Heat Factor: The heat comes from the witty dialogue, not hanky panky
Character Chemistry: I mean, it’s Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth—only in Pakistan, and just as satisfying.
Plot: It’s a classic P&P, folks—only the new setting and fresh take by the author make it an absolutely riveting read.
Overall: I feel that if I were Jane Austen and read this retelling, I would feel very seen. It simply rocks.
The Graciella Series, Book #3
Heat Factor: It’s kind of an instant, angry, heated clash and then it burns but in a more friendly and less publicly appropriate way
Character Chemistry: This is absolutely a case of matching wounds meeting matching wounds but it actually made sense to me…THIS TIME.
Plot: Cass is on the tail end of a deeply traumatic experience—so traumatic she loses her sense of smell, and unfortunately she’s a food writer. She regains it when a really attractive farmer accidentally throws manure all over her, and then they get in a really rude argument, and afterwards they pretty much start matching themselves right up in ways that are understandable and steamy.
Overall: This was a really sweet read and it did surprise me in a lot of lovely ways.
Soothsayer’s Path, Book #2
Review of Soothsayer’s Path, Book #1
Heat Factor: It’s more tender and sweeping romance than it is ripped bodices and handsy stuff
Character Chemistry: So, I feel like it was obvious Sabina would like a wholehearted and upstanding person like Lucius after reading about her first marriage. Some people just have their heads on straight.
Plot: Sabina chooses a life of silence after she believes she’s responsible for her husband’s murder. But when she meets Lucius, her vow of solitude and silence is tested on all fronts.
Overall: I was actually riveted by the second Soothsayer book—the plot is really carefully unraveled and I loved the sweetness and maturity of Sabina and Lucius’ love for one another.
Heat Factor: I would argue that it’s a somewhat slow burn? The heat simmers for at least the first two books and then it really takes off.
Character Chemistry: Jacinta’s chemistry with all of the odd crew mates she attracts is off the charts. And of course, her chemistry with Austin is immediate and deeply satisfying.
Plot: Jacinta is in her 40’s and divorced after twenty fairly routine years of marriage and child-rearing. With her child off to college and nowhere else to go, she accepts a position at a house she encountered as a child and felt a deep affinity with—only to discover the house is magic and in search of a new keeper.
Overall: This series was INCREDIBLE. So fresh, so funny, so riveting—it’s absolutely nuts.
Continue reading “Series Review: Leveling Up by K.F. Breene”Triskelion Security, Book #1
Heat Factor: It’s a well-seasoned pot of sex chili
Character Chemistry: They’re immediately heavily into each other and it’s everything but dessert until marriage for these two.
Plot: Riona is working at a coffee shop at the airport when she meets Hardin, a mercenary whose actual job is “confidential”. When Ree and Hardin spark up a heated romance, they end up going into business together, too—and Hardin’s enemies start to come out of the shadows.
Overall: This was a fun read—suspenseful/romantic/entertaining.
