They can’t be together. They won’t stay apart.Marcus “Diesel” O’Shaughnessy is a brash, oversized CrossFit enthusiast with a naked lady tattooed on his rippling forearm. Jamie Prince is a private school teacher with an extremely low tolerance for bull. The two men have zero in common. Well, except for three things. They’re both moonlighting as lifeguards for the summer. No matter how hard they … matter how hard they try, they cannot stay away from each other.
And both of them have secrets they’re determined to keep.
But what happens in the shadows of the Long Beach boardwalk can only remain hidden for so long, before the July sunshine reveals the hot, unrelenting connection they never expected, forcing Marcus and Jamie to decide if they’re simply caught up in a temporary heat stroke or if they’ve found something worth rescuing…
more
Great read if…you enjoy MM romance, quick read, beach themes, and an HEA.
Side Note: This was my first Tessa Bailey book and I would like to state IT WILL NOT BE MY LAST. This book had EVERYTHING. Just…EVERYTHING. Hot men. Hot sex. Great humor. I blew off working to read this book and spend the day wrapped up in this world. It was incredible and as soon as it was over I found myself wanting to start reading the book all over again. That’s a rare feeling and one I absolutely love. The novel itself was well paced and well written. Most definitely a recommend for anyone who enjoy M/M romances.
Its been quite a minute since I’ve read a M/M romance, and boy do i read my first Tessa Bailey book with one HELL of a hot couple! Jamie Prince doesn’t have to be a lifeguard during the summer, but going home to support the brothers that have always been their for him is something he’ll never stop doing. It hasn’t always been easy living a life of being out, but Jamie is well versed in dealing with the idiots and bigots that come his way. What he struggles to handle is the big, loud-mouthed, adonis that is Marcus O’Shaughnessy obsessing over him. Kicker: he’s straight, or so he thinks. And Jamie’s been through heartbreak before and isn’t ready to walk another man through the trials and tribulations of discovering his sexuality.
Marcus aka Diesel loves a lot of things, working out, creating juice blends, being with his family and friends; but most of all he loves being around Jamie Prince. It may have taken him quite awhile to admit it, but his supposed man-crush is actually a crush-crush. Smart, funny, and taking no shit, Jamie is an endless desire for Marcus and he thinks there’s more between them than the push and pull they have at work. A few nights after they’ve taken things further than Marcus ever dreamed and Marcus is a GONER for Jamie. Now he just has to convince Jamie to stay while he sorts himself out (literally LOL).
This may be a quick beach read (see what I did there) but there’s no lack of emotion. Marcus and Jamie both have to overcome their own insecurities and fears in order to be together. Jamie’s fear over homophobia holds him back from a relationship with Marcus. Marcus, just discovering his own sexuality, has to deal with all of those emotions wrapped in with how he specifically feels about Jamie. And when they come together (another pun LOL) oh boy….get some cold water readers because it is H-O-T HOT HOT. Add in a splash of drama from family and some mysterious pasts and hints at the future and Heat Stroke is a whirlwind romance all about finding your true-self amongst those that love you. Overcoming fear, doubt, hopelessness, and all odds, these two were meant to be a HEA!
I have to tell you about HEAT STROKE by Tessa Bailey.
It is so lovely. It’s fun and sweet and suuuuper steamy and just precious. It’s all the things.
It’s a standalone M/M read. It’s listed as the second in the Beach Kingdom series ~which is true~ although it reads just fine as a standalone. You just need to have it in your life.
If you’re looking for a well-written STEAMY summer read with m/m romance, THIS IS IT!
INCREDIBLE. I never really read M/M books. Just didn’t think I would be comfortable reading them. WOW was I wrong. Tessa Bailey is amazing. One of the most awesome and talented authors I have ever read. This book is a truly beautiful romance. Marcus and Jamie are incredible. One who is comfortable with his way of life and another who hasn’t yet “accepted” it. It is written in such a way that all you read is romance, love. patience, and understanding . These two are so HOT. Their chemistry is explosive. There aren’t enough stars for this one. Just another incredible story for an incredible and awesome author.
As usual, Tessa Bailey brings a story as heartfelt and swoony as it is deeply hot. Two characters I rooted for – and goddam I love Marcus so much I would probably die for him *swoooon*! Bonus points for the great side characters and beach location. Such a great read!
All the stars!
Oh my goodness this book! Marcus slayed me in almost every chapter. Whether it was his humor or his love for Jamie he was so swoon-worthy perfect. There was nothing bad about this book, it was all the goodness you need in a romance. This will definitely be added to my re-read list forever.
I really like Marcus and Jamie’s book. So sweet and hot. Gosh the altercation in the book made me had all the feels for Jamie and what he is went through almost enough that i could cry! I can’t wait for Andrew’s and Jiya’s next!
