Trope
Game Changers, Book #2
Heat Factor: Melting all the ice on all the rinks
Character Chemistry: The bad boy is soft for the good boy
Plot: They met when they were 17 and were attracted to each other immediately, but ever since they were recruited to the NHL, their rivalry and antipathy has been played up so much that they can never really fall in love
Overall: So. Good. Totally hit the spot
The Game Maker, Book #2
Review of The Game Maker, Book #1
Heat Factor: They have amazing kinky hate sex energy
Character Chemistry: The “I hate you but I really want to jump you” dynamic is EXCEPTIONAL
Plot: She needs money to stay on the run from her serial killer husband, so she steps in for her friend as a very expensive escort for a night. He is bowled over by her breath of fresh air in his luxurious but monotonous life, but he also thinks everything she says is a lie. So obviously they fall in love.
Overall: Combo of “What did I even just read?” and “That was amazing.”
Matchmaker Bay, Book #3
Review of Matchmaker Bay, Book #2
Heat Factor: Mid-level steam
Character Chemistry: Their main hobbies are annoying each other / Serious Benedict and Beatrice energy / Everyone else can see it but them
Plot: Maya and Law have been at odds for years. And now they’re competing for a small-business grant. But also they are forming a secret friendship.
Overall: This is straight-up a fun comedy, without the serious discussions of pain and grief and loss that characterize other books I’ve read by Jenny Holiday.
Heat Factor: It’s sweeping and romantic
Character Chemistry: So perfect
Plot: He first saw her as a teen, on a day that changed his life forever. Sixteen years later, he meets her again – only to discover that they’re now on opposite sides of an emotional divide.
Overall: Automatic favorite. I am wrecked.
Arroyo Blanco, Book 1
Heat Factor: There’s a little bit of spice.
Character Chemistry: Well, she dunks him in a lagoon at their first meeting, so I think we’re off to a great start!
Plot: Emilia writes dirty stories under a pen name; Ruben writes scathing critiques of these stories under a pen name – and wants to write an exposé of the author. Banter and shenanigans ensue.
Overall: The set up is so strong, but the ending felt rushed.
