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Scripted for Love #3

A Heated Touch of Action

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Seriously, is it really so bad when a love expert doesn’t believe in love? Psychology professor Bel Cutler has never been lucky when it came to matters of the heart. Professionally, she’s determined to master it with her new project. Her first order of find a photographer to capture the magic. But the only one willing to work within her budget is the last man she’d ever stake her future on… let alone trust with her heart. Struggling photographer, Jimmy Callahan knows trouble when he sees it. Which is why, when he takes one look at Bel, he should run the other way. Only, she’s just the kind of laced up woman he likes to unravel. Old Jimmy would offer to teach the professor a thing or two about love, or better yet, lust. But Responsible Jimmy needs to fix his bad boy reputation…and fast. He’s in the middle of a nasty custody battle, so keeping his hands off her is imperative. Yet, the woman gets into his head—and heart—like no other he’s ever met. Nothing is ever a “sure thing” when dealing with matters of the heart, and the more time they spend together, the more convoluted stability and reasoning seems. Especially when desire gets the best of them and risks Bel’s career and Jimmy’s chances of saving his niece. If only love came with a safety net…A Heated Touch of Action, a Scripted for Love novel book 2 by USA Today bestselling author MK Meredith is a swoon-worthy, sexy read you won't be able to put down! Read as a series or standalone. Gift yourself with this sexy contemporary romance today!

164 pages, Paperback

Published March 7, 2019

4 people are currently reading
21 people want to read

About the author

M.K. Meredith

20 books362 followers
I write single title contemporary romance novels, promising an emotional ride on heated sheets. As a member of several writing groups, I believe the best route to success is to never stop learning.

I've had a lifelong love affair with peanut butter -- the only two things coming close in the battle for my affections are gorgeous heels, and maybe Gerard Butler...or was it David Gandy? Who am I kidding? My true loves are my husband and two children who have survived my SEA's (spontaneous explosions of affection) and lived to tell the tale.

I've been reading romance long before I should have and can’t think of anything better than to fill my life with the promise of happily-ever-afters.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Lovingbooks1.
1,187 reviews24 followers
March 12, 2019
I liked this story, it was sweet and filled with feelings. Even though it’s set in a world already known to some, for me it was my first story and it worked well as a standalone.

The characters is well written
No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings
Lots of dialogues
Steamy love scenes
The storyline is good and progresses nicely

This was a good story about a woman and a man learning to trust in love again and feeling worthy of love.
Good 4 star read.

*A copy of this book was gifted to me from the author and I freely give my honest review*
Profile Image for M.K. Meredith.
Author 20 books362 followers
April 17, 2019
I loved writing this story about a woman who doesn't believe in love and a hero who doesn't think he deserves it, and I think you'll love reading it.
Hugs, loves, and peanut butter!
MK Meredith
Profile Image for Bec.
1,659 reviews42 followers
March 20, 2019

For a woman who doesn't believe in love, psychology professor Bel Cutler is taking on quite an ambitious project on the subject that could very well backfire and ruin her reputation if she can't get the project off the ground. Still, she's not about to give up and it's just lucky she finds the perfect photographer in Jimmy Callaghan to take the photos for the project. However, the more time Bel spends with Jimmy, the more Bel finds herself falling and falling hard, even though love scares her. Will Jimmy be able to convince Bel to take a chance on him or will they lose their shot at happy ever after because they find it hard to trust each other?

If you've never read a story by Ms. Meredith before then you're missing out on her sublime writing style; sexy heroes that will definitely leave a female reader hoping for a man just like any of her gorgeous heroes, especially Jimmy; and highly entertaining stories filled with tough obstacles for the main characters to overcome, some quirky secondary characters that don't know when to quit matchmaking, and wonderful playful banter that keeps this reader entertained from start to finish.

The way this story started had my undivided attention because of the wonderful family dynamics of the Cutler family and their determination to see that Bel experiences life to the fullest. Will she give Jimmy a chance because her family wants her to or because she believes he's the right photographer for the job? Will the heroine's brother be capable of convincing her to take some risks in life instead of always playing it safe? Moreover, the dialogue was a wonderful combination of intense moments due to the main characters back stories and things that are happening in the hero's life and teasing banter that had me loving how this couple push each other's buttons.

