Blog Tour and 5 Star Review for HEAT by Penny Reid

5 Magnificent, Stunning, Breathtaking Stars!

I honestly do not know what else to say that I haven’t already said about Penny Reid’s writing. I adore her style, her voice, her characters and her charm. That this series is her first attempt at writing New Adult, is mind boggling. What’s more, New Adult is not my go to genre. But if she continues to write it like this, there is no way I can’t be swayed to love it, or at least her version of it!

Heat, is the second book in the Elements of Chemistry series, and it picked up where Attraction, book one, left off. YOU MUST READ ATTRACTION FIRST! What I found so endearing about this book, was how Penny showed us two young adults who were trying desperately to navigate through life and love. We felt the pitfalls of naiveté, of lust, and of simply being young. The words of wisdom sprinkled throughout are incredible and I have highlighted the heck out of this book! There are quotes and moments that I have shared with my own daughter. Things I want her to know and remember about life and loving.

“But what feels good isn’t always what’s good for me, and I’m not willing to settle for being with someone who sometimes treats me well. I’d rather be alone.”

As Kaitlyn and Martin set forth for the “7 day relationship bootcamp”, they have to learn about each other. And when you are secluded away from the rest of the world, what else is there to do but “get to know each other?” Yes, that’s right, this book has a lot more “heat” or steam than Reid’s previous books. That dirty talking Martin had my pants on fire! This book is HOT! But just enough and not over done. But sex isn’t enough, and they must learn to understand one another, and really get to know each other if they want their new relationship to last.

”If you help me soften my calluses, I’ll help you soften yours.”
“How?”
“Be passionate.”
“I’m just not built that way.”
“From where I’m sitting you are.”

What faces them is a mountain that I so want them to climb together, hand in hand. I am rooting for them. And the cliff hanger has me screaming for more!

Not wanting to reveal too much, I am stopping short of telling you too much about the book. This series is right up there with the “best of the best” NA series I have ever read. So even if New Adult isn’t for you, take a risk, read it!

Excerpt

“What are you doing?”

I lifted my eyes at the sound of Martin’s voice, but not immediately. I finished the paragraph I was reading, then I looked up, holding my place in the book with my thumb.

He was dressed in swim trunks and he was wet, with beads of water dripping down his chest. As such, he looked super hot. However, only the right side of his body was visible as the door blocked the other side. His hand was still on the doorknob and he leaned a tad to one side, into the room.

My eyes wandered over his form and I allowed myself to appreciate the beauty of Martin Sandeke like I might admire the beauty of a cold, soulless statue. Physically, he was a magnificent male specimen: corded muscle, long limbs, and rigid angles. Even his temples were drool worthy, especially since I knew his head housed a giant—albeit mismanaged—brain. Truly, he was one of our finest. His ancestors should really give themselves a big pat on the back.

A little pool of water had gathered at his feet, which made me wonder how long he’d been standing in the doorway. My eyes traveled upward again and I noticed he wore an angry expression. He looked livid.

I started a little at the heated annoyance in his stare. Then I glanced around the laundry room, searching for the source of his anger. I found that I was still alone. Therefore, I surmised his fury must be directed at me.

But, just to be sure, I said, “Who? Me?”

“Yes. You,” he growled, then stepped into the room and closed the door behind him. “What are you doing in here?”

I raised the book and tipped my head toward it. “I’m reading.”

Martin exhaled loudly, another growl. “I can see that, Parker. But why the fuck are you in here reading?”

I frowned at his use of profanity, my shoulders bunching with tension. I realized I’d gotten used to it, how often he cussed; I’d accepted it as part of him. But that was before he’d left me standing at the entrance to a party I didn’t want to attend, and that was before I’d seen him kissing a random girl.

“It’s the first sequel to The Three Musketeers. I’ve been meaning to read it. I found it on the shelf in the library—or living room, or whatever room. There are too many rooms in this house, so I don’t know what half of them are called.”

Martin gritted his teeth, and I got the distinct impression he wanted to strangle me. “Parker. This is a party. And you’re in the laundry room? Reading?”

I paused a beat to make sure this wasn’t a trick question. When I could find nothing amiss with his interrogation, I nodded slowly. “Yes. This is a party. I am in the laundry room reading.”

“Why? What is wrong with you?”

My mouth opened and closed but no words arrived, because his questions continued to confuse me. Finally, I admitted, “Martin, I don’t know what you want me to say or why you appear to be upset. I found the book when I was in one of the several rooms with lots of books. I’ve been meaning to read it. So I picked it up and found a quiet place. Why are you so angry?”

He charged at me and I ineffectually scrambled backward on the washing machine. In less than two seconds he’d pulled the book from my hands, slapped it on the counter at my left, and braced his arms on either side of my legs, leaning forward.

I realized he’d made me lose my page in the book. I decided to ignore my urge to vocalize this complaint, because his eyes were beyond heated.

They were incensed blue flames. I braced myself, my gaze wide and watchful, and flinched when he lifted a hand. I relaxed a smidge when he used it to push my hair off my shoulder.

When he spoke, his voice was low, strained, like he was trying very hard to control his temper. “I brought you here as my date. That was our agreement.”

I nodded once. “Yes. I know.”

“And, instead of talking to people or having fun, you’re in here reading a book.”

I kept my voice even and calm, tried to sound soothing. “I am having fun. I’m reading a book.”