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The Heat Chronicles #1
In Heat
A mating ritual as old as time could be the death of them both…
Jax’s yearly mating cycle couldn’t come at a more inconvenient time. He’s on the verge of ending seven years of exile and claiming his birthright, but for 24 hours he’ll be vulnerable to his enemies, alone and in agony—unless he can find a willing partner. He thinks he’s found the perfect solution in the beautiful slave Waverly. He’ll buy her at any price, and after it’s over, he’ll give her the one thing all slaves crave. Freedom.
But Waverly isn’t really a slave. She’s a transport pilot double crossed by Junkeaters and sold to a notorious gunrunner. Escape is the only thing on her mind—and she better disappear fast, before her own heat reaches a crescendo.
Before she can slip away, the overpowering need to mate crashes over them, the intensity taking them both by surprise. But the Inter-World Council is out to hang Jax for a crime he didn’t commit, Junkeaters are hot on their trail, and ruthless arms traders are gunning for them.
Their passion may burn hot enough to last a lifetime, but first they must survive.
This book has been previously published and has been revised and expanded from its original release.
181 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2008
243 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
About the author
Leigh Wyndfield
32 books28 followersLeigh Wyndfield lives in rural Virginia with her fat cat named Ayra, two lovable rescue puppies, six chickens, and the best guy in the world. A city girl at heart, she’s embracing the mysteries of growing blueberries and waking up to bunnies running from foxes in her front yard. Traveling and working a day job round out her time – oh and running for exercise (a slow, painful process she’s been told is good for her, although that’s hard to believe since it never once has been fun). She writes romance fiction that is out of this world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 29, 2020
I really enjoyed this fantasy tell. There is some sex in it. But it also has a story to it too. Glad the woman wasn't just a cry baby but could stand on her own. A nice read and can't wait to read the others.
December 13, 2020
Short but complete story
3.5 stars
Very straightforward story of betrayal for greed and power. The story is solid, but there isn't a lot of embellishment.
3.5 stars
Very straightforward story of betrayal for greed and power. The story is solid, but there isn't a lot of embellishment.
Want to read
September 30, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/30/2020)! 🎁
February 14, 2023
Some insta-love intergalactic fun!
It starts off a bit different because Jax needs Waverly because he has his version of 'heat' that only lasts a day. Their story is fun and I like that Waverly is down for an adventure. Its a fast paced sweet and spicy story. I didn't mind that they fell for each other rather quick because they were so sweet and their banter was great. I laughed out loud at several parts. I'm very excited to see what the rest of the series will be like.
It starts off a bit different because Jax needs Waverly because he has his version of 'heat' that only lasts a day. Their story is fun and I like that Waverly is down for an adventure. Its a fast paced sweet and spicy story. I didn't mind that they fell for each other rather quick because they were so sweet and their banter was great. I laughed out loud at several parts. I'm very excited to see what the rest of the series will be like.
February 14, 2021
Heat
This is a pretty average book. It had a nice back story and developed characters. There was just enough action to keep me interested but it was basically all about sex. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. I can say it had excellent editing which is something that has been a problem in a lot of books I've read lately.
This is a pretty average book. It had a nice back story and developed characters. There was just enough action to keep me interested but it was basically all about sex. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. I can say it had excellent editing which is something that has been a problem in a lot of books I've read lately.
July 18, 2015
Sexy, sweet SFR with some suspense and action. 3.5 stars!
June 23, 2024
I really thought the book was quite good, with some slight points of friction that kept it from being great. According to the book, the MMC is experiencing a mating ritual that occurs yearly; also according to the book, the person who framed him expected him not to survive his first one without instruction, let alone seven years of them. What the book doesn’t tell us is why. Some pain is mentioned, but glossed over, and he later comments that the mating ritual he experienced this time was unusual in some way, but I couldn’t quite figure out what was supposed to happen. (Other than the extreme urge to mate and not stop for 24 hours, which seems unfortunate but not lethal?)
Speaking of things that are glossed over, are we gonna talk about the fact that he purchased an unconscious enslaved human being specifically to use her for sexual acts even though he had a pretty good idea that she was not already a sex worker and he would be forcing her into a hellish 24 hour mating marathon? Why did he not simply spend the money on an actual consenting and conscious sex worker—or hell, a bevy of them, working in shifts so it’s not so exhausting, and not have to deal with the whole “what do I do with you now, I own you” business? Really calls the man’s moral compass to question.
The MMC’s return home to learn who was responsible for framing him for his crime, the discovery of the person and their attempts to cover it up, as well as the characters’ reactions to the unfolding events felt a little rushed and almost like they didn’t matter. I didn’t understand why the MCs didn’t involve the police or attempt to gather any evidence or record the villain when they overheard his confession. I didn’t understand why the MMC’s father decided to confront the villain himself even after contacting the authorities, and I didn’t understand what the stepmother did to deserve being called a “viper” and why she deserved to I get that she wasn’t 100% on board with the MMC’s choice of mate, and that her fancy dinner was overly formal, but I felt like those things could’ve been worked out given time.
What I liked about the book was the sector 12 slang/creole, which reminded me of The Expanse, and the quick pacing in the first half of the book, where they’re on the run and still in heat and trying to mount each other at every turn. It was entertaining. The FMC denying she was the MMC’s mate, only to have the full-blood Jimlee immediately contradict her in a single volley of question/answer was hilarious. The dialogue and prose was good. Fix the pacing of the third-act whodunnit and it’s a 5/5 book.
Speaking of things that are glossed over, are we gonna talk about the fact that he purchased an unconscious enslaved human being specifically to use her for sexual acts even though he had a pretty good idea that she was not already a sex worker and he would be forcing her into a hellish 24 hour mating marathon? Why did he not simply spend the money on an actual consenting and conscious sex worker—or hell, a bevy of them, working in shifts so it’s not so exhausting, and not have to deal with the whole “what do I do with you now, I own you” business? Really calls the man’s moral compass to question.
The MMC’s return home to learn who was responsible for framing him for his crime, the discovery of the person and their attempts to cover it up, as well as the characters’ reactions to the unfolding events felt a little rushed and almost like they didn’t matter. I didn’t understand why the MCs didn’t involve the police or attempt to gather any evidence or record the villain when they overheard his confession. I didn’t understand why the MMC’s father decided to confront the villain himself even after contacting the authorities, and I didn’t understand what the stepmother did to deserve being called a “viper” and why she deserved to I get that she wasn’t 100% on board with the MMC’s choice of mate, and that her fancy dinner was overly formal, but I felt like those things could’ve been worked out given time.
What I liked about the book was the sector 12 slang/creole, which reminded me of The Expanse, and the quick pacing in the first half of the book, where they’re on the run and still in heat and trying to mount each other at every turn. It was entertaining. The FMC denying she was the MMC’s mate, only to have the full-blood Jimlee immediately contradict her in a single volley of question/answer was hilarious. The dialogue and prose was good. Fix the pacing of the third-act whodunnit and it’s a 5/5 book.
October 14, 2020
Jax has been exiled from his planet for a crime that he didn't commit. He has waited for seven years to be able to return to prove his innocence. He has suffered through six yearly mating cycles alone and has decided to buy a slave so he doesn't have to suffer through this one.
Waverly is furious when she wakes up and finds she has been sold to Jax as a slave. She had been posing as a slave for her crooked boss, but he drugged her and sold her to Jax. Jax plans to give her freedom after his cycle is finished. Sparks fly, as you can imagine. Unfortunately, Waverly is starting her heat cycle. She decides to us Jax for her needs and then plans to run. Jax's compound is attacked in the middle of his cycle, and they barely escape with their lives. They find their way back to Jax's planet and his family. By this time he has figured out that Waverly is his fated mate and plans on keeping her for his mate. She is not so easily convinced. He confronts his father and brother and tells them he is going to find out who framed him and expose them. Waverly is shocked when she meets his family. On her planet family's are very loving and supportive. She calls Jax's family a "viper pit" which is a very good description! Together they find the traitors and prove to his father he was innocent.
