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Buchanan-Renard #11
HotShot
#1 New York Times bestselling author Julie Garwood returns with a novel of family drama, suspense, and—of course—romance.
Peyton Lockhart and her sisters have inherited Bishop’s Cove, a small, luxurious oceanfront resort, but it comes with a condition: The girls must run the resort for one year and show a profit—only then will they own it.
A graduate of a prestigious French culinary school, Peyton has just lost her job as a food critic. Out of work and in a bad place personally, a year doing something completely different sounds wonderful.
There are countless challenges and too many people who want to stop the sisters from succeeding. Among them are Peyton’s contentious cousins, who are outraged that they didn’t inherit the resort, as well as a powerful group of land developers who have been eyeing the coveted beachfront property.
It’s soon apparent to Peyton that their efforts are being sabotaged, but she refuses to let the threats scare her—until she’s nearly killed. She calls on her childhood friend and protector, Finn MacBain, now with the FBI, and asks for his help. He saved her life once; he can do it again.
Peyton Lockhart and her sisters have inherited Bishop’s Cove, a small, luxurious oceanfront resort, but it comes with a condition: The girls must run the resort for one year and show a profit—only then will they own it.
A graduate of a prestigious French culinary school, Peyton has just lost her job as a food critic. Out of work and in a bad place personally, a year doing something completely different sounds wonderful.
There are countless challenges and too many people who want to stop the sisters from succeeding. Among them are Peyton’s contentious cousins, who are outraged that they didn’t inherit the resort, as well as a powerful group of land developers who have been eyeing the coveted beachfront property.
It’s soon apparent to Peyton that their efforts are being sabotaged, but she refuses to let the threats scare her—until she’s nearly killed. She calls on her childhood friend and protector, Finn MacBain, now with the FBI, and asks for his help. He saved her life once; he can do it again.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
1071 people are currently reading
3834 people want to read
About the author
Julie Garwood
176 books12.5k followersWith more than 35 million books in print and 26 NEW YORK TIMES bestsellers, Julie Garwood has earned a position among America's favorite fiction writers.
Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, Ms. Garwood attributes much of her success to growing up in a large family of Irish heritage. "The Irish are great storytellers who relish getting all of the details and nuances of every situation. Add in the fact that I was the sixth of seven children. Early in life, I learned that self expression had to be forceful, imaginative, and quick," says Ms. Garwood.
She began her writing career when the youngest of her three children entered school. After the publications of two young-adult books, she turned her talents to historical fiction. Her first novel, GENTLE WARRIOR, was published by Pocket Books in 1985. Since then, she has branched into other genres including contemporary romantic suspense. Today, her name appears regularly on the bestseller lists of every major publication in the country, and her books are translated into dozens of languages around the world. Her bestselling novel FOR THE ROSES was adapted for the HALLMARK HALL OF FAME television movie ROSE HILL.
Ms. Garwood lives in Leawood, KS and is currently working on her next novel.
Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, Ms. Garwood attributes much of her success to growing up in a large family of Irish heritage. "The Irish are great storytellers who relish getting all of the details and nuances of every situation. Add in the fact that I was the sixth of seven children. Early in life, I learned that self expression had to be forceful, imaginative, and quick," says Ms. Garwood.
She began her writing career when the youngest of her three children entered school. After the publications of two young-adult books, she turned her talents to historical fiction. Her first novel, GENTLE WARRIOR, was published by Pocket Books in 1985. Since then, she has branched into other genres including contemporary romantic suspense. Today, her name appears regularly on the bestseller lists of every major publication in the country, and her books are translated into dozens of languages around the world. Her bestselling novel FOR THE ROSES was adapted for the HALLMARK HALL OF FAME television movie ROSE HILL.
Ms. Garwood lives in Leawood, KS and is currently working on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 762 reviews
September 7, 2022
Originally posted on The Book Nympho
Quick summary
Peyton Lockhart can't believe her good fortune when she lands a dream job as a food critic for a prestigious magazine. When that dream turns into a nightmare, her childhood idol, FBI Agent Finn MacBain, steps in to give assistance. Little did he know that "little Peyton" was going to finally get her Hotshot hero.
What worked
The beginning of the story was really great, especially the prologue. Finn and his two brothers stole that portion of the story and I got a great sense of their family dynamics. Peyton's journey to Minnesota was a mixture of hilarity and horror, especially the stories about her date disasters. When things turned sour, the tension level ratcheted up pretty fast and I was on edge. I also liked Finn and Peyton's initial developing romance, he being quite slayed by the grownup woman and she still enamored of her childhood hero. Great dialogue and chemistry.
Where it started to fizzle
Peyton was too smart for some of the decisions she made and her lackadaisical attitude towards the threats leveled at her, not once but twice. She should have been completely unnerved. And, the whole nonsense with cousin Debi was just that...inane. Sister Lucy came off as a shrew. Lastly, the adult Finn wasn't as well crafted or developed as teenager Finn. His behavior towards Peyton was erratic, his nightmare never explained and his romantic turnaround seemed to come out of the blue.
The bottom line
This was headed towards a 5-star rating until the last third of the story. I almost dropped another half star but the beginning was much too strong and enjoyable for me to do that. The ending was wrapped a little too nicely but it was tremendously "feel good." Despite my issues, I had a good time reading this book and that counts for something.
Quick summary
Peyton Lockhart can't believe her good fortune when she lands a dream job as a food critic for a prestigious magazine. When that dream turns into a nightmare, her childhood idol, FBI Agent Finn MacBain, steps in to give assistance. Little did he know that "little Peyton" was going to finally get her Hotshot hero.
What worked
The beginning of the story was really great, especially the prologue. Finn and his two brothers stole that portion of the story and I got a great sense of their family dynamics. Peyton's journey to Minnesota was a mixture of hilarity and horror, especially the stories about her date disasters. When things turned sour, the tension level ratcheted up pretty fast and I was on edge. I also liked Finn and Peyton's initial developing romance, he being quite slayed by the grownup woman and she still enamored of her childhood hero. Great dialogue and chemistry.
Where it started to fizzle
Peyton was too smart for some of the decisions she made and her lackadaisical attitude towards the threats leveled at her, not once but twice. She should have been completely unnerved. And, the whole nonsense with cousin Debi was just that...inane. Sister Lucy came off as a shrew. Lastly, the adult Finn wasn't as well crafted or developed as teenager Finn. His behavior towards Peyton was erratic, his nightmare never explained and his romantic turnaround seemed to come out of the blue.
The bottom line
This was headed towards a 5-star rating until the last third of the story. I almost dropped another half star but the beginning was much too strong and enjoyable for me to do that. The ending was wrapped a little too nicely but it was tremendously "feel good." Despite my issues, I had a good time reading this book and that counts for something.
May 6, 2015
DNF at 45%. :(
As a reader, you know, even before reaching 15% or 30% or whatever that what you're reading is great, good, mediocre or bad. You would know. And as a reader, there comes a time where you have to make a decision right there and then.
