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Hot Zone #2

Hot Number

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Micki Jordan is a tomboy as much at home on the playing field as in a locker room full of naked guys.

But the star publicist is looking to prove she’s also an irresistible woman in order to get a second shot at professional baseball player and major league playboy, Damian Fuller.

Micki transforms herself into one hot number Damian can’t help but notice and together they burn up the sheets and find themselves falling hard. Until Damian’s past returns, threatening their future.

378 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2005

209 people are currently reading
2675 people want to read

About the author

Carly Phillips

425 books9,751 followers
NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller, Carly Phillips is the queen of Alpha Heroes, at least according to The Harlequin Junkie Reviewer.. Carly married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her crazy dogs who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram pages. The author of over 75 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters and is now an empty nester. Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa as her first romance club pick. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. Want to keep up with Carly? Sign up for her newsletter and receive TWO FREE books at www.carlyphillips.com.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 292 reviews
Profile Image for Jess.
1,072 reviews157 followers
August 13, 2011
I could have read a book just about Micki, or just about Damian. They were such fun, interesting characters on their own, but together they hit everything just right. Learning who the real Damian is, as he was trying to figure it out for himself, and having Uncle Yank push each of them a little along the way was just so enjoyable. I love how he's declared himself the matchmaker for the girls! Micki was beyond lovable. Who can't relate to her self-esteem issues, and to see her fumble along the way a little bit before she found her guy. It was a nice progression and a believable one to see the path she took. She didn't completely leave her tomboy self in the past which I really liked, but just through trying new things she turned into a person she was happy being. But the nicest part was Damian was already falling for her long before she started experimenting with being more girly.

It was just a really well rounded story. A great relationship, a resolution to Yank and Lola, a side story with Carole and Carter - I wasn't really invested in this except for Damian's direct POV on it, and it seemed like Carter made a pretty fast 180 between the character we were introduced to, to the character he ended up trying to be, but it was a small detail and Micki and Damian overshadowed them, rightfully so! Fun, fast read and I'm jumping right into Sophie's book!
Profile Image for Radd Reader.
985 reviews603 followers
August 26, 2021
3.5. Rounding down

**Synopsis:**
Six months ago, Micki got a New Year’s Eve kiss from her crush, Centerfielder and Captain of the New York Renagades, Damian Fuller.
~ “It had begun as Micki’s attempt to take him outside and sober him up before he made a scene destined to hit the papers. And it had ended up a kiss that had shaken her world and shown her what she was missing in her all-work, no-play life.”

Micki was a tomboy as a kid and hasn’t been able to shake that image. So, it’s not surprising that her major crush views her as “one of the guys”. However, Micki thinks it’s time that Damian finally sees her as a stunning woman he wants on his arm and she’s ready to pull out the big guns to accomplish her goal.
~ “Damian Fuller was the one man who made her wish she’d spent less time with her uncle and his friends and more time with her sisters as they’d locked themselves in the bathroom, laughing, giggling, putting on makeup and talking about boys.”


** The following are my thoughts about this book: **
* * not a fan of the other woman type plot. Of course the outcome was obvious, so that whole aspect was too cliché.

* * the 180 character flip for Carter just didn’t feel authentic. And, the “other woman” really ticked me off with the way she “liked him” but she wanted someone with money. Honestly, I found this second couple (who were thrown in at the end) very annoying. No time was spent on any type of build up and then they got some story time later in the book. I wasn’t invested and didn’t care about them.

* * I wish there would have been a little more development around the end of Damian’s career. I would imagine that would be rather depressing and stressful. It was talked about some, but really working through that from Damian’s POV and seeing the shift in his mindset and flushing out some new career options would have been some good character growth, IMO.

* * Might be a me thing, but…….just like the book before, this had a small focus on a few other couples besides the main H/h.
For me, it was distracting because those relationships weren’t developed enough. One of the couples was introduced in the previous book and carried over to this book. And a different couple (as mentioned above) just came out of left field in this book. I would have preferred the sole focus just be on Damien and Micki.


**Overview:**
- Content Warning: none
- Setting: mostly New York. A little bit in Florida
- Do you need to read previous books in series?: I think it would be helpful. There is a couple introduced in book one that gets their HEA in this book.
- POV: Dual POV

- Who is the Hero? Damian Fuller (age: 35). Centerfielder for pro baseball team New York Renegades. His family is mostly women (mom, sisters, nieces), so he knows how to treat a woman with respect.
~ “Growing up around females had taught Damian how to treat a lady and more importantly how to have patience with one, too—the constant questions, the prying into his feelings, the way they invaded his personal space in general.”
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Hero: charming, scared of facing the end of his career
* H likable? Yes.

