Angela: There are lots of great books releasing this month. My TBR for May is out of control and since I have no willpower, I might have skipped ahead and read a few already. LOL. Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala 5/4/2021 Cozy Mystery- Here for all the cozy mysteries. The first book in a new culinary cozy series full of sharp humor and delectable dishes—one that might just be killer.... People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry 5/11/2021 Contemporary Romance- I couldn't help Continue Reading
Melanie’s Most Anticipated of 2021
Contemporary: Accidentally Engaged by Farah Heron - out 3/2/2021; the cover is gorgeous, the heroine was introduced in Farah's debut novel, The Chai Factor and I'm excited for her story. Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert - out 3/9/2021; I adored the first two books in this series and am eager to delve into the final book. How to Find a Princess by Alyssa Cole - out 5/25/2021; I mean, just look at that gorgeous cover. I'll pretty much read anything Alyssa writes and this one is Continue Reading
Melinda’s Most Anticipated of 2021
PNR/Fantasy: The Devil You Know by Kit Rocha. Release Date: 8/31/21 Big Bad Wolf by Suleikha Snyder. Release Date: 1/26/21 Wonderstruck by Allie Therin. Release Date: 2/9/21 Last Guard by Nalini Singh. Release Date: 7/20/21 Historical: The Devil Comes Courting (The Worth Saga) by Courtney Milan. Release Date: 2/9/21 Contemporary: How to be Good by Chace Verity. Release Date: 2/02/21 The Girl With Stars in Her Eyes by Xio Axelrod. Release Date: 4/6/21 Twice Shy Continue Reading
Melinda’s Favorites of 2020
YA: A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow blew me away when I listened to it this summer. The worldbuilding she managed to do is astonishing considering it's about Black sirens but set in modern times. Combine that with a discussion of respectability politics and misogynoir as well as sisterly love. It's a book I wish I could re-read for the first time again, it's that good. You Should See Me In a Crown by Leah Johnson is delightful and made me so happy. The cover is just beautiful to look Continue Reading
Melanie’s Favorites of 2020
Contemporary: Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert - cinnamon roll heroes were what got me through 2020 and very few authors do it as well as Talia Hibbert. When security guard Zafir Ansari's rescue of PhD candidate Dani Brown during a fire drill gone wrong goes viral (#DrRugbae 4ever), the two decide to fake a public relationship for the sake of Zaf's kids' charity with a side order of sexy times in private. I love the “lets bang to get her out of my system and surely I will not Continue Reading
Review: When No One Is Watching: A Thriller by Alyssa Cole
My love for Alyssa Cole is well established and I truly think she can write anything but this book blew me away! I know people are going to say wow this book is so timely…and yes; it’s so timely - but not because of the massive protests happening this summer, or the micro and macro aggressions that are being filmed and rightly passed around, or the horrors of police brutality, but because racial injustice and inequality has always been timely in America. What made this Continue Reading
Juneteenth Book Fest
I don't have much new to talk about today, so I wanted to spotlight the Juneteenth Book Fest, created by author L.L. McKinney, happening today, June 19. Including a panel called- Black Love: Writing Black Romance with Farrah Rochon, Beverly Jenkins, Rebekah Weatherspoon and moderated by Alyssa Cole. See the thread below for the full list of panels. About The Festival: Juneteenth Book Fest seeks to use this day of jubilation to boost and celebrate Black American stories and the people behind Continue Reading
Audio Excerpt: The A.I. Who Loved Me by Alyssa Cole
Just in time for holiday season travel and gifting, Audible released award-winning romance author Alyssa Cole’s Audible Original, The A.I. Who Loved Me, starring Regina Hall (The Hate U Give, Girls Trip, Little) and Mindy Kaling (The Mindy Project, The Office, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me). Listeners will love hearing Hall and Kaling bring this captivating romantic comedy – about a 36-year-old woman named Trinity Jordan who’s life gets turned upside down when her neighbor’s gorgeous nephew Continue Reading
Smexy Top Ten 11/15/19
It’s Friday!! 10. Winter is starting to creep in to Maryland and I am not ready. It took me all of last week to adjust to the time change. Kitty Scarlett is taking up residence on an ottoman in front of the radiator. She’s living her life right and I am jealous. 9. Wednesday night the CMAs were on and I stayed awake until 11pm to watch them. I have sorted of listened to country music for many years but only recently come to terms with my enjoyment of it. But I am disappointed in the lack Continue Reading
Weekly Wrap-Up
What happened on Smexy this week New Releases Angela's Tuesday Thoughts - Red, White & Royal Blue and Bridal Boot Camp Wistful/Wanton Wednesday Friday Kisses on Thursday Q & A with author S.A. McAuley News from Romancelandia Berkley acquired its first print queer female romance. Sarah MacLean has a ton of recs in her InstaStories. Love's Sweet Arrow, aka the second romance centric book store is moving forward. They have signed a lease! Alyssa Cole is Continue Reading