Heat Wave

## Heat Wave by Barbara Delinsky As a stifling heat wave hangs over the city, Caroline Cooper, already frustrated from a day of crises, finds little relief. Opening her windows, she spots Brendan Carr across the courtyard, similarly scantily clad, sparking steamy and unsettling thoughts. Driven onto his own fire escape by the relentless heat, lawyer Brendan Carr is equally captivated, weaving fantasies around the gorgeous Caroline. Night after burning night, their silent, intense observations build, creating a palpable tension that questions the boundary between fantasy and reality. Will Caroline and Brendan dare cross the dangerous line between their private desires and a potentially life-altering connection? *Heat Wave* is a quintessential Barbara Delinsky novel, exemplifying her mastery of simmering tension and emotional depth, making it a strong contender for a "Best Of" list. Delinsky excels at exploring the fine line between desire and reality, and here, she uses the oppressive summer heat as a brilliant metaphor for the escalating passion between Caroline and Brendan. The story captures the essence of shared vulnerability and the exhilarating risk of truly connecting with another person, even when that connection starts with silent observation. It showcases Delinsky's signature ability to craft relatable characters grappling with intense, often taboo, emotions, proving why she remains a powerhouse in contemporary romance.