Limecello’s review of Burning Up by Sarah Mayberry
Contemporary Romance by Harlequin Blaze released 1 Feb 08

I discovered Sarah Mayberry about a year ago, and have yet to be disappointed. I’m not quite sure why, but the blurb and excerpts for this book didn’t grab me. However, as you can see, I really liked this book. I’ve read a few other books by Sarah Mayberry, and really liked all of them, so I decided to take a chance on this one, and I’m glad.

The beginning of this book is really an ending for both the main characters. Sophie Gallagher’s boyfriend of fourteen years dumps her. Lucas Grant’s play boy lifestyle is ending -although he doesn’t know it. While Sophie is in a really bad position, she quickly gets over her mad, and moves on. Who better to use as a rebound guy than a Hollywood A-lister and one of the sexiest men alive? For his part, Lucas initially is shallow, but he quickly begins to see Sophie as a person, not just breasts and a butt. It helps that they’re each other’s only company.

I had so much fun following Sophie and Lucas’s interaction and banter. While reading, I wasn’t a passive observer, I was right there with the characters, feeling their emotions. Sophie is incredibly real, and someone you want to be friends with. She’s human, has flaws, but isn’t a door mat. Sophie’s smart and sassy, but never excessive. She’s a developed person that you root for. Not once does Sophie get on your nerves. Lucas has such depth that you feel sympathy for him too, which should be hard because he’s a 35 year old man who acts like a frat boy cum quarter back of a AAA team. The reason he’s holed up in the mountains is because he slipped on a thong by a hot tub. Believe it or not, you’re still in his corner 100%.

My only complaint or issue would be that certain parts of the book didn’t seem very original – but we all know there are similar/overused plot and story lines. Otherwise, I liked everything about Burning Up.

It’s a bit short, but all the harlequin categories are. It’s a matter of taste, really. I personally prefer a longer read, but I do love that I can finish one of these books in two hours. I’ve come to expect terrific characters and a story that grabs me emotionally from Ms. Mayberry, and she delivered.

Grade: B+

Somebody get some ice… it’s steamy in here!

Spending a month as personal chef for an overindulged-and mouthwatering-man? Sophie Gallagher is so up for the challenge. She’s immune to charm…or so she thinks. Because when big-screen star Lucas Grant turns up the temptation, she discovers-up close and personal-he’s earned the name hottest man alive.

Sophie is fun, vivacious and couldn’t be further from Lucas’s bimbo bombshell type. Much to his surprise, she’s captivated him. But as sizzling as they are between the sheets, once his hiatus is over, the credits will roll on this fling. Saying goodbye, however, isn’t as easy as he’d thought. Will this production be The End of the Affair…or Love Actually?

Read an excerpt here.