Romance / Erotica
Plot/Idea: In The Cruel Dark, Northwick delivers a superb work that blends romance, mystery, and the supernatural, all set against a historical backdrop. The story flows engagingly, with twists and turns that hold the reader captive and wanting more.
Prose: The author is a gifted writer, able to convincingly recreate a bygone era, simultaneously telling a captivating story, moving the plot line forward and seamlessly recounting past events. The writing is succinct but telling, holding the reader's interest as the story unfolds.
Originality: This is an original work, populated with memorable characters and events that will stay in the reader's mind. The author does a fine job making the work stand apart from others in the romance field with rich detail, particularly relevant in a period work, while the supernatural elements are a delight.
Character/Execution: Characterization here is handled expertly, with a well-defined protagonist with a history of mental illness who is suddenly finds herself in an uncomfortable and potentially dangerous situation as she works to find herself.
Plot/Idea: Book three of the Benedict Brothers series turns to the eldest Benedict brother, Kipling, who can't resist Officer Alyssa Adams, even if she seemingly wants nothing to do with him and shows up mostly to give him bad news. Sue Me nicely blends spice with story development and background detail.
Prose: Sue Me provides a an effective dual narrative structure, creating a satisfying interplay between the lead characters' feelings for one another.
Originality: The world of the Benedict Brothers is uplifted through the intriguing family drama, as well as the mystery ingredients. The enemies-to-lovers storyline is well established and effectively paced.
Character/Execution: Both Kipling and Alyssa are flawed yet likable. Readers will relish being privy to their individual growth as well as their burgeoning magnetic attraction.
