The Hotter You Burn

The Hotter You Burn
Gena Showalter

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter is back with another sizzling Original Heartbreakers story featuring an irresistible charmer about to meet his match… Beck Ockley lives by a single rule: one and done. The millionaire playboy knows the pain of loss and will do anything to avoid another. He moved to the small town of Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma, expecting more of the same–time with the only two friends he trusts, work…and lots of pleasure. What he never could have predicted was that a vulnerable Southern beauty would sneak past his defenses.Harlow Glass is determined to rebuild her life. The reformed bully has lost everyone and everything she loved, and she's paid the ultimate price for her checkered past. Now she wants commitment, the only thing Beck refuses to give. As their chemistry blazes white-hot, he'll either have to break her heart…or surrender his own.

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter is back with another sizzling Original Heartbreakers story featuring an irresistible charmer about to meet his match…

Beck Ockley lives by a single rule: one and done. The millionaire playboy knows the pain of loss and will do anything to avoid another. He moved to the small town of Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma, expecting more of the same—time with the only two friends he trusts, work…and lots of pleasure. What he never could have predicted was that a vulnerable Southern beauty would sneak past his defenses.

Harlow Glass is determined to rebuild her life. The reformed bully has lost everyone and everything she loved, and she’s paid the ultimate price for her checkered past. Now she wants commitment, the only thing Beck refuses to give. As their chemistry blazes white-hot, he’ll either have to break her heart…or surrender his own.

Praise for New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter (#ulink_47c29cc6-aaab-5733-abaf-681619f08767)

“Showalter…rocks me every time!”

—Sylvia Day, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“Showalter writes fun, sexy characters you fall in love with!”

—Lori Foster, New York Times bestselling author

“Sassy, smart characters and an expertly woven, unconventional plot, The Closer You Come showcases

Gena Showalter in all her shining talent.”

—Kristan Higgins, New York Times bestselling author

“Showalter makes romance sizzle on every page!”

—Jill Shalvis, New York Times bestselling author

“Emotional, heart-tugging, kept me turning the pages!”

—Carly Phillips, New York Times bestselling author

“With compelling stories and memorable characters, Gena Showalter never fails to dazzle.”

—Jeaniene Frost, New York Times bestselling author

“The Showalter name on a book means guaranteed entertainment.”

—RT Book Reviews

“The versatile Showalter…once again shows that she can blend humor and poignancy while keeping readers entertained from start to finish.”

—Booklist on Catch a Mate

The Hotter You Burn

Gena Showalter

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

This book would not be what it is without my amazing editor, Emily Ohanjanians, who once again went above and beyond, pointing me in the right direction anytime I lost my way. Thank you! I thank God, the giver of all good things, for bringing you into my life.

A huge shout out to the magnificent Katie McGarry—an author I admire and adore—who spent precious time on the phone with me, helping me with my research (any mistakes are my own). You are a treasure!

A special thank you to these fantastic ladies and authors: Lori Foster, Carly Phillips, Jill Shalvis and Kristan Higgins. You guys rock on so many levels!

And to all the wonderful folks at Harlequin Books for taking a chance on this series I’ve been foaming at the mouth eager to write.

Contents

Cover (#uab3b7a2b-24d0-5553-9d11-1145c1b739fa)

Back Cover Text (#u3260e6bf-71ae-54be-9ebf-01c76eb6ed4c)

Praise (#ue9ac3bc3-9c26-5345-83e3-9a8d87aa3833)

Title Page (#u22da31d8-88ec-5609-84d1-b443a9435ec5)

Dedication (#ua1ce7cc0-2cd5-56ff-a640-c2e269a5a6be)

CHAPTER ONE (#u958c9102-db6b-5244-b24e-e9573a39e982)

CHAPTER TWO (#ua4f90703-d4ac-5e33-998e-553a4b574296)

CHAPTER THREE (#uf3251653-2121-5a2c-9304-a6141040399d)

CHAPTER FOUR (#u5ed624ce-30b0-5aba-95a0-b13b44f51522)

CHAPTER FIVE (#ua2a9cf3c-dc48-5648-b87d-ed71bfa96097)

CHAPTER SIX (#u42a121b3-bae2-5e70-9119-8ccbf33a19dc)

CHAPTER SEVEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER EIGHT (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER NINE (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER TEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER ELEVEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER TWELVE (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER THIRTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER FOURTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)