Hero – Business owner, esp. started his own business
Lively St. Lemeston, Book 4
Heat Factor: There are 9 chapters and they have sex 7 times
Character Chemistry: They are both making sacrifices for the other, “Gift of the Magi” style.
Plot: Betsy decides to seduce her boss, because it’s time for something to happen.
Overall: This was exactly the book I needed in the moment I read it. It’s short, sexy, fun, and thoughtful.
Waiting for Tom Hanks, #2
Review of Waiting for Tom Hanks #1
Heat Factor: There’s nothing. It’s closed door.
Character Chemistry: I think all the chemistry was actually in the first book
Plot: 30-ish woman having a meltdown
Overall: This is kind of like when you’re in your early 20s, listening to your friend constantly talk about the guy she’s obsessed with but refuses to do anything about it.
Fast & Fury, Book #2
Review of Fast & Fury, Book #1
Heat Factor: It’s not not sexy
Character Chemistry: I confess I’m not sold
Plot: Lots of expectation re honesty and owed information
Overall: I just…what even…I don’t know
Matchmaker Bay, Book #3
Review of Matchmaker Bay, Book #2
Heat Factor: Mid-level steam
Character Chemistry: Their main hobbies are annoying each other / Serious Benedict and Beatrice energy / Everyone else can see it but them
Plot: Maya and Law have been at odds for years. And now they’re competing for a small-business grant. But also they are forming a secret friendship.
Overall: This is straight-up a fun comedy, without the serious discussions of pain and grief and loss that characterize other books I’ve read by Jenny Holiday.
Hard Play, Book #1
Heat Factor: Sailor’s a landscaper who works outside in the dirt and sun…without a shirt. Isa is super duper horny about it.
Character Chemistry: Sailor is competence porn
Plot: Isa’s been neglected by her high-powered parents, like, forever. Sailor’s extremely motivated to make his business a huge success. Isa doesn’t want to come second to her lover.
Overall: I don’t know what magic Singh has that makes such a simple story so full of amazing, thrilling tension, but I want that special sauce in all the books
The Smut Report 