Turn It Up

by Inez Kelley

[Amanda]

Actual rating: 4.5

Original review: http://onabookbender.com/2011/10/07/review-turn-it-up-by-inez-kelley/

This is one of those times when I have very little to say because I was so wrapped up in the story that my reaction has been reduced to one or two word statements, some of which I won’t repeat, and an overload of emotions that makes it difficult to return to the real world. Turn It Up definitely hit the spot in my quest for something “adult” as it ratchets up the heat — and the stakes. I came very close to crying while reading, and that never happens with books (unless the book is about a dog, and then I become a blubbering mess; don’t ask, that’s just how I operate) so you know the story had my heart caught in its grip.

I haven’t read any contemporary romances lately, and Inez Kelley is a new author to me, but if Turn It Up is representative of the stories she creates, anything by her is automatically going on my wishlist. Bastian and Charlie were incredibly well-written characters that felt real with all their issues and hang-ups, and I so very much wanted a happy ending for them. And tucked within this compelling love story is a lot more than just ‘flirty banter’ — my glasses never steamed up, but I am sure it came close, since this book caused me to completely forget to close up the house and turn on the air conditioning when the afternoon got too warm.

Ha. Turn It Up was simply fantastic and renewed my love for contemporary romances.