AP wire reporter in Florida TAMARA LUSH publishes debut romance novel and HOT SHADE is one hot, sexy beach read

 

Can you find Florida on the map?

Tamara Lush is a reporter for the Associated Press in Florida, where she covers the news in South Florida for the wire service, writing about such pleasant things as murders, car crashes, kidnappings, murder (did I mention "murder" yet?), floods, hurricanes, the killer earthquake in Haiti and other stress-inducing news stories. On a daily basis. Year round. Phones calls from her editors in the middle of the night!

OPTIONAL TRIM: And oh, did I mention, she was assigned last year to cover the rise of cli-fi novels and movies and wrote a great wire story about the Cliffies, aka the Cli Fi Movie Awards. Which this year for 2015 gave the best picture gong to a powerful cli fi movie from the Philippines directed by the brilliant Brillante Ma Mendoza titled ''TAKLUB.''

http://phys.org/news/2014-11-climate-cli-fi-flicks.html

OPTIONAL TRIM BACK TO STORY: So to calm down the stress of the daily grind of being an in-demand wire service reporter, Tamara does yoga, watches sunsets at the beach and just recently -- well over a three-year period -- sat down to write a hot, sexy romance novel for Buroughs Publishing, complete with a literary agent, an acquiring editor and a line editor, and an amazing debut novel marketing campaign in full swing now using social media to the max (in addition to blog tours, video trailers, podcasts and tweets). The book is on Amazon now and Goodreads, too.

@AP correspondent in Florida | #amwriting news, romance | My debut novel ''Hot Shade'' available now from @boroughspubgrp |

TAMARA SAYS: "The idea of this book has been in my brain for a few years. As a journalist, I've covered some of the most tragic news stories imaginable. The Haiti earthquake. The Gulf oil spill. Too many murders to count."

[So] ''I wanted to tell a story with a happy ending.''
I'm a longtime romance reader and love books with intrigue and sex. I also couldn't shake off my years of covering crime in Florida. I began to wonder: What would happen if a young, rookie reporter met a hot Italian man while covering a story, then fell in love? What if the Italian was hiding a big secret? What if the Italian was also a journalist, but couldn't tell anyone because he was running from danger?
[So] ''Hot Shade'' was born.''
My Boroughs Publishing Group editor, Chris Keeslar, helped me bring out the nuances in the hero and heroine. We also talked a lot about the book's setting and how Florida is almost another character in the novel. As a romantic suspense, Hot Shade has some of the qualities of the Florida noir genre: sun-soaked, sexy and ever-so-slightly cynical. And yet, it's a romantic story of two people who find true love in the tropics.
[So] ''I hope readers enjoy the book! ''             

http://www.tamaralush.com

Hot Shade
by Tamara Lush (Goodreads Author)

Release date: Sep 30, 2015

Enter for a chance to win one of two AUTOGRAPHED copies of Hot Shade!

RT Magazine gave HOT SHADE four stars and said: The intrigue is heavy and there's…more

[close] Enter for a chance to win one of two AUTOGRAPHED copies of Hot Shade!

RT Magazine gave HOT SHADE four stars and said: The intrigue is heavy and there's many secrets embedded within the plot, prompting one to feverishly flip the pages to discover if there's an HEA or the ever-so-popular cliffhanger. Sizzling-hot sex scenes are an added bonus and provide a break from the heart-stopping action."

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Journalist Skylar Shaw covers a plane crash on a Florida beach that leads her to an affair with a handsome yet mysterious Italian recluse...and the conspiracies that threatens all he holds dear.

NO ESCAPE

Romance is the last thing on reporter Skylar Shaw’s mind when she covers a plane crash on a Florida beach. Her best source could be a mysterious Italian visitor, but he’s strictly off the record—unless it involves indulging their electrifying attraction. Little does Skylar know, but that crash was only the beginning. Luca Rossi is hiding a big secret: He’s a journalist, too, and his anonymous exposé on the Mafia destroyed his world. Now, after a lonely year on the run, he will do anything to possess this vulnerable American beauty. But Skylar is as relentless as the Florida glare, and their world ignites with passion, obsession and murder. Soon erotic nights will bleed into dangerous days, and nowhere will be safe from the heat.

