What do you think?
Rate this book
Steele Street #1
Crazy Hot
Only the most dire emergency could send paleontologist Regan McKinney racing across the West in search of a man. But her grandfather has mysteriously vanished, and Quinn Younger could be the missing link. What the bad-boy-turned-American-hero is doing in the deserted tumbleweed town of Cisco, Utah, is an even bigger mystery…until danger trails Regan right to his front door and the sexy ex–air force pilot becomes her sole hope of survival.…
Quinn figures things can’t get worse than being stuck in tiny Cisco on an impossible special-ops mission. Then the dinosaur doc’s granddaughter roars into town with bad guys on her tail. Once, Quinn was on the fast track to a life of crime…until Regan’s grandfather rescued him. Now Quinn owes it to them both to find the old guy. But throw in a deadly terrorist and some hot dinosaur bones, and a man could get himself killed. Because facing down danger with this revved-up lady is one endless adrenaline-rush of pleasure—especially when they’re falling crazy in love… and hanging on for dear life.…
Quinn figures things can’t get worse than being stuck in tiny Cisco on an impossible special-ops mission. Then the dinosaur doc’s granddaughter roars into town with bad guys on her tail. Once, Quinn was on the fast track to a life of crime…until Regan’s grandfather rescued him. Now Quinn owes it to them both to find the old guy. But throw in a deadly terrorist and some hot dinosaur bones, and a man could get himself killed. Because facing down danger with this revved-up lady is one endless adrenaline-rush of pleasure—especially when they’re falling crazy in love… and hanging on for dear life.…
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 27, 2005
89 people are currently reading
2883 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
September 9, 2010
Hot hardasses in hot wheels + TSTL hot babes + one-dimensional villains + flimsy plot = fun, mindless summer reading.
I knew I had to suspend disbelief to enjoy this book and I was fully prepared to do so, but Ms. Janzen's writing didn't help me. It was easy to read, I give you that, but it wasn't engrossing enough to keep me captivated. Quinn Younger and Regan McKinney were supposedly the H/h, but there were so many characters and storylines going on at the same time that the story lost its focus. Exhibit A: the single sex scene between Quinn's friend Kid and Regan's sister Nikki was longer, more intense and more sensual than any of the sex scenes between Quinn and Regan. That's just wrong!
As this is the 1st book in the series, I understand the author's need to "set the stage" for future books, but I think Ms. Janzen took things too far. Every frickin' character that popped up in the story had their own 15 minutes (or more) of fame and the too frequent change of POV drove me insane. I wasn't confused with who was who and I had no problem following the story, I just didn't enjoy being "interrupted" in the middle of a scene with Quinn and Regan only to see whatever was happening in whoever's life. That prevented me from connecting with them - and when I can't connect with the H/h, the romance falls flat.
As for the plot, it was fun but had more holes than a Swiss cheese. Exhibit B: Quinn was a former Air Force pilot, a national hero who'd been featured on the cover of Time Magazine, Newsweek and the front page of every major newspaper in America. Incredibly, he managed to land a job working undercover among the bad guys. WTF? How come nobody recognized him? Were they blind? There were more jarring moments like that, but this is a spoiler-freereview rant so I rest my case.
Based on what I wrote above, you must be wondering why I'm giving this book 3 stars - which isn't an altogether bad rating. Well, what can I say? Even with all its flaws, this was an OK book. It kept me entertained while I read it, but I didn't find myself glued to its pages and it won't stay with me now that I finished it.
Am I going to read the next book in the series? Maybe, when I'm in the mood for more mindless fun. :)
I knew I had to suspend disbelief to enjoy this book and I was fully prepared to do so, but Ms. Janzen's writing didn't help me. It was easy to read, I give you that, but it wasn't engrossing enough to keep me captivated. Quinn Younger and Regan McKinney were supposedly the H/h, but there were so many characters and storylines going on at the same time that the story lost its focus. Exhibit A: the single sex scene between Quinn's friend Kid and Regan's sister Nikki was longer, more intense and more sensual than any of the sex scenes between Quinn and Regan. That's just wrong!
As this is the 1st book in the series, I understand the author's need to "set the stage" for future books, but I think Ms. Janzen took things too far. Every frickin' character that popped up in the story had their own 15 minutes (or more) of fame and the too frequent change of POV drove me insane. I wasn't confused with who was who and I had no problem following the story, I just didn't enjoy being "interrupted" in the middle of a scene with Quinn and Regan only to see whatever was happening in whoever's life. That prevented me from connecting with them - and when I can't connect with the H/h, the romance falls flat.
As for the plot, it was fun but had more holes than a Swiss cheese. Exhibit B: Quinn was a former Air Force pilot, a national hero who'd been featured on the cover of Time Magazine, Newsweek and the front page of every major newspaper in America. Incredibly, he managed to land a job working undercover among the bad guys. WTF? How come nobody recognized him? Were they blind? There were more jarring moments like that, but this is a spoiler-free
Based on what I wrote above, you must be wondering why I'm giving this book 3 stars - which isn't an altogether bad rating. Well, what can I say? Even with all its flaws, this was an OK book. It kept me entertained while I read it, but I didn't find myself glued to its pages and it won't stay with me now that I finished it.
Am I going to read the next book in the series? Maybe, when I'm in the mood for more mindless fun. :)
August 31, 2010
4 stars – Romantic Suspense
What a smokin’ hot, zany fun read!
A former Air Force pilot and ex car thief turned undercover agent, who’s nursing injuries from his last sting operation gone wrong, gets caught in the middle of a smuggling ring over some stolen dinosaur bones while helping his former teen crush track down her missing grandfather. Got all that? If not, don’t worry, ‘cause the plot doesn’t matter that much anyway. What you really want to know is that there’s a hunky, sweet military bad boy hero, high-octane action, wacky humor, cool muscle cars, and steamy sex...sometimes hot and heavy on/in the cars.
It’s a kick-ass, highly entertaining way to spend a few hours and take your mind off of some life stress.
What a smokin’ hot, zany fun read!
A former Air Force pilot and ex car thief turned undercover agent, who’s nursing injuries from his last sting operation gone wrong, gets caught in the middle of a smuggling ring over some stolen dinosaur bones while helping his former teen crush track down her missing grandfather. Got all that? If not, don’t worry, ‘cause the plot doesn’t matter that much anyway. What you really want to know is that there’s a hunky, sweet military bad boy hero, high-octane action, wacky humor, cool muscle cars, and steamy sex...sometimes hot and heavy on/in the cars.
It’s a kick-ass, highly entertaining way to spend a few hours and take your mind off of some life stress.
November 29, 2010
This one's hard to rate. I really liked it, but I was a bit disappointed with a couple of aspects.