I'm not going to rate this but I just can't do it. I'm throwing in the towel. If a book cannot hold my interest long enough that I keep on putting it off, putting it off and putting it off says it all. The fact that I am giving up on Julie Garwood book, probably one of my fave authors of all time, is really painful. This isn't really a bad book. It's not bad, it's mediocre. I can't think of anything much worse than that. At least with bad, you'll get a good laugh out of it but mediocre?
For one, I didn't like Peyton. I don't care much for her. And Finn? Who the hell is Finn? Aside from his accomplishments that I keep reading on and on about the first half of the book, he does nothing for me. And I don't feel the chemistry between them. That's it.
I wish, I could articulate it more but when it comes down to it, Hotshot isn't so hot at all. At least for me. This could work for other people. Hey, I've seen people giving this 4 to 5 stars, so maybe it's just me. But for such an expensive book, $15.85 for the hardcover and $9.99 for the Kindle Edition, I'm expecting to be blown away.
I wasn't.
So, DNF.
Enough said.
As a reader, you know, even before reaching 15% or 30% or whatever that what you're reading is great, good, mediocre or bad. You would know. And as a reader, there comes a time where you have to make a decision right there and then.
I'm not going to rate this but I just can't do it. I'm throwing in the towel. If a book cannot hold my interest long enough that I keep on putting it off, putting it off and putting it off says it all. The fact that I am giving up on Julie Garwood book, probably one of my fave authors of all time, is really painful. This isn't really a bad book. It's not bad, it's mediocre. I can't think of anything much worse than that. At least with bad, you'll get a good laugh out of it but mediocre?
For one, I didn't like Peyton. I don't care much for her. And Finn? Who the hell is Finn? Aside from his accomplishments that I keep reading on and on about the first half of the book, he does nothing for me. And I don't feel the chemistry between them. That's it.
I wish, I could articulate it more but when it comes down to it, Hotshot isn't so hot at all. At least for me. This could work for other people. Hey, I've seen people giving this 4 to 5 stars, so maybe it's just me. But for such an expensive book, $15.85 for the hardcover and $9.99 for the Kindle Edition, I'm expecting to be blown away.
I wasn't.
So, DNF.
Enough said.
October 19, 2023
And number 6 reread...Absolutely love this book, always leaves me happy. So missing this author. 😞
Reread.
Loved it the 5th time as much as reading it the first time. The hero was dreamy, sappy I know but he was. 😂 And I liked the heroine as well. Good pacing, characterization and storyline.
Loved, loved loved this book. What a great couple, so enjoyed reading about them falling in love. Finn was swoon worthy and what a strong and great heroine Peyton was. Great plot and moved along at a great pace. Anything Julie Garwood is always a winner! MUST READ!!
Reread.
Loved it the 5th time as much as reading it the first time. The hero was dreamy, sappy I know but he was. 😂 And I liked the heroine as well. Good pacing, characterization and storyline.
Loved, loved loved this book. What a great couple, so enjoyed reading about them falling in love. Finn was swoon worthy and what a strong and great heroine Peyton was. Great plot and moved along at a great pace. Anything Julie Garwood is always a winner! MUST READ!!
August 23, 2013
I am extremely unimpressed with Julie Garwood's newest addition. I used to be a HUGE fan of hers, and her historical novels always work as the perfect pick me up.
However this novel lacks everything that makes a Julie Garwood novel great.
Cliche upon cliche, perfect characters meet perfect characters. We have the swimmer who catches up with his innocent (ahem. VERY innocent)childhood neighbor. Or, should I say Olympic gold medalist, record-breaking swimmer turned PERFECT FBI agent who just happens to save the day from crazy men with guns like it is nothing who just happens to fall in love being the super protector to the one whom he had already saved before.
How "perfect" can one character be? This book read like an amateur novel, and not a Julie Garwood.
Usually I would go more in depth as to why this book fell short, but doing so would just make me even more suspicious of the true author.
Dear Julie: Please re-read your novels from the 80's and help us to fall in love with you again.
However this novel lacks everything that makes a Julie Garwood novel great.
Cliche upon cliche, perfect characters meet perfect characters. We have the swimmer who catches up with his innocent (ahem. VERY innocent)childhood neighbor. Or, should I say Olympic gold medalist, record-breaking swimmer turned PERFECT FBI agent who just happens to save the day from crazy men with guns like it is nothing who just happens to fall in love being the super protector to the one whom he had already saved before.
How "perfect" can one character be? This book read like an amateur novel, and not a Julie Garwood.
Usually I would go more in depth as to why this book fell short, but doing so would just make me even more suspicious of the true author.
Dear Julie: Please re-read your novels from the 80's and help us to fall in love with you again.
May 14, 2021
Hotshot is book # 11 in the Buchanan-Renard series but despair not, each of the books in the series can be read as a stand-alone.
I have no idea why these books have been included in the series, except for the first 6 or 7, Buchanan family never comes into play in any of them I think. The only common thread is the presence of an FBI officer.
Well, if you have been reading Julie Garwood books over the years, obviously, you know that they are good enough for some breezy reading. The mystery is not too intense, the romance and sex are really good and both factors hold good in this one too with an additional drama of sabotage involved.
I have read all the books in the series and love them for exactly what it offers, some mindless fun and sexy heroes😉
So now officially I can say I have read all the books published by Julie Garwood and if you are new to the scene, please begin with her historical romances. The humor that she could create in her stories is simply mind-blowing!
I have no idea why these books have been included in the series, except for the first 6 or 7, Buchanan family never comes into play in any of them I think. The only common thread is the presence of an FBI officer.
Well, if you have been reading Julie Garwood books over the years, obviously, you know that they are good enough for some breezy reading. The mystery is not too intense, the romance and sex are really good and both factors hold good in this one too with an additional drama of sabotage involved.
I have read all the books in the series and love them for exactly what it offers, some mindless fun and sexy heroes😉
So now officially I can say I have read all the books published by Julie Garwood and if you are new to the scene, please begin with her historical romances. The humor that she could create in her stories is simply mind-blowing!
February 17, 2020
October 2017 Reread and Review
Solid 4.5 Stars!!!
Okay I reallllly enjoyed this installment to the series. I loved the H&h, the storyline, and the secondary characters. We're introduced to another swoon worthy FBI Agent and strong willed, independent, and feisty heroine with trouble hot on her heels.
I know many fans have been a bit disappointed with the last few books....but I have to say I've thoroughly enjoyed each storyline and every Hero and Heroine. I may have had a different opinion if all the characters were alike, but, they're all different and each of the heroines were strong independent women from different backgrounds with careers and minds of their own.
* Narrated by Amy McFadden who does a great job.
* Originally read October 2013
Solid 4.5 Stars!!!
Okay I reallllly enjoyed this installment to the series. I loved the H&h, the storyline, and the secondary characters. We're introduced to another swoon worthy FBI Agent and strong willed, independent, and feisty heroine with trouble hot on her heels.
