Heat Factor: The last 40% of the book is sex
Character Chemistry: Umm
Plot: A sexually repressed 45-year-old woman whose husband likes to be a cuckold has a threesome with two other men on a business trip
Overall: This title belongs in sexy sex erotica fantasy land
Heat Factor: It’s steamy but it’s a slow build and it’s a very unique unfolding.
Character Chemistry: There are so many kinds of chemistry here it’s impossible to summarize.
Plot: Jack is a world-famous musician whose career began with his other half, Mia. At perhaps the twilight of his career, Jack is interviewed by Erin, a journalist. Together they unfold a story and also a deep and profound connection.
Overall: This is a two-fer – one romance, smut adjacent but deeply touching. The other, a very sweet HEA. I would not categorize this as a classic romance, but a very well written adult fiction with an engaging romance story line.
All three of the Smut Reporters read A Hunger Like No Other. Erin and Ingrid loved it, but Holly was a little meh on the whole thing. Which means it’s time for a Dueling Review!
Immortals After Dark, Book 1
Erin:
Heat Factor: There was a point I told my husband to stop talking to me because I was in the middle of some hot, bitey werewolf/vampire sex
Character Chemistry: For the first few chapters I was extremely concerned by his anger and her cluelessness, but they turned it around.
Plot: Innocent, sheltered vampire tames powerful, fierce werewolf
Overall: Hahaha, Yaaaaaaas!
Holly:
Heat Factor: Never accept a blow job from a vampire.
Character Chemistry: “I hate you! But you’re my mate! I am so confused!”
Plot: Uh, all the magical creatures are being forced into confrontation so that they can kill each other off. And that means that this werewolf finally finds his mate and she’s a vampire and he hates vampires. And that’s just chapter 1!
Overall: This book was well-executed, but epic paranormal romances are so not my jam.
Ingrid:
Heat Factor: I really can’t deny the steam factor in this one.
Character Chemistry: It went from “Omg these guys need therapy. Separately.” to “They’re going to have 10 babies and I love it so much” in pages. PAGES.
Plot: Ok, well…she’s really green about the fangs and he’s got some centuries of torture issues going on and then they turn it all around and heads come off and furniture gets broken but like, in a hot way.
Overall: I had a few spots where I was like, oh no I don’t know if this is going to work, but then it was extremely diverting and I ended up really liking it.
Albin Academy, Book 2
Review of Albin Academy, Book 1
Heat Factor: To use Holly’s metric: 🍆🍆🍆
Character Chemistry: I might recommend therapy over a relationship, but it is what it is
Plot: Student is in trouble, teachers Rian and Damon process a lot of feelings
Overall: Longiloquent is not an inapt descriptor for this book
The Goddesses of the Morrigan Series, Book 2
Heat Factor: I’m covered in the blood of my enemies! It’s a perfect time to bone!
Character Chemistry: Macha is pretty self contained
Plot: Battle Goddess experiences several lifetimes, learns some stuff, kills a bunch of people
Overall: This is not in any way a romance, but it was an entertaining read