- Who is the Heroine? Micki Jordan (age: 26). Publicist at her uncle’s sports agency (Hot Zone). When her parents died in a plane crash when she was 8, Michelle (aka Micki) and her 2 older sisters were sent to live with her Uncle Yank. A rough around the edges man, who did the best he could to raise 3 girls.
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Heroine: one of the guys, restless, insecure and filled with self doubt when it comes to “girly” stuff, spunky
* h likable? Yes.

- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: 60%.
- First time they sleep together: 68%.
- Safe sex? Yes. Condoms were used
- First time they say I Love You 95%
- steamy? Yes. Descriptive bedroom scenes
- OW/OM drama? Yes
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? A few weeks or so
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? No
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? No
- Did I swoon🥰? Not really. Damian is a nice guy but no big swoony moments
- Cliffhanger? No
- HEA? Yes
- Epilogue? Yes. A few months later
- Recommend? It was ok.


**Quotes**
“If I change who I am on the outside, then I wouldn’t be me. Don’t I deserve to find someone who appreciates me for who I am?”

“But what good is your makeover if you’re still the same insecure person on the inside?”

“Around me you’re not going to have any reason to think or feel insecure.”
Profile Image for Janet.
3,148 reviews24 followers
July 11, 2020
This is another fantastic addition to the series. Micki and Damian pair well together. I can't wait to read Sophie's story as soon as I figure out where I put the book.
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,356 reviews618 followers
March 9, 2019
I think I've already mentioned this before, but the Hot Zone series is one of my first reads by Carly Phillips back in the day. I've become much better at expressing my views on a book, so this review should be more informative ... ready?

OMG, if you haven't read this series, what are you waiting for?!?! ..... .....
..... ..... (You need more?! lol)

These girls and their Uncle will thoroughly entertain you. Michelle Jordan aka Micki , the youngest of the sisters, is a bones deep tomboy. One of the guys. That was her defense mechanism. She hid behind that so she wouldn't have to feel rejection. She just didn't think enough of herself. Until Damian Fuller ... **swoon** What a ridiculously good hero Carly created in him!

So here's what happened :) .... Micki and Damian shared a scorching hot kiss on New Year's Eve. That kiss opened up things for Micki. She decided to go after Damian and with a little help from her sister, she transformed from tomboy to a girlie-girl, for lack of any other term LOL But there's always a catch when someone changes for another. And there's always insecurities that come with that. But Micki's changes were only superficial at first. She slowly started to change inside as well. She didn't leave her tomboy ways totally behind, but she was definitely a new woman. And she loved the woman she had become but again ... insecurities. And Damian saw that. He felt that. And he fell for her because of it :) You can really feel their connection throughout this book. It unfolded perfectly.

This was a really fun and sexy journey. Everything about it felt real and believable. You could relate to Micki easily and also in Damian. It's impossible not to root for these two. Neither held any negative qualities to mention and altho the conflict Damian was faced with was a bit of a cliche, it still felt right. I JUST FRIKKIN LOVE THESE PEOPLE! Sidebar: Yank and Lola borrow the show splendidly and Yank is still one of my all time favorite grumpy but lovable characters!

2017 Edition provided for review by Carly's Review Team
Profile Image for Christine Danielle .
227 reviews125 followers
April 13, 2015
FOR MORE REVIEWS AND GIVEAWAYS, DO CHECK OUT MY BLOG:  photo bun3_zpsa210610d.jpg

Hot Number

Cover: 3
Plot: 5
Characters: 5

5 NOODLE STARS!

REVIEW:

MY REACTION WHILE READING THIS BOOK:

excited gif photo: Excited Charlotte Gif CharlotteExcited.gif


Honey, when I look at you, you're right, I don't see anything similar to those other women. But don't you see? That's what makes you so special. That's why I love you."


I love this book so much! Hot Number is the second book in the Hot Zone series and it focuses on Michelle "Micki" Jordan the youngest of the three Jordan sisters. She is tired of being considered as on of the boys especially now that she set her eyes on Damien Fuller. One mistake in a strip club leads them to spend time alone on Damien's island, and with Micki intent on seducing Damien who knows what will happen.

Since Micki is considered one of the boys, I can really relate to her and I loved how she's tough with dealing with her clients but is shy and innocent with regards to her female side.

