Let's talk dirty books
Splendid Trilogy, Book 1
Heat Factor: Hotter than most of JQ’s later books, but still just maybe Bunsen burner level
Character Chemistry: High drama but the overkill is fun
Plot: misunderstandings, compromises, kidnappings, OH MY!
Overall: If I were to write a first romance novel, I would hope it approaches this level of entertainment
If Erin were to review this book, she would call it a Recommended Read. If Holly were to review this book, she would write a Rant. Clearly, we needed to review this book together.
Welcome to Dueling Reviews.
Moderated by Ingrid, the Voice of Reason.
Holly’s Take
Heat Factor: If you’re into the whole dynamic where a shy virgin teaches a sexually experienced hero how to “make love” with her magical vagina, then it’s pretty sexy
Character Chemistry: Please ignore Helen’s personality transplant
Plot: High melodrama thanks to a ridiculous and honestly unnecessary plot device
Overall: SO DISAPPOINTING. This is the book that made me give up on Lisa Kleypas
Erin’s Take
Heat Factor: There are a couple of sex scenes, but it’s mostly angsty pining
Character Chemistry: They don’t spend a great deal of time together, but somehow I still felt they had great chemistry
Plot: Angsty unworthiness and unsolicited advice all around!
Overall: LOVED IT. Kleypas heroes are basically my kryptonite, and Winterborne was no exception.
A Worth Saga Novella
Heat Factor: Just because you’re a woman with wrinkles doesn’t mean you can’t be sexy
Character Chemistry: Excellent
Plot: Salty old ladies take revenge on terrible man, find love in the process
Overall: I laughed out loud, and also cried real tears
Wicked Dukes Club, Book 4
Review of Wicked Dukes Club Book 1; Book 3
Heat Factor: One sex scene with lots of detail
Character Chemistry: It helps that they have a common cause
Plot: Let’s unmask a potentially treasonous Member of Parliament in a time of political instability!
Overall: Mixed feelings
First Comes Love, Book 1
Heat Factor: Mildly steamy
Character Chemistry: Like an old pair of jeans
Plot: A widow starts a school and rubs a neighbor the wrong way…but then kind of the right way…
Overall: It’s cute, you’ll fall in love with the characters, it’s well-written. It’s a keeper.
