Elia Winters

Raunchy romance

For a raunchy romance this book was pretty good, I really enjoyed the fact that it was based around a steam punk theme. There were some parts of the story I didn’t personally go for but hey, I like that the author covers a lot of romantic bases others may like. I think the only parts that would have made this story better was a little bit more delving into the characters steam punk world, and would have loved if at the end if those rude judges got an awakening embarrassment when it became publicly known that they had already been clients of felicitation devices made by miss Bailey and enjoyed it during their meetings at Lahey’s business.… (altro)

Hairpin Curves didn't feel like Winters' other books. Maybe because of the heat level, but mostly I think it's a lack of conflict in the story. The two main characters were once very good friends and then there was a big betrayal (this turns out fine, you won't hate anyone) and they stopped talking for years. Now they're both going to the same wedding and end up in a car together for two weeks roadtripping from Florida to Quebec City. It was surreal to read about the traveling and when they crossed an international border I was holding my breath. COVID-19 has screwed me up, wow.


Both heroines are bisexual and the sex scenes are not what we usually get to read. Before these two former friends are ready to be together, they engage in multiple instances of mutual masturbation for "stress relief." Then when they are touching each other much later (that first kiss is at like 70%) they're using toys in addition to body parts.

As for the lack of conflict... it's not that I wanted them to be fighting, but they get their stuff sorted out pretty early on and there's no external conflict so there wasn't much to propel the narrative forward. It's a quiet book and the best parts were the parts that scared me most - exploring new places with a good friend. Normally I love a road trip romance, but I was unsettled for much of this one. Winters couldn't have known while writing this that we'd be in the throes of a global pandemic at pub time.


Content Warnings: crappy sibling who negs one MC, references to past homophobia, one MC has a learning disability and was made to feel stupid her entire life

Suzanne received a copy of this book for review but purchased her own.… (altro)