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Giveaway dates: Oct 06 - Oct 31, 2015

Countries available: US

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2015 Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense (July - December)

334th out of 506 books — 830 voters

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263rd out of 498 books — 1,116 voters

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Community Reviews

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Oct 11, 2015 Leona rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-apc

Disclaimer: I received as an ARC courtesy of Boroughs Publishing Group via Book Plug Promotions in exchange for an honest review

While romantic suspense featuring journalist and/or politics or politicians aren’t my thing, Hot Shade did a great job of pulling me in and making it extremely hard for me to put it down. But, I have to admit, when I would put it down thoughts of what twists and turns the story could take next, or if the next chapter/section would be when Skylar finally puts Luca ou Disclaimer: I received as an ARC courtesy of Boroughs Publishing Group via Book Plug Promotions in exchange for an honest review

While romantic suspense featuring journalist and/or politics or politicians aren’t my thing, Hot Shade did a great job of pulling me in and making it extremely hard for me to put it down. But, I have to admit, when I would put it down thoughts of what twists and turns the story could take next, or if the next chapter/section would be when Skylar finally puts Luca out of his misery would all float through my head.

On a side note, close to the middle of the book I was starting to feel bad for Luca, he probably had the bluest balls out of all romantic literary history!

Even though the drama wasn’t the biggest on whatever scale that measures that sort of thing, it was still pretty big to the characters in this story. With all that went down in the quiet town of Palmira, Florida, everything seemed so massive that it was like watching an Alfred Hitchcock movie, the storyline wasn’t predictable and it kind of left you wondering, “What the heck is going to happen next?!” (Yes, I know about and have watched some Alfred Hitchcock movies, I may be young but I been exposed to the classics).

Skylar’s character surprised me in a lot of ways. Since I’m not a huge fan of pushy, somewhat innocent heroines, Skylar really made it hard for me to dislike her. Even in her immature moments she would learn from them, apologize, and seek to do better, and that sort of growth is always endearing. What ended up shocking me the most about her character though, was her slightly dominatrix-like behaviors that she tapped into during the “intimate” (blue-ball inducing) moments she would have with Luca in-between her news reporting. Also, in those moments it was great to see Skylar grab onto the power she didn’t know she had (thanks to her ex-butthole) and blossom into someone who lived for herself and not for anyone else's opinions or expectations.

As soon as Luca mentioned that while he was on the run he had a beard, I immediately wanted to contact the author, throw a tantrum and demand that she rewrite Luca’s description from the beginning to the end of the book with him sporting a beard. My goodness this man was hawt! In the ways he cared and approached Skylar showed an innocence to his character that I think helped balance out the mystery of his past and the chaotic thoughts and behaviors Skylar went through in trying to figure out who she was, out from under her mother’s shadow. With him not wanting to label Skylar and his relationship as a “relationship,” he would have some really immature moments that would sometimes frustrate me. But, before that emotion of frustration would begin to settle he would do something or say something that would make me feel all gooey inside (i.e. speaking in Italian) and all would be forgiven.

With a solid storyline, solid characters, and great thriller scenes that turned a good size book into a short read, I found myself dragging my feet in finishing this. I was so reluctant to see the “About the Author” page I would literally only read about two, maybe more, chapters a day. I thew a bunch of books in while I was reading Hot Shade just so I wouldn’t finish quickly, but then I got to the 84% mark (I believe) and I couldn’t wait to get to the end to see how everything was going to play out.

Just FYI, there’s a chick in this book that almost had me questioning my sanity. She almost had me applauding her cause until the next Skylar and Luca scene and I would remembered the purpose of her role. But, shoot she was dedicated! Heck, that type of dedication deserves a hand clap…no?

