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The Blue-Collar Lover Series They don’t wear suits, but the five Carter brothers work hard to earn a day’s pay—and keep the right woman satisfied . . . No one turns out luscious pies and to-die-for cakes like Marvin Carter. Few outside of the family know about his baking skills, but working as a restaurant line cook is getting old fast. Now he’ll do whatever it takes to win start-up money from a major cooking contest and launch his own business. But his prime competition is making things hot for him in—and out—of the kitchen . . . Naomi Carson is as savory as her soul food and has twice the spice. This confident, large-and-in-charge beauty also has high aspirations, and will work all her skills against the tasty Mr. Marvin to take first place—and stop living with Grandma. As their attraction burns hot, the other contestants can’t take their heat nor their talent, and threaten to burn their dreams to ash. Will the desire be doused—or can Marvin and Naomi find common ground and fire up the chance of a lifetime?  ALSO IN THIS SERIES “Great escapism.” —Library Journal on Packing Heat  “Sexy, hot deliciousness . . . this power couple light up the page like a 100-megawatt bulb.”—USAToday.com on Bad Boy Seduction

332 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 25, 2019

48 people are currently reading
105 people want to read

About the author

Zuri Day

106 books275 followers
Zuri Day is a hopeful romantic. She believes in happy endings, half-full glasses and dreams coming true. That's why she's thrilled to be a contributing writer to this genre...one of her favorites!

Zuri doesn't remember exactly how old she was when she picked up her first romance novel, but she does remember it was love at first sight. "It was probably a Harlequin," she recalled during a recent interview. "And it thankfully took me away from a fairly dull and routine existence growing up in a small Kansas town."

Things aren't dull and routine anymore. Zuri now resides in Los Angeles with her family and when she isn't writing loves to travel the world, cook vegetarian food, work out, watch sports, attend concerts and theatre and enjoy the simple things in life.

"Many people have given up on love, much less romance," Zuri says. "I'm hoping that somehow, through the love-filled pages of my romance novels, I can ignite the reader's desire to believe again. Because everything is possible, when we believe..."

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5 stars
84 (44%)
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81 (42%)
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20 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Kelsie Maxwell.
430 reviews85 followers
June 26, 2019
Sweet Heat
Zuri Day

Sweet Heat by Zuri Day is book three in her Blue-Collar Lover series. I’m new to this author, but I really enjoyed this novel which reads as a standalone.

Marvin Carter and Naomi Carson both love to cook and have entered a cooking contest where the prize is a food truck and $50,000 to start their business. The two hit it off immediately. The relationship should be simple and straightforward, but there are surprising twists in store for our lead characters.

Sweet Heat is very well-written. The dialogue is humorous and engaging. The characters are fully relatable. The plot held my attention from start to finish. I loved the ending. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author. I rate Sweet Heat 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to all readers of urban romance. The explicit sexual content may be offensive to some readers.

My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
Profile Image for Layeshia.
379 reviews
October 17, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this blue-collar series! It shows that not everybody is a billionaire or a princess or in corporate America etc. you can fall in love with just the dude around the corner. And he’s never been to jail he’s never Peed on her I thoroughly enjoyed the story I hope she has more to come thank you Zuri Day
Profile Image for Taryn.
1,215 reviews227 followers
July 30, 2020
All I needed to hear was “romance with food trucks” and I was all in. Marvin Carter and Naomi Carson are competitors in a massive LA cooking contest, and the grand prize is startup money for a food truck. They’re both great cooks and highly motivated to own their own businesses, as both of them are living with family members and trying to make ends meet, Marvin as a line cook and Naomi as a dollar store manager. I like an escapist romance as much as the next person, but more and more I find I appreciate reading about regular characters, people who are working unglamorous jobs, paying bills, and finding meaning outside of boardrooms or ballrooms. Marvin and Naomi have so much chemistry, too, the banter here is solid gold. They’re each so quick with a comeback, their verbal sparring is like ping-pong. They’re physically compatible too—Naomi is a curvy woman with a big backside, and that just so happens to be Marvin’s type (and apparently it runs in his family, so much so that even his mother calls Naomi’s rear a “Carter catcher,” which slayed me every time it came up). Their families figure prominently in the story, too, and the way they all bicker and joke but still support each other brought me a lot of joy. This is the third in a series, though it worked fine for me as a standalone, and I look forward to going back to read about the other Carter brothers.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,170 reviews75 followers
did-not-finish
June 14, 2019
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes. This in no way influences my review; all words, thoughts, and opinions are my own.

