Trope
Heat Factor: Gentle, encouraging, exploratory, emotional
Character Chemistry: They have big hug energy to offer each other, even though they both think they shouldn’t ask for it themselves
Plot: Boarding school besties Robert and David both come out of WWI with scars both physical and mental, and find their way back to themselves with each other
Overall: My heart is so full and so wrecked
Heartstopper, Book #2
Review of Heartstopper, Book #1
Heat Factor: So much making out. (Ah, the high school nostalgia)
Character Chemistry: Sweetness overload. These boys are so kind.
Plot: Charlie kissed Nick and now he thinks their friendship is over, but Nick is realizing that those feelings he’s been having mean something, so now it’s time to navigate a secret relationship
Overall: My high school first love nostalgia trip continues but with much sweeter and more nurturing kids.
Heat Factor: Scenes as couples are closed door, but they have one interlude at the end
Character Chemistry: I felt all their feelings very intensely
Plot: Three people who have all loved each other for some time are shocked into re-examining their relationship
Overall: What a great feelings book
Heat Factor: Closed door
Character Chemistry: I have always loved you but can’t say anything because we have too much history and also our families do everything together
Plot: Dhillon doesn’t mind his damn business
Overall: This book commits the cardinal sin of being boring
Unwritten Rules, Book #2
Review of Unwritten Rules Book #1
Heat Factor: They are very enthusiastic. And enjoy marking.
Character Chemistry: It’s really sweet
Plot: Charlie’s work life is very stable, but he’s getting a divorce, so he’s trying to figure his life out again. Reid’s constantly unsure of where he’ll be playing, and he’s a recovering alcoholic, so he’s taking everything one day at a time
Overall: Ugh, Charlie, squeeze my heart in your enormous hands, why dontcha?
The Smut Report 