A Gathering of Dragons, Book #1
Heat Factor: ✋🩸🍆
Character Chemistry: Maddek wants to hate Yvenne, but he can’t
Plot: Epic fantasy revenge marriage of convenience road trip
Overall: Holy shit
Review: A Heart of Blood and Ashes by Milla Vane (2020)
Tag: Ancient World
Time Period
Review: Admonition by Kathryn Amurra (2021)
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.
Review: Soothsayer by Kathryn Amurra (2020)
Heat Factor: This is a very mild heat, closed-door romance
Character Chemistry: They have undeniable chemistry and it’s pretty clear to anyone in the room
Plot: Aurelia has delayed marriage for years because she wants to marry for love. When her father dies and she learns her disabled brother may be forced into the military to serve, Aurelia has to choose a marriage of convenience in order to protect her brother. HOWEVER–the dreamboat soldier tasked with delivering her to her elderly groom throws a huge kink in all her plans.
Overall: This book was surprisingly gripping–the path to happiness is not easy and they are both somewhat powerless. I was very entertained with this sweet read.
Review: Some Like it Plaid by Angela Quarles (2019)
Heat Factor: It’s cold in Iron Age Scotland in February. Gotta do something to keep warm!
Character Chemistry: Him: “I need a woman so my village doesn’t die out. You’ll do.” Her: “Look at those yummy biceps! Did you say something?”
Plot: Druid magic sends Connall to San Francisco, where he places a Craigslist ad for a wife. Ashley answers because her current life suuuucks and ends up in 2nd century Scotland.
Overall: This book is ridiculous and I was utterly tickled.
Review: Pharaoh’s Bed by Mukami Ngari (2019)
Nubia Love Series, Book 1
Heat Factor: Not exactly closed door, but not particularly
Character Chemistry: They’re reincarnated lovers so not much opportunity for chemistry growth
Plot: Pharaoh kidnaps rebellious vassal prince’s bride before marriage is consummated…but they were lovers in a past life
Overall: Has some good meat but tells rather than shows
The Smut Report 