Enjoyed the general story- this book has potential. While there are obviously stories about escorts finding love (hello Pretty Woman), I was excited for this modern take. However, I think that this book has a lot of editing in its future. There were parts, especially in the beginning that were choppy and somewhat unreadable. There is no reason to add “send” to text messages — it was unnecessary and vv distracting. And also as a whole, it’s needs to be tightened up. I am not sure it’s necessary to drag their story into six books, although I could very easily see a series following everyone in their friend group (including Matt!!) as they find their own love.

Overall- it has a ton of potential, and I think with editing could be great. Also- it’s weird how much the author references the cover model, if the reader is to believe he’s the main character, any thank you to the actual model should be brief and at the end of the book.

I was provided a copy of this novel by the publisher for an honest review.

From the start the description had me curious and wanting to submerge into the worlds of Jake and Rakell. Their banter and chemistry is so steam throughout the book. The author did a great job of exposing a taboo lifestyle/living to make you want to root for this couple.

I really cannot wait for the next book in the series!

i liked this book a lot. I found jake charming and it was fun to get past all of the layers in Rakell one by one. the layers of intimacy covered in layers of lies from both sides quickly coming together then unraveling over and over again kept me on my toes. The way Jake was entirely too persistent for his own good and Rakell would do almost anything to keep her head in the game i think is going to play out interestingly in the rest of the series. i can't wait for the next book so i can continue to dive down the rabbit hole that the author has painted so well.

This book felt unfinished and unedited. I appreciated the secondary characters, the discussion of race, and the steamy scenes. However, other parts of the book did not hold together.

I could not root for the romance. Jake was trying to change his negative reputation as a player. Rakell gave him lots of mixed signals. And her backstory didn't explain all of her standoffish and inconsistent behavior. Both main characters had secrets, lies and lots of miscommunication.

Strangely, the book began with a prologue that was actually a letter to readers celebrating the cover model. That needs editing and to be moved to the back with acknowledgements.

There was a really sweet scene with Jake's niece and nephew. But the next chapter jumped time as if the scene had never happened. The book was trying to do a lot bringing these kinds of scenes that gave more depth to the characters in, But they didn't lead to a consistent narrative. Additionally, there was a thrown in story about a suicide attempt that was not adequately addressed, and some questionable representation for body image and bisexuality.

Finally, this is not a stand alone. It is too long already and ends with a cliffhanger and the expectation that their story will continue in a later book.

CE: suicide attempt, homophobia

1.5 rounded up

The whole time they hide their professions from each other and your girl here was screaming at them to be honest! Like please, find happiness you both deserve it. What started as a slow burn definitely turned up by a few hundred degrees. I had to fan myself a few times to take a small break. Both characters were very easy to fall in love with and made me look forward to their next interaction to see how they would fight their attraction towards each other plus bonus banter. Also, the author has some amazing short videos showcasing Austin. Let me tell you I binged them all and it was so surreal seeing fictional characters coming to life. I can't wait for the next one.

The characters in this book were very hard to relate to and their feelings were often confusing to follow. Spicy scenes were well written and the banter was enjoyable. I personally enjoyed the friendships in the book than the relationship between the lead characters.

Austin Heat is definitely a sexy read. Somehow, however, I never really got into caring about the characters…an escort wanting to get out of the business and an NFL player trying to shed his bad boy image. This is the first of a series, and there promises to be more with the same characters.

Trying to get away from his playboy image we follow a very proud Texan that will one minute pull at your heartstrings and then the next have you pulling at your hair. Superstar NFL player Jake Skyler is training in his off-season when he meets a beautiful Aussie Rakell. I definitely appreciate the dual pov because we can see both fighting their inner battles and obvious attraction to each other. Jake exudes a charming southern boy on the outside but with his family and friends, he is very caring and passionate about those he holds dear. Rakell is trying to come to terms with who she is. After years in a profession where she has to pretend to be someone or something else she settles in Austin for the year hoping to lay low and maybe snag a normal cutie. She is used to being lavished with expensive jewels and whisked away on exotic vacations. She is slowly falling for the normal Jake that takes her to picnics in the park or mini-golfing. The whole time they hide their professions from each other and your girl here was screaming at them to be honest! Like please, find happiness you both deserve it. What started as a slow burn definitely turned up by a few hundred degrees. I had to fan myself a few times to take a small break. Both characters were very easy to fall in love with and made me look forward to their next interaction to see how they would fight their attraction towards each other plus bonus banter. Also, the author has some amazing short videos showcasing Austin. Let me tell you I binged them all and it was so surreal seeing fictional characters coming to life. I can't wait for the next one.