First of all, the good:
*Oh, my. Was Quinn delicious or what? Yes he was. I adored him. He was a sweetie, and I loved how he had been so in love with Regan since he was a young boy. He grew up to be a major hottie, alright.
*The concept was very cool. I liked the idea of the SDF, who does things outside of the law to help protect their country. I loved the whole aspect of them being gearheads and using their car know-how to do their job. How they had shady pasts, and they use those to their advantage.
*I was not into cars until I saw Gone in 60 Seconds. For some reason, that activated my appreciation for hot rods. And then there was Vin Diesel and that luscious GTO in XXX. Enough said! I don't want to drive them, but yes, I can see the appeal of a guy who drives them very well. I really liked the car stunts parts!
*The romance aspects were a double-edged sword for me. I really liked that we get two romances in one. I will talk about the negatives a little later. As far as positives, both couples were likeable with great chemistry, and I rooted for their happy ending.
*Pretty good (as in really nasty) villain. Boy, was he a piece of work. I liked Christian, who is deep cover, and he is in a very scary little situation, but handles it with calm and grace. His story should be interesting.
What I was underwhelmed about:
*I didn't like the climax. I thought it was anti-climactic. Some pivotal moments seem to take place off-screen. I thought that there was a good build-up to a really high octane finish, and that didn't come to fruition. I could understand Regan's actions, but it felt a little ditzy in how it came across. I would have liked her to show a little more finesse in saving her man than she did.
*I felt the rapid progression of the romances to be kind of unbelieveable. I could buy that Regan and Quinn had enough history for things to more fairly quickly, but Nikki and Kid, not so much. Also what are the statistical probabilities that two sisters will meet the loves of their life, hook up, have fantastic sex, all in the same night? Pretty unlikely.
*I would have liked to see more action. Yes, I am an action movie junkie. I think there was the potential to have a fantastic book that read like the Fast and the Furious-type movies, but it didn't quite hit my satiety center here.
*I think the details of the SDF agency could be more fleshed out. As it was, there were tantalizing bits here, but it was like getting one of those tiny spoons-full of really good ice cream and not being able to get more in the end! I guesss I have to keep reading to find out more about the SDF and the men who work there.
So, I guess that's why I couldn't give this four stars. I liked it a lot, but I wanted it to be more. Having said that, I am looking forward to continuing this series. I adore Kid, and I cannot wait to read his book. And Christian has that 'I am a bad man, or at least pretending to be a bad man' thing about him that is calling my name.
Overall rating: 3.75/5.0 stars.
First of all, the good:
*Oh, my. Was Quinn delicious or what? Yes he was. I adored him. He was a sweetie, and I loved how he had been so in love with Regan since he was a young boy. He grew up to be a major hottie, alright.
*The concept was very cool. I liked the idea of the SDF, who does things outside of the law to help protect their country. I loved the whole aspect of them being gearheads and using their car know-how to do their job. How they had shady pasts, and they use those to their advantage.
*I was not into cars until I saw Gone in 60 Seconds. For some reason, that activated my appreciation for hot rods. And then there was Vin Diesel and that luscious GTO in XXX. Enough said! I don't want to drive them, but yes, I can see the appeal of a guy who drives them very well. I really liked the car stunts parts!
*The romance aspects were a double-edged sword for me. I really liked that we get two romances in one. I will talk about the negatives a little later. As far as positives, both couples were likeable with great chemistry, and I rooted for their happy ending.
*Pretty good (as in really nasty) villain. Boy, was he a piece of work. I liked Christian, who is deep cover, and he is in a very scary little situation, but handles it with calm and grace. His story should be interesting.
What I was underwhelmed about:
*I didn't like the climax. I thought it was anti-climactic. Some pivotal moments seem to take place off-screen. I thought that there was a good build-up to a really high octane finish, and that didn't come to fruition. I could understand Regan's actions, but it felt a little ditzy in how it came across. I would have liked her to show a little more finesse in saving her man than she did.
*I felt the rapid progression of the romances to be kind of unbelieveable. I could buy that Regan and Quinn had enough history for things to more fairly quickly, but Nikki and Kid, not so much. Also what are the statistical probabilities that two sisters will meet the loves of their life, hook up, have fantastic sex, all in the same night? Pretty unlikely.
*I would have liked to see more action. Yes, I am an action movie junkie. I think there was the potential to have a fantastic book that read like the Fast and the Furious-type movies, but it didn't quite hit my satiety center here.
*I think the details of the SDF agency could be more fleshed out. As it was, there were tantalizing bits here, but it was like getting one of those tiny spoons-full of really good ice cream and not being able to get more in the end! I guesss I have to keep reading to find out more about the SDF and the men who work there.
So, I guess that's why I couldn't give this four stars. I liked it a lot, but I wanted it to be more. Having said that, I am looking forward to continuing this series. I adore Kid, and I cannot wait to read his book. And Christian has that 'I am a bad man, or at least pretending to be a bad man' thing about him that is calling my name.
Overall rating: 3.75/5.0 stars.
February 13, 2011
4.5 Stars
This book was so much fun! I had heard mixed things from various friends, but it seemed fun enough that I had to try it out despite not being a huge fan of contemporaries. I'm so glad I did!
The book was fast paced, action packed, and sexy and hilarious to boot. That combination usually works well for me in action movies, but it also thrilled me here. This was like one of my favorite action-comedy movies but with more focus on the hero and heroine's attraction and feelings. Especially the hero. His memories about his feelings for her when they were kids really added a nice touch.
The story gets going and it just doesn't stop. Things happen in a very short amount of time, but I (surprisingly) didn't feel shortchanged on Quinn and Regan's relationship. I think it was because the author did such a great job establishing the past feelings they had for each other, especially on Quinn's part. His voice made him extremely easy to like. He's sexy and fun, but he's also a total sweetie. It's no secret that he's a romantic underneath it all. He was totally gone on her and it was so sweet that he used to be so nervous around her. It was also cute that they both had fantasies about each other for years. Him with his yen for girls in white socks and her with her secret poster of him. Adorable.
I loved the idea of the organization Quinn worked for. I also loved that they were all so into their cars and named them. It reminded me a bit of Nicholas Cage's character in Gone in 60 Seconds.
The secondary characters also popped as well. The pov switches back and forth throughout the story but I didn't feel a lack because of it. Kid and Nikki were excellent to read about. I really hope that they are revisited in the future because they were great together. Kid's reaction to Nikki and her art was hilarious. He was so awkward and adorable at times that he melted me.
There was one odd part with Hawkins and something he did that kind of perplexed me, but I was able to shake it off and continue enjoying the story. There was also one regrettable instance where a character pulled a dumb move in an otherwise dumb move free book. But those were really slight issues in my overall enjoyment.
I hope the second book is just as good and I can't wait to read it!
