Make It Hot

Hightower Honors #2

by Gwyneth Bolton

After a career–threatening injury, brooding firefighter Joel Hightower's only hope of regaining his cherished livelihood is a sassy spitfire named Samantha Dash. As the by–the–book physical therapist helps Joel get ever closer to achieving his professional goals, Samantha also ignites a sensual spark in him that he finds impossible to ignoreSamantha is totally unprepared for the sizzling attraction that intensifies each time she is near "Tall, Dark and Surly" Hightower. As she helps Joel get better, their relationship goes way beyond patient and therapist. It flares into full–blown passion. But when it threatens to end her career, Samantha must decide if a future as the partner of a risk–taking hero is really worth fighting for.

Genres: Romance, African American Romance

197 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 28, 2013

About the author

Gwyneth Bolton was born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey. She currently lives in Syracuse, New York with her husband Cedric.

When she was 12-years-old, she became an avid reader of romance by sneaking her mother's stash of Harlequin and Silhouette novels. In the 90s, she was introduced to African American and multicultural romance novels and her life hasn't been the same since.

While she had always been a reader of romance, she didn't feel inspired to write them until the genre opened up to include other voices. And even then, it took finishing graduate school, several non-fiction publications, and a six-week course at the Loft Literary Center titled Writing the Romance Novel; before she gathered the courage to start writing her first romance novel.

Gwyneth has a BA and an MA in English/Creative Writing and a Ph.D. in English/Composition and Rhetoric. She teaches classes in writing and women's studies at the college level.

She has won several awards for her romance novels, including four Emma Awards and the Romance In Color Reviewer's Choice award for new author of the year. When she is not teaching or working on her own African American romance novels, she is curled up with a cup of herbal tea, a warm quilt, and a good book.

Reviews

[SassyMama · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Perfect MATCH

WHEW...The heat is definitely on in the “Hightower Honors” series. The second installment is just as CAPTIVATING and heartwarming as the first. Joel Hightower is definitely a FORCE of NATURE. The story opens with Joel being seriously injured while fighting a fire. Samantha, a physical therapist, is instantly drawn to the injured firefighter and prays he makes it through his ordeal. Samantha is nervous and thrilled when she learns she'll be Joel's physical therapist; that is until she has her first session with him, she quickly discovers that although he's tall, dark and sexy-as-all-get-out, he's definitely NOT the playful, mischievous prankster she imagined, but a surly, EXTREMELY opinionated stud. And Joel has finally meet his match, because Samantha is not only beautiful, but she's also a sassy, VERY opinionated force to be reckoned with, and she gives him tit-for-tat. While their tempers flare and the sensual sparks fly, and they engage one another in witty and funny verbal debates, the flames of desire slowly flare to a FULL BLOWN mutual attraction that can not be contained. But will Samantha remain true to her promise to NEVER love a man with a dangerous job or will the intensity of Joel's love be too HOT for her to fight?!! My heart went out to Sammie and Joel with ALL the intense DRAMA and challenges they had to endure throughout this novel. This installment has quite a few heart-wrenching and tender moments. And once again, the cast of characters is quite entertaining. Can't wait to see what havoc Aunt Sophie will cause next, she is definitely a piece of work. Looking forward to reading what Mrs. Bolton has in store for Lawrence and Patrick.

[Pamelia Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life Choices

Joel Hightower suffered a traumatic injury while performing on his job as a firefighter, who also faced some serious life choices. Samantha is a good physical therapist who was determined to help her grumpy patient get stronger and healthier despite his protest. Samantha is more then up to the task of helping Joel.

[Lovie247 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Make it Hot - A toast to Joel and Samantha

This second Hightower brothers story is a nice follow up to Jason and Penny's story in the first book, To Protect and Serve. This didn't have the danger and angst that we had in the first book, but the romance was just as sweet.

Samantha's intention to keep her interactions with Joel on a strictly professional level was admirable, almost as admirable as Joel's resolve to have her as his own was exhilarating. And I do mean exhilarating. Their back and forth was sooo fun to read. Though I didn't like this book quite as much as book one (because I like danger and serious angst mixed in with romance), I still wholeheartedly recommend this book.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far Joel is turning out to be my favorite, this is a hero that will capture my heart again and again.  And for Aunt Sophia, I am all for respecting your elders but she is itching for a serious beatdown.

[Deloris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have often re read a book that I read years earlier, this series written by Gwyneth Bolton stands the test of time and still deserves 5 stars.