Turn Up the Heat

Turn Up the Heat #4

by Marie Harte

Officer Cass Carmichael loves her job and does it well. Giving firefighter Mack Revere a speeding ticket after a warning was deserved. Knocking him off his feet in a soccer game? Beating him at darts, dominoes, and pool? Par for the course. Cass has always played to win. Yet when she fails to resist Mack's kisses, she doesn't mind losing. Every time Cass sneers or jeers, Mack likes her a little bit more. For a firefighter, he's a laid back guy in a profession that takes a lot of heart. Though he's used to handling the heat, Cass makes him burn. But they both have concerns about their families and their futures, and Mack and Cass will need to decide if they should fan the flames between them or douse what might have been before one of them gets burned.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook, Firefighters

312 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 29, 2022

About the author

Important:: 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.

Reviews

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

TURN UP THE HEAT is the fourth instalment in Marie Harte’s contemporary, adult TURN UP THE HEAT erotic, firefighter romance series. This is twenty-eight year old, police officer Cassandra ‘Cass’ Carmichael, and thirty year old firefighter/EMT Mackenzie ‘Mack’ Revere’s story line, TURN UP THE HEAT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Cass and Mack) TURN UP THE HEAT follows the building romance and relationship between twenty-eight year old, police officer Cassandra ‘Cass’ Carmichael, and thirty year old firefighter/EMT Mackenzie ‘Mack’ Revere. The Seattle PD and Seattle FD have always had a bit of a rivalry both on and off the proverbial field but none moreso than during their soccer scrimmage matches where officer Cass Carmichael’s reputation as a hard a$$ preceded her introduction to our story line hero. Immediately attracted to Cassandra Carmichael, Mackenzie Revere has no idea that there are people behind the scenes working to push our couple together but rivalry between the PD and FD becomes personal when Mack continues to find himself on the outside looking in when his own family of police personnel, treat our hero like he doesn’t belong. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Mack and Cass, and the potential fall-out as Cass and Mack’s competitive streak goes a little too far.

Mack Revere has always felt like the unwanted child; going in a different direction than the rest of his family but never moreso than in recent months.With all of his fellow firefighter having fallen in love, Mack once again, feels like the proverbial third wheel and begins to pulls back from family and friends. Cassandra Carmichael is a strong, take no sh*$, strong willed heroine who struggles to find a mid point between her private and public life. Hating to lose, and apparently always trying to prove she is just as good as everyone else, falling for Mack means to side with the ‘enemy’, especially when they find themselves the target of some unmistakable dislike.

The relationship between Cass and Mack is one of immediate attraction but the competitiveness may push our couple a little too far. Always trying to one-up, or outdo one another, Cass and Mack find common ground in the bedroom, without the interruptions of family and friends.Mack has watched from the sidelines as his fellow firefighters, and brothers have fallen in love, and our hero is hoping to find his own happily ever after. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters are once again flirty and fun but Mack’s immediate family has no idea of the pain they have caused. We are reintroduced to Reggie’s fellow firefighters and EMTs: Brad Battle (Make Me Burn), Tex McGovern (Burning Desire), Hernandez and Washkowski; Mack’s brother Xavier, Alec and James, and their parents Jimmy and Sandra; Cass’s partner Jed and his wife Shannon; and her parents Aaron and Jennifer.

TURN UP THE HEAT is a story of family and friendships, relationships and love; heart break and acceptance. The premise is emotional and engaging; the romance is steamy, seductive and hot; the characters are real and dynamic.

www.thereadingcafe.com

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marie Harte turns up the heat in the latest installment of her red-hot firefighter series. Things are up in flames between Cass Carmichael and Mack Revere. As someone who doesn’t like to lose, Cass likes to keep men like Mack on his toes. However, she unexpectedly starts to fall for him in ways she never expected.

TURN UP THE HEAT is a fun-filled book with lots of heat and interesting banter. As this is a story that starts from hate and transforms into love, there is a lot of warming up to do on Cass’s part before she starts to thaw. However, I enjoyed reading their blooming relationship, especially when there were so many laughs and sexy times along the way.

