ghosts

"HEAT" did not hold my interest at all. I read all of it so that I could review it fairly, but it drags so bad in places that I could barely finish it.

The problem that I see is that crossovers don't work because "Angel" is a show for adults and "HEAT" is a book for teenagers. Actually, most teenagers that I know read on a much higher level than this book. "HEAT" is consistent with the less mature characters from Seasons 1-3 of "Buffy", but the truth is that it is very inconsistent with the characters from later seasons.

In reading the reviews, I think the fact that almost all of the "Excellent" reviews focus on the TV show instead of on the book says everything that anyone needs to know. Obviously, those reviewers didn't really enjoy the book, they just love the early season relationship between Buffy and Angel.

By the way, at least Buffy did tell Spike that she loved him in "Chosen." She certainly didn't bother to tell Angel that she still loved him. If I was seeing my one true love knowing that I might never see her again, I would definitely tell her that I loved her.

Heat was very enjoyable and it kept me wanting more. I'm glad, Heat was my first Buffyverse book purchase...no regrets whatsoever. I thought all the characters were treated fairly (including all the ships). Only criticism...even though the villains history were important in understanding the storyline, I felt that it dragged a tiny bit in the beginning of the book. All and all, this book was a fun read.

I've read all the reviews & I've read the novel. I think Nancy Holden does a good job of keep the Novel as though it could be apart of the regular BtVS/Angel Universe. It is set in the early 7th season of BtVS(after "Him" but before the Watcher's Council was destroyed)/and early 4th season Angel(after Cordy's return, but before "the Rain Of Fire" sega).
As for the Buffy/Spike relationship vs. Buffy/Angel relationship. Buffy/Spike relationship is like a Fire storm, -- very hot & Passionate, but destined to die out, in a quick blase of glory(as it Did in "Chosen"). By the way (B/S shippers)Buffy never said she loved Spike, until the just before Spike died in "Chosen". Buffy/Angel are described in the novel as being "Soul Mates", which they are. Their relationship is more like the Sun -- intense, bright, very hot, not always scene, but always there.
Nancy Holden does a very good job of giving the novel a feel of well written BtVS/Angel Crossover. She does a great job of connecting the novel to past events in both series(from up to 4 yrs. earlier to very recent(about 1 week)in the past). My only "complaint" is that the novel starts fairly slowly, then builds through the chapters. But then some really great movies have done the same(like the LOTR trilogy). The novel almost feels like a missing crossover of both series.

Great Novel for Adult BtVS & Angel fans by Nancy Holden.