Anyway, I really enjoyed this book. Based off the ending it doesn’t appear that there’ll be a sequel, but you never know. ...more

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Oct 01, 2015 Helen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romantic-suspense, florida-setting, tampa-bay-times-authors

Hard working, ambitious reporter Skylar Shaw is hoping her gig on a small southwest Florida newspaper will be a stepping stone to a career writing for bigger and better publications. When she goes out to cover a plane crash on the beach, it's a big break in more ways than one. Her story gets lots of play and she meets a mysterious and very hot Italian guy who witnessed the crash. Sparks fly and secrets mystery man Luca Rossi has been hiding start to come out as the mob and his crazy ex-girlfrien Hard working, ambitious reporter Skylar Shaw is hoping her gig on a small southwest Florida newspaper will be a stepping stone to a career writing for bigger and better publications. When she goes out to cover a plane crash on the beach, it's a big break in more ways than one. Her story gets lots of play and she meets a mysterious and very hot Italian guy who witnessed the crash. Sparks fly and secrets mystery man Luca Rossi has been hiding start to come out as the mob and his crazy ex-girlfriend are hot on his trail.

Kudos to Tamara Lush for a fast-paced, very sexy debut novel. As a former Florida newspaper reporter myself, I really appreciated the true-to-life details about the life of a reporter and the challenges of working in Florida's heat and humidity. What I want to know is how come I never met any guys like Luca when I was a young reporter? ...more

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Aug 20, 2015 Tina Ellery rated it 5 of 5 stars

Tamara weaves a thoroughly entertaining—and HOT—story that’ll leave you begging to turn the page.

As a beta reader for this fantastic book I can tell you that Tamara hooked me with first few chapters. I felt forlorn while waiting for more to arrive in my inbox And when they did I would drop everything to give my greedy eyes the treat they wanted.

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Aug 18, 2015 Lauren Runow rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved Luca. So sexy and mysterious. And when he spoke Italian *** swoon ***
Definitely check this book out for a fun sexy read!

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Oct 21, 2015 Filippo Marmo rated it 5 of 5 stars

is best.

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Oct 14, 2015 Lynn Brooks rated it 4 of 5 stars

Luca Rossi is sitting on his balcony minding his own business, when he witnesses a small plane crash right on the beach in front of his house. He is hesitant to call 911 because he doesn't want to have to give his personal information, but he runs down there to see if he can help the guy that was mowed over. The pilot is getting out of the plane as Luca approaches and he has him call 911 while he helps the guy.

Luca hurries back to his house as soon as he can because he doesn't like being out in Luca Rossi is sitting on his balcony minding his own business, when he witnesses a small plane crash right on the beach in front of his house. He is hesitant to call 911 because he doesn't want to have to give his personal information, but he runs down there to see if he can help the guy that was mowed over. The pilot is getting out of the plane as Luca approaches and he has him call 911 while he helps the guy.

Luca hurries back to his house as soon as he can because he doesn't like being out in the open. Unfortunately, people tell a reporter that the "Good Samaritan" might live around that area and Skylar Shaw comes nosing around. Luca wants to get rid of her as quickly as possible because he wants to remain anonymous, but he finds himself being extremely attracted to her and can't help but flirt. He tries to resist her, but finds himself attempting to seduce her as the day goes on and he runs into her again. Skylar likes him, but she doesn't understand his secretive behavior and isn't sure that she can trust him.

Will Luca decide to trust her with the secrets that have him on the run from the Italian Mafia, or will he decide to end things with her in order to keep her at arms length? And will Sky decide that she trusts Luca enough to give herself to him even though she knows he's keeping his life a secret from her? ...more

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Oct 13, 2015 Suzi (Obsessive Reading Disorder) rated it 4 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars!
Tamara Lush is a new to me author. It was a pleasure to be able to read her latest book, Hot Shade. This is a romantic suspense story that has hot sun, hot sand, hot Italian men, oh and a plane crash and the Italian Mafia just for fun!

I usually need to parcel out my reading of romantic suspense. It gets to be too much for me and I need to take breaks. This book was not quite to that intensity. The premise is laid out pretty early and other than not knowing exactly how it would play o 3.5 Stars!
Tamara Lush is a new to me author. It was a pleasure to be able to read her latest book, Hot Shade. This is a romantic suspense story that has hot sun, hot sand, hot Italian men, oh and a plane crash and the Italian Mafia just for fun!