Beautiful!
I loved this book so much! The yearning, the longing, the heat. So many small moments of intense erotic pleasure all rolled up into one big ball of emotion. My heart beat faster, I couldn’t put this book down, the conflict, the resolution! It was all so beautifully written!
Oh my heavens! I did not expect this book, at all! After meeting Jamie and Marcus in Mouth to Mouth, I had the idea that their book was going to be a funny and light read, but boy was I in for a surprise. This book gave me all the FEELS! All of them. I didn’t think I’d be crying over this book, yet here I am.
I adore Marcus so much! He reminds me of Blake from Good Boy, who I completely adored as well. He’s so utterly endearing. lord I can barely handle it. I can hardly handle how this book made me feel. I loved it!
Very enjoyable story
Muscle Marcus and School teacher Jamie. Both long beach lifeguards for the summer months. Jamie is an out and proud gay man and well Marcus aka Diesel is dead bolted in the closet. There chemistry and banter was off the charts once the relationship started up. Jaime was so understanding with Marcus while he came to terms with his sexuality. Loved the cast of characters.
I dont usually read M/M books, but I fell in love with Marcus in Mouth to Mouth, and this story exceeded all expectations! I laughed so much and think I enjoyed this book better than the first one. Cant wait for Book 3!
Heat Stroke – the title of Marcus ‘Diesel’ O’Shaughnessy and Jamie Prince’s story in Tessa Bailey’s Beach Kingdom series has several meanings for its characters and readers. At its most basic level, it applies to the fact that both Marcus and Jamie are life guards for the summer in Long Beach, enduring the California heat as they protect and serve beach goers. And while the potential for heat stroke due to the temperature and sun rays is not a foregone conclusion, what is, is the fact that the steamy and emotional scenes between these two amazing men will have readers panting, perhaps even needing to fan themselves due to the overwhelming sensations that resonate from the pages as Marcus and Jamie’s connection becomes so much more than physical.
It’s beyond apparent just how opposite the lives and personalities are of Bailey’s two heroes, but, in this case, it works in their favor, allowing Marcus and Jamie to lighten and to enlighten each other’s lives, amping up the sexual tension between them and taking them on a journey that will push their limits, explore their true natures, and, hopefully, allow at least one of them a much needed connection that will give him the strength to live his life the way he wants to, regardless of who accepts him or not.
I’m an avid reader of MM romances, and I’m always looking for new authors in the genre, so the fact that I found one from a writer whose books I adore is a definite plus. And boy does Tessa Bailey craft one hell of a sexy, swoon worthy, and emotional story for two men who deserve everything their hearts desire and more. But in order to make that happen, in order to help them accept the overwhelming pull they feel towards one another…the endless need that resonates throughout their bodies to be together, despite the obstacles…despite the secrets…despite their personal misgivings, and especially…despite the amount of heat that might come their way, pressuring them to give up the one person who makes them feel exactly who they were always meant to be.
4.5 Poison Apples
As soon as I was finished with MOUTH TO MOUTH (the first book in the Beach Kingdom series) I knew I needed Jamie Prince’s story immediately. Reading a good Tessa Bailey novel is like eating a rich dessert: it’s delicious so you try to savor it, and it leaves you with a sugar high. HEAT STROKE made my cheeks hurt from grinning so much, I cried once or twice, and I fanned myself because WHEW, Ms. Bailey always brings the heat.
The story follows Jamie, an economics professor and out and proud gay man who works with his brothers as a lifeguard and bartender over the summers; and Marcus, a loud, slightly ridiculous, CrossFit loving man who is just figuring out sexuality and is confused about his growing feelings for Jamie.
MARCUS. My sweet, adorable, lovable, hunk of a hero. I adore him and his pure spirit. I actually had to put my kindle down a time or two and just say, “I love him.” I think I could write this whole review talking about my deep and abiding adoration for Marcus if I didn’t love Jamie tons, and tons as well. Ms. Bailey handled Marcus’ emerging sexuality and confusion with sensitivity and respect.
I think my favorite part about this book was how much Marcus and Jamie liked and appreciated each other. Marcus was confused, but never about how wonderful he thought Jamie was. Watching Jamie figure out how much Marcus meant to him was a gosh darn delight as well.
I know I mentioned the heat earlier, but woah, the HEAT. There is a reason it’s in the title. Each sexy scene wasn’t just hot though, it was emotional and special for both Marcus and Jamie. As a reader, I could feel their connection the whole time.
Overall, this is my favorite Tessa Bailey series so far. Both books have been bananas amazing and fun. I can’t wait for the third book! I’m already dying for it.
**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**
Tessa Bailey is a must read author of mine. I’ve read all her books, and I love everything about her writing. My favorite parts of her stories are, without question, her heroes. Heat Stroke has a double dose of that!! Two swoon worthy heroes, both with their own quirks and on fire when together.
Mouth to Mouth was a great introduction to the world of Beach Kingdom, and ever since reading that book I’ve been intrigued by Jamie Prince. Especially when he interacted with Marcus “Diesel” O’Shaughnessy. There was something between the two of them, and I couldn’t wait to see how Tessa would bring their relationship to life. I really like the way she writes m/m and although it’s something I don’t usually read, if Tessa writes it I will.
And she did not disappoint.
I expected hot sex, and a good story that would keep me entertained from start to finish, but what I wasn’t expecting was the soft underbelly of the characters that Tessa so beautifully wrote. Each man had their own demons, and she wrote these wonderfully three dimensional characters that made me cry and laugh with their antics. Especially Marcus.
Marcus was a strange conundrum. He was tough, but he was also soft, which is hard for a “tough” man to be. He had his struggles which made him so relatable, and watching him accept himself was a joy. I loved how he loved Jamie. And I loved how Jamie loved him back.
I can’t wait for Tessa to take us back to this world with her next book in this series.
5 stars.
I’m going to be honest and start with saying that M/M is not my genre of preference.
Wait. Put your pitchforks and torches down, let me explain. When I read romance, I envision myself as the heroines of the stories I read which helps connect with the characters. This why I don’t usually read M/M romance. Also, authors have different brands of M/M and I’m not entirely comfortable how they are portrayed.
Until, Tessa Bailey.
I don’t just like her brand of M/M, I love it. I get it and can definitely read more.
“I wish…I could stay. I wish so many things. But mostly I just wish for you.”
Heat Stroke is emotionally raw. It’s love and denial. Fear and hope. Self acceptance and understanding. But most of all.. it’s love. Love prevails ALL.
The relationship between Jamie and Marcus is endearingly complicated. Friends, lovers, and finally soulmates. Because reading a story like theirs lets you know that the heart isn’t complete unless it finds it’s beat.
Like I stated in the beginning, I’m not a m/m romance aficionado, but I HIGHLY recommend Heat Stroke. The Beach Kingdom series is becoming a serial favorite.
Tessa Bailey’s first published m/m and it was AMAZING!! OMG, I could not have loved this book any more. Curious, sweet, muscle-bound Marcus with smart, knows-better-than-to-fall-for-a-curious-guy Jamie. They were perfection together. So hot, so sweet, so romantic! I loved it!!
All the recommendations!! This one is a new FAVORITE!!
I can’t even describe how much I loved Heat Stroke. It became a favorite on page ONE.
We’ve met Marcus and Jamie on “Mouth to Mouth”, book #1 in the series, and I was INSTANTLY hooked. I needed to read their story!
Let me tell you something: I can’t stop smiling. I’ve read it two weeks ago and I still can’t stop thinking about it.
Heat stroke is one of my FAVORITE READS OF 2019.
Reasons why you need to read it: it’s a M/M romance, it’s super funny and incredibly adorable, they are both lifeguards for the summer, Marcus is a CrossFit enthusiast, Jamie is a private school teacher, there’s a LOT of sexual tension, and there is a cock cage.
BAM! I rest my case!
“ ’ , ’ . ’ . ’ .”
Say what you want about this genre…whether you enjoy it, hate it, are obsessed with it, could take it or leave it…this book right here NEEDED to be written. I needed it to be written and I’m so glad Tessa Bailey is the master behind these beautiful words. Marcus and Jamie are my absolute favorite couple of Tessa Bailey’s and my favorite MM couple to date from anyone…ever. The vulnerabilities behind Marcus’ tough guy routine made my heart skip a beat. The hesitancy behind Jamie’s urge to run in the opposite direction of Marcus, gave me hope. The yearning, the insane sexual and emotional chemistry, the longing, the hunger to be something more…well, that completely broke my heart. I was pretty much an emotional wreck throughout this entire story, but in the most beautiful way. I legit, had to put the book down and walk away for a couple of minutes because I was so scared of what was going to happen next…fear, trepidation, sadness, heartache…it was all there, even knowing that Ms. Bailey was going to give us a happily ever after we will never forget. I’ve fallen in love with every word, every page, ever chapter. Marcus and Jamie will forever own a piece of my heart. Thank you, Tessa Bailey, for bringing us so much hope at a time where we all could use some.
Amazon US → https://amzn.to/2Fkug4C
Amazon UK → https://amzn.to/2UKZHul
Amazon AU → https://amzn.to/2T6VLSZ
Amazon CA → https://amzn.to/2HpTMYe