Harte excels are writing steamy, memorable scenes and those seemed to stand out to me the most in this book. All in all, I think that this was a good installment to the series and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Contemporary Romance with hotter-than-hell firefighters.

[hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

not a single fire was fought

also not much tension between the two main characters & the dialogue was hard to follow at times

but i loved the final lines so i added an extra star

[KDLediting · Rating 5 out of 5]

So funny! I laughed so much while reading this book! There are some serious moments too but the banter between the main characters will keep you laughing, and turning pages to see what happens next! Plus there are kittens!

[Michelle the Romance Witch · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final Station 44 Hottie is finally going to find love and while the end of this series is bittersweet, his story is full of laughs, tears, and sensuality that will keep you glued to the page from beginning to end. I have followed this series from the beginning and it has kept me laughing and loving along with these sexy firefighters and the women that have grabbed them by the *ahem* hearts and lead them into love. Marie Harte has a way of making her characters just outrageous enough that while we can laugh and roll our eyes at their antics, at the same time we are rooting for them to find the perfect match. Mack’s story was one that we have long anticipated because we knew that whatever woman stole his heart would be spectacular and their story would be explosive. I enjoyed every second of reading their journey and watching as they learned more about themselves sand one another as they found a way into an HEA with the help of their friends and family. I am sad to see the series ending, but I do hope that we get more contemporary romance from Marie because though I enjoy her paranormals, I feel she really shines in her humor and realistic contemporary romances the most.

While this series has been one that touched on a lot of issues with characters exploring their fears, insecurities, and personal growth, ultimately each story was about two people discovering they were meant for one another and Mack and Cass’s story brings that around full circle. I couldn’t put this story down and know that it will be one that I could back to again and again in the future. Cass was a bada** with a heart of gold and led Mack on a merry chase to make him prove that he was good enough for her to risk her heart on him. Mack was an arrogant alpha male that had a sweetness that made him perfectly equipped to prove to Cass they were meant for an HEA and their relationship was fun to watch develop and grow. The passion between these two sparks from the very beginning whether they are throwing insults or heated looks and kisses at one another, then once they decide the time comes to fully embrace the heat, its almost too much to bear. I am definitely sad to see the series ending, but I adored the entire experience of reading this series and I cannot wait for whatever Marie sends my way next. If you are looking for a sexy read with hot firefighters, cute animals, and sassy women Turn Up the Heat will leave you more than satisfied!

For Full review see the blog @
https://romancewitchreviews.blogspot....

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Of the four firefighters in the series Mack is definitely my favourite… that he fell for a snarky, stubborn, competitive police officer made for excellent reading.

I adored Mack and Cass together. Neither expected the other and the fact that Cassandra seemed like she didn’t particularly like Mack to start with just made him all the more determined to get to know her…. Yep, he was definitely a glutton for punishment (in more ways than one!!) when it came to the feisty policewoman.

The difference in their family dynamic was interesting and made great reading. Who’d have thought that a guy from a bigger family would feel more isolated than the only child.. my heart hurt for Mack at times and I could happily have smacked one of his brothers more than a few times for his behaviour and attitude.

I liked that they embraced being friends and got to know each other. The time they spent together added to their relationship and when it came to the issues they had I could believe how they each felt and the reactions they had. Don’t get me wrong, they were smoking hot together, in an out of the bedroom, but the time they spent talking and finding out about each other added an extra layer to what they had and had me rooting for them all the more.

The addition of characters from other series throughout this one was fun, especially when it came to Pets Fur Life and Sam… the big tattooed mechanic looks scary as all get out but has a heart of gold and hasn’t met an animal that doesn’t like him yet.

Marie Harte, for me, writes great characters, especially when it come to teams… be that mechanics, emergency service or super soldiers.
Her firefighters in TUTH are a solid band of brothers. Though from contrasting lifestyles and different arms of the services, the way they have each others back is fab. That they know when one of them is toiling and they actively work to solve their issues is heartwarming. These big men aren’t afraid to face feelings and talk about what’s important.

