Representation – at least one protagonists is explicitly not Christian
Heat Factor: I mean, it is technically explicit sex, but it’s done in a vignette style until nearly the end, when it feels much more traditionally written
Character Chemistry: I had big feels, but it was because of Zach’s journey, not because of Zach and Eugenio together
Plot: Baseball players fall in love, but one refuses to come out and things fall apart. Until they get a second chance.
Overall: Y’all. I have just been on a whole emotional roller coaster.
Third Shift, Book #1
Heat Factor: They have a lot of sex, but there aren’t a ton of details
Character Chemistry: Immediate and explosive
Plot: Neha is on Joe’s legal team, working on his defense for taking out some Russian Bratva members—and when they get shot at in the courthouse, goes on the run with him
Overall: I mostly liked it, but it would be a stronger romance if it were leaner
Region Two Series, Book #1
Heat Factor: She does pull-ups during sex, because she is that bad-ass (it’s sexier than it sounds)
Character Chemistry: Bruce is an arrogant asshole, but Vee seems to like that about him
Plot: He is attacked by a giant lizard monster, and she protects him
Overall: A really fun reading experience
Heat Factor: They have sex (a good bit of it), but it was more focused on the emotional connection and the kissing and touching than on the arousal and orgasms
Character Chemistry: Just because there’s an instant connection and attraction doesn’t mean it’s all smooth sailing from there!
Plot: Shoshana has a lot of emotional baggage associated with the synagogue. New hot rabbi single parent David would like to date her.
Overall: This story has a lot of good energy. Definitely a good one for people who like their protagonists to be checked in and thoughtful.
Hard Play, Book #2
Review of Hard Play, Book #1, Book #3
Heat Factor: OMG! They’re both virgins!!! Love it!
Character Chemistry: If my LI frowned and told me that something I described as romantic wasn’t romantic, it was simply a spouse listening to a spouse’s needs and taking care of them, I would be like, “Let’s just schedule that wedding right now, then, so you can start taking care of me.”
Plot: Nayna is really going through a quarter-life crisis. Raj is hoping he can hang on for the ride.
Overall: The (everyday) romance of this book is AMAZING