DNF @ 40%

Content notes:



This is definitely a case of the book not being for me. The cover of this book immediately drew me in - fat, gorgeous lady and a man cooking? What’s not to love! I was also intrigued by the premise of a cooking contest and having the main characters competing against each other. Unfortunately, this book just isn’t working for me. I adore the banter between Marvin and Naomi and think they’re incredible characters, but I’m not feeling much of a sexual/romantic chemistry between them but there is already several instances of strong jealousy. There’s also a side character who used to be Marvin’s culinary school instructor who is aggressively pursuing him, to point she like propositions him in such a way as to say her money is his for start-up and maintenance of a food truck, should he win the competition, if he’ll have a relationship with her - and this after he’d already expressed his disinterest and told her no. I also didn’t like how many of the women treat each other, like enemies and competition with regards to their interest in Marvin. There is some great friendships and I love the Carter family, but it couldn’t save the book for me. I’m supremely upset that this book didn’t work for me, but think it may appeal to other romance readers who love cooking competitions and great familial bonds.

I’m just so sad that I couldn’t finish this book 😢 I wanted to like it and kept trying to push myself, but for me personally it just wasn’t working and reading it felt like a chore…
Profile Image for Big Black Chapters.
15 reviews21 followers
June 7, 2019
I received this book as an ARC through Netgalley.

I am a sucker for sweet and sappy - or should I say sassy in this book's case - love stories. I am also a big time foodie! This book had all the elements to pull me in and keep my attention. This is my first read from Zuri Day and it will definitely not be my last.

The two lead characters - Naomi and Marvin - were like able and lovable throughout the story. I found them both to be relatable and honest. I enjoyed the food competition aspect of the story as well. I am fiercely competitive so I had a deep understanding of Naomi's character. I loved the "meet cute" these two shared in the beginning of the story.

The story was fast pace and well written. It definitely had some SWEET HEAT! I also loved the humor throughout the story and the banter between the two love interests!!!

I would recommend this book to fans of Carl Weber or Eric Jerome Dickey! It also reminded me of a grown and sexy version of With The Fire on High by Elizabeth Acedevo!!!
Profile Image for Carmen Blalock.
262 reviews15 followers
May 21, 2019
Competition is healthy, at least good competition is.  When you have two or more people trying to reach a common goal then as long as no one gets hurt then everything is good.  What happens when signals get crossed and misunderstandings happen? Or better yet lies, rumors and speculations occur, how do you deal with that? Do you deal with it head on or do you walk away and don't do anything?

Naomi Carson is a beautiful woman both inside and out and she has a caring spirit.  She loves her family and she loves cooking!  Naomi experiments on her family all the time looking to perfect her signature dishes, and they are NOT complaining.  All of Naomi dreams are about to come true she believes because she is entering a cooking contest that if she wins will pay her a considerable amount of money and her own food truck.  There is only one obstacle in her way and the way she sees things, this is only temporary.  Or is it?

Marvin Carter has only one thing on his mind, to be a world renowned chef.  His winning this food truck challenge will put him in the position to own his own space and be his own boss.  There are many cooks/chefs in the competition but there is only one that has him nervous.  Why is he nervous, they can't possibly cook better then him?  Or is it something else that he doesn't want to admit to himself?  Either way, nothing or no one is going to get in the way of him obtaining his dream.

Sweet Heat is a feel good book and it is book number three in the Blue Collar Lover series.  Just reading about the competition and the friendship and family love that is brought forth in this book makes you realize that this might just be your family or someone that you know.  It is so realistic that you feel like you are experiencing the feelings with the characters.  The characters flow and intermingle so well you just know that you are watching a movie instead of reading a book.  You are talking to the characters and reacting the way that they are reacting, emotional and energizing!  You will enjoy this book just as much as any other Zuri Day novel.  With this being the third book in the series you have time to read the other two books in the series before this one releases:  Driving Heat and Packing Heat.  It is not necessary but you will learn about the Carter brothers. 

