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Turn Up the Heat #1
Make Me Burn
These sizzling Seattle firefighters are melting hearts...
Reporter Avery Dearborn hasn't had the best day. She was filmed fending off a lovesick dog before being rescued from falling flat on her face by none other than her arch nemesis. Seattle firefighter Brad Battle hasn't changed at all in the five years since she last saw him. He's still handsome, hot, and charming―to everyone but her.
Brad can't believe his bad luck to run into Avery, of all people. But to make matters worse, their shared chemistry on screen goes viral. Soon he's forced to work with her on live TV. The spot will help the local animal charity and make the fire department look good, so who is he to disobey a direct order to cooperate?
Trust takes time, but as Avery and Brad come to realize they are different people than when they first met, anger turns to irresistible attraction, and hard feelings into hot sex. But letting the past stay in the past isn't as easy as it sounds. And if they're not careful, they'll both get burned.
Reporter Avery Dearborn hasn't had the best day. She was filmed fending off a lovesick dog before being rescued from falling flat on her face by none other than her arch nemesis. Seattle firefighter Brad Battle hasn't changed at all in the five years since she last saw him. He's still handsome, hot, and charming―to everyone but her.
Brad can't believe his bad luck to run into Avery, of all people. But to make matters worse, their shared chemistry on screen goes viral. Soon he's forced to work with her on live TV. The spot will help the local animal charity and make the fire department look good, so who is he to disobey a direct order to cooperate?
Trust takes time, but as Avery and Brad come to realize they are different people than when they first met, anger turns to irresistible attraction, and hard feelings into hot sex. But letting the past stay in the past isn't as easy as it sounds. And if they're not careful, they'll both get burned.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 25, 2021
80 people are currently reading
421 people want to read
About the author
Marie Harte
199 books2,406 followersImportant:: Marie Harte is NOT active on GoodReads, so to contact her, please use her website at marieharte.com.
Caffeine addict, boy referee, and romance aficionado, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Marie Harte has over 100 books published with more constantly on the way. She’s a confessed bibliophile and devotee of action movies. Whether hiking in Central Oregon, biking around town, or hanging at the local tea shop, she’s constantly plotting to give everyone a happily ever after. Visit http://marieharte.com and fall in love.
Caffeine addict, boy referee, and romance aficionado, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Marie Harte has over 100 books published with more constantly on the way. She’s a confessed bibliophile and devotee of action movies. Whether hiking in Central Oregon, biking around town, or hanging at the local tea shop, she’s constantly plotting to give everyone a happily ever after. Visit http://marieharte.com and fall in love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
May 26, 2021
I made it 15% before giving this one up. I really didn't like either Brad or Avery, not really sure why, but both of them irritated me from the moment they hit the page. It didn't help that they had a past and didn't like each other, which made it harder for me to want to keep reading. This one just isn't for me.
April 14, 2022
This was fine but overburdened with mediocre sex scenes. I did a lot of skimming by the end. Good grovel, though.
May 27, 2021
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Fresh Fiction
Marie Harte returns with a brand new firefighter series. The Turn Up the Heat series kicks off with MAKE ME BURN. It’s a story about developing trust between a reporter named Avery Dearborn and a Seattle firefighter named Brad Battle. The two haven’t been on the best of terms, mostly because Brad happens to charm everyone he knows except for her.
This story is rife with hilarious banter and fun antics. This is one of my favorite things about Marie Harte’s Contemporary Romance. But sometimes, it can feel a bit over the top at times. Nevertheless, MAKE ME BURN is an entertaining read that makes me excited about this new series. I feel like you can’t really go wrong with firefighters.
Surprisingly, there is minimal detail when it comes to actual firefighting. I was expecting a little bit more, but the most important details do come across to make it feel authentic. With a sweet blooming romance and plenty of laughter to make your stomach ache, you’ll bound to enjoy this new series. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
Marie Harte returns with a brand new firefighter series. The Turn Up the Heat series kicks off with MAKE ME BURN. It’s a story about developing trust between a reporter named Avery Dearborn and a Seattle firefighter named Brad Battle. The two haven’t been on the best of terms, mostly because Brad happens to charm everyone he knows except for her.
This story is rife with hilarious banter and fun antics. This is one of my favorite things about Marie Harte’s Contemporary Romance. But sometimes, it can feel a bit over the top at times. Nevertheless, MAKE ME BURN is an entertaining read that makes me excited about this new series. I feel like you can’t really go wrong with firefighters.
