Heat Factor: Very steamy. Extremely steamy. Lots of moments containing steam.
Character Chemistry: We have ourselves here a duet (please say trilogy) of books starting with a lovely dose of fated mates and proceeding right on into “seducing my spouse” so I’d say it’s meant to be and meant to stick.
Plot: We start with Izabel’s marriage to Bo, and a whole fleet of waving red flags. As Izabel struggles to understand what’s going terribly wrong in her marriage, she ends up seeing a hypnotherapist specializing in past life regression therapy. Things go nuts. That’s book one. Then on with the second book and my poor heart…
Overall: This duet was really pretty great–extremely sexy with a really creative execution and likeable characters. I’m including a few trigger warnings for violence against women.
Heat Factor: It’s steamy but it’s a slow build and it’s a very unique unfolding.
Character Chemistry: There are so many kinds of chemistry here it’s impossible to summarize.
Plot: Jack is a world-famous musician whose career began with his other half, Mia. At perhaps the twilight of his career, Jack is interviewed by Erin, a journalist. Together they unfold a story and also a deep and profound connection.
Overall: This is a two-fer – one romance, smut adjacent but deeply touching. The other, a very sweet HEA. I would not categorize this as a classic romance, but a very well written adult fiction with an engaging romance story line.
Character Chemistry: That log splitting scene tho.
Plot: Chellie has a public meltdown and goes and hangs out in the woods for a bit. Where she meets a very friendly bear and a very surly man. Who happen to be the same person.