With the main characters, I absolutely loved Jimmy. He's protective of those he loves; he's resilient and courageous in having overcome everything he's been through in his life, even though he feels so much guilt over what happened to his brother; and I liked how determined he was to win Bel over, especially considering what happened the first time they met. Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero was the close relationship he shared with his niece and that he would do anything for her. No way should the young girl feel unsafe in her own home. Not when he can help her.

While the heroine, I couldn't help but sympathize with her and it's understandable why she's so afraid of love and fear people leaving her. It's happened before and could very easily happen again, so why bother giving love a chance when she could end up having her heart broken? Still, I liked that she took a chance with Jimmy and that he showed her that taking risks doesn't always have to be a bad thing. Really, it can be quite exhilarating and lead to something great like forever after with Mr. Right.

Overall, Ms. Meredith has delivered a wonderfully-crafted, heartfelt, remarkable read in this third book of her Scripted for Love series where the chemistry between this couple was tangible and convincing from the moment they come face-to-face; the sizzling romance lights up the pages enough to set off sparks; and the ending had me loving the hero's determination to show Bel how much he loves her and how much he trusts her. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up perfectly, as there's so much to be celebrated and more matchmaking to come, which so has me looking forward to more from this wonderful author, especially if there is more stories to come for this series. I would recommend A Heated Touch of Action by MK Meredith and the other stories of this series, if you enjoy Hollywood romances, the brother's friend trope or books by authors Marina Adair, Catherine Bybee, Jill Sanders and Jennifer Probst.
Profile Image for CealR.
51 reviews
March 19, 2019
Firstly, the disclaimer - I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is the third in the series, set amongst the glamour and, in this case academia, of the Californian coast. The first thing which struck me about this book was that it would benefit from being read in series order, and possibly in close proximity of each other. I haven't visited this series in a while and I confess, I was largely confused in the first few chapters as to who was who and why the two main characters had such an awkward history. Unfortunately, at no point is there a recount of their "awkward moment", so I can't recommend the book as having stand-alone capability. Though you probably work your way to a best guess by the end of things.

The other thing I'd say about this story is to bear with it. It probably hit it's stride around chapter 6 or so for me. Until then, I think I was still trying to get my head about who was who in the zoo.

The upshot of this story - our heroine is in academia and trying to analyse and understand love in response to being abandoned by her mother as a child. If you've read any of the earlier books, you'll soon discover the mother is a cast as fairly self-centered and unsuited to child rearing, but she doesn't really make an appearance here.

Our hero seems simple on paper - he's come from a difficult upbringing. He and his brother kinda sorta made it through the system, but his brother ultimately passes away. The hero is trying to keep his brother's wife and daughter together, by the skin of his teeth. The brother's wife has gone into a deep spiral of despair, blame and narcotics, and leads to the hero's primary motivation - look after the brother's daughter at all costs.

Almost on the side of all this drama, the heroine's family scheme to bring the two together, with a goal of getting her to let go of her tightly held control, and open herself up to the possibility of love and risk. The hero does this by offering his considerable photographic services for the price of the heroine agreeing to go on a series of adventures.

It's a fun story on the whole. A bit of heat, a lot of heart tugging, and the inevitable "miscommunication" from two people who have taken to shutting themselves off to avoid hurt for one reason or another leading to a temporary fracture while they find themselves. It's an enjoyable read on the whole, but I had to give it three stars because it just didn't really draw me in the way some of this author's other writing has.

Profile Image for BlueBug.
894 reviews2 followers
March 20, 2019
Bel Cutler watched as those around her fell in love and decided to get married. But she doesn't believe in any such thing for herself. To her, it's a psychological reaction, but she has to prove it in order to be taken seriously. And if she's writing a paper on it, she'll need photographs. But when she begins looking for a photographer, the only one who seems to be available and at the right price is Jimmy Callahan. She knows better than to get involved with him. He's got skeletons in his closet and a bad boy image. But, with her back against the wall and limited time to complete her project, is there any way she can get around using him? And will the attraction she feels for him be something she can fight?

