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Make Me Hot
One of two things happens when Maverick Daly walks into a room: you either want to be him, or be with him.
Maverick lives in the fast lane: gorgeous one-night stands, souped up cars, a penetrating gaze that will either paralyze you or light your panties on fire, depending on which category you fall in above.
But I’m off-limits to him, or maybe too much in the tomboy category for him to notice me as anything other than Scarlett: Plain Childhood Bestie. Even though I’d cut off a pinky toe for a chance to be desired by Bayshore’s most available bachelor, it’s not in the cards. He’s Mr. One-And-Done, and I’m Ms. Longing For Forever.
I’m usually able to keep his after-hour shenanigans out of mind, until a gourmet-casual food truck competition thrusts us into a tiny kitchen for five weeks. Maverick is launching his career, and I’m just trying to help out my good ol’ platonic bestie. And while the flames are leaping off the grill, the heat is rising between us. Until it gets so hot that—pop goes the sexual repression.
The past two decades of being friendzoned? Out the window.
Now we’re lovers with a side of what comes next? I’ve known him my entire life, but now I’m meeting a whole new side of him. A side that is begging me to dive headfirst.
We’re gunning to win the competition, but Maverick just might win my heart instead.
Maverick lives in the fast lane: gorgeous one-night stands, souped up cars, a penetrating gaze that will either paralyze you or light your panties on fire, depending on which category you fall in above.
But I’m off-limits to him, or maybe too much in the tomboy category for him to notice me as anything other than Scarlett: Plain Childhood Bestie. Even though I’d cut off a pinky toe for a chance to be desired by Bayshore’s most available bachelor, it’s not in the cards. He’s Mr. One-And-Done, and I’m Ms. Longing For Forever.
I’m usually able to keep his after-hour shenanigans out of mind, until a gourmet-casual food truck competition thrusts us into a tiny kitchen for five weeks. Maverick is launching his career, and I’m just trying to help out my good ol’ platonic bestie. And while the flames are leaping off the grill, the heat is rising between us. Until it gets so hot that—pop goes the sexual repression.
The past two decades of being friendzoned? Out the window.
Now we’re lovers with a side of what comes next? I’ve known him my entire life, but now I’m meeting a whole new side of him. A side that is begging me to dive headfirst.
We’re gunning to win the competition, but Maverick just might win my heart instead.
- GenresContemporaryRomance
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 18, 2023
Make Me Hot is the 5th book in the Bayshore series and follows the last of the single brothers, Maverick, and his BFF Scarlett (or Lettie as he affectionately refers to her). Maverick works in an auto shop, but his passion is cooking - and one-time nights with the ladies. Scarlett gets him to enter a food truck competition after she agrees to be his partner for the reality show. Scarlett is not good at setting boundaries and is easily guilted into putting herself first, especially with her sister. So she keeps it a secret that her passion is aerial silks, but makes it to classes whenever she can.
I'm not normally a fan of BFFs to lovers troupes, but I really liked this one. They spent a good amount of time trying to keep their feelings platonic so they wouldn't ruin their friendship so it took awhile to build up, but when it did, their sex scenes were explosive. I was a really big fan of the pool scene and enjoyed when Lettie tried to make Maverick jealous. I'm looking forward to the final book in the series!
I'm not normally a fan of BFFs to lovers troupes, but I really liked this one. They spent a good amount of time trying to keep their feelings platonic so they wouldn't ruin their friendship so it took awhile to build up, but when it did, their sex scenes were explosive. I was a really big fan of the pool scene and enjoyed when Lettie tried to make Maverick jealous. I'm looking forward to the final book in the series!
July 30, 2022
Enjoyed this best friends to lovers story. In the beginning, I wasn’t sure the author could pull Maverick and Lettie together, but she did. I would definitely recommend this book, and entire series, to others.
January 13, 2021
Favorite book in the series! This one captured my heart!
October 2, 2020
This book was one of the best so far in this series. Don’t get me wrong I love me some Dom but Maverick just is the epitome of a guy who knows what he wants and will everything to get it. Scarlett pushing him to enter food truck race was really the catalyst for everything that happened and how they came to realize they were both in love with each other and their friendship could me more. Not wanting to ruin their friendship is such a real situation. I’m glad that Maverick realized after Scarlett left that she was what he wanted and was going after her. Great book my Ember Leigh as always. I wish I could give it 10 stars.
