I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Hot in Hellcat Canyon by Julie Anne LongSeries: Hellcat Canyon #1
Published by Avon on May 31st 2016
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Small Town
Pages: 384
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
ISBN: 0062397621
A broken truck, a broken career, and a breakup heard around the world land superstar John Tennessee McCord in Hellcat Canyon. Legend has it that hearts come in two colors there: gold or black. And that you can find whatever you’re looking for, whether it’s love . . . or trouble. JT may have found both in waitress Britt Langley.
His looks might cause whiplash and weak knees, but Britt sees past JT’s rough edge and sexy drawl to a person a lot like her: in need of the kind of comfort best given hot and quick, with clothes off and the lights out.
Her wit is sharp but her eyes and heart—not to mention the rest of her—are soft, and JT is falling hard. But Britt has a secret as dark as the hills, and JT’s past is poised to invade their present. It’s up to the people of Hellcat Canyon to help make sure their future includes a happily ever after.
“Julie Anne Long’s writing glows with emotional intensity and strong, passionate characterization.” JAYNE ANN KRENTZ
Hot In Hellcat Canyon is a story I have been looking forward to and I admit my expectations were very high—maybe too high. It’s always an interesting experience when an author changes genres. In the past, I have adored this author’s historical’s so I was curious to see how she would handle contemporary. My biggest issue with this book was that the first half of the book was boring and I had a hard time paying attention to the story. I kept reading because it’s an ARC copy, and I felt obligated to at least finish it. I am relieved to say that about halfway I started to become more interested in the story. It does start out pretty slow. It starts off with our hero who is a famous actor, has come to stay in Hellcat Canyon for a few weeks. Our heroine is a waitress and works on the side as a real estate realtor. These two have some chemistry, but Britt has a painful past when it comes to men. I understand in a way why she mistrusted J.T. but I did feel that she should have trusted him more. J.T. is a hoot and a fabulous hero. He is genuine and sincere and even though a bit of a playboy having been an actor and a famous one at that, once he commits to someone he is loyal. Of course, he makes mistakes, but he owns up to them but he also sets boundaries and doesn’t apologize for things he never acted upon. I did like that about him, he forces Britt to face up to her own mistakes too.
I’m not saying you’re helpless Britt. I don’t think that for a minute. It’s just that no one can completely take care of themselves. Not even me, and I have a freaking black belt in karate. It’s not a man versus woman thing. It’s a ‘let somebody care about you thing’. And sometimes that takes more guts and sense than taking on the whole damn world by yourself
But man can he be romantic and sweet when he has a mind too!! The second half of the story really worked for me and I loved the way it turns out in the end—definitely a tear or two was shed in the reading. Although I wish the first half was just as good—not a bad beginning for this series and I am looking forward to see what Julie Anne Long has in store for us with this series. Overall a fun and charming story that is poignant and emotionally riveting!!
I thought to same thing. It did pick up in the middle and then I couldn’t put it down but the beginning gave me some issues. I’m hoping the next book is smoother now that she’s moving with the flow better. Fingers crossed.
oh yay…I am so glad you a similar experience. I know many have loved this one, but I am hoping the next book will be way better and this one was just working out some kinks of changing genres. But I am saddened we won’t be getting more HR from her at least for a while.
I haven’t tried her books, but they look cute 😀
Oh you should. She is simply wonderful to read!!
That is hard when it doesn’t grab you. I am glad it picked up. Maybe the next book will be smoother.
oh it is, its probably the one thing I am pickiest about when reading. But I am hoping its because of the transition from genres and hope the next book will be smoother. *crossing fingers*
♥ this cover! So happy you liked this one and that the ending was so lovely! Great review!
Such a cute and summery cover! I like genre switching along with authors, it’s always interesting to see how they handle a different genre and whether you’ll enjoy that as well as the other genre.
I am sorry to hear the first half was a bit slow, that’s good that the second half was better. And J.T. sounds like a great character with how he’s loyal and owns up to his mistakes. I hope the next book is even better and runs smoothly from the start.
I was very curious about this one because it’s by Julie Anne Long, but I think I’m going to skip this one. If the first couple of chapters don’t grab my attention, then I’m very quick to DNF, and I fear that with its boring first half, I’ll have that issue. If book 2 is better, I might give that a shot.
Cute cover! That’s really too bad it held on to boring for so dang long. I probably would have bailed despite the hero sounding amazing. Hopefully book two will start out stronger for ya!
Awwwww, boring first half? Noooo. I’m sad to see that this one was kind of meh! I’ve read and really liked some of JAL’s HR novels, but I’ve not read any of her contemporary. I got this one from Avon recently and want to read it but… :/ I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy this one more!
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!