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Heat of Love #3
Bitter Heat
A pregnant omega trapped in a desperate situation, an unattached alpha with a lot to prove, and an unexpected fall into love that could save them both.
Kerry Monkburn is contracted to a violent alpha in prison for brutal crimes. Now pregnant with the alpha’s child, he lives high in the mountains, far above the city that once lured him in with promises of a better life. Enduring bitterness and fear, Kerry flirts with putting an end to his life of darkness, but fate intervenes.
Janus Heelies has made mistakes in the past. In an effort to redeem himself, integrity has become the watchword for his future. Training as a nurse under the only doctor willing to take him on, Janus is resolute in his intentions: he will live cleanly in the mountains and avoid all inappropriate affairs. But he doesn’t anticipate the pull that Kerry exercises on his heart and mind.
As the question of Kerry’s future health and safety comes to an explosive head, only the intervention of fate will see these desperate men through to a happy ending.
This gay romance novel by Leta Blake is the third in the Heat of Love universe which began with Slow Heat. It’s 111,000 words, with a strong happy ending and a critically-acclaimed, non-shifter Omegaverse. It features alphas, betas, omegas, male pregnancy, mpreg, heat, and knotting. Content warning for a violent and oppressive society regarding reproductive rights.
Kerry Monkburn is contracted to a violent alpha in prison for brutal crimes. Now pregnant with the alpha’s child, he lives high in the mountains, far above the city that once lured him in with promises of a better life. Enduring bitterness and fear, Kerry flirts with putting an end to his life of darkness, but fate intervenes.
Janus Heelies has made mistakes in the past. In an effort to redeem himself, integrity has become the watchword for his future. Training as a nurse under the only doctor willing to take him on, Janus is resolute in his intentions: he will live cleanly in the mountains and avoid all inappropriate affairs. But he doesn’t anticipate the pull that Kerry exercises on his heart and mind.
As the question of Kerry’s future health and safety comes to an explosive head, only the intervention of fate will see these desperate men through to a happy ending.
This gay romance novel by Leta Blake is the third in the Heat of Love universe which began with Slow Heat. It’s 111,000 words, with a strong happy ending and a critically-acclaimed, non-shifter Omegaverse. It features alphas, betas, omegas, male pregnancy, mpreg, heat, and knotting. Content warning for a violent and oppressive society regarding reproductive rights.
12 pages, Audible Audio
First published September 12, 2019
250 people are currently reading
979 people want to read
About the author
Leta Blake
65 books1,775 followersAuthor of the bestselling book Smoky Mountain Dreams and fan favorites Training Season, Will & Patrick Wake Up Married, and Slow Heat, Leta Blake has been captivating M/M Romance readers for over a decade. Whether writing contemporary romance or fantasy, she puts her psychology background to use creating complex characters and love stories that feel real. At home in the Southern U.S., Leta works hard at achieving balance between her writing and her family life.
If you'd like to be among the first to know about new releases, you can sign up for Leta's newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/bdn32H
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews
August 1, 2020
4.5 Stars
Biology. Instinct. Urges. Pheromones.
Biology. Instinct. Urges. Pheromones.
Biology. Instinct. Urges. Pheromones.
Technically 4 books in and I still think this is the best ABO series out there. It’s not fluffy nor sugary sweet. This has gravitas and complexity, and this latest installment continues to show the inner workings of this dystopian society, how its rules and laws which were designed to spur the survival of humanity, now wreaks havoc as it seeks to control and manipulate reproduction despite population stabilization.
This is the story about Janus, Xan’s alpha cousin from Alpha Heat, who we all loved to hate. He’s been through some very trying health problems and has turned over a new leaf. Janus is determined to be a better man, and the first step towards that transformation is becoming a nurse and then ultimately, a doctor. As he does his clinical rotations far removed from the city in the rural mountaintops, Janus gets a shocking education about the poor people who live there. What he also doesn’t expect is to come across a pregnant omega at the boarding house where he’s staying, making things enticingly complicated.
Kerry is the omega of Wilbet Munhundy, an even worse character from previous books that we all wanted to get a proper comeuppance. Munhundy’s sadistic ways have caught up to him and he’s currently in prison, but Kerry is far from free. His in-laws have exerted their control over his heats and his body, resulting in an unwanted pregnancy that Kerry sadly, has no say in.
When close approximation and the natural pull that an Alpha and an Omega will inevitably have come to a head, both Janus and Kerry struggle with what’s right, what feels natural, and what's expected and mandated from them. This was angsty goodness as one man owns up to his past actions and determinedly sets forth on a new path, as another man accepts his mistaken preconceived notions as to how he wanted his life to play out and bravely faces the consequences.
Beware a lot of personal internal despair on both sides. There’s also many mentions of rape, abuse, and a graphic attempt at an abortion. I fretted about how Janus and Kerry could find their impossibly happily ever after and thankfully, Blake delivers on them finally achieving peace and well deserved love. Be reassured that the explicit deliciousness of ABO dynamics aren’t skirted nor shorted especially KNOTTING, which is always the penultimate of this sort of pairing.
Again, Blake still continues to astound and impress me with this intricately detailed ABO society that's fascinating in all its nuance. If you love ABO, don’t mind mpreg, and you want a thought provoking romance with many layers, please start with Slow Heat. You won’t regret it.
Audio highly recommended
Biology. Instinct. Urges. Pheromones.
Biology. Instinct. Urges. Pheromones.
Biology. Instinct. Urges. Pheromones.
