Hot Copy by Ruby BarrettContemporary RomanceApril 13, 2021, by Carina Press Review by Melanie I genuinely did not know how to start this review, to be honest. I’d heard so many things going into it, I was fully expecting to absolutely love this book and much to my dismay...I did not. First of all, the blurb and the cover do this book no favors. Both give off a lighthearted rom-com vibe but there is a whole heck of a lot of issues addressed in this book that could trigger a lot of Continue Reading
The Psy/Changeling Channel: Caressed by Ice
Melinda: We’re back with a completely new dynamic to explore this time around with Caressed by Ice and I know that we’ve both been really excited to get into this one! The first two books of the series featured male alpha changelings with female Psy but this time we get Judd, an emotionally closed off Psy, and Brenna, a volatile and strong changeling woman. I would not have described either of these two as gentle or easygoing...and yet. Melanie: Judd!!!! I remember loving this book back when Continue Reading
Review: When Tara Met Farah by Tara Pammi
When Tara Met Farah by Tara PammiBollywood Dance & Drama Society Book 1Contemporary RomanceJanuary 26, 2021 Review by Melanie A little bit about me before I delve into this review. I don’t DNF books lightly. In fact, I do everything in my power to resist DNF’ing a book. Ironically, I advise people to DNF on the regular because life is too short to force yourself to read a book that isn’t working for you. But rarely do I ever take that advice for myself. Having said all that, I almost Continue Reading
Review: Accidentally Engaged by Farah Heron
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