This book was so much fun! I had heard mixed things from various friends, but it seemed fun enough that I had to try it out despite not being a huge fan of contemporaries. I'm so glad I did!
The book was fast paced, action packed, and sexy and hilarious to boot. That combination usually works well for me in action movies, but it also thrilled me here. This was like one of my favorite action-comedy movies but with more focus on the hero and heroine's attraction and feelings. Especially the hero. His memories about his feelings for her when they were kids really added a nice touch.
The story gets going and it just doesn't stop. Things happen in a very short amount of time, but I (surprisingly) didn't feel shortchanged on Quinn and Regan's relationship. I think it was because the author did such a great job establishing the past feelings they had for each other, especially on Quinn's part. His voice made him extremely easy to like. He's sexy and fun, but he's also a total sweetie. It's no secret that he's a romantic underneath it all. He was totally gone on her and it was so sweet that he used to be so nervous around her. It was also cute that they both had fantasies about each other for years. Him with his yen for girls in white socks and her with her secret poster of him. Adorable.
I loved the idea of the organization Quinn worked for. I also loved that they were all so into their cars and named them. It reminded me a bit of Nicholas Cage's character in Gone in 60 Seconds.
The secondary characters also popped as well. The pov switches back and forth throughout the story but I didn't feel a lack because of it. Kid and Nikki were excellent to read about. I really hope that they are revisited in the future because they were great together. Kid's reaction to Nikki and her art was hilarious. He was so awkward and adorable at times that he melted me.
There was one odd part with Hawkins and something he did that kind of perplexed me, but I was able to shake it off and continue enjoying the story. There was also one regrettable instance where a character pulled a dumb move in an otherwise dumb move free book. But those were really slight issues in my overall enjoyment.
I hope the second book is just as good and I can't wait to read it!
September 26, 2009
I really wanted to love this book, and I enjoyed Janzen's voice, but in the end, I couldn't buy the HEA, and I didn't really care about it, either.
Regan McKinney has reluctantly stepped out her safe world to search for her missing grandfather, Wilson. She follows a clue that leads her to an embarrassing blast from the past, Quinn Younger. Regan has dedicated her life to being safe and secure, caring for her grandfather and younger sister, Nikki, and after a disastrous marriage, she hasn't felt moved enough to risk anything for a man. But Quinn - former car thief and current Air Force hero - shares a special connection with Regan after spending a summer fifteen years ago lusting over each other from afar. When they meet again, Regan's not sure what to make of Quinn. Is he the national hero? The thief? A little of both? All she knows is he intrigues her the same way he always had before, and she needs his help to find her grandfather.
Quinn has no doubt in his mind what to make of Regan - she's the girl he's lusted and loved for fifteen years, and nothing is going to stop him from getting the girl this time. The only problem is he has to find some way to protect Regan and her family and catch the bad guys on top of it.
Janzen's voice is the closest I've found to Suzanne Brockmann's, and that much I enjoyed. I liked Quinn's devil-may-care attitude, and Regan's no-nonsense sensibility. The sequel bait was interesting enough, if overwhelming, and the action scenes intense. Unfortunately, that's about the extent of what I did like.
Jumping POVs, a cramped timeline, repetitious inner dialogue, and way too many details about cars make up the majority of what I did not like. I didn't feel like we got a sense of what was really going on in anyone's deeper character, most of all the two main protagonists. There were four? five? storylines going on, and none of them made me care about the characters' lives, their thoughts, their pasts, let alone their futures. All we got from Quinn was how much he desired Regan, and how he had been in love with her, and still loved her (even though he didn't even recognize her when he first saw her again). From Regan, it was more of an incredulous fear and lust. There wasn't enough time or word count to explore either of their characters more deeply, and in the end, when they exchanged ILYs, I had absolutely no reason to believe that they were really devoted to each other, and really in love. Since the excerpt for the next book (Christian's) seemed to be leading in a similar direction, I don't know that I'll continue with the series, but at least now I know. C+
Regan McKinney has reluctantly stepped out her safe world to search for her missing grandfather, Wilson. She follows a clue that leads her to an embarrassing blast from the past, Quinn Younger. Regan has dedicated her life to being safe and secure, caring for her grandfather and younger sister, Nikki, and after a disastrous marriage, she hasn't felt moved enough to risk anything for a man. But Quinn - former car thief and current Air Force hero - shares a special connection with Regan after spending a summer fifteen years ago lusting over each other from afar. When they meet again, Regan's not sure what to make of Quinn. Is he the national hero? The thief? A little of both? All she knows is he intrigues her the same way he always had before, and she needs his help to find her grandfather.
Quinn has no doubt in his mind what to make of Regan - she's the girl he's lusted and loved for fifteen years, and nothing is going to stop him from getting the girl this time. The only problem is he has to find some way to protect Regan and her family and catch the bad guys on top of it.
Janzen's voice is the closest I've found to Suzanne Brockmann's, and that much I enjoyed. I liked Quinn's devil-may-care attitude, and Regan's no-nonsense sensibility. The sequel bait was interesting enough, if overwhelming, and the action scenes intense. Unfortunately, that's about the extent of what I did like.
Jumping POVs, a cramped timeline, repetitious inner dialogue, and way too many details about cars make up the majority of what I did not like. I didn't feel like we got a sense of what was really going on in anyone's deeper character, most of all the two main protagonists. There were four? five? storylines going on, and none of them made me care about the characters' lives, their thoughts, their pasts, let alone their futures. All we got from Quinn was how much he desired Regan, and how he had been in love with her, and still loved her (even though he didn't even recognize her when he first saw her again). From Regan, it was more of an incredulous fear and lust. There wasn't enough time or word count to explore either of their characters more deeply, and in the end, when they exchanged ILYs, I had absolutely no reason to believe that they were really devoted to each other, and really in love. Since the excerpt for the next book (Christian's) seemed to be leading in a similar direction, I don't know that I'll continue with the series, but at least now I know. C+
May 22, 2009
I really enjoyed this fast paced romantic suspense. The lead couple were very good together plus they had trouble keeping their clothes on, which led to some hot loving on top of the car. I really enjoyed the men of Steele Street, I can't wait to read Hawkins and Kid's stories. If you like cars a lot, you will appreciate the themes in the book. Overall, I had a lot of fun reading this book and I enjoyed the romance and hot love scenes.
August 29, 2015
Having garnered such mixed reviews here on GoodReads, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from Crazy Hot. It seemed like it was either going to be crazy in a fun way, or crazy all sorts of bad. Because of the comparisons to muscle car films, whose names I can’t even recall because they are sooo not my thing, I was leaning towards this probably not being for me.
Wrong, wrong, wrong. This was crazy fun - I had a ball reading it! Sure, there were some glaring plot holes and a couple of pretty epic TSTL moments from the heroine, but who cares when you’re having this much fun? Not me. I’d heard that you had to suspend disbelief with this one, and I was more than willing and able to do that and just enjoy the ride.