Technically 4 books in and I still think this is the best ABO series out there. It’s not fluffy nor sugary sweet. This has gravitas and complexity, and this latest installment continues to show the inner workings of this dystopian society, how its rules and laws which were designed to spur the survival of humanity, now wreaks havoc as it seeks to control and manipulate reproduction despite population stabilization.
This is the story about Janus, Xan’s alpha cousin from Alpha Heat, who we all loved to hate. He’s been through some very trying health problems and has turned over a new leaf. Janus is determined to be a better man, and the first step towards that transformation is becoming a nurse and then ultimately, a doctor. As he does his clinical rotations far removed from the city in the rural mountaintops, Janus gets a shocking education about the poor people who live there. What he also doesn’t expect is to come across a pregnant omega at the boarding house where he’s staying, making things enticingly complicated.
Kerry is the omega of Wilbet Munhundy, an even worse character from previous books that we all wanted to get a proper comeuppance. Munhundy’s sadistic ways have caught up to him and he’s currently in prison, but Kerry is far from free. His in-laws have exerted their control over his heats and his body, resulting in an unwanted pregnancy that Kerry sadly, has no say in.
When close approximation and the natural pull that an Alpha and an Omega will inevitably have come to a head, both Janus and Kerry struggle with what’s right, what feels natural, and what's expected and mandated from them. This was angsty goodness as one man owns up to his past actions and determinedly sets forth on a new path, as another man accepts his mistaken preconceived notions as to how he wanted his life to play out and bravely faces the consequences.
Beware a lot of personal internal despair on both sides. There’s also many mentions of rape, abuse, and a graphic attempt at an abortion. I fretted about how Janus and Kerry could find their impossibly happily ever after and thankfully, Blake delivers on them finally achieving peace and well deserved love. Be reassured that the explicit deliciousness of ABO dynamics aren’t skirted nor shorted especially KNOTTING, which is always the penultimate of this sort of pairing.
Again, Blake still continues to astound and impress me with this intricately detailed ABO society that's fascinating in all its nuance. If you love ABO, don’t mind mpreg, and you want a thought provoking romance with many layers, please start with Slow Heat. You won’t regret it.
Audio highly recommended
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September 12, 2019So excited for you guys to read this one! These two have my heart! I gave myself a book hangover. When I finished with them, I didn't want to think of anything else for a few days after. I hope you love them too!
ETA: NOW AVAILABLE
Amz US: http://bit.ly/bitterheat
Amz Universal: http://mybook.to/BitterHeatUni
ETA: NOW AVAILABLE
Amz US: http://bit.ly/bitterheat
Amz Universal: http://mybook.to/BitterHeatUni
September 16, 2019
What is a five star book? For me, it's a book that keeps you up reading at night. A book that calls to you at every little break you have at work. A book that sidetracks your normal daily routine because you just have to read a little more. It's a book that makes you rush to the ending even while wishing it would go on forever. For me, it's a feel-good fairytale where the MCs overcome their challenges and ride off into the sunset.
This is a five star book.
It was emotionally engaging. The surprises and reveals kept me on my toes. The suspense was heartstopping. The evil doers were horrendous. The MCs were heroic.
Every Kerry deserves a Janus.
This is a five star book.
It was emotionally engaging. The surprises and reveals kept me on my toes. The suspense was heartstopping. The evil doers were horrendous. The MCs were heroic.
Every Kerry deserves a Janus.
September 11, 2019
As with the first two novels in this brilliant series, Leta Blake uses the narrative to raise questions which parallel events which are happening in our own world.
Here it's more expansion on omega rights, the lack of any control over their own heats for bonded omegas and what happens with a pregnancy which isn't wanted.
It's also a redemption story, that of Janus Heelies and his determination to live up to the forgiveness and friendship Caleb (from Alpha Heat) has given him as he heads into the mountains to learn how to become a doctor.
There's an interesting path taken as Kerry is already pregnant with his abusive alpha's baby, and while he is free in so much as that alpha is now in prison, his obligations to his in-laws mean there is still overwhelming pressure which is weighing him down.
Janus is doing his best to be a better alpha and for the most part he's succeeding. He's thrown in at the deep end with his doctoring and he's learning how to be grateful for life's small bounties. But Kerry throws a massive spanner in the works.
I loved how their relationship built up so slowly and, without spoiling anything, I really loved the clever path Leta takes with the plotlines here as they move into friendship and beyond.
There's a fabulous cast of secondary characters, we get to catch up with Caleb and his family and get an insight into where the series may be going next.
These books are wonderfully insightful, superbly crafted and remain among my favourite shifter stories.
This one only isn't a 5* read for me because I wanted more of Janus and Kerry together and, while Leta gave a wonderful extended epilogue, I would have liked to have seen the growth on page.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
Here it's more expansion on omega rights, the lack of any control over their own heats for bonded omegas and what happens with a pregnancy which isn't wanted.
It's also a redemption story, that of Janus Heelies and his determination to live up to the forgiveness and friendship Caleb (from Alpha Heat) has given him as he heads into the mountains to learn how to become a doctor.
There's an interesting path taken as Kerry is already pregnant with his abusive alpha's baby, and while he is free in so much as that alpha is now in prison, his obligations to his in-laws mean there is still overwhelming pressure which is weighing him down.
Janus is doing his best to be a better alpha and for the most part he's succeeding. He's thrown in at the deep end with his doctoring and he's learning how to be grateful for life's small bounties. But Kerry throws a massive spanner in the works.
