Age of Protagonists
Heat Factor: No sex, some grumpy pining
Character Chemistry: Santos is clearly interested; Mercy is a lot more invested in her relationship with La Llorona
Plot: Mercy was touched by La Llorona as a teenager, and now she’s trying to break free
Overall: I enjoyed this book a lot, but it’s not your standard romance fare
Heat Factor: There is so much sex that even people who prefer high heat books might think there’s a lot of sex
Character Chemistry: It’s that sort of mellow, adult clicking together that might involve struggle but not much drama
Plot: Wealthy woman in her 40s winds up romantically involved with a more working-class hero in small town Maine, which irks the obnoxious wealthy man who can’t deal gracefully with not getting the girl
Overall: For readers who enjoy stories with older protagonists, lotsa sex, and a relaxed, meandering story
Continue reading “Review: Magdalene Series by Kristen Ashley (2014)”
Heat Factor: I would argue that it’s a somewhat slow burn? The heat simmers for at least the first two books and then it really takes off.
Character Chemistry: Jacinta’s chemistry with all of the odd crew mates she attracts is off the charts. And of course, her chemistry with Austin is immediate and deeply satisfying.
Plot: Jacinta is in her 40’s and divorced after twenty fairly routine years of marriage and child-rearing. With her child off to college and nowhere else to go, she accepts a position at a house she encountered as a child and felt a deep affinity with—only to discover the house is magic and in search of a new keeper.
Overall: This series was INCREDIBLE. So fresh, so funny, so riveting—it’s absolutely nuts.
Continue reading “Series Review: Leveling Up by K.F. Breene”Midlife Shifters, Book 1
Heat Factor: The sexytimes start by about 20%
Character Chemistry: It’s very laid back and insta
Plot: He’s a recovering alcoholic trying to reclaim his alpha position, she’s home after a 20-year abusive marriage, and (oops!) they’re having a baby.
Overall: Despite the heavy character backgrounds, this is an easy-to-read, relatively light romance with older protagonists
Secrets and Lies, Book #2
Heat Factor: It’s a slow burn, but then there’s some dirty talkin’ daddy kink funtimes
Character Chemistry: Angst level 1000
Plot: Marriage in trouble after cheating
Overall: I wanted this to be the cheating romance we never get, and I think it largely succeeded