I usually need to parcel out my reading of romantic suspense. It gets to be too much for me and I need to take breaks. This book was not quite to that intensity. The premise is laid out pretty early and other than not knowing exactly how it would play out, it was pretty obvious who the major player were in this game of hide and seek.

Luca Rossi was well written as a writer in hiding after his anonymity was compromised. He has been on the run for two years. Skylar Shaw may be the one reason he would stop running. I appreciated her tenacity in going after the story. She was determined to get inside the man and find out what made him tick.

Together, the s3xual tension escalated until Skylar felt safe enough to take things further. Rainstorms and Florida heat made things even more sizzling!

Overall, a good effort by this journalist turned author. The story was well laid out and well written. I would have enjoyed a bit more suspense or surprise to bring some freshness to the story. Worth looking at other works by this author in the future.

*ARC received for an honest review ...more

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Oct 12, 2015 Lacy rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book was so much more than I expected, Hot Shade by Tamara Lush is a steamy romance with mystery.
Luca Rossi a very hot Italian who has a secret that he's trying to keep hidden, one that could get him killed and anyone who gets involved with him. Skylar Shaw is a journalist, who is investigating a small plane crash and trying to find out who the mysterious stranger is who saved one of the passengers lives.

Skylar meets Luca when she trespasses on private property to try to find this mysterio This book was so much more than I expected, Hot Shade by Tamara Lush is a steamy romance with mystery.
Luca Rossi a very hot Italian who has a secret that he's trying to keep hidden, one that could get him killed and anyone who gets involved with him. Skylar Shaw is a journalist, who is investigating a small plane crash and trying to find out who the mysterious stranger is who saved one of the passengers lives.

Skylar meets Luca when she trespasses on private property to try to find this mysterious hero. When these two meet it's an instant chemistry and a type of steamy dance begins with them, one that builds and builds. Skylar who is normally shy when it comes to sexual desire finds herself becoming someone she never thought she could be with Luca.

Luca has a dark past that he's been on the run from and believes that he can just have a fling with Skylar and that's all, but he finds himself drawn to her and after a long time on the run and tragedy in his life all he wants is to have a life with Skylar.

Hot Shade is a great book to get lost in, once you find out what Luca's background is the book really takes you on a journey and you don't want to put it down. ...more

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Sep 16, 2015 Xariah Gaitch rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was lucky enough to be one of the beta readers for Tamara's first book and an amazing read it was.
The intrigue for the story is instant. How could it not be with international crime, romance, suspense, hidden secrets, the mafia, brilliant character's and constant curiosity.

The connection to the character's in also immediate and kept me page turning till the very end. Very lovable character's and there won't be a women on earth that reads this book that doesn't want them a Luca DeRossi. Even th I was lucky enough to be one of the beta readers for Tamara's first book and an amazing read it was.
The intrigue for the story is instant. How could it not be with international crime, romance, suspense, hidden secrets, the mafia, brilliant character's and constant curiosity.

The connection to the character's in also immediate and kept me page turning till the very end. Very lovable character's and there won't be a women on earth that reads this book that doesn't want them a Luca DeRossi. Even the name is sexy.

The story line was fantastic. I was hooked from the first page and read it in one sitting. The secret, how it would come out and the ramifications of that not from just Skylar, but the mafia also, kept my interest through whole book.

Tamara has a brilliant writing skill. The story isn't over embellished. There will no moment's of eye rolling due to over indulgence of cheese from her characters. No mental slap to the forehead thinking 'WTF!' or OMG!.
You read and become imerged in a story so captivating, you've lost a day without even realizing it and when you look at yourself to see your still in your PJ's with unbrushed hair you don't even regret it :)

Definitely worth the read and I highly recommend a bit of Skylar and Luca :) ...more

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Aug 31, 2015 Angie'sLilNeckofAuthorWorld rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arcs

I had the luxury of participating in the beta reading process of this amazing book..and after reading this story I was hooked line and sinker..Call me a sucker for some Hot Italian, found my first words to Tamara Lush..after reading this book..

