Feisty – The Smut Report

Review: It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey (2021)

July 16, 2021July 16, 2021 Ingrid

Heat Factor: It’s a slow-but-steady scorcher.

Character Chemistry: Folks…we have a classic Grumpy/Sunshine on our hands!!!

Plot: Piper tries to wrest control of her breakup narrative in a way that lands her in jail…so her wealthy stepfather sends her and her sister to the town they were born in, where they are meant to live in the bar apartment they inherited from their father for three months to SHAPE UP, and there she meets Brendan, the cranky sea captain who stole my heart. I mean, her heart.

Overall: Obsessed. This book was such a solid read, and so enjoyable…

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Series Review: Leveling Up by K.F. Breene

May 21, 2021May 19, 2021 Ingrid

Heat Factor: I would argue that it’s a somewhat slow burn? The heat simmers for at least the first two books and then it really takes off.

Character Chemistry: Jacinta’s chemistry with all of the odd crew mates she attracts is off the charts. And of course, her chemistry with Austin is immediate and deeply satisfying.

Plot: Jacinta is in her 40’s and divorced after twenty fairly routine years of marriage and child-rearing. With her child off to college and nowhere else to go, she accepts a position at a house she encountered as a child and felt a deep affinity with—only to discover the house is magic and in search of a new keeper.

Overall: This series was INCREDIBLE. So fresh, so funny, so riveting—it’s absolutely nuts.

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Review

Review: The Master by Kresley Cole (2015)

April 13, 2021April 12, 2021 Erin

The Game Maker, Book #2

Review of The Game Maker, Book #1

Heat Factor: They have amazing kinky hate sex energy

Character Chemistry: The “I hate you but I really want to jump you” dynamic is EXCEPTIONAL

Plot: She needs money to stay on the run from her serial killer husband, so she steps in for her friend as a very expensive escort for a night. He is bowled over by her breath of fresh air in his luxurious but monotonous life, but he also thinks everything she says is a lie. So obviously they fall in love.

Overall: Combo of “What did I even just read?” and “That was amazing.”

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Review: The Duke Effect by Sophie Jordan (2020)

November 13, 2020November 12, 2020 Ingrid

The Rogue Files, Book 7

Heat Factor: It didn’t get cracking until about 50% of the way through the book and then it was just nothing to inferno in about one chapter.

Character Chemistry: They’re both a bit straight-laced but with this undercurrent of rebelliousness and it works.

Plot: Nora trained extensively under the tutelage of her now-deceased physician father and has become a talented healer who corresponds with those in need of help under her father’s name in secret. The soon-to-be Duke of Birchwood seeks Dr. Langley’s help only to find out about Nora’s deceit. Desperate to right herself in his eyes and save her reputation, she pushes Constantine to allow her to help him, and then they get all hot and bothered and so will you.

Overall: I was SO CLOSE to writing this one off and then I hit 50% of the way through it and hooooo buddy…Sophie Jordan just lit the whole thing on fire.

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Review: Thief of my Heart by Karla Kratovil (2020)

November 11, 2020 Ingrid

Hearts of Stoneleigh Manor Book 2

Heat Factor: It’s way hotter than my usual fare.

Character Chemistry: So, they kiss in the first few pages and it’s pretty clear from then on they’re a good match.

Plot: Emma has a whole crew of siblings and dogs she’s responsible for after the unexpected death of her father. Her Uncle teaches her how to be a cat burglar, and she steals jewelry from the wealthy to keep their family afloat. HOWEVER. When she tries to steal a ruby necklace from the Duke of Gilchrest’s mother, she finds her plans foiled and then he turns out to be a really strong sort of cinnamon roll (a cinnamon cookie? A ginger snap? Should we make that a thing?) and everything unravels from there.

Overall: This book is so fresh and gripping–I could not put it down.

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