Jimmy Callahan has the reputation that matches the hot package it comes with. But with the situation he's in, he needs to change his ways and fast. Otherwise, he may lose his chance to gain custody of the one special person who needs him the most. He knows better than to get involved with Bel Cutler, but there's something about her that makes him want to push all of her buttons, including the ones she doesn't even realize she has. He loses his head around her, and when his heart becomes involved, his entire world turns upside down.

I fell in love with these characters from the first page. This author has a way of writing lovable bad boys and reluctant women who find themselves becoming much better versions of themselves when they fall in love with the right person. And there's always someone in the background who likes to "help" out a little when it comes to love. Those are really my favorite characters of hers - the meddlers. They always seem to know the right things to do to bring the couples together. I don't know where she gets her insight, but even when the subject matter is difficult and sometimes painful, this author always seems to know exactly how to write the story so by the end, I've shed some tears and found some joy. I walked away from this one with a smile on my face and happiness in my heart.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
565 reviews8 followers
March 27, 2019
Bel Cutler, Psychology professor at Pepperdine, has a month to research and complete a project on love. She has the backing of the university, but is at a standstill with her research. Bel needs a photographer who can capture all aspects of love. Everyone she approaches is either busy or they’re too expensive. Except Jimmy Callahan.

Jimmy Callahan just needs a break. He believes in his abilities, but needs to get his name out there. Jimmy NEEDS this job as it will get him that much closer to securing the safety of his niece, Cleo. So Jimmy approaches Bel with a deal she can’t refuse. Jimmy will work for free, but she has to be willing to “experience” life by partaking in any activity he suggests. Not willing to postpone her deadline, Bel wearily accepts. Even though she considers herself to be a strong woman, trusting and stepping outside her comfort zone are not her normal. Bel is highly structured and has both feet firmly planted on the ground...Until Jimmy.

MK Meredith writes a touching, heartfelt story about addiction and it’s destruction, about abandonment and family bonds. While I was a little confused at the beginning with the “who’s who”, it was extremely helpful in the long run. With that being said, I don’t think you need to read the two previous novels in order to read this one. Jimmy’s ability to get Bel to live life and take a chance on love is a true testament of his love for her. Bel readily accepting Cleo into her life was sooo adorable! I could easily imagine the photos at Jimmy’s gallery opening. The love portrayed in his photos was awe-inspiring. Life has challenges, but trusting in love will see you through. I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.
Profile Image for Carma.
473 reviews5 followers
March 16, 2019
Bel was used to doing things herself, ever since her mom walked out on the family, she’s had a hard time accepting help or affection from anyone but her family. Jimmy wants to be the one to put and end to that. He wants to work on her presentation and make it great, not only for her but for his career as well. Now that he is limited with work travel, he needs to find something to sustain his career close to home. He has more than just himself counting on him.

Bel is attracted to Jimmy, without a doubt, but she just can’t let herself get involved with someone polar opposite of herself. He takes chances, risks, throws caution to the wind, she has to follow the straight and narrow or she gets anxious. Can Jimmy help her let go and enjoy life before its too late?

Bel and Jimmy traverse life, career and family drama to try and make a relationship work. Proving nothing worth fighting for is ever easy, life throws a few obstacles in their way. Can they come out of top and show the world exactly why opposites attract? I voluntarily read an advance reader copy without expectation; all opinions expressed are my own.