Damien may appear as a playboy - since he really is one, but he knows how to treat women right and is a perfect gentleman. Since he was the youngest in a house full of girls.

Lola and Yank is also mentioned in this story and I also loved their relationship.

Damien and Micki are two very different persons and the way their relationships works so perfectly even with all the differences they have is so cool.

A really great read that I would recommend to people who have read the first book in the series and loves romance.
Profile Image for Anita.
2,566 reviews212 followers
June 1, 2013
Funny, sexy and a little on the serious side. I love the Hot Zone books. This one is about Micki and hot stuff, ladies man, baseball jock Damian. The shared a scorching kiss on New Years Eve and Micki has been obsessing ever since. The problem, she feels that she is so far out of his league that it must have been a fluke. After all, she is just one of the guys to all the athletes she is always around. She absolutely does not want to be that to Damian, so she asks sister Sophie to teach her how to be a girl. With a little help from fate, Damian takes notice, not that he hadn't already. He has rules going in and Micki agrees thinking that even a little time with Damian is better than no time at all, even if she knows going in she is more than a little in love with him.

Stuff happens and Micki sees the real person Damian is and is over her head in love. Damian also really sees Micki and realizes his lifestyle is not all he wants anymore.
Profile Image for Nancy.
57 reviews
September 6, 2010
Micki Jordan had a crush in Professional baseball player Damian for a long time. She stepped up and changed from a tomboy into a sexy woman. Things heat up between Damian and Micki when she became the replacement publicist for Damian team because the former publicist, Annabelle, Micki's sister, is pregnant. They really love each other but many things just keep popping up and makes the book so thrilling. Damain doesn't want to give up his career and he has more problems when another woman claims she had his child. His career is about to end and he can't seem to let go of it.
Profile Image for ChloeLeeNH.
286 reviews46 followers
December 31, 2008
Needing and to be needed was a big theme in this one... I liked the tomboy trying to go girly. It was another cute easy read. Going through them like water..on to #3!
Profile Image for Nana.
405 reviews26 followers
October 13, 2017
Terlepas dari terjemahannya yang kayaknya agak belepetan di bagian depan, cerita di Hot Number ini jauh lebih oke dari buku pertamanya, Hot Stuff. Karakter Micki dan Damian lebih dikupas ketimbang Annabelle dan Vaughn dan mereka berdua memang menggemaskan. Hahahaha.

Another publicist-athlete's romance, ga beda jauh sama Hot Stuff, tapi kali ini tokoh utama ceweknya Micki, si bungsu dan tomboy dari agen humas atlet Hot Zone. Micki diam-diam jatuh cinta sama atlet baseball Damian Fuller, yang terkenal antikomitmen dan di usia menjelang pensiun. Micki, yang sebenarnya rendah diri karena dia sering dianggap bukan perempuan karena ketomboiannya, dengan bantuan kakaknya, Sophie, mencoba mendekati Damian dengan mulai berdandan feminin.

Yang Micki nggak tahu, Damian sebenarnya juga naksir sama Micki. Apalagi, cuma Micki yang bisa menenangkan segala kekhawatirannya, terutama kekhawatirannya menghadapi masa pensiun. Ketika suatu hari Micki terkena skandal dan harus "ngumpet", Damian, dengan izin paman Micki sekaligus bos Hot Zone, Yank, membawa Micki ke rumah peristirahatan keluarganya di pulau terpencil. Di situ, seperti udah diduga, Damian dan Micki pun nggak bisa menahan diri.

Setelah kembali ke New York, Damian diterpa kabar buruk. Pasangan one night stand-nya, Carole, ternyata hamil dan Carole mengaku kalau anak yang dikandungnya adalah anak Damian. Posisi Damian jadi serbasulit. Hubungannya dengan Micki jadi canggung karena Micki justru yang ditugaskan membereskan masalah itu demi karir Damian.

Sama seperti Hot Stuff, hal yang gue suka dari tulisan Carly Phillips ini adalah ceritanya yang nggak melulu soal romance (walau romance-nya hot banget di novel ini! Hihi). Kalau di Hot Stuff pembaca diajak untuk menebak siapa yang menyabotase proyek penginapan Vaughn, kali ini pembaca diajak untuk mengerti lebih jauh mengenai sisi psikologis atlet (dalam novel ini, baseball). Ada Damian, si atlet senior yang masih belum siap pensiun dan berharap bisa bermain satu season lagi walau cederanya sudah cukup mengkhawatirkan. Ada juga Carter, si atlet muda yang bersemangat dan berambisi merebut posisi Damian. Keduanya bertolak belakang dan kesannya Damian adalah protagonis sementara Carter antagonis. Tapi sebenarnya, mereka berdua sama-sama punya kekurangan dan kelebihan masing-masing. Lalu, mengenai Micki sendiri, yang mengalami krisis kepercayaan diri yang menurut gue relatable lah sama orang-orang kebanyakan.

