Category: Kissing Books

Categories
Kissing Books

Romancelandia And Friends Support Democracy

Hey hey, folks. Hope you’re doing well this Monday Before Thanksgiving That Isn’t Thanksgiving. To change things up, I treated myself to the week off from the day job—well, the three days I would be working this week—and will hopefully settle in for some reading! (And really, I am historically terrible at taking time off…to the point that my boss was like “just take a day off a week, that’s how much leave you’ve accrued because you never leave this place” and…I’m still not very good at it.) We’ll see. I might end up just watching Romance is a Bonus Book and crocheting another lap blanket (lolsob).

Speaking of bonus books. 

News and Useful Links

Romancelandia! Y’all are killing it with the Romancing the Runoff auction! As of writing this on Sunday evening, they had surpassed 300K! That’s over a quarter of a million dollars set to go to voting rights organizations that will support the runoff race in Georgia and democracy in general. And there’s still time to bid! So whether you’re ready to drop a lot of cash for that Kate Spade typewriter bag or an annotated copy of Spoiler Alert or more limited to one of the 25-50 dollar Buy It Now items, you’ve got until the end of November 24 to check it out.  

I am READY for this. 

Have you seen the cover for Alexandria Bellefleur’s next book, Hang the Moon? It’s gorgeous!

And speaking of covers, how many (romance) authors do you know who would pose for their own cover? Well now, you know at least one.

It should be no surprise that I backed this sex-positive comics anthology. There are still a few days left if you’re interested. 

While it’s not specifically about romance, this is a fascinating look at the world’s reading habits.  

Are you ready for Winter Bingo? (I hardly made it through Summer and didn’t even try the Fall one, but you know…)

I have no idea what international shipping costs from the UK, but I wants it precious. 

While we’re still going to have to have a chat with The New York Times about their romance coverage, it was satisfying to see The Duke Who Didn’t on the list of 100 Notable Books of 2020. Yes, it was the only romance, which…you know what. You know how it is. Let’s all just roll our eyes and gaze at the pretty Ripped Bodice holiday recommendations display. 

And have you nominated your favorite 2020 books for the Swoonies yet? 

Deals

Holidays With The Wongs: The Complete Series by Jackie Lau

I’ve talked about the Holidays With the Wongs books many times here, but Jackie has bundled them all into one! You can get all four books plus a special bonus epilogue for 3.99 if you preorder it or buy it this week! That’s a blind date for (Canadian) Thanksgiving book, a road trip plus snowed-in Christmas book, a fake dating Lunar New Year book, and a FWB Valentine’s Day book, all wrapped up with never-before-seen material! You can’t go wrong (I almost punned there and I’m sorry for even thinking of it after I accidentally typed it). 

Recs 

After reading Carmen Maria Machado’s edit of Carmilla a couple of weeks ago, I have been ready to welcome queer vampires back into my life. I’ve only just set out on this journey, but I’m happy with what I’ve read so far!

Frostbite by J. Emery

Not only is this a queer vampire book, it’s a cozy winter holiday novella! Ezra, a sheltered young vampire who just wants to be considered an adult, leaves home without any way to track him with the help of a witch for a night on the town and maybe a nice hookup. But instead of meaningless sex he gets kidnapped (and easily escapes, he’s not a toddler after all). Alone and wandering through the woods, and very much not dressed for a snowstorm, he comes across an empty cabin and proceeds to…whatever vampires do that is a more elegant version of passing out. Enter Morgan, who is borrowing the cabin from a friend while waiting out the fallout of telling his family (via text!) that he is leaving the family Monster Hunting business to go to community college. When he comes across Ezra, he isn’t sure what to do, but after a bumpy start, the pair warm to each other… They have to; the snow is keeping both of them there for the time being. But what happens when it melts?

While I would have loved to read more about these two, I was happy with what I got. Both characters are very sweet in their own way and their interactions are wonderful and hilarious. It’s a quick read; only 121 pages. And it doesn’t even feel like it’s that long, honestly. It was a great book to pick up when I was in a slump and not sure what I wanted, and you know I love an opposites-attract, literal-enemies-to-lovers story. With chains. Just sayin. 

I’m not sure I’ll be able to find another queer snowy vampire/hunter romance, but by god I’ll keep trying. Do you have any favorites?

There’s no Kissing Books on Thursday because we’re closed for the holiday, but I’ll see you all on the 30th. Be ready for something special!

As usual, catch me on Twitter @jessisreading or Instagram @jess_is_reading, or send me an email at wheninromance@bookriot.com if you’ve got feedback, bookrecs, or just want to say hi!

Categories
Kissing Books

Did Someone Say “Infectious Enthusiasm”?

Wow, thanks to those of you who reached out about K-Dramas! I have some watching to do 😀 Subtitles totally count as reading, right? (lolsob)

Anyway, let’s talk about some more romance stuff.

Over on Book Riot

Hide your wallets, it was the first of two holiday recommendation episodes of When In Romance!

I don’t know what’s going to be harder: getting through this post without buying something, or without cackling.  

Did someone say “infectious enthusiasm”?

And here’s some more information about Romancing the Runoff. I’m afraid to see what the bids look like two days in. *hides*

Bookish holiday cards!

Ever wondered what makes good jacket copy? Appease your curiosity here.

If you’re looking for a midwestern indie bookstore to support, you can start here.  

If this is the most reading you’ve done this week, you might be in a reading slump. Still. 

Deals

cover of I Think I Might Love You by Christina C Jones

I Think I Might Love You by Christina C. Jones

If you need some giggles around now, the first book in CCJ’s Love Sisters series is FREE right now. And you can get the second, I Think I Might Need You, for 99 cents (and the third is less than 5 dollars so that’s a six dollar magical series!). Get to know a great family and the people they surround themselves with, for better or for worse. 

New Books!

There are some books out, y’all. I’ve read one and a half of the ones out this week, and I’m super proud of myself! But also, so many other good books to read. 

His Beauty by Jack Harbon

So if you’ve been reading this for more than a week, you know how much I love Beauty and the Beast retellings. This one was no different. Well, no different in how much I loved it. Very different in regards to content. Which is rated E for explicit. Rated NSFW. Rated holy forking shirtballs, Batman. 

And once you start, you won’t want to stop. 

Isla is the daughter of a pickpocket, thief, whatever you want to call him. He’s a dying man with two daughters who does what he can to keep everyone fed and alive. And he ventures into the manor house of The Beast to find something that will help keep them fed after he dies. When Isla follows after him, she finds him captured in a dungeon and makes a deal with the Beast: “Take me, instead” she says in her Best Disney Voice. Y’all know the rest of the story. Well, mostly.

(Transparency Note: I will be working with Jack on a project soon.)

Wrapped Up In You by Talia Hibbert

On the other hand, there’s Talia Hibbert’s Kobo Original Christmas Novella. I love Talia’s Christmas novellas. If you haven’t read Merry Inkmas, you are very much missing out on some sweet sweet hot winter goodness. And then you can come to a very different kind of Christmas, featuring a pair of friends who have been in love with each other forever…but both think it’s unrequited.

Abbie and her twin brother Jason have been BFFs with Hollywood Hottie Will Reid for most of their lives. And now it’s time for their annual trek to Scotland with all of Abbie’s family and her grandma’s cats and dogs for the holiday. Will has decided that this is the year he finally does it. This is when he gets Abbie to fall in love with him. But obviously, things don’t go as planned. 

(Note: Since this is a Kobo Original I’m not certain when it might be available to purchase in print or for Kindle.)

So I’m going to work on finishing that one, but in the meantime, here are some other books out this week:

Bounce Back by Nicole Falls (new Nymphs & Trojans!)

On The Rebound by Alexandra Warren (see above)

Stuck With You by Moni Boyce

The Lady’s Champion by Marie Lipscomb (chonk hero yes please) 

Duke I’d Like to F… by a bunch of people

Naughty or Nice by Shae Sanders (a holiday roundup of characters from the On The Clock Series)

When the Wind Chimes by Mary Ting

It’s a Date by Claire Highton-Stevenson

Until Now by Delaney Diamond

Frostgilded by Stephanie Burgis 

The Single Life With Zola Patterson Part 1 by Danielle Allen

All That Glitters by Danielle Steel (unlike a few of her recent books, this one looks like it’s actually a romance)

Dragon’s True Mate by Riley Storm

Time After Time by Melody Grace

Found Love in a Rider by Monica Walters

Frosting Her Christmas Cookie by Alina Jacobs (NGL I am completely into this because of this ridic title)

The Stars at Night by Gerri Hill

California Love by Kenya Goree-Bell

The Formidable Earl by Sophie Barnes

Snowed In With The Firefighter by Victoria James

The Flip Side by James Bailey

As usual, catch me on Twitter @jessisreading or Instagram @jess_is_reading, or send me an email at wheninromance@bookriot.com if you’ve got feedback, bookrecs, or just want to say hi!

Categories
Kissing Books

Are You Ready for MODERN AUSTEN?

Happy Monday, folks! I finished Crash Landing On You, and I gotta tell you, if you have the mental capacity to read subtitles (or happen to speak Korean), K-Dramas are the way to go. I have to do some digging to find out which ones don’t have an HEA, but CLOY was basically exactly what I’ve been looking for in a series: spending a long time investing in characters and their HEA, and getting that without the other aspects of the show getting in the way. No last minute cliffhanger pulling the central couple together so they can go another season or two. No will-they-won’t-they dragging on for years. Just a lot of Feelings. It’s perfect for a romance reader. 

Okay, let’s get into the romance reader thing. 

News and Useful Links

The auction isn’t open yet, but the items available for bid are up on the Romancing the Runoff site. Donations include annotated books by authors like Diana Biller, Alyssa Cole, and Mia Hopkins; a cameo in a book, hangouts with authors, gift baskets, and autographed books—including a copy of The Duke & I signed by Julia Quinn and a couple of the stars of Bridgerton.  Look out, folks. Things are about to get heated. 

(And if you haven’t seen it, this is a heck of a thread of videos from Georgia authors.) 

And an article about Stacey Abrams that also talks about RTR. 

The CW is bringing us Modern Austen, and I gotta say, I’m intrigued. That network seems to be better at making shows with monsters than they are human drama, but we’ll see!

We’re also getting a series adaptation of The Wrath and the Dawn.

Also, if you want a deeper look into Bridgerton, here’s a great article about it (with more pictures *fans self*).

This is an amazing longread.

If you’re a fan of the Nymphs & Trojans books, you can now get merch! 

And if you’re excited about the release of How to Catch A Queen, check out the release party with Alyssa and Meg Cabot!  

Romance Class webseries!

Finally, vote for your favorite HEA with The Swoon Awards! (A new project by some awesome Romancelandia folks!)

Deals

Family Man by Heidi Cullinan and Marie Sexton

I am by no means Italian nor do I claim knowledge about what it’s like to be part of a big Italian family, but I loved the crap out of this book. It’s an age-gap romance featuring an older man still discovering his identity and a younger one who helps him with that. And of course, the aforementioned big Italian family. I mean, it’s soooooper white, but it’s precious. It’s 1.99 right now, so you gotta tell me if it still stands up (since it’s been a while since I read it)!

Recs!

We’re getting into holiday reading territory! I don’t read a million holiday books every year, but I do enjoy picking up a few when I get the chance, especially if they’re not your run-of-the-mill cold hands, warm heart Christmas self-discovery romance. Here are a few I’m looking forward to picking up this year. (Yeah, they’re mostly Christmas. Sorry.)

Sweet on You by Carla de Guzman

Bakery rivals fall in love around Christmastime in the Phillipines! When a new fancy baker from Manila comes into town, trying to lure away her customers, cafe owner Sari goes to war—prank war, that is! 

A Timeless Christmas by Alexis Stanton

(Now a Hallmark Movie!) You know I love a good time travel romance, and this one gives it a holiday spin! A tour guide at a historic mansion is in for a shock when the famed historic owner of said historic mansion shows up in modern times. Obviously, he has to go back, but how? 

The Captain’s Midwinter Bride by Liana de la Rosa

This historical features an estranged married couple who have to get to know each other when he returns home from service and the pair must prepare for their daughter’s Christmas marriage. Yep, this is a couple old enough to have a daughter getting married. When does that happen, especially in a historical?

Being Merry by Meka James (November 27)

Even if I had no idea what this book was about, I would be all about a Meka James Christmas story. Her stories are fun and sexy. And this one sounds like the grumpy/sunshine wlw story of my dreams, with a woman full of holiday cheer in need of a home and the Grinch who grudgingly takes her in. 

Her Pretend Christmas Date by Jackie Lau

Another Jackie Lau Christmas book! Another Jackie Lau fake dating Christmas book! And look at that cover; he’s so grumpy, I’m so excited. 

All They Want for Christmas by Andie J. Christopher 

Three people. One snowstorm. Lots of Feelings. I’m so ready.

(This book was previously published in the Reindeer Games anthology, so check your kindle to see if you have that already–I’m speaking from experience.)

Miracles and Menorahs by Stacey Agdern

This is a new romance centering Hannukah and two people who love it. While Sarah, who has been put in charge of coordinating the town festival celebration is excited to go big or go home, Isaac is more interested in the idea of celebrating quietly with family and food. But when Sarah comes into his life because of his metal sculptures, their chemistry (and her enthusiasm) might help change his mind. 

Every New Year by Katrina Jackson

Katrina Jackson published two New Years books last year, and I took the easy road with Grand Theft NYE, a quick, fun romance about a thief and the man who let her get away. This one is a super slow burn between two people who take much longer to figure their stuff out. I’m ready.

This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens

Minnie and Quinn were born at the same time in the same hospital, but Quinn was the one to get the special prize for being born first. And of course, Minnie has resented that for years. But when they meet later as adults, and keep running into each other, maybe there’s something there. 

What holiday romances are you reading this year?

As usual, catch me on Twitter @jessisreading or Instagram @jess_is_reading, or send me an email at wheninromance@bookriot.com if you’ve got feedback, bookrecs, or just want to say hi!

Categories
Kissing Books

Read an Excerpt from WILD RAIN

It’s another Thursday in November and it sure feels like it’s been 200 years since the last one. Unfortunately that 200 years has not translated into time for reading, but alas, time goes on.

Over on Book Riot

Have you read this excerpt from Beverly Jenkins’ Wild Rain? I can’t wait for this book to come out. 

I know there are like, sports again, but these books are probably better.

Winter holidays are here and so are holiday romances!

Kelly talked about why she still uses Goodreads, and honestly, a mood.  

Thinking about an ereader (or shopping for a new one)? Here’s a rundown of the best ereaders out there. 

This kind of information is always so cool to learn. 

Deals

A Timeless Christmas by Alexis Stanton

In another life, Alexis Stanton is Eva Leigh, and she wrote a time travel Christmas story that is also releasing as a Hallmark movie very very soon. And this one is my favorite type of time travel—the Kate & Leopold type involving someone from the past getting to fawn over all of the modern stuff. And as of writing this, it’s 99 cents. So enjoy them in your preferred order: read then watch, or the other way around!

New Books!

Another week means another Tuesday (or Monday, or Wednesday, or Thursday, as the case may be with some people who choose when their books release) and we’ve got some new books to talk about!

Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur

Tagged as the sapphic inheritor to Pride and Prejudice and Bridget Jones’ Diary (even so much as having central characters named Elle and Darcy), this opposites attract, fake relationship romance is a delightful contemporary story about two people on the verge of absolute success in danger of utter emotional collapse. (You scoff, but it’s true!) When Elle’s friend and new business partner sets her up with his sister Darcy, everything goes wrong. But when a slip leads to Brendan thinking they’re dating, Darcy convinces Elle to go along with it. And of course, Feelings. But quiet, reserved Darcy is hesitant to get into another relationship after a giant breach of trust, especially with the astrologer who shines like the stars. I gotta tell y’all. I am smack in the middle of the dark moment of this book and I sort of don’t remember the experience of reading the first 90 percent of the book—it’s one of those blackout reads where you dive in and come out on the other side gasping for air. I am super excited to read more of Bellefleur’s writing. I will say that to me, it reads more like a solid contemporary with a few funny moments than a romcom, but ymmv as usual. 

And then there’s the rest of the list:

Learned Behaviors by Jayce Ellis (Hello, older single dads!)

A Deal With the Elf King by Elise Kova

Her Lady to Love by Jane Walsh

Unforgettable Man by Tiye Love

Two to Tangle by Melissa Brayden

Mingle All the Way by Mia Heintzelman

Saddle Up by AM Arthur

A Boy and His Dragon by R. Cooper

So. Got any plans this weekend?

As usual, catch me on Twitter @jessisreading or Instagram @jess_is_reading, or send me an email at wheninromance@bookriot.com if you’ve got feedback, bookrecs, or just want to say hi!

Categories
Kissing Books

Something New from The Ripped Bodice!

Well folks, it’s Monday. We’ve at least got one stressor out of the way, but it’s still 2020 so… *knocks on wood* The hours I haven’t spend working or watching twitter have a bizarre wave of lust for Map Daddy/Chart Throb/Korsnack Attack have been spent watching Crash Landing On You…and since I can’t actually properly watch something without something to do with my hands (if it’s in English, it’s digital coloring), I took up crocheting again! Blanket yarn, folks. It’s the way to go.  

Anyway, let’s talk about some book stuff!

News and Useful Links

Starting today, the lovely folks at The Ripped Bodice are embarking on a new venture: Read, Romance, Repeat! Their new romance subscription is part of their service shift due to the pandemic, and I’m always excited for a new romance box! They’re just in time for the gift-giving season 😉

And look at it; it’s super cute!

Photograph of Jess sitting crosslegged, holding up a pale blue and snowflake box around the size of a shoebox that says "Read, Romance, Repeat"

Have you seen the trailer for Mismatched? It’s based on When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon, though there have been some significant changes–most obviously the setting moving from Northern California to India. 

And speaking of trailers, the first Bridgerton trailer is out, and hoo man, Hellooooo, Simon. 

AND we’re getting more Virgin River very very soon. 

Quite a few authors have come together to sponsor Romancing The Runoff, an auction/donation space to contribute to the work to make January’s Georgia Runoff election more manageable for those who will be boots on the ground. Follow the account on twitter and check out the QTs of their pinned post to see some of the early donations to the auction, which starts later this month.  

And speaking of Georgia, it’s always a joy to see a new batch of folks discover that Stacey Abrams wrote romance as Selena Montgomery. 

And speaking of Chart Man, Sil put together this thread of math nerds in romance.

There’s another Date Night coming up!

And keep an eye out for the events to celebrate Best Women’s Erotica of the Year!

Deals

cover of then, now, always by Mona Schroff

Then, Now, Always by Mona Schroff

If you like a good second chance story with a secret baby (now a teenager) trope, this is the story for you! (And of course, I have to warn you that it is an actual secret baby trope; the father does not know the teenager exists and is his biological child. So if that’s not your thing, skip this one.) 

Maya is a business owner in New York with a job she loves and a teenager she adores. But when said teenager gets into some trouble, Maya reaches out to the girl’s father—now a successful lawyer—for help. While Sam is rightly outraged about it being kept from him, he offers his assistance…and of course, all that time spent with his first love is going to bring back some uncomfortable Feelings.

Recs!

I did manage to read a few short things this past week, including one that makes me want to read all the personal chef stories. 

Ate by Rilzy Adams

When Tempest lands the deal of a lifetime, she celebrates by hiring a private chef for a quiet dinner between herself and her bff. But when that heffa cancels because someone has the nerve to go into labor, Tempest is prepared to enjoy a table for one…until she meets Russ, the chef. Both the man and the food he creates are droolworthy, and Tempest has a hard time not biting the man instead of the food. But the night is young, right? This is a brief, 50 page novella that will make you hungry for a few things 😀 The food descriptions are to-die-for and the time the pair take to get to know each other is pretty darn sweet, considering this book is hawt as all get out. I’m definitely a new Rilzy convert (I think I have a few of her books and just hadn’t read any before this one…)

What are your favorite personal chef stories? I’ve been meaning to pick up Dear Enemy by Kristen Callihan, but don’t know many others.

As usual, catch me on Twitter @jessisreading or Instagram @jess_is_reading, or send me an email at wheninromance@bookriot.com if you’ve got feedback, bookrecs, or just want to say hi! (Trisha and I are also recording our holiday gift recommendations episode on Thursday, so if you’re looking for something for a friend, family member, or yourself, drop a line!)

Categories
Kissing Books

Embrace Your Inner Romance Protagonist

Y’all, it’s Tuesday (as I write this). I am trying to tune out the talking heads, but I’m also fascinated by the math. I don’t know what the day will look like as you’re reading this, but I hope you’re taking care of yourself. And if you’re still recovering from Tuesday-night libations, keep drinking that water. 

Anyway, books.

Over on Book Riot

I know the spooky season is over, but I am super intrigued by this deep dive into Eve Silver’s books and I am down for some gothic horror romance.

And Trisha decided to quiz me on meet-cutes.  

Embrace your inner romance protagonist and check out these cottagecore gifts.

Or cozy up with some bookish socks.

And round it out with some printable art.

Want to start your own book recommendation service online?   

Deals

Like Lovers Do by Tracey Livesay

Even though this is the second in the series, you can jump right into Like Lovers Do and swoon your way through it. This friends-to-lovers fake relationship novel includes vistas at Martha’s Vineyard, family tensions, and ex-girlfriends. I haven’t read this one (even though I’ve been meaning to, story of my life!) but there are a bunch of people who share my preferences that have absolutely loved it, even more than the first one. 

New Books!

(Note: I’d intended to discuss this book last week but it was our sponsor, so you get to see my thoughts on it this time around!)

If the Boot Fits by Rebekah Weatherspoon

I’ll tell you a secret: I never actually finished reading A Cowboy to Remember. I love Rebekah’s books with all my soul, but the amnesia + second chance romance thing was not for me. But that didn’t mean I wasn’t gonna be all out for If the Boot Fits, her take on the Cinderella story. 

After Amanda and Sam have a magical night together, she runs off in the morning, late for work. She also accidentally absconds with his Oscar statuette, but there’s an easy fix for that. What’s less easy is the fact that he doesn’t know her name or how to find her…except they run across each other at Sam’s family ranch in Charming, California, where she’s attending a wedding. Can they figure out if it was meant to be, or will she slip away again? 

I haven’t read far enough into the book to establish a full list of content warnings, but I will say that Amanda works for a relatively toxic actress who has her own issues. 

(Also, if you like to read with sound, I recommend a running marathon of all your favorite Cinderella stories in the background. It definitely contributes to the ambience.)

There are a bunch of other new releases I’m excited to pick up, too:

Roll Bounce Love by Kay Shanee (do you see that? Rollerskating romance! I’m down!)

His Princess For Christmas by Therese Beharrie

Her Inconvenient Christmas Reunion by Nina Singh

Gurpreet and the Wrong Twin by Sookh Kaur

The Intern by Jack Harbon

Vows in Name Only by Naima Simone

American Christmas by Adriana Herrera

A Heart to Trust by AL Brooks

The Duke Who Didn’t by Courtney Milan (the audiobook is out! If you’ve been doing a lot of reading with your ears, definitely pick this one up)

An Alien Prince for Thanksgiving by Isla Chiu (we don’t get a lot of Thanksgiving books; I’ll take one that also includes aliens!)

Touch Me by Alexandria House (also an audiobook release, this time an Audible original)

The O’Malleys by Katee Robert (new box set!)

Play it Again, Charlie by R. Cooper

Frenemies With Benefits by Kelly Myers (color me curious! That’s quite a setup)

& Then There Was You by Tay Mo’Nae

Restricted by AC Thomas

Claimed By the Hero by Yahrah St. John

Plans for the weekend?

As usual, catch me on Twitter @jessisreading or Instagram @jess_is_reading, or send me an email at wheninromance@bookriot.com if you’ve got feedback, bookrecs, or just want to say hi!

Categories
Kissing Books

Friends Who…Catch Feelings

Another month in the books, and speaking of books: this is a serious self-care week, no matter what. Use the Forest app (or your own willpower, if you happen to have any of that) to keep yourself off your phone. Grab a nice book or the ereader of your choice and hang out with some fictional characters. 

So let’s talk about those folks.

News and Useful Links

We got news that authors Adrienne Byrd and Rachel Caine have both passed away. 

A little birdie indicated there’s some new Bridgerton appearance happening today. So keep an eye out (and don’t do anything else on social media).

More Boyfriend Material pencils!

Reese Ryan and Beverly Jenkins are chatting on November 4. Might be a good palate cleanser. 

And there’s another Date Night coming up. 

And speaking of events, do you have this calendar bookmarked?

Rioter Carole had a (print) chat with Olivia Dade and Rebekah Weatherspoon for Bookpage.  

Deals

It’s a new month, and that means a bunch of new books are on sale! 

the worst best man cover image

The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa

Are you ready to laugh your butt off? Mia Sosa can help you with that. Carolina got the word that her fiancé didn’t want to get married on the day of the wedding…from his brother. Fast forward to now, and Carolina and Max (the brother) find themselves working together on a project, and Carolina still holds…a bit of a grudge. The relationships in this book are great, almost as much as the immediate relationship. Sometimes the pranks feel a little too much, so take that with whatever you like. 

Recs!

Over the past several weeks, I’ve happened across books with a similar enough premise to be noticeable, and I was…intrigued. I will eventually read them all, but you know I have to spread out my friends-to-lovers stories. 

I give you…friends-who-make-porn-and-catch-feelings:

Press Play by Ash Dylan

I did read this one, though. When Riley asks her roommate Paul to come to the movie she’s reviewing for the paper, her buddy learns something about her: once upon a time, she won an amateur sex video competition. It comes up in conversation later that evening, and for their own individual reasons, they decide to make one together. Both have had crushes on each other since they met, but neither has been courageous about making a move. They have some seriously hot times together as Riley’s directorial vision comes to life, and they realize it might be now or never. 

Fans Only by B. Love

When Only Fans comes up in conversation at a gathering of friends, Aries announces that she would be willing to have a page. When Merrick, a music teacher with dreams of producing, suggests that they go in together to reach their own dreams, they come to an agreement. They use the site to make the money they need, and then they’ll go about their own ways. (Merrick’s own way involves a woman he’s been hoping to date for years, and their relationship is…vaguely offputting, just as a heads up.) This is definitely one of the ones where there is something always there between them, but those Feelings happen over the course of the arrangement. You know how it goes. 

A Flick Between Friends by Shae Sanders

This particular pair of friends have worked together for ages, and know each other incredibly well. But when both are downsized, Star needs a way to help pay for some family obligations. So she asks Lennox to film a high-quality film with her…and as usual, Feelings. The friends are bound to get confused, especially when lines blur between what’s happening on film and what’s happening behind the scenes. 

These are all indie published, but I wonder if the success of The Roommate will bring in more big-ticket romances around sex work and sex workers…and maybe they’ll be less white. Of course, these are all amateur jobs, but range is good, right?

What are you reading this week?

As usual, catch me on Twitter @jessisreading or Instagram @jess_is_reading, or send me an email at wheninromance@bookriot.com if you’ve got feedback, bookrecs, or just want to say hi!

Categories
Kissing Books

Your Halloween Is Now Booked

It’s the last Thursday of October, and we’ve got books to talk about. We’re closer to Halloween, and I hope we’re all planning to celebrate safely (with or without candy). 

Oh and yeah, I definitely went ahead and bought the Julie and the Phantoms soundtrack. If you were wondering. 

Over on Book Riot

Take this quiz for a cozy YA romance rec!

Tote bags? Did someone say tote bags? 

Who would you take a writing seminar with? I’d totally go for Alyssa Cole, what with her being able to write in legit any genre. Give us a horror romance, Alyssa! 

Literary experiences, right from your home!

Ashley had Midnight Sun thoughts.

A mood.

And there’s still time to win that sweet B&N gift card. 

Deals

Desperate Measures by Katee Robert

If you don’t like characters from Disney movies being heavily sexualized and given angsty, emotional erotic arcs, look away now. I’m serious. You’re not gonna want to see this. Okay, for those of you who are still here…if you have not dipped a toe into Katee Robert’s Wicked Villains series, you can start with Desperate Measures for free ninety-nine as of my writing this. That’s free, if you didn’t figure that out. This is the first in the series of books that would usually be 4.99. It’s…hard to explain this book. But I will tell you there’s Jasmine. And there’s Jafar. And there’s consensual non-consent. There is daddy kink. And there is…Jafar. So take that as you will. It’s very much a YKINMK and YMMV kind of book for some people, but if you’re interested…free ninety-nine. 

New Books

This is a pretty good week for books, I gotta tell you. Some of them are books we’ve been waiting on for…what feels like years but is probably just a few months, and some of them are books their authors just decided to graciously provide us with out of nowhere. I have so much to read!

His Grumpy Childhood Friend by Jackie Lau

Deal with the Demon by Chace Verity 

Costume Cutty by Chencia C. Higgins

Don’t Let Go by Chelle Ramsay (I haven’t read this author before but I will go for any author who names both the book and the series after En Vogue songs)

Seduced By the Wolf by Terry Spear

The Secret Ingredient by KD Fisher

Claiming His Bollywood Cinderella by Tara Pammi

Crazy Stupid Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

Holiday Home Run by Priscilla Oliveras

Love Your Life by Sophie Kinsella

Missing Christmas by Kate Clayborn (it’s a novella, sadly)

Love is a Rogue by Lenora Bell

Trick and Treat by Shae Sanders

Northanger Haunting by Jae Wiley (Northanger Abbey AND ghosts? How have I never heard of this book???)

Restored by Joanna Chambers

Black Witch Magic by Mila Nicks

Until the World Stops by LA Witt

Demon King by Elizabeth Briggs (You know how I just caught up with Lucifer? This looks like it’ll help with that itch…)

Feel the Fire by Annabeth Albert

My Last Duchess by Eloisa James

Happily Ever After in Bliss by Lexi Blake

Spells by Kristen Proby

The Christmas Backup Plan by Lori Wilde (there’s one every year, but I can’t seem to quit her lol)

Jane in Love by Rachel Givney

Bane’s Choice by Alyssa Day

The Duke Effect by Sophie Jordan

Brothersong by TJ Klune (if you’ve been waiting for the audiobook)

Tall, Duke, and Dangerous by Megan Frampton

High-Priority Asset by Juno Rushdan

The Tenant by Katrina Jackson (This comes out on Halloween and I will be very busy that day doing nothing but eating chocolate and reading this book)

Bitterburn by Ann Aguirre (And if I have time, this one too)

Oh. Um. Sorry?

I hope you don’t have any plans the rest of this week!

As usual, catch me on Twitter @jessisreading or Instagram @jess_is_reading, or send me an email at wheninromance@bookriot.com if you’ve got feedback, bookrecs, or just want to say hi!

Categories
Kissing Books

Have You Seen This Cover Yet???

How are you all taking care of yourselves as we get closer to US election day? I watched a random episode of Julie and the Phantoms today, even though I rarely rewatch series, and I’m definitely going to have to keep doing that. I mean, I could just listen to the songs, I guess, but then I wouldn’t get to swoon over all of that Meaningful Eye Contact. I’ve also been watching Hannibal, though, so…every mood a comfort, right? 

It’s Monday, and we’re talking books. 

News and Useful Links

I screamed. (Also I recommend clicking through to her newsletter because the story about the cover models is perfect. Okay, not as perfect as the one about the Once Ghosted cover models, but close.) 

We’ve been talking a lot about Amazon and indies, and we know that indies and romance have …an interesting history. Sarah MacLean offered an annotated list of bookstores that are particularly romance-friendly (and included recommendations from others in the thread, as well as Jen’s lovingly put together map.)

For the inaugural RWA Vivian award, nobody has to pay for their first entry. 

This is a great conversation about fatness and fanfiction and a few other Fs. 

Dash and Lily is coming to Netflix!

We’re one step closer to The Worst Best Man making it to the screen!

If you missed it the first time around, you can mask up for love with all kinds of gear!

You can also get ampersand shirts and more for the Penny Reid-verse. 

And Lucy Eden opened a new shop with some fun taglines.

Those of us who live on Twitter got to have another one of Those Discussions with people who are not romance readers, and it went to shit. I’m not going to link to the original conversation, but we can all agree that romance as a genre should always have an HEA. If you want a love story with a different kind of ending, it exists in every other genre. Romances exist that do not end in a heteronormative marriage and kids situation, but they are still an HEA/HFN for the couple or group involved. If the protagonists share their love for each other and one rides off on his motorcycle and isn’t sure when he’ll be able to return, they’re in an HEA situation. If the aromantic character does what he can to show that he cares about his alloromantic partner but they never exchange the big ILY, they’re in an HEA situation. And if the characters do end up married, with or without kids, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity, they’re in an HEA situation. And if someone’s HEA is to not be in a romantic relationship…well, they probably won’t be protagonists in a genre romance novel. (This is also true of film—if a movie is purporting itself as a romcom, I expect it to end in a relationship, even if it’s not a traditional one. Romantic dramas, on the other hand? I watched a trailer for one the other day and within thirty seconds was like…one or both of them is going to die before the end.) 

Deals

Booked for Christmas by Lily Menon

I know it’s not quite Halloween yet, but if you’re in the mood for Christmas, you can read Lily (Sandhya) Menon’s first foray into adult fiction before her full length book Make Up, Break Up comes out in February. This one involves a romance writer and her biggest online critic who end up snowed in, alone, in her cabin. Obviously, they get to know each other and discover their misconceptions have no standing when they’re snowed in, alone, and kind of hot for each other…in her cabin. I’m looking forward to seeing how the hilarity she offers in her YA carries over into adult romance. 

Recs!

I’ve been picking up books based on internet recommendations recently, and a few of them have actually stuck. And now I’ve moved on to a jonesing for a particular type that I used to seek out on a regular basis…so I might be reading them for a while. 

Entreat Me by Grace Draven

Beauty and the Beast is probably the most influential piece of media in my subconscious. I have watched the original cartoon hundreds of time over the past three decades, and enjoyed the other Disney presentations of the story (I prefer the stageplay but “Evermore” amirite). Even before the cartoon, I remember watching the TV show with my mother or aunt or grandmother (or some combination of the three) until it was cancelled. I have read every version of the original tale that I know exists. I acknowledge that each has its setbacks and missteps. 

But sometimes, someone writes a version that is just…magnificent.

The last one of those I read was As Old As Time, the Disney Twisted Tale written for a YA audience that takes the story and sets it on its head. And I didn’t think I’d find another Beauty/Beast story that I would enjoy to that same level. (Okay, and Briarley. I’d almost forgotten about Briarley.)

And then, someone mentioned Entreat Me. I had picked up a book by Draven before and decided not to read it based on the plot and my mood, but I hadn’t heard of this one (or if I had, I’d forgotten about it). This particular story involves a father and son cursed by the woman who connects them and a pair of sisters who become involved with them. Ballard and his wife didn’t love each other, but he hadn’t expected her dying breath to be a curse on him that also affects Gavin…who is also not biologically his. Hundreds of years later (the book later explains how they’re all still alive hundreds of years later), Gavin has been traveling the world and has fallen in love with Cinnia. When a local merchant who claims Cinnia and Louvaen’s father owes him extreme debt offers to clear them if Cinnia marries him, Gavin absconds to his ancestral home with her. Louvaen, worried for her sister, follows. And there, she meets Ballard, who has been heavily disfigured by the effects of the curse. The pair exchange plenty of barbs, but come to understand and eventually like each other. And things…go from there. (This is not your traditional, sex-free version of the story. Be prepared.) 

While the beginning was slow going (at least for me), I very much enjoyed it once I got moving. There’s a significant difference in a BatB story in which the titular beauty is not a prisoner of the titular beast, even for a brief time. Changing that dynamic automatically makes the situation more palatable, and everything else goes down super smooth. 

(CWs: labor-related death; scarring and scars that move (body horror?); violence against women (not by protagonists); near drowning; gun use; centering of virginity; threat of rape (not by protagonists); description of labor and birth; metaphysical torture; unconscious self-harm; discussion of dead bodies and plague death.)

There are some other BatB stories that have been on my list for a long time, so maybe I’ll pick up Nalini Singh’s Lord of the Abyss soon. And apparently Grace Draven has another one called Radiance. I’ve been into the fantastic more than completely contemporary lately, so we’ll see what comes of it. 

Do you have any favorites? 

As usual, catch me on Twitter @jessisreading or Instagram @jess_is_reading, or send me an email at wheninromance@bookriot.com if you’ve got feedback, bookrecs, or just want to say hi!

Categories
Kissing Books

Where Do YOU Stand On Pranks?

Thursday, oh Thursday. Wherefore art thou Thursday? Especially since Tuesday felt like Thursday, as did Wednesday. Now that you’re here, we just want you to be Friday. Or even Saturday. (It’s been a long week, y’all. But soon, I get to sit down and read a book. Maybe even…two!)

Let’s talk book stuff.

Over On Book Riot

What are your thoughts on pranks? I’m not a fan (as someone who just this eventide had to deal swiftly with a potential static shock war in the grocery store), but sometimes I enjoy reading about prankster hijinks within the course of a romantic story. So I look forward to trying out some of the books on Sil’s list. 

This is a great treatise on why queer characters don’t actually need romance to be queer. 

Yuri manga, anyone?

This is a really cool dive into the history of book clubs. 

What’s the science behind reading? 

You still have time to go for a gift card to Barnes & Noble. 

And Trisha and I talked about a bunch of stuff. 

Deals

40-Love by Olivia Dade

I hear it’s actually getting cold in some parts of the world, so why not harken to the warmth of a Florida vacation with 40-Love by Olivia Dade? If you’ve already devoured Spoiler Alert, this is an easy jump, featuring another awesome fat protagonist and a sexy love interest who will do anything for her. It’s 4.99 anytime, and a great segue into the other Marysburg and M-burg adjacent books. 

New Books!

East End by Nana Malone

If you’ve read Big Ben and the rest of that trilogy, you are definitely ready for East’s story. The London Lords are very different people, but their stories are similarly compelling (and legit frustrating because she’s writing them in three-book installments oh my god, Nana). East isn’t as broody as Ben, but he’s just as determined to complete his mission, which in this case is to keep an Interpol officer off the Lords’ case. There’s bound to be intrigue, and snark, and serious sexytimes…or maybe just a lot of sexual tension. 

When We Were Ghosts by EJ Phillips

Gemma is on a quest to get her twin back from the dead, and she’s got a ghost named Eve and some…unlikeable companions to help on her quest. And while she’s got this quest to deal with, she might be falling for Eve…which is complicated, because she’s a ghost. (You can bet your behinds I’m super excited to read this, even if it is technically YA. “Upper YA,” it’s called.)

And there are a bunch more I’m looking forward to checking out:

Sweet on You by Carla de Guzman (Christmas the Filipino way!)

Snapped by Alexa Martin (I haven’t read this one and there has been some…discourse…around the way the activism is approached, so ymmv)

Call Me Maybe by Cara Bastone (Audible Original audiobook)

Karmina: The Black Dragon Princess by Kornelia Blackmore (I know nothing about this book or author, but I’m all about all those words)

Descent by Helen Hardt (this is book 15 in the Steel Brothers Saga)

Return Billionaire to Sender by Annika Martin

Love Song by Kylie Scott

Mean Machine by Aleksandr Voinov

Orange Blossoms-Love Blooms by Dalia Dupris

His Halloween Sweet by Raven de Hart

Give Me You by AC Taylor

In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren (Christmas Groundhog Day is definitely something I’m into. I want all the time loops)

What do you have planned for the weekend?

As usual, catch me on Twitter @jessisreading or Instagram @jess_is_reading, or send me an email at wheninromance@bookriot.com if you’ve got feedback, bookrecs, or just want to say hi!