Podcast #2: Romance as Fantasy (aka guilty pleasures)
Since this blog is associated with a podcast (expanding it or just reiterating it for those who don't enjoy podcasts; I wanted to include the link)
https://anchor.fm/alchemyofgenres/episodes/Romance-as-Fantasy-a-selection-of-amazing-reads-edvfc0
So, how does a blogger who writes about & reads primarily Fantasy & SciFi end up with so much knowledge about romance novels? Well, because I too was a starry eyed teen once upon a time in the dark ages of the 80's; and I started reading them because my mom was. I think I liked them at that age because I still believed (or wanted to) in a Happy Ever After (I mean what teen doesn't?) but they were also short and quick so they were the perfect fix after many hours reading boring required high school stuff.
Now, why am I classifying romance as a fantasy? Well, not to sound jaded and bitter (though I am definitely no longer a naive 14 year old); but the idea of romance as sold to us through books and movies kind of IS a fantasy. Think about it.....you meet a person and magically you connect and instantly know each other, are mutually attracted, will do anything for each other and it will last forever with no work or effort on any person's part and regardless of any obstacles. I mean, if that isn't a fantastical story, I don't know what one is.
Let's face it, real romance takes work. Nothing worth having falls into your lap, and relationships take work. Obstacles to relationships are real, and sometimes relationships don't work....but that's WHY romance is such a huge market. Sometimes it is nice to just kick back and read a book or watch a movie and live vicariously through someone else and revel in their daring (or laugh at their stupidity) and KNOW that it will end with a kiss (or more) and a Happy Ever After.
Now that we're past all that; let me explain where I'm coming from with all these romantic books. First of all, love is a primary part of the story, secondly I will not be trying to do an overview of all types of romantic novels; only recommending ones that I have found fascinating or extraordinary. Yes, there will be some paranormal romance in here (duh!); but there will be "regular" stuff as well. However, I hate (with a fiery passion) formulaic fiction, but especially romance formulaic fiction. While I do love knowing that there will be a Happily Ever After (or even a Happy For Now); I don't want to feel like this book is exactly the same as a million other books I have read over the years. So, I tend to go for books with diversity; something interesting and different; and sometimes even educational (as in a window to a culture or a type of person or a relationship I am not familiar with).
Finally, thankfully, romance has come a long way from the 80's with the wide array of writers and readers who agree that forcing someone is rape; and consent is sexy (so is safe sex). I will give you a heads up if there is a lot of language or graphic sex scenes as some prefer to stay away from those, but everything on this list is amazing; so feel free to check them out or buy them (no judgement, if you won't judge my taste in romance books, I won't judge yours; promise!)
Ok, first off we have to talk about the author I have been reading forever. She is Jayne Ann Krentz, also Amanda Quick, also Jayne Castle and once upon a time was Stephanie James. I have been working on collecting all her books since I was 14, so....hard to pick one favorite. Also, she is the only holdover from my "romantic period"; mostly because she writes a variety of things and because she always has interesting characters & scenarios...so she avoids the tropes and formulas, usually (and when she missed, I love her enough to give her a pass). I am therefore just going to pick 1 book for each name (not counting the Stephanie James name which she hasn't used since leaving Silhouette Romance books in the late 80's.). All are pretty recent and can probably be found on Libby or Hoopla.
Decades ago, an explosion released unknown gases which caused the whole town to fall asleep for 2 days; and when they woke, some of them had psychic powers. Of course, being a small town, they don't trust the government and so hide all weirdness away. Catalina "Cat" runs an investigation firm with her best friend Olivia. When Olivia disappears, Cat knows she will do anything to save her. Slater is a "mystery man" coming to the town from the "Foundation" (mystery organization). Together they find out that someone is killing witnesses to a murder 14 years ago, and Cat is next on the list....can they figure it out in time? Will the sparks fly? (Yup! Sorry, it's not a spoiler if you know it all works out...that is the whole point of romance books...haha) This is a classic suspense romance book with a little bit of psychic witchery for spice, so fun!
