The Hotter You Burn

The Original Heartbreakers #2

by Gena Showalter

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter is back with a sizzling Original Heartbreakers story featuring a troubled playboy and the woman he can’t resist…

Beck O'ckley is ruthless in the boardroom...and the bedroom. He's never been with the same woman twice, and vows he never will. With a past as twisted as his, meaningless sex keeps the demons at bay. His motto: One and done. No harm, no foul.

Harlow Glass is the most hated girl in town. The beautiful artist is penniless, jobless and homeless. When she sneaks into Beck's home—her ancestral estate—for food, she's shocked by his early return...and her immediate, sizzling and intense attraction to him.

For the first time in Beck's life, he can't get a woman out of his mind. All too soon, friendship blooms into obsession and he'll have to break her heart...or surrender his own

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Adult, Fiction, Audiobook, Friends To Lovers

396 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 25, 2015

About the author

Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of over seventy books, including the acclaimed Lords of the Underworld series, the Gods of War series, the White Rabbit Chronicles, and the Forest of Good and Evil series. She writes sizzling paranormal romance, heartwarming contemporary romance, and unputdownable young adult novels, and lives in Oklahoma City with her family and menagerie of dogs and cats.

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hotter You Burn is book two in The Original Heartbreakers series by Gena Showalter. From the prequel on, I have loved this series, and this book was no different. I have grown to love these characters of Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma. Individually, they each have damaged souls, darkness in their pasts, but together, they are becoming a family to each other. These books are full of snark, humor, steam, but mostly, lots and lots of heart.



Beck O’ckley moved, along with his two best friends, Jase and West, to Strawberry Valley to start fresh. They bought a beautiful ranch and it has become home. Beck, as were his two friends, was raised in foster homes, being shuffled from one to another, never knowing the sense of belonging or love. He only knew loss and abandonment. So now as an adult, other than his two friends, he will never tie himself to another person which would allow them the opportunity to hurt him. He is known as Beck, One and Done. He is a beautiful and sexy man and women flock around him. But he will never spend more than one night with a woman. He makes it the best night of their lives but there will never be a second time.



Harlow Glass grew up in the house Beck and his friends now live in. But after her mother died, she lost the house to bank foreclosure. She is now homeless and living in a tent way back on the property she once called her own. No one in Strawberry Valley will hire her because when Harlow was a teenager, she was the town bully. Her words were worse than any weapon and no one walked away unscathed. She’s different now, changed, but the people of the town haven’t forgotten, and its payback time. So without money, she is hungry. She’s sure everyone is gone from the house she loves to watch late at night, her old home, so she sneaks inside to steal something to eat, and to see what sort of changes they have made. But surprise, Beck comes home early.

“So sure of yourself.” She tsk-tsked despite her breathlessness. “I was an ice queen. I would have ignored you.”
“I was a blowtorch. I would have melted you.”



There is an instant spark, a connection, between Beck and Harlow. Eventually Beck figures out that she is homeless and starving and vows that she will never go hungry again. He provides her with a safe place to live, and gives her a job at his company. The chemistry between them is constantly sparking but Harlow knows that if she gives in, one night will be all she’ll get, and that could never be enough. So she will have to settle for friendship.

“Beck might be gorgeous and nice, and gorgeous, and charismatic, and gorgeous, but he still wasn’t the man for Harlow. He would never be the man for her. Even temporarily. Especially temporarily. Learn the bliss of being his woman, only to lose him? No thanks.”



Beck can’t fight the attraction he feels towards Harlow. But to give in to it would give her the power to hurt him, to leave him. Her happiness, though, is as important to him as breathing. Harlow wants a forever kind of guy and he can’t be that for her. So what should he do? He’ll find her someone else. He’ll find her a perfect guy. Then he’ll stop wanting her, won’t he?



This book, as the others are before it, is fantastic. Only Gena Showalter can have you laughing out loud one second, and your heart breaking the next. I love the snarky humor, the sigh worthy sexy scenes, but mostly, I just love the characters. All of them. If I had one complaint, it just takes too long to get the the good stuff. I think I was feeling as frustrated as the characters were. Seriously, this is a fantastic series. To really enjoy it, I would suggest starting at the beginning prequel. It’s not required to enjoy this book but you would enjoy it more if you get to know all the characters in the order they are introduced. I am so excited for book three, The Harder You Fall, which will be West and Jessie Kay’s story. It is due out late November.

“Do you know what I remember about those women? Nothing. And do you know what I’ll always remember about you?
Absolutely everything.”

[Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

He couldn't have her without committing to her. He had to have her, but he couldn't commit to her. It was the surest way to lose her forever.

I'll admit, I was a little apprehensive reading this book after not quite loving the first book in this series. But then Beck O'ckley was the hero that really captivated me in The Closer You Come with his one-and-done policy with women. Who doesn't love an unrepentant manwhore? I certainly do. Then you have the heroine, Harlow Glass, as the most hated girl in town that's still paying for her high school bullying days all those years ago. Add in some sizzling sexual chemistry with a dash of humor and you have the recipe for the perfect contemporary romance. I loved this book!

Just then she was a woman who'd stepped straight from his sweetest dreams- and his worst nightmares. Someone who changed the rules of the game.

First of all, if you haven't read the first book in the series, don't worry, because you can easily read this one as a standalone. However, The Closer You Come does give the background to the three men and helps set up each of their individual books, so it does help to read the series in order.

Beck is the most easy going of his three friends. But beneath his take-nothing-too-seriously demeanor, is the broken soul of a man that's been through hell and back. Abandoned as a child and going through the system as a foster kid solidified his belief that nothing is permanent. When his friend spent 9 years behind bars for a crime all three of them committed, it also gave him a good dose of guilt that he still can't shake. Beck has a one night only policy with women. That's all he has to give them, one sweaty passionate night spent between the sheets and that's it. No repeats. He's not lacking for female attention, so imagine his surprise when one particular woman won't leave his mind and tempts him beyond reason. She's also the woman that won't give him the time of day.

The day my panties drop for you," she said without any sharpness, "is the day I want to be taken behind one of the sheds and shot."
"Because you’ll know you’ll never have me again and you won’t be able to live with the pain?"

Harlow Glass is the the town's pariah. Her vicious bullying back in high school made her persona non grata in her small town, and the town residents are not quick to forget. But she's so much more than she made people believe. This is a woman that's suffered her own pain and in high school her way of dealing with a verbally abusive father at home is to project that hate outward to hide her pain and powerlessness. Now with the recent passing of her mother, Harlow is down on her luck; penniless, jobless and homeless. On top of it, her beloved childhood home is now occupied by someone else, and one of them is Beck. When she sneaks into the house to steal a pie, she gets more than she bargained for.

Do you know how painful it is to crave something with every fiber of your being? To want it more than you want water to drink?"

The Hotter You Burn had that signature Gena Showalter snarky humor that I've come to know and love. The banter between Harlow and Beck had me grinning like a fool for a good portion of the book.

For all you know, my ANYTHING is better than any other you've seen."
"You thinks so?" His gaze dropped to her chest. "Show me." A croak. But was it a demand- or a plea?
Desire mingled with panic, and she gulped. "Not even if you begged me."
"I've never begged before. But there's a first time for everything, isn't there?"

I was afraid that the situation that Harlow is now facing would make her a shy little mouse, but she wasn't that at all. Beyond her terrible situation, this was a woman that had a backbone. Even if that backbone allowed the town people to shit on her, because she thinks she deserves it after what she'd done. She views it as her atonement.

The push and pull between her and Beck had me going back and forth between wanting to pull my hair out and icing my ovaries, because holy lady blue balls! The tension was almost unbearable at times. But at the same time it was oh so delicious.

Harlow was a sickness, and bedding her was the only cure.