Crazy Hot is the first in a series about a group of ex chop-shop bad boys turned Special Defense Force, a classified and unacknowledged team working blacker than black ops that the other alphabet agencies either can’t achieve or can’t be seen to be involved in.
Being the first book, there was a lot going on. Lots of characters were introduced and presumably being set up for their future starring roles, and I did have a hard time to start with trying to keep up with who was who. Couple that with the fact that the cars were almost characters in themselves, complete with names like Jeanette, Betty and Nadine, and it could get a little confusing at times.
Quinn Younger was a juvenile car thief before turning American hero fighter pilot when his jet was shot down behind enemy lines and he effected a daring and difficult escape. Enter plot hole #1 – Having been plastered all over People magazine and the like, I’m not sure how he was pulling off the undercover jobs, but what the hey.
Regan McKinney is the granddaughter of renowned paleontologist Wilson McKinney. Having been orphaned as a teenager, she often joined her grandfather on digs where he also supervised juvenile offenders as part of a work-release type program. This was where she first met 16 year old Quinn, when he walked in on her half-naked in her tent.
Quinn and Regan haven’t seen each other for 15 years, but the moment in the tent had a profound impact on them both, and neither has forgotten the other. Enter plot hole #2 – when Wilson goes missing and Regan, following a lead in her grandfather’s day planner, sets off the find Quinn, Quinn doesn’t recognise her – despite the fact that we soon learn he has been obsessed with her for 15 years.
Turns out Regan has walked smack-bang into a dangerous op and what follows is a fast-paced, high-octane ride as Quinn tries to keep Regan safe while managing to fit in some action on the bonnet (and the boot) of Jeanette. I know, I know, this sounds ridiculous, but somehow it really does work!
There are white-knuckle car chases aplenty as the bad guys close in, and plenty of time for the boys to demonstrate why they were chosen for this elite team – the team who actually achieves the mission: impossible. I don’t have any particular interest in cars, and I’m certainly no petrol-head, but I didn’t need to be. The cars actually did a great job of adding fun and excitement to the story.
I quite like me a bad boy, and Quinn’s colleagues in the SDF are all intriguing and appealing – I can’t wait to read their stories.
Having loved Suzanne Brockmann’s Troubleshooters, I have desperately been looking for something to fill the void, and by George, I think I’ve found it! The Steele Street series is nothing like the Troubleshooters series, but so far, even though the story was nowhere near as tight, it was every bit as enjoyable.
Wrong, wrong, wrong. This was crazy fun - I had a ball reading it! Sure, there were some glaring plot holes and a couple of pretty epic TSTL moments from the heroine, but who cares when you’re having this much fun? Not me. I’d heard that you had to suspend disbelief with this one, and I was more than willing and able to do that and just enjoy the ride.
Crazy Hot is the first in a series about a group of ex chop-shop bad boys turned Special Defense Force, a classified and unacknowledged team working blacker than black ops that the other alphabet agencies either can’t achieve or can’t be seen to be involved in.
Being the first book, there was a lot going on. Lots of characters were introduced and presumably being set up for their future starring roles, and I did have a hard time to start with trying to keep up with who was who. Couple that with the fact that the cars were almost characters in themselves, complete with names like Jeanette, Betty and Nadine, and it could get a little confusing at times.
Quinn Younger was a juvenile car thief before turning American hero fighter pilot when his jet was shot down behind enemy lines and he effected a daring and difficult escape. Enter plot hole #1 – Having been plastered all over People magazine and the like, I’m not sure how he was pulling off the undercover jobs, but what the hey.
Regan McKinney is the granddaughter of renowned paleontologist Wilson McKinney. Having been orphaned as a teenager, she often joined her grandfather on digs where he also supervised juvenile offenders as part of a work-release type program. This was where she first met 16 year old Quinn, when he walked in on her half-naked in her tent.
Quinn and Regan haven’t seen each other for 15 years, but the moment in the tent had a profound impact on them both, and neither has forgotten the other. Enter plot hole #2 – when Wilson goes missing and Regan, following a lead in her grandfather’s day planner, sets off the find Quinn, Quinn doesn’t recognise her – despite the fact that we soon learn he has been obsessed with her for 15 years.
Turns out Regan has walked smack-bang into a dangerous op and what follows is a fast-paced, high-octane ride as Quinn tries to keep Regan safe while managing to fit in some action on the bonnet (and the boot) of Jeanette. I know, I know, this sounds ridiculous, but somehow it really does work!
There are white-knuckle car chases aplenty as the bad guys close in, and plenty of time for the boys to demonstrate why they were chosen for this elite team – the team who actually achieves the mission: impossible. I don’t have any particular interest in cars, and I’m certainly no petrol-head, but I didn’t need to be. The cars actually did a great job of adding fun and excitement to the story.
I quite like me a bad boy, and Quinn’s colleagues in the SDF are all intriguing and appealing – I can’t wait to read their stories.
Having loved Suzanne Brockmann’s Troubleshooters, I have desperately been looking for something to fill the void, and by George, I think I’ve found it! The Steele Street series is nothing like the Troubleshooters series, but so far, even though the story was nowhere near as tight, it was every bit as enjoyable.
July 30, 2009
UNPUTDOWNABLE! I've already said I try not to use that word often, but for this one, I've got no choice! Filled with action, adventure, suspense, romance, and all the muscle cars I could dream of! Tara Janzen knocked me off my feet! She is the absolute first author I've ever read who got down to the nitty-gritty, from chassis up, and what's under the hood - right down to the high-performance parts! Never have I read an author who went that far into it, and I loved it! On top of that, she's a woman - a woman who knows this stuff first hand, and completely knocked my socks off. Talking about high-perfomance parts (actually naming some really good parts makers) and talking about Horsepower and quarter-mile time was a true work of art. She described the surroundings magically, making you feel like you're actually there, and the characters have pasts, are compassionate, full of life, and the story line never drags. Right from the first chapter, it catches you by the throat and doesn't let go until the final sentence in the last chapter. If you're like me, absolutely adore heat-of-the-moment action, adventure, romance, and adore muscle cars, this is one novel - heck, one series! - I highly, highly recommend!
July 5, 2009
Read in June 2008 and again in July 2009
As teenagers, they were involved in car theft, but now this group of men are part of a deeply undercover government agency known as SDF. One of them, Quinn Younger, a former air force hero, is lying low after being injured in an assignment gone wrong. Regan McKinney, a woman Quinn knew slightly as a teenager, turns up in his hideaway searching for her missing grandfather. They are caught up in danger and intrigue that involves dinasaur bones - both Regan and her grandfather are paleontologists. Regan and Quinn, who have each secretly fantasized about one another for years, quickly become romantically involved. A secondary romance occurs between Regan's sister, Nikki McKinney, and SDF agent, "Kid Chaos" Chronopolous. This book is the first in a series about the agents of SDF. The story of Nikki and Kid is continued in the fourth book of the series.