I loved how their relationship built up so slowly and, without spoiling anything, I really loved the clever path Leta takes with the plotlines here as they move into friendship and beyond.
There's a fabulous cast of secondary characters, we get to catch up with Caleb and his family and get an insight into where the series may be going next.
These books are wonderfully insightful, superbly crafted and remain among my favourite shifter stories.
This one only isn't a 5* read for me because I wanted more of Janus and Kerry together and, while Leta gave a wonderful extended epilogue, I would have liked to have seen the growth on page.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
May 2, 2022
4.5 stars from me. Another lovely story from Leta in this wonderfully crafted Omegaverse series of hers.
My views on that violent psychopath Wilbet Monhundy were made quite clear in my review for Alpha Heat...I hate his guts and want him to suffer as badly [no, screw that folks. He needs to suffer more...FAR more 🤬] just as he made his contracted Omega Kerry and several prostitutes suffer AND he also needs to pay for what he did to Xan...and after reading this story, I also want his stupid Pater Monte to suffer a similar fate. Did I get my wish?? No comment, not giving any spoilers away...BUT I will say that I was very happy with the outcome of the story, Janus's redemption [cos he was a bit of a dick in Alpha Heat] and absolutely LOVED the catch up with the adorable Caleb and his third son, Bekham.
Many thanks Leta, very proud to be a member of your Patreon. 😍😍
My views on that violent psychopath Wilbet Monhundy were made quite clear in my review for Alpha Heat...I hate his guts and want him to suffer as badly [no, screw that folks. He needs to suffer more...FAR more 🤬] just as he made his contracted Omega Kerry and several prostitutes suffer AND he also needs to pay for what he did to Xan...and after reading this story, I also want his stupid Pater Monte to suffer a similar fate. Did I get my wish?? No comment, not giving any spoilers away...BUT I will say that I was very happy with the outcome of the story, Janus's redemption [cos he was a bit of a dick in Alpha Heat] and absolutely LOVED the catch up with the adorable Caleb and his third son, Bekham.
Many thanks Leta, very proud to be a member of your Patreon. 😍😍
June 4, 2020
I THINK it's a shifter book bc they keep talking about a wolf-god every other sentence. But no one turned into a wolf, as far as I can tell, in 50% of the book I read.
DNF @50%.
Writing isn't bad at all, but A) the "alpha" outside of being a top isn't much of an "alpha" in the traditional sense of the word. and B) I dunno, the chemistry betw the MCs... not feeling it. In terms of how the omega feels toward the alpha anyway. C) All this "heat" and getting addicted to the pregnancy scent, etc.....weird.
And I'm OK to read just about anything - I mean omega males getting pregnant and birthing through their anuses, sure! wombs somewhere in their anus, sure! If cyborgs can impregnate human women, why not this too. But it's the way it's being described... maybe too much detail, I dunno.
Just weird.
But it's the lack of "something" between the MCs that has me DNFing.
DNF @50%.
Writing isn't bad at all, but A) the "alpha" outside of being a top isn't much of an "alpha" in the traditional sense of the word. and B) I dunno, the chemistry betw the MCs... not feeling it. In terms of how the omega feels toward the alpha anyway. C) All this "heat" and getting addicted to the pregnancy scent, etc.....weird.
And I'm OK to read just about anything - I mean omega males getting pregnant and birthing through their anuses, sure! wombs somewhere in their anus, sure! If cyborgs can impregnate human women, why not this too. But it's the way it's being described... maybe too much detail, I dunno.
Just weird.
But it's the lack of "something" between the MCs that has me DNFing.
March 29, 2020
Emotional A/B/O romance!
This third book in the Heat of Love series is phenomenal! ❤️❤️👏👏👏
I wish I had gone back and reread the second book in the series, since the characters in that book are heavily referenced here. Still, I recalled enough and Blake did such a good job of fleshing out the history here that I didn’t miss much.
This is a very non-traditional story since it involves and already pregnant omega and an alpha leaving the trapping of a rich and privileged life to become a better person.
Our omega has suffered, and continues to suffer unimaginable horrors from his now-imprisoned alpha. He also bears the heavy handed pressure from his in-laws and the lack of omega rights with seeming despair.
Our alpha in question comes in and upends everything without meaning to do so, and this is the story we get to experience.
While the omega plays hot and cold with the alpha, you might get annoyed—I did. This was the sole reason this wasn’t a 5 star read for me. There was too much of this yes/no for my tastes. I understood the why’s, I just wish we’d seen less of it.
All in all, a FABULOUS read!
My rec? Alphaliciouness warning ahead!
This third book in the Heat of Love series is phenomenal! ❤️❤️👏👏👏
I wish I had gone back and reread the second book in the series, since the characters in that book are heavily referenced here. Still, I recalled enough and Blake did such a good job of fleshing out the history here that I didn’t miss much.
This is a very non-traditional story since it involves and already pregnant omega and an alpha leaving the trapping of a rich and privileged life to become a better person.
Our omega has suffered, and continues to suffer unimaginable horrors from his now-imprisoned alpha. He also bears the heavy handed pressure from his in-laws and the lack of omega rights with seeming despair.
Our alpha in question comes in and upends everything without meaning to do so, and this is the story we get to experience.
While the omega plays hot and cold with the alpha, you might get annoyed—I did. This was the sole reason this wasn’t a 5 star read for me. There was too much of this yes/no for my tastes. I understood the why’s, I just wish we’d seen less of it.
All in all, a FABULOUS read!
