Romance / Erotica
Plot/Idea: Lilly of the Mountains features an intelligent, hapless protagonist who has decided no longer to put up with men mistreating her, and packs a punch with Western-themed excitement and action that keeps the reader intrigued, page after page.
Prose: Yoder knows how to write a complicated, chaotic scene in a very descriptive and clear manner, while the imagery throughout the novel is engaging and vivid.
Originality: The unfortunate widow who sets out to make a better life for herself can be a tired trope. However, with the humor and action Yoder puts into their writing, Lilly of the Mountains feels fresh and entertaining.
Character Development/Execution: Yoder brings all of their characters to full life, ranging from a dopey policeman to an ornery hillbilly to a stately lady and a town gossip. These players all feel authentic while also having an air of caricature, which makes them even more entertaining and intriguing to the reader.
Plot/Idea: This novel explodes with charm and second chances, being the second novel in a series of romances set in a small town in Wisconsin. Told in alternating perspectives, the author uses dramatic irony and foreshadowing as effective tools to engage the reader. In the beginning the plot feels repetitious, but it eventually catapults forward and moves at an engaging speed.
Prose: Well-written and easy to follow, the author has written an uplifting novel and applied foreshadowing at the end of each chapter. Even though the characters and situations are idealistic at times, the writing is endearing and definitely adds to the small-town feel of the book.
Originality: Mixing the romance with a home television show is a unique approach, while rekindling lost love is not. However, because of the home design and remodeling background of the main character, this novel will resonate with a broad audience.
Character Development/Execution: Both main characters are mature and avoid any drama that could ensue. They manage to work through their differences. The problems and characters in the novel are relatable and mostly probable. The reader will want both of the likable characters to be successful.
Plot/Idea: Evenly plotted and set in Chincoteague, Virginia, this compelling mystery will leave the reader wondering who people really are below the surface. The reader is drawn into the story as the main character uses her instincts and faith to help the reader see the other characters through her eyes.
Prose: Easy to read and with an evenly-paced build, the author uses dialogue that feels organic and realistic. Schisler effectively develops the setting and climate of the town through postings from the local newspaper between chapters.
Originality: Developing the setting and happenings of the town through local newspaper postings between chapters is an original way to help the reader understand the setting and set the tone of the story.
Character Development/Execution: Sincere characters that take care of each other dominate this story. The villain is gruff and unlikable, and enters the book with a harsh tone, causing the reader to wonder about his backstory.
Blurb: Sincere characters with strong instincts and devoted faith carry this evenly plotted mystery.
Plot: A follow-up to The Two Groomsmen, Robinson's Until Death is a wholly charming novel of unexpected love in the midst of recovery from a devastating diagnosis.
Prose: Robinson creates an immediate sense of intimacy in her prose. Readers will feel like they've entered a favorite coffee shop and will eagerly root for the central characters' fulfillment and happiness.
Originality: The author excels at establishing a sense of the stakes even before the central love story is established. The story will resonate with all readers, including those who may not typically prefer romance.
Character/Execution: Robinson's characters come alive from the first page. Readers will immediately feel for Noah and will deeply value his supportive friends, while Gabby is every bit as loveable, complex, and well-established.
Plot/Idea: Elements of fun, mystery, and romance make this a fast-moving plot with plenty of imagination. The reader will walk away with a logical understanding of where fairies come from in this magic system and how they function in a human world.
Prose: Whimsical and light, the author has created a fresh take on a world where fairies, leprechauns, and humans live together harmoniously, even though the odds are always in favor of the luck of the Irish. The author’s imagination is fun and thoughtful with plenty of wit and charm.
Originality: The idea of leprechauns, humans, and fairies thriving together in peace feels original.
Character Development/Execution: Characters here are delightful and believable. The author avoids awkward interactions among them by creating a world where they all co-exist regardless of their roots. The leprechaun is charming, and there is no doubt why the main character can’t resist him.
Plot/Idea: Secrets and Truths features an interesting and intricate plot regarding vampires, elves, humans, and the general magical world depicted. With danger at every corner and sexy moments in between, it will keep the reader hot and interested.
Prose: Hill has a talent for describing people and scenery. She can place the reader into a setting and make it feel very real and tangible. The dialogue can be a bit cheesy, but this is also charming. The sex scenes are naughty enough without being overtly raunchy.
