Trope
The Third Rule of Scoundrels
Thanks to Susan Craig for the recommendation! I was looking for inspiration for The Duke Project, and Temple is, indeed, a prime specimen of Duke-ish-ness.
Heat Factor: Simmering
Character Chemistry: Sizzling
Plot: You ruined my life, and now I will have my revenge!
Overall: Well executed, but I couldn’t get over the initial premise
Steampunk Proper Romance, Book 4
Heat Factor: Their first kiss was boring
Character Chemistry: Hate and love are two sides of the same coin
Plot: It’s marketed as Steampunk Cinderella but it’s more enemies-to-lovers / bodyguard / road trip
Overall: DNF at 50%. I was slogging and then just couldn’t take it any more when Gus-Gus the friendly pumpkin farmer appeared.
Handymen, Book 2
Heat Factor: I mean, there are handcuffs in the first few pages.
Character Chemistry: Steamy, steamy, and with a shared trauma that they turn into something really good.
Plot: Bernie’s childhood haven is being sold by her horrible uncle, who is the mentor of TV landscaper Eli Zorn. When the property is selected by Eli’s show to be rehabbed, Bernie handcuffs herself to the house and refuses to leave. Eli needs the rehab for his career; Bernie needs the house for her nonprofit. WHAT WILL HAPPEN??
Overall: This series rocks, and #2 is just as strong as #1.
Heat Factor: The fire is banked.
Character Chemistry: It’s that snapping, snarling: “I hate you and everything you stand for, so why am I so horny around you?”
Plot: Trying to keep everyone’s heads attached to their bodies during the Reign of Terror
Overall: This book would have benefited significantly from better editing.
Heat Factor: It’s a slow and scorching burn
Character Chemistry: It comes on slow and then BAM
Plot: Megan and Scarlett were BEST friends but had a falling out. When their old friend begs them to attend her wedding in Quebec, they agree to pool resources in order to roadtrip there. And boom goes the dynamite.
Overall: This book had me up until 2 am and I wasn’t even mad about it.
Continue reading “Review: Hairpin Curves by Elia Winters (2020)”
