Book Tour for Forbidden Heat by JL White (Review & GIVEAWAY)

The image of the sexy teacher and the wide-eyed student who wants to learn about life is fodder for many naughty dreams and fuels this fun and flirty read with a bit of angst and steamy encounters.  Keep reading to get a tantalizing taste of Forbidden Heat by JL White, along with my impressions of it, and learn even more about this book by visiting the other sites hosting this tour.  In honor of this first installment in The Firework Girls series make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a $40 bookstore GC too!

They call us the Firework Girls.
I’m Isabella. My comfort zone consists of a bank of test tubes and a Bunsen burner. But having to take a philosophy class to graduate from college—well, that’s causing a different kind of burn altogether. I mean, the hottest professor at Hartman is looking right at me.
Can you blame me for looking back?

EXCERPT:

We’re under our favorite tree, the library behind us, working on various homework assignments and taking frequent breaks to chat and snack on our stash of treats. Just as I’m downing two Pringles in one bite, Sam says, “Holy god. Is that a student or professor?"

I have a feeling I know who’s she’s talking about before I even look.

Yep. There he is, in all his glory, walking from the administration building towards Old Main.

He looks even better outdoors and all sun-shiney.

I need serious help.

I’ve had four more classes with Professor Brooks (not that I’m counting) and have spent exactly four of them trying not to drool all over my desk. I keep thinking it’s going to get better, but if anything it’s getting worse.

At first, he was only a distraction during class, when he was right in front of me and I couldn’t help but think about him. Now it’s gotten to the point where he’s invading my thoughts at unexpected times all during the week.

In the hours leading up to his class, I feel the anticipation of it all throughout my body. An anxious, delicious, tingling sensation. Like I’m feeling right now.

I know it’s an obsession. It has to be. It’s bound to pass eventually, but that can’t happen soon enough. It’s starting to feel like torture.

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BUY THE NEXT INSTALLMENT IN THE FIREWORK GIRLS SERIES, MIDNIGHT HEAT, AT AMAZON here.

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

Readers who enjoy a little afternoon delight will find themselves quickly caught up in the seductive web created by Ms. White and the scorching teacher/student romance that fuels this tale.  There's only a little bit of angst to distract from the relationship between Isabella and Shane that quickly morphs from friends to lovers in the blink of an eye.  When an incident from Isabella's past rears its ugly head once again tears are shed and their HEA is in doubt to leave readers rooting for justice.  Luckily Isabella's not alone in trying to right a wrong as her best friends, the Firework Girls, are beside her through every emotional up and down and become a vital part to her HEA.

Isabella's always been the good girl with her whole life laid out before her.  She comes from wealth but eschews the trappings of it, hiding her family name as she wants to form relationships without its weighing her down.  When a moment of breaking free leads to danger, she discovers the true meaning of friendship and three girlfriends (and one lone male) who become like family and their bond the core of this series.  Breaking further out of her comfort zone leads her to the sexy Professor Shane who not only challenges her mind but makes her heart race in a burgeoning relationship that's frowned upon, but not as salacious as it sounds as he's only three or four years older than her.  Keeping the truth hidden weighs on both of them, and with time running before she graduates, their future has her worried even more.  Isabella's an immensely likable young woman who tries to do what's expected but when the heart's involved she can't fight the temptation.  Her and Shane have a great connection, scorching, with interludes that always have a bit of desperation surrounding them.  It's more than just sex though as they actually have deep talks that reflect their maturity and it had me rooting for them every step of the way as their times together were joyous and dreamy.

I felt we got to know a lot about Isabella but Shane was more of a mystery. The moments spent with him were a reflection of being with her and while delightful I felt a bit cheated as I wanted more of him.  Shane's super sexy with a strong moral code that he waged war with over Isabella.  He was romantic and supportive, wanting Isabella to get everything she ever dreamed of.  He wanted her safe too which kept a certain sleazy student on the periphery of reader's thoughts as the danger escalated through the second half of the story.  Along with a sensually satisfying romance came a charming depiction of friendship between Isabella and her cohorts. Their interactions were playful and supportive and often brought a smile to my face as their unique personalities made them an unforgettable group.  While Isabella was the main focus of this story her friends were given time to shine in storylines of their own that gave us a glimpse into their hearts and minds too and point to compelling futures ahead. I'm especially looking forward to Sam and Jack and their deep friendship that hints at more and which had me squealing with delight when I sensed their deepening connection.  All in all this was an entertaining read with a scorching and cheer-inducing romance between two very likable and easy to relate to individuals.  I also liked that there was very little angst to interfere with my enjoyment or distract from the satisfying HEA.  The best part of the story though was the friendship between this eclectic group of people that ties each installment together.  It's a feel-good friendship, a realistic one that had me crying and laughing with them through every up and down and I can't wait for the next installment in this delightful and engaging new series.

My rating for this is a A-/B+

*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

AUTHOR INFO:

J.L. White writes steamy romances featuring smart, sexy women and the swoon-worthy men who adore them. Her sexy love stories are full of passion but don’t skimp on the tenderness. She’s addicted to trendy coffee houses, poolside lounging, and HEAs. When not tapping blissfully away on her laptop, she takes time to enjoy life with her husband and their children.

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