Surprisingly, there is minimal detail when it comes to actual firefighting. I was expecting a little bit more, but the most important details do come across to make it feel authentic. With a sweet blooming romance and plenty of laughter to make your stomach ache, you’ll bound to enjoy this new series. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
May 28, 2021
Disappointed with this book. I miss the days of the McCauley’s and Donnigan’s. This book was all internalized dialogue and not enough between characters.
August 27, 2021
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Harte is new to me, and I did enjoy the story parts of this one. The hero was especially complicated, as were the family dynamics. This probably leaned a bit more erotic romance than what I look for, but the appreciated the hero's journey and the ending was warm and fuzzy, the way I like it.
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Harte is new to me, and I did enjoy the story parts of this one. The hero was especially complicated, as were the family dynamics. This probably leaned a bit more erotic romance than what I look for, but the appreciated the hero's journey and the ending was warm and fuzzy, the way I like it.
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June 14, 2021
I enjoyed this book, and the characters. A good start to a new series.
August 13, 2021
Make Me Burn by Marie Harte is the first in her new Turn Up the Heat series, set in Seattle, Washington.
Firefighter Brad Battle comes to reporter Avery Dearborn’s aid at the filming of a piece at the local festival in support of Pets Fur Life, a group that works to find homes for furry friends in need. Their onscreen chemistry inspires her boss to assign them to an ongoing weekly spot. Little do their friends or anyone know that they’ve met before, when Avery was writing harder hitting pieces, and her investigation brought up painful history for Brad.
Brad and Avery definitely throw off sparks when they’re together, and their friends and families can’t help but see that there’s something there whether they care to admit it or not. Marie Harte gives them space to grow a friendship and more. Neither of them is perfect or unscathed by life, and it is heartening to watch them grapple with how best to acknowledge that without wallowing in what they’ve wrestled with.
Ms Harte’s characters feel real and well fleshed out. Their friends and families are equally well drawn, and their encouragement and banter full of humor and heart. I also loved seeing little cameos from characters I’ve read in her other series, just a fun little nod for previous readers.
Very much looking forward to more in this series!
Firefighter Brad Battle comes to reporter Avery Dearborn’s aid at the filming of a piece at the local festival in support of Pets Fur Life, a group that works to find homes for furry friends in need. Their onscreen chemistry inspires her boss to assign them to an ongoing weekly spot. Little do their friends or anyone know that they’ve met before, when Avery was writing harder hitting pieces, and her investigation brought up painful history for Brad.
Brad and Avery definitely throw off sparks when they’re together, and their friends and families can’t help but see that there’s something there whether they care to admit it or not. Marie Harte gives them space to grow a friendship and more. Neither of them is perfect or unscathed by life, and it is heartening to watch them grapple with how best to acknowledge that without wallowing in what they’ve wrestled with.
Ms Harte’s characters feel real and well fleshed out. Their friends and families are equally well drawn, and their encouragement and banter full of humor and heart. I also loved seeing little cameos from characters I’ve read in her other series, just a fun little nod for previous readers.
Very much looking forward to more in this series!
June 21, 2021
Not her best work
I usually like Marie's writing, but after awhile I didn't like the character Brad. He was a bit too whiny for my taste.
I usually like Marie's writing, but after awhile I didn't like the character Brad. He was a bit too whiny for my taste.
March 15, 2022
I disliked the narrator, her enunciation was weird and I think I've listened to something else she has narrated and thought the same thing (I haven't. Just another narrator who speaks similarly). So that detracted from the book. Unfortunately my only access to this series are the audiobooks blahhh. The bickering between the MCs was pretty funny but also kind of annoying because it got to be too much. This was a mediocre romance novel and I've read a TON lately. Nothing stand-out, it was fine. Some of the language was a bit ick for me. I'm ready for Tex's book. He reminded me of Ike from the short-lived comedy show Tacoma FD.
May 24, 2021
4.25 star packed with heat and passion. Brad and Avery will make you laugh, cry and scream as they find their way from enemies to the best of lovers in this beginning to a brand new sexy and fantastic series.
For full review see the blog at:
https://romancewitchreviews.blogspot....
For full review see the blog at:
https://romancewitchreviews.blogspot....
