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.
Heirs of Hansol, Book 1
Heat Factor: Once they finally give in to their temptation, it gets pretty steamy
Character Chemistry: They are hot, driven, and living together. What else do you need?
Plot: Exactly what you would expect from the title
Overall: Now I understand why people read category romances
Crown’s Spies, Book 3
Heat Factor: Initial consent is dubious at best, but after that both parties are all about it, and so am I.
Character Chemistry: That thing where a super alpha submits to a naive, innocent, young woman.
Plot: They were married as children. He kidnaps her to get some land. She convinces him that he loves her. And destroys his scary pirate ship with a parasol. In other words: Completely Bonkers.
Overall: If you are Bodice Ripper Curious, The Gift is not a bad place to start.
Harlequin Presents: Conveniently Wed!
Heat Factor: Their relationship is based on hot sex, so…
Character Chemistry: The victim/a**hole dynamic makes for chemistry challenges
Plot: Greek billionaire needs mother for orphaned nephew
Overall: Thought it would be an absurd bit of fun. Was so disappointed.
Bow Street Bachelors, Book 1
Heat Factor: Warm
Character Chemistry: Have you heard? He’s not romantic, and that makes him extra desirable
Plot: Convoluted
Overall: A promising beginning, but there was too much going on for me to really settle in
Filthy Rich, Book #1
Heat Factor: It’s hot. 🔥 Whew.
Character Chemistry: At first it’s like, “you’re really hot, we’re having sex,” but then eventually the emotional chemistry starts to sizzle.
Plot: Babies solve life problems (?) by creating more life problems (!!!)
Overall: I’m interested to see what this author does next.
Devil You Know, Book 1
Heat Factor: There is a stupendous amount of very detailed foreplay
Character Chemistry: Their chemistry carries the book
Plot: Overcoming sexual trauma, with a heavy side of blackmail and death threats
Overall: The relationship is great, but the rest didn’t quite work for me