4 out of 5 stars for this book, previous works in series are Love under the hot lights and Just as little camera shy. Some pages were a little long in the tooth for me so I did skim through some interactions/conversations. All in all though still a pretty good read.
Profile Image for Donna Smith.
1,266 reviews11 followers
March 19, 2019
I think this is my favorite of the Scripted for Love books so far. Bel and Jimmy are total opposites. Jimmy grabs life by the horns and doesn't let go. Bel protects her heart and mind by sitting out on life. Jimmy challenges her to see life the way he does and in the process open herself up to love. I adore Jimmy. He hasn't had an easy life by any stretch but he moves on without forgetting the past. He takes blame for things that were out of his control but uses that to make things better for his niece. Bel is so analytical that she actually breaks love down to chemistry, real honest to God chemisrty. Endorphins and all. She has had a traumatic experience in her life as well but she went in instead of out. The two of them balance each other so well. Jimmy teaches her how to live and love. Bel teaches him to be open and honest.
Profile Image for Kristen Johnson.
1,173 reviews48 followers
March 20, 2019
MK Meredith delivers another amazing read in the Scripted for Love Series. With it's sweet moments and the romance between these two I couldn't put the book down. As with previous stories in this series, MK brings out the emotions, and gives us dose of reality.

Bel is used to being independent, a woman who knows all about love, including that it doesn't and won't exist for her. Jimmy is her opposite, a man who knows what he wants. I loved the interactions between these two and that their story isn't all ups and wins, but proof that real life is full of bumps and that things can happen when and how we least expect.

I loved how these two fit together and somehow filled in the missing pieces in each other.
Profile Image for J Lundsten.
965 reviews39 followers
March 19, 2019
Bel is a professor who specializes in love but doesn't believe in it. But she believes very much in hard work and the new project she knows will catapult her career. Jimmy is a photographer who desperately needs a job and will stop at nothing to heart of Bel's project, especially since he can't get the stuffy uptight professor out of his mind.

I loved the chemistry between these two! There were a lot of bumps on their way to happiness but I loved how their relationship evolved. A great cast of secondary characters and a fantastic setting round out this story!
Profile Image for Toni.
2,118 reviews20 followers
March 16, 2019

A Heated Touch of Action is the third installment in MK Meredith’s scripted for love series. It builds nicely on the previous two, so I recommend reading them first. While it does stand-alone, you will find the character relationships are easier to follow after reading the other two. Bel and Jimmy are both running from their past and together they realize that at some point you have to stop running. Jimmy’s niece Chloe steals the show. I thoroughly enjoyed this installment and can’t wait for what Meredith writes next.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
52 reviews
March 19, 2019
Whew! MK has done it again! This third book in the Scrpted for Love series does not disappoint. Bel is a "Love Expert" who doesn't believe in love. Her future is in the hands of sexy bad boy Jimmy, whom she'd rather forget. Is it possible for them to put their past where it belongs and work together for the good of the project? This page-turner will have you discovering the answer before you know it. MK uses her gift to submerge you into the scene, so you don't have to wish you were there, you really ARE there. I can't live this book, or this author enough!
1 review2 followers
March 19, 2019
A Heated Touch Of Action by MK Meredith- A Scripted for Love Novel Book 3.

This is a stand alone book, but I’d recommend reading the first two to better understand the character relationships.
Bel Cutler- researching, and writing an article about LOVE; Jimmy Callahan- an unlikely choice for a photographer , and (surprise) a super uncle to adorable Cleo. Will Bel and Jimmy’s relationship extend beyond professional? Will Jimmy rescue Cleo? Read it to find out! I’m looking forward to the next book! I read and reviewed an ARC of the book.
Profile Image for Teresa.
699 reviews7 followers
March 21, 2019
A Heated Touch of Action Book 3 A Scripted of Love Series

5 Stars

What a very very enjoyable read!! I fully enjoyed as much as the first two books in the series! This is very well written. Like the characters.

I highly recommend!! Great romance!

"There was a power in love. A power given, power taken."

"You have an incredible... incredible talent. All of these pieces tell a story. Life, love, and the pursuit of happiness."

"I love you for every dark moment in your life and all the bright light you bring."
93 reviews
March 19, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. Bel doesn't believe in love and Jimmy doesn't think he deserves it. Once they start working together, they both find out how wrong they are. I felt really bad for everything that Jimmy was going through with his sister-in-law and niece. Bel and Jimmy have some sizzling chemistry that they just can't deny but they need to overcome their own personal demons.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for AnneKR.
872 reviews25 followers
March 19, 2019
Love Jimmy & Bel’s story! This is the third book in the series & all the family/friends from the previous books come into play to help the two destined lovebirds. Conservative Bel is the complete opposite of Jimmy, who is on a mission to show Bel to live a little. With both of them dealing with past issues of abandonment & guilt, can they learn to trust one another? This was a great read & I’m looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Pauline Hunt.
5 reviews
March 19, 2019
Bel is a "Love Expert" but doesn't believe in love herself. She needs "loving photos" for her seminar and is pushed by Friends to her Jimmy to do them for her. Jimmy is busy trying to protect his niece as well as getting his photo business going. Can they work together? Spending more time together brings them closer, but will it last? I feel it starts out slow, that is why I gave it a 4 rating. But fill your coffee cup up and keep on reading. Love the bonding between Jimmy and his niece.
Profile Image for Michele Surbaugh.
5 reviews2 followers
March 20, 2019
Bel, Jimmy, and Clee build multiple love stories from the first word. Bel's mission is to teach about love in all it's many forms. What she doesn't realize is she's missing the whole point. I love that MK delves into the love of family, the love of sisterhood, they love of a child, and of course, romantic love. This book has some surprise links to some other characters of MK's that we love.

This one will satisfy your heart. I guarantee it. ♡♡
Profile Image for NanaX8.
2,454 reviews66 followers
March 5, 2019
Beautiful story of learning to love and trust which is so very hard to do when life has shown you much different paths. MK does a fantastic job of painting us a picture with beautiful, colorful, steamy romantic words.
1,304 reviews
March 16, 2019
What a lovely story on finding and believing in love. It is something most of us can relate to in some way. It is so well written and portrayed amazingly well. I loved it so much. I really hope to read more in this series.
Profile Image for Sue.
1,214 reviews
March 18, 2019
A Heated Touch of Action is book three in the Scripted for Love Series. While it is a stand alone, I feel it helps to have read the previous two, which are also good reads. I enjoyed Bel and Jimmy’s story and look forward to reading future books.
Profile Image for Nicole Rezler.
155 reviews5 followers
March 19, 2019
A Heated Touch of Action is the third book in A Scripted for Love series. This book did not disappoint! I loved Bella and Jimmy and oh Clee.. I mean my heart melted for her. I also loved how the other characters were intertwined.
Profile Image for Rhonda Ziglar.
4,384 reviews41 followers
March 20, 2019
5 HEARTFELT STARS!! This story is so beautifully written and heartfelt all the way through. Bel and Jimmy are completely opposite, but boy fun watching them work through things. Their stories have so many feels, I felt it in my heart. This is a must read.
Profile Image for Ashley Shannon.
37 reviews
March 20, 2019
I enjoyed reading the story. It was well written and the characters were likable. Jimmy and Bel have great chemistry together. The only downside to the book is I wish it was longer. I wanted to read more about these two. The series has been great so far, I look forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Courtney.
376 reviews
March 12, 2019
This book is a great escape from reality. I read it in one sitting, and it's a good read if you enjoy a contemporary romance.
12 reviews6 followers
March 19, 2019
I missed the last book, and it's been a while since I read the first book, so, it took me a while to remember the characters. I enjoy MK's books and this one was good too.
Profile Image for Savannah.
222 reviews2 followers
March 19, 2019
Awesome
 
The book was amazing and awesome. The author is amazing love all her books. I couldn't put this book down. She pulls you in to the story with her characters
1,562 reviews7 followers
March 20, 2019
This was a really good read! I thoroughly enjoyed every page. Amazing story, wonderful characters and I was pleasantly absorbed with this book.
Profile Image for Clare Baird.
103 reviews
March 19, 2019
MK Meredith weaves a wonderful story of two people learning to trust and love. The story was fun and flirty. I loved reading Bel and Jimmy's story. The characters are real and you feel you know them personally. Great read!!!
Profile Image for Darlene.
366 reviews15 followers
April 3, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book. It is about learning to trust and love again. It is the third in the Scripted for Love series but can be read as a stand alone. M.K. has the touch for mixing steamy romance, with some sadness and humor that makes for a great story.
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