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H.E.A.T. #4
A Lick Of Heat
"You’re close to breaking, Lara.”
Words Detective Lara Keen never thought she’d hear spoken aloud. Let alone have them spoken to her by the Department shrink in his official capacity as her psychologist.
Things start to unravel not long afterwards.
The H.E.A.T. arsonist is still at large. Carole Michaels, Lara’s boyfriend’s sister, is still missing. And a shadowed figure dressed in a familiar fedora hat and trench coat keeps popping up when she least expects it. If that isn't bad enough, CIB still has a traitor in its midst and Lara’s determined to find out once and for all who it is.
But the enemy is not what he seems, and his reach is very far indeed.
With copycat crimes and explosive criminal acts mounting all around the city, Lara sets out to end the mayhem one way or another.
The clock is ticking.
People are dying.
Auckland City is set to burn.
Can Lara stop a madman before she loses everything? Or will the arsonist have the last word?
A sexy, sizzling crime-thriller sure to add a lick of heat to your night.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2019
11 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
Nicola Claire
137 books735 followersNicola Claire lives in beautiful Taupo, New Zealand with her husband, two teenage boys and a Miniature Schnauzer named Rudy.
A bit of a romance junkie, she can be known to devour as many as half a dozen books a week if she drinks too much coffee. But her real passion is writing sexy, romantic suspense stories with strong female leads and alpha male protagonists who know how to love them.
So far, she’s written well over 70 books. She might have caught the writing bug; here’s hoping there’s no cure!
A bit of a romance junkie, she can be known to devour as many as half a dozen books a week if she drinks too much coffee. But her real passion is writing sexy, romantic suspense stories with strong female leads and alpha male protagonists who know how to love them.
So far, she’s written well over 70 books. She might have caught the writing bug; here’s hoping there’s no cure!
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 19, 2019
Oh my goodness !!!!!!!! It's been a while since I've read a book that's has gripped me as much as this book. I have loved all of Nicola Claire's books but this book i read until the wee small hours of the night and again first thing the following morning until it was finished. I'm not a writer, and I can't wax lyrical in my reviews but believe me when I say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Lick Of Heat. There were parts of it had me breathlessly waiting to see what happened next. I loved it. Thank you so much Miss Claire for including me in those privileged to have the arc of this book, it's an exciting, wonderful, keep you on your toes read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2019
This is the final book in the series and Lara and Damon have a lot riding on them finding the bad guy.
A Lick Of Heat is filled with a lot of twists and turns, and I really enjoyed it, but I also felt like it was filled with a lot of heartache as well. That was really sad, other than that I loved how awesome Lara was, and I enjoyed them being a great team! I'm sad to see it end, but it ended in a good way, although it wasn't the ending I was expecting.
A Lick Of Heat is filled with a lot of twists and turns, and I really enjoyed it, but I also felt like it was filled with a lot of heartache as well. That was really sad, other than that I loved how awesome Lara was, and I enjoyed them being a great team! I'm sad to see it end, but it ended in a good way, although it wasn't the ending I was expecting.
March 23, 2019
Another amazing read. Love her books, couldn’t put it down. Love it
April 29, 2019
I have been eagerly awaiting the final installment of this series, and i have to say that it was SO worth the wait!
Damon was my life, my love. My everything.
I have adored Lara and Damon from the very beginning, but I love them even more now! They are certainly put to the test in this book and it shows just what a great team they are. Individually they are both great characters: strong, layered, determined, and flawed. But together is where they really shine. They are both pushed to the edge here but show that they can make it through together.
But I was also Lara Keen. Me. No one else. And to protect the man I loved, I'd do anything.
The plot was fast-paced and kept me on the edge of my seat! So many questions, so many twists, and lots of action. I LOVED the tie-in to the Sweet Seduction series... I miss them! There were many intelligent and intriguing elements to this story, and I couldn't get enough.
"This could be a disaster in the making," I told him. "Why would you think I wouldn't be there at your side?"
The epilogue was everything I wanted! It was also nice to see Lara make some progress with her relationship with her father as well. I think I need to go back and re-read his novella since it has been a while! I am so sad that this series is over, but I hope it isn't the last we get from this world! 5 stars for a thrilling conclusion to a fantastic series!
Damon was my life, my love. My everything.
I have adored Lara and Damon from the very beginning, but I love them even more now! They are certainly put to the test in this book and it shows just what a great team they are. Individually they are both great characters: strong, layered, determined, and flawed. But together is where they really shine. They are both pushed to the edge here but show that they can make it through together.
But I was also Lara Keen. Me. No one else. And to protect the man I loved, I'd do anything.
