Heroine
The Lakeshore Chronicles, Book #2
Heat Factor: A few smooches, and then the door is firmly closed
Character Chemistry: I didn’t always buy it
Plot: Jenny’s house burns down, so Rourke gives her a place to stay, but really there are a million secondary characters and like three subplots. And, of course, family secrets.
Overall: This is not my usual romance fare, and frankly, the romance part didn’t do much for me, but it was still pretty engaging.
The Graciella Series, Book #3
Heat Factor: It’s kind of an instant, angry, heated clash and then it burns but in a more friendly and less publicly appropriate way
Character Chemistry: This is absolutely a case of matching wounds meeting matching wounds but it actually made sense to me…THIS TIME.
Plot: Cass is on the tail end of a deeply traumatic experience—so traumatic she loses her sense of smell, and unfortunately she’s a food writer. She regains it when a really attractive farmer accidentally throws manure all over her, and then they get in a really rude argument, and afterwards they pretty much start matching themselves right up in ways that are understandable and steamy.
Overall: This was a really sweet read and it did surprise me in a lot of lovely ways.
Hard Play, Book #1
Heat Factor: Sailor’s a landscaper who works outside in the dirt and sun…without a shirt. Isa is super duper horny about it.
Character Chemistry: Sailor is competence porn
Plot: Isa’s been neglected by her high-powered parents, like, forever. Sailor’s extremely motivated to make his business a huge success. Isa doesn’t want to come second to her lover.
Overall: I don’t know what magic Singh has that makes such a simple story so full of amazing, thrilling tension, but I want that special sauce in all the books
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.
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.
