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Out of Uniform #3
Heat of the Storm
Give a SEAL an inch, and he ll take your heart.
An Out of Uniform story.
Lieutenant Will Charleston has waited fifteen long years to show up as anything other than a one-pixel blip on Mackenzie Wade s romantic radar. If a powerful storm is what he needs to send her into his arms, he ll take it. Once the hot sex is over, though, she seems determined to kick him right back into the friend zone.
Not this time. This time, he s going to teach her the meaning of tenacious.
Mackenzie has always had feelings for Will, feelings she fights with all her strength. He s her best friend, her safety net. The one man who s not scared of her accursed psychic gift. No doubt he drives her wild in bed, but their night of passion was more than a mistake. It generated a tragic vision of the future, one that leaves her more confused and afraid than ever.
Problem is, Will knows her too well. Plus he s a SEAL to the bone. And they don t like to lose "
An Out of Uniform story.
Lieutenant Will Charleston has waited fifteen long years to show up as anything other than a one-pixel blip on Mackenzie Wade s romantic radar. If a powerful storm is what he needs to send her into his arms, he ll take it. Once the hot sex is over, though, she seems determined to kick him right back into the friend zone.
Not this time. This time, he s going to teach her the meaning of tenacious.
Mackenzie has always had feelings for Will, feelings she fights with all her strength. He s her best friend, her safety net. The one man who s not scared of her accursed psychic gift. No doubt he drives her wild in bed, but their night of passion was more than a mistake. It generated a tragic vision of the future, one that leaves her more confused and afraid than ever.
Problem is, Will knows her too well. Plus he s a SEAL to the bone. And they don t like to lose "
91 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2009
52 people are currently reading
4378 people want to read
About the author
Elle Kennedy
190 books89.5k followersA New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Elle Kennedy grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and holds a B.A. in English from York University. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a writer, and actively began pursuing that dream when she was a teenager.
Elle currently writes for various publishers. She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting!
Elle currently writes for various publishers. She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting!
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October 24, 2020
RATING 4.5 STARS
Heat of the Storm is the third book in the Out of Uniform series by Elle Kennedy. I read this as part of the Out of Uniform Box Set. I read the first two books in this series forever ago and am FINALLY coming back to it. It took me long enough. And I ended up loving this one.
Mackenzie (Mac) Ward has been best friends with Will Charleston for fifteen years. He is the only constant in her life. The one person that knows and accepts her as she is. Mac has an ability some might consider a gift but to her, it’s no gift at all. She’s psychic. She has random visions she can’t control, never knows when it might happen. And they ALWAYS come true. Every man she has dated hasn’t been able to handle this so called gift and they always leave. On a night when she might have had a bit to drink, she kissed her best friend. But it was a mistake. Only now Will wants more.
Will has loved Mac for fifteen long years. He’s watched her date other men, each time more painful than the last. She friend zoned him when they first met so he waited all this time for her to see him differently. Now, after their kiss, it’s time. He’s done waiting. He has to convince her that they have something special, that he is in love with her, that he won’t leave. Only convincing her is harder than he hoped it would be.
“Maybe it’s time I drove you crazy.”
“Baby, you drive me crazy just by breathing.”
I really loved this one. First, these two were HOT! Will is very skilled in his convincing abilities! I understood why Mac was so scared to give in. She didn’t want to lose Will. But I also admit that she frustrated me. It was obvious they belonged together. Now I can’t wait to move on to book four in the series, Heat It Up.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Heat of the Storm is the third book in the Out of Uniform series by Elle Kennedy. I read this as part of the Out of Uniform Box Set. I read the first two books in this series forever ago and am FINALLY coming back to it. It took me long enough. And I ended up loving this one.
Mackenzie (Mac) Ward has been best friends with Will Charleston for fifteen years. He is the only constant in her life. The one person that knows and accepts her as she is. Mac has an ability some might consider a gift but to her, it’s no gift at all. She’s psychic. She has random visions she can’t control, never knows when it might happen. And they ALWAYS come true. Every man she has dated hasn’t been able to handle this so called gift and they always leave. On a night when she might have had a bit to drink, she kissed her best friend. But it was a mistake. Only now Will wants more.
