Just a caveat that I don’t know if I can be completely unbiased when it comes to Olivia Dade’s books anymore because I’ve grown to genuinely like her as a person. I *think* I can separate the author from the art, but who really knows? However, Spoiler Alert really impacted me from start to finish and I loved it so much, and honestly it took me by surprise! The concept is a great one, but one I wasn’t sure would appeal to me specifically. April writes fan fic and is one of the top fic Continue Reading
Review: You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson
This book was seriously exactly what I needed. Reading diversely is important, and reading more than just trauma porn when you read diversely is even more important imo. And this book is exactly that. You Should See Me in a Crown is a YA book with a Black lesbian MC and it’s not traumatic or painful, it’s a typical YA. And truly the book was a joy to read. Liz Lighty is such a relatable character as the girl who doesn’t want to stick out too much – with anxiety when people stare too much at Continue Reading
The Chicks Gaslighter Album but make it Romance
Melinda and I have been DMing not stop about the new Chicks album since it debuted. We both love it. When Melinda pitched this list to me for a post on Smexy, I couldn't say yes fast enough. In the comments, tell us your favorite song from this album and what romance novel you would match it up with. Huge thank you to Melinda (@MelindaEdits) for this post. The Chicks released their 8th studio album on July 17th and I’ve probably listened to it at least 300 times since then. I can’t Continue Reading
DNF Review: The Heir Affair by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
Our friend Melinda @melindaedits, is here with a review for The Heir Affair by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan. This is a follow up to The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan of The Fug Girls, fashion bloggers who I follow and really enjoy. The Royal We, and now The Heir Affair, is a thinly disguised alt fan fic of Princes Harry, William, and Kate Middleton. The Royal We pre-dates the arrival of Meghan Markle on the scene so there’s really no fictionalized version of her that Continue Reading
Review: Finding Joy by Adriana Herrera
Our friend Melinda @melindaedits, is here with a review for Finding Joy by Adriana Herrera, available now! This book is appropriately titled Finding Joy and the joy veritably leaps off the page at every turn. Desta comes to Ethiopia as an American aid worker, and his family had previously lived there when he was young. His connection to the country, the food, and the culture there was really beautiful to see throughout the book. I felt it at every turn and it was apparent that Hererra had a Continue Reading
Review: Hate Crush by Angelina M. Lopez
Our friend Melinda @melindaedits, is here with a review for Hate Crush by Angelina M. Lopez, out today. Princess Sofia, her female MC in Hate Crush, was introduced to us in Lopez's debut last year, Lush Money. I immediately liked Sofia. She seemed complicated and misunderstood and one of those MCs that the public and paparazzi love to hate when constantly in the public eye. And IRL as well as in books - I am always here for rooting for the underdog, especially when it's a vilified Continue Reading
Guest Review: 40 Love by Olivia Dade
Today we have a guest reviewer- Melinda @melindaedits with a review for 40 Love by Olivia Dade which pubs June 18. Olivia Dade is one of those authors that has slowly become one of my auto-buys because of the way she handles fatness, consent, and so many other topics. She has this way of weaving these issues into the fabric of her books without sacrificing plot, character, or emotion and always gives me incredible pay-off. 40-Love opens with truly one of the best and funniest scenes Continue Reading