And that’s a good thing. Really.
News
Simon and Schuster released their official statement about Crimson, stating that the market had changed. Which, really? I’d like to see their research. My guess is that the ebooks there weren’t selling at the same pace as their bestsellers, and they cut their losses. That’s just a guess, but I have no other one. What do you think happened there?
Sponsored by The Marquis and I by Ella Quinn
In the latest of Ella Quinn’s Worthington series, Lady Charlotte Carpenter’s brother-in-law put a brothel out of business—but it’s Charlotte who suffers the consequences. After being abducted by thugs, she’s rescued by a dashing gentleman, only to realize later she’s seen him before—with two courtesans! Unwilling to tarry with such a man, Charlotte escapes again…but a gossiper has spied on Charlotte, and rumors spread quickly. Soon, everyone knows Charlotte spent the night with Constantine, Marquis of Kenilworth, and all agree the only answer is marriage—including Constantine. Yet, Charlotte’s abductors aren’t finished, and Constantine will do anything to protect her.
Also, The Guardian published an interesting piece highlighting race issues and the Riptide and Crimson happenings, with some perspective from either Bea or Leah Koch (it actually just says “Koch says” so nice work, Guardian).
The other thing we’re still hearing about is the Audible Romance Package Paygate, which I hope is on its way to a satisfactory resolution for the company, for Audible, and for us readers/listeners. Isobel Starling wrote about it at the beginning of this month, and recently tweeted about there being no change (also tweeting at Publisher’s Weekly to see if they were looking into it). I don’t know what’s going to happen there, but we’ve seen what happens when companies pay enough in licensing or royalties for unlimited romance (they stop doing it because it’s too expensive).
In happier news, this is just perfect. I want to be a Writer in Residence at a completely random, unexpected place.
The Wall Street Journal asked a few romance authors about the workplace romance in the age of #metoo, and Sarah MacLean had good words. In one tiny space, she touches on the history of consent in romance, big cornerstone romances, and the continuing evolution of the genre. She also links to the Journal article, but since it’s behind a paywall, I’ll let you check that one out on your own if you’re able (if you’re not a subscriber, see if your local library does!).
Also, here’s some news! Here’s hoping that means NYT will actually be worth looking at again.
As someone who keeps randomly picking up books set in Australia (like the adorable Cutie Pies, a recent release), it was awesome to get a tip from an Australian KB reader (hi Kat!) about the Australian Romance Readers Awards, which is an interesting blend of international titles. The shortlist is a combination of books I’ve never heard of and ones I love dearly, so I look forward to hearing the results in May!
Some awesome people got together and did an awesome thing.
Also, Chrissy Teigen whined on Twitter about there not being enough rom coms, and we’re banking on her influence to get that shit done. Hopefully by this time next year there will be 30 announced, all adapted from awesome romance novels. In the meantime, the new adaptation of Rachel Van Dyken’s The Matchmaker’s Playbook is available on Passionflix. The trailer looks pretty great.
Finally: contest finalists yaaaaaaas.
Deals
Fraternize by Rachel Van Dyken is 2 dollars, if you’re interested in more after checking out The Matchmaker’s Playbook.
If you’re still in that princess mood, Delaney Diamond’s new Princess of Zamibia is 3.99.
Are the Forbidden Hearts books the only ones you’ve read by Alisha Rai? You should check out Glutton for Pleasure, which was the first romance with a South Asian heroine that I ever read. (Warning: if you have a twin squick, this one is not for you.)
Over on Book Riot
Do you love the Black Dagger Brotherhood? Erin collected some quotes for you.
Dana tried really hard to listen to audiobooks, but just can’t.
Want to win a $250 gift card to Barnes and Noble? Read on!
Recs
I started picking up those not-big-name #ownvoices books immediately after the last Kissing Books, starting with one that’s more romance adjacent than romance, but it would definitely appeal to romance readers (especially if said romance readers are working on the Read Harder challenge and are looking for science fiction by a woman with a lead woman).
Ascension
Jacqueline Koyanagi
Alana is a Sky Surgeon. She falls in love with ships faster than she would any woman. But she and her aunt are both in need of higher pay to maintain their flow of meds for a debilitating disorder, and she’ll do anything to get it, especially if that means leaving her dusty planet. She stows away on the Tangled Axon, home to a darling crew of loyal folks looking for a way to save their pilot, who has her own secrets. What Alana doesn’t expect is the sudden influx of feelings she has for the ship’s captain. Of course, while all of these feelings are happening, there are explosions, manhunts, metaphysical activities, and a spacewalk or two. CW for chronic pain and maiming.
Signs of Attraction
Laura Brown
As of writing this, I’ve still got a quarter left, but something incredibly significant will have to happen for me to not recommend this book now (I’ll tell you next week if that changes). Reed and Carli are both hearing impaired—Reed has been deaf since birth, Carli hard of hearing and reliant upon hearing aids since she can remember. Laura Brown is also hard of hearing, and brings that experience and her experiences with the deaf community to the forefront of this story, bringing readers into a world we might not be familiar with. The two, a college senior and graduate student, meet the first day of class. While their attraction is mutual, their bond is solidified by Reed introducing Carli to the world of accomodation, which she hasn’t experienced thanks to a…less than happy childhood. While the love story is sweet, and both Reed and Carli have some awesome character growth and resurrection, this one definitely has a CW: talk of suicide (past and present), child abuse, non-sexual assault, and addiction. Somehow the sweet and the heavy balance each other out, but you have to be ready for it.
Next up, A Girl Like Her by Talia Hibbert, which has been exploding in my Twitter feed. I haven’t yet encountered a reviewer who didn’t love it, so I hope I do. Have you read it? What did you think? I’m really looking forward to reading a book featuring a black woman on the Autism Spectrum, something that is overpoweringly white and male in literature, with a few recent exceptions.
New and Upcoming Releases
Wanderlust by Lauren Blakely
With this Man by Jodi Ellen Malpas
Hurts to Love You by Alisha Rai (!!!) (March 27)
Her Perfect Affair by Priscilla Oliveras (March 27)
Invitation to the Blues by Roan Parrish (March 28)
As usual, catch me on Twitter @jessisreading or Instagram @jess_is_reading, or send me an email at jessica@riotnewmedia.com if you’ve got feedback or just want to say hi!