Accidentally Engaged by Farah HeronContemporary RomanceMarch 2, 2021Forever Reviewed by Melanie A couple of chapters into this book, I quickly realized that it was maybe not a great idea to read this book on an empty stomach. So if you’re reading this review and contemplating reading this book (which you absolutely should read, btw), then consider this your first and only warning. Of the 38 chapters in this book, 30 of them mention food in some context, either just in passing or because Continue Reading
Joint Review: Love at First by Kate Clayborn
Love at First by Kate ClaybornContemporary Romance02/23/2021 by Kensington Joint review by Melinda and Melanie Melinda: Kate Clayborn has become one of the top contemporary authors for me that I look to for emotion and character development. I’ve come to appreciate the love and care that comes through with her writing so much. However, Love at First strikes an uneven tone for me and had flashes of that brilliance that I expect from her, but it didn’t feel like it was carried all Continue Reading
The Psy/Changeling Channel: Visions of Heat
Melinda: Phew, right out of the gate there is so much to talk about with this one and consent because touch and lack of consent is intrinsic to Faith's story. But I don't know that it could be told differently and still be the same story? Melanie: Wow, what a difference 2 years makes! I read this book for the first time almost exactly 2 years ago and while I didn’t love it as much as I loved the first book of the series even back then, I definitely think rereading it for a second time raised 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
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
The Psy/Changeling Channel: Slave to Sensation
Before we delve right into Slave to Sensation, a bit of housekeeping. We just want to take a moment to clarify, these aren't traditional reviews. We've both read this series from beginning to end and this is our second reread. We doing a deep dive of the series which means, spoilers abound. If you've never read the series or a particular book in the series, just keep in mind that it's impossible for us to really get into the books and talk about what works and what maybe doesn't by being Continue Reading
The Psy/Changeling Channel
Melinda: I discovered Nalini Singh's books back in 2012 but was overwhelmed at the idea of her long series. At that time I was reading more literary fiction and general fiction with romantic elements but have always loved paranormal stories, having grown up reading Christopher Pike's series. But my library had the entire Psy/Changeling series and once I read Slave to Sensation, I was so hooked! I tore through the first 5 books and then started buying the rest and binged Guild Hunter as well. 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
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
Top Ten November 13, 2020
It's Friday the 13th! I am writing this from Lincoln, NE where it is a balmy 27 degrees right now. BOOOOO Cold weather I am not ready for you! The romance world has been busy this week! I hope I have room to share some cute animals with you this week :) 10. Perhaps you noticed some new reviewer names on the Smexy site recently? We are so happy to officially announce we have some new friends joining the Smexy team! Welcome to Melinda, Jen, Kate, Melanie, and Isabelle. All are long time Continue Reading