Reading Roundup #52: She Blinded Me With Chemistry

Listen, some weeks, we just want all the romance, you know? I don’t have much to say about this week’s “theme” beyond that, so let’s jump right to the fun part, shall we?

First up is Faro’s Daughter by Georgette Heyer! This has quickly become one of my favorite reads and the book I reach for when I want a whirlwind of hilarity. Usually one to set up a meticulously designed house of cards before jarring the table and letting it fall, Heyer dives right in with this one, starting the action almost immediately and never letting up, even when you gasp for reprieve because you can’t breathe from laughing so hard. A truly perfect comedy of errors and one-up-manship, with a side of sizzling chemistry between the leads. [Read my full review HERE]

Managed (VIP #2) by Kristen Callihan: Based on the blurb and on book one of the series, I was expecting something with more testosterone and adrenaline, but this surprised me because it’s so… incredibly… sweet. And freakin’ hysterical! After a few pages, I was head-over-heels in love with Sophie and Scottie, and I already know I’ll be rereading this one multiple times. And did I mention how much snuggling there is? Highly recommended for anyone who loves banter, cuddles, and steamy sex in their romance novels. My friends and I (because yes, my friend who recommended it and I have pushed it onto our whole circle) all agree this is the best in the series, so start here.

Fall (VIP #3) by Kristen Callihan: Not quite as excellent as Managed (high bar) but still very sweet and fun. I appreciated how honestly Callihan (who acknowledges her own struggles with it) writes about depression. It’s an ugly beast that isn’t always fully explored in romance novels, let alone acknowledged as something that’s just going to stick around, even after you find love. My heart ached for Jax, and I really admired the way he and Stella decided to fight for each other, to choose each other, even knowing it won’t always be easy. Plus, that meet-cute is sheer romcom goodness!

A Lady’s Formula for Love (The Secret Scientists of London #1) by Elizabeth Everett: This one nearly slipped by me, and I’m glad I finally made time for it because this, too, is delightful and funny. The plot is lighter than helium, but it works because this is a romcom in the old-fashioned screwball style, with madcap hijinks and kooky characters galore. What I really loved, though, was the chemistry (please pardon the pun) between the leads, who flirt uncontrollably, bond sweetly, and romp in the sheets with a joy that’s lovely to see in two people who are otherwise so burdened by ghosts and responsibilities. I spent a good part of the book laughing aloud at the shenanigans at the Athena Club, and I’m looking forward to seeing more in the next book!

—b