March 22, 2022
This was one of my favorite books in the Bayshore series! I could not get enough of Maverick and Scarlett together. This book is truly all the best things about a friends-to-lovers romance.
Ember Leigh is such an amazing writer. I adore her writing style. It is so easy to fall into and feel so at home in. It's almost like she is writing the books just for me. Her writing is polished, engaging, and relatable. I fall into her books without fail each and every time I pick one up. The pacing is always perfect and the plot is always fleshed out well.
One of the things about this book in particular that really spoke to me was the characters. I adored Maverick and Scarlett so much. Their individual characters had so much personality and individuality. It was easy to connect with them and root for them. They were characters that jumped right off the page and were so memorable.
I loved the romance so much in this book. I normally prefer an enemies-to-lovers story but when a friends-to-lovers story is done right it can rival any other trope. That's the case with this book. Maverick and Scarlett have been friends for decades and their progression from friends to more than friends was so natural. Their chemistry was so intense and full of emotion. The reader could tell right from the beginning that these two just belong together.
Overall, this was another smash hit from Ember Leigh! This series coming to an end is so bittersweet because these books have meant so much to me. Maverick and Scarlett's book has been one in this series that has really stood out for me. The characters were so memorable, the plot was compelling and entertaining, and the romantic chemistry was off the charts. I highly recommend any book by this author and this one is always a good starting point. You can't go wrong with this author and I am so excited for what comes next!
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Ember Leigh is such an amazing writer. I adore her writing style. It is so easy to fall into and feel so at home in. It's almost like she is writing the books just for me. Her writing is polished, engaging, and relatable. I fall into her books without fail each and every time I pick one up. The pacing is always perfect and the plot is always fleshed out well.
One of the things about this book in particular that really spoke to me was the characters. I adored Maverick and Scarlett so much. Their individual characters had so much personality and individuality. It was easy to connect with them and root for them. They were characters that jumped right off the page and were so memorable.
I loved the romance so much in this book. I normally prefer an enemies-to-lovers story but when a friends-to-lovers story is done right it can rival any other trope. That's the case with this book. Maverick and Scarlett have been friends for decades and their progression from friends to more than friends was so natural. Their chemistry was so intense and full of emotion. The reader could tell right from the beginning that these two just belong together.
Overall, this was another smash hit from Ember Leigh! This series coming to an end is so bittersweet because these books have meant so much to me. Maverick and Scarlett's book has been one in this series that has really stood out for me. The characters were so memorable, the plot was compelling and entertaining, and the romantic chemistry was off the charts. I highly recommend any book by this author and this one is always a good starting point. You can't go wrong with this author and I am so excited for what comes next!
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September 17, 2020
I adored Ember Leigh's "Make Me Hot," book #5 of the Bayshore series. Each book in this series features one of the handsome Daly brothers and reads as a total standalone. I've read (and loved) them all, and at this point it's impossible for me to choose my favorite brother. I highly recommend the entire series for all fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy.
"Make Me Hot" featured a well-crafted slow burn romance between the youngest Daly brother, Maverick, and his longtime best friend, Scarlett. For a number of reasons, each of them was afraid to cross the line from friends to lovers, but their chemistry was intense from the start and I couldn't wait for them to finally act on their feelings. When they did, it was totally worth the wait! Just as things started to come together for them, however, an unexpected opportunity forced Maverick and Scarlett to make difficult choices about their future, and it seemed as if it might send them down separate paths. My heart hurt for both of them because there wasn't an easy answer that would immediately give both of them what they wanted. Fortunately, Scarlett and Maverick managed to overcome this obstacle and figure out a way to be together while they both pursued their dreams.
I'm a fan of the Great Food Truck Race on Food Network, so the food truck competition included in this story was really fun for me. The author's experience in running a food truck business came through very clearly in the story, and I enjoyed getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how much work goes into such an endeavor. The book's secondary characters were a lot of fun too, particularly Maverick's brothers and their wives and the other participants in the food truck competition. Maverick's new friend Kru, aka Uncle Lobster, was particularly amusing, and I hope he pops back up in the future now that he's an honorary Daly brother!