Tightrope takes place in the 20's (Amanda Quick books are always historical romances). Amelie, former trapeze artist, is looking to reinvent herself. She moves to Burning Cove, spends her money on a mansion that she has turned into a B&B and waits for things to go her way. Unfortunately, the mansion/B&B has a bad reputation, and having her first guest murdered is definitely not going to help. Matthias is after the thief of a ciphering machine, the dead guest, Pickwell, was selling it and now is dead. Together they just may figure out what happened and perhaps do something about this hunger they both feel for each other.
I actually love her Victorian books best, but Tightrope is a good one out of her series she is writing set in the 20's.
Jayne Castle books are more of an "alien/paranormal" romance series, set on a distant planet that seems remarkably like ours except with alien relics and a few weird animals. This is one of those times she get a "pass" because while the world building has a few holes, her romances are on point; and it's just fun regardless.
Hannah and Elias don't remember getting married or why they did it (they don't even know each other)....but going back to trace what led them here is a dangerous business and will lead them into the alien catacombs facing unimaginable danger.
Again, not "high literature" but a fun read for a day when you just want something to enjoy.
Kiss Quotient is one of a few that I found recommended, and it won Goodreads 2018 Choice awards and Amazon Best Romance 2018....so I thought I would try it, and I am so glad I did! (I am also really excited to hear that Lionsgate picked up the option and is working on a movie...and am hopeful that it won't be ruined).
So, Kiss Quotient is a perfect example of showing diversity AND twisting up a trope to make it fresh and new. Everyone knows the Pretty Woman idea (hooker with a heart of gold who falls in love with the rich man after he hires her to pretend to be a girlfriend). THIS is a reversal of that, Stella Lane is a numbers person, she is MUCH better with numbers than with people and a big part of why is that she has Aspergers (a type of high functioning autism). Someone remarks that she is very uptight and that basically if she were better in bed, she'd be a catch....kind of the old brush off of "you'd be so much better if you weren't such a frigid prude.....and really you just need to get laid and you'll be less uptight" Sigh. So, Stella, being a logical kind of girl decides that maybe she does need help and when you need help, you hire an expert....so she does. She goes through and hires Michael Phan, a male escort and explains to him that she is terrible in bed and needs lessons. Michael is thrown for a loop, because this is not the normal scenario for him and also this violates his self imposed rule of never more than one time with a client. Of course, they get attached and of course it's a mess.....but it is a great story with a happy ending and I loved it so much. I can't wait to read the next book (which is about a cousin you meet in this book). The author is a person with autism that wasn't diagnosed until an adult, so she is writing from a personal space, which gives the character even more authenticity. Also, HOT love scenes (but not too hot....think spicy not boiling).
Ok, here comes the urban fantasy/paranormal romance! Verity Price is a cryptozoologist like her parents before her.....what is that? Someone who studies and helps non-humanoid creatures that secretly live among us. Verity comes from a family of outcasts who are working to live with cryptids, not execute or hurt them. She is also a ballroom dancer and loves to do parkour/free-running off buildings (both of those are very important).....Dominic is an agent of the Covenant of St George, and they are dedicated to ridding the world of "unnatural beasts and heretics" but when he falls for Verity and starts to see that cryptids have feelings too; well, now it gets complicated. Together they must figure out who is kidnapping cryptids while keeping Verity alive and off the radar of the Covenant people and also figure out a way for Dominic to disappear so he can be with Verity. There are 2 books that deal with Verity, then 2 for her brother and 2 for her sister, then I think they jump to a "cousin" (not actually related by blood but grew up with). Anyway, this book was fun, mild love scenes mostly action sequences.
Acheron (#12 in the DarkHunter series by Kenyon) is literally the life story of Acheron. He is a pivotal character in her books; training and overseeing all the DarkHunters and helping run interference with the gods when needed. This is not a small book (well over a 1000 pages); but it is fascinating. Acheron is over 11,000 years old, and has been through some things...and now he has met a woman who can either save him or doom him forever to Hel.....hmmm....anyway, Kenyon is a master of paranormal romance so you can't go wrong. Love scenes are spicy but not overly crazy....I wouldn't start with this book, start and read some of the others, but if you like the series, don't let the length of the novel scare you.