Wow Wow Wow I just Loved your book. When I say some people have it and some people don't..You my dear just have that natural ability to write. That book had me from the get go. I pretty much read it in one sitting and I never wanted to put it down. I was i I had the luxury of participating in the beta reading process of this amazing book..and after reading this story I was hooked line and sinker..Call me a sucker for some Hot Italian, found my first words to Tamara Lush..after reading this book..

Wow Wow Wow I just Loved your book. When I say some people have it and some people don't..You my dear just have that natural ability to write. That book had me from the get go. I pretty much read it in one sitting and I never wanted to put it down. I was interested all the way through. I really want ME a Luca DeRossi speaking sexy Italian to me, how HOT is that..

I remember this book so clearly because the storyline is amazing..What do you know about the Italian Mafia.. The amount of Italian written was super uber sexy..I do remember just getting my kindle to read to me so I could hear the Italian..
Who could ever forget the reporter Skyler Shaw..Sexy, Beautiful, and the kind of woman that happens to catch Luca's eye..How much can he really tell a reporter and trust that the Mafia doesn't find him..Omgosh I can't wait til everyone gets there hands on this book..Come on Sept 29, 2015... <3 br="">
Favorite Italian sayings confession:
Chi più sa, meno crede.
English translation: The more one knows, the less one believes.

His lips raked up her neck and rested just underneath her earlobe. It was a good thing he was pinning her to the wall otherwise she would have crumpled to the floor when he again whispered in her ear with that accent. “I have actually, physically craved you, amore. It’s as if I need you to live, like air or water or food. Ti desidero.”
English translation: I want you.

FAVORITE LINE:
"This is everything I thought I didn’t want. Or didn’t need. But I’m here now and it’s everything I need and the only thing I want." ...more

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Sep 30, 2015 Tami Talbert rated it 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars – Hot Shade by Tamara Lush

When a friend asked me to give Hot Shade a try, I headed straight over to Goodreads to check out the synopsis. I was quickly intrigued by the combination of romance and suspense with which it teased me. To be honest, although for the most part, I do tend to stick to authors who are familiar to me, that is those whose books I have read in the past, I am still always hoping to find new authors to add to my list who have the ability to draw me into their story quic 4½ Stars – Hot Shade by Tamara Lush

When a friend asked me to give Hot Shade a try, I headed straight over to Goodreads to check out the synopsis. I was quickly intrigued by the combination of romance and suspense with which it teased me. To be honest, although for the most part, I do tend to stick to authors who are familiar to me, that is those whose books I have read in the past, I am still always hoping to find new authors to add to my list who have the ability to draw me into their story quickly and keep me interested and engaged. Tamara Lush has done just that with Hot Shade.

Skylar has no family and is living alone in Florida focused on pursuing her dream of being a reporter never anticipating that love may find her. When she is assigned to cover a plane crash, Skylar reports diligently searching for witnesses who can bolster her story. Though Luca witnessed and secretly assisted with the crash, he denies any involvement as he came to Florida for the sole purpose of hiding from the Mafia and has no interest in being part of Skylar’s story. But from the moment they met, their mutual attraction to one another ignites sparks within them both. Though Luca insists to himself that one night with her will curb his undeniable attraction, Skylar’s continued persistence weakens his resolve strengthening his fascination.

Because of a prior failed relationship, Skylar’s self-confidence is repeatedly shaken, and though Luca struggles to keep his life and his heart shielded, his resistance to Skylar is ultimately demolished and the love that is swelling between them becomes unbreakably potent. But when his past catches up to him, will Luca once again be forced to flee or will he decide to stay to keep Sky safe and protected from harm?

The hot, sexy and powerful attraction between these two characters is amazing, not to mention that Luca is HAWT and his sex appeal absolutely sizzles off the pages!! Although Skylar’s confidence as a reporter is solid, she is sometimes unsure of herself because of relationship issues in her past. But I love the way Luca seems to bring out the strength deep within her. Skylar and Luca are amazing and fascinating characters and I liked them both from the very beginning.