Sweet Heat ~ The Blue Collar Lover Series will release nationwide on June 25, 2019 everywhere your favorite books are sold.
Profile Image for Brenda  Larnell.
442 reviews26 followers
June 25, 2019
First, there was DRIVING HEAT, then PACKING HEAT, and now SWEET HEAT. In this series, the creative Zuri Day features the Carters, your average working-class family composed of some fine Carter men. What’s so alluring about this series is that these men are not uber-handsome multimillionaire moguls who travel in circles that the average reader can only dream about. The Carter heroes are the type of men you might meet while riding city transit or purchasing stamps at the Post Office.
As a matter of fact, Marvin Carter, the hero of SWEET HEAT is the chef of the family who specializes in sweet treats. There’s a cooking competition that can net the winner $50,000.00 that Marvin enters with dreams of owning a food truck. That’s where he meets the bodacious Naomi Carson, who instantly catches Marvin’s eye. They make a great couple as they both vie for the “top chef”prize of the cooking contest.
SWEET HEAT is an engaging contemporary romance. Marvin and Naomi are a captivating power couple that you can easily relate to. We also get to revisit the Carter family who are a raucous bunch. I recommend SWEET HEAT for your reading pleasure.
634 reviews
September 14, 2019
Sweet Heat Bk 3 [They don’t wear suits, but the five Carter brothers work hard to earn a day’s pay—and keep the right woman satisfied . . .No one turns out luscious pies and to-die-for cakes like Marvin Carter. Few outside of the family know about his baking skills, but working as a (restaurant line cook) is getting old fast. He was made certain promises, then the owner’s son flunks out of college and he’s in charge. Now he’ll do whatever it takes to win start-up money from a major cooking contest and launch his own Food Truck business. But his prime competition is making things hot for him in—and out—of the kitchen . . .Naomi Carson (.99¢ Store Manager) is as savory as her soul food and has twice the spice. This confident, large-and-in-charge beauty also has high aspirations, and will work all her skills against the tasty Mr. Marvin to take first place—and stop living with Grandma Nana. As their attraction burns hot, the other contestants and a former cooking instructor can’t take their heat nor their talent, and threaten to burn their dreams to ash. Will the desire be doused—or can Marvin and Naomi find common ground and fire up the chance of a lifetime despite her stalker ex?]
Profile Image for ShayBooks.
803 reviews17 followers
Want to read
July 1, 2019
Sweet Heat is the third Installment in the Blue Collar series. Marvin Carter is a beast in the kitchen and everyone loves his cooking and thinks he should enter a contest to win $50,000 and a Food Truck. Naomi Carson learn to cook from her Nana and she is determined to prove to everyone that she is best the cook and should win the contest and food truck, falling for her number one competitor was not in the deal.

I really enjoyed Marvin and Naomi’s story, I loved the fun they had with each other in and out of the kitchen. The Carter Catcher is very funny. I also enjoy the fact that in Zuri books she makes the big girls feel special and loved, it was great seeing some of the characters that I love from her other books. This is a good series and I look forward to more of the Carter brothers.
Profile Image for ShayBooks.
803 reviews17 followers
July 1, 2019
Sweet Heat is the third Installment in the Blue Collar series. Marvin Carter is a beast in the kitchen and everyone loves his cooking and thinks he should enter a contest to win $50,000 and a Food Truck. Naomi Carson learn to cook from her Nana and she is determined to prove to everyone that she is best the cook and should win the contest and food truck, falling for her number one competitor was not in the deal.

I really enjoyed Marvin and Naomi’s story, I loved the fun they had with each other in and out of the kitchen. The Carter Catcher is very funny. I also enjoy the fact that in Zuri books she makes the big girls feel special and loved, it was great seeing some of the characters that I love from her other books. This is a good series and I look forward to more of the Carter brothers.
Profile Image for Melanie.
21 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2020
This is my first book by Zuri Day. I picked it up because of the cover- cute couple and that sultry stare! And I was so excited when the description of the characters matched :)

I loved Marvin and Naomi together. They both worked jobs they weren't particulary enjoying and had less than ideal living situations, but they were grateful for what they did have and engaged positively with the larger community they were a part of.

The banter between them was fun and very flirty from the beginning, so when things got sexual the chemistry was there and it flowed with the story.

I also appreciated that when either Naomi or Marvin were vulnerable about an insecurity they communicated clearly and encouraged each other.

Themes throughout were the love & support of family, stepping outside your comfort zone to succeed, faith, and having self-confidence.
819 reviews3 followers
July 9, 2019
Marvin Carter is a marvel at baking pies and cakes. Very few are aware of his skills. But working as a restaurant line cook is not doing it for him anymore. Marvin is willing to do whatever it takes to win the start-up money from a cooking contest in order to launch his own business. But his prime competition is making things "HOT" all around for him.

Naomi Carson is a whiz at making her soul food. She is confident that she can win this contest and will use all her skills against Marvin to take first place. These two attraction to each other burns too hot for the other contestants. Can Marvin and Naomi find a common ground that leads to a lifetime of happiness?
Profile Image for MidnightAce Book Bar.
170 reviews11 followers
November 18, 2019
While this is the third installment of the Blue Collar series, Sweet Heat can be enjoyed as a standalone. However, I recommend you try them all. The one thing that is constant in this series are the main characters portraying lives of everyday people with jobs we can identify with.

Marvin and Naomi bond over their love for cooking while competing for the prize winnings to filter their dreams. You will love these two together with their witty back and forth banter. It is clear they make a good match.

I enjoyed Marvin and Naomi story and I am sure you will as well.

Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide my opinion of this read.
Profile Image for CaroMommie.
668 reviews8 followers
August 5, 2019
This is one of the most AMAzing books on the shelves. Ms. Day did her thing in this story of two people competing against each other. She weaved a tale I fell in love with. The ins and outs were described to mouth-watering perfection, I felt like I was part of the story with how she described everything.