Will has loved Mac for fifteen long years. He’s watched her date other men, each time more painful than the last. She friend zoned him when they first met so he waited all this time for her to see him differently. Now, after their kiss, it’s time. He’s done waiting. He has to convince her that they have something special, that he is in love with her, that he won’t leave. Only convincing her is harder than he hoped it would be.
“Maybe it’s time I drove you crazy.”
“Baby, you drive me crazy just by breathing.”
I really loved this one. First, these two were HOT! Will is very skilled in his convincing abilities! I understood why Mac was so scared to give in. She didn’t want to lose Will. But I also admit that she frustrated me. It was obvious they belonged together. Now I can’t wait to move on to book four in the series, Heat It Up.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
January 2, 2020
It is the story of Will and Mackenzie who have been best friends for fifteen years. Will has always wanted more, and though Mac feels the same, she doesn’t admit it even to herself, and she resists him because she is convinced that Will wouldn’t stand the difficulties that come with her accursed physic abilities. But Will is determined to prove her wrong, and “to teach her the meaning of tenacious.”
Well, I’m getting tired of tall, superhot SEALs wanting a serious relationship with a woman, who doesn’t want it with them, because she had a bad experience, or she is scared, or cautious, or... whatever.
Besides Mac’s worries about her abilities, the main problem is whether to cross the line from friendship to romance. Would you cross it for a hot SEAL? Duh. I would drop everything to throw myself into his arms. What the hell is wrong with all these female characters in this series, seriously?
I was irritated by Mackenzie, her continuous tantrums and whining. I just can’t see, other than being "incredible" in bed, why on earth Will loves her. They have a fifteen-year-long past, but the reader still can’t feel the connection between them, still can’t see the reason for Will’s feelings for her.
No laughter in this story, sadly. Oh, wait, there is, but only due to the appearance of Carson and Holly.
This story is just not for me.
Well, I’m getting tired of tall, superhot SEALs wanting a serious relationship with a woman, who doesn’t want it with them, because she had a bad experience, or she is scared, or cautious, or... whatever.
Besides Mac’s worries about her abilities, the main problem is whether to cross the line from friendship to romance. Would you cross it for a hot SEAL? Duh. I would drop everything to throw myself into his arms. What the hell is wrong with all these female characters in this series, seriously?
I was irritated by Mackenzie, her continuous tantrums and whining. I just can’t see, other than being "incredible" in bed, why on earth Will loves her. They have a fifteen-year-long past, but the reader still can’t feel the connection between them, still can’t see the reason for Will’s feelings for her.
No laughter in this story, sadly. Oh, wait, there is, but only due to the appearance of Carson and Holly.
This story is just not for me.
February 27, 2019
Mackenzie Wade and Lieutenant Will Charleston
Mackenzie and Will are in the friend zone. Until this book in which they are not.
This is a friends to lovers story and it has a paranormal twist (Mackenzie can see visions of the future) which I am not sure it is appropriate for this series. I thought it was a bit irrelevant...
Mackenzie and Will are in the friend zone. Until this book in which they are not.
This is a friends to lovers story and it has a paranormal twist (Mackenzie can see visions of the future) which I am not sure it is appropriate for this series. I thought it was a bit irrelevant...
October 3, 2009
4 ½ stars – Contemporary Romance/Erotica Novella
A steamy hot quickie read about a sexy, tough Navy SEAL who wants his best friend in his bed (and his heart) where he thinks she belongs, even though she’s staunchly determined to keep things platonic.
Will has wanted Mackenzie for 15 long years, and after she gets depressed and drunk over yet another bad breakup and kisses Will, he sees the slip-up as a go green light to finally take things further between them. Mac harbors feelings for Will too, but she’s afraid to risk their friendship because every man she’s gotten involved with has run hard, fast, and scared once they learn she has eerie psychic visions that have a nasty habit of always coming true. Can Will convince Mac that he’s made of tough enough stuff to stand by her for the long haul, visions or not, and that they belong together? I mean, he is a hard, rugged SEAL after all, so he should be able to handle whatever she throws his way, right?
