Hot Dreams by Rachelle Chase
Released: July 13, 2015
Contemporary Romance
Self Published
Reviewed by Mandi
I thought a former male stripper/dancer hero might be a fun read, and this one is pretty cute. Johnny may not dance for the ladies anymore, but he is still the CEO for Hot Dreams, a male entertainment company. They do bachelorette parties, girls night out, and shows on stage. One night he goes back to his office, and finds a woman looking at some of his photographs. This woman is our heroine, Tina.
Tina cares for office plants. (I want this job). She was born with a port-wine stain that covers about half of her face, so she is always self-conscious. Worse, years ago, a man who she thought liked her and was interested in her, only slept with her as a bet with his friends. This resulted in her getting pregnant, and now she has a nine-year old daughter who she loves and adores. But the humiliation of that bet is still with Tina to this day. She often tries to hide that side of her face with her hair and she hasn’t been able to trust a guy since.
So when Johnny starts flirting with her, Tina isn’t so sure she believes he is genuine. Johnny has played the fantasy part for women for years, but he knows Tina is different. He likes her a lot and wants to prove to her that he is more than just rippling abs. Having lost his wife and unborn child years ago, he too struggles in the romance department.
This is short and sweet. Johnny and Tina are both struggling with their past, which hinders their romance a bit in the present day. Tina can’t honestly believe that super hottie Johnny is in to her. He brings her around to meet his friends. Asks her out on a date. This excites her yet she still has trepidation from being humiliated in her past. But Johnny’s courtship is pretty sweet and soon it builds her confidence up. Johnny lost his wife and unborn child, and is still dealing with grief over this. Tina helps him make peace with the past
This novella is a little predictable – the way the romance plays out. But it’s sweet and cute.
Grade: B-
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