I know many fans have been a bit disappointed with the last few books....but I have to say I've thoroughly enjoyed each storyline and every Hero and Heroine. I may have had a different opinion if all the characters were alike, but, they're all different and each of the heroines were strong independent women from different backgrounds with careers and minds of their own.
* Narrated by Amy McFadden who does a great job.
* Originally read October 2013
August 11, 2013
DNF. My god, I had to stop halfway through- I couldn't tolerate any more of this tripe
Ways this story is just too stupid to be believable
1. HR tells Peyton that she can't file a sexual harassment case until she's been there 3 months. She keeps googling sexual harassment but doesn't figure out that this is bunkum
2. Randolph Swift is the CEO of the company Peyton is working for. Drew, Randolph's son-in-law, is sexually harassing her, but HR stonewalls her, she doesn't take things to Randolph because he's not in the office
3. When Peyton leaves Minnesota, she is followed by a truck that tries to force her off the road, but she doesn't call the police
4. When she find out that pick up truck shot at her and left bullet holes in the car, she doesn't call the police
5. Finn comes over one night and she has cooked for him. She has made three recipes that she is trying out. She gets rid of one of the recipes just based on what Finn says. That's not how chefs work.
I could list many more, but this book isn't worth any more of my time to complain about. Many things don't make sense, and Peyton is TSTL. I hate her.
Ways this story is just too stupid to be believable
1. HR tells Peyton that she can't file a sexual harassment case until she's been there 3 months. She keeps googling sexual harassment but doesn't figure out that this is bunkum
2. Randolph Swift is the CEO of the company Peyton is working for. Drew, Randolph's son-in-law, is sexually harassing her, but HR stonewalls her, she doesn't take things to Randolph because he's not in the office
3. When Peyton leaves Minnesota, she is followed by a truck that tries to force her off the road, but she doesn't call the police
4. When she find out that pick up truck shot at her and left bullet holes in the car, she doesn't call the police
5. Finn comes over one night and she has cooked for him. She has made three recipes that she is trying out. She gets rid of one of the recipes just based on what Finn says. That's not how chefs work.
I could list many more, but this book isn't worth any more of my time to complain about. Many things don't make sense, and Peyton is TSTL. I hate her.
August 7, 2017
I don't know how I missed this one when I was reading the series last year. It was just as good as the rest. A unique storyline to the others.
November 27, 2023
11/27/2023 - I don't have a favorite in this series, I love them all. But Peyton and Finn are at the top of my favorite couples list and this book is also one of my favorites. No one writes a Romantic Suspense like Julie Garwood does. If anyone knows of a similar author, I would love to know. The romance is hot, and the suspense is, for the most part, not threatening. As this genre goes it is pretty tame. While I like my suspense/mystery with a little more punch, I just love the sweet romance that goes along with it.
09/04/2013 - I finished it after only three days and I had grandkids all three days. Lucky for me all they wanted to do was swim! This book doesn't directly relate to the others in the "series". Finn MacBain is an FBI agent, but none of the characters appear related to any of the previous characters. I loved it. But, I always love Julie Garwood, she has never disappointed me.
No one can write a prologue that hooks like Julie Garwood. The MacBain family is a wonder, it's a wonder the three boys survived to adulthood. When Peyton's family moves next door, they have a housewarming party, and no one is paying attention to Peyton. 14-year-old Finn is up in his room, and he sees 5-year-old Peyton plying by the pool. In a split second she is under the water. Finn saves her and becomes her hero. She e-mails him each year on her birthday to say thank you. Her nickname for him: Hotshot.
Finn went on to earn that nickname by earning 3 Olympic Gold medals, going to Stanford on a full ride scholarship, law school and a career as a top FBI agent. Peyton went to college, changed her mind about what to do, went to culinary school and has a dismal love live. She reconnects with Finn after a disaster of a job in her chosen field in MN. They are attending the wedding of Finn's brother. Peyton is late and as she approaches Finn, all he sees is one really hot woman. It isn't until she calls him Hotshot that he knows it's Peyton. She has brought home more than a life experience from MN; she also has 3 bullet holes in her car.
Peyton's uncle Len is a resort owner and has offered Peyton and her sisters the resort in Florida, if they can show a 20% profit in a year. Peyton problems follow her to Florida and so does Finn, but not really willingly. He doesn't want to whole HEA thing and he knows Peyton does, but the attraction is so strong and too hot to ignore.
09/04/2013 - I finished it after only three days and I had grandkids all three days. Lucky for me all they wanted to do was swim! This book doesn't directly relate to the others in the "series". Finn MacBain is an FBI agent, but none of the characters appear related to any of the previous characters. I loved it. But, I always love Julie Garwood, she has never disappointed me.
No one can write a prologue that hooks like Julie Garwood. The MacBain family is a wonder, it's a wonder the three boys survived to adulthood. When Peyton's family moves next door, they have a housewarming party, and no one is paying attention to Peyton. 14-year-old Finn is up in his room, and he sees 5-year-old Peyton plying by the pool. In a split second she is under the water. Finn saves her and becomes her hero. She e-mails him each year on her birthday to say thank you. Her nickname for him: Hotshot.
Finn went on to earn that nickname by earning 3 Olympic Gold medals, going to Stanford on a full ride scholarship, law school and a career as a top FBI agent. Peyton went to college, changed her mind about what to do, went to culinary school and has a dismal love live. She reconnects with Finn after a disaster of a job in her chosen field in MN. They are attending the wedding of Finn's brother. Peyton is late and as she approaches Finn, all he sees is one really hot woman. It isn't until she calls him Hotshot that he knows it's Peyton. She has brought home more than a life experience from MN; she also has 3 bullet holes in her car.
Peyton's uncle Len is a resort owner and has offered Peyton and her sisters the resort in Florida, if they can show a 20% profit in a year. Peyton problems follow her to Florida and so does Finn, but not really willingly. He doesn't want to whole HEA thing and he knows Peyton does, but the attraction is so strong and too hot to ignore.
November 23, 2023
Peyton Lockhart was overjoyed to land the job of her dreams as a food critic for a prestigious magazine. But when her boss, who has a history of sexually harassing the women working under him, makes Peyton his next target; she leaves town and asks Finn MacBain for help. Finn once saved Peyton from drowning. Now he is an FBI Agent who agrees that her boss needs to be stopped. He is also stunned to see that Peyton has grown up to be a beautiful woman.
Peyton and her sisters inherited an oceanfront resort from a rich uncle. This resort comes with conditions. The girls must run the resort for a year and show or profit, or they will lose the resort. When someone starts sabotaging the updates to the resort, Peyton and Finn try to get to the bottom of it.
