He’s geeky, annoying and has always disapproved of her, and he’s also her best friend’s brother. Yet all Electra Hamilton’s friends seem to think he’s perfect husband material.
Electra Hamilton is expecting to welcome a lover. What she gets is his annoying, nerdy brother. The man has always made her uncomfortable, always disapproved of her and, frankly, drives her stark-staring crazy. Yet all her friends seem to think he is perfect husband material.
Drew Bolinger knows that courting the woman he has secretly loved for years will be his toughest challenge yet. She thinks he’s an interfering know-it-all. She also happens to be his brother’s best friend. But when the sleepy town of Little Creek becomes a hotbed of intrigue and murder, Drew not only has to fight hard to keep a skeptical Electra safe, but convince her, at the same time, that he is her true hero.
Excerpt
Electra’s face turned bright red. “You are not a nice person and you’re certainly not a gentleman.”
“I don’t know what that has to do with our backpacking trip.” Drew took another swallow of coffee. A very odd, almost euphoric feeling was beginning to saturate his body. He hadn’t felt this aware, this vibrantly alive in a long time, quite possibly since the last time he had been in Electra’s presence. She was difficult. She was annoying. She deliberately seemed to misinterpret everything he said or did.
But, by God, he loved her, and sometime within the course of next three months, she would learn just how much.
“Everyone knows you have a distorted opinion of me, anyway,” he continued. “I guarantee I’m a gentleman ninety percent of the time and, if you can be alone with Sam for three days, you can certainly be alone with me.”
“Since when did you and Samuel fall into the same category?” Electra demanded. Her irritation seemed to be fading although he couldn’t tell if she had given in yet. She picked up her sandwich again.
“Since we were born brothers?”
“Very funny, Drew. You’re such a nerd.”
“Thank you. I’d be really worried if you stopped thinking that. I take it you’re no longer concerned about your virtue and that the trip is on.”
Electra squinted one eye at him. “You’re truly sick. I have absolutely no concerns for my virtue around you. On the other hand, I do worry about only one of us coming back alive. But since that would be me, I guess it’s not even that much of a worry. Banion’s is where you need to go.”
Professional Reviews
Summer Heat
Electra Hamilton is expecting her best friend and soon to be lover, Samuel. Unfortunately for her, it is not Samuel that shows up but his older brother, Drew Bolinger. He has come to the quaint town of Little Creek for an extended vacation and is staying in the house right next to Electra. She has always remembered Drew as being a nerd and one who did not approve of the pranks she and Sam played.
Drew came to Little Creek for more than just a vacation. He has been in love with Electra for a long time. He never approached her before with his feelings because he knew how she felt about him. Plus, she had a lot of growing up to do and Drew wanted to give her space. Drew also had goals he wanted to accomplish in the meantime.
When Electra hears that Sam is not coming, she is upset and furious. But Drew is here and he is slowly getting under her skin and weaving his way into her heart. She trys to brush of the feelings but they just grow stronger. He is no longer a nerd, but a handsome, self assured man. Drew is willing to take things slow and give Electra the time she needs.
Mystery and danger surrounds the town of Little Creek and Electra seems to be a target. They must find out who is behind these malicious acts before Electra is harmed. Drew appoints himself her protector, drawing them even closer together.
The secondary characters help to round out a cast that is strong and well thought out. The storyline is fresh and the suspense provides twists and turns.
SUMMER HEAT was an enjoyable read that offered many surprises, ones that will keep you glued to the pages. Don't let the title fool you, J.A Clarke's latest book will heat you up no matter what time of year.
-- Tami Sutton, Escape to Romance
Summer Heat
Ms. Clark writes a wonderful love story that is sure to please. So, find a comfortable couch, a glass of chilled wine, and indulge yourself for a few hours. I’ve placed Ms. Clarke on my list of authors to watch. --The Word on Romance
Summer Heat
4 1/2 stars--"J. A. Clarke excels in this totally engaging read. Humorous in spots, the book successfully show how these two people fall in love. Throw in murder and a nosy, seductive neighbor, and you end up with a reader's dream come true." Romantic Times
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Reviews for "Summer Heat"
Reviewed by Electra Hamilton
8/8/2008
I think it is quite a coincedence that an Electra Hamilton from Little Creek is used as a character in Summer Heat given that is my name and where I am from.
