Limecello’s review of Too Hot to Print by Stephanie Bond
Contemporary romance released by Harlequin Blaze 1 Jan 10
I have to say, I was somewhat disappointed with this story. I felt that it was more a brief than a novella, and rather mislabeled. I’ll explain more below. However, I do want to point out the very proper and pleasing use of “too” and “to” – so kudos to Stephanie Bond and Harlequin for that one!
I realize that this is a novella, and it’s clearly stated on the cover. Nevertheless, I thought it was a bit short for a novella, and it was more what I would have been expecting in a Spice Brief, than a Harlequin Blaze. It was very short on romance, and aside from the fact that you’re led to believe the characters might give it a go in the end, there isn’t really a happy ending either. (I think the reader is more to assume the characters will get together, than know so.)
Gabrielle Pope and Henry Wells aren’t very developed. Both are strangers to each other, and the reader, unfortunately. Insight into Gabrielle is almost better given by the secondary characters.
Rather than emotions and close interaction, it really seemed to be impersonal sexual encounters. I’m having a tough time quantifying this story. I think had this been marketed as a Spice Brief, it would have gotten an average grade, in the C range. However, as it was sold as a Harlequin Blaze… sadly I was left wanting. There was also something a bit cold about Henry, and slightly pathetic about Gabrielle. Her obsession with being [or not being] an “old spinster librarian” seemed to be the point most expounded.
I do have to say props to Ms. Bond for posting an excerpt on her website.
Grade: D+
Summary:
How much sex is too much sex?That’s what librarian Gabrielle Pope is wondering. Thanks to a chance encounter with sexy-as-sin Henry Wells, she’s indulging in sensual acts she’s never even dreamed of. And she’s loving every minute of it…
Unfortunately, Henry’s not a local—he’s only in town on a seven day business trip. So Gabrielle has to decide—does she go back to searching for Mr. Right, or give in and totally indulge with Mr. Right Now. Because if this is going to be the best sex of her life, she’s can’t waste a single minute of it….
Read an excerpt here.