I’ve really enjoyed the Turn Up The Heat series and I’m kinda bummed it’s ended but Mack and Cass were a great way to finish it off and I can’t wait to see what’s next from Ms Marie.

[Jamoz23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. A great next instalment in this series.
Great humour once again and I loved being with the guys.
Though this is book four, you don’t need to have read the previous books but I recommend doing so to enhance your enjoyment. It would improve one’s enjoyment knowing who everyone else is.
I liked that the family dynamics were around the wrong way.
Cass, do not call me Cassandra, was very likeable but her thinking took a long time to solidify for me and I’m not sure why, as she has the stable supportive family. Loved her parents.
Her tough as nails attitude was a good fit for her, especially in her job and with her family history. She did show some mellowness later on in the right places.
Her partner Jed and his family were wonderful supportive secondary characters.
Mack, whom I LOVED, is the one with the strangely unsupportive family. Weird due to the jobs they do but also understandable as Mack went his own direction.
Poor Mack was the one doing all the chasing but very little wooing as Cass was a hard nut.
He had me all gooey with those two kittens.
At first I thought Mack was over emphasising his family’s treatment of him. I wanted to say I thought him juvenile with his whining for quite a while and was ready to lambast him for it.
But boy, when he finally had that overdue talk with his parents and all those negative things came out, I wanted to majorly slap his parents upside the head. How do you NOT invite your own son to your retirement party?
His brothers James and Alec weren’t really bad but Xavier was a total twit. Though I will say Xavier’s reasons were valid, he should have talked to Mack about what had happened.
Templeton, what a dork. Steroid abuse springs to mind, needs an attitude adjustment before he really hurts someone. Loved Cass dealing with him how she did but the problem has just moved cities.
So sad this just ends abruptly which left me a bit off. We sort of have closure with his brothers but not with his parents.

[Desiree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received and an ARC for an honest review.


This book came at a bad time for me just getting over being sick with the entire family then when I can finally sit and read I get two chapters in and I get a call my cousin passed away. Even though it came at a bad time and I wasn’t sure I could follow and read it. I needed this book I needed the distraction and I have been waiting impatiently for Mack and Cass’ story.

It did not disappoint. The book did exactly what I needed it to do it distracted me and drew me in their lives. Their chemistry was like fireworks jumping out of my ipad. Their competitiveness with everything they do is hilarious. I love their tight families not just the biological ones but the ones they created with in their work. The shenanigans their ‘families’ play on them the things they all do to help out a fellow sister/brother in need was amazing.

Mack is ready it seems for a relationship with a women a real relationship not a hook up or a car. But it seems there is only one he interested and she is a ball buster for sure. But he really does see her and not try to or protect or put her in box. She is strong and capable and he sees that. She is his match.

Cass is just not needing a relationship to complete her. She is more competitive with Mack than with others and he matches her competitiveness. Her ‘family’ feels she is needing more than what she is currently doing cause we all need those matchmakers in our lives.

It was fun it made me laugh and their families both blood and non are goofy, supportive, competitive, annoying, bossy, caring and loving group of people. I am so glad I got to read the series Mack and Cass are my favorite couple in the series and I knew their chemistry would be explosive. I was not disappointed at all. Happy Reading.

[Glittergirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last of the Seattle Fire Station 44's C-Shift guys to fall in love. It's laid back, easy going, classic car loving Mack Revere's turn. He's feeling the odd man out of his close knit brotherhood on C-Shift. All his brothers are now paired up and he feels they're getting together for him as the guys first need is their ladies. This is his story of how he gets under Police Officer Cass Carmichael's skin. It was so much fun watching them spar and nip at each other each being highly competitive. We've been watching these two dance around each other through the whole series. Now it gets serious while giving us laugh out loud moments as only Marie Harte can write!