Overall, this funny, sweet, and surprisingly emotional story was a perfect late summer read. I'm very happy that the author is planning to write one more novella to wrap up this series. I'm not quite ready to say goodbye to Bayshore (or the Daly boys) yet! I look forward to seeing what Ember Leigh writes next.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
"Make Me Hot" featured a well-crafted slow burn romance between the youngest Daly brother, Maverick, and his longtime best friend, Scarlett. For a number of reasons, each of them was afraid to cross the line from friends to lovers, but their chemistry was intense from the start and I couldn't wait for them to finally act on their feelings. When they did, it was totally worth the wait! Just as things started to come together for them, however, an unexpected opportunity forced Maverick and Scarlett to make difficult choices about their future, and it seemed as if it might send them down separate paths. My heart hurt for both of them because there wasn't an easy answer that would immediately give both of them what they wanted. Fortunately, Scarlett and Maverick managed to overcome this obstacle and figure out a way to be together while they both pursued their dreams.
I'm a fan of the Great Food Truck Race on Food Network, so the food truck competition included in this story was really fun for me. The author's experience in running a food truck business came through very clearly in the story, and I enjoyed getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how much work goes into such an endeavor. The book's secondary characters were a lot of fun too, particularly Maverick's brothers and their wives and the other participants in the food truck competition. Maverick's new friend Kru, aka Uncle Lobster, was particularly amusing, and I hope he pops back up in the future now that he's an honorary Daly brother!
Overall, this funny, sweet, and surprisingly emotional story was a perfect late summer read. I'm very happy that the author is planning to write one more novella to wrap up this series. I'm not quite ready to say goodbye to Bayshore (or the Daly boys) yet! I look forward to seeing what Ember Leigh writes next.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 15, 2020
Original review
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Ember Leigh!
Make Me Hot is the fifth book in the Bayshore series and tells the story of Scarlett and Maverick.
Make Me Hot was another amazing book by Ember Leigh! Ember Leigh is one of my favourite indie authors, she writes amazing Romance books and there hasn’t been a book by her that I didn’t love. I really loved Scarlett and Maverick’s story because it was so addictive. I’ve been looking forward to their story and when I finally got the arc, I was so excited to start reading.
He looks at me like he’s serving his heart up on a platter. Like we’re about to go someplace that we can never recover from. Someplace we might never want to recover from.
It was really hard to put this book down, I really wanted to read about Scarlett and Maverick. I’m a sucker for friends-to-lovers Romance books and this one was just everything that I needed. I love that Scarlett is into aerial silks and that Maverick loves metal music. Ember Leigh always gives her characters these interesting traits or hobbies, and I love that. I loved reading about Scarlett and Maverick’s friendship that grew into a relationship and I loved their character development too.
She’s the only girl who’s been with me since the beginning. And the only girl who will be here until the end.
Make Me Hot was such a good book and I’m so sad that we read about the last Daly brother… What do I need to do with my life now? Luckily there’s going to be a novella, Make Me Smile! I’m so excited to read the novella and I’ll probably be sad again because it will be the last book in the Bayshore series. I really loved reading the Bayshore series and reading about the Daly brothers and their amazing girlfriends/wives! I highly recommend this series if you’re looking for good Romantic Comedy books!
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Ember Leigh!
Make Me Hot is the fifth book in the Bayshore series and tells the story of Scarlett and Maverick.
Make Me Hot was another amazing book by Ember Leigh! Ember Leigh is one of my favourite indie authors, she writes amazing Romance books and there hasn’t been a book by her that I didn’t love. I really loved Scarlett and Maverick’s story because it was so addictive. I’ve been looking forward to their story and when I finally got the arc, I was so excited to start reading.
He looks at me like he’s serving his heart up on a platter. Like we’re about to go someplace that we can never recover from. Someplace we might never want to recover from.
It was really hard to put this book down, I really wanted to read about Scarlett and Maverick. I’m a sucker for friends-to-lovers Romance books and this one was just everything that I needed. I love that Scarlett is into aerial silks and that Maverick loves metal music. Ember Leigh always gives her characters these interesting traits or hobbies, and I love that. I loved reading about Scarlett and Maverick’s friendship that grew into a relationship and I loved their character development too.
She’s the only girl who’s been with me since the beginning. And the only girl who will be here until the end.