This romantic suspense story kept my attention with its unique storylines. I was thoroughly entertained with the sexual harassment story. It was a nice change. I also liked the resort storyline, even though it wasn't hard to figure out who was sabotaging the upgrades that were being made. The part of the story I wasn't crazy about was the hero and heroine. They were both too perfect. Finn was a former gold-medal Olympian and an attorney who was now an FBI Agent. And everyone commented about Peyton's beauty. This got old very quickly. I also didn't like that the author fell back into the usual theme with the hero swearing off marriage and family. How many times have we seen that in this series? Even with the things I didn't like, this book was one of my favorites in the series. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
Peyton and her sisters inherited an oceanfront resort from a rich uncle. This resort comes with conditions. The girls must run the resort for a year and show or profit, or they will lose the resort. When someone starts sabotaging the updates to the resort, Peyton and Finn try to get to the bottom of it.
This romantic suspense story kept my attention with its unique storylines. I was thoroughly entertained with the sexual harassment story. It was a nice change. I also liked the resort storyline, even though it wasn't hard to figure out who was sabotaging the upgrades that were being made. The part of the story I wasn't crazy about was the hero and heroine. They were both too perfect. Finn was a former gold-medal Olympian and an attorney who was now an FBI Agent. And everyone commented about Peyton's beauty. This got old very quickly. I also didn't like that the author fell back into the usual theme with the hero swearing off marriage and family. How many times have we seen that in this series? Even with the things I didn't like, this book was one of my favorites in the series. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
May 7, 2014
Enjoyable enough. If you like sweet romantic suspense with Barbie and Ken playing the lead couple, this is for you. There is nothing offensive in it. Not a lot of vulgar language. Not a lot of bloody gore. Not even death. The love scenes are steamy, and there are several of them. The suspense is weak, mostly due to raunchy cardboard villains.
Bottom line, for me, Hotshot was nothing special, but still entertaining. IMO, the best book in this series is Mercy. I really enjoyed that one -- set in the bayou -- and laughed a lot. I also liked Killjoy. To less extent, Fire and Ice.
PLOT: Finn McBain is dubbed a "hotshot" hero at age 14 when he rescues little Peyton, only 5 years old, from drowning in her backyard swimming pool. He goes on to become a "hotshot" Olympic gold medalist swimmer and a "hotshot" FBI interrogator. When Peyton needs a hero again, 25 years later, he's herman hotshot.
For Finn, the lust is instant, but it takes him much longer to realize he's in love. He's protective and passionate and tender, but running scared. So, he blows hot and cold: "This is just temporary. We're just friends. Bed friends. I am not a marrying man. I don't want children -- there's too much evil in the world." (Blah blah blah).
The villains and the entire atmosphere at the publishing house in small-town Minnesota? Absurd. That place was way over the top. The suspense was fairly predictable, but not always. For example, I guessed exactly how Peyton planned to expose Drew, for sexual harassment. And those women! How could Garwood even dream up a Bridget and an Elaine?
Then there was the secondary plot at Bishop's Cove, a resort on an island off Florida. Sabotage. More sabotage. Stupidity. More stupidity. Are we all wearing blinders? Maybe we're all just blinded by lust. Something's in the air at Bishop's Cove, aka The Love Boat. Debi was the smartest of the bunch -- and she's the antagonist.
Bottom line, for me, Hotshot was nothing special, but still entertaining. IMO, the best book in this series is Mercy. I really enjoyed that one -- set in the bayou -- and laughed a lot. I also liked Killjoy. To less extent, Fire and Ice.
PLOT: Finn McBain is dubbed a "hotshot" hero at age 14 when he rescues little Peyton, only 5 years old, from drowning in her backyard swimming pool. He goes on to become a "hotshot" Olympic gold medalist swimmer and a "hotshot" FBI interrogator. When Peyton needs a hero again, 25 years later, he's her
For Finn, the lust is instant, but it takes him much longer to realize he's in love. He's protective and passionate and tender, but running scared. So, he blows hot and cold: "This is just temporary. We're just friends. Bed friends. I am not a marrying man. I don't want children -- there's too much evil in the world." (Blah blah blah).
The villains and the entire atmosphere at the publishing house in small-town Minnesota? Absurd. That place was way over the top. The suspense was fairly predictable, but not always. For example, I guessed exactly how Peyton planned to expose Drew, for sexual harassment. And those women! How could Garwood even dream up a Bridget and an Elaine?
Then there was the secondary plot at Bishop's Cove, a resort on an island off Florida. Sabotage. More sabotage. Stupidity. More stupidity. Are we all wearing blinders? Maybe we're all just blinded by lust. Something's in the air at Bishop's Cove, aka The Love Boat. Debi was the smartest of the bunch -- and she's the antagonist.
July 21, 2014
As a person who has read nearly every J.G. book, my opinion is that her writing in her contemporary fiction feels like she's a different person. It's normal for writing--like painting--styles to evolve over the course of a long, productive career, but this is more (or much less) than that.
Peyton's choices make her seem like a moron. Her cavalier attitude toward workplace harassment and leaving others in jeopardy as she saves herself does not make Peyton cheer-worthy. She's vapid. And the cluelessness of multiple characters, including Finn, regarding the shenanigans at the resort contradicts constant reminders that they're all so smart and competent. Not.
What is going on with the dumbing (way) down of contemporary romance/romantic thriller fiction from powerhouse authors? The established greats; Catherine Coulter, Jude Deveraux, Iris Johansen, and others have changed their writing styles in ways that just can't compete with the quality of their earlier works.
Sadly, Hotshot was probably my last J.G. read.
Peyton's choices make her seem like a moron. Her cavalier attitude toward workplace harassment and leaving others in jeopardy as she saves herself does not make Peyton cheer-worthy. She's vapid. And the cluelessness of multiple characters, including Finn, regarding the shenanigans at the resort contradicts constant reminders that they're all so smart and competent. Not.
What is going on with the dumbing (way) down of contemporary romance/romantic thriller fiction from powerhouse authors? The established greats; Catherine Coulter, Jude Deveraux, Iris Johansen, and others have changed their writing styles in ways that just can't compete with the quality of their earlier works.
Sadly, Hotshot was probably my last J.G. read.
March 16, 2015
I really enjoy Ms Garwood's contemporaries. This one, however, was not one of her best. Though the couple had some good chemistry, I felt that the plot was a little forced and that the hero was a little too alpha. But, I guess that went with him being a "hotshot". Still, it was a nice fun read.
