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HEATED is a sexy, enemies-to-lovers romance written in K. Bromberg's Everyday Heroes World project.
Gemma Malone just watched her entire life go up in flames.
Her husband was killed in a devastating car accident, and now, she has uncovered a world of deceit and lies surrounding their entire marriage.
Unsure where else to turn, Gemma finds herself in Sunnyville, seeking refuge with her aunt, uncle, and cousins – the Malone’s.
Declan Watt is the town playboy and has always loved the attention he gets from women...until now. After saving a young girl and her mother from a raging fire, he earns a new title of hero. Only, one person doesn’t think Declan is as hot as everyone else does.
After a heated meeting between Declan and Gemma, an intense and volatile relationship was ignited. Sparks fly as their attraction grows and they can’t deny the heat between them.
Gemma struggles to restart her life but can’t seem to stop thinking about the hot firefighter who enrages her emotions and ignites her soul.
Just as Gemma allows Declan into her life a man from her past threatens to ruin her new happiness.
Gemma quickly learns that she can’t run from her past or her heart.
Can Gemma allow herself to fall in love and start over again?
Can she forget the tragedies of her past and allow their flames of desire to grow?
Gemma Malone just watched her entire life go up in flames.
Her husband was killed in a devastating car accident, and now, she has uncovered a world of deceit and lies surrounding their entire marriage.
Unsure where else to turn, Gemma finds herself in Sunnyville, seeking refuge with her aunt, uncle, and cousins – the Malone’s.
Declan Watt is the town playboy and has always loved the attention he gets from women...until now. After saving a young girl and her mother from a raging fire, he earns a new title of hero. Only, one person doesn’t think Declan is as hot as everyone else does.
After a heated meeting between Declan and Gemma, an intense and volatile relationship was ignited. Sparks fly as their attraction grows and they can’t deny the heat between them.
Gemma struggles to restart her life but can’t seem to stop thinking about the hot firefighter who enrages her emotions and ignites her soul.
Just as Gemma allows Declan into her life a man from her past threatens to ruin her new happiness.
Gemma quickly learns that she can’t run from her past or her heart.
Can Gemma allow herself to fall in love and start over again?
Can she forget the tragedies of her past and allow their flames of desire to grow?
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 7, 2021
review to follow
June 6, 2021
After her husband’s death, Gemma has to lean on her Aunt and Uncle and those sexy Malone Brothers (her cousins). What she didn’t expect was the help and heat from sexy firefighter Declan. Things start to turn around for her, until her past catches up to her. She can’t risk telling anyone what’s going on. She has to fight this fight herself!
May 17, 2021
I loved the journey that Gemma takes in finding herself again and dealing with her grief and guilt. The author took her time helping Gemma evolve into a strong defined character throughout the book. Declan is a the hot firefighter that we all wish would come sweep us off our feet while also being a kind loving man. I enjoyed the build up of their relationship from hate to friends to lovers. I would highly recommend this romance read!
May 23, 2021
A great story and a unique concept. To start, this book takes place in the setting of K. Bromberg's Everyday Heroes series. So if you loved the Malone family in that series, you will get glimpses of them in this story too. Gemma, the heroine in this story is the cousin of Grady from Bromberg's Combust. She has some mishap meetings with his buddy Declan from the firehouse not knowing who each is to Grady. Once that is discovered each become more confused. Gemma cannot believe this playboy jerk she met is the same great guy her cousin talks about and Declan finds himself struggling with his attraction to Gemma because he feels he can't go there since its Declan's cousin.
Gemma and Declan's journey definitely wasn't an easy one. Both have issues from their past they need to deal with prior to moving on. When they finally take that step, the past comes back to create problems for the couple and they need to figure out how work through that. Let me say, that process and how this author deals with it was great for me. I hate when the hero makes drunken mistakes or doesn't grovel enough to remedy a situation or if the heroine is a doormat. Those scenarios drive me crazy and thankfully, Grace does a great job getting this couple back together without too much angst and the appropriate amount of groveling.
Definitely recommend this book. It has the right amount of everything I look for in a story and cannot wait to read what comes next from Grace.
Gemma and Declan's journey definitely wasn't an easy one. Both have issues from their past they need to deal with prior to moving on. When they finally take that step, the past comes back to create problems for the couple and they need to figure out how work through that. Let me say, that process and how this author deals with it was great for me. I hate when the hero makes drunken mistakes or doesn't grovel enough to remedy a situation or if the heroine is a doormat. Those scenarios drive me crazy and thankfully, Grace does a great job getting this couple back together without too much angst and the appropriate amount of groveling.
