Heat Factor: It’s cold in Iron Age Scotland in February. Gotta do something to keep warm!
Character Chemistry: Him: “I need a woman so my village doesn’t die out. You’ll do.” Her: “Look at those yummy biceps! Did you say something?”
Plot: Druid magic sends Connall to San Francisco, where he places a Craigslist ad for a wife. Ashley answers because her current life suuuucks and ends up in 2nd century Scotland.
Overall: This book is ridiculous and I was utterly tickled.
Wicked Wallflowers, Book #4
Heat Factor: Regency romance fare
Character Chemistry: emotionally solid
Plot: Everybody calm down while we figure out the return of the lost heir
Overall: Heavy but satisfying
Gilded Age Girls’ Club, Book 3
Review of Gilded Age Girls’ Club, Book 2
Heat Factor: They may think they’re each meeting fire with fire but really they’re just one big sexy inferno
Character Chemistry: I wanted them to get there so, so badly and audibly said “YES!” when they did.
Plot: Two unstoppable titans of business come head to head across the street from one another — he, the self-made man determined to destroy her family’s business and she, the wiser, stronger, natural-born leader of her family’s empire.
Overall: If you want to walk away from a steamy romance standing taller and looking deeply satisfied, you should definitely read this.
Men of Valor, Book 1
Heat Factor: moderate
Character Chemistry: They’re already married, so there’s not a ton of development in this arena
Plot: Withholding sex out of spite results in all the unrequited love misunderstandings
Overall: This woman needs to take ownership of her own life
Home to Milford College, Prequel
Heat Factor: Not a “hot” book – more of a tender book.
Character Chemistry: Kind of an “us against the world” type love.
Plot: Realie is tantalizingly close to freedom in Canada, but is accidentally shot when she attempts to steal a horse. Lawrence, an upstanding Miami Indian/Negro man and aspiring laywer, is determined to heal and help Realie after accidentally shooting her. These two sacrifice and take great chances to build a life together, and it’s both heartbreaking and beautiful as they strive for their dreams.
Overall: This is a remarkably balanced historical romance. Huguley somehow manages to hold to the truth of history and weave a story of love and commitment between Realie and Lawrence, which is perhaps easier said than done when “happily ever after” can’t ever mean truly “free” for Realie.
Continue reading “Review: The Lawyer’s Luck by Piper Huguley (2014)”Rogues to Riches, Book 3
Review of Rogues to Riches, Book 2
Heat Factor: This is not a steamy book, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t delightful
Character Chemistry: It’s sweet, not spicy
Plot: A duke needs help untangling his finances as quickly and discreetly as possible and calls upon Eleanora Hatfield, current accountress (I made that up) with a dark past, to clean things up. Things get real cute.
Overall: It’s not going to be for everyone, but it’s a genuinely good read.
Feminine Pursuits, Book 1
Heat Factor: Seeing stars. Literally and figuratively.
Character Chemistry: These two have a wonderful, supportive relationship.
Plot: Lady Scientist sets out to prove herself. Other scientists dismissive, but she finds a supportive Patroness and also True Love.
Overall: Pretty darn great.