July 21, 2013
Finn MacBain meets Peyton Lockhart when she's a little girl in the beginning of this book. He's 14 and she's 6. Peyton's family is the MacBain's new neighbors and because of a incident with the Lockhart's pool Finn and his 2 brothers aren't allowed over there. Just so happens the evening the Lockharts are having a party Finns observes a little girl wander out to their pool and sit down and in a matter of minutes she falls in. Finn runs to the rescue when he bursts into the party knocking Mr Lockhart down in the process and dives into the pool and saves her. From then on Finn has a fan for life in Peyton. Years later Finn is with the FBI now and home for one of his twin brothers wedding. Peyton walks right up to him and says hi and he has no idea who she is until she calls him the knickname she gave him years before,"Hotshot". Peyton has just gotten a job at a foodie magazine and uproots herself from her home to move to another state only to find out her new boss is a major sexual predator. After getting some evidence against him she takes off only to be chased in a snow storm and almost run off the road and shot at. When Finn notices the bullet holes in Peyton's car he starts looking into what's going on. In the mean time Peyton and her two sisters are offered a deal by their wealthy uncle who owns a bunch of resorts. They can run Bishop's Cove in Florida for one year and make a profit they can keep it forever. While Peyton and her sister Lucy move down there to start working on the resort and getting it ready they have to deal with a cousin who is hell bent on ruining their chances. All the while this is going on someone is still trying to kill Peyton or at the very least scare her to death. Finn is on the job and although they become close he's in denial that he he loves her can't leave her alone. He can't although he does try it just doesn't work. This book has a lot going on. Peyton and her sisters trying to fix up the resort while someone is trying to sabatoge the whole thing and then Peyton nasty ex-boss trying to silence her from exposing what he's been doing to his father in law. Peyton comes across as a strong female character trying to do the right thing by exposing her boss and protecting other women from him and trying to run a resort while dealing with her crazy family. Finn is this larger than life good guy, former Olympic champion and now super FBI agent. The man is saving the world one day at a time. I love how Julie Garwood brings back past characters in small ways. You'll find a few previous characters mentioned in this book and hearing tidbits about past characters always gives me a thrill. This is a fast read and i enjoyed the main characters as well as all the secondary characters. Another win for me from Julie Garwood.
August 5, 2013
I loved this book! From the beginning when the author is describing the MacBain boys and their propensity for trouble and bottomless stomachs to the very end when Finn proves he is still a Hotshot, I enjoyed every word.
Peyton is a woman at a crossroads and looking for a direction in her life. After a disastrous experience as a food critic for a magazine, she runs into her old neighbor Finn at his brother’s wedding. Finn is a real Alpha hero, used to being in charge, perfect at everything he does, total hottie and nice besides. Years ago he saved Peyton from drowning and she crushed on him for years but she is finally over it-yeah right! They get together when the harassing lecher she fled from at the magazine sics a killer on her to keep her quiet about his actions and Finn’s protective side is aroused.
The chemistry between Peyton and Finn is off the charts even as he fights it tooth and nail. Finn is not interested in the long term and tells Peyton so, but he finds himself being drawn back to her over and over. Peyton is smart and funny and gives Finn as much aggravation as she can to keep her heart from breaking even as she is falling in love with him. I really enjoyed the dialog between them and the sexy scenes were pretty good too.
There are several secondary characters that are very well fleshed out in this book and integral to the plot line. I particularly liked Peyton’s sister Lucy and her fighting/romance with Christopher. The villains are really nasty except for Peyton’s cousin Debbie who makes me think of a comedic version of one of the real housewives.
Every time I read one of the books in the Buchanan-Renard series, I want to go back and read them all over again! Each book stands alone but it is a fantastic series and this latest book is a great addition.
Peyton is a woman at a crossroads and looking for a direction in her life. After a disastrous experience as a food critic for a magazine, she runs into her old neighbor Finn at his brother’s wedding. Finn is a real Alpha hero, used to being in charge, perfect at everything he does, total hottie and nice besides. Years ago he saved Peyton from drowning and she crushed on him for years but she is finally over it-yeah right! They get together when the harassing lecher she fled from at the magazine sics a killer on her to keep her quiet about his actions and Finn’s protective side is aroused.
The chemistry between Peyton and Finn is off the charts even as he fights it tooth and nail. Finn is not interested in the long term and tells Peyton so, but he finds himself being drawn back to her over and over. Peyton is smart and funny and gives Finn as much aggravation as she can to keep her heart from breaking even as she is falling in love with him. I really enjoyed the dialog between them and the sexy scenes were pretty good too.
There are several secondary characters that are very well fleshed out in this book and integral to the plot line. I particularly liked Peyton’s sister Lucy and her fighting/romance with Christopher. The villains are really nasty except for Peyton’s cousin Debbie who makes me think of a comedic version of one of the real housewives.
Every time I read one of the books in the Buchanan-Renard series, I want to go back and read them all over again! Each book stands alone but it is a fantastic series and this latest book is a great addition.
November 9, 2017
This was ok. There were some funny parts with the heroine's ridiculous bimbo cousin and her tub of lard mooch of a husband. The novel had all the right elements I look for for in a romance but it just didn't connect with me. I think I will prefer to re-read Garwood's wonderful historicals and refrain from trying out her contemporary fiction. Hell I even started reading the Roses series and couldn't get into those either - even though they were set in the late 19th century. Julie G should stick to hot highlanders and English historicals.
April 3, 2017
This was a really solid book. I liked both the hero and heroine and their attraction was very believable. The plot was action-packed and moved forward at a good pace and the resolution was good, if perhaps a tad anticlimactic.
The basic story is that Finn and Peyton lived next door to each other when they were kids. Finn was 8 years older so they didn't exactly grow up together, but they shared a special connection thanks to Finn saving Peyton from drowning when she was 6. Finn went on to become an Olympic gold medalist and then a hot shot FBI agent. Peyton grew up to be a beautiful young woman who had a little trouble deciding what she wanted to be but ultimately realized cooking was her passion. She graduated college and studied cooking in France for a while but never forgot to email Finn on her birthday to thank him for saving her life. Then she gets what she thinks is her dream job working for a world renown culinary magazine and packs up to move to Minnesota.
Unfortunately when she gets there she finds that her new boss, Drew is a violent sexual predator who only hired her because of her looks and expects her to sleep with him on command. She tries to report the matter to HR, only to find that the head of HR is friends with Drew's wife, who is fully aware of her husband's proclivities and helps facilitate them. Peyton realizes she has no choice but to quit, but doesn't want to just leave and allow some other unsuspecting woman to be Drew's next victim. So before she goes, she manages to get him on tape sexually harassing her. Unfortunately Drew finds out about the recording much sooner than Peyton had planned and he sends his personal attack dog after her. Peyton manages to get away and go back home, where Finn happens to be visiting and sees the bullet holes in her car.
That sets the stage for the rest of the book where Finn takes a personal interest in protecting Peyton and helping her nail Drew, meanwhile the passion sparks between them and they quickly become an item. It all progressed in a believable and satisfying way and the ever-present threat from Drew and his lackey keeps the tension high. All around it was a very well done book.
Oh but as an aside, I listened to this in audiobook format and cringed when the opening introduction said that Amy McFadden was the narrator. As with other books I've listened to with her narration, she hyper enunciates every single word, with very odd emphasis on the last syllable. I.e. "he lookeD aT the desK." I don't know why she keeps getting hired for these narration jobs but it's very intrusive and annoying.
The basic story is that Finn and Peyton lived next door to each other when they were kids. Finn was 8 years older so they didn't exactly grow up together, but they shared a special connection thanks to Finn saving Peyton from drowning when she was 6. Finn went on to become an Olympic gold medalist and then a hot shot FBI agent. Peyton grew up to be a beautiful young woman who had a little trouble deciding what she wanted to be but ultimately realized cooking was her passion. She graduated college and studied cooking in France for a while but never forgot to email Finn on her birthday to thank him for saving her life. Then she gets what she thinks is her dream job working for a world renown culinary magazine and packs up to move to Minnesota.