Definitely recommend this book. It has the right amount of everything I look for in a story and cannot wait to read what comes next from Grace.
April 10, 2022
So you’re telling me….
multiple law enforcement departments in multiple states know that an illegal bookie is harassing and threatening a woman. And has done so multiple times and across state lines…
and this is after acknowledging said bookie murdered her husband for his outstanding debts…
Forcing her to change her name and basically go into the witness protection program to avoid a similar lethal ending…
And yet he still somehow finds her, proceeds to burn down her house, and threaten additional harm to her…
But then vanishes into the night with a “we’re all good, we’re even Steven” text after her new BF pays him off. And no one thinks to try and do some type of sting operation to arrest and jail this violent criminal??
And we’re all supposed to be “swoon. Heart eyes for Declan and Gemma. The bad guy is gone!”
Ummmmmmmm NOPE. I can suspend belief with the best of them with books like this but come on. This is just ridiculous.
multiple law enforcement departments in multiple states know that an illegal bookie is harassing and threatening a woman. And has done so multiple times and across state lines…
and this is after acknowledging said bookie murdered her husband for his outstanding debts…
Forcing her to change her name and basically go into the witness protection program to avoid a similar lethal ending…
And yet he still somehow finds her, proceeds to burn down her house, and threaten additional harm to her…
But then vanishes into the night with a “we’re all good, we’re even Steven” text after her new BF pays him off. And no one thinks to try and do some type of sting operation to arrest and jail this violent criminal??
And we’re all supposed to be “swoon. Heart eyes for Declan and Gemma. The bad guy is gone!”
Ummmmmmmm NOPE. I can suspend belief with the best of them with books like this but come on. This is just ridiculous.
May 24, 2021
SET ME ON FIRE
Wow. There are so many emotions and words willing to roll out of me in waves, but I feel speechless at the same time. The pull between Gemma and Declan sealed my fate since the beginning. I was enamoured by Declan from just his name (how hot is it omg;). But moreso, Gemma's strong character and fierce attitude made me fall in love with her, ache with her, and to a certain degree understand her. There were so many lessons between the two of them, but honesty and courage has to be the ones that spoke out to me. Deck's constant courage to put his heart on the line just for a chance with Gemma, despite his earlier play-boy attitude, made me love him even more. I enjoyed reading every single line of Heated, and would definitely be rereading it again! I'll be looking out for more books in the Everyday Heroes series and more from Lyla Grace.
Wow. There are so many emotions and words willing to roll out of me in waves, but I feel speechless at the same time. The pull between Gemma and Declan sealed my fate since the beginning. I was enamoured by Declan from just his name (how hot is it omg;). But moreso, Gemma's strong character and fierce attitude made me fall in love with her, ache with her, and to a certain degree understand her. There were so many lessons between the two of them, but honesty and courage has to be the ones that spoke out to me. Deck's constant courage to put his heart on the line just for a chance with Gemma, despite his earlier play-boy attitude, made me love him even more. I enjoyed reading every single line of Heated, and would definitely be rereading it again! I'll be looking out for more books in the Everyday Heroes series and more from Lyla Grace.
April 25, 2021
"I'm not interested in anything with a penis."
"Not even your sexy, coffee spilling nemesis?"
Gemma's life falls apart in spectacular fashion after her husband dies in a terrible accident, and some pretty big secrets come to light.
Needing a fresh start, she joins her aunt, uncle, and cousins in small town Sunnyville.
Not interested in men at all, she is less than receptive when she first meets the town 'playboy' Declan.
Declan has a reputation as the town playboy, and he has no interest in a serious relationship.
Then he meets Gemma, and unlike every other woman he meets she doesn't fall at his feet or want him the second he flashes a smile her way.
This only makes him want her more, even though she's totally off limits.
If you like a hero in uniform then Declan is gonna be right up your street! A fine example of an #alpharoll for sure 😍🥰
Sparks fly between these 2, and I definitely found myself waiting for the other shoe to drop in the last quarter of the book. A bit of angst and a good HEA.
I really enjoyed it 😊
"Not even your sexy, coffee spilling nemesis?"