Naomi and Marvin are funny, sexy, smart, and loads of fun. I was entertained until the very last syllable. It helped that the supporting cast helped round out the story, it truly is a treat to behold. I would recommend this book, I think you will thoroughly enjoy it.
Profile Image for Shannan Harper.
2,462 reviews28 followers
August 8, 2019
I have fallen in love with this series. This one might be my favorite, not only because it deals with food, but I loved the banter and chemistry between the two main characters. And Mother Carter might be the best character yet. She definitely made the story that much more enjoyable. I am hoping the other two brothers also get a story and I can't wait to see what's next in store for the author and series.

Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Holly.
1,767 reviews88 followers
August 30, 2019
This was a cute contemporary story. I really enjoyed the cooking competition and the banter between Marvin and Naomi. They had strong family ties and deep connections which came across well. I especially liked the relationship Marvin had with his mother, and the one between Naomi and her Nana.

There were a couple pretty cheesy parts, and the thing with her ex came out of nowhere and made little sense in the context of the story. Those were minor concerns, however, and I ended up enjoying the book as a whole.

3.25 out of 5
Profile Image for Chermaine.
155 reviews5 followers
June 12, 2019
I want someone to call me Jucy!Lol(You have to read it to find out!)
Loved this and cannot say enough about how well written this was.
My only criticism is that towards the end, there were some loose ends, but that doesn't detract from the book.
While this is not my first time reading a book by this author, and certainly not my last, this is my favorite so far.
Great ending and, what I believe to be a good summer read(Beach included or not).
Profile Image for Jennifer Copeland.
1,733 reviews43 followers
March 23, 2019
Sweet Heat was an awesome book! I enjoyed it so much that I couldn't put the book down until I finished reading it! Zuri Day brought the heat to Sweet Heat! I enjoyed the storyline and the chemistry between Naomi and Marvin! I just love how Zuri write her heroines as plus size women! Sweet Heat is a Fantastic read!
Profile Image for Raytarsha Bell.
39 reviews
May 11, 2019
Good book overall. Both characters Marvin & Naomi played well off each other. it was a great relief to see the every day woman story. Often the author has away of wishing you were apart of the special families in her books. The Carter family members are funny and considerable, while presenting a strong family connection. Can't wait to reunite with the remaining brothers.
89 reviews1 follower
November 17, 2020
Enjoyable

Another great story and series from this author! I have laughed so much reading this couple's love story. This story held my attention from beginning to end...as all of Zuri Day's books do. I wish it was longer but I know there'll be another part and Carter brother to get to know later. I'm ready for the next part! Great job to the author
Profile Image for HoneyButterfly .
251 reviews14 followers
October 30, 2021
This book was just ok, especially compared to the first two books in the series. The best part was the cooking theme. What I didn't like was the random reason for the two main characters fell out. I also didn't like the fact that a few minor characters from the previous books were forgotten or had a name change.
Profile Image for Donna Scoggins.
555 reviews
June 30, 2019
Food Truck Love

Another great blue collar Carter man with a culinary jones! It doesn’t take him long to flush out the competition in more ways than one. I’m hungry after reading this book!
Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,013 reviews110 followers
July 12, 2019
Blue-collar is Sexy

This blue collar series is one of the best regular folks series. I loved the camaraderie between the two competing cooks. Carter and Carson made for an excellent business merger.
Profile Image for Ang.
135 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2019
I am a huge fan of this series. Just like the others I enjoyed this one as well. Nice flow to the story. I really liked the storyline. It was a fun read. Loved the humor intertwined in the story. Definitely recommend!
Profile Image for ROSA MICKENS.
230 reviews3 followers
November 13, 2020
Another love story for the Carters

I have become very fond of Zuri Day's books and I love her description of her characters and the behaviors that they all singerly evolve.
The romantically written words are so exciting,while not being vulgar.
The books are funny and so loving.
Profile Image for Gemma Rose.
6 reviews
April 12, 2021
**** Don't Read On An Empty Stomach***** Really cute book with a little steamy romance. I loved reading about all the different foods the two main characters were creating. Though set in CA, it definetly reminded me of South Florida.
Profile Image for Carol Hornsby-mccoy.
458 reviews5 followers
September 4, 2021
I just love the way the author makes you feel so good about yourself no matter what size you are. It would be SUCH a breath of fresh air if life was Actually lived this way. Thanks Zuri. I’m a fan for life. The Carter men are undeniable every women’s dream.
Profile Image for Mary Calton Gerard.
1,218 reviews7 followers
December 7, 2022
Spicy Blue Collars

This author is extraordinary! I have enjoyed this series, "The Blue Collar Lovers" thrilled, excited and surprised me. The author's saucy, spicy and tart sayings keep me laughing.
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