Master of the Moon is #2 in the MageKnights series. This one stars the Elven (kind of...it is a parallel world after all) king whose brother is trying to kill him...and a Town manager who also helps the police when she can (she has a "nose" for crime because she's a werewolf...lol). Technically she is a Dire wolf which is a rare breed that is immune to most magic, making her perfect for a magical being; and he is perfect for her as he can't catch lycanthropy. Anyway, he comes to earth because there is a serial killer who sounds like a vampire type and he wants to help; they meet and then work to save the world while falling for each other. Oh, and yeah, Angela Knight writes some graphic and SEXY love scenes...so be aware. This has more of a typical feel, but with just enough differences to make it work.
Ok, so I have a confession to make.....this book was the other recommended book that I read, actually listened to the audio on Hoopla and it got great reviews from NYTimes and Entertainment weekly (honestly I'm surprised it hasn't been optioned for a movie). Rafe is a nanny, but you wouldn't know it to look at him, he is over 6 feet tall, red hair, beard and lots of tattoos, partial to motorcycles; but, he is very good with kids. Never had a lot of formal schooling, just learning on the job.....he is called and meets Sloan, a sexy, curvy African American woman; when her nanny disappears unexpectedly leaving her in the lurch. With twin 6 year olds and being a heart surgeon, she cannot just call out or stay home; however, leaving them alone isn't an option either. Rafe is recommended and the sparks fly from the minute they meet. The two of them are honest from the start about how attractive they find each other, and the negotiations and work arounds of trying to be romantic while in a house with little kids.....definitely fun and true to life. Rebekah uses a lot of frank language, and writes VERY spicy and hot love scenes....so, just....be aware.
I love that Rebekah always has a large cast of characters of color, but that the books aren't about that, it's just part of who they are. I love that Rafe isn't ashamed of being a caregiver and that Sloan doesn't think less of him for his lack of formal education. Honestly, this book is what got me hooked on Weatherspoon as a writer.......and having said that....let's check out some more of her books!
Xeni is Sloan's best friend and a Kindergarten teacher at a private school in LA where they all live. When her aunt dies, she has to go to upstate NY to help with the estate and listen to the will, etc. What she finds is that her aunt left her a sizable inheritance IF she agrees to marry Mason (sexy Scotsman, cook and friend of her aunt's). They only have to stay married for 30 days, and he gets 100,000 to pay off student loans and she gets everything else (it is a LOT). So, they decide, what the heck, let's do this.....and then as they get to know each other...they realize that they are amazing together. But can this fake marriage turn into a real romance? Hmmmm.....(hello? yes please!)
Again, frank language, spicy SPICY sex scenes but an awesome read and also available on audio if you want to listen.
So, that farm upstate in NY? Not the first time Weatherspoon goes there....This is Sanctuary, part of her Beards and Bondage series (yup, she goes there). This one has Liz, African American, curvy girl, lawyer who suddenly has a client out to kill her. A work friend sends her to hide on a farm with his twin brother....who is sexy....and also has a hard time communicating due to being on the autistic spectrum (just has a hard time explaining feelings, or dealing with social situations). She actually is very comfortable with her sexuality, being a former Dominatrix (it's how she paid for law school); and he has no problem learning about BDSM from this sexy lady. Weatherspoon explores this relationship without talking about the interplay of changing power dynamics, but it's there and it's awesome to see them in action. The characters and the situations they face are dealt with in realistic ways, and everything is discussed openly and frankly.....very good story, very, very hot and yes, explicit as I have already said, Weatherspoon doesn't shy away from frank language.