As much as I loved the tension between them, I have to admit that at times it was so frustrating, I wanted to scream. Beck's inability to believe he can give Harlow anything beyond one night, trying to set her up with her dream man, going on double dates, I wanted to shake the ever loving stubbornness out of the man! Luckily there were the secondary characters that provided the comedic relief this book surely needed to lighten the weight of it.

Trouser snake? Really? "What about man meat? Or even the middle snake?" Harlow suggested.
Jessie Kay nodded thoughtfully. "Or we could go with something simple like the peen. If we wanted to get technical, we'd have to go with the meatsicle. Or the anaconda, but that's on a case-by-case basis."
Daphne tried for a stern expression, only to ruin it with a snort. "I am not playing this game. But if I were, I'd suggest we call it the weenie wonka."

I even found myself warming up to Jessie Kay in this book, which I never and I mean EVER thought would happen.

At the end of it, I loved every part of this book, even the frustrating ones. I loved the snarky, sarcastic humor. I loved the banter. I loved the MCs and all the secondary characters. I loved the story and the romance.

What do you need me to do?" she asked breathily. "Whatever it is, I'll do it."
"Just keep breathing, baby."

This was the perfect contemporary romance to spend a weekend with. It had it all; the laughs, the swoons, the sexy...did I mention the laughs?

Careful. You keep that up, and you'll find yourself flat on your back, Beck Jr. deep inside you."
"You mean the Baconator?"
He barked out a laugh. "You've named my penis the Baconator?"
"What? I like bacon."

If you're like me and didn't love the first book, trust me and give this book a chance. It had everything I've come to love in Gena's writing. It even has me wanting to read Jessie Kay's book now, which as much as I hated her in book 1 is saying a hell of a lot.

ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review

For more reviews visit

[Geri Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew! This book. The Hotter You Burn, indeed. Full disclosure: I was bit apprehensive starting this book because I wasn't a big fan of the first book. It was an okay read for me but I struggled connecting with Jase and Brook Lynn. BUT I didn't have the same problem with this book. From the onset, I was able to relate to its main female character, Harlow. I loved her character.

We all know from the first book that Beck brought the Harlow's farmhouse. Harlow was the infamous high school bully. Everyone in town hated her, and with good reason. She used to terrorize her school with her brand of mean. She was so mean, she made Regina George look like a cute puppy. Behind that though, Harlow was hiding a deep insecurity caused by her own father.

Fast-forward to years later, Harlow had lost everything. And when I say everything, I meant EVERYTHING. She had no shelter, no food, no job...no family. And worst of all, the town still hates her and no one was kind enough to give her the most menial job. Harlow was homeless and hungry when she entered her old house, wanting to pilfer food from its pantries. After a botch attempt at kidnapping Beck's pie, Harlow and Beck formed formed a sort of uneasy relationship. They're not really friends but they're not really enemies either. One thing is for sure, they are crazy attracted to each other and their chemistry is off the charts.

Problem is they both want different things. Because Harlow suffered losses in her life, she wants stability. She wants a relationship with a guy who is willing to take her and make a life with her. And she wasn't willing to settle for less. Beck is the exact opposite. He doesn't want to give anyone much more than one night. As much as he's attracted to Harlow, he's afraid of getting seriously involved because of his history.

I loved the push and pull between Beck and Harlow. I ain't gonna lie, there came a point in the book where Beck frustrated me. He wasn't giving an inch. And while Harlow was also being stubborn, I understood her reasons for not giving in. I admired her for not settling even though she was clearly attracted to Beck. It was frustrating but because I liked both characters, I didn't mind it. I was 100% rooting for them to GET IT TOGETHER!! *yes, I am using shouty caps!! Fortunately for me, they were able to get their act together, which made it all worth it in the end.


ARC provided by Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 - "Give me forever, or give me nothing." Stars!

It has been a few years since I last read a book by Gena Showalter, and reading The Hotter You Burn bought back all-sorts of good memories for me. In relation to how entertaining this authors writing is, and how enjoyable her stories and characters are.



Being the second book in The Original Heartbreakers series, and having not read the previous books, had absolutely no impact on my enjoyment, and I cannot recommend it highly enough whether you have or haven’t read its predecessors.

Beck Ockley and Harlow Glass were the perfect mix of snark, sass, sexual tension, one-liners, drama and back-story. Both of them are dealing with their own sets of baggage, not to mention the feelings and emotions that they start to provoke in each other the more time they spend together.

"Stay close. I’ll be coming for you."

One thing you pick up on pretty quickly is that Mr. One-and-Done is really not looking to put himself between the folk of Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma and the towns pariah, but Harlow for all her bristle and bluster, brings out a protectiveness in him he has never experienced or felt for a woman before, especially when he realizes that having bought her family home out from under her, with his friends Jase Hollister and Lincoln West, she is essentially penniless, jobless and homeless.

You can’t help but fall in love with this story, Gena has put a little of everything in it, and the recipe is definitely a success. The sexual tension between these two in the first half of the book had me biting my nails and chewing on my bottom lip, when they get down to it, you know it is just the beginning of their ride into the unknown together. One wants everything, the other is used to giving nothing, can they together reach the happy medium of a healthy relationship?

She wanted affection and love, the kind she’d read about in books and seen in movies. The kind where couples fought to stay together, even during the worst of times. The kind that protected. Defended. Cherished.

I certainly won’t be leaving it so long in the future before picking up another book by this wonderful author, The Harder You Fall West and Jessie Kay’s story is due December 2015, but I also have the enviable treat of having the first two books of the series lined up on my Kindle to read very soon too!

"That was…"
"Only the beginning."

ARC generously provided via Rock Star PR, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.

[Penny Well Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating: 2.5 stars

It's ok.
There is nothing great about this story, nothing memorable, but it is readable and entertaining enough.
Personally, I like to have some angst in my reads, yet, there was none here, so I was never too involved emotionally to love the story.


Can't Let Go (The Original Heartbreakers, #5) - 2 stars.

[Denisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Not as good as the last one, but it was still pretty good


I liked the chemistry, Beck was great. The plot, well, very predictable, but nice. Harlow was a bit unexpected, true, but I can't say that I loved her character too much. I dunno why, I just didn't, I guess. And frankly, I expected a bit more form her story.


Worth reading, if you read the previous book. If not, read that one first, you'll like it.

[♥ℳelody · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3-3.5-really want to give this 4 but the struggle is fierce stars*



First, this was much better than Book 1. I did not have the urge to want to punch the hero and heroine (well most of the time at least). I actually loved the tension and angst that played out between playboy Beck and reformed bad girl Harlow. It seemed much more organic and they actually had great chemistry. I liked that they kept fighting their feelings but longed for each other at the same time. Beck thinking Harlow deserves better than him yet going unhinged at the idea of her with someone else was fun to watch. They were sweet, cute and hilarious together. I actually really liked Beck. Unlike Jase, he had some character depth and personality, and he stood out. But it all went to shit in the last quarter of the book for me. The last 80 pages just lost all steam and fun. My biggest issue: the ridiculously syrupy, cheesy, overdone dialogue.

Lincoln West stood beside him, slightly taller but just as well muscled—just as gorgeous—with the smoldering intensity of a man on death row, whose last meal would be the females he trapped in his sights.

“Favorite food.”
“You.”
Heat spilled over her cheeks. “Beck.”
“What? I said I’d be honest.”
“Then you should have gone with pie.”
“Baby, you’re sweeter than pie, and that’s a fact.”
Moving on, before she took his mouth with her own.
“What’s your favorite memory?”
“Being inside you.”

Seriously? Where does Gena get this inspiration from? Nobody talks this way. The number of baby, baby suddenly coming from Beck made me want to smack him. What happened to the special nicknames he kept giving her? I liked those more. The cornball lines he kept throwing out near the end came off like horrible pick up lines that I couldn't take seriously. This was reminding me a lot of those erotica novels where the heroes talk like bad stereotyped cartoons with the cutesy pet names every other line. Ick. It drives me fucking BONKERS. I’m sorry it’s just trying too hard and not natural to me.