My rec? Alphaliciouness warning ahead!
November 8, 2019
This is such an amazing series. Leta Blake has created an incredible world...
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May 12, 2021
4++ stars!
Blake has a gift for working sensitive but important themes and topics into the stories of this series, in a way that really works for me. Love that about this series of books! It did take me a few chapters to warm up to Janus, but Kerry I liked right from the start. Ouf, what a bad situation to be in. Lots of emotional agony and ambivalence involved - of the intriguing kind - so I was happy to see him get his HEA. By the time the book ended I had fallen for Janus too.
Blake has a gift for working sensitive but important themes and topics into the stories of this series, in a way that really works for me. Love that about this series of books! It did take me a few chapters to warm up to Janus, but Kerry I liked right from the start. Ouf, what a bad situation to be in. Lots of emotional agony and ambivalence involved - of the intriguing kind - so I was happy to see him get his HEA. By the time the book ended I had fallen for Janus too.
September 4, 2019
This is a very very preggy mpreg. All the preggyness! Lots of pregging! And babies! And details about pregging and babies!
Also lots about the problems people have with pregnancies and unwanted pregnancies.
So if you are up for this, I’m sure it will be fine.
Blake has also added detailed trigger warnings it is important to check before proceeding.
So I was put off by all of that, and didn’t really connect with the characters. Maybe I would have had I read the first two books more recently.
Also lots about the problems people have with pregnancies and unwanted pregnancies.
So if you are up for this, I’m sure it will be fine.
Blake has also added detailed trigger warnings it is important to check before proceeding.
So I was put off by all of that, and didn’t really connect with the characters. Maybe I would have had I read the first two books more recently.
September 28, 2020
4.5 stars. I really loved seeing Janus become a new and better person, a better Alpha. He's changed enormously since the last book. I liked Kerry and had immense sympathy for his situation and outright rage at what his in-laws put him through. But I have to admit that I found myself impatient with him quite a lot, with his stubborn, absolute refusal to even contemplate trying to find a way out. Though his development was slower, even reluctant, and I did get it, he got there eventually.
This has been a superb series, with serious, emotional issues, great characters and excellent writing and storytelling. Before this, I had never read mpreg but I'm glad I took a chance, and I'm so happy with how this one worked out. Terrific book, and the audio was oustanding, Michael Ferraiuolo once again gave an amazing voice performance and made the story live.
This has been a superb series, with serious, emotional issues, great characters and excellent writing and storytelling. Before this, I had never read mpreg but I'm glad I took a chance, and I'm so happy with how this one worked out. Terrific book, and the audio was oustanding, Michael Ferraiuolo once again gave an amazing voice performance and made the story live.
June 13, 2020
So, I've gone to write a review and right now I'm all like...
I have to unpack it but I really liked this book. I'm unsure why I bought Bitter Heat because the whole leaking/squirting thing makes me want to clean. But having a Patrick Star "lid" moment when I bought book #3 in a series without reading the first two was... well, it was a moment. If you are thinking about reading this book just be aware that the characters are linked though prior books and also their backstories. But look, I think the author wanted a new start for Janus and Kerry and I could see them through fresh eyes. That I will say.
Blog review, audio and visual -
I have to unpack it but I really liked this book. I'm unsure why I bought Bitter Heat because the whole leaking/squirting thing makes me want to clean. But having a Patrick Star "lid" moment when I bought book #3 in a series without reading the first two was... well, it was a moment. If you are thinking about reading this book just be aware that the characters are linked though prior books and also their backstories. But look, I think the author wanted a new start for Janus and Kerry and I could see them through fresh eyes. That I will say.
Blog review, audio and visual -
May 9, 2021
3.5 Stars
This is the third book in a series of standalones but I highly recommend to read the series in order. There is a lot of history/characters not thoroughly explained and you would miss some of the meaning behind things if you were diving into this series blind. We have been introduced to both characters, Janus and Kerry, before, more so Janus. Janus was a straight asshole in the last book but receives a great redemption arc here. Taking place about four years after Alpha Heat, he's really changed his life around and become a better person. Kerry is contracted to a horribly abusive alpha (Wilbet), who is in prison, but he is legally bound to his contract with Wilbet. Kerry's life is in the hands of his in-laws, who force him to share heats with Wilbet, who rapes and abuses him, in hopes of a heir.
There are some graphic, disturbing aspects of this story that are hard to read. Kerry is a broken, damaged man who has given up and is on the verge of shattering. Forced to carry and give birth to his rapist's child, you cannot help but hurt for Kerry and the life-altering decisions he faces. Fair warning, this does discuss in rather graphic detail but it was thought-provoking and truly highlighted the lack of rights that omegas have, paralleling women's rights. I appreciated that Blake treated this topic with care and gave it its proper focus within the story.
This started off great for me but began to feel dragged out. I can understand Kerry's hesitance and resistance towards Janus after all he's been through but it was intense push/pull for almost the entire book. Janus was nothing but perfect towards him and Kerry treated him like trash sometimes. Much of the plot is entirely baby focused as well, so if mpreg and pregnancies aren't your thing, this book probably isn't for you. Throughout the story, Kerry doesn't think he can love the child due to who the father is but even after .
Overall, I think this was probably more of a "me" problem. There is a lot of angst and hurt/comfort but Kerry's attitude was too much at times. The ending seemed a bit too convenient, as they find out . I don't think I would read it again but I have enjoyed the series so far and will continue with any future books.
