Too Hot to Handle [Mass Market Paperback]

Robin Kaye (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Kaye's 2008 debut, Romeo Romeo, got such a warm reception that she's written it again, from the mistaken identities to the messy Brooklyn apartment. The only real surprise is the heroine: the repellent Annabelle Ronaldi, whose sister starred in the previous title. The morning after her sister's wedding, Annabelle awakens next to Dr. Mike Flynn, who bears an eerie resemblance to Annabelle's dead boyfriend, Chip. Mike, unlike Annabelle, makes a believable protagonist, and his interactions with patients provide some of the story's most heartwarming scenes. Kaye's intermittent attempts to create psychological depth, however, sit oddly with the dishy one-liners that dominate her prose. The story of a sensitive guy who cooks and cleans for an outspoken modern woman was cute and sparkly the first time around, but this year-old Champagne has lost its fizz. (May)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

Robin Kaye is a master at romance, and her second novel is even better than the first. (Heather Durow Armchair Interviews 20090416)

Robin Kaye has proved herself a master of romantic comedy. (Priscilla Night Owl Romance 20090420)

Robin Kaye strikes gold for a second time in this follow up instalment of her Domestic Gods series. (Martina Bexte Book Loons 20090421)

Too Hot To Handle is a sensational story that sizzles with sex appeal. I found the story to be light and easy to read. It was well written in a way that made the words flow and had me sailing through the story. I can't wait for Ms. Kaye's next book. (The Long and Short of It 20090423)

Robin Kaye strikes gold in this follow up to her Domestic Gods series... entertaining, funny and steaming hot. (Martina Bexte Book Loons 20090427)

If you like Janet Evanovich as I do, you will enjoy Robin Kaye. This book is an easy victory for Robin Kaye and I look forward to more of her accomplishments. (Marie Burton The Burton Review 20090427)

I didn't miss a single breathtaking word of this fine novel. Readers will be hooked on TOO HOT TO HANDLE. I know I was! (Natalie Smith Romance Junkies 20090427)

For those who enjoyed Romeo, Romeo, there's a good chance you'll like this one even more... a fresh and fun voice in romantic comedy... (Sandy Coleman All About Romance 20090429)

I didn't miss a single breathtaking word of this fine novel. Readers will be hooked on TOO HOT TO HANDLE. I know I was! (Natasha Smith Romance Junkies 20090429)

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to get away from life for a while and be hugely entertained. (Darlene Smoliak Peeking Between the Pages 20090429)

The fun starts from the first pages and just keeps you hooked til the end. (Marta Hoelscher Marta's Meanderings 20090501)

Too Hot to Handle is a delightful read that I highly recommend. I laughed out loud at the witty dialogue and antics of all the characters. (Lisa Freeman The Romance Studio 20090501)

another great novel to add to the romance genre and one any romance fan would thoroughly enjoy. (Jackie Morgan Literary Escapism 20090504)

I loved every minute of this book and can't wait to read more by Robin Kaye. (Carrie Zimmerman The Book Girl 20090504)

I very, very highly recommend this book to all contemporary romance readers and anyone who wants to fall into a beautiful, sensual love story. (Bobbie Crawford-McCoy Book Reviews by Bobbie 20090506)

Romance readers prepare to have your every desire attended to in Robin Kaye's TOO HOT TO HANDLE. From the brilliant first chapter until the heartwarming finale I was hooked! I (Kerensa Wilson Crave More Romance 20090506)

... a fun and flirty read. (Nicole Heffernan A Blog of Books 20090507)

I loved everything about TOO HOT TO HANDLE and will be raving about this book to all of my friends... an outstanding contemporary romance that readers will fall in love with and want to read over and over again. (Rachel Diamond Enchanted by Books 20090507)

Ms. Kaye has some style, it's easy, it hits the spot and it has everything that you need to get caught up in a wonderful romance. (Erotic Horizon 20090511)

I love Robin Kaye's writing style, she is not inhibited at all. This story sizzles with sex appeal as does Dr. Mike Flynn. This book had me laughing so hard, I could not put the book down. (Deb Deb's Desk 20090511)

[W]itty and enchanting... (Keira Gillet Love Romance Passion 20090618)

"Too Hot to Handle" is a romantic story that will have you laughing and crying from Annabelle's sense of humor, her protective family and friends, and Mike himself as they figure out their relationship and where it will take them. From page 1, Robin Kaye captures your attention. (Robin McCormack My Two Blessings 20090629)

Mike Flynn is too good to be true. Srsly. If I could find a man that would cook, clean, and pick up after me, I might just have to say good-bye to my husband. I'm sorry, but 10 years can't compete with a man that does all that (Casee The Book Binge )

[F]illed with sexy interludes, as well as a terrific hero. (Elizabeth Darrach Bella Online )

Too Hot To Handle is a sensational story that sizzles with sex appeal. (Passionate Reviews )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (May 5, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402217668
• ISBN-13: 978-1402217661
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #392,078 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Robin Kaye grew up in the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge next door to her Sicilian grandparents.

Living with an extended family that's a cross between Gilligan's Island and The Sopranos, minus the desert isle and illegal activities, explains both her comedic timing and the cast of quirky characters in her books.

She's lived in half a dozen states from Idaho to Florida, but the romance of Brooklyn has never left her heart.