May 25, 2021
An enemies to lovers romantic comedy with a small town feel. This book contains hot first responders, cute pets, family drama, comedy relief and a love story with a happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 21, 2021
3.75 stars--MAKE ME BURN is the first instalment in Marie Harte’s contemporary, adult TURN UP THE HEAT erotic, firefighter romance series focusing on a group of first responders in the Seattle Fire Department. This is twenty-eight year old reporter Avery Dearborn, and thirty-two year old firefighter /EMT Brad Battle’s story line.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, and one plot point in particular, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from several third person perspectives including Brad and Avery MAKE ME BURN follows the acrimonious but building relationship between twenty-eight year old reporter Avery Dearborn, and thirty-two year old firefighter /EMT Brad Battle. Approximately five years earlier, Avery Dearborn wanted to make a name for herself in the world of journalism by writing a hard hitting piece about the return of a US Marine from his tour overseas but the star of her report wanted nothing to do with the article or his return as a hero, struggling with the atrocities and losses of friends and Marines. Fast forward to present day wherein the fall-out of the report continues to find our couple at odds with one another, odds that increase when they are forced to work together for the local pet adoption agency-Pets Fur Life. Years of anger transferred as sexual tension and chemistry on camera, but a series of mishaps, and the resulting viral video finds our couple on the receiving end of a positive social media campaign where having to work side by side forces the couple to relive what happened years before. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Avery and Brad, and the potential fall-out as Brad’s demons refuse to let go.
Avery Dearborn never wanted to report about our story line hero knowing Brad was reluctant at every turn but coming from a family of successful journalists, Avery wanted to prove that she was capable of holding her own. Reconnecting with Brad meant having to relive the drama created by her reluctant subject, drama that wuld directly affect her future going forward. Brad Battle has struggled with years of guilt having lost someone he once held dear, and Avery’s demands pushed our hero over the edge. Making sure to poke the bear at every opportunity, Brad began to push all of our heroine’s button, a push that would bring the couple closer together.
The relationship between Avery and Brad is tempestuous at best- an enemies to frenemies to lovers relationship in which our heroine’s attitude is often a contentious point between our leading couple.Avery blamed our hero for her current direction in life but also placed the blame squarely on the shoulders of someone else. At odds with one another, the back and forth vitriol and sarcastic comments barely disguised the thinly veiled sexual attraction between our leading couple. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to several members of the Seattle Fire Department: former Marine Tex McGovern, former sailor Reggie, Air Force Mack, Hernandez, Washkowski, and Marcus; as well as Brad’s brother Oscar; Avery’s roommate and co-worker Gerty; their boss Emil Watts; Brad’s mother Vivienne, and her girlfriend Rochelle; and Avery’s parents Lennox and June King. The camaraderie between the firefighters is fast and furious but is often sexist and immature.
MAKE ME BURN is a story of family, friendships, relationships and loss; a story of love, acceptance, betrayal and expectations. The premise is entertaining; the romance is passionate; the characters are energetic and colorful but struggling with dysfunctional family drama and unresolved childhood issues that control a good portion of their adult lives.
www.thereadingcafe.com
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, and one plot point in particular, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from several third person perspectives including Brad and Avery MAKE ME BURN follows the acrimonious but building relationship between twenty-eight year old reporter Avery Dearborn, and thirty-two year old firefighter /EMT Brad Battle. Approximately five years earlier, Avery Dearborn wanted to make a name for herself in the world of journalism by writing a hard hitting piece about the return of a US Marine from his tour overseas but the star of her report wanted nothing to do with the article or his return as a hero, struggling with the atrocities and losses of friends and Marines. Fast forward to present day wherein the fall-out of the report continues to find our couple at odds with one another, odds that increase when they are forced to work together for the local pet adoption agency-Pets Fur Life. Years of anger transferred as sexual tension and chemistry on camera, but a series of mishaps, and the resulting viral video finds our couple on the receiving end of a positive social media campaign where having to work side by side forces the couple to relive what happened years before. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Avery and Brad, and the potential fall-out as Brad’s demons refuse to let go.
Avery Dearborn never wanted to report about our story line hero knowing Brad was reluctant at every turn but coming from a family of successful journalists, Avery wanted to prove that she was capable of holding her own. Reconnecting with Brad meant having to relive the drama created by her reluctant subject, drama that wuld directly affect her future going forward. Brad Battle has struggled with years of guilt having lost someone he once held dear, and Avery’s demands pushed our hero over the edge. Making sure to poke the bear at every opportunity, Brad began to push all of our heroine’s button, a push that would bring the couple closer together.