Make Me Hot was such a good book and I’m so sad that we read about the last Daly brother… What do I need to do with my life now? Luckily there’s going to be a novella, Make Me Smile! I’m so excited to read the novella and I’ll probably be sad again because it will be the last book in the Bayshore series. I really loved reading the Bayshore series and reading about the Daly brothers and their amazing girlfriends/wives! I highly recommend this series if you’re looking for good Romantic Comedy books!
January 6, 2021
The love story of Maverick and Scarlett was just so beautiful!! A true friends-to-lovers slow-simmer romance that had so much emotion involved! Not to give away any potential spoilers but it was wonderful to see how they managed to figure out a way to be together even when it seemed like their individual dreams were going to separate them for good. This might have possibly been the best book of this series but since they were all so exceptional, it is hard to say for sure!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
September 21, 2020
OMG! I couldn’t put down! The best friends whom he just sees her as off limits. Reminded me of friends in high school, college and into adulthood. Made me smile and lol. I love the couple, their family and friends.
Another must read by author Ember Leigh!
*I was given a copy and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
Another must read by author Ember Leigh!
*I was given a copy and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
September 15, 2020
Make Me Hot is a friends to lovers romance that has chemistry so strong it will have your kindle steaming up. Maverick is the last of the Daly brothers to get his HEA and he and Lettie did not disappoint. Their story was fun, entertaining, flirty and heartfelt. A love that was waiting to come to fruition and finally have their hearts beating as one. An original storyline that will have you enchanted with the passion and connection that will be felt deep within.
February 2, 2022
Wow! What a finale of the series!
I just finished Maverick and Scarlett's story. They have been best friends for 20 years. Scarlett recently broke off dating a guy after 2 years together. Hard part is that he is a mechanic at the same shop that Mav works at. So unfortunately Mav hears things about Scarlett that he just doesn't like.
Scarlett works at a diner there in Bayshore and is pulled into bad situations by her really needy older sister. Seems she never gets to have things go her way. Her only true getaway she makes for herself is by going to Cleveland and doing aerial silks.
When not working Mav and Scarlett often spend time together at Mav's apartment while he always cooks up something incredible. When Scarlett notices a reality show contest for new food truck owners, she pushes Mav to achieve his dream. So they set things in action.
I absolutely fell in love with these two. Loved how they worked together to make their dreams. The give and take were real. The characters kept things interesting. Great job Ember Leigh on a truly wonderful series. Enjoy
I just finished Maverick and Scarlett's story. They have been best friends for 20 years. Scarlett recently broke off dating a guy after 2 years together. Hard part is that he is a mechanic at the same shop that Mav works at. So unfortunately Mav hears things about Scarlett that he just doesn't like.
Scarlett works at a diner there in Bayshore and is pulled into bad situations by her really needy older sister. Seems she never gets to have things go her way. Her only true getaway she makes for herself is by going to Cleveland and doing aerial silks.
When not working Mav and Scarlett often spend time together at Mav's apartment while he always cooks up something incredible. When Scarlett notices a reality show contest for new food truck owners, she pushes Mav to achieve his dream. So they set things in action.
I absolutely fell in love with these two. Loved how they worked together to make their dreams. The give and take were real. The characters kept things interesting. Great job Ember Leigh on a truly wonderful series. Enjoy
September 13, 2020
I received this book in exchange for a review:
I would give this 100 stars!!
Omg! Know I've said this about the other 4 books in this series, but Maverick and Scarlett are truly my favorites!
Maverick, being the youngest Daly brother, is probably the one I would love to meet in person... he's fun, outgoing, spunky, and love his family and friends... he just doesn't realize how much he loves one certain friend until she gets him to participate in the food truck challenge... omg i would love to go along on something like this!
Scarlett is very loyal to her friends and family and would do anything for them... including doing a food truck challenge! Shes got her niece and nephew, her sister and mom that she supports through anything and she got her best friend Mav - who would support her through anything and everything... so they do this awesome food truck challenge and have a blast beating other contestants... but shes still got her one dream she wants... will Mav support her, or will things fall apart???
Enjoy!!!
I would give this 100 stars!!
Omg! Know I've said this about the other 4 books in this series, but Maverick and Scarlett are truly my favorites!
Maverick, being the youngest Daly brother, is probably the one I would love to meet in person... he's fun, outgoing, spunky, and love his family and friends... he just doesn't realize how much he loves one certain friend until she gets him to participate in the food truck challenge... omg i would love to go along on something like this!
