Micki Jordan and her two sisters work as publicists for The Hot Zone sports agency, which is owned and operated by their Uncle Yank, who raised them after their parents' death. As the youngest sister, an excellent athlete and the tomboy of the group, Micki was raised as "one of the guys." Nothing fazes Micki -- nothing except Damian Fuller, the crowd-pleasing New York Renegades centerfielder.

Damian Fuller is a terrific ball player, and his carefree party lifestyle keeps the fans and his coaches from noticing that he's getting older. When a wrist injury puts him on the disabled list for a few weeks, a swaggering young rookie starts angling for his position, and Damian is forced to start thinking about his life after baseball.

Micki has been dreaming about Damian ever since a drunken New Year's kiss, but she knows she can't compare with the bevy of gorgeous glamorous women who hang on Damian wherever he goes. With her sisters' encouragement, Micki decides to pursue Damian, and she transforms herself with a makeover just in time for a charity fundraiser in Tampa with the baseball team. Although she's supposed to be the capable and confident team publicist, Micki's plans are sabotaged when an unwanted admirer spikes her drink. Before the crazy night is over, she's been photographed by the press in Damian's arms as he carries her out of a strip club. Micki definitely got Damian to notice her, but now that they're in the spotlight, will their true feelings be illuminated?

Phillips has created a winning series with the Hot Zone and the Jordan sisters. This perfect summer read has everything: sexy baseball players, smart career women, supportive sisters, a touch of humor, a private island, a metro-sexual best friend, meddling families, a pregnancy scare and plenty of sultry sex scenes. The parallel storyline with Uncle Yank and his long-time love, Lola, added an older generation's perspective and additional depth to the concepts of admitting your true emotions, facing commitment and settling down. This second book in the Hot Zone trilogy is a keeper, and I will be going back to read Annabelle's story in HOT STUFF (August 2004) and watching for Sophie's story in the third installment, HOT ITEM (summer 2006).