Trope
Heat Factor: They start so shy but it doesn’t take long for the waistcoats to come way, way off
Character Chemistry: It’s all shy and tender
Plot: Richard loses his job right before Christmas and goes to stay with Tobias, his best friend who he’s never met in person
Overall: It’s a super soft one, folks
Touch of Taboo, Book #2
Review of Touch of Taboo, Book #1
Heat Factor: This book is pictured next to the definition of “one-handed read”
Character Chemistry: Mostly developed off page prior to this book, but it works
Plot: Let’s just play out this fantasy. It’ll be fiiiiine.
Overall: If you’re only in it for the sexy sex, this will absolutely work, but Robert actually also does some interesting things here
Winner Bakes All, Book #1
Heat Factor: There’s a decent amount of mediocre sex, and then some spectacular sex.
Character Chemistry: Well…it’s complicated.
Plot: Love at the Great British Bake Off!!!!! (Obviously Alexis Hall is not looking for a lawsuit, so the name was changed and it’s not in a tent.)
Overall: I was feeling a bit anxious about where this was going in the first chunk of the book, but ended up loving it.
Cider Bar Sisters, Book #3
Reviews of Cider Bar Sisters, Book #1, Book #2, and Bonus Novella #2.5
Heat Factor: So many toys! So much being filled! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Character Chemistry: David is a stern brunch daddy (OMG!!!!)
Plot: She’s figuring out that maybe she’s growing out of the last phase of her life, he’s pining real hard for a seemingly unattainable future, they’re neighbors with benefits
Overall: I finished this book and then texted Ingrid and Holly: “I love Jackie Lau”
Heat Factor: The house is on fire
Character Chemistry: They really manage to be totally into each other while also playing with other partners
Plot: Two people who swore never to be in a relationship after trauma fall into a relationship
Overall: This book was really excellent…but after a book that explored so much about having a different kind of successful relationship, the ending, while totally understandable, did not feel very fresh, which bummed me out a little bit
