2¢ Worth: Buckle up 'cause Naked Heat is like riding shotgun with Castle and Beckett (I mean Nikki Heat and Jameson Rook) AND it is better than Heat Wave. Weird right? How often is the second book better than the first? Like never. But this time it really is. It's like Heat Wave set the stage so Naked Heat could shine. While Heat Wave occasionally felt wordy and lacked fluidity, Naked Heat is funnier, wittier, and flows effortlessly. Maybe it's because the stage has already been set and therefore this story required less description. Either way Naked Heat really works. Just like the show, this book made me smile and the mystery kept me guessing. Naked Heat is a delightful, 5 star, solid crime novel. Weird to have delightful and crime novel in the same sentence but in this case, it's true. Whodunit verdict: You'll never guess. I couldn't.
Wire tip: Castle fans keep your eyes pealed for the shout out to episodes 17 (Tick, Tick, Tick...) and 18 (Boom!) from Season 2.
Whippersnappers: While nothing is too descriptive, there are mentions to sex, drug abuse, infidelity, black mail, gangs, suicide, and of course murder.
Review Copyright © of Tales of Whimsy.com
Review Copyright © of Tales of Whimsy.com
Great review Juju. I'll definitely need to add these to the wish list.
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
DeleteThanks, Juju! I've been wondering about this one. I grabbed it and then stacked it in the immense TBR mountain. Maybe i do need to start digging around in there..
ReplyDeleteYes do! :)
DeleteThis is not really my cup of tea, but it sounds like it was a good one.
ReplyDeleteThanks :)
Deleteoh adds to reading list just because of Nathan Fillion
ReplyDeleteHe's adorable! Did you see he won the People's Choice Award?
DeleteI love Castle and have not read any of the Nikki Heat books yet...I have to get to that!
ReplyDeleteYes do! :)
DeleteI'm going to have to read this because I love the show.
ReplyDeleteMe too :)
DeleteI always seem to forget how good crime thrillers are....I think I need to add more of these into my regular reading line-up....
ReplyDeleteFun review..:D
This one is a crime novel but not a thriller by any means :)
DeleteBetter than the first? That IS rare. I'm glad you're enjoying this series. I haven't read the books, or watched much of the show for that matter. But now I feel like I'm missing out.
ReplyDeleteYes! Mission accomplished. I hope I convinced you to try it! ;)
DeleteThese look like so much fun! And clearly I need to watch Castle. :)
ReplyDeleteYes! :)
DeleteHa ha. I LOVE your enthusiasm in this review. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks :D
DeleteGlad to know this was a satisfying read for you. I do love thrillers and watch Castle form time to time. So this one might be a good one to add to the ever growing list. Nice review.
ReplyDeleteWell these aren't really thrillers but they are that special brand of Castle-fun that I'm sure you'll dig! :)
DeleteI need to catch up on this series. I think there are only 3 out, and I've read the first one. Not what I usually read, but I had to make an exception for Castle. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI feel ya! I don't read crime mysteries either but you're right these are worth the exception :)
DeleteWhat? The show Castle is based on these books? Wow! I didn't know that. But then again, I don't watch much TV.
ReplyDeleteBut I loved this: "It's like Heat Wave set the stage so Naked Heat could shine."
It is a rare find to discover that book two was even better than the first.
Believe it or not, it's the other way around. The books are based on the show. In the show Richard Castle has written books about his experience shadowing Kate Beckett. These are the books his character has written. :)
DeleteI read this one last year, along with the first book. I didn't think they were masterpieces, but they were pretty fun (and I love how they tie in with the TV series). I need to get my hands on Heat Rises again (I had it from the library as an e-book, but I didn't get a chance to finish it).
ReplyDeleteI have a terrible time thinking in terms of Rook and Heat when I read these things; my mind always substitutes Castle and Beckett!
Right? *smile* It's hard not too!
DeleteEee, fun! I'm excited to finally get into these books soon. I haven't even had time to watch the show lately so clearly I need a Castle fix!
ReplyDelete:) Over the Christmas breaks, I had Castle withdrawals.
DeleteI've never seen the show or heard of this series. I don't know this has happened.
ReplyDeleteYou must change that ;)
DeleteI love the show...but now I want to read the books, too!!!
ReplyDeleteHow are you feeling?
Are you managing everything?
If you love the show you must read the books :)
DeleteI'm feeling great. Tired but great. :) Thanks for asking dear.
I like the show, so I should try this!
