Hero – actually a medical doctor (if not actually a doctor see: healer)
Heat Factor: Barely kisses
Character Chemistry: I remain unconvinced
Plot: Charlotte finally comes to term with her husband’s death
Overall: Exceptionally irritating but, for some reason, I read the whole thing
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
If Shakespeare was an Auntie, Book #1
Heat Factor: There’s plenty of stuff that goes on, but he is very invested in her, er, orchid.
Character Chemistry: It’s Something at first sight, they just can’t agree on what that Something is.
Plot: They’re soulmates who have fundamentally different beliefs about love, which pushes them apart, but life goal deadlines for both of them push them back together.
Overall: The Prem scenes after they have sex for the first time are amazing.
Shore Leave, Book #2
Review of Short Leave, Book #1
Heat Factor: So tender! There’s not a lot of sex in this book, and it mostly occurs relatively early on.
Character Chemistry: “I don’t trust you, but you’re definitely hot, and we’re stuck together in this cabin.” → “OMG, feelings!”
Plot: Calder “wins” a cabin from Felix’s mean ex-husband, they end up stuck together there for a weekend, and why wouldn’t that result in a friends-with-benefits-but-actually-dating situationship?
Overall: If you are looking for Big Hug Energy in your romance, this whole relationship is that
Sequel to The Widow of Rose House
Heat Factor: There’s a flame, but it’s more docile wood stove than raging inferno.
Character Chemistry: They really like each other, but are holding back.
Plot: Amelie has made a safe life for herself and her younger sister—and then Benedict comes back to Paris after twelve years away.
Overall: I really liked this book. A lot.
The Smut Report 