Gemma's life falls apart in spectacular fashion after her husband dies in a terrible accident, and some pretty big secrets come to light.
Needing a fresh start, she joins her aunt, uncle, and cousins in small town Sunnyville.
Not interested in men at all, she is less than receptive when she first meets the town 'playboy' Declan.
Declan has a reputation as the town playboy, and he has no interest in a serious relationship.
Then he meets Gemma, and unlike every other woman he meets she doesn't fall at his feet or want him the second he flashes a smile her way.
This only makes him want her more, even though she's totally off limits.
If you like a hero in uniform then Declan is gonna be right up your street! A fine example of an #alpharoll for sure 😍🥰
Sparks fly between these 2, and I definitely found myself waiting for the other shoe to drop in the last quarter of the book. A bit of angst and a good HEA.
I really enjoyed it 😊
April 28, 2021
I had the privilege to read this gem as a advance reader. I received early access for an honest review.
This book was excactly the kinda rollercoaster I enjoy. I love how the book took different turns and it was amazing how Lyla was able to suck me into the world of Gemma.
During the book I had different moments that left me shook. And lets just say Gemma is a good example of a powerwoman.
The message that this book screams is "nothing is as it seems". And that made me curious in the first place.
As a 911 emerency dispatcher already got a weak spot for fire fighters...But Declan stole my heart not only because he is a firefighter but also because he was able to open is heart.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
This book was excactly the kinda rollercoaster I enjoy. I love how the book took different turns and it was amazing how Lyla was able to suck me into the world of Gemma.
During the book I had different moments that left me shook. And lets just say Gemma is a good example of a powerwoman.
The message that this book screams is "nothing is as it seems". And that made me curious in the first place.
As a 911 emerency dispatcher already got a weak spot for fire fighters...But Declan stole my heart not only because he is a firefighter but also because he was able to open is heart.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2021
I received an advanced release copy of this novel. I enjoyed it so much I pre-ordered it for a family member. Declan is a sexy fireman who has a big heart and is misunderstood, and he has instant feels for Gemma. I would say overall it was well-written and kept me engaged. I read it in one sitting. Though I have to admit it was predictable at times. If I had any complaints I could use some with a little bit more angst between Declan and Gemma. Gamma may have been dealing over uncovered secrets regarding her husband, she still had spirit and sass when it came to Declan. Good read. I enjoyed it.
July 15, 2022
What’s great book! I devoured it in a day. I couldn’t put it down. It had some twists in it that had you reeling. I loved it. Would love a story continued!
March 17, 2022
I was hooked from the very first chapter! Absolutely loved Gemma and Declan’s story. My only complaint is I wish the whole bookie situation could have gone on a bit more in depth and the not been let go so easily. It would have added a bit more suspense to the the story to really give that sense of danger Gemma was in. Overall I truly enjoyed this book. Def a book to make you laugh, cry a little and be a tad bit frustrated with the characters. Definitely recommend.
March 20, 2021
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
If your looking for a fresh start read this one's quite enjoyable! Declan and his 'long hose and even bigger heart absolutely stole the show! Whilst I found Gemma a bit frustrating at times when she was sorting through her own emotions, she eventually came around and had me rooting for the pair of them!
If your looking for a fresh start read this one's quite enjoyable! Declan and his 'long hose and even bigger heart absolutely stole the show! Whilst I found Gemma a bit frustrating at times when she was sorting through her own emotions, she eventually came around and had me rooting for the pair of them!
August 1, 2021
This one was a real page turner
I didn't want to put it down. I love Declan and Gamma together. Some suspense and steamy romance. A harsh break up and a sweet make up.
I didn't want to put it down. I love Declan and Gamma together. Some suspense and steamy romance. A harsh break up and a sweet make up.
May 9, 2021
Title: Heated
Author: Lyla Grace
Hero/Heroine: Declan & Gemma
Trope: Enemies to Lovers/Small Town Romance
THE GOOD 😁
Don’t you just love a story where there’s a crap ton of push and pull between the hero and heroine? Seriously, Declan and Gemma took the will they-won’t they thing to a whole other level.
After losing her husband and subsequently finding out he wasn’t the man she thought he was, Gemma upped sticks and moved to a small town for a fresh start and to be close to her aunt and cousins. What she doesn’t expect is to meet Declan, a local fireman with an in depth knowledge of how to use his hose *snorts*, who is determined to get to know Gemma. What follows on from here can best be described as #dramz.
