Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Peachtree Grove #2

Turning Up the Heat

Rate this book
Delaney Miller, baker extraordinaire, is back in town and she’s all grown-up—sassy, spicy, and sexy AF. Too bad she’s my best friend’s little sister, slamming her firmly into the Off-Limits category.

Except that’s not exactly what goes down.

When I lose a bet with her, she takes what she wants and what she wants is me slamming into her.

As a firefighter, I know when I’m too close to a blaze—and I’ve been burned before.

I should walk—no, run—away, before either of us gets hurt.

Trouble is, now that I’ve had a taste, I want more. But will I be able to handle the heat in the kitchen or will we both go up in flames?

ebook

Published November 3, 2021

202 people are currently reading
574 people want to read

About the author

Kara Kendrick

36 books1,310 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
227 (40%)
4 stars
178 (32%)
3 stars
123 (22%)
2 stars
24 (4%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,221 reviews219 followers
November 5, 2021
5 Star Review of Turning Up The Heat (Peachtree Grove #2) by Kara Kendrick

I love stories set in small towns, I could easily imagine myself in Peachtree Grove, Georgia as I was reading. This was an entertaining read that had me riveted from the first chapter.

Turning Up the Heat is Quinn McCauliffe and Delaney Miller’s story and it is one that ticked the boxes for me. Wherever she turns, Delaney runs across firefighter Quinn; he is her brother’s best friend, so it is impossible to ignore him.

These two clash but we all know there is a fine line between love and hate and the chemistry that sizzles intensified. Will Delaney decide to settle in Peachtree Grove? Will Quinn be prepared to take a chance on Delaney?

One click and find out.
Profile Image for Andrea ( books_fiction_desire ).
676 reviews
October 24, 2021
Turning Up The Heat

ARC review 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5

Beautiful written small town romance story filled with passion and emotional events.

After Delaney returned back home, she opened up her own bakery but didn’t quite know if this is where she wanted to stay. After living in a big city she always dreamed that one day she might return. But things changed after she started dating the hottest fireman in town and her brothers best friend. They both had past that they wanted to move on from but they were scared of being hurt again. And they key to successful relationship is the honesty which Delaney lacked in.

This was my first read by this author and I absolutely loved it ❤️

Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,534 reviews137 followers
November 4, 2021
I love my visits to Peachtree Grove and Turning up the Heat is a wonderful addition to the series. If you love small town romance you will love Delaney Miller and Quinn McCauliffe journey. This is small town/best friends little sister romance at its best.
Delaney has moved back home to start her own bakery but from day one she seems to be bumping heads with hot firefighter Quinn, from the moment her brothers best friend walked into her bakery for a fire inspection, sparks fly and not always in a good way. After living and training in New York she wasn’t sure this move home would be forever, her dream was to also open a bakery the big city but as things move forward with Quinn her future looks like it’s home in Peachtree Grove…..
This story is a roller coaster of emotions, it has wonderful characters, it’s witty, it’s sad, it’s steamy and it’s a beautifully written love story that will appeal to a wide range of audiences. Peachtree Grove is starting to feel like a town I would love to live in with residents i would love to call friends so I guess that means I’m highly recommending this gem of a read.
Profile Image for Cheyenne.
143 reviews7 followers
November 3, 2021
Small Town romance wrote so well.

Lainey moves back to her home town after her mother passes away to be there with her family and to open up a bakery with the money her mom left her. Her best friend moves back with her to help get the bakery off the ground and running.

Quinn the local playboy and hot firefighter has to dock her and not approve her fire inspection. There is undeniable chemistry while he is checking kings out but he knows he can’t go here. Oh yeah, because that’s his best friends little sister. Oops, he goes there anyway.

