Representation – at least one protagonist is a person of color
The Halcyon Universe, Book 2
Heat Factor: Literally they have sex in the very last scene
Character Chemistry: I am flustered because she’s so cute!
Plot: Danya kidnaps Amy. Amy kidnaps Danya. Danya’s twin kidnaps Amy. Danya rescues Amy. Plus intervening adventures. Also includes: a giant science mystery, a terrorist rebel organization, and pirates. And dragons.
Overall: Fun, rip-roaring space adventure with a dollop of romance.
Valentine Vineyards, Book #1
Heat Factor: Fade to gray? There’s some sex but we see more afterglow than details
Character Chemistry: Outstanding
Plot: Chandra and Julian are new to a small town, and they keep meeting—but Chandra insists they can’t have a relationship
Overall: It felt like a filler book
Heat Factor: Not even a kiss in the first third
Character Chemistry: Lust—but it’s *forbidden*
Plot: Miri gets stranded in Aspen after a meeting with her billionaire boss
Overall: DNFed this one
Heat Factor: It’s closed door, so although the subject matter is really gritty and juicy, you won’t find descriptions of heat here.
Character Chemistry: Max and Smith’s relationship is very steady and tender, which is good for Max considering how intense every other aspect of her life is.
Plot: Max is in a 6 year relationship with a married man who is 14 years her senior. Literally her entire life falls apart, and throughout the fall out and all the repair work, her friend Smith slowly turns into someone really special.
Overall: This is a really intense, smut-adjacent book about a woman going through just the absolute worst life has to offer, but at least she’s got a loving family and a hot boyfriend.
Heat Factor: They definitely like the sexytimes, even if they don’t do it all the time
Character Chemistry: I was going to say he’s a tall drink of water and she’s a firecracker, but those metaphors don’t mix well. So. How about: he’s a bottle of Diet Coke, and she’s a Mento
Plot: Maggie got arrested and wound up in a reluctant Ian’s custody, but when he finally manages to leave her, he realizes he really doesn’t want to
Overall: Just when I thought things were slowing down, a new adventure cropped up
The Smut Report 