I really enjoyed this smokin’ hot ‘friends-to-lovers’ story that’s part of Kennedy’s Out of Uniform series. I lowered my rating from 5 to 4 ½ stars because l lost some respect for Will’s character when he pulled a mean, immature stunt to make Mac jealous. Other than that, it’s a sexy, satisfying, albeit short read.
A steamy hot quickie read about a sexy, tough Navy SEAL who wants his best friend in his bed (and his heart) where he thinks she belongs, even though she’s staunchly determined to keep things platonic.
Will has wanted Mackenzie for 15 long years, and after she gets depressed and drunk over yet another bad breakup and kisses Will, he sees the slip-up as a go green light to finally take things further between them. Mac harbors feelings for Will too, but she’s afraid to risk their friendship because every man she’s gotten involved with has run hard, fast, and scared once they learn she has eerie psychic visions that have a nasty habit of always coming true. Can Will convince Mac that he’s made of tough enough stuff to stand by her for the long haul, visions or not, and that they belong together? I mean, he is a hard, rugged SEAL after all, so he should be able to handle whatever she throws his way, right?
I really enjoyed this smokin’ hot ‘friends-to-lovers’ story that’s part of Kennedy’s Out of Uniform series. I lowered my rating from 5 to 4 ½ stars because l lost some respect for Will’s character when he pulled a mean, immature stunt to make Mac jealous. Other than that, it’s a sexy, satisfying, albeit short read.
March 2, 2013
4 stars
The third book in the series, Heat of the Storm, is a slightly angsty but sweet friends-to-lovers trope. I'm very much enjoying this steamy and pure erotic fantasy series.
The third book in the series, Heat of the Storm, is a slightly angsty but sweet friends-to-lovers trope. I'm very much enjoying this steamy and pure erotic fantasy series.
August 9, 2009
This was a steamy little quick read (65 pages), a 'friends-to-lovers' story about hunky Navy SEAL Lt. Will Charleston and his 15 year relationship with best friend/jewelry designer/reluctant psychic Mackenzie Wade. Will and Mac have been friends since high school, telling each other everything as best friends do. They both have romantic feelings for each other, but Mac prefers to keep Will at a distance and place him safely in the 'friend' category. But why? Because Will is the one man who is not afraid of her psychic 'gifts', and she fears that if she crosses the line from friend to lover, she may end up losing him like she's lost all past boyfriends who think they can handle her 'visions', but really can't. But one stormy night (after Mac and Will had shared a kiss days before) Will shows up on her doorstep, and this time he won't be denied. He knows they can have something special together, if only Mac will let down her guard and trust in him. Will uses every trick in the alpha book, and finally gets through to Mac. And how! Smokin' hot sex ensues, and it looks like Mac and Will are on their way to a HEA. But then Mac has one of her 'visions', and it's so terrifying that she sends Will away (in order to protect her heart). And even though he loves her, Will has had just about enough of Mac pushing him away. Should he give up, or should he go along with the plan that the girlfriend of a SEAL teammate has cooked up to win Mac back?