Standalone - Read series in order:
Book 1: Slow Heat → 4.5 Stars
Book 2: Alpha Heat → 3.5 Stars
Book 2.5: Slow Birth → 4 Stars
Book 3: Bitter Heat → 3.5 Stars
This is the third book in a series of standalones but I highly recommend to read the series in order. There is a lot of history/characters not thoroughly explained and you would miss some of the meaning behind things if you were diving into this series blind. We have been introduced to both characters, Janus and Kerry, before, more so Janus. Janus was a straight asshole in the last book but receives a great redemption arc here. Taking place about four years after Alpha Heat, he's really changed his life around and become a better person. Kerry is contracted to a horribly abusive alpha (Wilbet), who is in prison, but he is legally bound to his contract with Wilbet. Kerry's life is in the hands of his in-laws, who force him to share heats with Wilbet, who rapes and abuses him, in hopes of a heir.
There are some graphic, disturbing aspects of this story that are hard to read. Kerry is a broken, damaged man who has given up and is on the verge of shattering. Forced to carry and give birth to his rapist's child, you cannot help but hurt for Kerry and the life-altering decisions he faces. Fair warning, this does discuss in rather graphic detail but it was thought-provoking and truly highlighted the lack of rights that omegas have, paralleling women's rights. I appreciated that Blake treated this topic with care and gave it its proper focus within the story.
This started off great for me but began to feel dragged out. I can understand Kerry's hesitance and resistance towards Janus after all he's been through but it was intense push/pull for almost the entire book. Janus was nothing but perfect towards him and Kerry treated him like trash sometimes. Much of the plot is entirely baby focused as well, so if mpreg and pregnancies aren't your thing, this book probably isn't for you. Throughout the story, Kerry doesn't think he can love the child due to who the father is but even after .
Overall, I think this was probably more of a "me" problem. There is a lot of angst and hurt/comfort but Kerry's attitude was too much at times. The ending seemed a bit too convenient, as they find out . I don't think I would read it again but I have enjoyed the series so far and will continue with any future books.
Standalone - Read series in order:
Book 1: Slow Heat → 4.5 Stars
Book 2: Alpha Heat → 3.5 Stars
Book 2.5: Slow Birth → 4 Stars
Book 3: Bitter Heat → 3.5 Stars
March 19, 2021
“Make me feel safe again.”
Oh god oh god oh god. I’m crying. I’m still crying. I cant stop crying. It’s too sweet. Oh Kerry my baby let me hold you.
I absolutely adored this book. Let’s break it down shall we?
We follow Kerry, a pregnant omega who escaped an abusive relationship with his alpha and now Kerry is living with his uncle. Then we meet Janus, an alpha who is boarding at Kerry’s house to work under the neighbourhood doctor. They’re both broken. With pasta they want to escape and overcome.
I found this book to be a perfect and comforting read. So much hurt and healing. Janus was the perfect alpha. He took care of Kerry so tenderly that it brought tears in my eyes.
They’re relationship was perfectly paced. Nothing was rushed into. I loved it.
Oh god oh god oh god. I’m crying. I’m still crying. I cant stop crying. It’s too sweet. Oh Kerry my baby let me hold you.
I absolutely adored this book. Let’s break it down shall we?
We follow Kerry, a pregnant omega who escaped an abusive relationship with his alpha and now Kerry is living with his uncle. Then we meet Janus, an alpha who is boarding at Kerry’s house to work under the neighbourhood doctor. They’re both broken. With pasta they want to escape and overcome.
I found this book to be a perfect and comforting read. So much hurt and healing. Janus was the perfect alpha. He took care of Kerry so tenderly that it brought tears in my eyes.
They’re relationship was perfectly paced. Nothing was rushed into. I loved it.
September 19, 2019
*3,75 stars*
Is there something like a curse of the third book? Anyone?
I’ve found again and again, and even more recently, that the third (and often last) book in a series is … well, not quite in the same league as the previous books.
I adore Leta Blake’s writing.
I love this series an awful lot.
I find this universe intriguing and beautifully detailed.
I have ached and sizzled with all the characters in these books.
And there can be no doubt that the tension and suspense in Bitter Heat are sky high, that the baddies are horribly bad and that the UST between Kerry and Janus was perfectly done.
It was really good to find Janus a reformed man (he was a right b****** in book 2) who has changed his whole outlook on life and his actions after a brush with death and the calming influence of Caleb (Xan’s omega from book 2). It is always super gratifying to see mean characters turn a new page. And Janus more than proves himself … he is as selfless, kind, patient, loving and caring as a man could be.
And yes, we are coming to the infamous BUT….
… I couldn’t really take to Kerry.
I know he is pregnant, and his hormones are flying, I know he’s been through a lot (and let me tell you it is truly awful), I know he is young and depressed and sees no way out of his situation (I wouldn’t either in his shoes, tbh).
However, I thought that he often behaves and acts like a petulant child. He is stubborn, sees no reason, doesn’t take sensible advice and blocks off any help offered when he so desperately needs it. I guess the latter does come with depression and the deeply entrenched belief that nothing will ever change for him (and I can understand that).
I rooted for him, I liked him fine, I felt deeply for his impossible, horrifying situation, but for some reason I found it hard to love him. While Janus … dreamy sigh.
Apart from that there were some plot-related things that made me stop and wonder, but nothing that really bothered me enormously.
One thing’s for sure though – as always in this series – the sex is scorching hot.