The relationship between Avery and Brad is tempestuous at best- an enemies to frenemies to lovers relationship in which our heroine’s attitude is often a contentious point between our leading couple.Avery blamed our hero for her current direction in life but also placed the blame squarely on the shoulders of someone else. At odds with one another, the back and forth vitriol and sarcastic comments barely disguised the thinly veiled sexual attraction between our leading couple. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to several members of the Seattle Fire Department: former Marine Tex McGovern, former sailor Reggie, Air Force Mack, Hernandez, Washkowski, and Marcus; as well as Brad’s brother Oscar; Avery’s roommate and co-worker Gerty; their boss Emil Watts; Brad’s mother Vivienne, and her girlfriend Rochelle; and Avery’s parents Lennox and June King. The camaraderie between the firefighters is fast and furious but is often sexist and immature.
MAKE ME BURN is a story of family, friendships, relationships and loss; a story of love, acceptance, betrayal and expectations. The premise is entertaining; the romance is passionate; the characters are energetic and colorful but struggling with dysfunctional family drama and unresolved childhood issues that control a good portion of their adult lives.
www.thereadingcafe.com
March 2, 2021
I would have loved this book if I read it in the '90s but sadly the over-aggressive locker room talk between the firefighters tinged with slight homophobia and sexism, and an emotionally stunted hero who clearly needs therapy who just seems to work his shit out all on his own isn't really what I want to spend my time reading in 2021. It's a shame because Avery was a fantastic MC whom I loved and her best friend Gerty was the perfect counterbalance (who very clearly deserves her own book).
January 1, 2025
Not sure if the writer set out to write the most boring romance ever but they definitely succeeded 🥱💤😩
September 11, 2022
I honestly don't have that much energy to dissect this boring and honestly very unsexy novel truly, but I will try my best.
I feel like I should first address that I am not this book's target demographic by any means and that reading this book was more of a joke with a friend than anything. That said, regarding the genre it falls under, this book was objectively bad, and I don't need to be an avid romance reader to realize that.
The book starts with a very obscure situation in which Avery, one of the protagonists, is humped by a dog on live television while reporting on a dog adoption promotion run by her news station. It then gets weirder with her tripping on fake dog poop on the stage (which why would that even be there??) and then caught by super hunk FD, Brad Battle. Admittedly, I dig the very fake (sorta strippery) name that Mr. Battle possesses. It is then revealed that the pair have a history due to Avery writing a story about Mr. Battle when he was in the marine corps. The story was written and published without his knowledge, and it caused him to be thrown into the public eye (in a positive light). I may be iffy on some details because this entire plot line was honestly pretty uninteresting, but I am pretty sure that is the gist. This situation caused the pair to have one of the most pathetic displays of one of my favorite romantic tropes, enemies to lovers.
There's a lot of in-between content that I am going to gloss over because between the plot and the dialogue, there wasn't much sustenance.
Based off of my own personal rating system, this novel was consistently a two-star read for me until I added up together all the red flags it contained. Some of these red flags are:
~The sex is god awful and making me cringe every single time there was a sex scene. This mainly has to do with the "bedroom talk."
["'Put your breast in my mouth.'
'The whole thing?'
He laughed. 'Let's start with a nipple. Because yours are so pretty and tight and pink.'"]
~The mom and her girlfriend were used as the token gay, which doesn't bother me as much as others, but what irritated me was when Avery got turned on by Brad talking about how he is supportive of his mom and girlfriend. A couple of things about that: 1. Ew. 2. Being supportive of your mom in a same sex relationship is the bare minimum, and it's so annoying when men get praised for doing that.
~The fucking ending was indeed the cherry on top of this crap stack where after Brad not saying he loved Avery back (which honestly I didn't care about because the chemistry was lacking, in my opinion), he went to go apologize to Avery whilst gaslighting her into forgiving him by claiming if he was able to forgive his berating mother and ex-girlfriend for killing herself, she should be able to forgive him. And to no surprise, it fucking works.
["'We're perfect for each other. But that means you have to forgive me.' His hands fisted my lap. 'The way I've been working to forgive my mom. The way I forgive Dana for leaving me.'"]
~Take this one as you will, but I didn't love the introduction of Dana. It felt like some attempt to make you feel bad for Mr. Battle when anytime he mentioned her was to put her down and hate her for killing herself because it felt like a personal attack to him that she did it. I'm not going to sit here and say that isn't how people feel that have lost people to suicide, but it doesn't sit well with me that her suicide was thrown in Avery's face to forgive Brad.
Overall, this was an unenjoyable read for me and sent me into the biggest reading slump. It took me nearly a month to read this book which is not due to it being a lengthy read, as it is not, but because it felt like a chore to read, which is never how a book should make you feel.