I loved the chemistry between Quinn and Lainey but I did feel as if things were slightly rushed between these two but it didn’t make the story worse just kinda made it hard to read. It was still a very sweet story and I would still recommend it if you need a sweet romance to curl up on your couch with a cup of coffee on a cold day.
Profile Image for Karrie Lynn.
627 reviews12 followers
November 2, 2021
Delaney has moved back to Peachtree Grove after the death of her mom to start up her own bakery and to be with her family. After years of living in NYC she never thinks that this is going to be her forever home until she reconnects with Quinn her older brothers childhood best friend. Quinn has had no luck in love and as a town firefighter he is just looking to play the field. When he goes to do the fire inspection on Lanies bakery he can't help but notice Delaney is all grown up and sparks fly. While Delaney has been warned of Quinns playboy status she can't help but fall for him. When a blast from the past shows up to offer Delaney a dream opportunity will her and Quinn be able to get past the secrets of theirs pasts and move forward to build a future together? This book was full of spice and steam and unforgettable characters.
Profile Image for Adrienne Bird.
595 reviews10 followers
November 4, 2021
Oh my lanta! Who is ready for this smoke show?! Best friend’s little sister that is a baker and moves back to town to open her own bakery. Brother’s best friend that happens to be hotter than hot and more tempting than chocolate cake on cheat day. What’s not to love?! The steam and chemistry between Quinn and Delaney is explosive and everything you need to warm you up this winter. My face when the L-word showed up was one of shock and had me thinking, oh no she didn’t just drop that right then. So many good moments in this book and would highly recommend to any and everyone who loves a great romance!
4,248 reviews52 followers
November 3, 2021
Delaney left the city and opened up a bakery. Quinn is the hot firefighter and the attraction between the two of them is hot however he is really not the relationship type. Their relationship is not an easy road they both have their issues. Can they overcome them to build something great. I have only recently found Kara and have loved the couple of books I have read by her. This one included, it was well written and I recommend reading it.

I received the Advanced Reader Copy from the Author and my honest review is voluntary.
127 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2021
Festive Holiday HEA sequel but can be read as a stand alone.

Classic will they, won't they right up until the end!

Big City Delaney has moved back to her small hometown to be with family. She starts a bakery, with plans to move back to the city and keep her dreams alive.

Enter stubborn firefighter and inspector Quinn, who is also her brothers' best friend. He's a womanizer who doesn't do relationships.

Throw in some miscommunication and Christmas lights and you get a classic small town romance with lots of heat!
Profile Image for Renee (BookLoveWithRenee).
273 reviews16 followers
October 30, 2021
Quinn McCauliffe is absolutely dreamy 😍 Hot, cocky fireman who is known for his playboy ways, but is a big teddy bear on the inside. I may also be a little partial to hunky firefighters (I’m a fire wife!) 😉🔥 Delaney and Quinn’s chemistry is off the charts from the moment they ‘meet’. Their story is a roller coaster of emotions, but the heat is real & their HEA is beautiful.

Hopefully we get more from Peachtree Grove 🤞🏻 I’ve fallen in love with this quaint little town & its residents. Kara did a great job sucking me into their world & now I’m invested!
Profile Image for Danielle Robbins.
2,951 reviews12 followers
November 1, 2021
Turning Up The Heat is the first book I have read by this author. It was a really great small town romance read. Quinn was a swoony and sexy Fireman and Delaney was a sweet bakery owner and Quinn's friends little sister. Quinn and Delaney's chemistry was off the charts. These two definitely had an emotional rollercoaster of a relationship at times but I thought they were perfect for each other!
510 reviews4 followers
December 9, 2023
Cute story

Love me some broody all tough and sexy with a heart of gold inside man. Delaney was a bit hardheaded and she should’ve been more upfront with Quinn from the beginning but it all worked out in the end. All their misunderstandings were figured out.
Profile Image for Jenna.
347 reviews3 followers
November 1, 2021
This is the perfect Small town romance read. Quinn is so dreamy and is the sweetest w Dalaney. Even though she is his best friends sister, he wants her For a quick read and happily ever after you don’t want to miss this one!
4,012 reviews35 followers
November 3, 2021
The book is a good, and enjoyable steamy small town holiday romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sandy Gutting.
809 reviews7 followers
October 22, 2021
This book is the story of Delaney and Quinn, this is a happy ending story!! It has a great story line that is so true to life!! I really enjoyed the storyline and the characters, this book can be read as part of the Peachtree Grove series or it is even good as a stand alone.
12 reviews
May 5, 2022
Totally avoidable miscommunication which is my least favorite things in books. The MC did not have any sweet moments or real connection. Insta love poorly written. And bad writing
Profile Image for Lisa.
374 reviews7 followers
November 5, 2021
Delaney is a baker.  She has moved back to her hometown of Peachtree Grove to be closer to family and open her own bakery. She dreams of going back to NYC and establishing herself as one of the finest bakers around.  Quinn is a broody, serious and hot firefighter and also her brothers best friend.  Both of them have been burned in past relationships and are not looking to get involved.  However, their chemistry is off the charts. Can they play with fire and not get burned?

This is a wonderfully written feel good story with characters you will fall in love with.  Peachtree Grove is the small town everyone want to live in or at least visit for awhile.  Two people with trust issues learning to trust each other.  I fell in love with Quinn.  He is a hot alpha male protector with a big squishy center.  Delaney is strong and independent and I like that she stands up for herself and goes after her dreams.  Although, this is a longer book, I read it in one day.  I didn't want to put it down. 

I received a free review copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sarah | Retro Girl Reads.
1,617 reviews92 followers
November 17, 2021
Delaney is Quinn’s best friend‘s little sister, and when she moves back to Peachtree Grove to open a bakery, he knows he should stay far far away. Quinn has had his heart broken before, and he refuses to take any more chances. However, Delaney has other plans, and as they spend more time together, Quinn realizes that the brilliant and sassy baker is worming her way into his heart. But Delaney has secrets of her own, secrets that could destroy the good thing they have going. Will these two be able to overcome all the obstacles in their way?

Okay, so I love a good small town romance, and this one was absolutely amazing!!! Delaney and Quinn have a sort of undeniable chemistry that was super fun to read about. I loved that Quinn was the one who had been hurt before, as it’s usually the other way around. This book was funny, steamy, and had the perfect amount of angst.

Delaney. She’s bold and confident, and I think that’s part of why Quinn is so attracted to her. But she’s also kind and caring, and I love that in a female main character. Quinn. Oh my gosh, I loved him. He has his scars, yes, but he’s a good man, and I love the way he treats Delaney. I completely recommend!
Profile Image for Lishy.
391 reviews15 followers
November 4, 2021
Turning Up The Heat by Kara Kenrick is the first book I have read by this author. It can be read as a standalone or a part of the Peachtree Grove series. It was a really great small town romance read. Delaney is a sweet and sassy baker who is back home, she opened up her own bakery but didn’t quite know if this is where she wanted to stay. Quinn McCauliffe is absolutely hot, cocky fireman who is known for his playboy ways, but is a big teddy bear on the inside. Things start to heat up when her brother’s best friend, the sexy and broody firefighter, Quinn, comes around and they can’t keep their eyes and hands off each other. Quinn and Delaney's chemistry is off the charts. I really enjoyed the storyline and the characters and their emotional rollercoaster of a relationship. I thought they were perfect for each other! If you’re looking for a sweet small town romance, best friend’s little sister trope, look no further than this book.
ARC kindly provided by the author and Foreword PR in exchange for an honest opinion.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
103 reviews5 followers
November 8, 2021
I love Quinn and Lanie together. Their chemistry is off the charts.

This age gap, firefighter, Baker, brothers best friend story is a sweet holiday read.

Delaney has just moved back to her small town to fulfill her lifelong dream of opening her own bakery.

Quinn, her eldest brothers best friend, shows up to do the fire inspection before opening day. Immediately, they are both fighting the attraction they have for one another.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and Christmas isn't far behind it. Aside from their gossipy neighbours, they are both worried about what her brother, Josh, will say and do when he finds out about them.

If you're looking for a sweet and sexy holiday read featuring a hot fireman, this is your book!
4,330 reviews27 followers
November 3, 2021
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. Quinn and Delaney reconnect after she has been gone for years. They have sparks between them from the beginning. Quinn never thought that he would find love, especially with the sister of a friend. Delaney begins to develop feelings for him. Her decision to move back home seems to be a great choice, until she gets a career opportunity. Family, her bakery, and now a great guy are all things she would have to give up. There are laughs, plenty of family and friends, a little drama and a lot of passion. I enjoyed their love story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
219 reviews7 followers
November 5, 2021
Delaney moves back home when her mom dies. She opens up a bakery. Quinn comes in to do her fire inspection before she can open, for customers. Quinn is her brothers best friend and co-worker. immediately sparks begin to fly. They continue to run into each other, its a small town. Eventually running into each other at the bar. They wager a little bet on a game of pool. That's when their relationship takes off.
They definitely had chemistry together. A hot firefighter who doesn't do relationships. A bakery owner who might be moving out of town. Leads to a lot of miscommunication. If you love small town romances. This book is for you.
Profile Image for Vilma .
908 reviews1 follower
November 5, 2021
Quinn and Delaney are your typical brothers best friend falls for the little sister, who is no longer little.