Oh iyaaa.... ada juga kisah cinta Paman Yank-Lola yang bikin gemes!!!! Ya ampun Paman Yank itu beneran kocak deh. Belum lagi si Noodle The Labradoodle-nya. hehe.

So far, seru juga ngikutin karya Carly Phillips. Lanjut buku ketiga, HOT ITEM!!!
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,053 reviews201 followers
June 4, 2017
3.75 stars---

About the book: Re-release March 7, 2017

Micki Jordan is a tomboy as much at home on the playing field as in a locker room full of naked guys.

But the star publicist is looking to prove she’s also an irresistible woman in order to get a second shot at professional baseball player and major league playboy, Damian Fuller.

Micki transforms herself into one hot number Damian can’t help but notice and together they burn up the sheets and find themselves falling hard. Until Damian’s past returns, threatening their future.

••••••••••••

REVIEW : 3.75 stars---HOT NUMBER is the second installment in Carly Phillips’s contemporary, adult HOT ZONE romance series focusing on the Jordan sisters(Annabelle, Michelle and Sophie) and their Uncle Yank Morgan-owner of the sports agency/PR firm known as The Hot Zone. This is sports PR agent and youngest sister / Hot Zone publicist Michelle (Micki) Jordan, and professional baseball player Damian Fuller’s story line. HOT NUMBER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing story line focusing on Uncle Yank and the woman he loves. HOT NUMBER advances the series by one year.


NOTE: The Hot Zone series has been re-edited and re-release with all new covers.

SOME BACKGROUND: Approximately 18 years earlier sports agent Yank Morgan became the guardian and parent to his late sister’s three orphaned daughters-Annabelle, Michelle aka Micki, and Sophie Jordan-and in the ensuing years Yank and the Jordan sisters became one of the most successful sports agency and PR firms in the world of sports-The Hot Zone. The Hot Zone series is their story as Yank Morgan struggles to find a happily ever after for the girls (now women) he loves like his own, as well as the fight to keep his own heart from breaking apart.

Told from several third person points of view HOT NUMBER focuses on two relationships: the contemptuous partnership between The Hot Zone owner Yank Morgan, and his PA and one time lover Lola : and the building relationship between Micki Jordan and injured professional baseball player Damien Fuller. Micki is the ‘tomboy’ of the family. From a young age, Micki followed her Uncle Yank to business meetings, into the boardrooms, and players lockers rooms getting first hand knowledge about the ins and outs of the business she would one day become part owner and partner. A life hanging out with a single male meant Micki grew up to be less than feminine, rough around the edges, and always viewed as ‘one of the boys’ but a hot New Year’s Eve kiss six month earlier between Micki and Damien had shaken Micki’s world and shown our heroine what she had been missing in her life. A night out with the boys found Micki and Damien caught in a compromising position that resulted in some down time together for our leading couple. What ensues is the building relationship between Micki and Damien that will implode when Damien’s past comes baring some life altering news.

Micki is a heroine with issues of self-esteem, self doubt and insecurities. Believing she is not worthy of love or the attention of an all-star sport hero, Micki accepts that her relationship with Damien is temporary; a part of their current circumstance until something better or different comes along. Damien is a professional baseball player who never had any plans to settle down let alone go quietly into the sunset with a potentially career-ending injury.

The romance between Micki and Damien is one of instant attraction. Neither one has forgotten about the New Year’s Eve kiss-a kiss that changed their lives forever. The $ex scenes are intimate, intense and erotic without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text. There is a definite lack of communication between our couple in light of some life changing news for them both. Micki begins to withdraw and finds herself on the outside looking in.

There are a large number of secondary and supporting characters including Micki’s sisters Annabelle and her husband Brandon (Hot Stuff #1), middle sister Sophia, Uncle Yank and his PA Lola; Yank’s best friend and competition Spencer Atkins ; Micki’s best friend and Damien’s teammate John Roper, fellow teammate and center fielder Ricky Carter; and Carole-a woman who comes between Damien and the woman with whom he will fall in love.

