Servant / Slave Heroine – The Smut Report

Heat Factor: They definitely like the sexytimes, even if they don’t do it all the time

Character Chemistry: I was going to say he’s a tall drink of water and she’s a firecracker, but those metaphors don’t mix well. So. How about: he’s a bottle of Diet Coke, and she’s a Mento

Plot: Maggie got arrested and wound up in a reluctant Ian’s custody, but when he finally manages to leave her, he realizes he really doesn’t want to

Overall: Just when I thought things were slowing down, a new adventure cropped up

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Recommended Read, Review

Review: My Fair Concubine by Jeannie Lin (2012)

September 12, 2021September 12, 2021 Holly

Heat Factor: There is some sex at the end, but I frankly think that the book would have been better without it. (SHOCKING!) Not because it wasn’t hot, but because the pining was so much hotter.

Character Chemistry: Oh, the pining.

Plot: Fei Long’s sister was supposed to be a peace bride, but ran away instead. To save the family honor (and the peace agreement), Fei Long decides he’s going to pass off a teahouse girl as his sister.

Overall: The first half is slow, but the tension builds and builds and I really didn’t know how they were going to get out of their predicament.

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Recommended Read, Review

Review: Duke of Sin by Elizabeth Hoyt (2016)

August 20, 2021November 16, 2021 Holly

Maiden Lane, #10

Heat Factor: Val shows off his splendid physique

Character Chemistry: Even though there is a *serious* power imbalance between these two, it doesn’t *feel* like there is.

Plot: Val is the literal worst. Bridget is his housekeeper.

Overall: I finally understand the appeal of morality chain romances, because I loved every single minute of this book.

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Recommended Read, Review

Review: The Lotus Palace by Jeannie Lin (2013)

April 14, 2021April 13, 2021 Holly

The Lotus Palace Mysteries, Book 1

Heat Factor: It takes Lord Bai a couple of encounters before he masters Advanced Consent

Character Chemistry: Yue-ying sees right through Bai Huang, and it’s good for him

Plot: A courtesan is found murdered, so a minor lord and a servant from the pleasure quarter team up to crack the case

Overall: This was a fabulous read—gripping mystery, interesting setting, lush writing, great characters—but I am conflicted about the relationship.

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