Hot Shade is an excellent debut novel for Tamara Lush. The romance and suspense is outstanding delivering a combination of moments that left me feeling the need for a tall glass of water as well as the thrilling suspense which left me wondering where the author was going to take me and how this story was going to end. Hot Shade is a very well-written novel which very quickly captured my attention keeping ahold of it through to the end. Ms. Lush has definitely made an impression upon me, and I will most certainly be watching and hoping for more stories from her in the future. ...more

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Sep 18, 2015 Heather Hanson rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was a beta reader of HOT SHADE when it had another title, and was blown away by the story.

This book is not only HAWT, but it's well-written. I love me some New Adult romance, but lately the genre has gotten a bit stale for me. This book takes the genre to another level, something more interesting and intelligent.

The heroine, Skylar Shaw, seems mature for 22, but its because she has no family and has been living on her own since she was 17. She's a fighter, and I loved that about her. Her actio I was a beta reader of HOT SHADE when it had another title, and was blown away by the story.

This book is not only HAWT, but it's well-written. I love me some New Adult romance, but lately the genre has gotten a bit stale for me. This book takes the genre to another level, something more interesting and intelligent.

The heroine, Skylar Shaw, seems mature for 22, but its because she has no family and has been living on her own since she was 17. She's a fighter, and I loved that about her. Her actions throughout the book are believable and rational and she's definitely not TSTL.

Luca Rossi is the hero, he's a sexy Italian guy. He's a little arrogant, but not in a mean or creepy way. When he meets Skylar he has a bit of an attitude, but she sure puts him in his place!

The suspense angle of this book was also different and unique. I won't give any spoilers away.

Also, the sex scenes are REALLY STEAMY. They aren't trashy at all. I had to keep reading to see how Luca was going to, um, please Skylar next! LOL ...more

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Oct 10, 2015 Paula Millhouse rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: good-reads-we-love

This romantic suspense hooked me from the first page.

Filled with scenes ripped from the headlines, the story follows fledgling journalist Skylar Shaw as she reports on news in modern day Florida. Skylar falls into the story of her life when she investigates a mysterious Good Samaritan, and finds Luca Rossi, a man with a dark past, deep secrets, and ties to the mafia he's unwilling to discuss.

Luca's complicated, and so is the romance that develops between the main characters. Throw in an Italian This romantic suspense hooked me from the first page.

Filled with scenes ripped from the headlines, the story follows fledgling journalist Skylar Shaw as she reports on news in modern day Florida. Skylar falls into the story of her life when she investigates a mysterious Good Samaritan, and finds Luca Rossi, a man with a dark past, deep secrets, and ties to the mafia he's unwilling to discuss.

Luca's complicated, and so is the romance that develops between the main characters. Throw in an Italian hit man, and one seriously disturbed ex-girlfriend, and the suspense takes off from there.

Skylar and Luca's romance is as hot as the blazing Florida sun. I loved reading how they fought for their chance at their Happy Ever After.

I'll definitely be looking for more from this author.

Treat yourself to Hot Shade. ...more

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Oct 14, 2015 Smut Hut rated it 3 of 5 stars

****3.5 Stars****
This was a great story idea......
I really enjoyed the sexy times and the action.
Saying all that it was really slow for me. I kept having to take breaks and I found myself trying to skim ahead. I became bored at times. This was so disappointing because I loved where it was going and I was anticipating the next big thing.
So overall a good story....just not for me. I will check out other stories from this author to see if we mesh better in the future.

ARC Received for honest revie ****3.5 Stars****
This was a great story idea......
I really enjoyed the sexy times and the action.
Saying all that it was really slow for me. I kept having to take breaks and I found myself trying to skim ahead. I became bored at times. This was so disappointing because I loved where it was going and I was anticipating the next big thing.
So overall a good story....just not for me. I will check out other stories from this author to see if we mesh better in the future.

ARC Received for honest review ...more

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Oct 22, 2015 Derna rated it 4 of 5 stars

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

When Journalist Skylar Shaw meets Luca Rossi all, she looking for is more information on a recent plane crash except the mysterious Italian wants remain anonymous and, therefore, is giving very little away. Luca is hiding a secret, and being a Journalist Skylar doesn’t give up easily. Soon there is a lot more between then just the research for a story about a plane crash.