Cass Carmichael is an only child of two highly respected professionals. Her mother is a cardiologist and her dad is a psychologist. They are very close. Mackenzie is the youngest of 4 boys in a family of cops. He's the odd man out being a fireman. He also chose the Air Force over the family Army tradition. He finds himself at family gatherings overlooked and left out of conversations. He was given a speeding ticket by Cass and they seem to compete head to head on the soccer field when the Hot Cops team compete with the Burning Embers. He decides after a particularly hard tackle on a muddy soccer field to make a bet with her to see who's the best. This starts they friendly competitive friendship that quickly turns into one with steamy benefits. It took a bit of work for these two to figure out how they worked together.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kym · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, this sounds a little odd, but how refreshing is it that in a romance story, it is the guy who has most of the emotional angst about the relationship?

Meet Mack and Cass…yes, both are vested in their budding relationship, both have baggage and both are working on their issues…but how often is it only the female main character who has issues? So refreshing for the male, other half of the relationship, share his insecurities about the relationship, too! And not just with his girlfriend, but with his buddies (all of which are either now engaged or in serious relationships) with whom he is feeling like the 3rd wheel. We’ve seen this with the woman in a story - often - but having the guy sharing these insecurities, too? Makes for a deeper story!

And…how about his relationship with his family? How many of us are honest in expressing our feelings about our families? Do we just sweep every issue under the rug or do we face up and discuss those issues?

While this story is a lot more than that, it was the honesty in facing their issues and discussing them rather than brushing them aside that kept me captivated and intrigued. This is a great story that will have you wanting the best for both Mack and Cass!

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cass and Mack are the perfect opposites attract couple. Cass is a police officer who he's been attracted to for awhile but what sealed the deal was the slide tackle during a soccer game between the police and fire departments.

Mack comes from a family of police officers and is the first firefighter in his family. His team mates are his family, Tex, Brad, and Reggie. They enjoy ribbing him for his attraction to Cass. He is a nice guy but he needs to be a stronger guy with Cass so she doesn't run over him. However, they bring out the best in one another and you can see the growth of them both.

I really enjoyed Cass and Mack's book. They are fun, strong, and independent characters that make each other happy. They never expected to fall in love with each other, but it seems to natural and you can't help but root for them as the reader. I loved Turn Up the Heat and it just may be my favorite in the series. I highly recommend this book and series and while I am sad to see this series ending I am happy to see all the guys get their happily ever after.

Received ARC in exchange for voluntary honest review

[Fedora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turn Up the Heat is the fourth in Marie Harte’s Turn Up the Heat firefighters-in-Seattle series. It stands alone well but also includes characters from previous books in the series, so readers of the series will love the chance to catch up with their faves.

Officer Cassandra Carmichael and firefighter Mackenzie Revere meet on the soccer field when their teams face off during the season. Mack can’t stop thinking about the fierce, smart, competitive Cass, and Cass has to admit, if only to herself, that Mack sure is easy on the eyes. And seems kind and well-mannered.

Marie Harte’s latest contemporary is full of her trademark humor and heart and heat. Cass and Mack juggle their personal issues while they get to know each other on and off the field, and it’s a real pleasure to see them and their families and friends help them tackle those concerns while keeping them (and readers) laughing. Turn Up the Heat is a wonderfully satisfying read, and one for the keeper shelf.

[Quinn Fforde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this series so much, and this was a perfect addition to it. I laughed so much while reading, and I needed a fan for the seriously hot scenes. Mack has given the other guys such a hard time while they fell in love, so it was only right that his path to love would be rocky. The woman he falls for is independent, tough, and a bit wary of relationships. She is also a cop, which is going to cause him some problems when his family gets involved. He knows that, but he can't stay away from her competitive nature and straight talk.
My favorite part was the dynamic between Cass and Mack. They egg each other on and have the best banter -- the very funny kind that doesn't veer into hurtful territory. But under all the smack talk, Mack makes it clear that he likes Cass just the way she is, and Cass appreciates the fact that Mack is not intimidated by her. They are an excellent match and are very supportive of each other, even when they have to face their own flaws.

[Melony Wise Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th instalment of the Turn up the heat series with Cass and Mack. I absolutely loved the banter between the 2 main characters. Cass’s bad ass take no shit attitude makes for some of the funniest scenes I’ve read so far in this series. What I think I enjoy most is how all the men are the ones with the issues with self esteem or family neglect and it’s the best friends and the women that help guide them through along the way. This is a fantastic read and I highly recommend. Hope we have no seen the last of this group.