The plot was fast-paced and kept me on the edge of my seat! So many questions, so many twists, and lots of action. I LOVED the tie-in to the Sweet Seduction series... I miss them! There were many intelligent and intriguing elements to this story, and I couldn't get enough.
"This could be a disaster in the making," I told him. "Why would you think I wouldn't be there at your side?"
The epilogue was everything I wanted! It was also nice to see Lara make some progress with her relationship with her father as well. I think I need to go back and re-read his novella since it has been a while! I am so sad that this series is over, but I hope it isn't the last we get from this world! 5 stars for a thrilling conclusion to a fantastic series!
April 15, 2019
I absolutely could not wait for this final instalment to be released! And it lived up to all expectations! Not only was the story full of action and adventure, but the author also further developed the main characters Lara and Damon, showing their growth as a couple both professionally and romantically.
I also loved that there was a link to the Sweet Seduction series, even if it was just a little. Another amazing series that has concluded and is sorely missed.
Not that it made any difference to the reading of this book, but I'm glad I went back and read the previous books as well as the novella as it really made the writing more engrossing and helped me to appreciate the relationship with Lara and her father. Not that an excuse was needed to re-read these books! :)
I also loved that there was a link to the Sweet Seduction series, even if it was just a little. Another amazing series that has concluded and is sorely missed.
Not that it made any difference to the reading of this book, but I'm glad I went back and read the previous books as well as the novella as it really made the writing more engrossing and helped me to appreciate the relationship with Lara and her father. Not that an excuse was needed to re-read these books! :)
March 28, 2019
4.5 Stars! Just over five years after meeting Lara and Damon for the first time, I get to immerse myself in their world for the final adventure. And the HEAT is definitely on.
Summary:
The past six months haven't been kind to Detective Lara Keen. Things are unraveling quickly and leaving her life in a shambles. She lost two important men in her life, and each returned in different, but impactful ways. The H.E.A.T. arsonist is still wreaking havoc, and Carole Michaels is still missing. The last thing Lara needs is to be cut off from CIB. Especially when a traitor is still lurking. But suspension is where she's headed if the words her department psychologist just spoke are anything to go by. Is Lara close to breaking? Maybe so, but that won't stop her from trying to find the truth. Unfortunately, there's more to the enemy than meets the eye. He's cunning and well-connected, and adept at creating havoc all over Auckland City. The HEAT is on and Lara's running out of time. Can she catch a psychopath before more people die? Or will she lose everything to the arsonist's blaze?
*************************
It was long, but A Lick of Heat was definitely worth the wait. The final book in the Romantic Suspense/Crime-Thriller H.E.A.T. series was a fast-paced ride with twists and turns galore. I've loved Lara and Damon from the very first word of their story, and after reading ALOH nothing has changed except maybe loving them even more. Lara is dedicated, loyal, observant, and strong. But she isn't perfect. Her flaws, though, serve to make her stronger as she is forced to work through and around them. Damon has the same qualities, including his own flaws, with maybe some machismo and dominance thrown in. Individually, they are both formidable, but their advantage comes when they work together. Everyone has their limits, but Lara and Damon are able to stave off or postpone the effects of reaching those limits by supporting and loving each other. I loved their easy silences and how they just knew what the other needed without words. Their intimate relationship was sweet, sexy, intense, and freeing. They could be who they needed to be without the outside world interfering, taking or giving up control as needed. Overall, this was the perfect mix of romance and suspense. The storyline has evolved from book one, becoming more complex and involved. Some conflicts have been resolved, but with the main conflict gathering steam. This was nice because we saw resolution and questions answered while anticipation still mounted. And that anticipation could be heart-poundingly intense, the twists and turns keeping me on the edge of my seat. For the most part, I liked supporting cast. It was great seeing Ryan Pierce, Nick Anscombe and ASI again. Inspector Hart and the H.E.A.T. guys were also welcome additions. I would have liked a little more update on Eagle, though, and I just can't seem to like Ethan Keene even if he sort of came around. ALOH was thought-provoking and multifaceted with great characters, making it a brilliant finale to the H.E.A.T. series. I'm sad to see it end, but the epilogue was everything I could have wanted. It really highlighted the character development throughout the series. My only hope is that Nicola dreams up another series set in the Sweet Seduction/H.E.A.T. world. ♡
Merged review:
The heat is on as Lara looks for a madman
4.5 Stars! Just over five years after meeting Lara and Damon for the first time, I get to immerse myself in their world for the final adventure. And the HEAT is definitely on.
Summary:
The past six months haven't been kind to Detective Lara Keen. Things are unraveling quickly and leaving her life in a shambles. She lost two important men in her life, and each returned in different, but impactful ways. The H.E.A.T. arsonist is still wreaking havoc, and Carole Michaels is still missing. The last thing Lara needs is to be cut off from CIB. Especially when a traitor is still lurking. But suspension is where she's headed if the words her department psychologist just spoke are anything to go by. Is Lara close to breaking? Maybe so, but that won't stop her from trying to find the truth. Unfortunately, there's more to the enemy than meets the eye. He's cunning and well-connected, and adept at creating havoc all over Auckland City. The HEAT is on and Lara's running out of time. Can she catch a psychopath before more people die? Or will she lose everything to the arsonist's blaze?
*************************
It was long, but A Lick of Heat was definitely worth the wait. The final book in the Romantic Suspense/Crime-Thriller H.E.A.T. series was a fast-paced ride with twists and turns galore. I've loved Lara and Damon from the very first word of their story, and after reading ALOH nothing has changed except maybe loving them even more. Lara is dedicated, loyal, observant, and strong. But she isn't perfect. Her flaws, though, serve to make her stronger as she is forced to work through and around them. Damon has the same qualities, including his own flaws, with maybe some machismo and dominance thrown in. Individually, they are both formidable, but their advantage comes when they work together. Everyone has their limits, but Lara and Damon are able to stave off or postpone the effects of reaching those limits by supporting and loving each other. I loved their easy silences and how they just knew what the other needed without words. Their intimate relationship was sweet, sexy, intense, and freeing. They could be who they needed to be without the outside world interfering, taking or giving up control as needed. Overall, this was the perfect mix of romance and suspense. The storyline has evolved from book one, becoming more complex and involved. Some conflicts have been resolved, but with the main conflict gathering steam. This was nice because we saw resolution and questions answered while anticipation still mounted. And that anticipation could be heart-poundingly intense, the twists and turns keeping me on the edge of my seat. For the most part, I liked supporting cast. It was great seeing Ryan Pierce, Nick Anscombe and ASI again. Inspector Hart and the H.E.A.T. guys were also welcome additions. I would have liked a little more update on Eagle, though, and I just can't seem to like Ethan Keene even if he sort of came around. ALOH was thought-provoking and multifaceted with great characters, making it a brilliant finale to the H.E.A.T. series. I'm sad to see it end, but the epilogue was everything I could have wanted. It really highlighted the character development throughout the series. My only hope is that Nicola dreams up another series set in the Sweet Seduction/H.E.A.T. world. ♡
Summary:
The past six months haven't been kind to Detective Lara Keen. Things are unraveling quickly and leaving her life in a shambles. She lost two important men in her life, and each returned in different, but impactful ways. The H.E.A.T. arsonist is still wreaking havoc, and Carole Michaels is still missing. The last thing Lara needs is to be cut off from CIB. Especially when a traitor is still lurking. But suspension is where she's headed if the words her department psychologist just spoke are anything to go by. Is Lara close to breaking? Maybe so, but that won't stop her from trying to find the truth. Unfortunately, there's more to the enemy than meets the eye. He's cunning and well-connected, and adept at creating havoc all over Auckland City. The HEAT is on and Lara's running out of time. Can she catch a psychopath before more people die? Or will she lose everything to the arsonist's blaze?
*************************
It was long, but A Lick of Heat was definitely worth the wait. The final book in the Romantic Suspense/Crime-Thriller H.E.A.T. series was a fast-paced ride with twists and turns galore. I've loved Lara and Damon from the very first word of their story, and after reading ALOH nothing has changed except maybe loving them even more. Lara is dedicated, loyal, observant, and strong. But she isn't perfect. Her flaws, though, serve to make her stronger as she is forced to work through and around them. Damon has the same qualities, including his own flaws, with maybe some machismo and dominance thrown in. Individually, they are both formidable, but their advantage comes when they work together. Everyone has their limits, but Lara and Damon are able to stave off or postpone the effects of reaching those limits by supporting and loving each other. I loved their easy silences and how they just knew what the other needed without words. Their intimate relationship was sweet, sexy, intense, and freeing. They could be who they needed to be without the outside world interfering, taking or giving up control as needed. Overall, this was the perfect mix of romance and suspense. The storyline has evolved from book one, becoming more complex and involved. Some conflicts have been resolved, but with the main conflict gathering steam. This was nice because we saw resolution and questions answered while anticipation still mounted. And that anticipation could be heart-poundingly intense, the twists and turns keeping me on the edge of my seat. For the most part, I liked supporting cast. It was great seeing Ryan Pierce, Nick Anscombe and ASI again. Inspector Hart and the H.E.A.T. guys were also welcome additions. I would have liked a little more update on Eagle, though, and I just can't seem to like Ethan Keene even if he sort of came around. ALOH was thought-provoking and multifaceted with great characters, making it a brilliant finale to the H.E.A.T. series. I'm sad to see it end, but the epilogue was everything I could have wanted. It really highlighted the character development throughout the series. My only hope is that Nicola dreams up another series set in the Sweet Seduction/H.E.A.T. world. ♡
Merged review:
The heat is on as Lara looks for a madman
4.5 Stars! Just over five years after meeting Lara and Damon for the first time, I get to immerse myself in their world for the final adventure. And the HEAT is definitely on.