However, if you are in any way totally opposed to mpreg, this is definitely not for you! I used to stay clear from that topic, but this series changed my mind quite a bit about it!
This is an enjoyable, tense read. This is a well written book, and the HEA is fabulous.
But, for me, it doesn’t come close to the first two books in the series. (which won't keep me from reading more books in the series!)
Is there something like a curse of the third book? Anyone?
I’ve found again and again, and even more recently, that the third (and often last) book in a series is … well, not quite in the same league as the previous books.
I adore Leta Blake’s writing.
I love this series an awful lot.
I find this universe intriguing and beautifully detailed.
I have ached and sizzled with all the characters in these books.
And there can be no doubt that the tension and suspense in Bitter Heat are sky high, that the baddies are horribly bad and that the UST between Kerry and Janus was perfectly done.
It was really good to find Janus a reformed man (he was a right b****** in book 2) who has changed his whole outlook on life and his actions after a brush with death and the calming influence of Caleb (Xan’s omega from book 2). It is always super gratifying to see mean characters turn a new page. And Janus more than proves himself … he is as selfless, kind, patient, loving and caring as a man could be.
And yes, we are coming to the infamous BUT….
… I couldn’t really take to Kerry.
I know he is pregnant, and his hormones are flying, I know he’s been through a lot (and let me tell you it is truly awful), I know he is young and depressed and sees no way out of his situation (I wouldn’t either in his shoes, tbh).
However, I thought that he often behaves and acts like a petulant child. He is stubborn, sees no reason, doesn’t take sensible advice and blocks off any help offered when he so desperately needs it. I guess the latter does come with depression and the deeply entrenched belief that nothing will ever change for him (and I can understand that).
I rooted for him, I liked him fine, I felt deeply for his impossible, horrifying situation, but for some reason I found it hard to love him. While Janus … dreamy sigh.
Apart from that there were some plot-related things that made me stop and wonder, but nothing that really bothered me enormously.
One thing’s for sure though – as always in this series – the sex is scorching hot.
However, if you are in any way totally opposed to mpreg, this is definitely not for you! I used to stay clear from that topic, but this series changed my mind quite a bit about it!
This is an enjoyable, tense read. This is a well written book, and the HEA is fabulous.
But, for me, it doesn’t come close to the first two books in the series. (which won't keep me from reading more books in the series!)
November 8, 2019
Clarification on the rating: there’s nothing wrong with the book, my rating is entirely due to my own preferences and reactions to reading a story very focused on a subject I don’t find interesting or entertaining. Pregnancy. This book has a lot about pregnancy and everything connected to it.
I can’t even say I didn’t know that was the case, but I loved the second book’s MCs and their story so much that I was hoping for a second miracle with this series. I also hoped to see Xan, Urho, and Caleb again ().
It gets an extra star because the writing and the characters were good, I appreciated how the author didn’t try to over-simplify a complex issue like , and I did finish the book despite everything.
I can’t even say I didn’t know that was the case, but I loved the second book’s MCs and their story so much that I was hoping for a second miracle with this series. I also hoped to see Xan, Urho, and Caleb again ().
It gets an extra star because the writing and the characters were good, I appreciated how the author didn’t try to over-simplify a complex issue like , and I did finish the book despite everything.
March 8, 2021
4.5 HEARTS--SRAL ABO binge continues! Full force!
I've literally devoured this series and bought the audio books to listen along while reading them from my personal stash. Why? Michael Ferriauolo is a narration genius. He's just so good *cough*try the audio Caged series by Bey Deckard*cough* But I digress.
I'm a fan of Leta Blake's Heat of Love series (yes, you must read in order). The lengths are on the long size with each main book at 100+K a piece, but I tell you I breezed through with minimal skipping. Don't let the size intimidate you. I have loved each main romantic couple (or throuple) in their own way. Book #3- Bitter Heat was no different.
First off, the pairing? Didn't see that a mile a way. Two damaged souls finding love? Who doesn't enjoy that trope?! Triggers: suicidal ideation, attempted abortion, rape/non-con, domestic violence
We have Kerry Monkburn, the omega with a disability and a violent, abusive contracted alpha, our resident villain from books #1-2 (Wilbet Monhundy) and Janus Heelies, the asshole spoiled alpha from book #2, Alpha Heat, who is recovering from his illness and trying to reform from his philandering ways.
For the rest of my review on the blog (later on GR):
September 22, 2019
Básicamente es pregnancy!kink y todos los adyacentes, como breastfeed!kink, rodeado de un montón de información innecesaria. Esta serie empezó bastante bien, sobre todo por el tinte casi distópico y lúgubre en torno a los omegas y sus preñeces pero para mi está perdiendo interés con cada nuevo libro. Siento que se podría haber contado lo mismo con 100 páginas menos. Decepcionada 😥
August 10, 2022
4.5 stars - I adored Kerry in this, and grew to appreciate Janus. The emotional turmoil was extra intense in this story, but it made the HEA that much sweeter. I am a sucker for a small cabin in the woods vibe as well.
✨berries✨and✨cream✨
✨berries✨and✨cream✨
August 19, 2022
My favourite book of the series, and the one that I think has the strongest romance. I enjoyed Janus and Kerry both individually and as a couple. I really enjoyed Zeke, Fan and Dr. Crescent, as well. The absence of Urhole didn’t hurt either.
I do wish some things weren’t hinted at quite so much, and I think there was too much crammed into the epilogue (the last part of which I didn’t care for).
I do wish some things weren’t hinted at quite so much, and I think there was too much crammed into the epilogue (the last part of which I didn’t care for).