I feel like I should first address that I am not this book's target demographic by any means and that reading this book was more of a joke with a friend than anything. That said, regarding the genre it falls under, this book was objectively bad, and I don't need to be an avid romance reader to realize that.
The book starts with a very obscure situation in which Avery, one of the protagonists, is humped by a dog on live television while reporting on a dog adoption promotion run by her news station. It then gets weirder with her tripping on fake dog poop on the stage (which why would that even be there??) and then caught by super hunk FD, Brad Battle. Admittedly, I dig the very fake (sorta strippery) name that Mr. Battle possesses. It is then revealed that the pair have a history due to Avery writing a story about Mr. Battle when he was in the marine corps. The story was written and published without his knowledge, and it caused him to be thrown into the public eye (in a positive light). I may be iffy on some details because this entire plot line was honestly pretty uninteresting, but I am pretty sure that is the gist. This situation caused the pair to have one of the most pathetic displays of one of my favorite romantic tropes, enemies to lovers.
There's a lot of in-between content that I am going to gloss over because between the plot and the dialogue, there wasn't much sustenance.
Based off of my own personal rating system, this novel was consistently a two-star read for me until I added up together all the red flags it contained. Some of these red flags are:
~The sex is god awful and making me cringe every single time there was a sex scene. This mainly has to do with the "bedroom talk."
["'Put your breast in my mouth.'
'The whole thing?'
He laughed. 'Let's start with a nipple. Because yours are so pretty and tight and pink.'"]
~The mom and her girlfriend were used as the token gay, which doesn't bother me as much as others, but what irritated me was when Avery got turned on by Brad talking about how he is supportive of his mom and girlfriend. A couple of things about that: 1. Ew. 2. Being supportive of your mom in a same sex relationship is the bare minimum, and it's so annoying when men get praised for doing that.
~The fucking ending was indeed the cherry on top of this crap stack where after Brad not saying he loved Avery back (which honestly I didn't care about because the chemistry was lacking, in my opinion), he went to go apologize to Avery whilst gaslighting her into forgiving him by claiming if he was able to forgive his berating mother and ex-girlfriend for killing herself, she should be able to forgive him. And to no surprise, it fucking works.
["'We're perfect for each other. But that means you have to forgive me.' His hands fisted my lap. 'The way I've been working to forgive my mom. The way I forgive Dana for leaving me.'"]
~Take this one as you will, but I didn't love the introduction of Dana. It felt like some attempt to make you feel bad for Mr. Battle when anytime he mentioned her was to put her down and hate her for killing herself because it felt like a personal attack to him that she did it. I'm not going to sit here and say that isn't how people feel that have lost people to suicide, but it doesn't sit well with me that her suicide was thrown in Avery's face to forgive Brad.
Overall, this was an unenjoyable read for me and sent me into the biggest reading slump. It took me nearly a month to read this book which is not due to it being a lengthy read, as it is not, but because it felt like a chore to read, which is never how a book should make you feel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2021
This is an interesting first responder former military romance that features enemies to lovers trope. I love Marie Harte's stories so I couldn't wait to dig in. It didn't disappoint. Marie has a gift of writing a tight group of friends and banter between the characters that makes it so real and humorous. I get warm fuzzies when I read her stories. And they're so hot! The chemistry between these two characters is off the charts. They are forced by their bosses into a short reoccurring video bit for their favorite Pets Fur Life charity and it simmers with their onscreen charisma. I just loved it and can't wait for Tex's story next!
Avery Dearborn is an only daughter of a world renown investigative reporter trying her best gain his respect. She's tried being an investigative reporter and managed to botch it and make war hero Brad Battle her nemeses. Now she's happily a reporter for Seattle's Searching The Needle Weekly full of interesting local stories and weird rumor stories. It's a quirky and fun weekly that's gaining readership for his happy local stories. When covering a fund raiser for Pets Fur Life she's rescued from tripping over fake dog poop by none other than Seattle's fireman Brad Battle. Their onscreen spark is so good that the video goes viral. And so starts the weekly filming of a 10 minute spot for Pets Fur Life at the insistence of their respective bosses. The more time they spend together the more they find things in common, not the least of which is the draw they have for each other. Next thing they know they're finding themselves sharing passionate kisses.
I really enjoyed getting to know the bros at Station 44 and their tight knit friendship. Avery has a roommate-best friend that's geeky and fun as well. Brad has so much he's buried from his family and elite military service he ends dealing with in order to find his HEA with Avery. And Avery has to find peace with who she is and get over having to try to please her Dad. This is a great story!