Delaney has returned home to Georgia from NYC shortly after her mothers death and a disastrous teacher student relationship. Delaney opens a bakery and Quinn is the firefighter from her brothers station who is tasked with the fire inspection before the bakery’s grand opening.

The two characters throw sparks of ‘hate’, amusement, and desire which takes them down the road to a relationship.

Many obstacles are thrown in their path, including the ex boyfriend from NYC , but eventually Delaney and Quinn find their way to a compromise and building on their relationship
324 reviews8 followers
November 28, 2021
Turning Up the Heat is exactly what this story is all about. Quinn, the incredibly hot firefighter and Delaney, the sweet girl who is back in her hometown after mom passed away. You will fall in love with these characters and all their flaws! Delaney has decided to open a bakery in her hometown and has a history of making bad decisions about men. Quinn shows up to do the fire inspection at her new bakery and the fire ignites from there. I love the small town setting and the idea of coming back home. It was the perfect read to get you in the holiday season. I just loved and will continue to pick up books from this author whenever I need something light and romantic to read!
Profile Image for Nicki Melton.
414 reviews13 followers
March 21, 2024
Dang if Kara Kendrick didn’t nail the hot, broody, hard working, bottle up his emotions fire fighter! Then he’s matched with a trauma filled, overthinking, run when they are scared baker. Whew the feels with this book! Oh and the spice, yes please! Kara Kendrick nails the small town aspects with Turning up the Heat too! Quinn was perfection which I’m a bit surprised by because I wasn’t fond of him after book 1. However when an author can redeem a character in my eyes, props to them! I could have continued to read about Quinn and Delaney with no complaints! Hint hint, Kara… I need a bonus chapter!
Profile Image for ForewordPR.
83 reviews352 followers
Want to read
September 14, 2021


Foreword PR is excited to be working with Kara Kendrick on her upcoming release of Turning Up the Heat, the second standalone in her engaging Peachtree Grove Series! Visit here to find out how you can read early: Turning Up the Heat
Profile Image for Melinda Swaine.
2,419 reviews12 followers
November 4, 2021
This was a great rom-com, small town read, that was well written and had memorable characters, that made the story come alive. It drew me in at the beginning and had me so captivated, that I just couldn’t stop reading it once I started. It had perfect combination of heat and romance. Delaney and Quinn have amazing connection and the attraction between them makes for a satisfying read. I would definitely be happy to recommend this book for your next weekend read. Looking forward to reading more by this author. Happy reading everyone
Profile Image for Kathy  Knuckles.
297 reviews5 followers
May 24, 2022
Delaney & Quinn are Fun to get to know!!

Please take them time to explore this book. You will live the characters.
Delaney is fun, adventurous & talented. Not a good choice maker in past men, but I think she has met her match.
Quinn is strong, handsome, a firefighter, and has a softside most don't see. He has been hurt, also believes bad at relationships.
When they meet again, they both feel immediate attraction, so of course they both deny, deny, deny.
Lol..that's all you get!!! Now Read their Story !!
Profile Image for Cassie.
779 reviews23 followers
November 1, 2024
Spice and everything nice in this book! Kara really did turn up the heat in this one.

Quinn is charming, sexy, and he fell fast and hard for Delaney. Delaney is hardworking and building a business from the group up with smashing success. These two had an immediate spark, and their chemistry was so hot cue the fan.

These two have a lot to work through, but always find time for one another and go on some cute dates. I adored them.

Read if you like
🚒 Firefighter MMC
🚒 Small Town
🚒 Brother's Best Friend
66 reviews2 followers
November 7, 2021
Small towns and sweet romances, well, what’s not to love?

This is my first Kara Kendrick read, and I am certain it won’t be my last.

Delaney’s focus is on making her new bakery a winner. Little does she know that life has a way of throwing obstacles in the way of her plans.

Quinn is finding his way through life without any complications. Guess what? Delaney is his newest (and biggest) snag in his pla, especially where his heart is concerned.

A sweet read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.