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You are here: Home / Amy Jo Cousins / Review: Rogue Desire: A Romance Anthology

Review: Rogue Desire: A Romance Anthology

August 7, 2017 by Kini Leave a Comment

Rogue Desire: A Romance Anthology
The Rogue Series #1
Contemporary Romance
July 20, 2017
Self Published

Reviewed by Kini

When all else fails, find love.

Eight brand new romances for fans of the West Wing, fired-up #resistance fighters, and everyone who ever had a crush on that guy at a protest…

I have read several of the authors in this anthology so I was interested to see what kind of story they would tell, especially as it related to resistance. I am pretty bad at reading anthologies because I prefer a longer length novel and I’m a lazy reader. But I powered through, not that it was a struggle, and read them all. I was not disappointed.

Here are my top three, some notes about the others and because they are all based on resistance of some sort, I rated them 1-5 for resistance content. The main thing that really makes these my top three, is I would love to read more about each of these couples and their continued Happy Ever Afters.

PERSONAL DISASTER
by Ainsley Booth

Marcus Dane left the tech world and joined the National Park Service a decade ago. Now an intrepid reporter has tracked down the park ranger-who-could-have-been-a-billionaire and, even worse, she has a theory that could blow his quiet life to smithereens. He needs to send her packing. But he’s already tumbled head-over-heels in insta-lust with her flippy ponytail and smart mouth, and he just can’t seem to let her go.

This story had a fast pace that I really enjoyed. Poppy, the heroine, shows up at Marcus’s work site because she believes he’s the person behind the alt account for the National Park Service. At one point Marcus demands she get out of his vehicle and it was great. The tension was really good in this story. There is some wilderness sex and it was smoking hot. It’s a little insta-lusty/love, but in this context and with the short format, it worked well for me. This author was new to me and it won’t be my last from her.

Level of Resistance: 3
Grade: B+

KISSING AND OTHER FORMS OF SEDITION
by Emma Barry

When a global crisis threatens to go nuclear, the world tips upside down and spills out Graham Wilcox’s unspoken feelings for Cadence Martel. Cadence is equal parts shocked and delighted by his confession, but one night of passion isn’t enough. So the new lovers set out on a road trip to save the world.

Emma Barry has yet to let me down. I read her political based contemporaries a few years back and loved them. Graham has loved Cadence from afar for over a year. The story begins as he finally decides to go tell her. She too has liked him, but felt he wasn’t interested after he declined an offer to come to her house one night after they had been at dinner. When he goes to her and declares his feelings, they quickly get to the smexy times. It was pretty enjoyable. They then embark on a road trip to do their part to save the world. I was wary of the road trip, but it turned it to more self discovery and reflection of their relationship and it worked for me.

Favorite quote:

“You thought the world was ending, and you came to me?” she whispered. “Yes.” “Not like another listen of Beethoven’s Fifth or eating all the carbs in your house?” “There aren’t many carbs in my house.” He chose you over carbs. He chose you over everything.”

Level of Resistance: 3
Grade: B

TRUTH, LOVE AND SUSHI
by Stacey Agdern

When First Daughter Caroline Crosby finds herself in possession of the one document that can bring her father and his administration down, she turns to a real life social justice warrior for help. Max Wilcox isn’t sure what to make of Caroline: is this an elaborate hookup or a political conspiracy? But he has to make up his mind fast because the information and their chemistry could change the world—or break their hearts.

It took me until the 9th chapter to realize this is related to the Emma Barry story- see above note where I’m a lazy reader. The hero from this book is the brother of the hero from her book and both couples are in their own way trying to get the 25th Amendment to be invoked.

This is a new to me author and I enjoyed her voice. Caroline and Max meet in a sushi restaurant. One in which Max mentions he would follow to Maryland, even with the bad drivers. I myself am a very good Maryland driver so I just need to point out that Maryland is not filled with bad drivers, stereotypes aside. That line definitely made me chuckle. Anyway, Caroline seeks Max out as someone who can help her. She is the president’s daughter and she is incredibly unhappy with the administration and wants to do her part to end it. This story has a spy feel to it and it worked for me. The romance/sex was low key and again it worked for this story.

Level of Resistance: 4
Grade: B

GRASSROOTS
by Adriana Anders

Blind, virgin hero, possibly a hacker. Heroine is a woman of color running for city council. They had great chemistry and some hot sex, but it felt a little too perfect for me.

Level of Resistance: 3
Grade: C+

DEEP THROAT
by Dakota Gray

Escort hero, oh hello! Heroine is a maid. Some cat & mouse intrigue happening. Some good banter, good tension and chemistry

Level of Resistance: 3
Grade: C

RESISTANCE
by Amy Jo Cousins

Teaching assistant and student (college sophomore) hook up during a protest march. Hand/blow job on a bus. I had a hard time with the age difference.

Level of Resistance: 4.5
Grade: C-

MY DELIGHT IS IN HER
by Jane Lee Blair

Hero is a pastor. Heroine is a WOC works for the DOL. A second chance story that got overshadowed by their faith. This is not an inspirational, but religion is heavy. Some slang usage that bothered me.

Level of Resistance: 2.5
Grade: C-

LIFE, LIBERTY, AND WORSHIP
by Tamsen Parker

This was an interesting story and something I would LOVE to see more of, ie we can have different ideals yet still get along and be together. Heroine is a liberal Democrat, hero is a libertarian and fiscally conservative Republican. They meet at spin class. She’s mad at him when she finds out he’s an R. They work it out. Some light fem-dom. Also, there is pegging.

Level of Resistance: 3
Grade: B

 

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Filed Under: Amy Jo Cousins, Anthology, B Review, C Review, Dakota Gray, Discussion, Emma Barry, Tamsen Parker

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