Age of Protagonists
The Bradford Trilogy, Book #2
Heat Factor: There’s one vaguely uncomfortable blow job
Character Chemistry: That feeling when you have flutters about someone new but you’re not sure if they reciprocate
Plot: Simon is investigating a murder, and Walter’s close friend is the primary suspect. Also, oh shit, there’s a demon.
Overall: Everything is very stiff upper lip; I liked the serenity in the midst of chaos.
Blood and Bone, Book #2
Review of Blood and Bone, Book #1
Heat Factor: It’s hot but it’s also really deep and intense.
Character Chemistry: Having been a Team Mia fan in the first book, I am shocked to find myself fully team Erin in this one.
Plot: Having researched and ghostwritten singer Jack’s memoir, Erin is stuck in a situation of her own making–she’s fallen in love with her subject, he’s famous, and she’s pretty sure he’s still in love with his late lifelong love and bandmate Mia.
Overall: This was such a satisfying ending to the first book–Mia and Jack’s happily ever after is hard-earned, slow, and satisfying.
Lake Lovelace, Book #3
Heat Factor: There are hot sexytimes, but most of it is centered in Tina’s emotional development
Character Chemistry: Instant attraction with roller derby-related complications
Plot: Tina doesn’t feel like she’s adulting very well after her divorce, so she’s trying to take care of herself by herself while also finding a community of women to be with in roller derby
Overall: Totally a feels book
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)”
The Smut Report 