Second, the nonsensical back and forth getting together/breaking up/making up in a matter of a few days was stupid and a little juvenile for me. Our heroine believes in HEA and wants to find her forever guy who she can marry and have kids with. She's not willing to compromise on it. Ok fine. But asking a guy you've only known for 3 weeks and just gotten together with for a few hours if he feels trapped and what he sees in their future?


Cuckoo for cocoa puffs girlie. In no shape or form is this reasonable or normal behavior. Harlow could be filed under the 'crazy girlfriend' file because of this. I get what Gena was trying to do given her personal beliefs but trying to force feed it into here just didn't work for me. You can't expect readers to empathize with this logic when it makes zero sense in the context it's written. You CANNOT ask that of a guy you just got together with. It's the same as asking a guy on a blind date when he wants to get married. And yes Harlow really did obsessively harp on the marriage thing too like it was totally fair of her to ask. It made the heroine come off supremely crazy and unreasonable. I tried to cut Harlow some slack with her wishy washy attitude (by demanding for Beck to commit to a relationship then back peddling later saying she changed her mind) given her lack of experience with guys and relationships. But her behavior and knee jerk panicked OH NO! reactions to certain things without thinking things through like an adult made me want to slap her a few times.

And the typical Gena brand of humor with the adults acting like OTT silly cartoons hissing and skipping away was a little too much. Given the genre, it's really hard to swallow a small town full of adults acting like this. Everyone and their mother and grandmother in here holds a grudge of some sort against Harlow for something she did as a teenage bully. Even going so far as wishing her dead, pulling nasty public pranks, name calling, turning her into an indentured maid for sport (are you serious?!), not giving her any job or food etc, etc. You even have former teachers hissing at her (what's with all the hissing?) for something she did as a kid. SHE WAS A KID. From a broken home. I found it all utterly ridiculous and pushing it. These are supposedly grown ass adults. Note to Gena: This is not the LOTU world where anything and everything can be taken to extremes. Cut it out. I beg you.

All in all, I did enjoy this up until the 300 page mark. I really struggled to rate this because of that. I enjoyed the slow build up between the hero and heroine. Gena does good angst when she decides not to go the insta-lust/love route. Beck trying to make Harlow comfortable and put her at ease around him was sweet and endearing. I love how natural and playful they were around each other. Really great chemistry and sexual tension that slowly built up. If it wasn’t for the silly nonsense after they finally hooked up I would have given this a 4 stars without hesitation.

And after reading this I went back and changed my rating for Book 1. Yes I took a star off. Just because Jase and Brook Lynn were disgustingly cutesy and cloying-to-the-max in here it should be illegal. Lord I don't know if it's my hormones or what, but they made me want to go stab stab stabby on them. *eye twitch* He’s a complete brainless puppy dog around her and nothing more. I swear I'm expecting her to put a leash on him and take him for walks. It’s just gag worthy. It's too damn much and hard to get into. I like my alpha men a little more realistic and understated. *shrugs*

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I won’t allow fear to lead me anymore. I won’t push you away, won’t let you push me away. I am happy now, and I see happiness in the future. I’m holding on tight to you, baby, and I’m never letting go.”

Blurb: Beck O'ckley is ruthless in the boardroom...and the bedroom. He's never been with the same woman twice, and vows he never will. With a past as twisted as his, meaningless sex keeps the demons at bay. His motto: One and done. No harm, no foul.
Harlow Glass is the most hated girl in town. The beautiful artist is penniless, jobless and homeless. When she sneaks into Beck's home—her ancestral estate—for food, she's shocked by his early return...and her immediate, sizzling and intense attraction to him.
For the first time in Beck's life, he can't get a woman out of his mind. All too soon, friendship blooms into obsession and he'll have to break her heart...or surrender his own.



Now, this is what I’m talking about.
I waited, Gena delivered and it was oh so great.

After my not loving so much the first book in this series thing, I wasn’t sure how I was going to deal with this one because I really liked all the characters but yeah, the first book didn’t do much for me.

Anyhow, this story was a really different thing and it made me appreciate more the good things in book one.

As always I fell in love with Gena’s storytelling. She knows when let her characters shine and when to detail, it was to-the-point and I’m happy she’s exploring the contemporary world. All my love for that woman.

Now, let’s start!

First we have Harlow Glass, ex-bully, most hated woman in town, absolutely funny and such a sweetheart. Harlow used to be the mean queen b in high school but when she had to drop out and get homeschooled, everything changed.
As a character, Harlow is really versatile and she has many layers.



I don’t know if I could say she has a complicated personality because she wants very simple things and she does all she can to change the image people have of her. She’s not that person anymore, realization and suffering made her become someone else but at the time that happened, it was already too late. Now, years later, she’s hated by everyone. She’s homeless, jobless and eating whatever she can find. I didn’t know if her determination on staying in town, where she’s obviously more than miserable, is honorable or plain stupid.

Granted, things paid off and everything went well in the end but still, she took so much crap from everyone. She had this “I deserve it” attitude and I got it, she was paying penitence for her past sins but two wrongs don’t make one right. It was a joy reading her, truly. Reading how she grows in the book and how she gives everything and gets nothing in return.

She’s so adorable and funny and smart and challenging and so cute.

As she fell, the pie went flying.
“Noooo!” she shouted.
Impact emptied her lungs. Tears welled in her eyes, but she wiped the droplets away with a shaky hand, a whimper escaping when she spotted the dark blueberry splatters now streaming across rock and dirt, the crust now sprinkled with dirt.
“Pie killer!” Hello, dark side. “If there’s any justice in the world, you will fry for this.”

She’s constantly battling her demons and trying to stay firm on the purpose of being nice and not giving up.

I have to be honest, I didn’t know how much I could take from the whole ”be nice to people even if they’re rude to you” mantra, it was, at times, a bit too much for me but leaving that aside, I really liked Harlow. She overcomes her issues, she works her ass off, she makes friends and she’s real honest about what she wants. And she’s so kind. I mean, it may be because of the person she used to be but that doesn’t take away the fact that if she had just a slice of bread, she’d give it away if someone else need it.

The fridge was fully stocked, even though she’d devoured enough food to feed an army.
She lacked only one thing. Someone to share her good fortune.

And then there’s Beck.

He’s the one I’d been waiting for the most, to be honest. I was really intrigued by him and I find his relationship with Harlow the ideal one.

I understood his reasons to be the way he was, and that fear of not being enough. If you don’t give yourself to a person, they can’t reject you. That’s how Beck thinks and how he lives his life.

He fights and fights to not give in and claim Harlow but everything fails. He wants her, she wants him. As simple as that. Now, I really loved they got to know each other before they started trying to be together. Emphasis in trying.

“ I’ve never offered anyone more than a single night. There will never be an exception.”

Beck is a contradiction because, even though he doesn’t give himself to people, he gave himself to his friends. His friendship with Jase and West is beyond a simple friendship, they’re brothers and they got each other’s back. That’s something I absolutely loved and I’m happy Harlow can get to be part of their family.

Now, Beck’s issues needed real work and by work I mean love, trust and constancy and Harlow can give him that.

They make it work, yes, and I loved the snarky comebacks and flirting.

Really?? Good luck resisting THIS.
A picture accompanied the text, and a blush crept over her cheeks. He’d actually sent her a picture of his bare butt. Except another picture came in a few seconds later, only it was panned farther out, revealing the “crack” she’d previously seen was actually the line between his pressed-together knees.
His next text read, Dirty minded girl.

[…] she texted Beck.
Her: This toilet is so big...so hard...
Beck: Yeah, baby. Yeah. Tell me more.
Her: It’s so wet.
Beck: Now UR just being cruel. What’s it wearing? Describe in minute detail.

They’re funny and wonderful together and now they both have a big family and they’re surrounded by love, something they needed when they were children but they're also sexy and hot as fuck. The sexual chemistry they have is really palpable and amazing.