“Luca… Well, he was gorgeous and spellbinding. And probably only on the Is *I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

When Journalist Skylar Shaw meets Luca Rossi all, she looking for is more information on a recent plane crash except the mysterious Italian wants remain anonymous and, therefore, is giving very little away. Luca is hiding a secret, and being a Journalist Skylar doesn’t give up easily. Soon there is a lot more between then just the research for a story about a plane crash.

“Luca… Well, he was gorgeous and spellbinding. And probably only on the Island for a while which made him instantly dangerous”

Skylar was sassy and not afraid to say what she was thinking and as for Luca, well it was hard not to like him, as I love men with accents. Luca and Skylar are both likeable characters the chemistry between them is passionate and intense, and I totally understood the hesitancy that they both felt at times due to both their past.

“Skylar Shaw was the most intriguing and sexy woman he’d met in years, only at precisely the wrong time”

I liked the suspense element of the story, and there were some twists that kept the story interesting like a crazy ex-girlfriend. I was worried that as I came to the last 20% of the story that there was going to be a cliffhanger or the ending was going to be rushed but it wasn’t. I will say although the ending it was different from what I was expecting I like it, and it all played out well. And Tamara gives you a sweet epilogue that finished the book off nicely.

"This is everything I thought I didn’t want. Or didn’t need. But I’m here now and it’s everything I need and the only thing I want."

Overall Hot Shade is Tamara Lush’s debut novel, and I felt it's written well, romantic suspense story that was also sexy and enjoyable. The dialogue between the different characters, which was told in the third person, was good, and I look forward to seeing what Tamara has next in store for us. ...more

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Oct 12, 2015 GetYourSmutOn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Italian men are hot!! Check out the full review (enter shameless self promotion) http://getyoursmuton.com/2015/10/12/r...

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Oct 09, 2015 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars

If you are looking for some well fleshed out characters and some steamy romance check out Hot Shade!

I found Skylar and Luca to be relatable and really enjoyed the way they played off of each other. Their romance was full of hot tension that really paid off and I enjoyed that the story played out in a real way. I also loved that Luca was not the stereotypical romance caveman. I feel like sometimes romance authors feel like possessive board line abusive relationships are hot and for me and I suspe If you are looking for some well fleshed out characters and some steamy romance check out Hot Shade!

I found Skylar and Luca to be relatable and really enjoyed the way they played off of each other. Their romance was full of hot tension that really paid off and I enjoyed that the story played out in a real way. I also loved that Luca was not the stereotypical romance caveman. I feel like sometimes romance authors feel like possessive board line abusive relationships are hot and for me and I suspect a lot of female readers they are NOT.

Great story, great characters, I couldn't put it down! I cannot wait to read more from Tamara! ...more

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Sep 12, 2015 Kat Faitour rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, suspense

Hot Shade, by Tamara Lush is a sexy thrill ride that burns as hot as its sunny Florida setting. If you love romantic suspense, international crime, and compelling characters, look no further. You have found your book.

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Oct 24, 2015 Jami Leigh rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2015, 5-stars, kindle, trad-pub

Steamy and delicious! I'm a sucker for hot, rich men and realistic women when it comes to my romance. Skylar's history of abandonment and tragedy crosses with a gentleness that makes her vulnerable still. Which makes her a perfect match for Luca, with his own secrets to hide.

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SUMMARY

Journalist Skylar Shaw covers a plane crash on a Florida beach that leads her to a handsome yet mysterious Italian man...and the conspiracy that threatens all he holds dear.

Romance is the last thing on reporter Skylar Shaw’s mind when she covers a plane crash on a Florida beach. Her best source could be a mysterious Italian visitor, but he’s strictly off the record—unless it involves indulging their electrifying attraction. Little does Skylar know, but that crash was only the beginning.

Luca Rossi is hiding a big secret: He’s a journalist, too, and his anonymous exposé on the Mafia destroyed his world. Now, after a lonely year on the run, he will do anything to possess this vulnerable American beauty. But Skylar is as relentless as the Florida glare, and their world ignites with passion, obsession and murder. Soon erotic nights will bleed into dangerous days, and nowhere will be safe from the heat.