Sated is part of the Fit trilogy (each of the people work at a fitness club). Keira is a trainer & a kickboxer, Daniel Song is a pyrotechnics operator, owner of his own business and also missing a hand due to an explosives accident (this fact isn't central to the story, just...a part of who he is....so well done).
He is also very much a part of the BDSM community in LA, and Keira is not, but she is willing to learn what that is and play with it a bit. The central conflict in this book is about honesty; Daniel is hiding how much a part of his life BDSM and the local community is for him and Keira really is devastated when she realizes he hasn't been honest with her. I love that Weatherspoon is making honesty and openness such a central part of a relationship, because it is important in everyone's lives. I also love that Keira is a nerdy girl who despite all her accomplishments needs to find the confidence to stand up and say what she wants and needs without being ashamed. This is a short book, but packed with story and I love this trilogy (and the Xmas novella that went with it). So good, but again....very explicit, so....now ya know. Also this book won Best Erotic Digital romance from Romantic Times....well deserved!
This is the last Weatherspoon book for now...(I swear). I wanted to include this one because it is featuring Alexis, a college student not yet out to her family as lesbian and Trisha, aka Treasure, who works as an exotic dancer to help her pay for school. They first meet when Alexis' sister's bachelorette party goes to the strip club for the night. They meet again when they are the only two girls in the beginner IT/Tech course at the college. The connection is immediate and yet they each have obstacles to overcome. I loved that the fact that Treasure as a dancer is just a fact....yeah some have a problem with that, but she is a good person and it's just a way to make a living. Oh, and yeah....hot scenes of the lesbian variety.....enjoy!
Since I talked about the first book Sumage Solution last time, here is Omega Objection. (and I really hope she writes more). Tank is a werewolf who looks all giant and macho and fierce; but really he is a big old teddy bear of a wolf who just wants to be loved and appreciated....and also be dominated in just the right way. Isaac is a bartender at a local club that everyone loves to talk to and he gives great advice to everyone....but strangely he has no scent. It turns out that Isaac has some bad people after him and Tank is determined to help find him help....not just because Isaac is amazing and dominant and loving.....ok, it counts for a lot. Isaac is just running scared and not sure he can trust anyone, especially werewolves. Can they work it out?
Carriger wrote a more simplistic story in this one than the first one, but nonetheless, it is enjoyable and sweet. I like the emphasis on looking below the surface to see who people really are. Carriger is (as I said before) not writing these books for teens, so the love scenes are a bit spicy and hot, but definitely worth a read!
Lastly, we have a category of books I just found.....and yeah, these are the cheesiest and closest to being fantastical journeys; but nonetheless, enjoyable and fun. This category is the 3-some stories; sometimes dealing with polyamory but mostly with throuples, especially MMF, with bisexual guys and a girl. In Three, the two guys are firefighters who have grown up together. Jonny has never told Matt that he was bi, or that he found him sexy; because Matt is very homophobic, and it got worse when his dad divorced his mom to be with a man. They meet Eden when she accidentally sets fire to her kitchen and burns down her who house. She is hot and sexy and both men find her irresistible......she likes both of them. Can Matt stop being paranoid and just embrace falling in love with both of them? Can Jonny be honest or will he keep lying so they can stay friends? Can Eden bring them all together.....and magically fix everything.....duh! Of course she can.....but it's a fun ride and a new genre (for me anyway) with spicy love scenes with all sorts of interesting combinations. If polyamory bothers you, or MM love scenes, probably skip this one...and the next one too.
And speaking of fantasy stories....Just This Once is part of a series from Roxanne Riley who has found a secret side of Vegas, featuring a nightclub, Ectasia...where evidently there is a plethora of billionaires as well as a lot of people looking for threesomes as their forever loves. This one has Adam and Dante, long time couple who have decided to spice up their love life by finding a girl as a one time thing....but then Lacey walks in. Lacey & Adam were High School sweethearts and have never forgotten each other....now, she has the chance to fall in love ...with both of them. Cheesefest galore, but so much fun and so sexy...looking for a perfect turn off your brain book? This is a good choice.