He removed his fingers, the moisture she surrendered nearly his undoing.
“Beck.”
With his gaze locked on hers, he licked his flesh clean.
Fire blazed in her heavy-lidded eyes. She trailed her hands up her stomach, kneaded her breasts, pinched her nipples, then burrowed through her mass of hair to remove her ponytail band.
Could come just watching her.

The ending was a rushed, that’s my only complaint I really didn’t think it was that important to get married right away. I know they love each other and Beck wants a future with Harlow but it’s too fast for my liking. and though the coma situation was a little out of the blue, it gave a nice dramatic touch I just wish it was presented sooner in the story.

Overall this is a really good romance story with sexy scenes, lovable characters and cool story. Next is West and Jessie’s book and I can’t wait!

[Jacqueline J · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reread for me. It was just as fun the second time around.

Lovely book which was right up my alley. I love me a poor downtrodden heroine. I also love a former mean girl who has changed her ways and must prove it to the people she formerly tormented. The hero is also a well written character with a lot of painful backstory. Lots of fun secondary characters. Some people who need to have their own book and some that might have already had one. I did read the first in this series but I think it might be a spin off? Anyway, I'm not real sure about Jessie Kay, but I'm loving this series so I will definitely try it.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It's so easy to fall in love with Showalter's writing and her characters."

Read this review in its entirety at Fresh Fiction

[Iselreads(lexie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one thoroughly!

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

GENA SHOWALTER IS THE BOMB DIGGITY!

I seriously loved THE HOTTER YOU BURN, it was amazing. Gena, once again, worked her magic and she wrote a super showaltery book.

« What do you need me to do? » she asked breathily. « Whatever it is, I'll do it. »
« Just keep breathing, baby. »

Beck Ockley is a wham-bam, out-the-door-the-moment-the-sex-ends-without-a-thank-you-ma'am kind of guy. Harlow's words, not mine. He hates change and because of his past in foster care and his family abandoning him, he's secretly afraid of people giving up on him, so to remind himself that he is important he sleeps with women, makes them feel good and leaves them, no harm, no foul. He works with his best friend West and lives in the Glass house with West and his other best friend, Jase.

Harlow Glass is the former town bully. Even 10 years later, the people of Strawberry Valley still resent her for all the hurt she caused. She had her reasons for being a mean bitch, even if there are no good reasons for being a bully, at the time, it seemed right. But Harlow has changed, she isn't the same person she was as a teenager but no one seem to understand that. She has no home, no job, no money, nothing. She lives in a tent just outside her former childhood home. No one wants to give her a job and she's just not ready to leave Strawberry Valley.

She misses her childhood home and just wants to see what the new owners have done with it, so, one day, thinking the house empty, she goes in...and smells pie. But Beck chooses that moment to come home with his newest conquest. Here starts the story of Beck and Harlow.

« I'm crazy, sick, devastatingly in love with you. »

Beck was a great character. He's loyal, funny, smart, very hot, kind, charming, he found his way into my heart right away. I just knew I was going to love him and I did. I so did. He's such a good guy who had a shitty childhood and who did some shitty things but he changed and became this amazing, strong but vulnerable man.

Harlow was amazing. Gena writes the best heroines! I loved her, how she changed, how she didn't make any excuses for her behavior when she was younger, how brave she was. Harlow, like Beck, did not have an easy start in life but she made it. Her vulnerability touched me and I just wanted to hug her at times because she definitely needed a big, sisterly hug.

Both of them were amazing. Individually and as a couple. They were so much alike and I thought it was good. Both have a very-hard-to-overcome past, both are scarred inside and out, both are vulnerable and both of them just want to feel loved and cherished. And they worked together, they truly did. From the moment they met, they clicked. Best chemistry ever. I could not get enough of them!

« You mean the Baconator? »
He barked out a laugh. « You've named my penis the Baconator? »
« What? I like bacon. »
« Well, I'm naming your breasts Strawberry Pie and Strawberry Shortcake. »

Ms. Showalter did a wonderful job with their relationship. I loved that they became kind-of friends at first, even if they were attracted to each other, big time. Their relationship was perfectly developed. But, I must say, it was a bit frustrating. I wanted to shake some sense into both of them at times because they were being babies, but it didn't last and I think it worked with the story and with their personalities.

The secondary characters rocked! Of course, we see more of Kenna and Dane and Brook Lynn and Jase. But also West and Jessie Kay, I actually am excited to read their story, I love West and I did warm up to Jessie Kay a little so I'm very anxious to see what Gena has in store for them! We also meet new characters like, Daniel and Dottie (potential new story?) and Dorian! Holy hotness, I definitely want to know more about Dorian. Gimme, gimme, gimme!

And, finally, I loved the plot. THE HOTTER YOU BURN was very centered on the romance and I adored that but I really enjoyed reading about Beck's past and especially about Harlow's. The residents of Strawberry Valley really pissed me off at times, okay, Harlow did some bad things when she was a teenager but she was a damn teenager with a bad situation at home, the fact that almost all of them were still enraged with her 10 years later really didn't sit well with me. But it made for a very good story so I forgive them. Mostly.

THE HOTTER YOU BURN was a fantastic, steamy, beautiful, heartwarming book that you need to read because you just do. I loved this book so much. Gena can write absolutely anything and she proved it with this new contemporary series.

« She'd become his new normal. »

[Lover of Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Harlow Glass, is a outcast from Strawberry Valley. She is considered to be the most hated and despised of anyone living there. Harlow lives in a tent, looking for scraps of food where she can find them. She breaks into the home of Beck O'ckley and his friends, to take what little food she can, knowing that they won't miss it. Upon entering the kitchen, she spies a beautiful berry pie. She takes it and will defend it with her life. Just as she is about to leave, Beck arrives with his latest "conquest". When he sees her she flees and he chases after her and catches her. Thus begins the dawn of a beautiful friendship and seduction. Beck O'ckley is a bad boy...he loves women, and brings home a different female every night. He loves sex and the female body and isn't ashamed. But upon meeting Harlow...he is fascinated by this secretive woman he wants to know more of. At first when it becomes apparent that Harlow isn't going to be easy to seduce, he has her work for him in payment of trespassing and thievery. Chemistry rises between the two, and as they get closer to each other....so do their emotions. But due to his past, Beck refuses to let love get in the way, but Harlow refuses to accept anything less than full commitment from him or no sex. And here begins the battle of wills and true love.
Plot and Story Line
oh my goodness, I loved this one way more than I was expecting. We get a teaser about Harlow in the first book, but not much all I knew was that she was a bit of a bully in school and likes to play tricks on the other students. She has definitely developed a certain reputation. Harlow was a character of facets but we see how sometimes it can be near impossible to overcome the mistakes of the past. But Harlow tries her hardest to succeed. I grew to really like Harlow and her character cracked me up in every way. She was so different, but was quite charming at times. I loved how honest with herself she is. She knows what she wants and is willing to fight for it. She wants to be in love, get married and have some kids. She wants her own happily ever after and wants to live in Strawberry Valley. The man she wants doesn't do relationships, or commitment or marriage in any sense. Beck hasn't had a easy upringing. He grew up in foster care and everyone he has cared about has left him except his closest friends.

There was so much fun moments that develop between these two and I fell in love with Beck and Harlow together. We see how they work through personal issues to find a common ground. There is some painful heartbreaking moments, as they discover what they have together. Gena Showalter has done wonders with this story, and won my heart little by little. It was also great to see certain friendships develop between Harlow and the other women in the series.
Narration
Savannah Burns is brilliant, and I just loved the way she portrayed this story. She made this come alive with the various array of emotions and moments that make you want more of her. And I loved her voice, it was engaging and likable.
The Cover
What a gorgeous cover, first off I love the pose here. Its sexy and romantic and the colors are so vibrant and cheerful.
Overall View
The Hotter You Burn is a stimulating and emotionally driven romance that will keep you entranced from beginning to end. Full of bad boys and high spirited women....and a rough road to true love!! A SMART AND SEXY ROMANCE!



