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A review by talknerdybookblog
Heat Stroke by Tessa Bailey
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Representation: Gay main characters, mlm romance
Overall: 5-stars
Favourite Book of March 2022
Featured in my blog's March Wrap Up.
I was not expecting to love Heat Stroke as much as I did! The opposites-attract setup was gold, especially since Jamie is a hot nerd and Marcus is effectively a himbo 😂. I adored how Marcus was so gone for Jamie.
The romance also had a lot of depth. Marcus discovered his sexuality and what that meant for him and his life. I liked how Tessa Bailey explored the compulsory heterosexuality of "bro culture" (e.g. being a gym rat). Marcus and Jamie as a couple were incredibly endearing. The tension between Marcus not being ready to tell people about his sexuality but being in love with Jamie was very well done. Hurting Jamie was the last thing he ever wanted to do, and I think that's why it took him so long to ask Jamie out.
Jamie's arc was also very heartfelt. He had some PTSD from his past and was at a point in his life he refused to be kept a secret. But he wasn't expecting Marcus. Jamie is a bit academically snobby but refuses to let Marcus call himself dumb. While Marcus looks like a blond Adonis meathead, he's the perfect blend of golden retriever and himbo. When himbo characters are done well, they're so fun to read! On the other hand, Jamie had subtle dom vibes, making this opposites-attract couple quite steamy.
The whole book is so good. It beat out my other 5-star reads as my March 2022 favourite because of the characterization and character growth. Both Jamie and Marcus end the novel in a different place, becoming more confident in themselves and each other.
Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions
• No cheating
• Does have OM drama
– Jamie gets the number of an OM and agrees to go out with him on a group date (with Marcus). Marcus is hurt, but nothing sexual happens between Jamie and the OM. Jamie chases after Marcus when he leaves.
• Does have the MCs pushing each other away
– Marcus is struggling with coming out and doesn't feel ready to be public about their relationship. Jamie doesn't want to be a secret.
• Does have a ~1-week separation (both celibate)
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Physical assault
– Jamie is the survivor of a hate crime. An ex-lover beat Jamie up with his friends and attempted to drown Jamie.
– Marcus's brother punches Jamie in the face after discovering Marcus and Jamie are sleeping together.
• Mention of Jamie's alcoholic and abusive father
Ending:HEA with Epilogue
Overall: 5-stars
Favourite Book of March 2022
Featured in my blog's March Wrap Up.
I was not expecting to love Heat Stroke as much as I did! The opposites-attract setup was gold, especially since Jamie is a hot nerd and Marcus is effectively a himbo 😂. I adored how Marcus was so gone for Jamie.
The romance also had a lot of depth. Marcus discovered his sexuality and what that meant for him and his life. I liked how Tessa Bailey explored the compulsory heterosexuality of "bro culture" (e.g. being a gym rat). Marcus and Jamie as a couple were incredibly endearing. The tension between Marcus not being ready to tell people about his sexuality but being in love with Jamie was very well done. Hurting Jamie was the last thing he ever wanted to do, and I think that's why it took him so long to ask Jamie out.
Jamie's arc was also very heartfelt. He had some PTSD from his past and was at a point in his life he refused to be kept a secret. But he wasn't expecting Marcus. Jamie is a bit academically snobby but refuses to let Marcus call himself dumb. While Marcus looks like a blond Adonis meathead, he's the perfect blend of golden retriever and himbo. When himbo characters are done well, they're so fun to read! On the other hand, Jamie had subtle dom vibes, making this opposites-attract couple quite steamy.
The whole book is so good. It beat out my other 5-star reads as my March 2022 favourite because of the characterization and character growth. Both Jamie and Marcus end the novel in a different place, becoming more confident in themselves and each other.
Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions
• No cheating
• Does have OM drama
– Jamie gets the number of an OM and agrees to go out with him on a group date (with Marcus). Marcus is hurt, but nothing sexual happens between Jamie and the OM. Jamie chases after Marcus when he leaves.
• Does have the MCs pushing each other away
– Marcus is struggling with coming out and doesn't feel ready to be public about their relationship. Jamie doesn't want to be a secret.
• Does have a ~1-week separation (both celibate)
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Physical assault
– Jamie is the survivor of a hate crime. An ex-lover beat Jamie up with his friends and attempted to drown Jamie.
– Marcus's brother punches Jamie in the face after discovering Marcus and Jamie are sleeping together.
• Mention of Jamie's alcoholic and abusive father
Ending: