Trope
Heat Factor: There’s a lot of sexual inneundo, and then they get busy on a ballroom terrace. And also in a closet.
Character Chemistry: They love/hate each other, so they torment each other.
Plot: Sarani’s on the run after her father’s murder, and ends up on the ship of her first love, who now wants revenge
Overall: Eh. I found the romance lacking.
Psy-Changeling, Book #1
Heat Factor: They both think they’re having sex dreams about each other, but it’s actually real
Character Chemistry: It’s always fun when the protagonist knows fated mates is a thing but has no idea how that manifests and it takes a while for everyone to figure it out
Plot: She’s trying to avoid being lobotomized because she has feelings, he’s trying to hunt down a serial killer, they’re fated mates
Overall: Nalini Singh is a queen, and I shouldn’t start a 19 book series right now, but I’m hooked
Erin made us buddy read Your Dad Will Do because she likes to make Ingrid uncomfortable. Which means it’s that time again: time for a dueling review!
A Touch of Taboo, Book 1
Heat Factor: It’s … imaginative
Character Chemistry: Indisputably they have sexual chemistry
Plot: She found her fiance cheating, so she gets back at him by making a move on his dad
Overall: Well it’s definitely hot, but the interpersonal dynamics are…concerning
Heat Factor: Yup, it’s sexy. And they like being watched, so the reader-voyeur is helping make it sexier.
Character Chemistry: I am so glad that they each found another person who shares their kinks!
Plot: Revenge sex turns to love
Overall: If you like Daddy Kink and Sexy Sex, read this book! It’s well written. If you don’t like those things, then don’t read this book, because the entire plot is sexy sex.
Heat Factor: I mean, it’s pretty much entirely written to BE hot from start to finish
Character Chemistry: They definitely seem like peanut butter and jelly in the bedroom
Plot: She starts out seeking a revenge hookup with her ex-fiance’s dad and ends up in a whole thing
Overall: If you like daddy/kinky/revenge sex this is probably right up your alley.
Heirs of Hansol, Book 3
Review of Heirs of Hansol: Book 1, Book 2
Heat Factor: Some sexytimes, but nothing outrageous
Character Chemistry: Pretty darn good
Plot: Jihae and Colin work together to produce a movie. And have the hots for each other. But they have super complicated families.
Overall: There were some amazing moments, but also some distracting head-scratchers.
The Third Rule of Scoundrels
Thanks to Susan Craig for the recommendation! I was looking for inspiration for The Duke Project, and Temple is, indeed, a prime specimen of Duke-ish-ness.
Heat Factor: Simmering
Character Chemistry: Sizzling
Plot: You ruined my life, and now I will have my revenge!
Overall: Well executed, but I couldn’t get over the initial premise
The Smut Report 