Waverly finally admits that Jax is her mate and they decide to leave the planet and find a peaceful place to live their lives together and raise there family in a loving environment.
I loved this book from the beginning to the end! The characters are wonderful, especially feisty Waverly! I look forward to reading more of Leigh's books!
Waverly is furious when she wakes up and finds she has been sold to Jax as a slave. She had been posing as a slave for her crooked boss, but he drugged her and sold her to Jax. Jax plans to give her freedom after his cycle is finished. Sparks fly, as you can imagine. Unfortunately, Waverly is starting her heat cycle. She decides to us Jax for her needs and then plans to run. Jax's compound is attacked in the middle of his cycle, and they barely escape with their lives. They find their way back to Jax's planet and his family. By this time he has figured out that Waverly is his fated mate and plans on keeping her for his mate. She is not so easily convinced. He confronts his father and brother and tells them he is going to find out who framed him and expose them. Waverly is shocked when she meets his family. On her planet family's are very loving and supportive. She calls Jax's family a "viper pit" which is a very good description! Together they find the traitors and prove to his father he was innocent.
Waverly finally admits that Jax is her mate and they decide to leave the planet and find a peaceful place to live their lives together and raise there family in a loving environment.
I loved this book from the beginning to the end! The characters are wonderful, especially feisty Waverly! I look forward to reading more of Leigh's books!
May 1, 2021
Great start to a series
Jax is exiled to dangerous planet for a crime he didn't commit. The males of his species go into heat (though he refuses to call it that) and if they don't have continuous sex during the 24 hours of their mating cycle they die. He buys women to satisfy his needs. He purchases Waverly and soon realizes something is different with her. Despite regularly coming in to heat, she's never been attracted to a male and is a virgin. Jax isn't like other men and she's immediately and wildly attracted to him. His house is attacked during their mating and they're forced on the run. As his time in exile is up, they return to his home planet. They quickly realize his home is more deadly than the planet they left due to the den of vipers that is his family. As Jax works to uncover who framed him, Waverly is coming to terms with their mate bond. Even while fighting to stay alive, they can't keep their hands off each other. Jax must decide what's more important his inheritance or his mate. Waverly must decide if love is worth the risk. Both leads are extremely likeable and I appreciate a book with snark. Plenty of sexy time too but the circumstances of how they meet may be off-putting to some.
Jax is exiled to dangerous planet for a crime he didn't commit. The males of his species go into heat (though he refuses to call it that) and if they don't have continuous sex during the 24 hours of their mating cycle they die. He buys women to satisfy his needs. He purchases Waverly and soon realizes something is different with her. Despite regularly coming in to heat, she's never been attracted to a male and is a virgin. Jax isn't like other men and she's immediately and wildly attracted to him. His house is attacked during their mating and they're forced on the run. As his time in exile is up, they return to his home planet. They quickly realize his home is more deadly than the planet they left due to the den of vipers that is his family. As Jax works to uncover who framed him, Waverly is coming to terms with their mate bond. Even while fighting to stay alive, they can't keep their hands off each other. Jax must decide what's more important his inheritance or his mate. Waverly must decide if love is worth the risk. Both leads are extremely likeable and I appreciate a book with snark. Plenty of sexy time too but the circumstances of how they meet may be off-putting to some.
March 15, 2021
Strong and resilient
Jax was accused of a crime he didn't commit at the age of eighteen and banished from his planet for seven long years. He went through a yearly "heat" without being taught what to do or expect.
An unconscious Waverly was sold to Jax as a slave to help relieve the affects of his heat. When she awakens she tells him she is not a slave and her partner double crossed her. But that she is in heat also eventhough they are two different species.
Someone is out to get them. Either to put them in prison or to kill them. But why?