[foogallery id="18238"]

[Joy (joyous reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

As you can tell, I've been on a romance kick lately. I tend to read these books quickly, because they're not really the type of books where you need to pull a muscle so you can enjoy them. And if you're lucky enough to find the right ones, some books has the uncanny ability to poke you right in the sternum. Suffice it to say, this book really got to me.

This is the story of Beck, the unapologetic playa of the Original Heartbreakers. His mantra has always been give them what they want, but be honest about what you can give. Commitment is the one thing he's unable to give. But if there's anything he's committed to, is solving the puzzle that is, Harlow Glass. She doesn't know this though. They haven't even met. Beck found a box of pictures belonging to the former owner of the Glass House. As soon as he saw the echoing longing, pain and loneliness in her eyes, he couldn't stop obsessing about her.

Harlow Glass is as poor as a mouse. The fall from grace was not well, graceful. She's homeless, jobless and the town of Strawberry Valley would rather see her die than help her - or employ her, even. The once owner of the Glass mansion is as destitute as they come. She lives in a tent in the woods living off the land, as it were. When she breaks into her former house to steal food, Beck caught her and decided that it was his chance to keep an eye on her. So he employed her to do the artistic work for the gaming company he's a partner of. Their interaction is hilarious; complete with sassy banters and awkward one-sided flirtation (Beck).

I think the toughest thing to read about this book was Harlow's abject poverty. The townspeople laughed and ridicule her with every misfortunes that befall her. She was a former bully who has had a rough life, and while she's learned from her mistakes, the people of SV weren't so quick to forgive her. It hit me time and again how she was so willing to accept her 'punishments', and that she's quick to tell herself that she deserves every bit of bad luck that comes her way. As much as I dislike books that feature damsels being saved by knights, I was glad when Beck stepped into the picture to give her a job, a home and some semblance of stability. I mean, Harlow was a pretty strong woman determined to live her life according to her rules, but it's pretty tough when the girl can't catch a break.

Beck is far from the white knight hero, though. Events from his past made him wary of love, feelings and commitments. He fears taking a chance at being happy with another person and considers love a crutch he'd rather not depend on. I still like him as a hero, though. He's a loyal friend, he's kind to all his 'lady loves', and generous at that.

These books offer more than your typical romance novels. I like that Gena is able to dig deeper and give us a bit more than the usual fares. This is a fantastic series if you're looking for a mental break.

[Angela (Angel's Book Nook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Their is just some special about The Original Heartbreakers series. I don’t know what it is that keeps me swooning and come back for more. Maybe it’s the small-town feel, the people who all have their own issues, pasts, and hatreds, or maybe it’s just Ms. Showalter’s amazing storytelling skills.

I was pulled in from start to finish and I couldn’t stop listening to the audio book narrated by Savannah Richards.

We are treated to Beck who is friends with Jase and West. They all moved to Strawberry Valley to start fresh, except Beck hasn’t changed his ways. He’s a player, a ladies man, and known as, One and Done. Then we have Harlow who grew up in the home that Beck and his friends now own. She’s lost a lot. Her mother, her home, and no one will give her a job all because of how she acted as a teenager; she was the town bully. She’s different, changed, but no one will give her a chances. No one has forgotten and so they give her a hard time, every chance they get.

The chemistry between Beck and Harlow is scorching. They have sparks from the start, but Harlow knows his reputation and will not be a one night stand and so she will settle for friendship. This book was fantastic. I was laughing out loud one moment and having my heart break the next. I just love the characters, the snarky humor, and those sexy scenes made me sigh with delight. This book is full of snark, steam, and lots of heart.

Narration: Ms. Richards is a wonderful narrator. She captured me. The voices are all distinctive and come across clear, crisp, and well defined. The small-town feels like a small town with it’s own unique people making a living in and around it. Everything from the setting to the characters felt genuine and passionate. I'm loving the audio books for The Original Heartbreakers series and I plan to continue the series in this format.

Rated: 4 Stars

[Lynsey A · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Note, I ordered the paperback book but the library had it and no one had requested it, so since it is easier to read on my Kindle than a paperback, I read the Kindle version. I am keeping the paperback since I collect the paperbacks for my fave authors!**

This one was a very good read! I loved Beck and his personality, despite his "he-slut" ways, as Harlow described him. He had his reasons. Harlow was actually a very sweet girl and had good reason for her behavior as a teen. Although, it is completely unacceptable, I can understand why she did it.

Their story starts with the two of them as friends. Beck has found pictures of Harlow as a young girl and has in a word, become obsessed with her. I like when they first meet and he says "You".

I liked how their story evolved. The ending scene was cute but way too abrupt. I wanted an epilogue!

The reference to LOTU was entertaining as well.

While I still do not like Jessie Kay's heroine got around behavior, and the skeevyness of her sleeping with both Beck and Jase, I do plan to read her book. I really liked her in this book. She was so funny in this book.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Andò infine in cucina. Anche qui la carta da parati era stata rimossa. Ma, in questo caso, poteva capirlo, visto che i disegni si erano tutti sbiaditi. Il bancone rosso era stato sostituito da un top di marmo lucido, gli armadietti invece erano quelli originali, solo che erano stati dipinti di nero. Non male. Un momento. Sui fornelli era appoggiata una torta ai mirtilli. Senza lavoro, senza un soldo, senza una casa, Harlow non mangiava un pasto decente da chissà quanto tempo. E una torta poi? Almeno da quando sua madre era scomparsa. Come se fosse in trance, si avvicinò alla crostata e passò un dito, un po’ esitante, sul bordo della teglia, per raccogliere una goccia di marmellata calda. Un assaggio… solo un assaggio. Nel momento in cui il sapore delizioso le scivolò sulla lingua, tuttavia, abbandonò il suo piano iniziale: vale a dire prepararsi un sandwich con gli ingredienti che avrebbe trovato nella dispensa e di cui i tre scapoli non avrebbero certamente avvertito la mancanza. Si mise invece a rovistare nei cassetti a caccia di un coltello e una paletta per tagliare una fetta di quella delizia, e scoprendo che nulla era più al proprio posto sentì montare la rabbia. D’un tratto, però, udendo scricchiolare la ghiaia in giardino si bloccò. Corse quindi in salotto e saltò sul divano per sbirciare dalla finestra, e vide Beck Ockley, Il Bello, aiutare una signorina a scendere dalla propria auto. Beck… Chissà perché aveva la sensazione che dietro il suo aspetto impeccabile si nascondesse in realtà una persona tormentata."
.
Con “Solo questa volta” ritorniamo nella cittadina di Strawberry Valley, e nella tenuta di House Glass, dove vivono Beck e i suoi amici.

Beck odia i cambiamenti, dopo aver passato l’adolescenza sballottato da una casa famiglia ad un’altra, ora è intenzionato a non affezionarsi a nessuno per non soffrire più. Dopo la morte della madre, avvenuta dopo una lunga malattia, il padre lo ha prima lasciato ad una zia, in seguito è passato di parente in parente, fino a quando più nessuno ha voluto prendersi cura di lui, e infine sono arrivati gli assistenti sociali. Il padre gli ha poi dato il colpo di grazia quando lo ha disconosciuto, e se ne è andato senza voltarsi mai indietro. Da allora si fida solo dei suoi due amici e passa di donna in donna, senza mai concedere loro più di qualche ora, convinto che tanto, prima o poi, verrebbe di nuovo lasciato solo perché “lui non è mai stato abbastanza”. Ed è proprio tornando a casa in dolce compagnia che si imbatte in una ladra di torte che sta scappando dalla cucina. Una volta riuscito a bloccare la sua fuga, si rende conto di trovarsi davanti Harlow Glass, la ragazza a cui la banca ha sottratto la casa in cui vivono lui e i suoi amici. Era tanto che Beck voleva conoscerla. Senza saperlo Harlow è diventato un chiodo fisso per il giovane milionario, nella camera dove ora dorme e che era della ragazza, ha trovato una scatola piena di fotografie che la ritraggono in vari momenti della sua vita. Ed è guardando quelle foto che Beck ha subito intuito che quella ragazza, che tutto il paese odia per il suo comportamento al liceo, è sempre stata una bambina triste ed infelice. Nei suoi occhi, Beck ha visto lo stesso sguardo che vedeva guardandosi allo specchio ed è deciso a conoscerla ed aiutarla, specialmente perché si rende conto che Harlow non ha neppure cibo a sufficienza per sfamarsi.

