My Killer Vacation by Tessa BaileyContemporary RomanceJune 6, 2022Self-Published Review by Iby I am admittedly a Tessa Bailey fan, especially her newer works. I love the banter and the steam - she has great dynamics between her main characters, and her books tend to be lighthearted and eminently enjoyable. When she said she was writing a murder mystery romance, I knew that I’d be all-in. The set-up: Careful, cautious second-grade teacher Taylor has saved for years to take a vacation in Continue Reading
Scenic Sunday: A Deal with the Devil by Elizabeth O’Roark
This scene was one of the most hilarious from my favorite read in April. The banter with this book was - chef’s kiss - incredible. The author spun a masterpiece out of a highly unbelievable set-up: a lowly assistant/writer who is paid to temp for a hot plastic surgeon, and they fall in love. This book is funny, with a great pining hero and some insane sexual tension. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves contemporary romances with some steam. (Fun fact: the entire Smexy team cannot get Continue Reading
Review: When She Dreams by Amanda Quick
When She Dreams by Amanda QuickBurning Cove #6Historical RomanceMay 3, 2022, by BerkeleyARC Review by Iby This book starts with an amazing first line: “You poisoned me.” Suddenly, the reader is thrust into 1930s California, the setting of this interconnected romantic suspense series. Although this is book 6, you can easily pick up at this book and understand what’s happening. Each book features one couple, and they are all involved in solving a crime. There is lots of glamour, as part of Continue Reading
Scenic Sunday: The Favor by Suzanne Wright
There is something about a growly alpha hero who convinces a likable heroine to enter into a marriage of convenience that just does it for me. Suzanne Wright’s The Favor does this trope extremely well. Vienna is a spunky, smart survivor who works as a highly competent executive assistant for her boss, Dane. Dane needs a wife to claim an inheritance and convinces Vienna to be his wife. In this scene, someone is trying to sour the relationship between Dane and Vienna by sending some misleading Continue Reading
Review: By Any Other Name by Lauren Kate
By Any Other Name by Lauren KateContemporary RomanceMarch 1, 2022, by G.P. Putnam's Sons Review by Iby I know some readers dislike deception in their romance. I’m not sure that I’m necessarily opposed to deception, but I do enjoy it more when an author makes the other main character aware of the deception early on. Lauren Kate does that here, as she introduces us to her heroine, Lanie, a book editor who also works on the books written by the anonymous author Noa Calloway. Noa is a Continue Reading
Review: The Taellaneth Series and The Hundred Series by Vanessa Nelson
The Taellaneth Series and The Hundred Series by Vanessa NelsonFantasy RomanceSelf-Published (finished in 2020 and 2021 respectively)Kindle Unlimited I'm going to review things a little differently today - as I just glommed two completed series by a new-to-me fantasy author. If you are interested in picking up a completed fantasy series (free on Kindle Unlimited!) that brings major Tamora Pierce vibes, then I have two great choices for you. The Taellaneth Series The Taellaneth series Continue Reading
Review: In a New York Minute by Kate Spencer
In a New York Minute by Kate SpencerContemporary RomanceMarch 15, 2022, by Forever Reviewed by Iby When I received this ARC to review, I was excited because I love a good rom-com. How do I know if I’ve read one? I genuinely root for the characters to fall for each other, there are ridiculous and charming moments throughout the story, and at the end of the book, my mouth kind of hurts from how much I’ve been smiling. This new novel by Kate Spencer passes my unscientific rom-com Continue Reading
Review: A Most Unusual Duke by Susanna Allen
A Most Unusual Duke by Susanna AllenShapeshifters of the Beau Monde #2Historical PNR12/28/2021 by Sourcebooks Casablanca Review by Iby There was a lot to like about this new-to-me author’s voice and characters. Although this is the second in a series, it was fine to read as a stand-alone. The plot for this historical romance is definitely unique - think home improvement on a rustic British estate, but the duke is actually a werebear shifter and the heroine he is forced to marry is a Continue Reading
Review: On a Night Like This by Lindsey Kelk
Smexy has a new reviewer! Everyone welcome Iby! On a Night Like This by Lindsey KelkContemporary RomanceJanuary 18, 2022, by Harper360/ HarperCollinsARC Review by Iby I love a good contemporary British romance book… something halfway between women’s fiction and a romcom, strongly character-driven focused on a woman who needs to make changes in her life. The hero is usually in the background, and the romance is usually slow burn and clean. If you like books by Josie Silver, Mhairi Continue Reading