“Pool of Tears” by Melissa Rea

Pool of Tears (Nights of Alice Book Two)

Melissa Rea
Melange Books, LLC (2022)
ISBN: 979-8886530148
Reviewed by Sheri Hoyte for Reader Views (10/2022)

“Pool of Tears” is the second book in the Nights of Alice series by award-winning author, Melissa Rea. It’s a sensual frolic into another world, inspired by the classic escapades of Alice in Wonderland. Alice Hightower, however, is no wallflower—and this is no ordinary fairy tale.

“There were probably worse things in the world than discovering you are pregnant at forty-nine, but alone in her apartment, Alice Hightower couldn’t think of any.”

Let’s just start with that opening line—talk about panic! It hooked me immediately, though there was a second or two when I thought I got the genre wrong. Sounds like horror more than erotica, am I right? Regardless, that line set the tone of the entire book for me, as I knew it was going to be an eventful, fun-filled journey.

Alice is a vivacious, no-nonsense character with two speeds—extreme hustle or slow crawl. She is my favorite kind of fierce female—authentic, complicated, and women will find her totally relatable because she’s real. She’s bipolar, rocks her voluptuous frame, is a fashionista, confident in (and out of) the office, and is a good friend.

I had so much fun with Alice! The author excels at bringing her characters to life, with genuine issues, features and individual personalities that play off one another to bring a delightful and intriguing experience to the reader. Though classified as erotica, it’s not hardcore, and the story doesn’t get bogged down in sex. Don’t get me wrong there’s nothing wrong with hardcore erotica, I just thoroughly enjoyed the deeper elements Rea brought to the story. Each time Alice visits her wardrobe, you know you are in for an eye-opening adventure.

Melissa Rea is a vibrant author, full of life, and it translates well into all of her stories. She has a zest she brings to her craft that always leaves me wanting more. I haven’t read a book by this author I haven’t enjoyed!

Readers enthralled with voluptuous femme fatales, a bit of mystery, sex, time travel and fairy tales will love “Pool of Tears” by Melissa Rea. I can’t wait to see if the author will grace us with more tales from down the rabbit hole.