Hope you enjoyed this list, as I said, it's not comprehensive, just a quick peek....hopefully you find something new to try.
https://anchor.fm/alchemyofgenres/episodes/Romance-as-Fantasy-a-selection-of-amazing-reads-edvfc0
So, how does a blogger who writes about & reads primarily Fantasy & SciFi end up with so much knowledge about romance novels? Well, because I too was a starry eyed teen once upon a time in the dark ages of the 80's; and I started reading them because my mom was. I think I liked them at that age because I still believed (or wanted to) in a Happy Ever After (I mean what teen doesn't?) but they were also short and quick so they were the perfect fix after many hours reading boring required high school stuff.
Now, why am I classifying romance as a fantasy? Well, not to sound jaded and bitter (though I am definitely no longer a naive 14 year old); but the idea of romance as sold to us through books and movies kind of IS a fantasy. Think about it.....you meet a person and magically you connect and instantly know each other, are mutually attracted, will do anything for each other and it will last forever with no work or effort on any person's part and regardless of any obstacles. I mean, if that isn't a fantastical story, I don't know what one is.
Let's face it, real romance takes work. Nothing worth having falls into your lap, and relationships take work. Obstacles to relationships are real, and sometimes relationships don't work....but that's WHY romance is such a huge market. Sometimes it is nice to just kick back and read a book or watch a movie and live vicariously through someone else and revel in their daring (or laugh at their stupidity) and KNOW that it will end with a kiss (or more) and a Happy Ever After.
Now that we're past all that; let me explain where I'm coming from with all these romantic books. First of all, love is a primary part of the story, secondly I will not be trying to do an overview of all types of romantic novels; only recommending ones that I have found fascinating or extraordinary. Yes, there will be some paranormal romance in here (duh!); but there will be "regular" stuff as well. However, I hate (with a fiery passion) formulaic fiction, but especially romance formulaic fiction. While I do love knowing that there will be a Happily Ever After (or even a Happy For Now); I don't want to feel like this book is exactly the same as a million other books I have read over the years. So, I tend to go for books with diversity; something interesting and different; and sometimes even educational (as in a window to a culture or a type of person or a relationship I am not familiar with).
Finally, thankfully, romance has come a long way from the 80's with the wide array of writers and readers who agree that forcing someone is rape; and consent is sexy (so is safe sex). I will give you a heads up if there is a lot of language or graphic sex scenes as some prefer to stay away from those, but everything on this list is amazing; so feel free to check them out or buy them (no judgement, if you won't judge my taste in romance books, I won't judge yours; promise!)
Ok, first off we have to talk about the author I have been reading forever. She is Jayne Ann Krentz, also Amanda Quick, also Jayne Castle and once upon a time was Stephanie James. I have been working on collecting all her books since I was 14, so....hard to pick one favorite. Also, she is the only holdover from my "romantic period"; mostly because she writes a variety of things and because she always has interesting characters & scenarios...so she avoids the tropes and formulas, usually (and when she missed, I love her enough to give her a pass). I am therefore just going to pick 1 book for each name (not counting the Stephanie James name which she hasn't used since leaving Silhouette Romance books in the late 80's.). All are pretty recent and can probably be found on Libby or Hoopla.
Decades ago, an explosion released unknown gases which caused the whole town to fall asleep for 2 days; and when they woke, some of them had psychic powers. Of course, being a small town, they don't trust the government and so hide all weirdness away. Catalina "Cat" runs an investigation firm with her best friend Olivia. When Olivia disappears, Cat knows she will do anything to save her. Slater is a "mystery man" coming to the town from the "Foundation" (mystery organization). Together they find out that someone is killing witnesses to a murder 14 years ago, and Cat is next on the list....can they figure it out in time? Will the sparks fly? (Yup! Sorry, it's not a spoiler if you know it all works out...that is the whole point of romance books...haha) This is a classic suspense romance book with a little bit of psychic witchery for spice, so fun!
I actually love her Victorian books best, but Tightrope is a good one out of her series she is writing set in the 20's.