Both Declan and Gemma have been hurt in the past by people they loved, so they’re pretty wary when it comes to admitting their feelings. I loved this part of the story because, as the reader, you get to witness the growth of both characters, hoping that it all works out for them. Of course, this is romance, nothing is ever that straight forward. When someone from Gemma’s past comes to town and makes threats, Declan was there ready to protect her at all costs, and this gave me all the heart eye emojis.
THE BAD ☹️
It’s not terrible as such, but when the crisis came to a head and Gemma found out what Declan did, I didn’t like how she threw his past in his face. I understood that she was hurt after what she’d found out about her late husband, but Declan was only trying to help, and she used that against him.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an arc of this book. This is my honest review.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: A small town romance with plenty of drama and heat (both figuratively and literally)
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥🔥
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Lyla Grace
Hero/Heroine: Declan & Gemma
Trope: Enemies to Lovers/Small Town Romance
THE GOOD 😁
Don’t you just love a story where there’s a crap ton of push and pull between the hero and heroine? Seriously, Declan and Gemma took the will they-won’t they thing to a whole other level.
After losing her husband and subsequently finding out he wasn’t the man she thought he was, Gemma upped sticks and moved to a small town for a fresh start and to be close to her aunt and cousins. What she doesn’t expect is to meet Declan, a local fireman with an in depth knowledge of how to use his hose *snorts*, who is determined to get to know Gemma. What follows on from here can best be described as #dramz.
Both Declan and Gemma have been hurt in the past by people they loved, so they’re pretty wary when it comes to admitting their feelings. I loved this part of the story because, as the reader, you get to witness the growth of both characters, hoping that it all works out for them. Of course, this is romance, nothing is ever that straight forward. When someone from Gemma’s past comes to town and makes threats, Declan was there ready to protect her at all costs, and this gave me all the heart eye emojis.
THE BAD ☹️
It’s not terrible as such, but when the crisis came to a head and Gemma found out what Declan did, I didn’t like how she threw his past in his face. I understood that she was hurt after what she’d found out about her late husband, but Declan was only trying to help, and she used that against him.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an arc of this book. This is my honest review.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: A small town romance with plenty of drama and heat (both figuratively and literally)
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥🔥
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 6, 2021
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I loved this book!
I felt so bad for Gemma right away. To find out that you’ve been lied to, major secrets have been kept, and you’re the one left to deal with the aftermath? Heartbreaking.
But, when she seeks help from her cousins, and she meets the town’s [alleged] playboy, Declan, sparks don’t just fly, they ignite!
It’s a good job Declan’s a firefighter, but the flames with Gemma only roared higher every time they were together.
🥵🔥
Since Gemma’s deceased husband had betrayed her, Gemma had trust issues. When Declan finds out the extent of the lies, he offers to help.
Gemma refuses, but what happens next has Gemma questioning her relationship.
Is she mad at Declan, or Liam? Is she hurt by Declan’s help, or Liam’s deceit?
Read this story to find out!
I highly recommend that you do.
I loved this book!
I felt so bad for Gemma right away. To find out that you’ve been lied to, major secrets have been kept, and you’re the one left to deal with the aftermath? Heartbreaking.
But, when she seeks help from her cousins, and she meets the town’s [alleged] playboy, Declan, sparks don’t just fly, they ignite!
It’s a good job Declan’s a firefighter, but the flames with Gemma only roared higher every time they were together.
🥵🔥
Since Gemma’s deceased husband had betrayed her, Gemma had trust issues. When Declan finds out the extent of the lies, he offers to help.
Gemma refuses, but what happens next has Gemma questioning her relationship.
Is she mad at Declan, or Liam? Is she hurt by Declan’s help, or Liam’s deceit?
Read this story to find out!
I highly recommend that you do.
May 16, 2021
Heated follows Gemma and Declan. Gemma is running from a past she wasn't expecting to come unravelled, whilst Declan is living a stereotypical bachelors life, after a bad breakup when he was younger.
I liked the underlying plot for this and Declan, but I just couldn't find myself clicking with Gemma. I understand she was still reeling from her the death of Liam and had trust issues. But I thought she behaved quite rudely towards Declan on a number of occasions, and I personally just didn't gel with her.
