Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Review of Turn Up the Heat (Second Chances #1) by Serena Bell

"Don't hate yourself tomorrow. Promise me." - Kincaid Graves

Turn Up the Heat
Series: Second Chances # 1
Author: Serena Bell
Publisher: Loveswept
Release Date: July 14, 2015

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For readers of Jill Shalvis and Susan Mallery, USA Today bestselling author Serena Bell teases all five senses in this poignant, tantalizing novel of fantasies long hidden . . . and finally indulged.

Aspiring chef Lily McKee noticed Kincaid Graves the first time he walked into the dingy diner where she waits tables. With his ice-blue eyes and primal tattoos, his presence puts Lily on edge—and reminds her of all the unfulfilled longings she isn’t pursuing while she’s stuck in this dead-end job. Without a doubt, the man is dangerous to her long-term plans of leaving town and hiring on at a real kitchen—and yet, she hungers for him, if even for just a taste.

Kincaid didn’t come back to his coastal Oregon hometown looking for a good time or a good meal. The ex-con has a score to settle, old wrongs to set right. But Lily, equal parts innocence and insight, brings out an impulsive side of him he thought he’d left behind in the past. And it only takes one intense moment of weakness between them to make him consider the possibility of an entirely new future—and the promise of passion beyond either of their wildest dreams.


I'm not quite sure what I was expecting (or hoping for) when I started to read Turn Up the Heat, but holy cow, Serena Bell surprised the hell out of me. Of course, from the synopsis and series title, I knew it would be a sensual second chance romance. What I wasn't expecting was a deep, emotional connection between two wounded characters desperate for someone to understand and accept their past. Lily and Kincaid have their own secrets. Lily hides her desires after her ex-boyfriend shamed her. One glance at the dangerous Kincaid and all of those desires come bubbling to the surface. Kincaid has served his time for hurting a man that wasn't innocent. Now he wants nothing more than to right the wrongs he's made in the past and find the truth behind his grandmother's will. As individuals, Lily and Kincaid are single minded in their goals. Together, they give each other a chance for something they never thought was in their reach - happiness with someone that'll accept them and love them for who they are. All they have to do is be honest with each other and with themselves. That, unfortunately, is easier said than done for them, but once their mind and hearts are open, there's nothing that can stop them from conquering the world.

As my introduction into author Serena Bell's books, Turn Up the Heat definitely piqued my interest. Serena's writing is mesmerizing. Her characters are beautifully wounded. I loved the time I spent within this world and I'm looking forward to seeing more from her Second Chances series. 



USA Today bestselling author Serena Bell writes stories about how sex messes with your head, why smart people sometimes do stupid things, and how love can make it all better. She wrote her first steamy romance before she was old enough to understand what all the words meant and has been perfecting the art of hiding pages and screens from curious eyes ever since—a skill that’s particularly useful now that she’s the mother of two school-aged children.

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