Jayne Castle books are more of an "alien/paranormal" romance series, set on a distant planet that seems remarkably like ours except with alien relics and a few weird animals. This is one of those times she get a "pass" because while the world building has a few holes, her romances are on point; and it's just fun regardless.Hannah and Elias don't remember getting married or why they did it (they don't even know each other)....but going back to trace what led them here is a dangerous business and will lead them into the alien catacombs facing unimaginable danger.
Again, not "high literature" but a fun read for a day when you just want something to enjoy.
Kiss Quotient is one of a few that I found recommended, and it won Goodreads 2018 Choice awards and Amazon Best Romance 2018....so I thought I would try it, and I am so glad I did! (I am also really excited to hear that Lionsgate picked up the option and is working on a movie...and am hopeful that it won't be ruined).
So, Kiss Quotient is a perfect example of showing diversity AND twisting up a trope to make it fresh and new. Everyone knows the Pretty Woman idea (hooker with a heart of gold who falls in love with the rich man after he hires her to pretend to be a girlfriend). THIS is a reversal of that, Stella Lane is a numbers person, she is MUCH better with numbers than with people and a big part of why is that she has Aspergers (a type of high functioning autism). Someone remarks that she is very uptight and that basically if she were better in bed, she'd be a catch....kind of the old brush off of "you'd be so much better if you weren't such a frigid prude.....and really you just need to get laid and you'll be less uptight" Sigh. So, Stella, being a logical kind of girl decides that maybe she does need help and when you need help, you hire an expert....so she does. She goes through and hires Michael Phan, a male escort and explains to him that she is terrible in bed and needs lessons. Michael is thrown for a loop, because this is not the normal scenario for him and also this violates his self imposed rule of never more than one time with a client. Of course, they get attached and of course it's a mess.....but it is a great story with a happy ending and I loved it so much. I can't wait to read the next book (which is about a cousin you meet in this book). The author is a person with autism that wasn't diagnosed until an adult, so she is writing from a personal space, which gives the character even more authenticity. Also, HOT love scenes (but not too hot....think spicy not boiling).
Ok, here comes the urban fantasy/paranormal romance! Verity Price is a cryptozoologist like her parents before her.....what is that? Someone who studies and helps non-humanoid creatures that secretly live among us. Verity comes from a family of outcasts who are working to live with cryptids, not execute or hurt them. She is also a ballroom dancer and loves to do parkour/free-running off buildings (both of those are very important).....Dominic is an agent of the Covenant of St George, and they are dedicated to ridding the world of "unnatural beasts and heretics" but when he falls for Verity and starts to see that cryptids have feelings too; well, now it gets complicated. Together they must figure out who is kidnapping cryptids while keeping Verity alive and off the radar of the Covenant people and also figure out a way for Dominic to disappear so he can be with Verity. There are 2 books that deal with Verity, then 2 for her brother and 2 for her sister, then I think they jump to a "cousin" (not actually related by blood but grew up with). Anyway, this book was fun, mild love scenes mostly action sequences.
Acheron (#12 in the DarkHunter series by Kenyon) is literally the life story of Acheron. He is a pivotal character in her books; training and overseeing all the DarkHunters and helping run interference with the gods when needed. This is not a small book (well over a 1000 pages); but it is fascinating. Acheron is over 11,000 years old, and has been through some things...and now he has met a woman who can either save him or doom him forever to Hel.....hmmm....anyway, Kenyon is a master of paranormal romance so you can't go wrong. Love scenes are spicy but not overly crazy....I wouldn't start with this book, start and read some of the others, but if you like the series, don't let the length of the novel scare you.