Overall though, this had a relatively cliche but good storyline and was written well. Although I personally wasn't a fan of Gemma, if you enjoy very independent women in your books, then this would be worth checking out.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the underlying plot for this and Declan, but I just couldn't find myself clicking with Gemma. I understand she was still reeling from her the death of Liam and had trust issues. But I thought she behaved quite rudely towards Declan on a number of occasions, and I personally just didn't gel with her.
Overall though, this had a relatively cliche but good storyline and was written well. Although I personally wasn't a fan of Gemma, if you enjoy very independent women in your books, then this would be worth checking out.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
May 14, 2021
Heated is my first read by Lyla, I really liked it! 🔥 First off I hate Liam for what he did to Gemma, it truly damaged her ability to be able to trust men. Enter Declan he’s a sexy firefighter in their small town who’s a huge player.😍 Their story had me engaged from start to finish, it’s well written and kept me in suspense. Gemma ended up frustrating me during parts of the story with her back and forth feelings, but overall I really liked this book and will definitely look forward to reading more of her work!!❤️❤️
May 17, 2021
I enjoyed this so much! Declan realizes he is not all hot when Gemma doesn't fall at his feet like every other woman in Sunnyville. This doesn't mean the sparks don't fly. I loved their chemistry and the back and forth and how Gemma doesn't give in right away. The story has some suspense and moments where I didn't believe what I was reading but has the steam and humor you expect from some of the Malones. A great addition to the Everyday Heroes world.
Read
August 28, 2022Declan and Gemma are on FIRE in this Everyday Heroes World romance!
May 12, 2023
Heated
Omg what a heartwarming story of second chances. I love the potential for that, gives me hope. Would absolutely recommend
Omg what a heartwarming story of second chances. I love the potential for that, gives me hope. Would absolutely recommend
Currently reading
March 27, 2022Check out this sneak peek below….
Whatever it is, whatever brought us together, I’m damn thankful for.
Though someone really needs to teach the woman how to cook. She’s at my place again and she’s attempting to cook dinner. She wanted to do something special for me. It’s sweet really, but I have the pizza I know we’re going to need to eat instead already on the way.
I chuckle as I see smoke billow out from the kitchen.
“It’s fine, everything’s fine,” she shouts, from the kitchen.
“I can…”
“No. It’s fine. I’m fine.”
Yes, she is. Fine as hell and can’t cook worth a damn. That’s okay. I got that covered. Years at the station taught me more than a few things. And so did my mom.
A moment later Gemma appears in the doorway holding what was supposed to be our dinner in her hands. “It’s not fine,” she pouts.
The doorbell rings. I give her a soft smile before I answer it. I hand the guy the money and take the pizza from him. When I turn back to her she does her best to fight the smile that I can see curving on her lips.
“You have no faith in me,” she says.
I glance down at the dish in her hands, then back up to her eyes. “I mean…”
She grabs one of the rolls off the dish and chucks it at my head. “Ow,” I say when the hardened and burnt roll hits my head. “You wanted me to eat that?”
“You’re a jerk,” she tells me, through her laughter.
“A jerk who saved dinner. Be nice, Sugar, or I won’t share my pizza with you.”
Whatever it is, whatever brought us together, I’m damn thankful for.
Though someone really needs to teach the woman how to cook. She’s at my place again and she’s attempting to cook dinner. She wanted to do something special for me. It’s sweet really, but I have the pizza I know we’re going to need to eat instead already on the way.
I chuckle as I see smoke billow out from the kitchen.
“It’s fine, everything’s fine,” she shouts, from the kitchen.
“I can…”
“No. It’s fine. I’m fine.”
Yes, she is. Fine as hell and can’t cook worth a damn. That’s okay. I got that covered. Years at the station taught me more than a few things. And so did my mom.
A moment later Gemma appears in the doorway holding what was supposed to be our dinner in her hands. “It’s not fine,” she pouts.
The doorbell rings. I give her a soft smile before I answer it. I hand the guy the money and take the pizza from him. When I turn back to her she does her best to fight the smile that I can see curving on her lips.
“You have no faith in me,” she says.
I glance down at the dish in her hands, then back up to her eyes. “I mean…”
She grabs one of the rolls off the dish and chucks it at my head. “Ow,” I say when the hardened and burnt roll hits my head. “You wanted me to eat that?”
“You’re a jerk,” she tells me, through her laughter.
“A jerk who saved dinner. Be nice, Sugar, or I won’t share my pizza with you.”
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews