When a daredevil football stud tries to get into your yoga pants, you know class is about to get interesting. The New York Times bestselling author of Down & Dirty returns with Hot & Heavy. Sage: Although I come from a long line of free-spirited yoga teachers, sometimes I wish my life could be just a little more normal. More ordinary. More boring. Easier said than done, especially since … More boring. Easier said than done, especially since it’s on me to keep my family’s studio up and running every time my mother wanders off to find herself. But that’s when my best friend sends me a sexy new student: Shawn Wilson, a slick wide receiver with a death wish and a chip on his broad, muscular, irresistible . . . wait, what were we talking about again?
Shawn: They say I’m an adrenaline junkie. The truth is, I only really feel alive when I’m risking my life: Snowboarding, parachuting, BASE jumping . . . the kind of fun team management considers breach of contract. When my coach orders me to take yoga to “center myself,” I’m pissed—until I get an eyeful of delectable, flexible Sage Kaufmann. Unfortunately, she’s determined to keep things between us strictly business. But if Sage can get me to enjoy downward dog, maybe I can convince her that scorching hot sex could be the perfect shot of adrenaline.
Praise for Hot & Heavy
“Hot & Heavy is a fast-paced, can’t-put-it-down-and-don’t-want-to kind of book. It literally starts with a bang and never loses its momentum. I cannot wait to see what else is in store for the Lightning series.”—Hines and Bigham’s Literary Tryst (five stars)
“Hot & Heavy is a smoldering opposites-attract romance. Tracy Wolff created a quick-paced sports romance with banter, heat, family, and just enough conflict.”—Harlequin Junkie
“A heat wave in book form.”—Fresh Fiction
Look for all of Tracy Wolff’s seductive reads:
The Ethan Frost series: RUINED | ADDICTED | EXPOSED | FLAWED
The Sebastian Caine series: PLAY ME WILD | PLAY ME HOT | PLAY ME HARD | PLAY ME REAL | PLAY ME RIGHT | PLAY ME: THE COMPLETE STORY
The Hotwired series: ACCELERATE
The Lightning series: DOWN & DIRTY | HOT & HEAVY | ROUGH & READY
The His Royal Hotness series: ROYAL PAIN | ROYAL TREATMENT
And her standalone novels: LOVEGAME | FULL EXPOSURE | TIE ME DOWN
This ebook includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
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“Is it wrong that I want to lick him?
Hot & Heavy is a standalone, though each book focuses on a different player on the Lightning football team. The first book in the series, Down & Dirty features Hunter & Emerson which happen to be the best friends of Shawn & Sage which are the H/h in this story. So, you can expect to spend some time with some sexy players and some fun friends in every book. What’s not to love about that?
One of the things that I love about this story is the broken characters. They are both running from demons and their pain is reflected in their lifestyles. They seem to be polar opposites, him being a daredevil in the spotlight and her being an OCD buttoned-up control freak. But when they accidentally run into each other there’s no denying their #InstaLust for each other. Personally, I think that even if she hadn’t broken her #TwoDrinkRule she would still have noticed him. “—Let’s be honest—I’d have to be dead not to notice this guy. Notice him, hell, just knowing he’s in the room is suddenly taking up all the oxygen.”
Shawn is very likable. He’s not rude, cocky and arrogant like many of the celebrity athletes I’ve read before, but he’s also used to women flocking to him. He’s not ever had to make the first move, he just shows up and they come to him. But when he sees her for the first time she makes eye contact, but she doesn’t approach him. They eye-fuck each other, but she doesn’t take it any further. It’s driving him crazy.
Sage is not looking for trouble, but she finds it. “—the moment our gazes lock, I forget about normal. Forget about usual. And instead try to keep my panties from dropping straight to the floor.” She’d never had that kind of reaction to a man before and doesn’t quite know what to do with it. He doesn’t approach her, but she feels the heat in his stare. And let me tell you, I felt the heat too! My Kindle was almost too hot to hold while reading this story, but you couldn’t have pried it out of my hands if you tried.
Yup, I’m addicted to reading Tracy Wolff romance. I happened upon the first book by accident, then I devoured her backlist, and now I get excited with anticipation with the announcement of each new title. She never disappoints. The line forms here…
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review.
Sage is at a bachelorette party and would rather be anywhere else until she sees the most beautiful man she has ever seen sitting at the bar. When they make eye contact, Sage thinks that she is out of his league and tries to stop looking in his direction. But it is hard to do. When he sends over a round of drinks for the group, Sage thinks that he is making fun of her and it really makes her sad and she runs for the bathroom but before she reaches the bathroom, a strong hand grabs her. It turns out to be the sexy guy from the bar.
Shawn is the football player that most every woman knows who he is, except for Sage. She has no idea who he is. While Shawn thinks that he has given her all the signs for her to make the next move, the sexy girl at the bar just isn’t taken the hints. When she runs towards the bathroom after he sends a round of drinks, he has to find out what is wrong. They get hot and heavy in the alcove in the hall and when it is all over, Shawn wants her number so he can take her out to dinner and she refuses.
While Shawn is an adrenaline junkie, Sage is just the opposite. She doesn’t think anyone should risk their lives just for the rush. But if she stops and thinks about it, her feelings are because of the way she was raised. And Shawn is chasing his demons from his past. When Shawn does something that scares Sage, will she be able to forgive him or will she just walk away?
Can Shawn and Sage get past the fear and demons they both are running from? Will they be able to make a relationship work? Will the future be bright for them both? Can they both share their past with the other so that they will understand why they do and act the way they do?
I love this series and I think Shawn & Sage are my favorite couple so far. I can’t wait to see who will be in book 3. If you are looking for a new author or haven’t read Tracy Wolff yet, start on this series or any series for that matter. I love all her work and look forward to reading more from her.
**Wicked Reads Review Team**
This is my first Wolff book, but it won’t be my last. I love a female lead who has unashamed, joyfully ferocious sex without any backing off/demurring/simpering–and this book has her. In the end, the male lead grows up–both a relief and a delight! Off to the next book in the series.
What an adventure! These two have passion! It ignites with a simple touch or a look. Holy hotness! But they also seem to be the other half of their soul. She’s the steady to his reckless. He’s the adventure to her stability. Together they find happiness and support and love.
Hot & Heavy lives up it’s title with the characters heating up the pages and the bedroom. Sage and Shawn are opposites in every way. Sage is all about responsibility and not taking any risks in her life because her mother moved them around a lot. She never had stability in her life, so she takes great measures to ensure her life is full of rules and no risks. Shawn has his demons which makes him take risks with his life and career. He plays football player, but when he is not playing he is an adrenaline junkie set on taking risks. When the two of them meet sparks fly and they embark on one-night of passion. When their night gets interrupted Sage runs like she does when she gets out of her comfort zone. They meet again when Shawn comes to her yoga studio for rehab on his shoulder and Shawn makes it his mission to get her to drop her walls and give him a chance.
I love the story and it’s a quick read filled with intensity, passion and fighting the battles within to find true happiness. Both characters are lost souls doing anything to not confront their past but when they meet how can they fight what they truly need. You will love reading about Sage and Shawn just from their first interaction and hoping for them to find their way. Their chemistry is intense, and they can turn any moment they share into a great buildup of passion. Can Shawn get Sage to take a risk with her heart to give them a real chance or will her rules get in the way? To find out you must read “Hot & Heavy” which will leave you wanting more of the two of them once you do.
Shawn and Sage – a red hot start! It was nice watching these two try to keep it professional ;o). It was a simple, but well fleshed out plot that moved along at a good pace. Lot of fun, lots of laugh, lots of drama, and some steamy sex. They make an interesting couple, and strangely suited for one another. Most important, there’s a HEA!
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Mary Jo –
I enjoyed this book. One yoga teacher, who knows nothing about sports, hooks up a star football player and then leaves him without a backward glance.
Sage doesn’t take chances. She doesn’t hook up with random guys. And she most certainly doesn’t get it on with random guys in the back of club. When she does all three in one night, is it any wonder that she practically runs from the bar and back to her safe little world?
Shawn loves taking chances. The adrenaline rush takes him to places that he can’t find normally. And at the height of it, he feels closer to the mom and sister he lost when he was a child. When he takes a chance and follows the woman he’s been eyeing in the bar all evening to the back, he can’t believe how right it feels to be with her. When she leaves him without a backward glance? He’s not sure how he feels about that.
Sage’s encounter with Shawn is quickly forgotten when she realizes her flighty mother has once again left her holding the bag. Everything she’s done since she turned eighteen is with the goal of being safe and secure. She had enough of living like a gypsy when she was growing up and she never wants to be homeless or hungry again.
Shawn comes back into her life at the right time – she desperately needs help and he needs someone to help with his back problem. Low-key help. Reluctant to spend more time with him, she names an outrageous price and is stunned when he agrees to pay it for her to help him.
The relationship quickly turns from all business to pure pleasure. Sage can’t believe she’s dating a professional athlete, one that could easily date anyone he wants. Shawn thinks that Sage hung the moon.
