Difficult Dukes, Book #2
Review of Difficult Dukes, Book 1
Heat Factor: It’s your medium-low-level histrom sexytimes, and it works well in context
Character Chemistry: The way these two processed their relationship – separately and together – was awesomesauce
Plot: Ten Things I Hate About You but more grown up
Overall: I waited a loooooooooooong time for this book, and it was better than I’d hoped for
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
Heat Factor:
Character Chemistry: He is a super Star Wars fan. Her name is Leia. Need I say more? (She hates Star Wars.) But in all seriousness, they obviously really like each other.
Plot: Low drama, high angst
Overall: There was a lot to like about this book, but the writing style didn’t work for me.
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.
