Just Like This by Cole McCadeAlbin Academy #2LGBT Contemporary RomanceNovember 24, 2020 by Carina Adores The follow-up to Just Like That takes place at the same academy for young boys as the previous one. What I love about McCade’s writing is the emotional development between the characters. Rian and Damon are extremely different teachers with different backgrounds coming together to try to help a student in trouble. Their relationship is both steamy and a bit of slow-burn simmering Continue Reading
Review: In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado
In the Dream House by Carmen Maria MachadoMemoir November 5, 2019 by Graywolf Press Review by Melanie I listened to In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado and it was, quite simply, a beautiful experience. This is such an unusual book in so many ways - it’s a memoir but reads as fiction. It’s a domestic abuse narrative but it’s also poetry. It’s increasingly horrifying but it’s also lyrical on audio. This is one of those books I absolutely recommend you listen to, as it’s read by the Continue Reading
Melinda’s Minis: Learned Behaviors by Jayce Ellis & We Could be Heroes by Mike Chen
Learned Behaviors by Jayce EllisHigher Education #1LBGT Contemporary RomanceNovember 9, 2020 by Carina Press I’m generally not a reader who gravitates to single father stories but this cover drew me in because it’s gorgeous. This story has so much going on, but all of it works together. Two single men, with families, both with heavy work loads, working together and fighting their growing attraction. I really enjoyed the subplot there is with their two daughters also being in love Continue Reading
Review: The Finish Line by Kate Stewart
The Finish Line by Kate StewartRomantic SuspenseJanuary 24, 2021, by KLS PressReview by Jen I couldn’t wait to read The Finish Line by Kate Stewart. Exodus (book two) did end with an HEA. But, it never really sat completely well with me. I LOVED the story…but I didn’t feel as satisfied with Tobias and Cecelia’s HEA as I wanted to be. Did they REALLY belong together, and I wanted more backstory on Tobias before I could truly support him vs Cecelia’s first love, Sean. I was squarely Continue Reading
Melinda’s Minis: This is Not the End by Sidney Bell & How to be Good by Chace Verity
Thi is Not the End by Sidney BellContemporary Romance/Menage/PolyamoryJanuary 11, 2021, by Carina Press I am always looking for more polyam books, especially ones with heat and emotion. This one delivers on both sides. Anya and Zac are married and have a son, and what works for them in their marriage is for them to have sex - together - with other men. Other people may not understand this but it works for them. Zac’s bandmate, Cal, definitely cannot understand this but both the emotion and Continue Reading
Review: The Heiress Gets a Duke by Harper St. George
The Heiress Gets a Duke by Harper St. GeorgeHistorical RomanceJanuary 26, 2021 by Berkley Review by Angela If I'm being completely honest it was the cover for this book that caught my eye and had me requesting for review. I didn't know who the author was or what the book was about, but I wanted to read it. So kudos to the art department at Berkley. AFTER hitting the request button, I did read the blurb. LOL. The Heiress Gets a Duke features a trope that fans of the genre will be Continue Reading
Review: The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon
The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn SolomonContemporary RomanceJanuary 26, 2021Berkley Reviewed by Melanie Normally when choosing my first read of the year, I've never given it too much thought. This year though, I wanted to be intentional with my choice. Begin as you mean to go on, and all that. I can honestly say that beginning my reading year with this delightfully charming novel sets the bar pretty high going forward. The Ex Talk is an unique workplace romance. For one, it takes place Continue Reading
Jen’s Mini-Reviews- Reviews for books by Ilsa Madden-Mills, Saffron A. Kent, and Garrett Leigh
The Revenge Pact by Ilsa Madden-MillsContemporary RomanceDecember 3, 2020 Self Published What to read when you’re trying to distract yourself from an insurrection? My book club chose The Revenge Pact by Ilsa Madden-Mills weeks ago and it was the perfect happy distraction. I discovered Madden-Mills this year and was thrilled to immerse myself in this latest book. It is part of a series, with each book being written by a different author. The series centers around three college football Continue Reading
Review: Cry Wolf by Charlie Adhara
Cry Wolf by Charlie AdharaBig Bad Wolf #5PNRJanuary 18, 2021 by Carina Press Review by Melinda This is probably one of the most underrated paranormal romances I can think of that I want more people to read. At first glance, it may be any wolf shifter paranormal, but there are so many Adhara layers in this world. I know not everyone loves following the same couple throughout a series and I'm not always a fan of it either. But I just love Cooper Dayton and Oliver Park so much. This Continue Reading
Review: Blood Heir by Ilona Andrews
Blood Heir by Ilona AndrewsKate Daniels World/Aurelia Ryder #1Urban FantasyJanuary 12, 2021 by NYLA Reviewed by Angela Favorite Quote: I opened my eyes. A fully human Derek stood right in front of me. His eyes were aglow, and he looked at me as if I were the thing he wanted most in the entire world. When this book first popped up as a serial on this author duo's blog I was beyond excited. But honestly? This is the one weekly serial that I haven't followed week after week, I kind of Continue Reading