Harlow è entrata in quella che era la sua casa per vedere i cambiamenti che sono stati fatti, è sempre apparsa come una bambina ricca e fortunata ma la sua infanzia è stata piena del biasimo del padre e del terrore in cui ha sempre vissuto. Infelice, ha scoperto ben presto che le sue parole erano in grado di fare del male, ed ha passato i primi anni di liceo rendendo infelici anche tutti gli altri, facendo dispetti e piccole crudeltà, come ad esempio sedurre il ragazzo delle altre e lasciarlo il giorno dopo. Poi improvvisamente, Harlow è scomparsa nella grande casa di famiglia, continuando gli studi a casa, assieme alla madre rimasta vedova. Il suo isolamento ha fatto in modo che nessuno si rendesse conto che era cambiata profondamente che si era resa conto dei suoi sbagli, dopo che qualcuno aveva deciso di punirla in maniera orribile. Alla morte della madre Harlow, rimasta sola, non aveva trovato nessuno disposto ad assumerla e a darle una mano e quando Beck scopre dove vive si rende conto di quanto sia terribile ora la sua vita, senza una casa, senza soldi e senza un lavoro.

Beck decide di assumerla e oltre ad un adeguato stipendio le trova anche un posto dove vivere in modo confortevole, è convinto in questo modo di riuscire a togliersela dalla mente. Ma giorno dopo giorno Harlow, mina quella corazza con cui ha cinto il proprio cuore, al punto da fargli credere che averla per una sola volta gli basterà, eppure una volta scoperto il suo segreto, e quanto la giovane desideri qualcuno da amare ed un rapporto stabile, decide di trovarle l’uomo ideale che lui non potrebbe mai essere.

La figura di Harlow è sicuramente una delle più interessanti della serie, un intero paese la odia e non riesce a perdonarla, tutti sembrano felici di vedere quanto sia diventata miserabile la sua vita. La vediamo accettare il biasimo che la circonda, nel tentativo di far capire quanto sia cambiata, e durante la storia la vedremo addirittura essere messa in mostra mentre pulisce le camere che i cittadini affittano nella locanda del paese, proprio per vedere la signorina Glass umiliata. Inoltre l’idea che lei sia stata capace di far innamorare Beck porterà qualcuno a farle un dispetto che la metterà a rischio la sua vita. Sicuramente ha fatto molti errori, ma non potremo fare a meno di provare pietà per quella bambina che viveva costantemente le critiche di un padre crudele che non l’ha mai amata, e che non ha trovato altro mezzo che la cattiveria per sfogare la sua infelicità. E ha pagato davvero duramente per ciò che ha fatto, senza che nessuno in paese ne abbia mai avuto sentore. La loro è una storia d’amore fra due persone ferite che non si rendono conto di stare cercando la stessa cosa, qualcuno che li ami e che li accetti con tutti i loro trascorsi, romantica ed appassionata. Vedremo nascere una bella amicizia fra Brook Lyn, sua sorella Jessie e Harlow che, dopo essersi finalmente chiarite e sotterrata l’ascia di guerra, l’aiuteranno a conquistare l’uomo che ama, e saranno pronte a sostenerla anche contro i cittadini poco disposti a concederle il beneficio del dubbio.

La scrittura della Showalter è molto piacevole ed i personaggi di questa serie, capitolo dopo capitolo, diventano come amici per il lettore, che è bello rivedere per informarsi di come prosegue la loro vita. Questo poi per quanto mi riguarda è il capitolo che ho amato di più, due anime sole che insieme trovano l’amore e riescono finalmente a perdonarsi.
.
Lucia63 - per RFS

[Formerly Known as Spoiler W · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Maaaaaaaan, was this book a disappointment. I really enjoyed the previous two stories in this series but this one was not enjoyable. The two main characters were beyond immature. I get that they didn't have good childhoods but their actions as adults were to the point of annoying. And there was too much repitiveness with the feelings of said characters.

Hopefully the next installment will make up for book two.




*ARC provided by publisher*

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so good!

[Ann Lorz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: https://romancingthereaders.blogspot....

So, here I am again behind on a series that I really liked. How does this keep happening? We all know how it happens, too many books and not enough hours to read them. But since this year there are two new books in this series I thought I better get reading.

I'm glad I did. I really love The Hotter You Burn. Beck is so crazy sexy! Plus you have to love the way he wants or should I say needs to protect Harlow. Don't you just love her name?

Harlow is a more difficult character to like. On the one hand as a teenager she's a bully, on the other she grew up and changed. I loved that she changed and wanted to make amends. We've all have crap in our childhoods that make us act like we do. At times some of the town people really pissed me off. Yes, she was a bully but she didn't kill anyone. Badly put considering. And she stopped being a bully a very long time ago.

Can you tell I'm feeling protective. I'm always about the underdog and at the moment that's Harlow.

I did love that some of the ladies in the series saw beyond the bully and to the real person underneath. It showed how strong of a person they are. It's easy to forgive, it's harder to get over something.

But it turns out that Beck and Harlow are the perfect couple. They fill in where the other needs filling in. Both need someone that just loves them for who they are, not what they are and that's what they have in each other.

Perfect love story. But then again, Showalter is good at writing a love story. Her's are never a easy ride, just well worth being on them.

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[Raffaella · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not sure I liked this one. The hero is a manwhore and screwed basically all the town and beyond. The heroine was an ex bully and all the town hates her.
He has sex after meeting her once. Then he’s celibate but I would have liked him to be celibate, why did he have to screw another girl? Unnecessary.
The heroine is now scarred and had a nasty experience when people she bullied burned her as a retaliation. The hero is very strongly attracted to her and tries to fight this feelings because of his past issue and his commitment phobia.
Eventually he tries to give them a real try because the heroine asks him to have a serious relationship.
But she’s too pushy and wants too much from him. A man who never has more than one hour with a woman is now committing for the first time in his life, so I think she should have been happy but she wanted him basically to propose.
Slow down girl, you scare the man to death!
Give him time to adjust.
But no, for her it’s all or nothing so she leaves him.
And eventually there’s unnecessary drama when some ex friend who’s now jealous of her poison her.
Meh.
I didn’t like the hero and I wasn’t fond of the heroine too.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Millionaire playboy Beck Ockley knows the pain of loss and he’ll do anything to avoid it which is why he lives by his rule of only once and then done. And when he moved to the small town of Strawberry Valley with his two best friends he expected to continue his lifestyle of work and lots of pleasure. What he didn’t expect was to become fascinated with the girl whose pictures he found in his new room in the house they bought and to want more than just one night when he finally meets her face to face.

Harlow Glass is known as the town bully. She made a lot of mistakes when she was young, lashing out at others because she received the same at home but she hasn’t been that girl in a very long time. She paid a very dear price for her past and she’s lost everyone and everything she ever loved including their family home. All she wants now is to rebuild her life and find something lasting, something she know the charming and sexy Beck doesn’t believe in.

To be with him, she might have to sacrifice her dreams and definitely put her pride on the line. She’d have to fight for him, and fight dirty.

But the passion that burns between them is impossible to ignore and both will have to decide what they are willing to sacrifice for it.

”You’ve got me tied in so many knots I’m not myself anymore.” He nipped at her ear. “And damn me, but I’m starting to think that’s a good thing.”

