Trope
Heat Factor: They go to bed around two-thirds through, but it feels like an extremely slow burn
Character Chemistry: They recognize each other’s sadness
Plot: Vet falls for new neighbor (who happens to be a chicken influencer)
Overall: I’ll be honest, I was feeling kinda down when I finished this one
Heartstopper, Book #4
Reviews of the rest of the Heartstopper series: Book #1, Book #2, Book #3
Heat Factor: The only sex is the stuff Charlie’s mom made up in her head
Character Chemistry: Wanting to be there but not knowing how
Plot: Charlie acknowledges his eating disorder and other mental health struggles
Overall: Well, this one made me all choked up
Heat Factor: It’s closed door, so although the subject matter is really gritty and juicy, you won’t find descriptions of heat here.
Character Chemistry: Max and Smith’s relationship is very steady and tender, which is good for Max considering how intense every other aspect of her life is.
Plot: Max is in a 6 year relationship with a married man who is 14 years her senior. Literally her entire life falls apart, and throughout the fall out and all the repair work, her friend Smith slowly turns into someone really special.
Overall: This is a really intense, smut-adjacent book about a woman going through just the absolute worst life has to offer, but at least she’s got a loving family and a hot boyfriend.
Lovelight, Book #1
Heat Factor: It’s not not sexy, but the vibe was definitely in keeping with the cover art
Character Chemistry: Stella and Luca have been in love for NINE YEARS but refuse to a) admit it and b) do anything about it
Plot: Thirty-year-old woman is incompetent at both entrepreneurship and love, figures out how to do both during the course of this book
Overall: I was not a great audience for this book, but there are many people who will totally love it
Mercenary Librarians, Book #3
Reviews of Mercenary Librarians, Book #1 and Book #2
Heat Factor: Hot enough
Character Chemistry: Dani and Rafe have had electric, elemental chemistry from the beginning of the series
Plot: Overthrowing an evil corporation and reinstating democracy, no big deal
Overall: I was honestly more invested in the dystopia plot than the romance
The Smut Report 