This book was short, but Elle Kennedy managed to convey a lot of emotion and pack a lot of heat with a few simple words. Boy, can she write some smokin' hot dialogue! And Will was one dominant alpha when he wanted to be! I thought Mac was a bit "wishy-washy" when it came to her actions regarding Will. I mean, she had great sex and the guy was her best friend--how could she let him get away? I'm sure that Will was tough enough to handle any of these 'disturbing' visions too, even though Mac had her doubts. The plot to win her back was kind of cruel and junior-high, and to the author's credit, the characters realized it was and commented on it. But who cares, it worked! And the payoff was worth it.:)
If you enjoyed any of the other steamy reads in the Out of Uniform series about a group of Navy SEALs, then you're sure to enjoy this one too. This can be read as a stand-alone, but you'll want to read the previous two to get the full impact. If you're looking to fill an hour with a hot read, then this little book will do the trick. 4 1/2 stars
This book was short, but Elle Kennedy managed to convey a lot of emotion and pack a lot of heat with a few simple words. Boy, can she write some smokin' hot dialogue! And Will was one dominant alpha when he wanted to be! I thought Mac was a bit "wishy-washy" when it came to her actions regarding Will. I mean, she had great sex and the guy was her best friend--how could she let him get away? I'm sure that Will was tough enough to handle any of these 'disturbing' visions too, even though Mac had her doubts. The plot to win her back was kind of cruel and junior-high, and to the author's credit, the characters realized it was and commented on it. But who cares, it worked! And the payoff was worth it.:)
If you enjoyed any of the other steamy reads in the Out of Uniform series about a group of Navy SEALs, then you're sure to enjoy this one too. This can be read as a stand-alone, but you'll want to read the previous two to get the full impact. If you're looking to fill an hour with a hot read, then this little book will do the trick. 4 1/2 stars
December 17, 2009
3.75* Good short story -- a few less than stellar character traits on both the heroine and hero's sides, but overall an interesting read with a lot of steam. Pretty thorough development of the characters stands out for this being a short story. I consider it a real plus for an author to achieve, as to cram enough feeling into so few pages is always very difficult, especially when working with romantica. Lack of story or character development in lieu of the sex scenes is a common pitfall for these types of books, so Kennedy's execution in that regard is commendable. Overall, good job by Kennedy. I'll definitely try another of her's.
K.
K.
February 13, 2012
Yet another book where the male lead is the only reason I can finish reading it. I'm starting to feel like a woman hater, people. =( It's not that I hated the heroine so much as I felt like her reasons for denying Will were ridiculous. "Oh no, I can't be with him because he's my best friend and he's always been there for me!" That shit makes no sense. Um, that's exactly who you should be with, you nut job. She admits that Will has never abandoned her before, but she can't seem to accept that he won't abandon her now. Just... just kill me now.
I'd recommend it to people I want to annoy.
I'd recommend it to people I want to annoy.
December 18, 2017
this one was a little bit awkward.
best friends, who actually love each other SHE won't admit it cause she doesn't want to ruin their friendship and well, she has some other issues too...but he's a determined ALPHA Seal and now that he knows she loves him he will do the tricky part of making her jealous playing out the fake relationship with his best mate's girlfriend so she would fess up her love and face him...
really?! *raises her eyebrow*
best friends, who actually love each other SHE won't admit it cause she doesn't want to ruin their friendship and well, she has some other issues too...but he's a determined ALPHA Seal and now that he knows she loves him he will do the tricky part of making her jealous playing out the fake relationship with his best mate's girlfriend so she would fess up her love and face him...
really?! *raises her eyebrow*
November 16, 2013
I have to be honest and say that I only finished this book because of Will. He was really a cute guy.
But Mackenzie just on my nerves. She irritated me to no end. All that "I can't because we are friends" thing drove me totally batty.
Of course there's some really hot sex.....I have come to expect this from this series.
Now, on to the next installment!!!!!
But Mackenzie just on my nerves. She irritated me to no end. All that "I can't because we are friends" thing drove me totally batty.
Of course there's some really hot sex.....I have come to expect this from this series.
Now, on to the next installment!!!!!
May 20, 2018
Sevgili Elle bu serideki kadın karakterleri hep böyle salak mı yazdı acaba?
Ya böyle gereksiz bir inkâr, böyle işi yokuşa sürmek niye? Bulmuşsun mis gibi adamı, gir koynuna otur yanında işte ulan, daha ne istiyorsun!
Vallahi üç kitaptır kangren ediyorlar beni. 😒
Ya böyle gereksiz bir inkâr, böyle işi yokuşa sürmek niye? Bulmuşsun mis gibi adamı, gir koynuna otur yanında işte ulan, daha ne istiyorsun!