I love a good redemption tale and I must say I really loved Harlow. I have no fondness for bullies but it was hard to keep that against her once you realise just how much she has suffered and changed. And the awful way the town treated her and how hard she tried to show she wasn’t the same person she was back then had me quite upset with them.

”You are one of the best things to ever happen to me, Harlow. So sweet.”

Beck was amazing and I just loved this charming and sexy playboy. I loved how he wasn’t his usual smooth with Harlow and how the way she made him feel threw him off balance.

Their romance had a rocky start for me which seems to be the way this series is going. Beck meets Harlow as she’s trying to escape his house after breaking in while he’s seducing another woman and he still sleeps with that woman after she leaves which upset me. But luckily after that incident there was no one else for him and his determination to pursue her was very sexy and I loved that Harlow fought for more than what he thought he was capable of giving. I loved the intensity and the angst of their romance. Two broken people who were perfect for each other.

Gena Showlater sure knows how to write a great cast of characters and I really can’t wait for the next book which is going to be West and Jessie Kay’s. Those two try to hide their true feelings behind so much hostility and I can’t wait for it to explode.

[Lacey (laceybooklovers) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted at Booklovers For Life

Um, WOW!!!! I went into The Hotter You Burn without having read the previous book or prequel, since it can be read as a standalone, but O.M.G. – I unexpectedly adored everything about this book so much!!! I LOVED this book – it almost felt like it was tailor-made for me. Everything about this just WORKED, brought so many emotions out of me, and I loved it. Props to you, Gena Showalter, for writing such a gem of a book! Hilarious, wickedly sexy, and heartwarmingly sweet, The Hotter You Burn has just become one of my favorite reads of the year!

“You’ve got me tied in so many knots I’m not myself anymore.” He nipped at her ear. “And damn me, but I’m starting to think that’s a good thing.”

Billionaire playboy Beck Ockley is a serious manwhore – he’s never been with a woman twice and his painful past keeps him from ever falling in love. But the second he lays eyes on Harlow Glass, stealing a pie right from his home, this woman becomes his, even though he tries to believe that he can’t fall in love with her. Beck honestly should’ve been a clichéd hero, but to me, he wasn’t. He was just such a lovable character and I connected with him right from the start. While he can be sweet, funny, and charming, what made me fall in love with him was the intensity of his emotions for Harlow. He’s the kind of guy who refuses to believe he’s in love, but it’s so clear to everyone else through every word and action he makes that he’s completely head-over-heels in love with her.

”You want to know another secret? You are one of the best things to ever happen to me, Harlow. So sweet.”

Harlow was a heroine I completely ADORED. I can’t remember the last time I loved a heroine this much! Gena Showalter wrote her in such a way that Harlow had my heart breaking and my stomach hurting from laughing all at the same time. Harlow used to be the town bully back in high school. It was a sad cycle for her – her father verbally abused her, so she verbally abused the people around her to make herself feel better. But after something tragic happens to her, she changes her ways for good. She’s now the most hated girl in Strawberry Valley, but she puts on a brave face when people hurt her for what she did to them, and she makes amends to everyone she’s wronged. My heart was aching for this girl – she’s done such a 180 that it’s hard not to admire her for changing her life, ending up homeless, jobless, and penniless, and still carrying on. After being caught breaking and entering and stealing in Beck’s home, which used to be her childhood home, things start to look up. Beck does the complete opposite of punishing her and instead gives her a job and a home. But what Harlow really wants from Beck is his heart, and she’ll do anything to have it.

I fell so freaking hard for the both of them. Harlow was just a gem of a heroine, and I was falling madly in love with Beck. What was completely unexpected was the amount of humor in this book. I was laughing so hard at so many things that Beck and Harlow say and do – funny characters make it that much easier to love them, and I loved both of them something fierce. And oh my, Beck and Harlow are also incredibly HOT together! There’s a fierce chemistry between them that had me fanning myself. Beck is definitely an alpha-male, and Harlow was putty in his hands.

“There is nothing I won’t do for you, and nothing I won’t do to keep you. You’re it for me. My one. My only.”

Now that I think about it, the intensity of the book kind of reminds me of Tessa Bailey’s books (which I LOOOVE), but without so much dirty talk (not that there ISN’T any…). But not to worry, even if you haven’t read any of Tessa Bailey’s books, I’m here to tell you that you need to get to reading The Hotter You Burn ASAP. It’s an AMAZING read that I fell so hard for. I loved the characters and the writing and all the emotions this book brought out of me. Gena Showalter has written an absolutely delightful, feel-good, heartwarming romance that I can’t recommend enough!

“Beck,” she whispered.
“Yes, baby.”
“My favorite thing about you is your heart. It’s softer than I ever realized, and I treasure it.”

Quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change in the final version.

Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.

Amazon Ebook: http://amzn.to/1IQd1mr
Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/1FCzYdS

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[Sarah (Head Stuck In A Book) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a huge Gena Showalter fan for a long time now, every new release is met with excitement, The Hotter You Burn is my favorite so far in The Original Heartbreakers series, I flew through this book so fast I couldn't and didn't want to put it down.

There was so much to love in this story, Gena writes contemporary romances just as well as she does paranormal romances, creating characters that you can't help but love and care about and storylines that are sure to keep you glued to the pages.

The back stories of our two leads Harlow and Beck brought substance and understanding to these two characters, Harlow who was a bully when she was younger is now shunned by everybody in Strawberry Valley, leaving her jobless, homeless and penniless she lives in a hidden tent on her old property which is now owned by Beck and his two buddies Jace and West, Beck spent his childhood shuffled around foster homes leaving him feeling unloveable and unable to love in return, he spends one night with a woman and that's it nothing more, a bit of a manwhore you could say, when he catches Harlow who is starving and hasn't eaten properly in quite a while stealing a pie from the house, he suddenly can't get her out of his head which is something new for him, but Harlow wants a commitment and to get married and have kids one day which is something Beck definitely doesn't want, it doesn't look good for these two, but fate has a way of working things out and their journey to their happily ever after is entertaining and emotional, a combination which left me wanting more but happily satisfied with their story.

Gena never disappoints and The Hotter You Burn is another winner, get set to read this book in one sitting, you wont be able to help yourself, it's just that good!

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5 stars

This was pretty fantastic! I felt like I was on an emotional high while reading. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough!

Beck and Harlow are wonderful characters. I really liked the depth of them and getting to know them. She is so genuine and he is so sweet. They have some great verbal sparing going on that creates a lot of sexual tension. Great development as everything is laid out and builds. I felt all Beck and Harlow were going through and was really wrapped up in the story (and had so much compassion for both of them). Some of the details of their pasts were sad, some pretty horrific. It made for some really great intensity. There are lots of ups and downs, conflicts, and I enjoyed it all.

Laced throughout there are bits of humor. I was so thankful for them. With the more emotional content it was definitely needed. I thought it came at the perfect time, it had a really great balance.

Really good characters throughout. More Jase and Brooke Lynn. As well as more West and Jessie Kay too, there story is next in The Harder You Fall (finally!).

I thought this was an excellent story about second chances. Knowing Harlow's past and how much she changed, I really felt for her. I liked both characters so much and they were great throughout. You could really see Beck and Harlow’s breakthroughs even though it took a while to get there.

Excellent read. Very heartfelt. I loved them coming together and truly baring themselves. Beck and Harlow had great chemistry and attraction and a heck of a lot of heat! Totally awesome read.