ReplyDeleteYes definitely :)
DeleteWhat a beautiful blog Juju! Looks like I have a long way to catch up with you in terms of followers :)
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to read these - I'd love to do a blog post about the reverse adaptation process, of the books being made as a result of the television series, as opposed to the other way round.
Why thank you Danielle! And trust me, it will come. It takes time. I've been blogging since '09 :)
DeleteBrilliant idea for your blog! I would love to hear your thoughts.
I need to catch up on Castle. I've finished the first two seasons, but I've got a ways to go yet!
ReplyDeleteOooo you're doing good :) Don't ya love the show? I think it gets better and better.
DeleteOK...I really need to bump this one up on my list! I think I need to move it to my TBR immediately list!!! And I watch way too much television...but Castle is my Favorite...I just love all of the characters and the relationships!!!!
ReplyDelete♥ Melissa @ Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
:) Castles my fav too! I couldn't agree more on the relationships.
DeleteLOL sorry babe - I added a few mor pictures to my blog while you were commenting. This always happens! I forget some pictures I wanted to post so I go back and edit and in the mean time someone has already commented!
ReplyDeleteI had always wanted to be chosen for the Nielson rating too! It was actually a dream of mine! Then last year I got a post card in the mail! I was soo excited, I think I screamed out loud! I don't think there is anything you can do to be chosen, I think it is just random. But I must have done a good job because they choose me again! YAY!
1. Ahhh those are cutie pictures! :)
Delete2. They contacted you? Tooo cool! Now I will have to dream that one day I too will be randomly selected.
Also check out Martina's blog - funny!
ReplyDeleteOn my way :)
DeleteHey, how did you manage to get your comment system to have a "reply" feature?
ReplyDeleteOkey, okey.... you've convinced me to give this series a go even if it is not my usual read :)
1. YAY! Mission accomplished.
Delete2. Regarding your question: It's new and happened automatically compliments of Blogger - hooray! It's possible that your specialty layout is inhibiting the feature.
Check out this link: http://buzz.blogger.com/2012/01/engage-with-your-readers-through.html
Ah, will have to look into it and thanks for the url addy :)
DeleteNo problem darling :)
DeleteGood luck!
Sorry I couldn't offer you more help.
Hmm I don't have reply on mine either!
DeleteI noticed it doesn't happen if you have your comments set to pop-up window. Try switching it to embedded below.
Deletei love a good suspense novel. and you can't guess who the killer is?? count me in!
ReplyDeleteYes! I love to discuss that when it pertains to mysteries. The whodunit factor is huge for me :)
DeleteCan you believe I've never seen the series? My husband loves it, though. I'll have to tell him about the books.
ReplyDeleteYour hubby loves the show? Awesome. Maybe you can get him the series for Father's Day?
DeleteOkay, so now I really need to bump the first book up on my TBR list - especially since this one is even better! That's quite an accomplishment too, it's not too often that sequels fare better than the first novel.
ReplyDeleteFabulous review :)
Right? :)
DeleteThank you! :)
hmmm maybe I should read the second one instead of the first, since I haven't read either one. Hope this finds you well sweetie :)
ReplyDeleteThanks doll! And if you're a fan of the show and therefore don't need the back story - that's not a bad idea :)
Deletei need to read this series! i loved watching castle when it first came out and i have no idea why i stopped watching it. i need to pick the series back up and read the books too.
ReplyDeleteYes do! (on both)
DeleteEveryone I know loves this TV series and now the books! My book club even read this one and loved it.
ReplyDeleteFabulous review! I think it may have even convinced me I need to make some wiggle room in my schedule for the series or the show. :o)
'Cause it's SO good! :) Ya gotta try both! :) It's something you and the hubs can enjoy together.
DeleteI love the TV show!!! Going to have to read the books :)
ReplyDeleteI'm following you now and grabbed your button for my blog.
Danielle Smiley
http://knowntoread.blogspot.com/
Nice! And yes you must.
DeleteFantastic! Thank you! I'm so glad to hear that :)
Oooh this makes me eager to finally read book one just so I can get to book two!
ReplyDelete:) I'm so glad to hear that.
DeleteI love Castle but had been hesitant to try the books. Now I'm sold! Thanks, Juju!
ReplyDeleteI hope you like it! Let me know what you think ;)
DeleteI, too, LOVE Castle the show and have read all the books. This one is my favorite up to date. I don't know why, maybe it was better written. Great review!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting! :)
Delete*high five* fellow Castle lover!
Have you tried the third book? :)