Master of the Moon is #2 in the MageKnights series. This one stars the Elven (kind of...it is a parallel world after all) king whose brother is trying to kill him...and a Town manager who also helps the police when she can (she has a "nose" for crime because she's a werewolf...lol). Technically she is a Dire wolf which is a rare breed that is immune to most magic, making her perfect for a magical being; and he is perfect for her as he can't catch lycanthropy. Anyway, he comes to earth because there is a serial killer who sounds like a vampire type and he wants to help; they meet and then work to save the world while falling for each other. Oh, and yeah, Angela Knight writes some graphic and SEXY love scenes...so be aware. This has more of a typical feel, but with just enough differences to make it work.Ok, so I have a confession to make.....this book was the other recommended book that I read, actually listened to the audio on Hoopla and it got great reviews from NYTimes and Entertainment weekly (honestly I'm surprised it hasn't been optioned for a movie). Rafe is a nanny, but you wouldn't know it to look at him, he is over 6 feet tall, red hair, beard and lots of tattoos, partial to motorcycles; but, he is very good with kids. Never had a lot of formal schooling, just learning on the job.....he is called and meets Sloan, a sexy, curvy African American woman; when her nanny disappears unexpectedly leaving her in the lurch. With twin 6 year olds and being a heart surgeon, she cannot just call out or stay home; however, leaving them alone isn't an option either. Rafe is recommended and the sparks fly from the minute they meet. The two of them are honest from the start about how attractive they find each other, and the negotiations and work arounds of trying to be romantic while in a house with little kids.....definitely fun and true to life. Rebekah uses a lot of frank language, and writes VERY spicy and hot love scenes....so, just....be aware.
I love that Rebekah always has a large cast of characters of color, but that the books aren't about that, it's just part of who they are. I love that Rafe isn't ashamed of being a caregiver and that Sloan doesn't think less of him for his lack of formal education. Honestly, this book is what got me hooked on Weatherspoon as a writer.......and having said that....let's check out some more of her books!
Again, frank language, spicy SPICY sex scenes but an awesome read and also available on audio if you want to listen.
So, that farm upstate in NY? Not the first time Weatherspoon goes there....This is Sanctuary, part of her Beards and Bondage series (yup, she goes there). This one has Liz, African American, curvy girl, lawyer who suddenly has a client out to kill her. A work friend sends her to hide on a farm with his twin brother....who is sexy....and also has a hard time communicating due to being on the autistic spectrum (just has a hard time explaining feelings, or dealing with social situations). She actually is very comfortable with her sexuality, being a former Dominatrix (it's how she paid for law school); and he has no problem learning about BDSM from this sexy lady. Weatherspoon explores this relationship without talking about the interplay of changing power dynamics, but it's there and it's awesome to see them in action. The characters and the situations they face are dealt with in realistic ways, and everything is discussed openly and frankly.....very good story, very, very hot and yes, explicit as I have already said, Weatherspoon doesn't shy away from frank language.Sated is part of the Fit trilogy (each of the people work at a fitness club). Keira is a trainer & a kickboxer, Daniel Song is a pyrotechnics operator, owner of his own business and also missing a hand due to an explosives accident (this fact isn't central to the story, just...a part of who he is....so well done).
He is also very much a part of the BDSM community in LA, and Keira is not, but she is willing to learn what that is and play with it a bit. The central conflict in this book is about honesty; Daniel is hiding how much a part of his life BDSM and the local community is for him and Keira really is devastated when she realizes he hasn't been honest with her. I love that Weatherspoon is making honesty and openness such a central part of a relationship, because it is important in everyone's lives. I also love that Keira is a nerdy girl who despite all her accomplishments needs to find the confidence to stand up and say what she wants and needs without being ashamed. This is a short book, but packed with story and I love this trilogy (and the Xmas novella that went with it). So good, but again....very explicit, so....now ya know. Also this book won Best Erotic Digital romance from Romantic Times....well deserved!
Carriger wrote a more simplistic story in this one than the first one, but nonetheless, it is enjoyable and sweet. I like the emphasis on looking below the surface to see who people really are. Carriger is (as I said before) not writing these books for teens, so the love scenes are a bit spicy and hot, but definitely worth a read!
Hope you enjoyed this list, as I said, it's not comprehensive, just a quick peek....hopefully you find something new to try.
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