Sex, Sports, and Stalkers

Navy SEAL Cash McCoy is home from deployment, desperate for sex and normalcy, but his roommate's loud escapades and his own awkwardness with women leave him frustrated. Meanwhile, Jennifer Scott, a quirky, directionless woman with a string of failed jobs and a stalker ex, is hiding from her problems at a bar. Their worlds collide in a dark coatroom, where chemistry and banter spark an unforgettable encounter. Both are seeking escape—Cash from celibacy, Jen from chaos—but neither expects the night to change everything. The emotional undercurrent is one of longing, loneliness, and the hope for something more, even as both try to keep things light and unattached.

The Coatroom Encounter

In the dim, forgotten coatroom, Cash and Jen's playful banter quickly turns to heated passion. Their mutual attraction is undeniable, and their conversation reveals vulnerabilities—Jen's lack of direction and self-doubt, Cash's discomfort outside the bedroom. The encounter is electric, culminating in a near-tryst interrupted by a bar employee. They exchange numbers, both feeling a rare connection, but fate intervenes when rain smears Jen's number, leaving Cash with only a memory. The emotional arc is bittersweet: hope and excitement dashed by a simple twist of fate, setting the stage for longing and missed opportunity.

Missed Connections, Missed Chances

Cash is haunted by his lost chance with Jen, unable to forget her despite attempts at distraction—including a wild threesome with his SEAL buddies. Jen, meanwhile, faces her brother Carson's overprotectiveness and her stalker ex's escalating behavior. Both are adrift, their brief connection lingering in their minds. When Carson asks Cash to protect his sister from her ex, neither realizes the other's identity. The emotional tone is one of frustration, yearning, and the sense that something important has slipped through their fingers.

Sibling Woes and Stalker Fears

Jen's life is a mess: jobless, stalked, and feeling like the family failure. Carson, her SEAL brother, is determined to keep her safe, arranging for her to stay with a teammate—unbeknownst to both, it's Cash. The tension between familial love and suffocating control is palpable, as is Jen's fear of her ex. The emotional core is anxiety and resentment, but also the hope that someone might finally see her for who she is, not just as a problem to be solved.

Houseguest from Heaven—or Hell?

When Jen arrives at Cash's apartment, both are shocked to discover their identities. The chemistry is immediate, but so is the awkwardness—especially with Carson's strict "hands off" warning. Forced into close quarters, they struggle to maintain boundaries, their mutual desire simmering beneath the surface. The emotional arc is a mix of embarrassment, longing, and the thrill of the forbidden, as both try to navigate the new rules of their relationship.

Forbidden Attraction, Unspoken Rules

Cash and Jen's attraction intensifies, but both are determined to respect Carson's wishes—at least outwardly. Jen tests Cash's self-control with flirtation and innuendo, while Cash clings to his discipline, fearing the consequences of giving in. Their banter is laced with sexual tension, and both are frustrated by the artificial barriers between them. The emotional tone is playful but fraught, as desire battles duty and both wonder how long they can hold out.

Seduction Games Begin

Jen decides to test Cash's vaunted discipline, escalating her seduction with skimpy outfits, sexual conversations, and calculated provocations. Cash tries to deflect, but his resolve weakens with every encounter. Their dynamic becomes a game of wills, each pushing the other to the brink. The emotional arc is one of mounting tension, frustration, and the delicious anticipation of inevitable surrender.

The Loophole and the Line

Jen finds a loophole in Carson's edict—he said Cash couldn't touch her, but said nothing about her touching him. She takes the initiative, seducing Cash and finally breaking through his resistance. Their passion explodes, and they agree to a no-strings fling, rationalizing that it's just sex. Yet, beneath the surface, deeper feelings begin to stir. The emotional tone is triumphant, liberating, and tinged with the fear of consequences.

Crossing Boundaries, Breaking Promises

As their physical relationship intensifies, so do their emotional bonds. Both try to maintain the illusion of a casual affair, but jealousy, protectiveness, and genuine affection creep in. Cash feels guilty for betraying Carson's trust, while Jen grapples with her own rules about dating military men. The emotional arc is conflicted—pleasure and guilt, joy and anxiety, as both realize they're in deeper than intended.

Threesome Temptations

Jen's curiosity about threesomes and Cash's open-mindedness lead to a night of sexual exploration with Cash's friend Dylan. The experience is exhilarating and affirming, deepening Jen's confidence and their intimacy. Yet, it also forces both to confront their feelings—what began as a game is now something more. The emotional tone is daring, playful, and ultimately, revealing, as they discover new facets of themselves and each other.