This is a new author to me. Her writing is a bit different but i liked it. Both her characters are strong and resilient. I will most likely be reading the rest of this series.
Jax was accused of a crime he didn't commit at the age of eighteen and banished from his planet for seven long years. He went through a yearly "heat" without being taught what to do or expect.
An unconscious Waverly was sold to Jax as a slave to help relieve the affects of his heat. When she awakens she tells him she is not a slave and her partner double crossed her. But that she is in heat also eventhough they are two different species.
Someone is out to get them. Either to put them in prison or to kill them. But why?
This is a new author to me. Her writing is a bit different but i liked it. Both her characters are strong and resilient. I will most likely be reading the rest of this series.
October 6, 2020
A cute space fantasy beach read.
This is a HFN book. You get a little bit of background for both- sorry, can't remember their names- oh yeah, Jax and Waverly, but not in depth. Kept me engaged and a sweet romance, but will I remember this book in a couple of days? Hmmmm, I think not. Started the blurb for the next one and don't recognize any of the characters or situation. This will be the end. Sorry. Not sorry.
This is a HFN book. You get a little bit of background for both- sorry, can't remember their names- oh yeah, Jax and Waverly, but not in depth. Kept me engaged and a sweet romance, but will I remember this book in a couple of days? Hmmmm, I think not. Started the blurb for the next one and don't recognize any of the characters or situation. This will be the end. Sorry. Not sorry.
September 30, 2020
Mate
An exciting adventure full of action, danger, suspense, chaos, danger, repeated attempts to murder them. Survival, escape, foiling one assassin attack after another, to land right in the nest of vipers, where would it end? The characters are awesome an outlaw hero, a beautiful pilot, an evil family and lots of unsavory characters. Their emotions are so real you find yourself caught up in their fight against evil!
An exciting adventure full of action, danger, suspense, chaos, danger, repeated attempts to murder them. Survival, escape, foiling one assassin attack after another, to land right in the nest of vipers, where would it end? The characters are awesome an outlaw hero, a beautiful pilot, an evil family and lots of unsavory characters. Their emotions are so real you find yourself caught up in their fight against evil!
October 12, 2020
In Heat was a great start to a new series. Two strong individuals with their own problems must work together to survive. Betrayal leads to an adventure packed race to escape capture and probable death. Trying to build a future together takes them across the galaxy looking for answers and a safe place to belong...together! I highly recommend this book and await more from Leigh Wynfield.
October 18, 2020
Extremely Hot
This was surprisingly very good. Never read anything by this author before but now I most definitely will. The characters were very likeable and strong and worked so well together. Their moments together were so hot and passionate and I loved the backed story too, it brought everything together.
This was surprisingly very good. Never read anything by this author before but now I most definitely will. The characters were very likeable and strong and worked so well together. Their moments together were so hot and passionate and I loved the backed story too, it brought everything together.
February 20, 2021
Very enjoyable
The title is a bit misleading. This is not only a hot romance, but also a story about an interracial couple (from 2 different planets and cultures) and learning that those you meet may become more relied on and loved than actual family. Some questions are never answered, but still a feel-good story with a bit of mystery and adventure.
The title is a bit misleading. This is not only a hot romance, but also a story about an interracial couple (from 2 different planets and cultures) and learning that those you meet may become more relied on and loved than actual family. Some questions are never answered, but still a feel-good story with a bit of mystery and adventure.
August 10, 2022
Not exactly a quality read…maybe 3.75 stars ⭐️
Oh man…this was a really dopey read. The storyline was super weak; the characters really stupid ( in my opinion); the plot twists and turns were really crazy; but at least the HEA was good. I’m deleting this one from my library—I know I won’t ever read it again!
Oh man…this was a really dopey read. The storyline was super weak; the characters really stupid ( in my opinion); the plot twists and turns were really crazy; but at least the HEA was good. I’m deleting this one from my library—I know I won’t ever read it again!