Robin has won numerous awards including the Golden Heart for Best Contemporary Single Title, back-to-back Holt Medallions for Best Romantic Comedy, and the Golden Leaf award for Best Single Title.

She currently resides in Maryland with her husband, three children, dog, and a three-legged cat with attitude.

Please check out her website at www.RobinKayeWrites.com for information on all her books, recipes, and great pictures of her haunts in and out of Brooklyn.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Even Better than the First!, May 27, 2009

By 

Austen Reader (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Too Hot to Handle (Mass Market Paperback)

I liked Romeo, Romeo. I really cared about the characters, even Annabelle, the seemingly annoying sister. Well, my feelings paid off in this book! No wonder I cared about her, she's awesome! We just needed to see her out from under Rosalie shadow -- and in Too Hot to Handle, we do. :)

The few nitpicky things I didn't love about Robin Kaye's first novel just didn't happen in the second, which is just a wonderful read. I didn't put it down (okay, I went to the restroom once -- but that's it) until I finished it in the wee hours. I was particularly impressed with her introduction of the characters, intrigued immediately, and well rewarded in the end.

My only complaint was the dad seemed to get off a bit too easily -- he deserves to suffer a bit more for what he did to Annabelle when she was with Chip. He doesn't deserve to find Coleen willing to pick up with him again! At least Mike seemed to agree with me. ;)

I cannot wait for the third book. I suspect I know who the lead characters will be, and I so hope to be right!

Well written, funny, poignant and SEXY!!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 5 Blue Ribbons from Romance Junkies!, April 26, 2009

By 

Natalie S "ns65" (Nashville) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Too Hot to Handle (Mass Market Paperback)

In TOO HOT TO HANDLE, Robin Kaye's follow up to her release ROMEO, ROMEO, readers meet Dr. Mike Flynn, a doctor and caretaker, and Annabelle Ronaldi, an Italian spitfire that rocks his entire world.

Annabelle Ronaldi knows that she is a bit of a disappointment to her Italian roots. She doesn't cook unless she has to, and even then, she takes *gasp* shortcuts. Meeting Mike Flynn at her sister's wedding, she is at once intrigued and surprised by the feelings he invokes in her. She can't help but notice how much he favors her now deceased fiancé, and while it unnerves her, she is still attracted to him enough that she wants to see what happens. Plus, there is nothing like a good mystery, and Annabelle is determined to get to the bottom of this one.

Mike Flynn has been taught by his mother from an early age to take care of himself. He doesn't mind cooking and cleaning and running a household. Life as a physician doesn't give him much opportunity to do so, but when he does, he relishes being able to take care of someone he likes. Annabelle Ronaldi is such a person. Meeting her at her sister's wedding, he is instantly enchanted and utterly charmed by her. Their explosive night together makes him even surer of his decision to woo the beautiful and sassy Annabelle Ronaldi.

Family secrets and lies are the name of the game in TOO HOT TO HANDLE. Annabelle lost her fiancé to tragedy, and at her sister's wedding, she meets a man that could be his twin. Intrigued by, but also attracted to Mike Flynn makes Annabelle want to keep him for her very own. The fact that he is the exact type of man she desires plays heavy on her mind, and she falls for the handsome doctor. Their sinfully sexy first night together was sensuous and heady. Both characters fell hard for each other, and that in turn made this story that much more entertaining.

Robin Kaye spins the tale of Mike and Annabelle in such a way that I felt their emotional ties and their lusty thoughts. From Annabelle's fun loving Italian-to-the-bone family to Mike's single but dedicated and loving mother, I didn't miss a single breathtaking word of this fine novel. Readers will be hooked on TOO HOT TO HANDLE. I know I was!

Natalie S.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars 3.5 -- perfect Hero but confused heroine, May 5, 2011

By 

RomReader (TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Too Hot to Handle (Mass Market Paperback)

Art-gallery administrator can't believe she slept with her deceased BF's look-alike right after they met at her sister's wedding & that she actually enjoyed it. Lung-doctor Hero can't believe how strong the attraction he shares with heroine & wants the pursue their r/s fully. But heroine treads cautiously b/c she's not exactly sure what her motives are for being with Hero & is reluctant to share any info about her deceased BF. As their friends & family get involved, the truth about Hero & heroine's former BF complicates matters even more.

Overall, I liked this Kaye book. It was sensual, funny, & sweet at times. I really liked the Hero. He was open about his devotion, lust, & love for heroine. He was an alpha-male with a penchant for cleaning & cooking (*sigh*). He didn't have any problems committing to heroine & was patient with her reticence.

My problem with this book is the heroine's emotional state. She was very hung-up on her 1st BF who died of cancer 2 years prior. She repressed her feelings about him & felt guilty for their secret r/s. The next 2 serious r/s she had were tainted by her unresolved issues with her ex. Her initial interest in Hero was b/c he looked like the spitting image of her ex-BF. In most of the book, I wasn't sure whether she was in love with Hero or b/c he reminded her of her ex. She was confused. I was confused. It was disturbing. It distracted from the emotional feel of the book. The only time I thought that she was fully present with the Hero & knew it was him she was with was when they were having sex. The other times she seemed to be comparing him to her ex or hiding herself from Hero b/c of her issues with her ex. Even at the end, when heroine professed her love for Hero (which I believed), I thought that she seriously needed therapy to find closure over her ex-BF & solidify her identity issues.

Limited recommendation.