HOT NUMBER not only follows the relationship between Damien and Micki, but brings some resolution to Yank and Lola’s ongoing love, and opens up a potential future for Ricky and the woman that calls to his heart. The premise is entertaining and energetic; the characters are colorful and realistic; the romance struggles with self-doubt and the fall out from an earlier affair.

Copy supplied for review

www.thereadingcafe.com
Profile Image for Amanda.
198 reviews23 followers
July 4, 2016
I have to say I think this was my favorite of the Series; I was able to jump right in line with Micki and her feelings of being…well…basically invisible. In her mind and in a lot of ways she really was considered one of the guys, and she was okay with that until she shared a kiss with Damien Fuller one of the biggest players in baseball and I don’t mean just his game. As for Damien himself I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to like him and I was afraid that it was going to ruin me on reading any other Carly Phillips books, but instead over the course of the book he also became real and relatable. I felt my heart and mind expand to accept him and let me tell you the love story was great for me. The fact they kept getting thrown together was priceless. When I but this book down I was content and happy and hungry for the next one.
Profile Image for Deava101.
57 reviews11 followers
June 25, 2012
I loved the relationship between these sisters and with Annabelle happily married in another part of the State, Micki Jordan finds herself asking Sophie to help her change from 'one of the guys' to sexy seductress....all for baseball player Damian Fuller.

Ever since their new year's eve kiss, Damian can't get Micki off his mind, she's not like any other girls so he continuously try to forget she is all female and just the tomboy publicist. But after one scandal and Uncle Yanks' persistence, Damian kidnapped Micki and brought her to his private Florida Island where things steam up...But upon returning home, Damian finds himself in another scandal concerning his past-lover Carole and his retirement closer than it seems due to injury...And One Hot publicist by his side during it all!

Sexy and Funny! Love Carly Phillips and Cannot wait to read Sophie's Story!
489 reviews4 followers
November 18, 2015
Micki Jordan, the youngest Jordan sister, is part of the Hot Zone a PR firm for athletes. What works for her is she is and has always been accepted as one of the guys in any locker room. Until News Years Eve when a slightly drunk Damian Filler kisses her then she needs advise from her older very feminine sisters.
Profile Image for Katherine ang.
100 reviews1 follower
September 24, 2012
The plot and story was good. Quite witty too. I just wish that the narrations weren't too long.
Profile Image for Anamaria.
124 reviews
January 2, 2014
An easy read. Didn't regret it. Suzan Elizabeth Philip-ish and sweet.
Profile Image for Amber.
69 reviews
October 20, 2019
Fantastic series

I have loved this series for a while! Love the relationship between sisters, Uncle Yank, and Lola too. Another great story for the Jordan sisters.
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,053 reviews201 followers
June 4, 2017
3.75 stars---

About the book: Re-release March 7, 2017

Micki Jordan is a tomboy as much at home on the playing field as in a locker room full of naked guys.

But the star publicist is looking to prove she’s also an irresistible woman in order to get a second shot at professional baseball player and major league playboy, Damian Fuller.

Micki transforms herself into one hot number Damian can’t help but notice and together they burn up the sheets and find themselves falling hard. Until Damian’s past returns, threatening their future.

••••••••••••

REVIEW : 3.75 stars---HOT NUMBER is the second installment in Carly Phillips’s contemporary, adult HOT ZONE romance series focusing on the Jordan sisters(Annabelle, Michelle and Sophie) and their Uncle Yank Morgan-owner of the sports agency/PR firm known as The Hot Zone. This is sports PR agent and youngest sister / Hot Zone publicist Michelle (Micki) Jordan, and professional baseball player Damian Fuller’s story line. HOT NUMBER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing story line focusing on Uncle Yank and the woman he loves. HOT NUMBER advances the series by one year.


NOTE: The Hot Zone series has been re-edited and re-release with all new covers.

SOME BACKGROUND: Approximately 18 years earlier sports agent Yank Morgan became the guardian and parent to his late sister’s three orphaned daughters-Annabelle, Michelle aka Micki, and Sophie Jordan-and in the ensuing years Yank and the Jordan sisters became one of the most successful sports agency and PR firms in the world of sports-The Hot Zone. The Hot Zone series is their story as Yank Morgan struggles to find a happily ever after for the girls (now women) he loves like his own, as well as the fight to keep his own heart from breaking apart.