October 27, 2024
The idea of an alpha falling in love with an already married omega was intriguing enough on its own. The execution? Chef's kiss.
Is it sick that my favorite part of mpreg books is one MC getting so heavy with child that he starts waddling 😂🙈especially waddling away from arguments. That shit's funny AF.
Seeing mean, selfish Janus brought to his knees by a man who keeps saying he doesn't even want him is even funnier.
But then.....what he's willing to do for Kerry(a lot) was such a stark contrast from what he wasn't willing to even consider for Caleb(very little) that it couldn't be anything but love.
Funny how perspective changes your opinion on a character. In my previous review I called Janus a terrorist who should have died of the flu💀
In the last installment, he was the red flag. He's the green flag in this one. I hate when people absolve dickheads by saying 'we experience people differently' but.... 🙈🙈🙈
I mean, it DOES help that Caleb is such a vocal champion of Janus, too.
That said. Kerry being so jealous he scares Caleb about his baby being eaten by wild cats was not on my bingo card💀
Actually all his bouts of jealousy. "Keep your hands off him!" coming from a married omega ABOUT a man that's not his alpha husband? In broad daylight? Inject it.
But just like the other books in this series, interspersed within the lighthearted moments are small glimpses into the fucked up reality of omegas lives in this universe.
Kerry being forced to endure heat after heat with his rapist alpha husband and genuinely having no recourse because that's just how the world works was heartbreaking. No wonder he was so angry when Janus gave him hope.
My thoughts about that baby were more uncharitable than Kerry's so I won't say much on that aspect. All I'll say is that I could really empathize with his deep struggles to love it. And I wouldn't have judged him regardless.
That said. I love that we got the epilogue in bits. 7 months later. 15 months later. 4 years later. It's always nice to see a beloved couple getting on with their day to day lives minus the extreme drama of how they got together.
Is it sick that my favorite part of mpreg books is one MC getting so heavy with child that he starts waddling 😂🙈especially waddling away from arguments. That shit's funny AF.
Seeing mean, selfish Janus brought to his knees by a man who keeps saying he doesn't even want him is even funnier.
But then.....what he's willing to do for Kerry(a lot) was such a stark contrast from what he wasn't willing to even consider for Caleb(very little) that it couldn't be anything but love.
Funny how perspective changes your opinion on a character. In my previous review I called Janus a terrorist who should have died of the flu💀
In the last installment, he was the red flag. He's the green flag in this one. I hate when people absolve dickheads by saying 'we experience people differently' but.... 🙈🙈🙈
I mean, it DOES help that Caleb is such a vocal champion of Janus, too.
That said. Kerry being so jealous he scares Caleb about his baby being eaten by wild cats was not on my bingo card💀
Actually all his bouts of jealousy. "Keep your hands off him!" coming from a married omega ABOUT a man that's not his alpha husband? In broad daylight? Inject it.
But just like the other books in this series, interspersed within the lighthearted moments are small glimpses into the fucked up reality of omegas lives in this universe.
Kerry being forced to endure heat after heat with his rapist alpha husband and genuinely having no recourse because that's just how the world works was heartbreaking. No wonder he was so angry when Janus gave him hope.
My thoughts about that baby were more uncharitable than Kerry's so I won't say much on that aspect. All I'll say is that I could really empathize with his deep struggles to love it. And I wouldn't have judged him regardless.
That said. I love that we got the epilogue in bits. 7 months later. 15 months later. 4 years later. It's always nice to see a beloved couple getting on with their day to day lives minus the extreme drama of how they got together.
September 17, 2019
I enjoyed this latest book in Leta Blake’s Heat series, but not quite as much as the previous stories. There’s a missing chemistry that set the pages of the other books on fire long before the couples found an HEA. The characters themselves were well-developed and interesting and against what I thought would be the case, I actually really liked Janus. He was not likeable at all in previous books but in this one, he was not only likeable, he was honest, had a strong character, was teachable, and readily admitted his faults and failures. He showed remorse for past deeds with omegas in general, and with Caleb and then Xan, his alpha cousin, in particular.
We are set up to like Kerry Monkburn, who is the contracted omega to the very dastardly Wilmut Monhundy. Poor Kerry even has to go to the prison, where Wilmut is serving time for rape and torture of prostitutes, to complete his heats so Wilmut can impregnate him—and brutalize him as he’s doing it. That’s all been arranged by Wilmut’s parents, one of whom I’d like to toss off a bridge, the other being not so bad.
Kerry is a sweetheart and in so much emotional pain throughout the story, it was honestly hard to keep up to his moods. Because he was in such turmoil and angst and because he didn’t want to accept Janus’s friendship and, later, declaration of love, it was difficult for me to really engage with him.
So, all in all, though I liked the story, and I really appreciated the twist at the ending, I wasn’t quite as far over the moon with this one as I was with books one and two…hmm…especially book two, Alpha Heat, one of my all-time favorites.
We are set up to like Kerry Monkburn, who is the contracted omega to the very dastardly Wilmut Monhundy. Poor Kerry even has to go to the prison, where Wilmut is serving time for rape and torture of prostitutes, to complete his heats so Wilmut can impregnate him—and brutalize him as he’s doing it. That’s all been arranged by Wilmut’s parents, one of whom I’d like to toss off a bridge, the other being not so bad.
Kerry is a sweetheart and in so much emotional pain throughout the story, it was honestly hard to keep up to his moods. Because he was in such turmoil and angst and because he didn’t want to accept Janus’s friendship and, later, declaration of love, it was difficult for me to really engage with him.
