Let's talk dirty books
Books that aren’t really romance novels, but have some sort of central romantic plot element.
All Souls Trilogy, Book 1
Heat Factor: Heavy petting occurs, but I’m not convinced it’s sexy
Character Chemistry: Nah
Plot: Paranormal romance meets The DaVinci Code meets magic coming of age novel where a witch learns to control her powers
Overall: I finished this only through sheer stubbornness
The Custard Protocol, Book 3
Review of The Custard Protocol Book 1, Book 2
Heat Factor: There’s no heat, really
Character Chemistry: It’s a long time coming, but not really super important
Plot: A journey of self discovery on a journey of (supernatural) species discovery
Overall: An interesting read
Fire and Ice Trilogy, Book 1
Heat Factor: No sex, but some very explicit moments of “we are very very ready to bone”
Character Chemistry: Lots of mistrust, but they are stuck with each other
Plot: Vampires vs mages plus inscrutable magic politics with a high body count
Overall: Too much snark
The Custard Protocol series, Book 2
Review of The Custard Protocol, Book 1 here.
Heat Factor: a warm summer breeze
Character Chemistry: Just tell her you love her!
Plot: runs one thing to the next
Overall: a delightful romp
Crazy Rich Asians, Book 1
Heat Factor: Nothing sexy, but a few scenes of spectacular vulgarity
Character Chemistry: We are told there is chemistry, but we aren’t shown it.
Plot: The trappings of a classic romantic arc covered in couture and diamonds
Overall: Do not let the movie marketing fool you. This is not really a romance.