August 29, 2023
Not bad
Not bad at all. I liked Jax and Waverly together. The story had action and mystery along with romance. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and the worlds created. There was just enough description to paint the picture but not overwhelm the reader. I would read the next book, despite skipping over the adult scenes.
Not bad at all. I liked Jax and Waverly together. The story had action and mystery along with romance. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and the worlds created. There was just enough description to paint the picture but not overwhelm the reader. I would read the next book, despite skipping over the adult scenes.
October 15, 2020
Alien mating
Lovely sci-fi. At the end of his 7 year exile he is experiencing his uncontrollable heat, so he buys a slave to try and ease the difficult 24 hours. The slave isn’t a slave but she is also in heat and the adventure begins.. Great HEA...
Lovely sci-fi. At the end of his 7 year exile he is experiencing his uncontrollable heat, so he buys a slave to try and ease the difficult 24 hours. The slave isn’t a slave but she is also in heat and the adventure begins.. Great HEA...
January 25, 2021
Great story
I absolutely love the characters in this book. I could put this book down. I enjoyed the plot and storyline. I was entertained from page 1 to the end!!! You ave got to read this book!!!!
I absolutely love the characters in this book. I could put this book down. I enjoyed the plot and storyline. I was entertained from page 1 to the end!!! You ave got to read this book!!!!
January 25, 2021
Really enjoyed this!
This was such a fun read! Action, adventure, humor... There were a lot of steamy moments, but not sickening to the point where I felt like skipping ahead. Very entertaining!
This was such a fun read! Action, adventure, humor... There were a lot of steamy moments, but not sickening to the point where I felt like skipping ahead. Very entertaining!
February 19, 2021
My first time reading Leigh Wyndfield and I definitely recommend this author!
What an amazing adventure! Jax and Waverly are not just soulmates but an incredible team together. I really enjoyed this story and definitely want more edge of my seat suspence.
What an amazing adventure! Jax and Waverly are not just soulmates but an incredible team together. I really enjoyed this story and definitely want more edge of my seat suspence.
February 28, 2021
So satisfying!
Ms. Wyndfield has written a roller coaster of a story starring a pair of people who have each fought through adversity. Each has lost their family in different ways, they find a new certainty and family in each other. Their adventure is just beginning and I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Ms. Wyndfield has written a roller coaster of a story starring a pair of people who have each fought through adversity. Each has lost their family in different ways, they find a new certainty and family in each other. Their adventure is just beginning and I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
April 29, 2021
Intense
Wow! From the first sentence this book had me enthralled. This was one of the most fast paced,delightful books I’ve ever read. I could not put it down until the last sentence. Wonderful story!
Wow! From the first sentence this book had me enthralled. This was one of the most fast paced,delightful books I’ve ever read. I could not put it down until the last sentence. Wonderful story!
October 1, 2020
A better story than the title and blurb would lead you to believe. Although Jax and Waverly are both in heat to begin with, this is not all about having been in heat, or about just sex.
November 23, 2020
Heat
Well there is a whole lot of heat a couple twist and turns along with even more betrayal and intrigue . a intriguing read
Well there is a whole lot of heat a couple twist and turns along with even more betrayal and intrigue . a intriguing read
May 26, 2021
Hot mess
This story is all over the place, it jumps from scene to scene without fully or even partially explaining anything..
This story is all over the place, it jumps from scene to scene without fully or even partially explaining anything..
September 20, 2021
Choppy transitions between romance and action.
January 7, 2022
loved it
I can’t believe such a short alien romance book gave everything I wanted. Even got to see the story from his point of view too. Starting to love books in the 3rd person.
I can’t believe such a short alien romance book gave everything I wanted. Even got to see the story from his point of view too. Starting to love books in the 3rd person.
January 7, 2022
This was such a fun quick read! Fast paced with action and intrigue with some smutty scenes. Exactly what I needed!
January 23, 2022
I expected something quick and naughty, but after a discordant start, it actually turned into a really well developed story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews