The Third Rule of Scoundrels
Thanks to Susan Craig for the recommendation! I was looking for inspiration for The Duke Project, and Temple is, indeed, a prime specimen of Duke-ish-ness.
Heat Factor: Simmering
Character Chemistry: Sizzling
Plot: You ruined my life, and now I will have my revenge!
Overall: Well executed, but I couldn’t get over the initial premise
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.
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.
Wallflowers vs Rogues, Book 1
Heat Factor: The hanky panky scenes are steamy but
Character Chemistry: The romance feels a tad forced and the couple seems kind of ill-fitting so
Plot: When bibliophile Lady Beatrice Bentley inherits a small property, she grudgingly hires the carpenter who lives and works on her brother’s property to complete the work as she struggles to retain it. They don’t seem to have much in common and they certainly don’t live in the same social spheres, but they’re drawn to one another nonetheless.
Overall: It was a lovely read but I did struggle to see how the couple fit together and the “teasing” was a little clumsy
Sins for All Seasons, Book #6
Heat Factor: She wears a sexy red corset with black lace for seduction purposes…
Character Chemistry: The fact that it was in no way based on seduction lessons made it perfect
Plot: Ostracized former aristocratic woman accepts proposition of brothel owner (among other things) to teach the prostitutes refinement so they can get new jobs. Also, seduction lessons. Ish.
Overall: Heath is just a really good storyteller. That is all.
