gracious as sparks fly between Zoe and Dominic. Personalities clashes abound, innuendos spoken and the sizzle of these two characters soar - and their business meeting hasn't even started! Throw in a matchmaking Grandmother and it's one read that you cannot miss! Four Stars! *ARC received from the Publisher for an honest review.
Zoe goes to get some business from an Italian Prince who’s only listening to her, to appease his fun-loving adventurous grandmother. Zoe’s first impression of the prince was definitely a memorable one she won’t soon forget. They were flirty, sexy and made a great couple once they actually managed to get together. Their supporting characters were fun and daring in their endeavors. The grandmother really should get her own story. She was a treat. Allegra, Zoe’s best friend needs a story to. Pick up a copy. You’ll laugh and you just might enjoy the scenery!
Fast, easy read. Sweet HEA. This story follows Allegra's BFF, Zoe on her journey to prove herself to AW Advertising and she finds herself presenting her business plan to a prince. Their initial meeting was unexpected for both of them and even though it was fast paced, it worked for them. A scheming grandmother never hurts anything either!
Wanton Heat falls into the category of okay reads as far as Brazens go. It wasn't the best, but it wasn't bad. I really liked Zoe, the main female character. She's tough, witty, and determined. I loved that she went head-to-head with Dom and didn't let his hot and cold tendencies deter her. Even when things got really tough, her character shined through and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about her.
Marsh also does a great job at bringing on the steam factor. Zoe and Dom have excellent chemistry and they go at pretty hot and heavy at key, albeit predictable, points throughout the story. As far as the rest of the story goes, it kind of fell a bit flat to me. Usually, predictability doesn't bother me, as long as it's done well, but because there wasn't mucj in the way of substance for this story, I couldn't really get into it. Sure these two had great physical chemistry, but that was pretty much it. I felt like there wasn't much in the way of emotions or a real connection, it was just all of sudden they realized they were in love with each other. I didn't really believe in their love.
Also, one critical part towards the end kind of bugged me. It's basically after one of them decides they have strong feelings for the other person, but a misunderstanding occurs which messes everything up. It was a bit too coincidental for me. And, I think I just get too tired of people pushing the one they love away. There's only so many excuses you can tell yourself.
Regardless of what I didn't like, I still managed to enjoy the book. While not the best of the Brazens, it was still worth a read if you're looking for a quick, no frills romance read.