So, all in all, though I liked the story, and I really appreciated the twist at the ending, I wasn’t quite as far over the moon with this one as I was with books one and two…hmm…especially book two, Alpha Heat, one of my all-time favorites.
March 9, 2020
***** A serious tale; Leta Blake's unique Omegaverse with all of it's issues and quirks.
We see good and bad, tender and cruel, love, hatred, and more.
Intense details, lots of information, parts are pleasant and parts that are also shocking. An interesting, very detailed intense story.
I'm glad I had read the previous book in this amazing series.
The ending is engrossing and heart-wrenching.
ENJOY !
=======
We see good and bad, tender and cruel, love, hatred, and more.
Intense details, lots of information, parts are pleasant and parts that are also shocking. An interesting, very detailed intense story.
I'm glad I had read the previous book in this amazing series.
The ending is engrossing and heart-wrenching.
ENJOY !
=======
June 15, 2021
Narration 5+++++ as to be expected from Michael Ferraiuolo.
May 27, 2024
All the emotions. This series has been so good, and this final book was wonderful. Loved it.
September 22, 2019
4.25 Stars
July 29, 2025
This has been an amazing series, this book was no exception. This is very much a redemption for Janus, the alpha cousin of Xan's who we met in Alpha Heat. Not to spoil anything but here's a really good twist at the end I didn't saw coming. 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 12, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Bitter Heat is the third book in Leta Blake’s engaging Heat of Love series. We met Janus in the prior book, Alpha Heat, as the antagonist. He was arrogant and self absorbed and had a sense of entitlement that put him at odds with his cousin Xan, as well as Xan’s omega, Caleb. Janus started his path to redemption in that book, and by the time we see him here, he is a changed man. While Janus is sometimes a bit out of his element in a community that is quite different than the posh world he once inhabited, he has become kind, caring, and generous. I was pleased that even though we don’t see the full transition on page in either book, I could really feel how much Janus had changed and could easily accept his new attitude and way of living.
Kerry and Janus have a sweetness together that I really enjoyed. This is kind of a slow burn as it takes a while for Kerry to feel comfortable with Janus and to let him in on his secrets. There is an attraction simmering from the start, but the friendship takes the forefront long before the men act on it. Janus and Kerry form such a lovely couple, with Janus doting and careful with Kerry in a way that he really needs after all his trauma. But even with the sweetness, there is a lot of heat here and the guys can’t hold off acting on their incredible attraction for one another. The more time they spend together, the more Janus is determined to help Kerry however he can.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Bitter Heat is the third book in Leta Blake’s engaging Heat of Love series. We met Janus in the prior book, Alpha Heat, as the antagonist. He was arrogant and self absorbed and had a sense of entitlement that put him at odds with his cousin Xan, as well as Xan’s omega, Caleb. Janus started his path to redemption in that book, and by the time we see him here, he is a changed man. While Janus is sometimes a bit out of his element in a community that is quite different than the posh world he once inhabited, he has become kind, caring, and generous. I was pleased that even though we don’t see the full transition on page in either book, I could really feel how much Janus had changed and could easily accept his new attitude and way of living.
Kerry and Janus have a sweetness together that I really enjoyed. This is kind of a slow burn as it takes a while for Kerry to feel comfortable with Janus and to let him in on his secrets. There is an attraction simmering from the start, but the friendship takes the forefront long before the men act on it. Janus and Kerry form such a lovely couple, with Janus doting and careful with Kerry in a way that he really needs after all his trauma. But even with the sweetness, there is a lot of heat here and the guys can’t hold off acting on their incredible attraction for one another. The more time they spend together, the more Janus is determined to help Kerry however he can.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
November 17, 2020
My favorite in the series. Review to come
May 22, 2021
Still debating whether this is a 2 or 3 star for me. I might change it, but figured I’d start here.
I’m uncertain about my rating because I skimmed more than I usually do. The internal dialogue was a lot and didn’t seem to drive the story forward. A bit felt repetitive because these characters and their motivations were obvious from the start so continuing to reveal the same things over and over didn’t serve the plot well.
I did like the story and the characters. I wanted to know what happened. It was pretty obvious where it was going to go, but I did hope the less neatly packaged option would have been chosen. I feel like I was let down that there wasn’t more of a fight.
This was a much darker story and there was an insane amount of mpreg. I wasn’t into it. It wasn’t hot. To be fair, I wouldn’t want to read a het novel about pregnancy either. It’s not my kink. I’m not basing my review on that, but I was disappointed because the previous two books in the series didn’t focus so heavily on that topic.
I do love the world created and will read any more books put out!
I’m uncertain about my rating because I skimmed more than I usually do. The internal dialogue was a lot and didn’t seem to drive the story forward. A bit felt repetitive because these characters and their motivations were obvious from the start so continuing to reveal the same things over and over didn’t serve the plot well.
I did like the story and the characters. I wanted to know what happened. It was pretty obvious where it was going to go, but I did hope the less neatly packaged option would have been chosen. I feel like I was let down that there wasn’t more of a fight.
This was a much darker story and there was an insane amount of mpreg. I wasn’t into it. It wasn’t hot. To be fair, I wouldn’t want to read a het novel about pregnancy either. It’s not my kink. I’m not basing my review on that, but I was disappointed because the previous two books in the series didn’t focus so heavily on that topic.
I do love the world created and will read any more books put out!
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