MAKE ME BURN is the first book in Marie Harte’s “Turn Up the Heat” contemporary romance series. This is a perfect book for romance fans who enjoy the “enemies-to-lovers” trope. Reporter Avery Dearborn and Seattle firefighter Brad Battle have a rocky history. When Avery did a piece a few years ago featuring Brad and his military experience, she unwittingly angered Brad. Even though her piece was nothing if not complimentary, it was a subject that was a sore spot for Brad. Now, one pet fundraiser throws them together again. Fireworks follow.

Normally the enemies-to-lovers trope is not a favorite of mine, but I trust this author to tell a good story, have multifaceted characters, and bring the sexy. I was not disappointed. Because of the initial animosity between the two main characters, I’m glad that MAKE ME BURN is told from alternating perspectives to give the reader more insight into their motivations. Thankfully things don’t get super nasty between Brad and Avery and the hard feelings don’t last too long. I hate when a hero and heroine trade insults that take things to a level that is too toxic. Their friends help them see each other from a new perspective and they get to know each other better. Brad learns that, rather than a ruthless reporter only out for a good story, Avery has a soft center, with an appreciation for whimsey, and a difficult relationship with her father. Avery learns that Brad cares about other people almost to a fault, with a little bit of survivor’s guilt – especially when it comes to his friend that committed suicide. When Avery and Brad start to work together, their teasing takes a turn from being snippy to flirtatious. Several outbreaks of passion take this hero and heroine by surprise before they stop trying to fight it. Even though they grow to like each other before getting hot and heavy, the physical side of their relationship happens before their heads catch up to what they’re feeling emotionally – especially with Brad. The chemistry and relationship evolve very organically sexy scenes are very intense and well-written.

MAKE ME BURN is emotionally gripping, with great storytelling, and plenty of firefighter hotties. Marie Harte has a gift for creating a fun group of guy friendships in which the men are traditionally tough, hot, and alpha, but a little goofy and always have a heart of gold. I loved the secondary romance between Brad’s brother and Avery’s friend. The firefighters in this “Turn Up the Heat” series seem like no exception. As always, I eagerly await Marie Harte’s next book.

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