Shy little Tito is not so shy. Enjoyable with an interesting plot line. Much like the others with a lot of inner dialog and angst. ( )

Again, this was a little to fast paced for me, but I really liked the couple and their dynamics. I wish this series was longer, it's kind of sad that we don't have an epilogue with all their weddings or something like the fake out extra book ( )

Hot Lips is the fourth, and likely final book, in the ‘Hot Cannolis’ series. This story stars Tito, cousin of Mike from the first book, and Ari, an undercover cop. This is told in first person from both Tito and Ari’s povs, and the mysterious stalker's pov.



First the cover. I like it. All the covers in this series work well representing the main character.

Since this is the fourth book in the series, it can’t be read as a stand-alone. There’s too much background with the rest of the Canali family, especially with the first book in the series, which has to do with Mike, Tito’s cousin. I suggest reading the short story that started it all, Fireman’s Carry by Eli Easton, and then Hot Seat, co-written by Tara Lain and Eli Easton. You’ll get more out of reading Hot Lips if you do. This book is written by Tara Lain, while books one and two are co-written. Book three is written by Eli Easton.

The blurb gives a good run-down of the plot. It turns out Tito was a drag queen in New York, was beaten severely, and then sent to live with the Canalis at their ‘compound’. He’s made himself as invisible as possible. If you’ve read the previous books, Tito comes across as meek, but he’s not, he’s scared. He is extremely intelligent and in demand with his business as a programmer. Unfortunately, it seems one of his attackers has found him, and when some drag queens from a drag club are attacked, Tito decides it’s time to confront his fear and draw out the attacker. That’s where Ari comes in. He’s invited to dinner at the Canali’s, by Rick Canali, Tito’s uncle. There is an immediate attraction. Their lives become more entwined as Tito gets involved helping the drag club and Ari is called in to investigate the beatings. The author threw in some good red herrings on possible suspects. One thing I didn’t like about the plot, is the author once again, used one of her go-to plot devices – kidnappings. I can’t tell you how many books I’ve read by this author where the kidnapping ploy is used to create the conflict at the end. Luckily, the kidnapping in this book didn’t come across as wild, like in her other stories. There is one particular scene, a sex scene that Tito initiates bright and early in the morning that bordered on sexual harassment/assault for me. Besides, how could Ari be such a heavy sleeper that he didn't notice? Especially since he just came off an undercover job where he had to be hyper-vigilant. I think it would've been best if that particular sex scene wasn't included. I don't want to forget to mention that the author used another pov technique she's used in other books, that of starting the story from the antagonist's pov. In this case, it didn't lend anything to the book and I think it would've been better left out.

It took me a little time to get used to Tito’s personality. He was so different from the previous books, but that’s to be expected since he purposefully hid who he really was. Once he was true to himself again, it’s revealed he’s smart, outgoing, a wonderful singer, and terrific drag queen. He also has that core strength of a Canali, but he has difficulty believing in that since the mugging. He’s afraid that if he shows his true self to the Canalis, he’ll lose them as family, so he plans on retiring his drag persona once the case is closed. Tito is in his early twenties. Ari is written as in his late twenties, but he came across as in his early to mid-thirties. To me that seems more logical as to his age. I don’t know why he was written so young. Ari is Jewish, and just like the Canalis who are ‘very’ Catholic, Ari’s family is ‘very’ Jewish, his grandfathers are rabbis. Ari is hiding the secret that he is a huge fan of drag queens, especially of Tito’s persona, ‘Tina’. Interpersonal conflict comes when Tito realizes this, and thinks Ari only likes/wants him because of Tina. Which isn’t true, but this is something they have to work out.

As to the secondary characters, the Canalis don’t make as much of an appearance as in the first and second books. This story mostly centers around Tito and Ari. I probably would’ve liked to see more of Mike and Shane, but they did show up more than the other Canalis. One thing I’m happy about, is that Mike’s mother/Tito’s aunt, Lucille, behaved more normal in this book, and not like an over-the-top crazy teenager in the first book. That was a big relief.

Since the copy I read was an ARC, I’m not rating on the inconsistencies I found or incorrect name usage in a couple places. I’m hoping those were spotted and cleared up by the time the book was released.

Overall, I enjoyed this story. I didn’t care for the kidnapping subplot used again. I think it’s over used in this author’s books. Tito and Ari seemed suited to each other and I could believe in them as a couple. Hot Lips works as a series ending, although it might be nice to read a future story, maybe having to do with Tito’s and Ari’s wedding, or a Canali family Christmas holiday, just some short stories to show how the family is getting along. I’d read those. Anyway, I’d recommend this book as an entertaining read. I give it 4 Stars.



I received an ARC copy from the author. I am voluntarily giving my honest and unbiased opinion. ( )

Purchased to round out the series but it wasn't particularly great. ( )