Told from several third person points of view HOT NUMBER focuses on two relationships: the contemptuous partnership between The Hot Zone owner Yank Morgan, and his PA and one time lover Lola : and the building relationship between Micki Jordan and injured professional baseball player Damien Fuller. Micki is the ‘tomboy’ of the family. From a young age, Micki followed her Uncle Yank to business meetings, into the boardrooms, and players lockers rooms getting first hand knowledge about the ins and outs of the business she would one day become part owner and partner. A life hanging out with a single male meant Micki grew up to be less than feminine, rough around the edges, and always viewed as ‘one of the boys’ but a hot New Year’s Eve kiss six month earlier between Micki and Damien had shaken Micki’s world and shown our heroine what she had been missing in her life. A night out with the boys found Micki and Damien caught in a compromising position that resulted in some down time together for our leading couple. What ensues is the building relationship between Micki and Damien that will implode when Damien’s past comes baring some life altering news.

Micki is a heroine with issues of self-esteem, self doubt and insecurities. Believing she is not worthy of love or the attention of an all-star sport hero, Micki accepts that her relationship with Damien is temporary; a part of their current circumstance until something better or different comes along. Damien is a professional baseball player who never had any plans to settle down let alone go quietly into the sunset with a potentially career-ending injury.

The romance between Micki and Damien is one of instant attraction. Neither one has forgotten about the New Year’s Eve kiss-a kiss that changed their lives forever. The $ex scenes are intimate, intense and erotic without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text. There is a definite lack of communication between our couple in light of some life changing news for them both. Micki begins to withdraw and finds herself on the outside looking in.

There are a large number of secondary and supporting characters including Micki’s sisters Annabelle and her husband Brandon (Hot Stuff #1), middle sister Sophia, Uncle Yank and his PA Lola; Yank’s best friend and competition Spencer Atkins ; Micki’s best friend and Damien’s teammate John Roper, fellow teammate and center fielder Ricky Carter; and Carole-a woman who comes between Damien and the woman with whom he will fall in love.

HOT NUMBER not only follows the relationship between Damien and Micki, but brings some resolution to Yank and Lola’s ongoing love, and opens up a potential future for Ricky and the woman that calls to his heart. The premise is entertaining and energetic; the characters are colorful and realistic; the romance struggles with self-doubt and the fall out from an earlier affair.

Copy supplied for review

www.thereadingcafe.com
Profile Image for Megan.
658 reviews62 followers
March 13, 2017
I liked this book, but not as much as book 1, Hot Stuff. I'd give it 3.5 stars.

Micki Jordan is the youngest of 3 sisters. (Her oldest sister Annabelle was the heroine of book 1.) She's always been a tomboy, and "one of the guys". She followed her Uncle Yank around everywhere and emulated him from the time she was a child. As an orphan, Yank was her guardian, and main parental figure, and she worshiped him. She's never been good at any "girly stuff", and though her two sisters bonded with each other over makeup, clothes, and talking about boys, she was never a part of that bond. Now as an adult, she's beginning to realize she needs help in these areas, as she's developed an interest in one of her family business' sports clients, a pro baseball player, Damian Fuller. But she just knows he'll never pay any attention to her when he could have anyone.

Damian is 35 and in the twilight of his pro baseball career. He knows his time is limited, and he's basically refusing to accept it. Meanwhile, he's been gallivanting all over town keeping up his playboy image and sleeping with any woman who interests him for the night. But, he's grown tired of his shenanigans, and on the prior New Year's Eve, he drunkenly kissed his publicist, Micki. He's basically been avoiding her ever since, because he senses she would not be satisfied with only one night, and he's not ready for anything like that. He doesn't want to care about anyone that much, as he's fully focused on his career, with no room for anything else.

I liked Damian and Micki's chemistry and i enjoyed their banter. They both had personal issues and hang-ups that they needed to deal with before they could successfully be together as a couple, and that was pretty slow going. Additionally, there was a HUGE outside issue that had to be dealt with as well. This side plot is what I had the biggest issue with, personally. I don't usually like this type of obstacle between my main couple, and I felt the same way here. I just wasn't a fan of that entire situation.

Other side plots were much more pleasing to me, including the one with Uncle Yank and Lola, his former assistant, and the girls' surrogate mother, which carried over from the first book. Yank is quite a stubborn old coot, but something about him makes you pull for him. He really loves the girls and raised them well, and it's finally his turn to be happy!