I received a copy of this book from the author as a gift. I voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Avery Dearborn is an only daughter of a world renown investigative reporter trying her best gain his respect. She's tried being an investigative reporter and managed to botch it and make war hero Brad Battle her nemeses. Now she's happily a reporter for Seattle's Searching The Needle Weekly full of interesting local stories and weird rumor stories. It's a quirky and fun weekly that's gaining readership for his happy local stories. When covering a fund raiser for Pets Fur Life she's rescued from tripping over fake dog poop by none other than Seattle's fireman Brad Battle. Their onscreen spark is so good that the video goes viral. And so starts the weekly filming of a 10 minute spot for Pets Fur Life at the insistence of their respective bosses. The more time they spend together the more they find things in common, not the least of which is the draw they have for each other. Next thing they know they're finding themselves sharing passionate kisses.
I really enjoyed getting to know the bros at Station 44 and their tight knit friendship. Avery has a roommate-best friend that's geeky and fun as well. Brad has so much he's buried from his family and elite military service he ends dealing with in order to find his HEA with Avery. And Avery has to find peace with who she is and get over having to try to please her Dad. This is a great story!
I received a copy of this book from the author as a gift. I voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 2, 2022
Fun story about an antagonistic pair-- an ex-Marine firefighter and a journalist who wants to focus on fun, fluffy lifestyle kinds of stories, unlike the gritty, investigative kinds of stories her father did. She wrote one of those about the hero a few years ago, though he didn't want it, so they've got bad attitudes about each other. But when he shows up while she's doing a pet-adoption promo for her new job at an online magazine, and the dog she's trying to get adopted jumps up on her, appearing to dance, they go viral. Mostly because he rescues her from getting knocked over, and they snark at each other a while. The shift from enemies to more than friends isn't instantaneous, but it makes sense, even the fact that it zooms past mere tolerance to hot kissing when they get mostly past the antagonism. There are more issues than the heroine's dad's attitude. The hero is hung up on several things, from family to a dead friend. The relationship between hero and heroine is cute and full of snarky banter. The hero's partners on his fire station shift are funny guys playing pranks on each other, and that's fun to read. It's a good book. I liked it a lot.
May 26, 2021
Make Me Burn is a steamy beach read. If you are an enemies to lovers trope fan, then this book is for you. Journalist Avery Dearborn and firefighter Brad Battle don’t like each other at first. They don’t trust each other either. Then a chance encounter at a festival throws them together, which leads to working together on a weekly segment for a local fluff newspaper. One thing leads to another and the sexual chemistry cannot be denied.
There’s witty banter galore; the sexy times are steamy. The plot isn’t all fluff, however. Both Avery and Brad learn to cope with some pretty angsty emotional trauma. For Avery, she has to learn that her father will never love her unconditionally and Brad has to reconcile guilt he feels for his best friend, who committed suicide (CW). It’s all balanced, though, so these sub-plots don’t distract from the obvious chemistry brewing between Avery and Brad. Having said that, however, skip this one if the subject of suicide upsets you.
There’s witty banter galore; the sexy times are steamy. The plot isn’t all fluff, however. Both Avery and Brad learn to cope with some pretty angsty emotional trauma. For Avery, she has to learn that her father will never love her unconditionally and Brad has to reconcile guilt he feels for his best friend, who committed suicide (CW). It’s all balanced, though, so these sub-plots don’t distract from the obvious chemistry brewing between Avery and Brad. Having said that, however, skip this one if the subject of suicide upsets you.
July 1, 2021
4 star
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, secrets, and heartbreak.
This is Avery and Brad’s story. These two have crazy chemistry but are at odds. He was a war hero, and she did an article on him that he was not incredibly happy with. Since then, they really don’t like each other. Now after being seen together, they are forced to work close together at an animal shelter. Neither is happy but all the chemistry has them pushing each other’s buttons. Soon all the close work turns into something more. But he is still fighting demons over what he lost before the article, and he is having trouble letting it go. The more they move forward with a relationship the move that is still in the back of his mind. Can he let go or will he have to give up on the idea of having a future with Avery?
I recommend this book.
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, secrets, and heartbreak.
This is Avery and Brad’s story. These two have crazy chemistry but are at odds. He was a war hero, and she did an article on him that he was not incredibly happy with. Since then, they really don’t like each other. Now after being seen together, they are forced to work close together at an animal shelter. Neither is happy but all the chemistry has them pushing each other’s buttons. Soon all the close work turns into something more. But he is still fighting demons over what he lost before the article, and he is having trouble letting it go. The more they move forward with a relationship the move that is still in the back of his mind. Can he let go or will he have to give up on the idea of having a future with Avery?