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angsty and laugh out loud funny…The storytelling elevates this tale of everyday people, their problems, their joys, their sexy coupling to a tale that you just don’t want to put down. Mack and Cass first and foremost are living true to themselves and on the surface seem totally opposite. Mack is light hearted and jovial, while Cass is sarcastic and cutting. But after being brought together by their competitive spirits find they have a lot in common, including underlying insecurities. Of course they do get their HEA because this is a falling in love story. And a great read!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel for Mack. It takes a long time before he is able to admit to himself just why he has remained single and why he resents his family. His 'brothers', the team at the fire hall, have supported him in all he needs, but as they find their other halves, he starts to feel a little more like a 'third wheel.' Officer Cass Carmichael is the fierce opponent in sports, and more than his match in romance. But will she succumb to his charm or will he fall to her guile?

[ObsessiveReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mack is the last of his buddies to be single. Everyone is paired and they have set their eyes on getting him setup. Mack is pretty easy going and definitely likable.

Cass is super competitive and on the aggressive side. She is attracted to Mack but her personal dating policies put him out of limits. Unfortunately she can’t fight for long and gets sucked into his spell.

Wonderful characters!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well-written, entertaining book. It was steamy, fun, clever and held my interest. I wanted to find out what would happen and I didn't want it to end. This book can be read as a standalone story, though it is #4 in a series. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

[Secret Romance Junkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Mack is simply my favorite. He is so fun and loveable. The perfect compliment to Cass’s fiercely independent, no nonsense character. Both exude competitiveness so their banter and one upmanship are hilarious and build an inferno of steam between them. There is only so long Cass can fight their attraction so watching her fall is exquisite.

[Reggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

when the woman doesn’t want more…

Firefighter Mack Revere has found police officer, Cass, intriguing from the first time she pulled him over…winning her over was not easy. Each has to deal with insecurities but the attraction is real…soon they give into that attraction. Can this friends with benefits become more? Enjoyable story with like able and funny characters.

[DemiReads_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Turn up the heat
🔥♥️ Romance
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ✨ 3.5
🌶️ 🌶️ ⅖ Spice Level

Book Plot

Mack is the last single man in his group of firefighting hotties. But things start to heat up when he sets his eyes on Police Officer Cas.

I love these little pocket romance books. Marie Harte always writes good light hearted banter. A quick fun read.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

The heat emanates from this sizzling story. A cop and firefighter circle each other while doing to terms with their attraction for one another. The bantering between Cassie and Mack is what makes the story. It’s a hot read. Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Edelweiss for the early read.

[NanaX8 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A steamy, witty, lol, enemies to lovers filled with lots of snark, laughter and steam between the snarky Cass and the hunky foreman Mack. Doe Mack win the snarky mean girl or does Cass lose the love of her life.

[Elaine Swinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC Copy of this book through BookFunnel and I voluntarily chose to review it This is a well written story with great characters. This is the fourth and final book in this series. I enjoyed this story. I would encourage you to get this one. This is worth your time.

[Karen Locke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read & great series

I loved reading easy going,always smiling Mack & tough as nails, sarcastic Cass's story. I REALLY hope that Harte writes a "where are they" novella that shows all of the series couple's in the future.

[K- · Rating 1 out of 5]

I could not finish this book. I really did not like her! Why is she threatening grown men with bodily harm? Off duty police officers don’t go around threatening to knock out people’s teeth. Just because she’s a cop doesn’t make her stronger than anyone else.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A steam up the windows, entice the heart kind of read. Cass and Mack turn sweet and sultry into a sensory overload addiction.

[Christine D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Cass and Mack and am sad to see this series conclude.
This was a fun push/pull enemies to lovers romance.

[Wioletta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mack is firefighter who is a little to hot for Cass, police officer. What starts as a casual fling, ends as a total burn.
Story is awesome, Characters are great

[Gin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was my favourite of the series. It was a perfect balance of romance and drama and I loved the characters.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.