Secrets, Careers, and Confrontations

Cash secretly helps Jen pursue her passion for photography, submitting her work to a major magazine. Jen, initially hurt by the interference, realizes it was an act of love and faith in her talent. Meanwhile, family tensions escalate—Carson's marriage is in trouble, and his disapproval of Cash and Jen's relationship comes to a head. The emotional arc is one of vulnerability, growth, and the struggle to balance independence with connection.

Family Ties, Family Fights

Carson discovers the truth about Cash and Jen, leading to a physical and emotional showdown. Old wounds and insecurities surface, but so do moments of honesty and reconciliation. Carson's own marital struggles mirror Jen's fears about military relationships, forcing everyone to confront what they truly want. The emotional tone is raw, cathartic, and ultimately healing, as forgiveness and understanding begin to take root.

Love, Loss, and Letting Go

Cash is called away on a mission, leaving Jen to face her fears about being left behind. Both struggle with the uncertainty and pain of separation, but their love endures. Jen's career takes off, and she finds strength in her independence, while Cash realizes that love means more than physical presence—it's about trust and commitment. The emotional arc is bittersweet, but hopeful, as both learn to let go of old fears and embrace the unknown.

Danger Returns, Strength Revealed

Jen's stalker returns, forcing her to defend herself in a harrowing encounter. She draws on her own strength and the support of those around her, proving to herself and others that she is not a victim. Cash, returning home, is wracked with guilt for not being there, but Jen reassures him that their partnership is built on mutual respect and resilience. The emotional tone is tense, empowering, and ultimately triumphant.

Happily Ever After, SEAL Style

With the stalker gone and family wounds healing, Cash and Jen finally embrace their love without reservations. Carson and Holly reconcile, and Jen's career flourishes. Cash and Jen commit to building a life together, accepting the challenges and joys of loving a SEAL. The emotional arc is joyful, celebratory, and deeply satisfying, as both find the courage to choose love, again and again.

Characters

Cash McCoy

Cash is a Navy SEAL whose life is defined by discipline, loyalty, and a deep sense of duty. Outwardly confident and sexually adventurous, he struggles with emotional intimacy and fears of inadequacy outside the bedroom. His relationship with Jen exposes his softer side—protective, supportive, and ultimately, deeply loving. Cash's journey is one of self-discovery, as he learns to balance his need for control with vulnerability, and to trust in love despite the risks. His loyalty to his team and friends is unwavering, but it is his willingness to break the rules for Jen that marks his true growth.

Jennifer "Jen" Scott

Jen is a free spirit with a history of failed jobs, family disappointment, and a tendency to babble when nervous. Her lack of direction masks a deep well of creativity and resilience, which emerges through her passion for photography. Haunted by a stalker ex and overprotected by her SEAL brother, Jen longs for independence and validation. Her relationship with Cash challenges her to confront her fears about military life and commitment. Through love, she finds the courage to pursue her dreams and assert her worth, transforming from a self-doubting "screw-up" to a confident, empowered woman.

Carson Scott

Carson is the archetypal big brother—overbearing, loyal, and fiercely protective of Jen. As a SEAL and team leader, he is used to control and command, but his inability to let go creates tension in his relationships. Carson's own marriage is on the rocks, mirroring Jen's fears about military love. His journey is one of humility and growth, as he learns to trust his sister's choices, confront his own failings, and fight for his marriage with honesty and vulnerability.

Dylan Wade

Dylan is Cash's best friend and frequent partner in sexual escapades. Outgoing, witty, and open-minded, he brings levity and encouragement to the group. Dylan's willingness to experiment and his lack of judgment help Jen and Cash explore new dimensions of their relationship. Beneath the surface, he is a steadfast friend, providing support and comic relief, and embodying the freedom to embrace pleasure without shame.

Holly Scott

Holly is Carson's wife, a chef and business owner who struggles with the realities of being a military spouse. Her frustration with Carson's absences and lack of communication is palpable, but her love and commitment are unwavering. Holly's journey is one of self-advocacy, as she demands respect and partnership, ultimately helping Carson see the importance of emotional connection and shared responsibility.

Annabelle Holmes

Annabelle is Jen's closest female friend, offering advice, encouragement, and a healthy dose of pragmatism. She is the voice of experience, having navigated her own military relationship, and serves as a sounding board for Jen's fears and hopes. Annabelle's humor and honesty ground the story, reminding Jen (and the reader) that love is messy, but worth fighting for.

Brendan (Psycho McGee)

Brendan is Jen's stalker ex-boyfriend, whose escalating behavior drives much of the plot's tension. His presence forces Jen to confront her fears, rely on her own strength, and accept help from others. Brendan's actions are a dark mirror to the story's themes of control, vulnerability, and the importance of boundaries.

Savannah Harte

Savannah is a friend of the group, known for her open attitude toward sex and relationships. Her presence adds levity and a sense of community, and her own unconventional love life serves as a counterpoint to Jen's anxieties about commitment and monogamy.

Matt O'Connor

Matt is Cash's roommate and fellow SEAL, whose relationship with Savannah provides a subplot of sexual exploration and nontraditional love. He represents the camaraderie and complexity of SEAL life, and his willingness to step aside for Jen's safety demonstrates the group's loyalty.

Jane Becker

Jane is a former magazine editor and friend who helps Jen launch her photography career. Her belief in Jen's talent and her willingness to advocate for her are instrumental in Jen's transformation. Jane embodies the importance of mentorship, support, and the power of women helping women.

Plot Devices

Forced Proximity and Forbidden Love

The narrative leverages the classic forced proximity trope—Jen and Cash are compelled to live together for her safety, but forbidden from acting on their attraction due to Carson's edict. This device heightens sexual and emotional tension, making every interaction charged with possibility and risk. The "hands off" rule becomes both a barrier and a catalyst, pushing both characters to confront their desires and the consequences of breaking the rules.

Missed Connections and Fate

The initial missed connection—Cash losing Jen's number—sets up a sense of longing and "what if," which is later resolved by fate bringing them together again. This device underscores the theme that some connections are meant to be, and that love often finds a way despite obstacles.

Stalker Threat and Protective Instincts

Brendan's stalking creates real stakes, forcing Jen to accept help and Cash to confront his protective instincts. The threat is both a plot engine and a metaphor for the need to let go of control and trust others. It also allows for moments of heroism, vulnerability, and the testing of boundaries.

Sexual Exploration and Threesome

The inclusion of a threesome and open sexual dialogue is not just titillation—it serves as a means for Jen to reclaim her sexuality, for Cash to demonstrate acceptance and support, and for both to deepen their intimacy. The device also challenges traditional notions of love and fidelity, suggesting that true connection is built on honesty, trust, and mutual pleasure.

Family Dynamics and Parallel Relationships

Carson and Holly's marital issues mirror Jen's fears about military relationships, providing a parallel narrative that explores the costs and rewards of loving a soldier. The family's expectations, disappointments, and eventual reconciliation serve as both obstacles and models for Jen and Cash's journey.

Career Ambition and Secret Support

Cash's secret efforts to launch Jen's photography career demonstrate love as action, not just words. This device allows for conflict (when Jen discovers the interference) and resolution (when she recognizes his faith in her), reinforcing the theme that love means believing in each other's dreams.

Foreshadowing and Narrative Structure

The story uses foreshadowing—Cash's early thoughts about not being relationship material, Jen's fears about military love, Carson's warnings—to set up later conflicts and resolutions. The narrative structure alternates between moments of high tension (stalker attacks, family fights) and emotional intimacy (confessions, reconciliations), maintaining engagement and emotional investment.

Analysis

Feeling Hot is a contemporary romance that blends humor, suspense, and eroticism to explore the complexities of love, trust, and self-acceptance. At its core, the novel is about two people who believe they are unworthy or incapable of lasting love—Cash, the disciplined but emotionally guarded SEAL, and Jen, the quirky, underestimated dreamer. Their journey is marked by external threats (a stalker, family disapproval) and internal barriers (fear of abandonment, self-doubt), but it is through vulnerability, honesty, and mutual support that they find healing and fulfillment. The book challenges traditional gender roles and relationship norms, embracing sexual exploration as a path to intimacy rather than a threat to it. The parallel subplot of Carson and Holly's marriage adds depth, illustrating that love is not about perfection, but about the willingness to fight for connection, even when it's hard. Ultimately, Feeling Hot is a celebration of second chances, the courage to pursue one's dreams, and the transformative power of love that is chosen, not just fated. The lesson is clear: real intimacy requires risk, but the reward is a partnership that can weather any storm—military deployments, family drama, or the ghosts of the past.

Last updated: January 8, 2026