Scarlett is very loyal to her friends and family and would do anything for them... including doing a food truck challenge! Shes got her niece and nephew, her sister and mom that she supports through anything and she got her best friend Mav - who would support her through anything and everything... so they do this awesome food truck challenge and have a blast beating other contestants... but shes still got her one dream she wants... will Mav support her, or will things fall apart???
Enjoy!!!
September 15, 2020
Fabulous last installment in the Bayshore series.
A completely original take on friends to lovers with all the important aspects.
Mav and Lettie have been best friends for so long they've never allowed themselves to picture each other in any other way (or at least that's what they say out loud)...that is until circumstances push them even further together...their attraction ramps up, jealousy rears its ugly head and fate pushes them to be real...not just with themselves but with each other and the world.
Be prepared to be drawn into the Bayshore world once again with this easy to read tale with gorgeous scenes, fabulous food, family and of course romance.
A completely original take on friends to lovers with all the important aspects.
Mav and Lettie have been best friends for so long they've never allowed themselves to picture each other in any other way (or at least that's what they say out loud)...that is until circumstances push them even further together...their attraction ramps up, jealousy rears its ugly head and fate pushes them to be real...not just with themselves but with each other and the world.
Be prepared to be drawn into the Bayshore world once again with this easy to read tale with gorgeous scenes, fabulous food, family and of course romance.
February 16, 2022
4.1 stars
This book was fun. I'm a huge Food Network fan, so having this be like a food truck reality show maybe it have fresh feel to it and was reminiscent of a show that I would see on that network.
I loved the characters and how the grew. I liked seeing them navigate at how to go from best friends to something more. I liked seeing in their heads and working through the worries they both had to keep the friendship in place and not muddled because the last thing either of these characters want is to make it all jumbled.
I'm a little sad to let this series go. I do know there is a short novella giving the HEA that all these couples needed. I'm looking forward to that.
This book was fun. I'm a huge Food Network fan, so having this be like a food truck reality show maybe it have fresh feel to it and was reminiscent of a show that I would see on that network.
I loved the characters and how the grew. I liked seeing them navigate at how to go from best friends to something more. I liked seeing in their heads and working through the worries they both had to keep the friendship in place and not muddled because the last thing either of these characters want is to make it all jumbled.
I'm a little sad to let this series go. I do know there is a short novella giving the HEA that all these couples needed. I'm looking forward to that.
September 13, 2020
This book...gah! I was so excited for the youngest Daly to get his HEA and Ember did not disappoint! Mav and Lettie are everything! All the feels, ALL of them. I read this in one sitting because I just could not get enough of their love story and I read the entire thing with a smile on my face, even when it got rough! You just know in your gut that their love is so raw, so real and so genuine that no matter what happened, they were meant to be. Gah, this book...so much love for this book! Another five star read from Ember Leigh!
September 12, 2020
I loved the story of Maverick and Scarlet they have been best friends for the longest time and can not imagine being together in a romantic sense. She helps him get on a reality show and helps him out. Spending so much time together let’s their imagination run wild and they fantasize what it would be like to be with the other person.
Can they turn the friendship into more?
This is another great Daly book!! Ember Leigh never disappoints!
Can they turn the friendship into more?
This is another great Daly book!! Ember Leigh never disappoints!
September 24, 2020
The last Daly brother standing..... For now!
Maverick and Scarlet are long time friends and each have a secret - they want to be more to each other.
Their chance comes when Scarlet convinces Mav to enter a cooking reality show and the heat is really turned up! Of course it doesn't always go smoothly, but can they work out their differences and become more than friends again?
The series is best read in order to get the proper effect of the brothers, but can be read as a standalone.
Maverick and Scarlet are long time friends and each have a secret - they want to be more to each other.
Their chance comes when Scarlet convinces Mav to enter a cooking reality show and the heat is really turned up! Of course it doesn't always go smoothly, but can they work out their differences and become more than friends again?
The series is best read in order to get the proper effect of the brothers, but can be read as a standalone.
September 15, 2020
Ahh Lettie and Mav...such a cute story of friends-to-lovers! Their chemistry is amazing both as friends and then steamy lovers! I loved the different backgrounds of this book- aerial silks and food truck competitions! Original and amazing! I can’t wait for the novella!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews