Friday, September 27, 2019

BOOK REVIEW: Smut by Karina Halle

4.5 Stars

After ditching her long time boyfriend, Amanda Newland, 21, is moving on and focusing on her major in creative writing. The last thing she wants is to be paired with British playboy and classmate Blake Crawford, 23, who she doesn’t thinks takes the class seriously.

But Blake has a failing bookstore he’s about to inherit and a novel of his own in the works.
This is kind-of a nemesis to friends/writing partners to lovers romance, although they don’t hate in each in the beginning; it’s more misconception that fades as they get to know each other.  

While I could have done without the numerous references to Blake’s previous hook-ups, he was a cute and likable guy.  He handled the Rachel situation well (which was refreshing as it avoided unnecessary drama), and was such a good sport when it came to his little stepbrother.  Fluffy was a great twist and humorous, much like Blake’s narration.
“It’s almost closing time, and though the store is a mess, I have places to go and porn to write.”
Though the characterizations—popular guy, nerdy girl—are somewhat new adult stereotypical here, the strengths of this story lies with the building of their relationship alongside budding chemistry and sexual tensions in a fun, low-angst and lighthearted plot. The smut writing premise provided a great foundation.  The hero and heroine writing romance together is not a premise I’ve read before, and it worked well here as they called out the genre for what it is rather than trying to prop it.  
“‘Must be a doormat and void of personality or any interesting characteristics so that the reader can interject their own selves. A virgin is preferred, but she must be able to get off on command. Condoms aren’t necessary, but ropes and whips are. She must refer to her vagina as ‘her sex’ and be clenching constantly.’”
Their assessment of the romance market was so spot on that it was hilarious. And I laughed out loud at their proposed book ideas. And even when it was funny, it was steamy at the same time because of course they get turned on writing it.
“If I come in my pants, that’s not going in the book.”
Their own horny encounters were hot and well written as they tested out their fictional scenes, heated up the pages, and broke out the condoms between the bookstacks.
“…I felt you squeeze my tongue as you came, like you were milking it. My cock is jealous.”
Told via their dual alternating first person POV, the first half is a bit slow burn (though it allows for their relationship development) but the second half makes up for it as their sexy times are frequent. I loved the latter part as Blake and Amanda turned up the steam factor and Fluffy and Health brought the comedic interludes. I don’t know if he gets a book of his own, but he should because he stole the scene with his advice.
“Oh, and remember to go get that little lion, pound her until she purrs, and tell her how you feel.”

*Title purchased from Amazon. All reviews written by Book-Bosomed Book Blog are honest opinions.

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