A lack of communication between Sage and Shawn derails their fledgling relationship. Shawn has to learn to take others’ feelings into consideration and learn to talk about the demons that haunt him. Sage’s childhood issues play a huge part in her reluctance to enter into a relationship and to trust people.
I wish that the author would have explored Sage’s relationship with her mother more. I really think that there is a lot going on that would have helped the reader really understand Sage and her trust issues.
Mary –
Sage is at a bachelorette party and would rather be anywhere else, until she sees the most beautiful man she has ever seen sitting at the bar. When they make eye contact, Sage thinks that she is out of his league and tries to stop looking in his direction. But it is hard to do. When he sends over a round of drinks for the group, Sage thinks that he is making fun of her and it really makes her sad and she runs for the bathroom but before she reaches the bathroom, a strong hand grabs her. It turns out to be the sexy guy from the bar.
Shawn is the football player that most every woman knows who he is, except for Sage. She has no idea who he is. While Shawn thinks that he has given her all the signs for her to make the next move, the sexy girl at the bar just isn’t taking the hints. When she runs towards the bathroom after he sends a round of drinks, he has to find out what is wrong. They get hot and heavy in the alcove in the hall and when it is all over, Shawn wants her number so he can take her out to dinner and she refuses.
While Shawn is an adrenaline junkie, Sage is just the opposite. She doesn’t think anyone should risk their lives just for the rush. But if she stops and thinks about it, her feelings are because of the way she was raised. And Shawn is chasing his demons from his past. When Shawn does something that scares Sage, will she be able to forgive him, or will she just walk away?
Can Shawn and Sage get past the fear and demons they both are running from? Will they be able to make a relationship work? Will the future be bright for them both? Can they both share their past with the other so that they will understand why they do and act the way they do?
I love this series and I think Shawn and Sage are my favorite couple so far. I can’t wait to see who will be in book three. If you are looking for a new author or haven’t read Tracy Wolff yet, start on this series, or any series for that matter. I love all her work and look forward to reading more from her.
Lee’Anne –
I quite enjoyed this standalone read. Shawn and Sage are both likeable characters who are fighting off demons from their past while trying to live their day-to-day lives. Sage, after being dragged to a bar by friends, breaks her rule of only have two drinks and winds up having a quickie with Shawn outside the bathrooms at the bar. Knowing it can’t go anywhere, when Shawn asks for her number, Sage denies him and splits. Then when Shawn needs a yoga instructor to help with his football injury, his friends recommend Sage and the two wind up hot and heavy.
I loved the beginning of this book and the way that Shawn is down to earth instead of cocky like most athletes you read about. The ending felt rushed and I’d have liked more from their story, but hopefully we’ll see Shawn and Sage appearing in future Lightning books!
Ruthie –
This is the second in the series, and does include elements from the first book, but would be a strong standalone too.
Both Sage and Shawn have been deeply affected by their pasts, and the chemistry between them threatens all the coping mechanisms that they have developed over the years. Sage is thinking about taking a risk, Shawn may have found a solution to his need to take them. This opposing reaction in the face of lust and impending love is an entertaining one to observe, and ties in well when the worlds that they inhabit collide.
I enjoy a good sports romance, and the therapy is often a part of the story, but rarely yoga, so it was fun to learn a little about the possible moves and help it could offer – and was amusing when Shawn realised that Sage really didn’t know anything about him or his fame.
This is a fun new addition to the series; thank you, Tracy Wolff.
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Hot & Heavy (Lightning #2) by Tracy Wolff to read and review.
I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest
The characters + storytelling were very captivating
Sage is looking for stability.
Shawn is looking for the next thrill.
Can they learn to compromise ?
The storytelling + the character’s build were awesome!
It has all the ingredients that you need for a great book!
I really, really enjoyed this one!!! What do you get when you combine a football linebacker who is an adrenaline junkie and breaks all the rules of his contract by his risky behavior and an accountant/yoga instructor who has issues with rule breakers and unsafe behavior? So much chemistry it explodes off the kindle it nearly smoked with how fast the pages turned as I read this one. Shawn sees Sage across the bar and is immediately intrigued and who knew their tryst at the end of the hallway which was totally out of character for Sage would then turn into something more when Shawn is sent to her yoga studio for treatment. This one is definitely one you have to read!
Wow, what a start to this book! I found it humorous that our heroine, Sage, broke out of her “conservative” persona during a bachelorette party, but in the back hallway where none of the other party-goers could see her! Our Hero, Shawn, spots Sage in the bar where the party is being held. His ego takes a bruising when she doesn’t fawn all over him, the way most women do. Surprisingly, he and his fellow teammate, Clay, are not approached by either football fans who must recognize them, or other women, so Shawn is able to continue making eyes at Sage.
