HOT PROPERTY

By Carly Phillips
HQN (2008), 376 pages, $7.99 (paperback)

Those who thought the “Hot Zone” stories were finished when the third and final Jordan sister married are in for a pleasant surprise.
“Hot Property” returns readers to the New York City public relations firm, immersing them once again in the world of hunky professional athletes.
Centerfielder John Roper takes center stage in this book, after appearing in a support role as Micki’s best friend in “Hot Number.”
The heroine is Amy, niece of Hot Zone partner Spencer Atkins, who was introduced as the daughter and keeper of Atkins’ eccentrically crazy sister in “Hot Item.”
In “Hot Property,” Amy moves to New York to work for her uncle’s public relations and sports agent firm. The story actually starts where “Hot Item” left off, at Sophie and Riley’s wedding.
At the wedding, John is instantly smitten with Amy and starts a flirtation. Problem is, his date walks up while he’s in mid-flirt, and Amy isn’t impressed with a man who would hit on one woman with a date nearby.
A month later, Amy starts her new job and meets her first client: John.
The sparks that sizzled between them at the wedding are still smoldering when they see each other again. But John’s life is infused with problems and it becomes Amy’s job to fix them.
First of all, John is recuperating from an injury – and a disastrous performance in the World Series a few months earlier. But it’s difficult for him to focus on rehabilitating and getting his career back on track with his mother, sister and brother calling him repeatedly, expecting him to solve their problems at their beck and call.
Amy intervenes and convinces him he has to weaken a few family ties and concentrate on his career. Which he does – while he’s concentrating on Amy as well.
John is the first to recognize, accept and embrace love in this relationship. It’s fun to watch a man in love work for the acceptance and love of the woman of his dreams.
Phillips exploded on the romance scene a few years ago with her series on the Chandler brothers, boosted by Kelly Ripa’s enthusiastic endorsement of “The Bachelor.” Since then, she’s gifted readers with several sizzling romances, full of passion and romantic turmoil that culminates in very satisfying happily-ever-afters. “Hot Property” is another of Phillips’ winners, a fun read that will keep you smiling.



Overall rating: 4 of 5 hearts. An unapologetic romance, with just enough tension to make it interesting without detracting from the love story. You engage with the characters, from the likeable hero and heroine, to their zany relatives. It will make you smile, laugh and sigh.


Hunk appeal: 10-plus. Roper’s devotion to those he loves, his patient seduction of Amy and his willingness and ability to say and do the right things makes him a definite keeper.

Steamy scene grade: XXXX. A definite keeper.

Happily-Ever-After: Good. Perhaps it’s a big drawn out, but who says that has to be a bad thing?

Also this week …

Strangers in Death (In Death)

by J.D. Robb (2008, paperback) – 5 of 5.

If you missed the most recent story featuring Eve and Roarke when it was released this past winter, you can now pick up a copy in paperback.
And if you haven’t, do it now.
It’s another must-read story in the beloved series about gutsy, tough and dedicated homicide detective Eve and the character that defines romance heroes, Roarke.
Eve's investigation of a murder might borrow a plot device from another well-known mystery writer (no need to ruin the surprise), but that makes it even more fun to read, once you figure it out.
As for the romance? It has Roarke, doesn't it? And while he and Eve have one brief tiff, it's rather humorous and ends well. Otherwise, they're in accord the entire book and enjoy several tender and romantic scenes, as well as witty moments.
And J.D. Robb fans are in for two more treats in the coming months. “Salvation In Death,” is scheduled for release in November, as is “Suite 606” an anthology featuring short story “Ritual In Death.”