[Fanny · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hotter You Buen es el segundo libro de la trilogia The Original Heartbreakers de Gena Showalter y narra la historia de Beck y Harlow, personajes secundarios en el primer libro.
The Hotter You Burn es ese tipo de libro que empiezas a leer pensando que sera la tipica lectura ligera, divertida y sin demasiadas expectativas que luego se convierte en un libro dificil de olvidar y en el que no puedes parar de pensar durante dias.
Despues de la gran decepcion que supuso para mi el primer libro, no sabia si la historia de Beck estaria a la altura de las expectativas que yo tenia para su personaje.
La realidad es que este libro fue aun mejor de lo que esperaba, ademas los protagonistas consiguieron enamorarme con su relacion ( aunque a veces quisiera darle un golpe a Beck por necio ).
Aun no he decidido si leere el tercer libro, porque aunque en este libro Jessie Kay mejoro un poco como personaje, no se si podre llegar a disfrutar su libro despues de lo mal que me cayo en el libro anterior.
Totalmente recomendado! la historia de amor de Beck y Harlow es hermosa y digna de leer.

4 Estrellas!!

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why I Read This Book: I'm bored and I'm not in the mood for another book.

What I Liked: Gena Showalter's writing makes you connect with the characters and feel for them. I'm not a crier, I've never been one. However, I've found myself trying not to cry in certain scenes. There are some emotional moments.
Because there was no crazy drama out of nowhere in the end (like in the first one), I'm giving it three stars.

What I Didn’t Like: There was no plot. It was the first book all over again. The hero doesn't want a relationship, the heroine does, blah blah blah The back and forth between them was ok in the beginning, at the end of the book I couldn't help wanting to punch the hero.

[Maya]

Self note:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[♥ WishfulMiss ♥ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Went into this one blind and although there were a lot of highs that I liked (the humor, the banter and the chemistry) there was also a lot of lows (OTT drama, jealousy and childish antics) that dragged this story down.

For starters the beginning of the book starts with Harlow (the h) interrupting Beck’s latest one night stand date. This bugged me 1) because Harlow sees the H romancing and seducing OW *gag*, 2) the OW is a total biotch to the heroine in front of the H and he doesn’t do anything about it and 3) after seeing his h, Beck still goes back to his date and sleeps with her.

Normally that wouldn’t bug me too much because the h and H aren’t together yet but when feelings are there and either MC dates/sleeps with someone else, I consider it cheating. And Beck has been interested in Harlow since he moved in and found her box of photographs. He was instantly attracted to her and almost kissed her when he had OW waiting in his room. So him being attracted to one girl but down to sleep with another is just skeevey to me.

Call me crazy but I stayed optimistic since we didn’t get a detailed scene of the night with OW and it was still early in the book. I figured this lengthy book was going to give plenty of page time to redeem this character.

I was wrong.

Beck is a foster kid who was abused by the families that took him in. This shapes into the emotionally damaged “Hero” that he is. Because he thinks he isn’t good enough for anyone to choose him or care about him, he only sleeps with a woman once. But of course, he has to sleep around a lot because the pleasure sex provides is the only time he feels good about himself. *rolls eyes* So this gives him free reign to act like a total scum bag.

Harlow is the first woman he has ever really cared about enough to want to get to know her outside the bedroom. He sees in her the same vulnerability and sadness that he remembers from his foster care days and it awakens his protectiveness. I liked that he wanted to help her and instantly stepped in to offer her support. (I mistakenly took this as a positive sign to keep reading because I honestly thought a sweet friendship was going to come out of this so I didn’t DNF.)

This was the only redeeming quality this guy had. When he went out of his way to put Harlow at ease, to boost her confidence in herself and support her, it was cute. His flirting and teasing and their easy banter was all something I love to read about in romance and I started to warm up to him.

Unfortunately Beck always reverted to his a$$hole self whenever he softened even a smidge towards her so his charming self never lasted long with Harlow. Because when Beck softened, he got scared and when he got scared his first thought was to purge the h and his feelings for her by hooking up with other women. Then he takes it to a whole new level by trying to pawn the h on some other guy. He actually sets her up with OM. I hated this whole plot line!

Knowing that Harlow has feelings for him doesn’t stop him from setting her up on dates with OM. And I get the feeling his jealousy and possessiveness was supposed to be endearing/cute or funny even? But I found it all frustrating and annoyed me to no end. There was never any scene where Beck groveled or apologized to Harlow on his own. There were always pesky (equally as annoying) side characters that had to spell it out for him. That’s how dense this guy was.

The fact that Harlow’s past as a bully (when she was a teenager) looms over her and it’s never settled really bugged me. I get that she hurt a lot of people but the fact that they gleefully ridicule her over wrongs she tries repeatedly to apologize for and over things that happened more than a decade ago was pathetic. I can’t understand why Harlow didn’t leave this idiot town in the dust and never looked back. There was zero reasons for her to want to stay with such hateful people. I was expecting a huge scene where she defends herself and finally puts these adult sized morons in their place but it never happens.

I did laugh a few times and there was some key moments where I didn’t absolutely hate Beck so it wasn’t a total bust but I had high hopes that this author would be able to redeem him and that was a waste because he never convinced me he was reformed. I prefer my Heroes to act like adults not bratty adolescents.

Would I recommend? Not for the safety gang. There is a lot of OW drama and in such a small town, apparently everyone sleeps with everyone and it’s not a big deal. Personally I won’t be reading any more from this series, the fact that the h from the next book slept with the H from book one, book two, book three and book four is not for me. I wonder if the town motto is “sharing is caring” because that’s the vibes I’m getting with all the free love going around.

SAFETY INFO:
Ages : Harlow is 26 (and a virgin) and Beck is 28.

Cheating : I considered it cheating when he dated OW while having feeling for Harlow. He doesn’t hook up with anyone else after the one night stand in the beginning but he does go on two separate dated with two separate OW and there is kissing and touching but he stops when he can’t get an erection. But for all intents and purposes he planned to sleep with OW to get over the h.

OM/OW drama : Yes and another skeevy part of this book – Beck has slept with a lot of women. Women that Harlow has to see on a daily basis and in some cases, woman she befriends and also women that actively hate her. There are several scenes where Harlow has to hear these OW talk about Beck and their one night with him. Its embarrassing, humiliating and hurtful to Harlow and this also is never discussed. Beck “can’t” apologize for it because he can’t change who he is/was and Harlow just accepts that this is something that will happen a lot and although it bugs her, she’ll deal because she cares for him. Boooo!

Separation : Yes, two weeks.

Push/Pull: Yes, Beck is a giant jerk with his hot and cold routine. I can’t understand how he can be 28 years old and so successful professionally when he was such an idiot in his personal life. The two don’t correlate.

Main Pursuer of relationship : Beck, even though he couldn’t make up his mind and gave me whiplash with his indecisiveness. There was a cringe worthy part where Harlow tries to turn the tables on him by fake dating one of his friends but it backfires when she ends being ignored and having to watch Beck flirt with OW in front of her instead.

Possible Triggers : OW drama, jealousy, cheating, damaged hero, doormat heroine, manwhore H, virgin h, sexual abuse of a child (H, off page, was sexually abused by his then foster mom at 14), mental abuse (off page, h, by her father) and death of a parent (off page, h)

HEA/HFN: Ends on a HEA (after a the h is poisoned and in a coma for four days!!!!!) No epilogue.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely liked this one a lot more than the first book. This one is Beck's story. He is a one and done kind of guy. He never commits to anything other than his two best friends. Harlow Glass is pariah in the town of Strawberry Valley. She spent her early years as a bully and most people in the town shun her now. When the two of them get together the sparks fly.

I think my heart broke a dozen times while reading this. When we meet Harlow, she is at the lowest point in her life. No home, no job, no friends and camping in the woods. I had to give her credit for doing what she had to do to survive. The most heartbreaking part of her story is that no one believed her when she was trying to change her ways and make amends to those she hurt in the past. Beck definitely has his demons, but Harlow's just really got to me. I was really rooting for her to find peace and a fresh start.

One of the things that I am discovering about this author is the way she writes amusing and fun banter between her characters. Not only the way Harlow and Beck interact, but the way all of her characters interact with each other makes the story really fun to read. I found myself laughing out loud many times throughout the book. Check out the excerpt below to see what I mean!