Unfortunately when she gets there she finds that her new boss, Drew is a violent sexual predator who only hired her because of her looks and expects her to sleep with him on command. She tries to report the matter to HR, only to find that the head of HR is friends with Drew's wife, who is fully aware of her husband's proclivities and helps facilitate them. Peyton realizes she has no choice but to quit, but doesn't want to just leave and allow some other unsuspecting woman to be Drew's next victim. So before she goes, she manages to get him on tape sexually harassing her. Unfortunately Drew finds out about the recording much sooner than Peyton had planned and he sends his personal attack dog after her. Peyton manages to get away and go back home, where Finn happens to be visiting and sees the bullet holes in her car.
That sets the stage for the rest of the book where Finn takes a personal interest in protecting Peyton and helping her nail Drew, meanwhile the passion sparks between them and they quickly become an item. It all progressed in a believable and satisfying way and the ever-present threat from Drew and his lackey keeps the tension high. All around it was a very well done book.
Oh but as an aside, I listened to this in audiobook format and cringed when the opening introduction said that Amy McFadden was the narrator. As with other books I've listened to with her narration, she hyper enunciates every single word, with very odd emphasis on the last syllable. I.e. "he lookeD aT the desK." I don't know why she keeps getting hired for these narration jobs but it's very intrusive and annoying.
August 8, 2013
Another contemporary from Julie Garwood where we have a superstar FBI agent mixing it up with the grownup version of the little girl he saved from drowning years ago. There's not an unforgettable knockout storyline but the balance between romance and suspense was refreshing and quite entertaining. The story flows well and kept my attention. I liked both lead characters who were a bit broken but still willing to go another round. Garwood has kicked up the sizzle in this one and presented it very believably and emotionally. The back up cast was endearing and charming -- well most were anyway. I liked it a lot but didn't fall head over heels in love.
As you might expect from this author, the writing was impeccable and it was nice to read through a book without stumbling upon a variety of silly inexcusable errors. All in all, it is very recommendable.
As you might expect from this author, the writing was impeccable and it was nice to read through a book without stumbling upon a variety of silly inexcusable errors. All in all, it is very recommendable.
October 1, 2013
Oh my, a new love has been born! It's called Finn McBain.
March 22, 2023
This felt like putting all ingredients you think should go in romantic suspense and expecting to be great... I was missing chemistry between the main couple especially as they have strong bind from their childhood... There are too many stupid characters at one place I'm this book..I refuse to believe it...
August 2, 2013
review posted on Got Fiction? Books
This is another of Garwood’s contemporaries and I have to say, I really enjoyed it!
Peyton Lockhart has just taken a job at a culinary magazine as a food critic, only once she moves up there she realizes that her job is more be at her boss’ beck and call, and less actual food critiquing. She makes a couple new friends, but on the whole no one is very pleasant, and her new boss soon becomes a problem. Drew Albertson’s been sexually harassing the women in the office for years and no one has stopped him. When it becomes clear that Human Resources isn’t going to help, Peyton realizes she’ll have to take matters into her own hands.
She records her boss making sexual advances and gets the heck out of dodge. Unfortunately, Drew finds out and sends out his goons to make sure Peyton doesn’t make it home.
She does make it home, only to meet up with her former childhood neighbor Finn MacBain, who not only falls for her, but sees the bullet holes in her car. Finn is furious that Peyton isn’t taking the threat against her life seriously, and I have to say that becomes a recurring them in this book. In fact that’s probably what kept it from being a 5 star book for me. Peyton is shot at several times, almost killed, a bomb is blown up near her and she never once acts like “Oh crap, well, my life’s in danger.” She seriously acts like it’s not a big deal.
Finn is an FBI agent now, a far cry from the boy who taught her to swim as a child. And it seems he still wants to keep her safe. When she is offered a chance to run her uncle’s resort for a year (with her 2 sisters), she takes it. If they can show profit, they can keep the resort. Unfortunately Peyton’s troubles follow her to Florida, and so do a whole host of new problems. But luckily Finn follows her there too.
The only things that annoyed me were Peyton constantly ignoring the actual danger and Finn would quite often use his status as FBI Agent to break up bar brawls, stop snipers from rooftops, and all around play super hero. It was sexy and he has a badge, but it was overkill.
On the whole, I enjoyed this story, and I think any Garwood fan will too.
***ARC courtesy of Dutton/Penguin Group via Netgalley
This is another of Garwood’s contemporaries and I have to say, I really enjoyed it!
Peyton Lockhart has just taken a job at a culinary magazine as a food critic, only once she moves up there she realizes that her job is more be at her boss’ beck and call, and less actual food critiquing. She makes a couple new friends, but on the whole no one is very pleasant, and her new boss soon becomes a problem. Drew Albertson’s been sexually harassing the women in the office for years and no one has stopped him. When it becomes clear that Human Resources isn’t going to help, Peyton realizes she’ll have to take matters into her own hands.
She records her boss making sexual advances and gets the heck out of dodge. Unfortunately, Drew finds out and sends out his goons to make sure Peyton doesn’t make it home.
She does make it home, only to meet up with her former childhood neighbor Finn MacBain, who not only falls for her, but sees the bullet holes in her car. Finn is furious that Peyton isn’t taking the threat against her life seriously, and I have to say that becomes a recurring them in this book. In fact that’s probably what kept it from being a 5 star book for me. Peyton is shot at several times, almost killed, a bomb is blown up near her and she never once acts like “Oh crap, well, my life’s in danger.” She seriously acts like it’s not a big deal.
Finn is an FBI agent now, a far cry from the boy who taught her to swim as a child. And it seems he still wants to keep her safe. When she is offered a chance to run her uncle’s resort for a year (with her 2 sisters), she takes it. If they can show profit, they can keep the resort. Unfortunately Peyton’s troubles follow her to Florida, and so do a whole host of new problems. But luckily Finn follows her there too.
The only things that annoyed me were Peyton constantly ignoring the actual danger and Finn would quite often use his status as FBI Agent to break up bar brawls, stop snipers from rooftops, and all around play super hero. It was sexy and he has a badge, but it was overkill.
On the whole, I enjoyed this story, and I think any Garwood fan will too.
***ARC courtesy of Dutton/Penguin Group via Netgalley
August 19, 2013
I am quite disappointed in this book and that's hard for me to say because I'm a long time fan (I ahve been reading her works since high school) and I have read ALL of her books. I'm so used to reading book after book of great stories from her that whenever she releases something new I will immediately grab it to read asap.
I just don't know what happened to her writing in her maybe last 2-3 books (Hotshot included) that her stories were becoming more and more mediocre. It's not as exciting and entertaining as before and I'm not even sure if she's still the one writing her new novels or someone else is writing for her. That special flavor that I only get from Julie Garwood's books that left me mesmerized for years were starting to fade in her latest releases. I'm worried that her future works will all be like this: nothing special to make you say "wow! that's a great book and so worth the money and time."