Vallahi üç kitaptır kangren ediyorlar beni. 😒
April 18, 2018
I LOVE MAC!!!! Literally, this has been my favorite so far! Will & Mac start out as BFF’s, they have been each other’s rock for 15 years, but one drunken kiss changes everything!
I love this couple. I love friends to lovers romance. I adore Holly & Shelby’s scheming ways! OH, don’t get me started on the banter and one liners! Carson’s appearance makes it so much funnier! Simply put, it was GREAT!!!
December 6, 2021
Jammer van het paranormale tintje in een verder duidelijke contemporary. Vond dat ook niet perse iets toevoegen. Had het liever als een volledige contemporary gezien.
September 20, 2012
These short stories are just the thing for me to read when I need a quick sexy read. The Seals in this series are definitely hotties.
The reason these stories keep getting three stars from me is the fact that with such a short story I can't really get that invested in the characters, and nothing much really happens in these stories.
When I want a fast sexy read though, these are just the thing.
The reason these stories keep getting three stars from me is the fact that with such a short story I can't really get that invested in the characters, and nothing much really happens in these stories.
When I want a fast sexy read though, these are just the thing.
March 6, 2020
Wow. This series sucks. I'm a big fan of Elle Kennedy, but so far, the Out of Uniform series is full of condescending men belittling the women they supposedly love.
I started reading this series because I just wanted a fun, steamy novella, but I just can't get past these characters. These guys are fucking assholes.
I started reading this series because I just wanted a fun, steamy novella, but I just can't get past these characters. These guys are fucking assholes.
February 10, 2012
Not bad, but wayyyyyyyyyyyyy to short. There wasn't time for anything to be explained. It has so much potential, but not enough lenght!
April 8, 2022
This had heat but also a strong emotional tug! Best friends to lovers is sometimes a rocky path, and these two were all over the rocks. There were some LOL moments too with Carson, he definitely gave the levity needed
August 22, 2017
3.5 stars
April 25, 2020
Damn... each book just keeps getting hotter and hotter!!
May 7, 2020
Narrator has a very nice deep voice. BUT this is why I don't like friends to lovers. I wanted him to just walk the fuck away. Mac didn't seem worth it to me.
May 22, 2021
Short and steamy. She had future visions so a little paranormal too.
October 27, 2022
2.7 addicting smutty ✨ navy seal✨ stars
Want to read
December 30, 2024ANOTHER COVER PLZ!! WHY AREN’T THERE ANY ALTERNATE COVERS AVAILABLE?!!
October 4, 2018
This being the third book of the series, its so far my least favorite. I found the heroine Mackenzie to be really annoying. For someone who has the gift to see the future, she sure was being ignorant to the visions she was having lately. And the way she was with her best friend Wil, I was NOT cool with that!! One minute she's weak and can't say no to him and then the next she swears up & down that it was a mistake and things between them must stay on a friendship level. Uggghhh, she just totally irritated me but I had to continue to see if things worked out in Wil's favor or not.
September 10, 2021
3.5 ster
July 16, 2018
2.5 stars rounded down. read as part of the hot & bothered set. I liked Will; he seemed like the strong silent type. I didn't really love Mackenzie - didn't really feel the connection between them or see the reason Will wanted her. I also didn't love the psychic aspect of the story. so, kind of a miss for me.
February 23, 2021
https://headoverbooks.home.blog/
What it is about
Will and Mackenzie are friends but one night they hook up. Will wants to be with Mackenzie but she wants them to go back to being friends.
POV- third person
HEA/HFN- yes
Funny parts- some
Sad parts- no
Love triangle- no
Insta-love- no
Cheating- no
Super insecure character- no
Trigger warning- none
Realistic scale- 2/5
Pick this up if
You want a sweet, short romance. You like navy seal heroes. You like angsty (even with how short it was) romances. You want a friends to lovers romance. You like it when the heroine is the one who doesn’t want a relationship. You want something steamy.
Don’t pick this up if
You don’t like novellas. You don’t want something with a lot of sex scenes. You hate it when characters whine.
