Trope
Super Love, Book #1
Heat Factor: Some under-the-tablecloth-at-a-restaurant shenanigans
Character Chemistry: “I shouldn’t like you but I doooooooo”
Plot: The Evil Bane recognizes Michaela as the Amiable Accomplice when he comes into urgent care. He doesn’t reveal her secret identity, but he does ask her out on a date.
Overall: Fun premise, clunky writing
Winner Bakes All, Book #2
Review of Winner Bakes All, Book #1
Heat Factor: Tariq is waiting for marriage, and we’re going to respect that decision
Character Chemistry: They’ve got a cute grumpy-sunshine thing going on—when Paris can get out of his head
Plot: Paris and Tariq are both competing on Bake Expectations, and the internet casts Paris as the season’s villain.
Overall: Was this a difficult book for me to read? Yup, it sure was. Did I bad decision book club it anyway? Yup, I sure did.
Heartstopper, #3
Reviews of Heartstopper #1 and #2
Heat Factor: Sleepovers are now forbidden at Charlie’s house, but they do go on a field trip to Paris… (and talk about how they’re not ready yet)
Character Chemistry: Silly teenager flirting
Plot: Acknowledging oneself is one kind of scary, but coming out is a whole other kind
Overall: The sweetness remains! But there’s also a lot of giggling.
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: There’s no whoopie and there’s actually very little overt sexual tension but somehow I am still TOTALLY invested in this book.
Character Chemistry: They’re meant to be, and it’s adorable. Think “13 Going on 30” meets “Failure to Launch” with a hint of “Bridget Jones’ Diary”
Plot: Dylan and Alyssa were BEST friends growing up, until Alyssa confesses her love for Dylan and ghosts him overnight in embarrassment. When she and her two friends create a side business for nudging reluctant partners in the “right” direction for their clients, Dylan ends up being the job…only Alyssa doesn’t think he needs any fixing. At all.
Overall: This one might be a tiny bit smut adjacent, but it’s AMAZING and I’m completely obsessed with it.
The Smut Report 