Codename Charming by Lucy ParkerPalace Insiders #2Contemporary RomancePublished on August 15, 2023 by Avon Reviewed by Kate Codename Charming is the second in Lucy Parker’s Palace Insiders. I was intrigued by the royal-adjacent romance that didn’t star any royals, even though I skipped the first in the series, Battle Royal. I was excited by the grumpy/sunshine premise and the fake dating and this book did not disappoint. I am going to mention first off, however, that while Continue Reading
Review: Codename Charming by Lucy Parker
Codename Charming by Lucy ParkerPalace Insiders #2Contemporary RomanceAugust 15, 2023- AvonARC Review by Angela This was one of my most anticipated reads for 2023. I LOVED the first book in the Palace Insiders series and was all in for this beauty and the beast-inspired, fake dating, workplace romance. Codename Charming is Pet and Matthias's story, you'll remember them from Battle Royal as Dominic's sister, and the royal bodyguard who held her hand after the assassination attempt. Continue Reading
Angela’s Minis- The Royals Next Door by Karina Halle and Battle Royal by Lucy Parker
The Royals Next Door by Karina HalleContemporary Romance08/31/21 by BerkleyARC This author is hit or miss for me, but I couldn't pass up a romantic comedy where the heroine's new neighbors are Meghan and Harry-inspired royals and her love interest is their bodyguard. That's just catnip for me as a reader. Piper Evans is a school teacher with a lot on her plate. When royalty moves in next door her life gets a whole lot more complicated. Despite living in a small town there isn't a real Continue Reading
Review: Battle Royal by Lucy Parker
Battle Royal by Lucy ParkerContemporary RomanceAugust 17, 2021, by AvonARC Reviewer: Melinda This book is the epitome of the grumpy/sunshine trope, I don’t know if I’ve ever read anything that could encapsulate it more. Every book I read by Lucy Parker I think okay, *this one* is my favorite, she can’t top it...and then I love the next one more? I don't know how she does it. Let me just list all the reasons you should read this book! The Baking Show - Operation Cake is a Continue Reading
Smexy’s August TBR
Angela- How is it already August? How is school starting already? I have a ton of books on my TBR this month. Hopefully, I won't be distracted by any new ARCs suddenly popping up on my Kindle. Rogue Ghosts & Other Miscreants (Guild Codex Universe #) by Annette Marie and Rob Jacobsen 8/6 Urban Fantasy- I really, really love this world. This is the third book featuring Kit Morris and his partner, Lienna. Battle Royal (Palace Insiders #1) by Lucy Parker 8/17 Contemporary Romance- Grumpy 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
Kini’s Monday Minis- Reviews for books by Rachel Reid, Lucy Parker, and Adriana Anders
Tough Guy by Rachel Reid- It has been a while since I read a hockey romance and this one did not disappoint. Hockey playing hero Ryan suffers from anxiety and it was handled so well by the author. His love interest is Fabian and Fabian seems to present as gender non-conforming. All in all the story was sweet and sexy and was a great reintroduction to hockey romance for me. This is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. Reid hints at another couple that has my interest Continue Reading
Guest Post: Lucy Parker’s TBR
Lucy's last TBR post with us did so well, we invited her back to talk about her 2020 TBR. Lucy's new book Headliners releases next week. I've already read it and it was delightful and you should definitely add it to your TBR. I’m personally confused as to how it’s already 2020 at all, but despite the fact that 2019 disappeared in the blink of an eye, it brought some incredible books, and I’m so excited for what new additions I’ll have this year for my keeper shelf and my much-cherished Continue Reading
Weekly Wrap Up
ICYMI on Smexy this week May 6-10 New Releases Angela reviewed Storm Cursed by Patricia Briggs Sheena was back to being wistful and wanton Charlie Adhara stopped by for a Q & A Lucy Parker shared her TBR with us Angela reviewed The Bride Test by Helen Hoang Rebecca Grace Allen talked about relationships on the rocks Kini DNF'ed a book Seasoned Romance #RomBkLove #RomBkLove is still going strong this month. Search the hashtag on Twitter or Instagram My Continue Reading