Pages- 91
Hot & bothered
Audiobook- 6h 56m
Narrators- Alexander Cendese and Lazlo Hollyfield
BUY THE OUT OF UNIFORM SERIES HERE
Hot & Bothered
Heat of the Moment
Heat of Passion
Heat of the Storm
Hot & Heavy
Heat It Up
Heat of the Night
The Heat is On
Feeling Hot
Getting Hotter
Hotter than Ever
As Hot as It Gets
I get asked how I read so many books. This is how I do it:
Kindle Unlimited (definitely worth it for romance readers)
Audible (2 free audiobooks for your first month); I have the Audible Premium Plus with 2 credits a month
Prime membership allows me to get new books at my doorstep fast (get the first month free). I have Prime Student which comes with a 6 month free trial.
Scribd
I also had Audible Escape but it got cancelled :(
But Audible Plus is supposed to have a lot of books across all genres
The perfect gifts for a loved one
Audible gift membership
Prime gift membership
(paid links)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2020
Will visits her during a storm (which she's supposed to be terrified by, but never acts terrified by) and promises that he won't leave her if they move from friends to lovers, he will always be there for her, and that he will always love her. They have sex. He asks if they're now in a relationship, which she says she can't do, so he leaves.
Let that sink in. I'll wait.
He. Leaves.
Not only does he leave, but he does it after sleeping with her. Then he ghosts her when she tries to get ahold of him. (To tell him about her vision, but he doesn't know that. It could have been to apologize and change her mind. Or for an emergency.)
Did you catch that? He declares that he will never leave and will always be there for her and then he leaves and doesn't take her calls.
Then he tries to make her jealous by bringing another woman back to town, whom he supposedly met the day after sleeping with her.
He left. Didn't take her calls. And "hooked up" with another woman the day after they sleep together.
What part of any of that a) makes him a good guy, and b) makes her want to trust him?
This story made me furious. It almost felt like the author was making stuff up as she went along, but then didn't go back and smooth out the rough edges. And the character of Holly is completely different than she was in the previous story. Pretending to be together to make Mackenzie jealous is ridiculously juvenile, and these people are supposed to be 30 years old!
I also don't like the way everyone on the SEAL team knows about Garrett and Carson's threesome with Shelby. It's a private experience that has now been reduced to a joke. There is a fallacy regarding "locker room talk" that is not only misogynistic, but also supports rape culture. Toxic masculinity needs to be eradicated, but most especially in romance.
I'll continue reading the series for now, because it's free in Kindle Unlimited. But I much prefer the author's more recent writing over this early garbage.
Let that sink in. I'll wait.
He. Leaves.
Not only does he leave, but he does it after sleeping with her. Then he ghosts her when she tries to get ahold of him. (To tell him about her vision, but he doesn't know that. It could have been to apologize and change her mind. Or for an emergency.)
Did you catch that? He declares that he will never leave and will always be there for her and then he leaves and doesn't take her calls.
Then he tries to make her jealous by bringing another woman back to town, whom he supposedly met the day after sleeping with her.
He left. Didn't take her calls. And "hooked up" with another woman the day after they sleep together.
What part of any of that a) makes him a good guy, and b) makes her want to trust him?
This story made me furious. It almost felt like the author was making stuff up as she went along, but then didn't go back and smooth out the rough edges. And the character of Holly is completely different than she was in the previous story. Pretending to be together to make Mackenzie jealous is ridiculously juvenile, and these people are supposed to be 30 years old!
I also don't like the way everyone on the SEAL team knows about Garrett and Carson's threesome with Shelby. It's a private experience that has now been reduced to a joke. There is a fallacy regarding "locker room talk" that is not only misogynistic, but also supports rape culture. Toxic masculinity needs to be eradicated, but most especially in romance.
I'll continue reading the series for now, because it's free in Kindle Unlimited. But I much prefer the author's more recent writing over this early garbage.
February 12, 2017
4.5 ✨ stars !! I must say that these short stories are quite awesome you connect with the characters and also the storyline without being bored
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