After their hallway fling, Shawn has no way of tracking down Sage since she refused to give him her number. By happenstance, he ends up at her yoga studio for some help with his nagging shoulder injury. She initially runs from him, but he convinces her to take him on as a client. Both feel the electricity between them…Sage wants to deny it, and Shawn wants to explore it.
This was a quick, fun read, but I wish it could have been a little longer in time duration. I would be curious to see how Sage would react living in Shawn’s very public life.
Well this just gives me all the feels. After reading the first book, I was hoping to read Tanner’s story next. But I’m very happy that Sage’s story was first. This was so good!!!!
Sage is Emerson’s BFF. She runs her Mother’s yoga studio and is an accountant for a few other small companies as well. She’s lived her life by the books, so to speak. But one night while out with co-workers, she ditches the rules and allows herself one night of passion. One night, that apparently, turns out to be more than just one night…
Shawn is the star receiver for the pro football team in San Diego. After winning the Super Bowl, he took a vacation that’s put him in a tough spot. Why? Because he injured himself doing something against his contract. And now he needs to make sure he’s ready when training camp starts in a few weeks. Good thing Emerson suggested her friends yoga studio. Because when he shows up, his one night stand is standing right in front of him.
This book lives up to its name, Hot & Heavy indeed. From the very beginning, the chemistry between these two is scorching hot. But it’s the back story for each character that pulls you in. And when self preservation kicks in for both Sage and Shawn, the end game is nothing short of fireworks!
Now, can I get Tanner’s story???? Pleeeeeeeeeeeeease?
I received these ARC from the publisher via Net Gallery. I really enjoyed reading these story about Shawn and Sage. These is the second story in the Lighting Series. I look forward to reading more books by Tracy Wolff.
Hot & Heavy is an insta-lust situation on crack. She isn’t that kind of girl. Sage is far from the freak flag flying, hornball she appeared to be. it’s him! He does this to her in a way that terrifies her. He doesn’t know anything about her but…he wants to know it all! It definitely isn’t his usual response but ….her. She makes Shawn want things he has never wanted before.
Hot & Heavy has chemistry, enough concerns to add drama, and a sexual content that will either make you jealous or needy.
Enjoy!
*Received an ARC of Hot & Heavy from the publisher via Netgalley. This is my honest review, no compensation was given.*
Hot & Heavy is the second book in the Lightning Series, although I didn’t read the first book, Down & Dirty, I did really enjoyed this book, which I feel can be read as a standalone. But now I will definitely go back and read the first book.
The title of this book is pure perfection, Hot & Heavy is a smokin hot read. This is Sage and Shawn’s story, and ohh my what an explosive one it is. These two are both broken souls. They meet in a bar and have a frenzied sexual encounter….In the back of the bar, in an alcove, against the wall. After this encounter Sage, always the good girl, that doesn’t do even one week stands not alone a one night stand, literally runs out of the bar, leaving a very stunned Shawn. Shawn who is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL can’t believe that this girl just ran out on him. Girls just don’t do that, they chase him.
As chance would have it, or actually more like mutual friends would have it, these two are thrown together again. These two characters have very different personalities, Sage is spunky, but also a bit of a fuddy-duddy who likes to have everything in her life under control and leave nothing to chance. Shawn is a risk taker and an adrenaline junkie always looking for his next high. I did enjoy the ups and downs of their courtship, and did love the way Shawn had to do some serious chasing, but it did seemed a little rushed at times. I guess I just wanted more. I loved the intense chemistry between Sage and Shawn, and Ms Wolff has definitely perfected the wickedly naughty scenes. This is a very hot read and I totally recommend it.
Although this is the second in a series, I hadn’t read the first before reading this and I didn’t feel as though I had missed out on anything too important. However, I am planning on going back and reading the first book when I get a chance.
Ah, Sage and Shawn. I don’t know if I can think of a book that I’ve read recently where both main characters came into the relationship with so much baggage. While it’s common for character’s history/background to cause issues with their relationships in books, I felt that poor Sage really got dealt a crappy hand when it came to parents. Ultimately, she worked it out and moved past her issues, but honestly, I kind of wish that she had “had it out” more with her mother in the end. That woman needs a slap upside the head. And poor Shawn – although he seemed to recognize where his urge for adrenaline-junky activities came from, he didn’t seem inclined to do anything about it until push came to shove. He was a bit of an idiot about it all, but ultimately got his head on straight. Since both characters seemed totally aware of their “issues” I did feel like shaking them and saying “JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER!” (but I guess that wouldn’t make for a very interesting story…).
My only other issue was that I felt like they moved from lust to love a little unrealistically. Listen, I “knew” pretty quickly when I met my husband, and my parents eloped after knowing each other for three months and have been married for 54 years so I obviously don’t have an issue with moving quickly. I just felt like there wasn’t quite the basis for some of their quick progression. But it wasn’t really a deal breaker.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
Sage and Shawn meet across a crowded bar and when Sage doesn’t respond in the manner Shawn is accustomed to, he follows her to a dark hallway. After a hot and steamy session he’s once more struck dumb when she refuses to share numbers with him and then takes off like the bats of hell are after her.
Sage’s past left her needing to protect herself against any kind of instability and Shawn’s apparent need for an adrenaline rush is the type of thing she will not tolerate. But the chemistry between these two will not stay dormant and they end up in a flaming hot relationship that soon blossoms into more.
I loved how Shawn was determined to be with Sage. His background left him with a hole that needed filling and my heart hurt for him. Sage was strong and independent but so weary of having to clean up all the messes her mother left behind in her wake. I wanted her to have a Shawn in her life that she could lean on to help carry the load. Interestingly enough, the story didn’t quite go in that direction and I was left wondering if anything regarding her mother was ever going to change. However, the relationship between her and Shawn was still heartwarming and engaging.
This is a very fast paced read with some wonderful characters that I would love to read more about. The steam between the hero and heroine was so intense at moments that I’m sure I drooled a bit, if not a lot. There isn’t a lot of drama here but there were issues that each character had to work out both individually and as a couple. I enjoyed this story from the beginning to the end even though I wish there had been more in the middle.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and Random House – Loveswept. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sage is about as different from Shawn as you can get. She is a button down account/yoga therapist. He is a free wheeling, no holds bar football player. Yet from the moment they set eyes on each other, they can’t seem to look away. Yet that is exactly what Sage does. She walks away. Now Shawn is used to women throwing themselves at him. He doesn’t know how to react. Trust fate to intervene. But sometimes fate can be unforgiving. It’s going to take a village to help them to get their HEA.
This is the second book in Wolff’s Lightning series and can be read as a standalone. This story is all about Sage and Shawn. Shawn was my favorite of the two. He is a sexy dare devil adrenaline junkie. He is not a happy camper when his coach insists he takes yoga to help center him and calm him down. Yoga is definitely not his type of activity, but he has no choice. Sage is a yoga instructor who is high strong with insecurities a mile long. The two should have nothing in common and should not be the least attracted to each other, but sparks definitely fly. A one night stand (or more accurately some crazy intense shenanigans against a bar wall) isn’t enough to convince Sage, but Shawn can definitely see the appeal. Sage may even be able to convince him that yoga is a good idea. How hard can convincing her be? I enjoyed this story even more than book one. Shawn charmed me immediately and though it took me a bit longer to warm up to Sage worked her way into my heart as well.
Tracy Wolff has brought another amazing story to life. Sage and Shawn are brilliant together. I felt so bad for Sage. Her childhood seemed always in chaos. A flighty mother who’s goal in life was to live for the next adventure or scheme.
Shawn grew up trying to out run his own demons. Not really thinking about others. When his next adrenaline rush stunt gets him hurt.
It was a good book. I did tear up for them along the way. Just wished there was little more an ending.
When Sage Kaufmann attends a bachelorette party with a group of friends at a bar she never expects that it is going to lead to the hottest hook-up of her life… all she planned to do that night was have her two cocktails and then go home, but she wound up doing a whole lot more than that!! When her eyes connected with a tall, gorgeous man across the bar she was immediately drawn to him, but quickly decided he was to hot to take an interest in a girl like her… but she was so, so, wrong!
Shawn Wilson is a man that likes to walk on the wild side, if it’s risky and dangerous sign him up, he loves to push the limits, and not really dwell on the consequences. Which is why he is currently nursing a sore shoulder; he just had to push the limits on his vacation, and now his coach is telling him he might need to look into yoga to get his shoulder ready for training camp. He of course doubts the power of yoga, that is until his eyes land on the woman who will be teaching it to him, Sage is beyond gorgeous, and he wants to explore more than just some poses on the yoga mat with her. But she isn’t looking for a man, especially one who likes to live dangerously!
Hot and Heavy is sexy tale of taking risks, overcoming demons, and finding the courage to open your heart to love. The moment I met these two I knew they were a great pairing, they had amazing off the charts chemistry, but both of them also had demons that were preventing them from living a full life, so I knew their opposite personalities would compliment one another nicely, and also help the other see what they were missing living too cautiously. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, it was heartfelt, steamy, humorous, and good for the soul… I highly recommend you check it out, it’s sure to leave your heart happy and your toes curled!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.