Hot Line, The [Paperback]

I picked up this book on a whim and it was good but sometimes the language between the two lovers was so cheesy! I kept saying to myself 'A man would NEVER say that!'

The Hot Line by Cathryn Fox is broken down into three parts. Each one is centered on a sexy firefighter.

Part One: Sara and Mitch

Sara is in Chicago for her best friend's wedding when she meets bad boy Mitch Adams. The sexual awareness between them is instantaneous. His pal Nick (the groom-to-be) warned him to stay away from her; she's not one for casual flings and his fiancé doesn't want to see her best friend get hurt. Meanwhile, Sara's friend gives her a card with a number to call for a "fully equipped" firefighter to come and take care of your "fire." She calls the hotline and he comes to the house. She tells herself to remember to keep her emotions out of it, keep it purely physical, just for research for an article for the Chicago-based magazine she wants to work for. Mitch realizes she's special because, unlike all the other women he's been with, she cares about giving him a fantasy too. She cares about his pleasure, not just her own. Both are afraid the other just wants a fling, so they hide the deeper feelings that are developing. Never mind protecting Sara's heart - how can Mitch keep from losing his own?

Sara and Mitch's story is scorchingly erotic, some of the hottest sex I've read. Cathryn Fox really knows how to make her characters come alive. Just as I was bracing myself for some prolonged angst, the characters delivered a pleasant surprise with intelligence, honesty and quick thinking. I loved it.

Part Two: Jenna and Dean

Jenna designs lingerie, and Cassie (the bride-to-be) has asked her to put together a show for her friends before the wedding. She's been lusting over Dean's perfect body since the first time she saw him, but can't imagine he'd be attracted to someone like her. She thinks he's more likely to be into someone like the thin model she hired to work her lingerie show. Unfortunately, the model is sick at the last minute, so Jenna reluctantly models the sexy lingerie herself. When Dean catches an eyeful of the delectable, curvy Jenna, he's mesmerized. How can he help Jenna find the confidence to let herself go?

I absolutely loved Dean's methods for helping Jenna gain her confidence and explore her sexuality. There's an incredible depth that makes Jenna and Dean's story irresistible. Readers will enjoy seeing Jenna blossom with the help of Dean's caring attention.

Part Three: Megan and Brady

Megan was married to a selfish "house hippo" so she isn't looking for a serious relationship. Brady is determined to show her he's different. He wants to pamper her and show her he appreciates her. Circumstances conspire to throw the two together, as they end up saving the day by cooking together for the wedding. She's worried he's too good to be true; he's incredibly patient and understanding. Can he convince her to risk her heart?

Readers will not be disappointed with this cute and very sexy romance. All three stories in The Hot Line are short enough that the angst isn't dragged out too long, but they're long enough to develop the characters and build the start of a relationship. That's a fantastic formula for an emotionally satisfying book. The three heroes are mind-blowingly fabulous; the heroines are intelligent and likeable. What's not to love?

4 1/2 Kisses, 2 Peppers (hot M/F/M ménage with firefighters (implied), voyeurism/exhibitionism)

~Lindy
Reviewer, TwoLips Reviews, LLC
[...]

Are you burning up? In need of some hunky firefighter, who carries a hose and knows his way around fires, to douse your flames? Then call 555-HEAT and help will be on its way.

At least thats what these heroines found in each of their stories. Three seriously sexually frustrated women, who happen to be in Chicago for their friend's wedding, find themselves attracted (thats putting it mildly) to the firefighter groomsmen. These men, aside from their firefighting duties, work to answer a *HOT LINE*. A woman calls, and a man is dispatched to take care of her needs asap. Whether she needs: ample research for a sexy story, to break out of her shell and bring out her inner exhibitionist (with more than one man), or she is in serious need of pampering and tender loving care, they've got a man for the job. And they guarantee to leave you satisfied.

This book was OK. Its geared towards those who are looking for short erotic reads. And if you can get past the fact that these men are, in essence, prostituting themselves then you might find this book extremely titillating. Basically it prescribes to the hot sex = love notion. Not much plot here, in fact there is not much talking at all. More like a ton of moaning and grunting/growling. Just lots and LOTS of sex. And if it wasn't actually stated that the hero's are fire fighters, the readers would have no idea. Because they don't fight fires! At least not those that burn down buildings.

As an aside, readers should be warned that the second story contains menage a trios (which is NOT disclosed on the back cover blurb -hate when publishers do that!). The characters are all interesting (that is, when they are actually talking) enough in their own way. And the plot moves along nicely. Fortunately, Fox (author) adds a bit of variety to each of her stories, so the sex scenes don't become monotonous.

Definitely a light and super steamy read. I suspect fans of Ellora's Cave and followers of Lora Leigh and Sarah Mccarty will enjoy this anthology. Not really my cup of tea. I prefer more developed plots and characters (and skip the menage).

So if your in the mood to indulge your secret fire fighter fantasy, this scorching read may be up your alley.