Last night, I stumbled on Holiday Heat: A Christmas Dramedy by Carrie Lomax, a seemingly “holiday” novel with its Christmas glitter and mistletoe on the cover that’s not exactly a holiday novel. It’s set during the holidays, yes, but it’s *not a holiday novel. Family dynamics? Check. Sibling rivalry and protectiveness? Check. Steamy AF hot scenes? Checkcheckcheck.

The first thing that caught my attention was the smart and witty heroine, Alyssa Carlisle, who lives in a studio apartment in Midtown Manhattan and she’s just been stood up by her rich boyfriend of two years, Zach. He was supposed to propose on Christmas Eve but he’s five hours late and when he does show up, he’s drunk and tells her he got cold feet. Apparently, it’s not the first time Zach has pulled something like this and so, with a plane to catch in the morning where they were supposed to spend Christmas with her parents in Tampa, Florida, she tells Zach they’re over, to have a great life, and not to talk to her ever again.

Tampa is where we meet Marc Del Luna, the oldest son of the Del Lunas who live next door to her parents. He’s never finished college but he’s smoking hot, “the kind of guy who made girls’ panties wet just by walking into the room—at least, the ones like her who wore undergarments.” And apparently, Alyssa has been secretly crushing on him since her family moved into the neighborhood almost ten years ago… but there was something about Marc being known as the resident man-whore that made her steer clear.

While taking out the trash, they bump into each other and sparks fly, especially when Marc learns she’s suddenly single. Who knew the (play)boy next door liked her all these years? To Alyssa, the prospect of a one-night stand or a vacation fling with Marc before she returns to New York is looking better and better every minute.

But before one assumes that Marc is simply the manwhore everyone thinks he is, there’s actually more to him than meets the eye, just as there’s more to the sibling dynamics between him and Julian as well as Alyssa and Janelle, her younger sister stuck in a dead-end job and drowning in student loans.

What I love the most about this book is that it’s a refreshing take on romance from the usual fare that I’ve been picking up lately. I like how Lomax explores certain social issues that are at the forefront today and for the most part, they’re deftly interwoven into the storyline. The sparks that fly between Alyssa and Marc are super hot and deserving of New Year’s Eve fireworks, and the scenes between them are super steamy as well. But that’s not going to mean that everything is smooth sailing either. They go through some rough patches like an unexpected visitor, a reality TV show-inspired contest, and some good measure of angst. And for a holiday tryst that’s hot and heavy from the get-go, will their fling last long after the New Year’s Eve fireworks are all done?

Love this book! It's written around fun tropes, includes a hooooot hero, and has some of the very steamiest sex I've read in a long time. The perfect holiday treat! Carrie Lomax is extremely talented and I can't wait for her next offering.

I was privileged to read an early version of this book!

This book is funny, hot and an engaging story! Alyssa is unhappy in her job, and just broke up with her long-term fiancée Zach, probably one year too late. She has a fling with her smoking hot neighbour, Marc, only to find that Zach is prepared to fight to get her back. Marc has lusted after Alyssa for more years than he cares to take note, so when she comes home, decidedly un-engaged, he feels like he finally has a chance with her. Then her fiancée shows up. Marc, Alyssa and Zach find themselves in a strange, live version of the ‘Bachelorette’, with Marc and Zach willing to do anything to win over Alyssa. I can't wait to read the next instalment of the series. 💋
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book that I received through Exclusive Book Promotions.

After a failed relationship Alyssa heads home for the holidays. Little did she know that she was in for the best time of her life. She has had a crush on Marc who is her neighbor for a very long time.He has also been crushing on her for as long as he can remember. Never having a shot with this beautiful woman, he was about to give up. When Marc sees the opportunity to spend time with her, he takes it and it is more than they both could have thought. They complement each other and the chemistry is sizzling hot. There are a series of decisions to be made that will affect their future. I loved reading this story and I'm on my way to devour the second story in this series.
I received an ARC from Exclusive ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

I liked this.

The story was very heart-felt. And as I read on I realized a stronger connection, you see, I live not too far from where that week between Christmas and New Year would have took place. Fort Myers (with an S) is only a few miles away. By the way, Ms. Lomax, your story took place on the west coast of Florida so it would be the Gulf, not ocean. (We're picky about things like that.)

While a well told story it did have its composition gaffes. Sentences missing words, poor grammar, and bouts of redundancy. I loved the characters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.

A chosen read and a volunteered review.

I received a free Advanced Reader Copy of this book and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

This is the 1st book I’ve read written by Carrie Lomax and I am really impressed with her writing. I will definitely be reading more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book. This is the beginning to an excellent Series.

I loved the chemistry between Alyssa & Marc.

Say You'll Stay (Holiday Heat) was my last read of the year and I've enjoyed it very much.
I've read the little snippet at the end of the book and I can't wait to read Carrie Lomax next installment of the series.

It was nice to meet Alyssa and follow her journey of personal growth and the pursuit of her true happiness,not settling for anything other than the best to please her family.

Don't miss this funny,hot and engaging story and the debut author who wrote it!

This book was well written and the characters were well developed. Marc has lusted after Alyssa for years but she was engaged to Zach. When she comes home for the holidays and he discovers that she has broken off her engagement he sees his chance to be with her. That is until Zack shows up and decides he wants Alyssa back. This was a fun and sexy read, highly recommend it. I voluntarily received an advance arc copy for an honest review.