So, overall I liked this book, but I didn't love it. I was glad to see Micki's story, and I liked the main couple when they weren't busy screwing things up. I'm still very much looking forward to Sophie's story. As the middle sister, and the most no-nonsense, I'm very curious about the man that will capture her heart!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Kahea.
2,242 reviews122 followers
March 7, 2017
***4 ‘Face your fears’ Stars***

Sooooo I MAY have to rethink the whole pulling teeth thing from Hot Stuff because the males in this one take the cake, I swear my eyes hurt from all the rolling they were doing, though to be fair the women did add to the pain, but it was all worth. Hot Number was another fun, quick read filled with equal amounts of sweet, smexy and frustrating moments that kept me on my toes.

Micki has always been the tomboy and hasn’t minded being one of the guys until recently. Now she wants to let her feminine side out more and possibly snag the one man she can’t stop thinking about. I loved Micki. She’s got sass, spunk and determination in spades and isn’t afraid of speaking her mind. But she’s also got her own insecurities and I enjoyed experience the steps she took to overcome them and, for lack of a better term, find herself. It was quick or easy, but she did it, with a little help from those around her and became that much stronger.

Damian’s entire life, entire being, is baseball. He has never thought about what life after the game. As far as he’s concerned, he’s at the top of his game and has no cause to worry. Until he does. This man. I tell. I understood his mindset, but dear lord was he stubborn. Everything revolved around baseball. Everything. And I seriously wanted to reach out and Gibbs smack him. But when he wasn’t totally focused on his career, he was sweet and charming and damn smexy. He took the long road to China when it came to certain things, but at least he finally got there.

Micki and Damian’s road was filled with a lot of “I want you, but…” things going on from the both of them. Thankfully when they were together, no matter the situation, the connection between them was there. Damian helped Micki see herself as a woman and Micki helped Damian see that he could be more than just a baseball player and the sexual chemistry between them was hot. I do wish they hadn’t taken the extra long road to China to figure their issues out, but it was worth it in the end.

But as much as I enjoyed Micki and Damian’s journey there was one issue that just didn’t work for me and of course it was that big ‘ole plot twist, or roadside bomb if you will, in their journey. It took me awhile to figure out why it didn’t work for me and what I finally realized was that I didn’t care for the other people involved. At. All. In fact one I wanted to gut one of them with a spoon after a certain incident. And even after it was resolved, and I did like how it all ended up, I just didn’t care enough for the others. I had no empathy for them even when it appeared the stick was being pulled out of one of their arses. I know it was a turning point for both Damian and Micki and how they perceived their futures, but it didn’t do much for me in the end.

Outside of that issue, I enjoyed the book. I like how things went with the whole Yank and Lola storyline and really liked getting to know Roper more, which makes me want to skip ahead to his book, but won’t. Instead it’s Sophie’s turn on the chopping block and I’m interested in what it will take for the last Jordan sister to fall.

~ Copy provided by the author/review crew ~
Profile Image for Alba M. .
1,724 reviews150 followers
June 21, 2019
Micki siempre ha sido la chica marimacho de las hermanas Jordan. Los chicos en el vestuario la ven como uno más, incluso el sexy hombre Damian. Ella ha estado colada por Damian desde que tuvieron aquel beso de borrachera en año nuevo. Pero él parece no verla... O eso cree ella.

Este libro tiene cosas que no me gustan. Osea la historia al final ha estado lo suficientemente bien para decir que sirve para pasar el rato.
Pero hay cosas que chirrían:
Por ejemplo, Micki que es tan insegura consigo misma de repente de un momento a otro se vuelve una sex symbol que hasta se mete a bailar a un club de striptease 😒🙄
Y también pasa de no ser capaz de balbucear dos palabras coherentes a Damian, a de repente insinuarle cosas sexuales en un abrir y cerrar de ojos.
Bueno y en cuanto al drama... En fin, que me puso de los nervios, tanto lloriquear que lo quiere y cuando lo tiene lo manda a tomar por saco???? Tu es que eres tonta hija mía.

Lo mejor del libro? Yank y Lola!!!! Por fin por fin se ha resuelto!!!!!

Recomiendo el libro para pasar el rato pero no es lo mejorcito que he leído. Se me hizo difícil acabarlo eh.
Profile Image for Tina "IRead2Escape".
1,475 reviews85 followers
August 16, 2019
I can always count on Carly Phillips to write a feel good story that is guaranteed to sweep me away and give me the escape I need.

Micki is the tomboy of the Jordan sisters and has no faith in her feminine abilities. Damian is just the man to show her how much of a woman she really is. Damian had his moments of being a jerk but overall I loved him. He really did try to do the right thing. It's just those cocky sports stars stumble here and there. For such a strong chick Micki had a lot of personal insecurities. Thank goodness these insecurities didn't take away from how badass she really is.

I loved it when this couple actually came together and just went with it. There were a couple road bumps but I loved that Micki stepped back and let Damian deal with them. She didn't emotionally blackmail him or try to get involved. The supporting characters were even fun.
Profile Image for books are love.
3,144 reviews23 followers
March 21, 2017
Two stubborn feisty people come together and give us explosion. I love how Micki is independent and strong. She becomes vulnerable only in damian’s arms. Damian is facing the end of his career and denying it. It is the tough honesty of Micki that helps him get to the point where he felt okay with it.

Micki is the ultimate tomboy but wants to be noticed by guys. Well one in particular Damian. When she does get his attention we are subjected to a amazingly steamy and intimate weekend. They open up to one another and wow the sparks. Reality hits and Damian is embroiled in a PR nightmare and Micki is his publicist putting them in awkward footing. For Damian he still wants Micki and she is distancing herself. Frustrating for him fun for us.

They are both so fun. He is more introspective and she just says what she thinks no holding back. Damian is honest and kind. Micki spunky and caring. Together they give us a spicy entertaining story of how he comes to terms with retirement and falls in love and how she lets go of her fears and takes a chance at love with Damian. A book filled with hot moments but also sweet and fun moments as well.
Profile Image for Amazeballs Book Addicts.
2,811 reviews243 followers
March 18, 2017
If you loved Hot Stuff, just wait until you read this one!! This is about Micki and Damien and gives you some Annabelle and her man as well and of course there is some other Hot Zone folks. It makes for another perfect book for me. It has everything I have come to expect from Carly Phillips and yet she always gives me more. I didn't mention it in my previous review of Hot Stuff, but I have to say I really love Yank and Lola. They add that extra something that I didn't even know was needed. Micki and Damien are HOT!!! I mean burn up the pages of the book hot. I am in love with this series!!!

Review by Tabitha
Profile Image for Shelly.
450 reviews
July 20, 2020
3.5 This book was much better than the first! I did end up liking Micki more than Annabelle, but I can see where I could be in the minority on that. I found myself frustrated with her a few times. I also liked her and Damian's relationship better because it had a little more conflict to it. I thought I wouldn't like all of the side plots, but in this case they helped move the story along really well. On to the final sister!

2020 Reading Challenge
July Word: Hot
Profile Image for Samantha Ward.
3 reviews
November 20, 2024
Got this book at the local library for $0.50, feels more like 2.5 stars but not a 3. Definitely an easy read.
Profile Image for Jami Birnbaum.
268 reviews25 followers
March 5, 2017
*An advance reading copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review. *

The second book in the Hot Zone series centers on the youngest Jordan sister, Micki. Ever since her parents’ death when she was really young, she has always been taken care of… by her sisters, her Uncle Yank and Lola, Yank’s assistant/conscious. Micki took to her Uncle Yank more that her two sisters, which turned her into more of a tomboy than a girly-girl. As an adult, she now works with her sisters as Sports Publicists for her Uncle’s firm. They give her the tough assignments, which she doesn’t back away from.

After a drunken kiss with Damian Fuller, a professional baseball player and playboy, at a New Year’s Eve Event, Micki is tired of being known as “One of the Guys”. With her sister Sophie’s help, Micki reinvents herself to get Damian to notice her.

Damian Fuller is the Captain of the NY Renegades. He’s in his mid-30’s. There’s a new, young outfielder chomping at his heels. He can’t afford to be distracted right now. And Micki Jordan is just that to him. When circumstances are taken out of their hands, they retreat together to try to get a handle on the situation.

The inevitable happens and they find themselves falling fast for one another. That’s when Damian’s past come back to bite him. He needs Micki more than ever right now, both as his friend and publicist. But is that enough for her?
Profile Image for Sasha Bree.
112 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2024
again, the changing POV confuse the fuck out of me… and the out of pocket plot twists that this and the previous book had have me rolling on the floor laughing
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,616 reviews164 followers
March 5, 2017
Micki has a plan. She's going to snag her man.

Micki is the girl that every guy calls their buddy. She blends in, while secretly wanting to stand out. For one guy in particularly. Damian Fuller.


He's a beast on the field and playboy off of it.

Damian has some serious game on and off the field. His skills are well - known. His exploits legendary, but his heart remains untouched. Until one kiss seals his fate. The girl of his dreams, becomes the keeper of his heart.

Matchmaking uncles, lovable characters and an identifiable storyline make for a hard to resist, enchanting read. Hot Number is a HOME RUN!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 292 reviews

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