This book was fast moving and entertaining. I enjoyed the chemistry between the main characters, as well as that of the secondary romance. I will definitely continue reading this series.
As teenagers, they were involved in car theft, but now this group of men are part of a deeply undercover government agency known as SDF. One of them, Quinn Younger, a former air force hero, is lying low after being injured in an assignment gone wrong. Regan McKinney, a woman Quinn knew slightly as a teenager, turns up in his hideaway searching for her missing grandfather. They are caught up in danger and intrigue that involves dinasaur bones - both Regan and her grandfather are paleontologists. Regan and Quinn, who have each secretly fantasized about one another for years, quickly become romantically involved. A secondary romance occurs between Regan's sister, Nikki McKinney, and SDF agent, "Kid Chaos" Chronopolous. This book is the first in a series about the agents of SDF. The story of Nikki and Kid is continued in the fourth book of the series.
This book was fast moving and entertaining. I enjoyed the chemistry between the main characters, as well as that of the secondary romance. I will definitely continue reading this series.
September 10, 2010
Actually between a 3.5 and 3.75 rounded up.
Dina's review pegs this book as a Summer blockbuster. and I think that's the perfect description. Fast cars, sexy males, sexy females, a fairly basic danger/mystery plot and bad guy meanies.
Quinn and Regan met way back when most of the Steele Street guys got pulled out of their various criminal problems to become a crew for paleontologist, Wilson McKinney, Regan's grandfather. Regan and Quinn were both about 16 and he walked in on her when she was changing clothes one day. They never really talked but they spent the ensuing years fantasizing about each other. I thought that was a great way to cover over the insta-love device found in so much romantic suspense.
But have no fear, insta-love does make an appearance with another couple, so we're covered on that front.
For most of the book I was pleasantly diverted. There were some funny lines, funny descriptions, and I felt the pacing was very good.
Until the big finish. That's when TSTL raises its ugly head. Or rather her ugly head, because it's always the woman, isn't it? The really big TSTL move did end up saving lives, but it was the old "just a few blocks, just a few minutes ...." TSTL we see so often that really got my goat. Regan suddenly became the girl who would hear a sound outside the cabin in the middle of the night and go investigate it in her underwear (Evil Dead reference for those who don't know). She wasn't stupid and she was very scared leading up to that point so that whole plot point felt forced, cliche and lazy.
Still, I enjoy popcorn and the fast cars are kind of fun. I actually mourned Jeanette at the end. Poor ugly beast. :(
Anyway, I'll go on to the next one too. I'm intrigued by Christian Hawkins and I figure he'll get pretty turned around. He has it coming after "taking liberties" in the line of duty, I'd say.
Dina's review pegs this book as a Summer blockbuster. and I think that's the perfect description. Fast cars, sexy males, sexy females, a fairly basic danger/mystery plot and bad guy meanies.
Quinn and Regan met way back when most of the Steele Street guys got pulled out of their various criminal problems to become a crew for paleontologist, Wilson McKinney, Regan's grandfather. Regan and Quinn were both about 16 and he walked in on her when she was changing clothes one day. They never really talked but they spent the ensuing years fantasizing about each other. I thought that was a great way to cover over the insta-love device found in so much romantic suspense.
But have no fear, insta-love does make an appearance with another couple, so we're covered on that front.
For most of the book I was pleasantly diverted. There were some funny lines, funny descriptions, and I felt the pacing was very good.
Until the big finish. That's when TSTL raises its ugly head. Or rather her ugly head, because it's always the woman, isn't it? The really big TSTL move did end up saving lives, but it was the old "just a few blocks, just a few minutes ...." TSTL we see so often that really got my goat. Regan suddenly became the girl who would hear a sound outside the cabin in the middle of the night and go investigate it in her underwear (Evil Dead reference for those who don't know). She wasn't stupid and she was very scared leading up to that point so that whole plot point felt forced, cliche and lazy.
Still, I enjoy popcorn and the fast cars are kind of fun. I actually mourned Jeanette at the end. Poor ugly beast. :(
Anyway, I'll go on to the next one too. I'm intrigued by Christian Hawkins and I figure he'll get pretty turned around. He has it coming after "taking liberties" in the line of duty, I'd say.
March 16, 2011
Ho lee mo lee... A story about a bunch of HOT male car thieves-turned secret agents. With lots of big guns and monster muscle cars (they even named all their cars, imagine that..). A fast paced story, always a plus. Hilarious dialogs, another plus. HOT love scenes, a must!! Absolutely had a great time reading this.
Ms Janzen even introduced us to characters for her future sequels. And I'm sure I'm gonna enjoy reading all the Steele Street books.
Looking forward to Hawkin's story next. He's the bad ass one..Crazy Cool
Ms Janzen even introduced us to characters for her future sequels. And I'm sure I'm gonna enjoy reading all the Steele Street books.
Looking forward to Hawkin's story next. He's the bad ass one..Crazy Cool
May 18, 2010
I am so hooked. If I had a week all to myself, I'd read every single book in this series and I know I'd enjoy every second.
This is different than anything I've ever read. Other reviewers have likened this author to Suzanne Brockmann, but I think she's BETTER! Just a couple of things regarding this book.
1.) I usually don't like books in which the couple "hooks up" to quickly. I like relationship development. Regan and Quinn sleep together hours after they meet, (the whole book happens in a 24 hour period of time) but I didn't mind because this couple has a past. They've actually been thinking (aka fantasizing) about eachother for years. This made the hasty hook-up make sense and all the more "steamy".
2.) I thought I'd read everything there was to read in a sex scene. I was wrong. Let's just say in the whole book, Regan and Quinn are never together in a bed! Hot!
3.) How often can you say that the secondary characters and secondary romance are more captivating than the main couple. I don't think I've ever been able to say that. Susan Elizabeth Phillips is the only other author that I can think of that can flawlessly weave a secondary couple into a storyline,but again, Tara Janzen does it even better. I am screaming out for more Kid, Nikki, and most of all Hawkens. Lucky for me, his book is next.
Don't hesitate to read this if you like a fast-paced crazy adventures with sexy badboys, fast cars, and "hot" scenes.
This is different than anything I've ever read. Other reviewers have likened this author to Suzanne Brockmann, but I think she's BETTER! Just a couple of things regarding this book.
1.) I usually don't like books in which the couple "hooks up" to quickly. I like relationship development. Regan and Quinn sleep together hours after they meet, (the whole book happens in a 24 hour period of time) but I didn't mind because this couple has a past. They've actually been thinking (aka fantasizing) about eachother for years. This made the hasty hook-up make sense and all the more "steamy".