I recommend this book.
August 15, 2021
Make Me Burn is the newest and most-wicked-amazing story from Marie Harte! She continues on with her extensive world-building in and around the Seattle Area with her newest story of Avery & Brad. We have sexy firefighters, shenanigans, witty banter, lust, blazing hot sex, all the emotions, humor, real-world issues and a lot adorable furry animals. Marie Harte does it again! Favorite Characters from her other novels pop up in this story. Avery and Brad are relatable, likeable strong characters. Marie's writes with an authenticity to details, growing relationships, family & friend dynamics, emotions and balances it out with scorching sex, feel-good romance and laugh out loud humor. Give yourself a treat and read this book! Definitely looking forward to her next books in this series. I received an ARC for my honest review. 😊🌴🌺
October 11, 2021
It’s boring. The banter between the characters is grating and has an edge of cruelty. I think this book suffers from not knowing it’s audience. It seems to be written for men? The way the guys talk is disgusting and seemed to be something only a man would enjoy. I also found the sex scenes very male focused with more of a description of averys body. One line that I found really disgusting :
She blushed. “I, ah, sometimes play with Gerty” his eyes widened, as did oscars. She then explains it’s the video game. Then Oscar says “that would be something to see, eh?”
EWWWW!!!!! That comment is such a disgusting red flag! I also found it gross that the main characters were having a date in a coffee shop and kept making gross sex jokes about swallowing! Like who is reading this and finding this romantic & sexy ?
She blushed. “I, ah, sometimes play with Gerty” his eyes widened, as did oscars. She then explains it’s the video game. Then Oscar says “that would be something to see, eh?”
EWWWW!!!!! That comment is such a disgusting red flag! I also found it gross that the main characters were having a date in a coffee shop and kept making gross sex jokes about swallowing! Like who is reading this and finding this romantic & sexy ?
May 25, 2021
This book is worth way more than 5*s.
Five years ago Avery wrote an article about Brad Battle and he has hated her ever since. When he helps her with a dog that is getting over amorous and it's all on film her company wants them to work together on some short films to help a local animal shelter.
They should both hate having to work so close together but the chemistry is off the charts.
The book is full of emotion and plenty of drama but also some many funny lines.
They get closer but when his emotions are pushed too far he takes it out on Avery.
Can she forgive him or is that the end of their relationship.
A brilliant read and not to be missed.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Five years ago Avery wrote an article about Brad Battle and he has hated her ever since. When he helps her with a dog that is getting over amorous and it's all on film her company wants them to work together on some short films to help a local animal shelter.
They should both hate having to work so close together but the chemistry is off the charts.
The book is full of emotion and plenty of drama but also some many funny lines.
They get closer but when his emotions are pushed too far he takes it out on Avery.
Can she forgive him or is that the end of their relationship.
A brilliant read and not to be missed.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
August 25, 2023
I enjoyed this story with all the characters within. The main characters were Avery Dearborn and Brad Battle.
Avery Dearborn is a reporter. The town that she lives in is have a animal festival for a animal shelter. While reporting a lovesick dog tries to attack her leg. She about to fall when a guy saves her. This guy she finds out is a guy that she doesn't like.
Brad Battle is a firefighter. He and another firefighter have to go to the festival in town. While there he see a woman that looks familiar. He finds out who she is when she almost fells off the stage.
This was a fun story to read. It had action and drama throughout. It had a few giggles or laughs within.
I saw this and decided to try it through my Kindle Unlimited. This is my honest unbiased opinions.
Avery Dearborn is a reporter. The town that she lives in is have a animal festival for a animal shelter. While reporting a lovesick dog tries to attack her leg. She about to fall when a guy saves her. This guy she finds out is a guy that she doesn't like.
Brad Battle is a firefighter. He and another firefighter have to go to the festival in town. While there he see a woman that looks familiar. He finds out who she is when she almost fells off the stage.
This was a fun story to read. It had action and drama throughout. It had a few giggles or laughs within.
I saw this and decided to try it through my Kindle Unlimited. This is my honest unbiased opinions.
May 25, 2021
received an arc for an honest review. Sexy firefighters who doesn’t love that?! Firefighters and pets needing adoption are swoon worthy combos for sure. Some viral videos of animals acting like excited animals just needing some loves. So much chemistry between the two characters. There was sexual chemistry and lots of hate and anger as well. Both of them need to work some stuff out one has some daddy issues the other has some mommy issues and guilt. It was a great read and I can’t wait to read about the other guys. If I could watch the viral videos of these weekly news shows I would. I was laughing so hard especially the first video.
May 25, 2021
3.5 Stars!
Make Me Burn is the first book from Marie Harte's brand new series, Turn Up the Heat. It is an enemies to frenemies to lovers narrative that takes place in a small town near Seattle. The two main characters, lifestyle reporter Avery Dearborn and firefighter Brad Battle, have a history that they need to overcome in order to find their happiness together.
I found the pace of this book to be a bit slow for my tastes, but I enjoyed the commardiare between the firefighters and friendship between Avery and her best friend Gerty. Overall, a nice contemporary read.
Complimentary copy provided.
Make Me Burn is the first book from Marie Harte's brand new series, Turn Up the Heat. It is an enemies to frenemies to lovers narrative that takes place in a small town near Seattle. The two main characters, lifestyle reporter Avery Dearborn and firefighter Brad Battle, have a history that they need to overcome in order to find their happiness together.
I found the pace of this book to be a bit slow for my tastes, but I enjoyed the commardiare between the firefighters and friendship between Avery and her best friend Gerty. Overall, a nice contemporary read.
Complimentary copy provided.
July 13, 2022
real rating 4.75 stars
i'm not afraid to tell anyone who listens that Marie Harte is one of my favorite contemporary authors. i wasn't quite sure what i was in for with this new quartet, as i am so attached to the body shop bad boys series and am very protective of that space in my heart, but this first book pleasantly surprised me. her writing truly has improved in such leaps and bounds from what was amazing to being with and i enjoyed reading this one perhaps even more than her earlier books which i treasure so much.
she made me fall in love with a man named damn brad. high praise from me. 😌 looking forward to the rest of the series.
i'm not afraid to tell anyone who listens that Marie Harte is one of my favorite contemporary authors. i wasn't quite sure what i was in for with this new quartet, as i am so attached to the body shop bad boys series and am very protective of that space in my heart, but this first book pleasantly surprised me. her writing truly has improved in such leaps and bounds from what was amazing to being with and i enjoyed reading this one perhaps even more than her earlier books which i treasure so much.
she made me fall in love with a man named damn brad. high praise from me. 😌 looking forward to the rest of the series.
May 16, 2021
Feel-good reporter Avery's favourites include pets, weddings and happy moments in people's lives. Making smiles and fun memories is more of her jam. But her past comes back to haunt her when she is teamed up with Brad Battle. Her hard-core investigative report on his heroism caused her endless grief and sadness and put a wall of distrust between them. Will the antics of a playful pooch and recurring Friday morning televised spot change the animosity they share? Will the charm Brad displays with everyone else smooth over the rough edges?
May 25, 2021
This was a sweet firefighter, enemies to lovers romance written in the classic Marie Harte way.
Fully of steam, laughs and heart.
I think my favorite parts were with Brad's firehouse buddies (excited to read Tex's story) and Avery and Gerty.
I wasn't a huge fan of the family drama, but I suppose you need a touch of drama in some form.
I enjoyed this and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
if you liked the McCauley Bros, the Donnigans and the body shop bad boys, you should definitely pick this up.
Fully of steam, laughs and heart.
I think my favorite parts were with Brad's firehouse buddies (excited to read Tex's story) and Avery and Gerty.
I wasn't a huge fan of the family drama, but I suppose you need a touch of drama in some form.
I enjoyed this and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
if you liked the McCauley Bros, the Donnigans and the body shop bad boys, you should definitely pick this up.
May 26, 2021
This is a cute start to a new series, about firefighters. I will admit it took me a little bit to really get into the book, but it has a lot of funny moments between Avery and the animals. Brad is a really good guy who is reeling after his time in the Marines, childhood, and the death of his best friend. I liked that we got to see Brad's brother fall in love as well. You can tell the characters surrounding the main characters are more like family than friends and that is great to see. I enjoyed this book and recommend it!
Received ARC in exchange for voluntary honest review
Received ARC in exchange for voluntary honest review
May 4, 2022
This is not the best work of Harte's. Maybe it's the foes to lovers trope, or maybe it's Brad's constant guilt trip, I didn't really feel real connection between Brad and Avery. Avery was lovely and brave, I love her sense of humour and strength, but I just don't feel any real deep connection between her and Brad. And to be honest, if a man can be emotionally scared enough to ghost you after you say the L-word to him, chances are he'll do that again. So I don't feel so confident about their relationship in the long run.
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