Summary:
The past six months haven't been kind to Detective Lara Keen. Things are unraveling quickly and leaving her life in a shambles. She lost two important men in her life, and each returned in different, but impactful ways. The H.E.A.T. arsonist is still wreaking havoc, and Carole Michaels is still missing. The last thing Lara needs is to be cut off from CIB. Especially when a traitor is still lurking. But suspension is where she's headed if the words her department psychologist just spoke are anything to go by. Is Lara close to breaking? Maybe so, but that won't stop her from trying to find the truth. Unfortunately, there's more to the enemy than meets the eye. He's cunning and well-connected, and adept at creating havoc all over Auckland City. The HEAT is on and Lara's running out of time. Can she catch a psychopath before more people die? Or will she lose everything to the arsonist's blaze?
*************************
It was long, but A Lick of Heat was definitely worth the wait. The final book in the Romantic Suspense/Crime-Thriller H.E.A.T. series was a fast-paced ride with twists and turns galore. I've loved Lara and Damon from the very first word of their story, and after reading ALOH nothing has changed except maybe loving them even more. Lara is dedicated, loyal, observant, and strong. But she isn't perfect. Her flaws, though, serve to make her stronger as she is forced to work through and around them. Damon has the same qualities, including his own flaws, with maybe some machismo and dominance thrown in. Individually, they are both formidable, but their advantage comes when they work together. Everyone has their limits, but Lara and Damon are able to stave off or postpone the effects of reaching those limits by supporting and loving each other. I loved their easy silences and how they just knew what the other needed without words. Their intimate relationship was sweet, sexy, intense, and freeing. They could be who they needed to be without the outside world interfering, taking or giving up control as needed. Overall, this was the perfect mix of romance and suspense. The storyline has evolved from book one, becoming more complex and involved. Some conflicts have been resolved, but with the main conflict gathering steam. This was nice because we saw resolution and questions answered while anticipation still mounted. And that anticipation could be heart-poundingly intense, the twists and turns keeping me on the edge of my seat. For the most part, I liked supporting cast. It was great seeing Ryan Pierce, Nick Anscombe and ASI again. Inspector Hart and the H.E.A.T. guys were also welcome additions. I would have liked a little more update on Eagle, though, and I just can't seem to like Ethan Keene even if he sort of came around. ALOH was thought-provoking and multifaceted with great characters, making it a brilliant finale to the H.E.A.T. series. I'm sad to see it end, but the epilogue was everything I could have wanted. It really highlighted the character development throughout the series. My only hope is that Nicola dreams up another series set in the Sweet Seduction/H.E.A.T. world. ♡
April 20, 2019
The fourth book in the H.E.A.T. series by Nicola Claire. Lara Keen is trying to investigate a case before she gets suspended. The HEAT arsonist is still at large and there is a traitor in the department. Now the department pschologist will be sending in his recommendation and Lara doesn't have time.
The book is heavy on the suspense and mystery and the romance plays more of a minor role. Since the romance began in previous books in the series I can overlook that. The series really needs to be read in order. Overall, it was a pretty good series that I would recommend but only if you read them fairly close together so you would be able to keep up with the story.
The book is heavy on the suspense and mystery and the romance plays more of a minor role. Since the romance began in previous books in the series I can overlook that. The series really needs to be read in order. Overall, it was a pretty good series that I would recommend but only if you read them fairly close together so you would be able to keep up with the story.
April 26, 2020
While I enjoyed seeing these characters again, this felt like a continuation and not a full story to me. The love story was basically complete already and the police drama just took off from no where. I also found the detective work pretty poor and the story predictable or just random.
Worth reading to finish the series, and I do appreciate a series which comes to a definite end, but not Claire's best work.
Worth reading to finish the series, and I do appreciate a series which comes to a definite end, but not Claire's best work.
April 1, 2019
This book was worth the wait! I have read most everything Nicola Claire has written and I must say this series is one of her best! A Lick of Heat is full of emotion, suspense, and a testament to human resilience!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews