X-Rated

by Melody Tyden

Laina

I'm done with men who can't handle my job. I'm good at what I do, and I enjoy it, and if they have a problem with it, they can take that problem far away from me.

When Dorian moves in next door, I don't immediately recognize him. He's nothing like the shy, awkward boy I knew in high school, and at first, it seems like he'll be just like all the others. But when he asks for my help to spice up his new book, I agree to give him a chance if he helps me out too. Maybe it's a match made in porn heaven?

Dorian

Romance is my comfort zone, but spicy romance? Not so much. Deep inside, I'm still the bullied kid who looked up to the cool girl in high school, hoping that one day, a girl like her would see something in me I barely saw in myself.

Now, I'm on set with that same woman, getting my eyes opened in more ways than one. She's always been out of my league, but when the cameras switch off, the real action begins.

X-Rated is a sweet and steamy romance with explicit intimate scenes, recommended for readers over the age of 18.

Genres: Romance

257 pages, Hardcover

Published November 29, 2023

About the author

If you're looking for sweet and steamy romance, you've come to the right place! I started reading romance novels in my early teens and writing them soon afterwards; growing up in small towns in western Canada, there wasn't much else to do! Luckily, those early stories have never seen the light of day.

Now, I live in the UK with my husband and daughter and spend my free time diving into magical or just romantic settings where true love (almost) always wins.

Reviews

[Msdoublem21 · Rating 5 out of 5]

X-Rated equals Adorable!

What a fun read! Sexy, sweet and funny! Laughed numerous times at some of the awkward scenes between these two.

[Grelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dorian!!!

If you’re looking for a man who’s sweet and also protective, you will enjoy reading this book!!!
I wish I could give this book more than five stars!!!

[Maria Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable and spicy

I stumbled upon this awesome book. It has some spice and sweet at the same time. Character’s were relatable and adorable. A perfect read in just a few hours!

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A definite must read!

I was not expecting this storyline and tbh I loved it. The descriptive emotions Dorian and Laina go through are wonderfully written. I love how Melody brings something new and worth the read. Excellent book!

[eggincrocs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so sweet, funny, and spicy !! The tension paired with the great communication made it unputdownable! Only thing I wish was, ironically, that the spice had been even spicier like I was expecting based on the cover/title/premise. Still so so good tho!

4.5⭐ 3🌶

[whisperedsigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not expect this to be so plot driven and by the end of the epilogue my tears are falling. I dived in to this thinking welp another smutfilled book to pass time to, boy i am wrong cause like any other sexworker books I've read, authors have put so much heart into the story. Yes it is that kind of lovestory, one that will surely pin h your heart, sure there are hot spicy scenes but to be honest they are scarce and lacking for me, for a sexworker book i expected more unhinged spicy scenes (welp, dark romances corrupted me tbh haha) but it was mediocre at that, but that is what made it more heartful that we are reading about two normal person despite their differences.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not a huge fan of Tyden’s writing style—it’s fairly surface level and repetitive. Characters magically thinking the exact same thing—and the reader is told so from both POVs. Problems arise but are solved quickly, (only for a similar problem to come up a few minutes later that is once again solved quickly). She comes up with really intriguing plots, but the writing leaves me still a little unsatisfied but the end.

However, I will say that this book was better than the last one I read by her. Which I’m happy about! She’s growing as an author and I love to see it. I’ll keep checking her out periodically. Like I said, the book premises always sound so great.

Despite not being my fav writing style, this book scratched the itch I was needing. Been reading a lot of dark stuff and I wanted a light and fluffy, quickly digestible palette cleanser. This was perfect for that.

Sex scenes were well done, though erred on the short side, with several FTB or summary scenes mixed in.

Overall, while by no means a 5-star, I have no regrets from picking this up. The writing style wasn’t the best, but I was kept entertained the whole time. Great option for anyone looking for an X book for their alphabet challenge. 😜

[Bethany Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is classic Melody Tyden. If you haven't read anything by her before, that means low angst, some spice, a lot of sweetness, and two characters who are perfect for each other.

I liked Dorian more than Laina at first. His memories of being bullied in high school made him relatable, and so did the way he kept sticking his foot in his mouth. He wishes he could always say the right thing, just like the characters he writes, and the more his confidence grows, the better he gets at it.

Laina felt a bit harder to pin down for me. She's sure of herself on the surface but hiding some inner insecurities - almost the opposite of Dorian, who's awkward on the outside but has a heart of gold underneath. Because of how she's been treated in the past, she doesn't trust his sweetness and keeps him at arm's length from her heart for longer than she should. It's understandable, though, when everyone judges her by her profession.

There's no high drama here, just a sweet story of two people finding the person who brings out the best parts of themselves.

[DarkRapture · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new author for me and to be honest, I wasn't expecting much. However, I have to say that I really enjoyed it! The writing was so well done and held my interest from start to finish.

This book is a sweet love story between porn actress Laina and a male romance writer named Dorian. They meet in high school and reunite as adults when he moved across the street from her. Although there were some really good steamy scenes, the main focus is on the relationship between Laina and Dorian, which I loved as a couple. I am so glad I read this book and I highly recommend it to anyone that is looking for a good sweet and spicy read.

[Britt Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute and surprisingly wholesome. Dorian is such a cinnamon roll book boyfriend and I adore him so much. Laina is a strong, confident and yet vulnerable character. Nothing characters were dynamic and well flushed out. And let's not forget how great Dorian's mom is. All around, such a good book and its so awesome to see a healthy relationship with open communication and acceptance of your partner.

[Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

The storyline is sweet and fun to read with some spice here and there and put together nicely. The characters fit well together and make you smile because of how they are. If you want a relaxed read with a smile here and there you got the right book

[Jessica Keys · Rating 5 out of 5]

love it.

I love it how you can do all different kinds of books and not one style. I love how Dorian goes red.
I laughed heaps Dorian explains anal.
Thank you so very much Melody.

[Juli Werner · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a short but sweet romance I enjoyed a lot. It's an unusual combination, but it worked out quite well and I'm thankful for there being no unnecessary drama. 😊 The level of spice didn't hurt either. 🤭

[Becki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally different read to your normal erotic book.
Well written, characters you fell in love with and good short chapters.
Loved how was written from both his view and hers.

A lovely romance and the sex was hot.

Sexy sweet and funny

[Kalexreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet and unexpected love story!!! I love Laina and Dorian. Dorian and his awkward and kind of nerdy self as he gained personal confidence thanks to Laina was soooo hot!!! Sweet and spicing and so great! Loved it!

[Madelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Robyn Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

simply amazing

Melody pulls you into the book right away. The chars are very well thought out and a great story line! I loved the way Laina and Dory compliment each other so well.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I was not feeling this one. I was kinda bored and never connected with either character. I considered dnf-ing at 80% but pushed through it.

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Reading Challenge X; Porn Star and Romance Author rekindle unlikely high school friendship from small town. Dealing with misconceptions an judgement based on profession.

[Stacey Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow!

The storyline was not what I expected but so much better! It's definitely worth the read! Couldn't put it down.

[Kimi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️