Originality: While the vampires and werewolves tropes are pretty tired, Hill has been able to make them feel new and interesting with her dark world of bounty hunters, clubbing, and intricate storytelling arcs.
Character Development/Execution: Hill's main characters are sexy with dark backstories. The reader will be compelled to find out more about them as the story goes on.
Plot: Readers may initially struggle with Brewer's writing style and its surrealistic forms of narration. However, as the reader acclimates, they become accustomed to the cinematic storytelling, with scenes of sexuality intermingled with religion, death with life, love with hate. It's fun, it's sexy, and it's well done.
Prose: Written with quirks, such as beating drums, hyper-focus on character traits, and palpable descriptions of the environment, the reader becomes readily immersed in the story.
Originality: The idea of a sailor going to sea, cheating on his wife, and then returning home unsure of the road forward is recognizable. However, the unique setting in Brazil, the unusual writing style, and the thrilling surreality of the work allow it to stand out.
Character/Execution: The characters can occasionally feel flat. Lil, the lusty other woman; Rawley, the intrepid and flawed protagonist; and his wife, the desperate to be loved, doting partner. Despite this, they are written well, and their interactions come across as fully authentic.
Plot: Anders mixes a romantically realistic plot set against a beautiful location. Told in alternating perspectives, the reader understands both characters while engaging in a grand setting where the wine flows easily.
Prose: Anders uses a laid-back tone throughout and saves the intensity for serious situations. The chatter among the female characters is authentic and fun. Tension is created between the chapters with the drop of just the right word to keep leading the reader forward.
Originality: The author uses typical romance themes throughout the novel but manages to create a realistic partnership and lively dynamics between the characters.
Character/Execution: Both main characters are smart, distinctive, and focused on family. The male character is quick in his thinking and makes an impressive move out of the gate leading the reader to want to know more about him. The female lead is witty and unafraid to take charge. Together, their chemistry flows naturally and readers will root for their happiness and success.
Plot/Idea: Beth Easton, a newcomer to the social London season, must choose between staying true to her new friend, Willa Balfour, the daughter of a marquis whom she has agreed to impersonate, and her own heart, which belongs to the intriguing man she has sworn to push away.
Prose: Rich with period detail, witty dialogue, and a historical setting grounded in research, Beth Through Time draws readers into an immersive world of maritime intrigue and Regency etiquette.
Originality: The third installment in Harmke Buursma’s A Magical Bookshop Novel series returns with its signature mix of romance, time travel, and intrigue that is sure to charm fans of hard-won love. An interesting twist on how love can introduce us to our true selves.
Character Development/Execution: Buursma builds her fast-paced, historically informed narrative on appealing characters, engaging relationships, and a variety of settings that are sure to hold readers’ attention. Fans will root for Beth as she wrestles with the true identity of her paramour as well as who she wishes to be.
Blurb: A fated fantasy romance set in Regency England marked by social charms, secrets, and hidden identities.
Plot/Idea: Barnes has written a highly charming tale about two hapless souls falling in love. Harkening back to the forbidden love of Romeo and Juliet, along with a serious commentary both on reputation in society and the frequently bigoted treatment disabled people experience, The Dishonored Viscount is as socially and politically poignant as it is romantic.
Prose: Barnes is skilled at worldbuilding, thrusting the reader into a frilly, music-filled, luxurious environment. She brings to life the scenes at hand, while effortlessly revealing the true feelings of her characters. Occasionally the dialogue can become confusing, especially when characters are referred to by different names, including their title, their first name, or their last name.
Originality: Barnes has found a strong niche. However, she manages successfully to breathe new life into the tried and true tropes of the genre, bringing in intriguing topics, such as nuanced depictions of disability and social isolation.
Character Development/Execution: The Dishonored Viscount is put together exactly how it intends to be in order to portray a romantic period piece. The book begins with a frilly title page, and ushers the reader into a well-formatted book that looks as pleasant as it is to read. The characters also come to life, freely expressing their feelings of awkwardness along with their love.
Plot/Idea: This is a memorable work primarily because of the hardships protagonist Ella endures, the harsh environment, and the extreme poverty all around her. It is an unlikely setting for romance, yet it works.
Prose: The author crafts an attention-catching opening that will horrify but also engross readers at the same time. What follows, however, struggles to live up to the promise of the first scene. Phrasing is sometimes odd and direct when subtly would be far more effective.
Originality: This is a highly original work with a distinctive plot line and memorable events. The harshness of the setting in particular makes for an unforgettable story.
Character Development/Execution: The author does an effective job with characterization when it comes to Ella, but given the number of other characters and their, in most cases, fleeting appearances in the work, it's challenging to get to know them and their motivations.
Plot/Idea: In book three of the Crimson Crew series, college lacrosse player, Laith Brinley, is quiet, self-possessed, and protective of his past. Enter journalist Brooke Summers. She wants to learn as much as she can about each of the players—and she's also a disarming influence on Laith and all he wants to conceal.
Prose: The prose immediately engages readers in Laith's story, even those unfamiliar with the previous books. The author has a clear handle on scene-building, and develops the romance quickly, but authentically.
Originality: The focus on the Harvard men's lacrosse team is decidedly unique, and the author integrates an awareness of the sport with sizzling scenes and strong character development.
Character/Execution: Readers who haven't picked up the previous books will, nevertheless, be intrigued by the cast of characters. Whitcoma capably develops backstories, insecurities, and contradictions, while delivering gratifying romance.
Plot: Taking place during the Regency period, 1818 London, the author tackles a topic that is considered taboo for the time period: divorce. When a husband seeks a divorce, his wife is willing to sacrifice her reputation in order for it to happen--even though he is the one that is involved with another woman. The plot is finely developed and the circumstances unfold organically.
Prose: Although the prose does not always reflect the time period, the writing is smooth and engaging.
Originality: The focus on divorce and its historical impact on women--paired with the romantic storyline--leads to a fresh and alluring story.
Character/Execution: The author creates well-rounded and appealing characters whose internal desires and conflicts convincingly drive their actions.
Plot/Idea: In a strong plot filled with action, adventure, and light romance, the author has created a smart thriller. There are many unexpected turns throughout One Clear Shot, with a main character caught between two worlds and with plenty at stake. The fast-moving narrative has lots of tense moments as well as romantic ones, making this novel appealing to a broad audience.
Prose: The narration feels easy and flows well. Even though the time line shifts rapidly, the reader is able to keep up with the pace and understand that the main character is torn between two worlds.
Originality: Despite the presence of familiar tropes, the author offers a dynamic blend of romance and sniper action.
Character Development/Execution: A strong, female character who must decide between her two lives creates strong tension throughout the storyline. The characters have strong connections, making the reader hopeful for the preferred outcome.
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Plot/Idea: Brown is highly creative and a master of details. Occasionally this can bog down the novel, with readers finding themselves skipping past long dialogues or specificities regarding minutiae. The general plot of the novel proves very interesting, with its perspectives based around Canada's perception of the rise of Hitler and World War II, and then Theo's experiences after being thrust eighty years into the future. The romance between Claudia and Theo feels a bit dry. That being said, the setting and plot of the book do not disappoint and will keep the reader entranced.
Prose: Brown vividly describes Canadian environments. His depictions of spring, winter, high school dances, drive-in movie theaters, tobacco fields, and dinners with parents are all impactful.
Originality: The trope of high school romance set during the backdrop of World War II is fairly familiar. However, Brown keeps it interesting with some funky time travel elements, as well as his highly accurate attention to historical details that make this book not only a fun read, but also educational.
Character Development/Execution: The characters in the novel are generally all very appealing, and Brown is skilled at describing them physically. However, some may seem a bit too simplistic, particularly considering the depth that Brown achieves in other aspects of the storytelling.
The Treasure: A Fun Romp Through the Amazon with Love, Adventure and Headhunters
by Richard E. LaMotteRating: 7.50
Plot/Idea: The Treasure is fast-paced, with twists and turns throughout that will keep readers guessing. LaMotte has researched the setting well, helping it to organically bloom with life, and the interaction among characters is thoughtful, leading to a satisfying conclusion.
Prose: LaMotte writes with humor, and the action is easy to follow, with animated scenes that fairly leap off the pages. Characters' reactions are descriptive and add to the element of adventure.
Originality: A memorable and intricately detailed setting will set this book apart from others in its genre.
Character Development/Execution: Each character is motivated by something different, which makes their interactions and dynamics interesting. Determined main players keep their end goal in mind, regardless of who they meet and what outcome they may find along the way.
