"The edges of the pages are singed!"

Erica McCree hosts a very popular late-night radio talk show about any and all aspects of sex. Ian Carlisle, successful CEO of an investment firm, is a frequent caller and his contributions to the discussions generate a lot of on-air sizzle between him and Erica. In fact, his phone calls have become an integral and entertaining part of the show--which doesn't always sit well with Erica, who is ambitious to be a success strictly on her own abilities. But ratings are everything in the radio business, so the management at the station suggest including Ian in the Heat Waves show, right up to having listeners vote on whether he and Erica should date! And then, of course, providing on- air descriptions of their evenings out. Ian is extremely eager to advance his relationship with the person behind that sexy voice on the radio, and although Erica is initially reluctant, she can't resist Ian's persuasion (plus his great body and entrancing personality).

The relationship between hero and heroine develops in a very believable fashion. There's no careless rush to sexual consummation. Instead, the first half of the book is a build-up of incredible heat through sexual discussions and foreplay. Ian is quite creative about opportunities for almost-but-not-quite sex. I'll never be able to walk through a stairwell again without being distracted, or watch a passing limo without wondering what is going on in the back seat! And when the two of them finally do come together in the more sedate environment of his bedroom, it really is "blazing".

Ian is a scrumptious hero. He has depth and character and comes across as someone I'd love to spend time with, preferably doing some really hot things, but also just talking and doing day-to-day activities. Mention is made of the tragic death a few years ago of his fiancee, and how lonely Ian has become since then, but this is not a case where the unwilling hero has to be convinced that he can love again. Ian is not tortured by his past; he recognizes that he is ready and eager to find a new relationship. Erica is energetic, fun, and endearing. She is devoted to her career but also has a serious personal side, as illustrated by her work at a center for abused women. My only complaint was that I found her occasionally a bit wimpy--she allowed others to manipulate her for their own reasons, when I would have preferred to see her put up a bit of resistance and do more to express her own opinions.

There was one thing that did almost ruin this story for me. Erica's best friend, station manager Carly, is supposed to fill the buddy/sidekick/confidante role. Instead, she comes across as a perfect example of "with friends like this, who needs enemies". Carly is manipulative, nosy, bossy, and self-centered. She cares nothing about Erica, just wants to use her to increase the radio station's market position; she interferes in Erica's life, but never thinks about what would be best for her friend; she doesn't really listen to others but expects that Erica will lend an ear whenever she feels like talking about herself. Every scene Carly appeared in sent my aggravation levels through the roof. The character is completely unnecessary to the plot; the other secondary characters, luckily, are much more sympathetic and fit better in the story.

But except for that one glitch, I highly recommend this book. It is the best Blaze I've read so far, and landed immediately on my keeper shelf. In fact, I may have to buy a second copy, since the edges of the pages on first one are definitely singed!

Reviewed by Raelene Gorlinsky
Courtesy Sensual Romance
Posted October 4, 2001

Summary

Erica knows first hand that you can hide a lot behind a microphone. Although she's made a reputation for discussing every aspect of sex on her radio talk show, she's never had to back it up . . . until a mysterious caller proves to be more irresistable in person. Their on-the-air chemistry sizzles and they heat up the airwaves debating any and all provocative issues possible. As the ratings soar, so does the sexual tension. But what will Ian do when he discovers that Erica isn't the sex expert she appears to be?