Heat Factor: We open with fisting and go from there
Character Chemistry: Leah and Jordan are unfailingly kind and gentle with each other
Plot: Jordan has been suppressing her desires since forever, so her best friend gives her kink lessons
Overall: An object lesson in compassion
The Smut Report has long recognized that Christmas romance is almost its own sub-genre. Perhaps a sub-sub-genre? When a number of holiday-centric ARCs started appearing on NetGalley back in August, we decided that we would do a Christmas/holiday promotion between Thanksgiving and Christmas. (In the event that you’re not from the U.S., that’s when Christmas festivities really get into full swing.)
As we were reading all of these Christmas-related books, we noticed a few trends, and we wondered…
What’s the deal with Christmas Specials? Why are they always warm and fuzzy? What is it about Christmas in particular?
Happy Cat, Book 4
Heat Factor: Well someone turned up the oven because it’s HOT IN HERE
Character Chemistry: He’s goofy and charming, and she’s trying to resist (but doesn’t want to). It’s so futile and so cute.
Plot: It’s Christmas in Happy Cat, Georgia, and Noelle is determined to stay single and start a successful bakery in a new place. But Clint is determined to win her over, and keep her safe from whatever nonsense is going on in the bakery whenever she’s not looking.
Overall: It’s hilarious and adorable and sexy – an all around great Christmas read.
Heat Factor: There is some not-very-explicit sex but the tone is quite chaste
Character Chemistry: Him: I need to resist you. Her: Why?
Plot: Twin boys wish for a mom for Christmas
Overall: Christmas special warm fuzzies in book format.
The fabulous Miss Bates Reads Romance is in the process of reading and reviewing Betty Neels’ entire oeuvre of romance novels. Inspired to check out some of Neels’ work, I picked up this one on Miss Bates’ recommendation.
Heat Factor: Sneak attack kisses!
Character Chemistry: Our hero is an enigma, so it’s hard to tell
Plot: Young nurse cares for malicious patient, falls for doctor
Overall: Take off your feminist hat before you read this book