2.) I thought I'd read everything there was to read in a sex scene. I was wrong. Let's just say in the whole book, Regan and Quinn are never together in a bed! Hot!
3.) How often can you say that the secondary characters and secondary romance are more captivating than the main couple. I don't think I've ever been able to say that. Susan Elizabeth Phillips is the only other author that I can think of that can flawlessly weave a secondary couple into a storyline,but again, Tara Janzen does it even better. I am screaming out for more Kid, Nikki, and most of all Hawkens. Lucky for me, his book is next.
Don't hesitate to read this if you like a fast-paced crazy adventures with sexy badboys, fast cars, and "hot" scenes.
August 7, 2016
It was a quick and easy read. Also, my first book by Tara Janzen.
Regan's grandfather is missing so she decides to find Quinn Younger who may help her. Quinn who had a crush for Regan for most of his life is just working undercover but agrees to help her when asked. Unfortunately, finding the grandfather is not the end of their problems.
I generally liked the story and the characters. I liked the idea behind the plot and the fact that Quinn was so much in love with Regan for so many years. However, I believe they deserved more time in the book. As much as I liked Nikki and Kid part and can see why it is necessary, it felt to me like they are stealing time from Regan and Quinn. It should be their book after all. And even though they fell in love pretty quickly (maybe even too quickly) they deserved some relationship development. Fortunately, the sex scenes seem hot and believable. And I definitely liked both Regan and Quinn.
I will definitely read another book in this series, especially that the next one is about Hawkins.
Regan's grandfather is missing so she decides to find Quinn Younger who may help her. Quinn who had a crush for Regan for most of his life is just working undercover but agrees to help her when asked. Unfortunately, finding the grandfather is not the end of their problems.
I generally liked the story and the characters. I liked the idea behind the plot and the fact that Quinn was so much in love with Regan for so many years. However, I believe they deserved more time in the book. As much as I liked Nikki and Kid part and can see why it is necessary, it felt to me like they are stealing time from Regan and Quinn. It should be their book after all. And even though they fell in love pretty quickly (maybe even too quickly) they deserved some relationship development. Fortunately, the sex scenes seem hot and believable. And I definitely liked both Regan and Quinn.
I will definitely read another book in this series, especially that the next one is about Hawkins.
June 29, 2020
I thought this would be a action/adventure with romance book
but it was lacking action a lot. So I have to admit , I'm a
little disappoint coz I was expecting so much more.
But I liked the characters and specially Nikkie & Kid , even though
you could say they fell in love too fast. The scene where they're painting each other faces(that sound weird writing like that huh ?)
was by far my favorite. Don't know if I'll read the others in the
series but I wanna read N&K's that's for sure.
So that's a 3.7 star for Crazy Hot.
but it was lacking action a lot. So I have to admit , I'm a
little disappoint coz I was expecting so much more.
But I liked the characters and specially Nikkie & Kid , even though
you could say they fell in love too fast. The scene where they're painting each other faces(that sound weird writing like that huh ?)
was by far my favorite. Don't know if I'll read the others in the
series but I wanna read N&K's that's for sure.
So that's a 3.7 star for Crazy Hot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2015
REALLY fun book. Black-ops heroes who all race cars and have guns and great, great banter. It's sexy. Their is danger. Not sure how I have missed this series...moving directly onto book 2.
April 24, 2009
LOVED IT! I picked it up on a spur of the moment mostly because of the colors of the book. I read the back and figured I try it out. The book moved so quickly, and it was a little over 400 pages. But I couldn't put it down! I think I read it in a few hours!!
The main characters in the book are Quinn and Regan. We first meet Quinn as he is hiding out in the ghost town of Cisco. He's an ex air force pilot hero, who is now working for a covert government task force. This task force is comprised of a bunch of people who have come from dubious pasts but have made something of themselves. Quinn is not an exception. He came from boosting cars, to being a hero of the United States.
Regan is an archeologist who becomes worried when her grandfather goes missing. In his appointment book it said he was meeting with Quinn in Cisco. So Regan heads out to find him. Instead she finds Quinn recovering from a gunshot wound and she has two goons trailing her. Regan can't believe what Quinn looks like. She knew him when she was just a teenager and she can't believe how he has changed. Quinn can't believe that he is finally seeing Regan again. He was in love/lust with her since he accidentally saw her naked when she was a teen. But Regan was married, so he had to walk away.
All that pretty much happens in the first chapter, and after that the book is non stop action. There were also a lot of other characters that were introduced, who I'm assuming have their own books in the series. You are introduced to a few members of the task force, and there is also another relationship between Regan's sister and Kid Chaos (a team member of Quinn's). Definitely loved the book, and I'm trying to decide when I should go get the rest of the series lol.
The main characters in the book are Quinn and Regan. We first meet Quinn as he is hiding out in the ghost town of Cisco. He's an ex air force pilot hero, who is now working for a covert government task force. This task force is comprised of a bunch of people who have come from dubious pasts but have made something of themselves. Quinn is not an exception. He came from boosting cars, to being a hero of the United States.
Regan is an archeologist who becomes worried when her grandfather goes missing. In his appointment book it said he was meeting with Quinn in Cisco. So Regan heads out to find him. Instead she finds Quinn recovering from a gunshot wound and she has two goons trailing her. Regan can't believe what Quinn looks like. She knew him when she was just a teenager and she can't believe how he has changed. Quinn can't believe that he is finally seeing Regan again. He was in love/lust with her since he accidentally saw her naked when she was a teen. But Regan was married, so he had to walk away.
All that pretty much happens in the first chapter, and after that the book is non stop action. There were also a lot of other characters that were introduced, who I'm assuming have their own books in the series. You are introduced to a few members of the task force, and there is also another relationship between Regan's sister and Kid Chaos (a team member of Quinn's). Definitely loved the book, and I'm trying to decide when I should go get the rest of the series lol.
June 10, 2011
There were so many great things about this book...
1. Slightly nerdy heroine. Seriously, she studies dinosaur bones - definitely not your typical romance heroine.
2. Military/government guys. It does it for me, and I have no idea why. But I'm certainly not complaining!
3. Fast paced plot. Things start off quick and don't slow down throughout the story. It's a page turner that kept me up late two nights in a row.
4. Good sex scenes. There were quite a few of them, and they were all strong.
5. Prior relationship between the H/H. They knew one another (briefly) as teenagers, and I usually love stories where the main characters have a past together. It makes is easier for me to get behind their relationship when I know there are already emotions involved.
So what the hell is my problem? Two things (one major, one minor)...
1. (The major problem.) The majority of the book takes place in less than 24 hours. While the fast pace is exciting and fun, it made the relationship-believability scale fall to about a -10. And since this was a romance, I was expecting it to be better/stronger/believable.