For a complete review, please visit my blog:
http://galelovescolors.blogspot.com/2...
I just don't know what happened to her writing in her maybe last 2-3 books (Hotshot included) that her stories were becoming more and more mediocre. It's not as exciting and entertaining as before and I'm not even sure if she's still the one writing her new novels or someone else is writing for her. That special flavor that I only get from Julie Garwood's books that left me mesmerized for years were starting to fade in her latest releases. I'm worried that her future works will all be like this: nothing special to make you say "wow! that's a great book and so worth the money and time."
For a complete review, please visit my blog:
http://galelovescolors.blogspot.com/2...
August 10, 2016
I enjoyed this book but I'm not sure why. It wasn't really good, it wasn't bad either.
The beginning was rather slow. I was waiting (and skimming a little bit in the meantime) for the story to begin. And then the romance part was definitely too quick. I believe they have sex too early, I didn't find the feelings between them. Then, out of sudden, everything stops for some silly reason and even sillier doubts. I just couldn't found that love between them.
The suspense part was interesting but without some mystery element it wasn't really grabbing. There was no surprise in it and even though it was based on death threat I didn't feel the thrill.
Still, it was a quick and strangely enjoyable read. I am giving it 3 stars but not sure if it isn't too much.
The beginning was rather slow. I was waiting (and skimming a little bit in the meantime) for the story to begin. And then the romance part was definitely too quick. I believe they have sex too early, I didn't find the feelings between them. Then, out of sudden, everything stops for some silly reason and even sillier doubts. I just couldn't found that love between them.
The suspense part was interesting but without some mystery element it wasn't really grabbing. There was no surprise in it and even though it was based on death threat I didn't feel the thrill.
Still, it was a quick and strangely enjoyable read. I am giving it 3 stars but not sure if it isn't too much.
August 12, 2013
I quite enjoyed this romantic suspense from JG. It starts when the two of them are children and that is one of my favorite set ups. If they knew each other as kids, I like to read about it rather than just flashbacks. That way we really get to know and care about the characters and how they related to each other as adults.
I thought the mystery element was pretty solid and I enjoyed that it wasn't about serial killers or murder etc. There are a lot of crimes that are interesting to read about besides those and I like when an author thinks outside the box.
I found the two main characters to both be appealing. Their relationship seemed realistic and I enjoyed that while the heroine was brave she wasn't TSTL and did what the more experienced people suggested.
Recommeded.
I thought the mystery element was pretty solid and I enjoyed that it wasn't about serial killers or murder etc. There are a lot of crimes that are interesting to read about besides those and I like when an author thinks outside the box.
I found the two main characters to both be appealing. Their relationship seemed realistic and I enjoyed that while the heroine was brave she wasn't TSTL and did what the more experienced people suggested.
Recommeded.
November 26, 2017
You can never go wrong with Julie Garwood
August 21, 2013
Title: Hotshot
Author: Julie Garwood
Genre: Contemporary
Peyton Lockhart and her sisters have inherited Bishop’s Cove, a small, luxurious oceanfront resort, but it comes with a condition: The girls must run the resort for one year and show a profit—only then will they own it.
A graduate of a prestigious French culinary school, Peyton has just lost her job as a food critic. Out of work and in a bad place personally, a year doing something completely different sounds wonderful.
There are countless challenges and too many people who want to stop the sisters from succeeding. Among them are Peyton’s contentious cousins, who are outraged that they didn’t inherit the resort, as well as a powerful group of land developers who have been eyeing the coveted beachfront property.
It’s soon apparent to Peyton that their efforts are being sabotaged, but she refuses to let the threats scare her—until she’s nearly killed. She calls on her childhood friend and protector, Finn MacBain, now with the FBI, and asks for his help. He saved her life once; he can do it again.
I have read and own all of Julie's books and what I love about her is no matter whether the story is taking place in the Scottish Highlands or on an F.B.I case she still manages to suck me and keep me glued to the pages. Her heroines are women we would love to have as friends and her heroes are men who are flawed and oh so delicious.
One of the things you can be guaranteed when reading a Julie Garwood book is strong heroines and heroes who need to protect the heroine even when they don't think they need it. You also get heroes who may never say those three little words but the heroine knows that because of the actions of the hero she is his world.
I loved this story because both Peyton and Finn are such strong characters.
Peyton is a woman who doesn't take crap from anyone. So when she's put in a bad situation she does what she has to do to make sure other women don't have the same thing happen to them. At the same time she's handed the opportunity to do what she's always wanted to do with her life. When she runs into Finn at his brother's wedding she has no idea how it will change everything for her.
Finn is very happy in his life. He loves his job and has no intention of following his brother into wedded bliss. Seeing an all grown up Peyton at his brother's wedding has him thinking of the woman he's known since she was a little girl in a new light. When she confides in him what happened to her, he vows to help her and to stop the people after her from hurting.
Watching these two fall in love was so much fun. Both of them were determined to not succumb to love, and yet all of their actions scream they love each other. One of my favorite parts of the book is when Finn is interrogating a suspect and finds out someone tried to kill Peyton.
There is also a side story with Peyton's sister and the manager of their hotel which is a lot of fun to watch as well.
Over all this is a great read. If you're a fan of Julie's you won't want to miss this one. I think it may just end up being one of my favorite of her contemporary books.
Did I mention that Finn is the descendant of Gabriel from Saving Grace?
Grade A
Review by: Heather
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Author: Julie Garwood
Genre: Contemporary
Peyton Lockhart and her sisters have inherited Bishop’s Cove, a small, luxurious oceanfront resort, but it comes with a condition: The girls must run the resort for one year and show a profit—only then will they own it.
A graduate of a prestigious French culinary school, Peyton has just lost her job as a food critic. Out of work and in a bad place personally, a year doing something completely different sounds wonderful.
There are countless challenges and too many people who want to stop the sisters from succeeding. Among them are Peyton’s contentious cousins, who are outraged that they didn’t inherit the resort, as well as a powerful group of land developers who have been eyeing the coveted beachfront property.
It’s soon apparent to Peyton that their efforts are being sabotaged, but she refuses to let the threats scare her—until she’s nearly killed. She calls on her childhood friend and protector, Finn MacBain, now with the FBI, and asks for his help. He saved her life once; he can do it again.
I have read and own all of Julie's books and what I love about her is no matter whether the story is taking place in the Scottish Highlands or on an F.B.I case she still manages to suck me and keep me glued to the pages. Her heroines are women we would love to have as friends and her heroes are men who are flawed and oh so delicious.
One of the things you can be guaranteed when reading a Julie Garwood book is strong heroines and heroes who need to protect the heroine even when they don't think they need it. You also get heroes who may never say those three little words but the heroine knows that because of the actions of the hero she is his world.
I loved this story because both Peyton and Finn are such strong characters.
Peyton is a woman who doesn't take crap from anyone. So when she's put in a bad situation she does what she has to do to make sure other women don't have the same thing happen to them. At the same time she's handed the opportunity to do what she's always wanted to do with her life. When she runs into Finn at his brother's wedding she has no idea how it will change everything for her.
Finn is very happy in his life. He loves his job and has no intention of following his brother into wedded bliss. Seeing an all grown up Peyton at his brother's wedding has him thinking of the woman he's known since she was a little girl in a new light. When she confides in him what happened to her, he vows to help her and to stop the people after her from hurting.
Watching these two fall in love was so much fun. Both of them were determined to not succumb to love, and yet all of their actions scream they love each other. One of my favorite parts of the book is when Finn is interrogating a suspect and finds out someone tried to kill Peyton.
There is also a side story with Peyton's sister and the manager of their hotel which is a lot of fun to watch as well.
Over all this is a great read. If you're a fan of Julie's you won't want to miss this one. I think it may just end up being one of my favorite of her contemporary books.
Did I mention that Finn is the descendant of Gabriel from Saving Grace?
Grade A
Review by: Heather
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
July 7, 2013
At the age of 5 Peyton Lockhart's life was saved by Finn MacBain, the “bad boy” that lived next door. Since that day, Peyton has had a hero worship attitude toward Finn. Every day she would wait for him to come home to share her day with him until the day Finn moved away. Peyton still kept in touch via emails... and after Finn's gold metals in swimming Peyton started to call Finn "Hotshot". Peyton especially remembered the anniversary of the date Finn saved her life, she made sure she sent him an email that day every year.
Years later Peyton has graduated from a renown French culinary school and was given the opportunity to become a food critic. But the job isn't what she expected and her boss is beyond womanizing...to the point of being dangerous. Obtaining proof of her bosses indiscretions puts a bulls eye on her head.
Finn comes home to a family wedding where he is shocked by the beautiful woman that sets his desire on fire only to realize that same woman is his not so little Peyton.
When Peyton's life is threatened, Finn comes running to the rescue. Even to the small beach resort Peyton and her sisters are trying to run. Finn is now with the FBI, he uses his contacts to enlists help in uncover the culprit behind Peyton's attacks. Is it someone trying to sabotage the hotel or Peyton's ex-boss?
I found Hotshot a good story but a bit overloaded with to many story lines/directions. Peyton and Finn don't actually reunite until well into the book. When they do reunite their passion goes from smoldering to explosive quite rapidly.
Hotshot delivered a wonderful escape from reality, provided a few good laughs and kept me entertained till the end.
I received this ARC copy of Hotshot from PENGUIN GROUP Dutton in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication on August 6, 2013.
Written by: Julie Garwood
Series: Buchanan-Renard
Sequence in Series: 11
Publisher: Dutton Adult
Publication Date: August 6, 2013
ISBN-10: 0525953019
ISBN-13: 978-0525953012
Pages: 368
Rating: 3.75
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Recommendation: Adult
Julie Garwood's Website
Find this book on:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
Years later Peyton has graduated from a renown French culinary school and was given the opportunity to become a food critic. But the job isn't what she expected and her boss is beyond womanizing...to the point of being dangerous. Obtaining proof of her bosses indiscretions puts a bulls eye on her head.
Finn comes home to a family wedding where he is shocked by the beautiful woman that sets his desire on fire only to realize that same woman is his not so little Peyton.
When Peyton's life is threatened, Finn comes running to the rescue. Even to the small beach resort Peyton and her sisters are trying to run. Finn is now with the FBI, he uses his contacts to enlists help in uncover the culprit behind Peyton's attacks. Is it someone trying to sabotage the hotel or Peyton's ex-boss?
I found Hotshot a good story but a bit overloaded with to many story lines/directions. Peyton and Finn don't actually reunite until well into the book. When they do reunite their passion goes from smoldering to explosive quite rapidly.
Hotshot delivered a wonderful escape from reality, provided a few good laughs and kept me entertained till the end.
I received this ARC copy of Hotshot from PENGUIN GROUP Dutton in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication on August 6, 2013.
Written by: Julie Garwood
Series: Buchanan-Renard
Sequence in Series: 11
Publisher: Dutton Adult
Publication Date: August 6, 2013
ISBN-10: 0525953019
ISBN-13: 978-0525953012
Pages: 368
Rating: 3.75
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Recommendation: Adult
Julie Garwood's Website
Find this book on:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
August 25, 2013
I was drawn into this novel in the prologue but as the hero and heroine went their separate ways, it was mostly telling until the heroine, Peyton, returned home for a wedding. I'm glad I persevered. I was hooked from then on into a journey I did want to end. I fell in love with Hotshot Finn, an FBI agent. Peyton the heroine was such a lovely character and I was pleased the story ended how it did.
I had a few queries along the way though, but who doesn't from time to time in a novel. One being the three girls make an agreement with the uncle so therefore they could not sell the resort. They keep it for a year to make profit, if they don't it goes back to the uncle, and he gives them a cash reward, although the uncle does change the rules down the path. Overall though, this didn't spoil the story.
All in all, it was a good read, similar to the last novel I read, Outback Fear, which didn't have quite as much romance. I love it when a novel can get me in and keep me there. I'll be reading more of this authors work for certain.
I had a few queries along the way though, but who doesn't from time to time in a novel. One being the three girls make an agreement with the uncle so therefore they could not sell the resort. They keep it for a year to make profit, if they don't it goes back to the uncle, and he gives them a cash reward, although the uncle does change the rules down the path. Overall though, this didn't spoil the story.
All in all, it was a good read, similar to the last novel I read, Outback Fear, which didn't have quite as much romance. I love it when a novel can get me in and keep me there. I'll be reading more of this authors work for certain.
June 28, 2014
I like this book. It contains several my favorite elements, such as friends-to-lovers(though they haven’t seen each other for many years that the hero doesn't recognize the heroine), the hero is a FBI, heroine receives threat, hero saves heroine and some spices.
Although Finn is a typical hero who is afraid to love again because of his ex’s betrayal, I admire the heroine, Peyton. Unlike many heroines who are so weak that refuses to fight back or chooses to endure the threat without report to someone, Peyton takes the initiative, records her conversation with Drew and consults with Finn.
Recommend to those who also enjoy similar favorite elements with me!
Although Finn is a typical hero who is afraid to love again because of his ex’s betrayal, I admire the heroine, Peyton. Unlike many heroines who are so weak that refuses to fight back or chooses to endure the threat without report to someone, Peyton takes the initiative, records her conversation with Drew and consults with Finn.
Recommend to those who also enjoy similar favorite elements with me!
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May 14, 2017Shades of her earlier books, Julie Garwood is back in great writing form with this intriguing and fun romance. The perfect blend of suspense (who is trying to kill resort owner, Peyton?), humor (over-the top quirky characters), and romance (more than one!). The beginning grabs your attention, the ending is divinely perfect and everything in between- well you'll just have to read it and find out for yourself!
-Kris E.
-Kris E.
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