Melissa Saavedra (she/her) is the founder of Steamy Lit, a romance literary collective dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and celebrating self-love through storytelling. Melissa launched Steamy Lit in 2021 with the debut of The Steam Box, a romance book subscription box that has since gained a loyal following for its commitment to inclusivity and sexual empowerment.
An immigrant from Peru and a proud Navy veteran, Melissa holds a B.S. in Sport Management from the University of Florida and a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Women, Gender, and Sexuality from Florida Atlantic University.
In 2024, she expanded her vision by opening Steamy Lit Romance Bookstore in Deerfield Beach, FL and Tampa, FL, creating a space for romance readers and authors.
Through the Steamy Lit Foundation, a 501(c)(3), Melissa hosts the annual Steamy Lit Con in California, celebrating romance literature and its diverse community.
When she’s not curating must-read romances or running her bookstore, Melissa can be found enjoying tequila on the beach or spending time with her beloved dogs.