2. (The minor problem.) The main character's kid sister was obnoxious at times. At one point they're being hunted by armed men and she's whining she can't find her cherry lip gloss. Way to have your priorities in order.
Despite my qualms, I think I'll reserve my judgment on the series until I try out one or two more.
1. Slightly nerdy heroine. Seriously, she studies dinosaur bones - definitely not your typical romance heroine.
2. Military/government guys. It does it for me, and I have no idea why. But I'm certainly not complaining!
3. Fast paced plot. Things start off quick and don't slow down throughout the story. It's a page turner that kept me up late two nights in a row.
4. Good sex scenes. There were quite a few of them, and they were all strong.
5. Prior relationship between the H/H. They knew one another (briefly) as teenagers, and I usually love stories where the main characters have a past together. It makes is easier for me to get behind their relationship when I know there are already emotions involved.
So what the hell is my problem? Two things (one major, one minor)...
1. (The major problem.) The majority of the book takes place in less than 24 hours. While the fast pace is exciting and fun, it made the relationship-believability scale fall to about a -10. And since this was a romance, I was expecting it to be better/stronger/believable.
2. (The minor problem.) The main character's kid sister was obnoxious at times. At one point they're being hunted by armed men and she's whining she can't find her cherry lip gloss. Way to have your priorities in order.
Despite my qualms, I think I'll reserve my judgment on the series until I try out one or two more.
March 25, 2008
This book has its issues, and some critics slammed it a bit because it's not very logical, but I really enjoyed it. The book is based on a bunch of former street thug car thieves who were, years ago, recruited to be part of a secret government agency. Now they are secret agents. This one focuses on one of the agents and a paleontologist. They once met as youths and both had crushes, but didn't admit it. Now they are thrown together when an evil gun runner is after them. It's very fast paced, only taking up a few days time, and hot. For the average reader, it's easy to look past the logic-issue. One could probably nit-pick on the details, but I didn't find them overwhelming. If you like government-agent type books with alpha males and general steaminess, then you'll like this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2015
I tried starting this book last year and couldn't get into it at the time. I picked it up again with high hopes and I did finish it this time around. It was okay for me but didn't have that element that pulls me in and keeps me there. I may try another of this author's someday.
March 11, 2017
Meh. Weird, car-obsessed premise, sex during mortal danger, plot tension derived from undiagnosed dementia. This is not the series for me.
July 23, 2020
Crazy Catching
This book sucked me in immediately and had me raptly turning pages the first time I read it and now, many years and several rereads later, it’s just as gripping. I love Quinn and Regan. The suspense. The love story. The entire cast of characters. I love everything. And just like the first time, I can’t stop with just one. I’ve no choice but to jump into book two. Janzen has created an amazing arcing story of the Steele Street guys and in one book hooked me on their individual and collective stories. Genius.
This book sucked me in immediately and had me raptly turning pages the first time I read it and now, many years and several rereads later, it’s just as gripping. I love Quinn and Regan. The suspense. The love story. The entire cast of characters. I love everything. And just like the first time, I can’t stop with just one. I’ve no choice but to jump into book two. Janzen has created an amazing arcing story of the Steele Street guys and in one book hooked me on their individual and collective stories. Genius.
December 20, 2021
WHAT A GREAT BOOK although i am extremely pissed that I didn’t get to find out what happened with kid and nikki i found out they have their relationship in book #4, so im skipping to book #4 BC I CAN anyways love Quinn and Regan they slay sm
January 19, 2016
Actually 3.5stars
Black Ops team, Special Defense Force (SDF) offers a group of rehabilitated bad boys using their natural gifts and acquired street smarts they honed as teen hooligans to stop the bad guys and save the country. Quinn Younger is the host of the hottie parade when unresolved teen-aged crush Regan McKinney seeks him out hoping he has information on her missing paleontologist grandfather.
It doesn't take long for the still simmering sexual pheromones between Quinn and Regan to ignite when she unwittingly leads a cadre of bad guys to his hideout. As his luck would have it, it's the same bad guys he's hiding from. In putting together what led her to him Quinn realizes Regan's younger sister Nikki could be in danger and dispatches backup hottie 'Kid' Chronopolous, to keep her safe.
While Regan and Quinn stoke the fires, 'Kid' finds lust with Nikki just before the bad boys get to flex their own alpha muscles. Their grandfather Wilson seems to be suffering some memory loss and stumbles into and out of the reason for this party and the sisters share an obvious trait or family illness that causes frequent bouts of lightheadedness from all the air they're storing in their heads.
Undercover agents, merchandise stolen from thieves, hot alpha males, fast cars and faster women are the order of the day. Suspend belief and the need for plot. Just enjoy the action and fun of this fast paced read. That being said this read is strongest on fun action sequences and is a perfect sluggish, rainy day or beach-y read. Hmm... shades of a similar series with bad boys gone good riding motorcycles.
Black Ops team, Special Defense Force (SDF) offers a group of rehabilitated bad boys using their natural gifts and acquired street smarts they honed as teen hooligans to stop the bad guys and save the country. Quinn Younger is the host of the hottie parade when unresolved teen-aged crush Regan McKinney seeks him out hoping he has information on her missing paleontologist grandfather.
It doesn't take long for the still simmering sexual pheromones between Quinn and Regan to ignite when she unwittingly leads a cadre of bad guys to his hideout. As his luck would have it, it's the same bad guys he's hiding from. In putting together what led her to him Quinn realizes Regan's younger sister Nikki could be in danger and dispatches backup hottie 'Kid' Chronopolous, to keep her safe.
While Regan and Quinn stoke the fires, 'Kid' finds lust with Nikki just before the bad boys get to flex their own alpha muscles. Their grandfather Wilson seems to be suffering some memory loss and stumbles into and out of the reason for this party and the sisters share an obvious trait or family illness that causes frequent bouts of lightheadedness from all the air they're storing in their heads.
Undercover agents, merchandise stolen from thieves, hot alpha males, fast cars and faster women are the order of the day. Suspend belief and the need for plot. Just enjoy the action and fun of this fast paced read. That being said this read is strongest on fun action sequences and is a perfect sluggish, rainy day or beach-y read. Hmm... shades of a similar series with bad boys gone good riding motorcycles.
November 18, 2012
So one of the librarians recommended "Crazy Hot" by Tara Janzen to me as we were looking for a misplaced book. I was kinda on the fence about reading this. On the one hand, I love a good romantic suspense and special ops story, so it sounded intriguing. On the other hand, I'm not really into the whole car scene thang, so it sounded a little eye-rollish. I checked the book out (just to be nice) and then looked it up on Goodreads. When I found out it was book number one in the "Steele Street" series, I took it as a sign (I'm a huge "Remington Steele" fan) and had to read it. Thank goodness I did. "Crazy Hot" was crazy good!!!
Paleontologist Regan McKinney finds herself up to her ass in alligators while searching for her forgetful grandfather, who forgot to check in with her while on vacation. Luckily, Special Defense Force operator Quinn Younger is there to rescue said butt and help Regan find her grandfather and bring him home safely -- but not before going on a crazy adventure and falling crazy in love.
Fast-paced action, a great romance years in the making, and larger-than-life characters make this a crazy fun book to read! Can't wait to read the whole series! Four-and-a-half stars!
Paleontologist Regan McKinney finds herself up to her ass in alligators while searching for her forgetful grandfather, who forgot to check in with her while on vacation. Luckily, Special Defense Force operator Quinn Younger is there to rescue said butt and help Regan find her grandfather and bring him home safely -- but not before going on a crazy adventure and falling crazy in love.
Fast-paced action, a great romance years in the making, and larger-than-life characters make this a crazy fun book to read! Can't wait to read the whole series! Four-and-a-half stars!
August 21, 2010
If you need a quick, sexy read and don't mind a few of the classic romantic suspense slip-ups, you could do worse than Crazy Hot. There are moments of genuine humor and fun thrills, many of which revolve around the muscle cars that provide a cover for the super squad of super soldiers/thieves/con men who sort of work for the government.
For me, the slip-ups are too much to move this book from two stars to three. My objections: Regan and Quinn, despite their history, fall in love way too fast. In my opinion, a romance novel doesn't have to end with a marriage proposal in order to have a successful happy ending. The villain might as well be twirling his moustache, he's so boring and obviously bad. Sex is had at very inappropriate times (such as while running for one's life). The heroes are a little too impossible to beat.
At the same time, Janzen writes the memory-addled grandfather with a delicate touch, supporting heroine Nikki McKinney has a genuinely interesting job, and I am a sucker for sequel-bait. Crazy Hot is the Burn Notice of romance novels, basically.
For me, the slip-ups are too much to move this book from two stars to three. My objections: Regan and Quinn, despite their history, fall in love way too fast. In my opinion, a romance novel doesn't have to end with a marriage proposal in order to have a successful happy ending. The villain might as well be twirling his moustache, he's so boring and obviously bad. Sex is had at very inappropriate times (such as while running for one's life). The heroes are a little too impossible to beat.
At the same time, Janzen writes the memory-addled grandfather with a delicate touch, supporting heroine Nikki McKinney has a genuinely interesting job, and I am a sucker for sequel-bait. Crazy Hot is the Burn Notice of romance novels, basically.
May 18, 2011
I read this series years ago and liked it, but I have to admit I didn't recall the details. I just re-read this book and wow it was very good--much better than I remembered. As good as books I've read from popular romantic suspense authors like Cindy Gerard, Linda Howard, Susan Brockman, etc.
It has a lighter, humorous style, but still with a good amount of romance and suspense. I liked the characters and the setup around the SDF (special defence force -- a governmental special ops group). Their Steele Street cover was very original.
I also liked the romance theme of teenage crush turning into adult love when the lead characters met many years later. Janzen writes a good steamy scene (on a car! in an elevator!) and manages to build emotion into the moment. I enjoyed the side story between 'Kid Chaos' and the heroine's sister. Their book comes later in the series and it's a good one. I'll definitely be rereading these books.
It has a lighter, humorous style, but still with a good amount of romance and suspense. I liked the characters and the setup around the SDF (special defence force -- a governmental special ops group). Their Steele Street cover was very original.
I also liked the romance theme of teenage crush turning into adult love when the lead characters met many years later. Janzen writes a good steamy scene (on a car! in an elevator!) and manages to build emotion into the moment. I enjoyed the side story between 'Kid Chaos' and the heroine's sister. Their book comes later in the series and it's a good one. I'll definitely be rereading these books.
October 23, 2012
I've been a fan of Tara Janzen's Crazy series. The Steele Street Boys are rugged, rough, battle ready and militant guys. Yet, they are tender and very romantic. Crazy Hot was the last in the series for me, and I'm glad I finally got to read it. I think Quinn is the most romantic of all the guys, and I just love how he doesn't take Regan's reticence at the end as the final word on the relationship. He loves this woman, and putting macho aside, he goes after her and gets the girl who has been his dream since he was sixteen. I identified with Regan and I think other women will. She's a reserved, sensible kind of woman. But this camouflages the passion that is contained in that package. Quinn was the right guy to pull it out of her. The intimacy between them was wonderful. This is a great read.
March 31, 2016
Not very good. I could have done without the B romance of the stupidly annoying sister as well.
None of the characters were believable or interesting, and most of the plot elements seemed to serve as excuses for interesting places to have sex.
Wrap it up with a deus ex machina, and we've got a 24hour story featuring "love," sex, violence, sex, sex, oral sex, burgers, sex, painting, irritating women (the characters were irritating AND women, not irritating BECAUSE they were women), cars, more violence, sex and meeting the parents. Ugh.
I'm glad I'm done. I don't recommend this book to anybody.
None of the characters were believable or interesting, and most of the plot elements seemed to serve as excuses for interesting places to have sex.
Wrap it up with a deus ex machina, and we've got a 24hour story featuring "love," sex, violence, sex, sex, oral sex, burgers, sex, painting, irritating women (the characters were irritating AND women, not irritating BECAUSE they were women), cars, more violence, sex and meeting the parents. Ugh.
I'm glad I'm done. I don't recommend this book to anybody.
August 8, 2011
3.5 to 4 stars.
This was such a fun read! Not only was there a lot of action, but the main characters also got a lot of action and in the unlikeliest of places! One of the things I enjoyed was how easy the romance aspect to this was. The tension was less about mis-communication or the characters starting out hating each other, and more about trying to stay alive and reconnecting.
I was a bit disappointed at the conclusion, but not enough to dampen my anticipation to read the next one in the series :-)
This was such a fun read! Not only was there a lot of action, but the main characters also got a lot of action and in the unlikeliest of places! One of the things I enjoyed was how easy the romance aspect to this was. The tension was less about mis-communication or the characters starting out hating each other, and more about trying to stay alive and reconnecting.
I was a bit disappointed at the conclusion, but not enough to dampen my anticipation to read the next one in the series :-)
May 16, 2008
I really loved this book and am looking forward to the rest of the series. I have also decided to buy these books to read to my husband when we drive.
It's sexy, hot and fabulous. the banter between the H/H makes you laugh. The dynamics between the secondary characters were also well developed and funny, they enhance the plot. Very, Very Good!!!!
It's sexy, hot and fabulous. the banter between the H/H makes you laugh. The dynamics between the secondary characters were also well developed and funny, they enhance the plot. Very, Very Good!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews