When In Romance

Jess and Trisha belatedly share listener emails and talk (again) about what makes a romance a romance. Plus! Romances to get you ready for the summer.

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Looking for a thoughtful Mother's Day gift? Go beyond the tried and true flowers and chocolate and give the gift of reading with Tailored Book Recommendations! Our bibliologists are standing by to help your mom find her next favorite read, delivered right to her inbox or doorstep. And with gifts starting at just $18, there’s something for any budget! Head to mytbr.co/gift to send the gift of reading to the book nerd in your life!

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News

WIR Book Club is back! Read Consort of Fire by Kit Rocha with us and send us your thoughts for our June 24 show. 

And our next film adaptation discussion is The Idea of You. Our conversation will be mostly focused on the film, but you can also check out the book, also called The Idea of You, by Robinne Lee. (Yes, we know about the book HEA questions - we want to talk about them!)

Plus, many thanks to Michelle, who suggested that Calibre could help to address our book cover and re-purchasing book situations (and Trisha's are many).

Books Discussed

That Summer Feeling by Bridget Morrissey

Along for the Ride by Mimi Grace

The Key to Happily Ever After by Tif Marcelo

The Language of Seabirds by Will Taylor

The Prospects by KT Hoffman

The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa

Compromised into a Scandalous Marriage by Lydia San Andres

Out of Office by AH Cunningham

The Matchmaker Bay series (starting with Mermaid Inn) by Jenny Holiday

Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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Jess and Trisha talk about author identities and pen names, bookish events gone wrong, and road trip romances.

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To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

Looking to elevate your reading life? Tailored Book Recommendations is here to help with handpicked recommendations. Tell the Bibliologists at Tailored Book Recommendations about what you love and what you don't. You can get your recommendations via email or receive hardcovers or paperbacks in the mail. And with quarterly or annual plans available, TBR has something for every budget. Plans start at just $18! Subscribe today.

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News

Check out this first person account of Readers Take Denver 2024 by Jessica Mack at Latest Book Crush.

Books Discussed

You Should Be So Lucky by Cat Sebastian

Dating Dr. Dil by Nisha Sharma

In Which Margo Halifax Earns Her Shocking Reputation by Alexandra Vasti

A Shore Thing by Joanna Lowell (June 18)

Signal Boost by Alyssa Cole

Never Cross a Highlander by Lisa Rayne

Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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Trisha is joined by special guest Vanessa Diaz, Managing Editor for Book Riot, and they talk about reading habits, books they love, and why third person present narration is so weird.

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To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

Looking to elevate your reading life? Tailored Book Recommendations is here to help with handpicked recommendations. Tell the Bibliologists at Tailored Book Recommendations about what you love and what you don't. You can get your recommendations via email or receive hardcovers or paperbacks in the mail. And with quarterly or annual plans available, TBR has something for every budget. Plans start at just $18! Subscribe today.

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Books Discussed

The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

Aphrodite and the Duke by J.J. McAvoy

The Kiss Countdown by Etta Easton

The Widow of Rose House by Diana Biller

Boyfriend Material and 10 Things That Never Happened by Alexis Hall

The Switch and The Road Trip by Beth O’Leary

The Sitcom Star and The Reluctant Heartthrob by Jackie Lau

The Primas of Power series, including A Lot Like Adiós, You Had Me at Hola, and Along Came Amor by Alexis Daria

Vanessa also mentioned Alyssa Cole - there’s no wrong place to start with Alyssa Cole, but if you’re looking for ideas, check out Let It Shine and/or A Princess in Theory!

Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]), and Vanessa is on the socials @BuenosDiazSD.

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Jess and Trisha cover a few potpourri topics and updates before talking about romances that are worth the hype.

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Want to make your book club the best club? Sign up for our In the Club newsletter. In the Club will deliver recommendations for the best books to discuss in your book clubs. From buzzy new releases to brilliant throwbacks, the books highlighted in this newsletter will drive your book club discussions. We’ll also share some book club-friendly recipes and interesting bookish updates from all over. If you become a paid subscriber, you get even more recommendations plus community features. In other words, we’ll keep you well-met, well-read, and well-fed. Sign up today!

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News

Check out the Lammy award nominees and let us know which books you liked and which books are missing. 

As recommended by Jess, a fantastic conversation with some of our faves.

Books Discussed

This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

Bride by Ali Hazelwood

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan

You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Amezi

Pucking Around by Emily Rath

Morning Glory Milking Farm by C.M. Nascosta

Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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Jess and Trisha talk about the impact of AI and machine learning on books and then take a virtual visit to the Tucson Festival of Books.

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

Want to make your book club the best club? Sign up for our In the Club newsletter. In the Club will deliver recommendations for the best books to discuss in your book clubs. From buzzy new releases to brilliant throwbacks, the books highlighted in this newsletter will drive your book club discussions. We’ll also share some book club-friendly recipes and interesting bookish updates from all over. If you become a paid subscriber, you get even more recommendations plus community features. In other words, we’ll keep you well-met, well-read, and well-fed. Sign up today!

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News

Check out a couple of Book Riot posts on books and AI here and here.

And the Washington Post has a great piece on AI bias by Nitasha Tiku, Kevin Schual, and Szu Yu Chen.

Books Discussed

That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Human by Kimberly Lemming

Do Me a Favor by Cathy Yardley

How You Get The Girl by Anita Kelly

White Whiskey Bargain and Play to Win by Jodie Slaughter

For Never & Always by Helena Greer

Thank You For Sharing by Rachel Runya Katz

Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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To celebrate February 29, Jess and Trisha go all in on books they love that were published in Leap Years.

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

Want to make your book club the best club? Sign up for our In the Club newsletter. In the Club will deliver recommendations for the best books to discuss in your book clubs. From buzzy new releases to brilliant throwbacks, the books highlighted in this newsletter will drive your book club discussions. We’ll also share some book club-friendly recipes and interesting bookish updates from all over. If you become a paid subscriber, you get even more recommendations plus community features. In other words, we’ll keep you well-met, well-read, and well-fed. Sign up today!

This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Books Discussed

The Boyfriend Subscription by Steven Salvatore

Meegan by Rebekah Weatherspoon

Forbidden and Indigo by Beverly Jenkins

A Rogue by Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean

The Soldier’s Scoundrel by Cat Sebastian

Hold Me by Courtney Milan

Looking for Group by Alexis Hall

Magnate and Tycoon by Joanna Shupe

Harbor by Rebekah Weatherspoon

Queen Move by Kennedy Ryan

Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade

Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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Jess and Trisha reflect on the major theme of Valentine’s romance coverage and then recommend some romance short stories and novellas.

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To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

2024 is the tenth year of the Read Harder Challenge! Join us as we make our way through 24 tasks meant to expand our reading horizons and diversify our TBRs. To get book recommendations for each task, sign up for the Read Harder newsletter. We’ll also keep you informed about other cool reading challenges, readathons, and more across the bookish internet. If you become a paid subscriber, you get even more recommendations plus community features, where you can connect with a community of passionate, like-minded readers in a cozy and supportive corner of the internet. Visit bookriot.com/readharder to sign up.

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News

Jess and Trisha had a great chat with Jeff on the Book Riot podcast.

As mentioned, The Washington Post (Sarah Wendell) and Entertainment Weekly (Maureen Lee Lenker) were among the many outlets covering romantasy this Valentine’s Day.

And look how many romance book stores there are! [Forbes]

Books Discussed

Play to Win by Jodie Slaughter

Olivia and the Masked Duke by Grace Callaway

All or Nothing by Rose Lerner

Moonlight by Jasmine Nicole

Rosie and the Dreamboat by Sally Thorne 

Prisoner of Love by Beverly Jenkins

Love in Color by Bolu Babalola

The Companion by EE Ottoman

Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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Jess and Trisha talk about romance covers, genre data (or lack thereof), and romance books that fit the 2024 Read Harder Challenge.

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

2024 is the tenth year of the Read Harder Challenge! Join us as we make our way through 24 tasks meant to expand our reading horizons and diversify our TBRs. To get book recommendations for each task, sign up for the Read Harder newsletter. We’ll also keep you informed about other cool reading challenges, readathons, and more across the bookish internet. If you become a paid subscriber, you get even more recommendations plus community features, where you can connect with a community of passionate, like-minded readers in a cozy and supportive corner of the internet. Visit bookriot.com/readharder to sign up.

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News

Check out the Shelf Love Substack, and specifically the post “The Data Does Not Exist to Support ‘Romance is a Billion Dollar Industry.’”

Read Harder in 2024! (Just like maybe you did in 2023!)

Books Discussed

Night Song by Beverly Jenkins

The Sitcom Star and The Reluctant Heartthrob by Jackie Lau

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams

Luke and Billy Finally Get a Clue by Cat Sebastian

The One Month Boyfriend by Roxie Noir

Always Only You by Chloe Liese

Love Flushed by Evie Mitchell

That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon by Kimberly Lemming

Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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Jess and Trisha kick off 2024 WIR Book Club by discussing The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich and then discuss other books with mistaken identities or disguises.

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

2024 is the tenth year of the Read Harder Challenge! Join us as we make our way through 24 tasks meant to expand our reading horizons and diversify our TBRs. To get book recommendations for each task, sign up for the Read Harder newsletter. We’ll also keep you informed about other cool reading challenges, readathons, and more across the bookish internet. If you become a paid subscriber, you get even more recommendations plus community features, where you can connect with a community of passionate, like-minded readers in a cozy and supportive corner of the internet. Visit bookriot.com/readharder to sign up.

This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Books Discussed

The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz

Fly With Me by Andie Burke

Role Playing by Cathy Yardley

Girls with Bad Reputations by Xio Axelrod

Meegan by Rebekah Weatherspoon

The Wolf and the Wildflower by Stacy Reid

A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole

One Night in Hartswood by Emma Denny

The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest

Kiss the Girl by Zoraida Córdova   

The Marquess Makes His Move by Diana Quincy

Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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Jess and Trisha talk about 2023 books they still want to get to and the books they’re most excited about coming out in 2024.

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

2024 is the tenth year of the Read Harder Challenge! Join us as we make our way through 24 tasks meant to expand our reading horizons and diversify our TBRs. To get book recommendations for each task, sign up for the Read Harder newsletter. We’ll also keep you informed about other cool reading challenges, readathons, and more across the bookish internet. If you become a paid subscriber, you get even more recommendations plus community features, where you can connect with a community of passionate, like-minded readers in a cozy and supportive corner of the internet. Visit bookriot.com/readharder to sign up.

This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

News

Book club is coming back in our next episode! Read The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz along with us! Send us your thoughts by January 18 for our January 22 episode.

Books Discussed

The Wildest Ride by Marcella Bell

Change of Plans by Dylan Newton

Forever Your Rogue by Erin Langston

Outfield Assist by Cat Giraldo

Ruined by Sarah Vaughn, illustrated by Sarah Winifred Searle and Niki Smith

Technically Yours by Denise Williams

Fly With Me by Andie Burke

Something Wild & Wonderful by Anita Kelly

A Little Kissing Between Friends by Chencia C. Higgins

Night for Day by Roselle Lim

Birding With Benefits by Sarah T. Dubb

The Spy and I by Tiana Smith

The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava

Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend by Emma R. Alban

Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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Jess and Trisha talk about their favorite romance reads of 2023. Prepare your TBR for many, many books — front list AND back list.

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To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

It's happening, readers — we're bringing paperbacks! Whether you (or a reader you know and love) hate carrying around bulky hardcovers, you're on a budget, you want a wider range of recommendations, or all of the above, you can now get a paperback subscription from TBR, curated just for you by one of our Bibliologists. The holidays are here, and we've got three different levels for gifting to suit every budget. Get all the details at mytbr.co.

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News

Book club is coming back in early 2024! Read The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz along with us! Send us your thoughts by January 18 for our January 22 episode.

Books Discussed

Raiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura

A Necessary Chaos by Brent Lambert

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Molly Molloy and the Angel of Death by Maria Vale

Before I Let Go and Reel by Kennedy Ryan

So This is Christmas by Jenny Holiday

Something Like Love and Captured by Beverly Jenkins

Second Chance at Rancho Lindo by Sabrina Sol

The Romantic Agenda by Claire Kann

Wild Pitch by Cat Giraldo

The Scoundrel Falls Hard by Sophie Jordan

Switch Hitter by E.M. Lindsey

Something Wild & Wonderful by Anita Kelly 

Stars in Your Eyes by Kacen Callender

We Could Be So Good by Cat Sebastian

Role Playing by Cathy Yardley

The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest

All The Right Notes by Dominic Lim

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez

Time to Shine by Rachel Reid

A Spinster’s Guide to Danger and Dukes by Manda Collins

Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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It’s part two of our 2023 recommendation request episodes! Jess and Trisha talk about romances with tough female heroines, queer fantasy romance, immersive romance series, and more!

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

It's happening, readers — we're bringing paperbacks! Whether you hate carrying around bulky hardcovers, you're on a budget, you want a wider range of recommendations, or all of the above, you can now get a paperback subscription from TBR, curated just for you by one of our Bibliologists. You can also gift it (and the holidays, they are coming.) Get all the details at mytbr.co.

This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

News

Book club is coming back in early 2024! Read The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz along with us!

Books Discussed

Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon

The Cowboy Whisperer by Sabrina Sol

The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz

Love and Other Disasters by Anita Kelly

Kiss Her Once for Me by Alison Cochrun 

Role Playing by Cathy Yardley

The Flowers of Time by A.L. Lester

Reverb by Anna Zabo

Lost Hearts by Ellie Green

Vanlife by Nicolette Dane

Even Though I Knew the End by C.L. Polk

Thorn by Anna Burke

The Bright Falls series by Ashley Herring Blake, starting with Delilah Green Doesn't Care

D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins

Once Upon a Marquess by Courtney Milan

Any series by Nalini Singh, including the Hard Play series (starting with Cherish Hard) and the Psy/Changling series (starting with Slave to Sensation)

Game Changer by Rachel Reid

Hot and Badgered by Shelly Laurenston

The Wallflowers and Ravenels series by Lisa Kleypas

Anything by Christina C. Jones, including the Love Sisters series, starting with I Think I Might Love You

A Lady of Rooksgrave Manor by Kathryn Moon 

Pack Queen by Zelda Knight

The Romantic Agenda by Claire Kann

Play It Again by Aidan Wayne

How to Be a Normal Person and How to Be a Movie Star by TJ Klune

A Thorn in the Saddle by Rebekah Weatherspoon

Wild Rain by Beverly Jenkins

Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan

Hotel of Secrets by Diana Biller

Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading) or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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It’s part one of our 2023 recommendation request episodes! Jess and Trisha talk about diverse paranormal romances, romances with ace representation, holiday romances, and more!

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

It's happening, readers — we're bringing paperbacks! Whether you hate carrying around bulky hardcovers, you're on a budget, you want a wider range of recommendations, or all of the above, you can now get a paperback subscription from TBR, curated just for you by one of our Bibliologists. You can also gift it (and the holidays, they are coming.) Get all the details at mytbr.co.

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News

Book club is coming back in early 2024 - huge thanks to everyone who sent suggestions! We're reading The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz, so read along with us!

Also, check out Jackie Lau’s Kickstarter while you still can!

Books Discussed

The Duke Gets Desperate by Diana Quincy

The Grim Reaper’s Lawyer by Mea Monique

Human Enough by E.S. Yu

Big Bad Wolf by Suleikha Snyder

What the Hex by Alexis Daria

The Blacksmith Queen by G.A. Aiken

Bitterburn by Ann Aguirre

Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Canas

Their Troublesome Crush by Xan West

Perfect Rhythm by Jae

The Romantic Agenda by Claire Kann

Thaw by Elyse Springer

The Lights on Knockbridge Lane by Roan Parrish

In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren 

Lighting the Flames by Sarah Wendell

Merry Inkmas by Talia Hibbert

Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley

Second Chances in New Port Stephen by T.J. Alexander

It’s a Fabulous Life by Kelly Farmer

Being Merry by Meka James

Time to Shine by Rachel Reid

Mistletoe and Mishigas by M.A. Wardell

Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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Jess and Trisha talk about the current “steaminess” discourse in romance and new books with some of their favorite tropes.

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To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

Autumn is here, which means it's time to curl up with a great read and get cozy — whatever your version of cozy looks like. Whether it's romance, creepy reads, modern classics, or escapist reads you crave, TBR can help you find the perfect books for your fall reading, with options curated to your specific reading tastes. Visit mytbr.co to find out more and sign up — it only takes a few minutes!

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News

Join Jess in conversation with the one and only Beverly Jenkins on Nov 2!

Here’s the video from Jessen Reads Romance that we discussed – thanks again to Polly for sharing.

And here are some related thoughts from Mimi Matthews. 

Plus! Next episode is our annual recommendation show, so send us requests for a family member, friend, or just yourself: [email protected]!

Books Discussed

A Christmas to Remember by Beverly Jenkins

Violet Made of Thorns by Gina Chen

The Marquis Who Mustn’t by Courtney Milan

Witch of Wild Things by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

Stars in Your Eyes by Kacen Callender

It’s a Fabulous Life by Kelly Farmer

Do Your Worst by Rosie Danan

Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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Jess and Trisha talk about the popular practice of republishing previously self-published romances and offer a few of their recs for Bang in the Night BINGO.

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

Autumn is here, which means it's time to curl up with a great read and get cozy — whatever your version of cozy looks like. Whether it's romance, creepy reads, modern classics, or escapist reads you crave, TBR can help you find the perfect books for your fall reading, with options curated to your specific reading tastes. Visit mytbr.co to find out more and sign up — it only takes a few minutes!

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News

Play along with Bang in the Night BINGO!

Books Discussed

No Proper Lady by Isabel Cooper

Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas

An Extraordinary Lord by Anna Harrington

Full Moon Over Freedom by Angelina M. Lopez

Better Off Red by Rebekah Weatherspoon

Haunted Hookup by Eliza McLane

Single Dads Club by Therese Beharrie

The Tenant by Katrina Jackson

The Brightest Star in Paris by Diana Biller

The Wolf of Wall Street by Lucy Eden

Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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Jess and Trisha dive deep into The Perfect Find, talking about both the novel and the Netflix adaptation.

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

Autumn is here, which means it's time to curl up with a great read and get cozy — whatever your version of cozy looks like. Whether it's romance, creepy reads, modern classics, or escapist reads you crave, TBR can help you find the perfect books for your fall reading, with options curated to your specific reading tastes. Visit mytbr.co to find out more and sign up — it only takes a few minutes!

This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Books Discussed

Dirty Steal by KD Casey and Lauren Blakeley

What The Hex by Alexia Daris

The Enchanted Hacienda by J.C. Cervantes

The Perfect Find by Tia Williams

Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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Jess and Trisha are reunited(!) and get caught up on romance news, adaptations, and their reading over the last couple of months.

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Book Riot's editorial team is writing for casual and power readers alike over at The Deep Dive! During the month of September, all new free subscribers will be entered to win Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler, plus 5 mystery books from The Deep Dive. To enter, simply start a free subscription to The Deep Dive. No payment method required!

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News

Book club meets an adaptation discussion with The Perfect Find! We’re discussing the book by Tia Williams and the adaptation on September 28 for our Oct 2 episode, so send us your thoughts! (The adaptation is on Netflix, BTW.)

Just in case you want to be ready for next year’s Steamy Lit Con…

Books Discussed

The Perfect Find by Tia Williams

The Marquis Who Musn’t by Courtney Milan

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Wild Pitch by Cat Giraldo

Pestilence by Laura Thalassa

Cold-Hearted Rake by Lisa Kleypas

You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi

Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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Special guest Jenn Northington joins Trisha to talk about anthologies and books to help you break a reading slump.

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Wanna escape the Dog Days of summer with purrfect book recommendations? Let Tailored Book Recommendations pick awesome books to keep you entertained. Touch grass, grab some lemonade, and enjoy TBR's picks.

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News

Book club meets an adaptation discussion with The Perfect Find! We’re discussing the book by Tia Williams and the adaptation at the end of September, so send us your thoughts!

Books Discussed

Maroons by adrienne maree brown

A Walk in the Park by Rebekah Weatherspoon

Sword Stone Table edited by Swapna Krishna and Jenn Northington

Fit for the Gods edited by Jenn Northington and S. Zainab Williams

Black Love Matters edited by Jessica P. Pryde

Amor Actually edited by Mackenzie Walton

Hamilton’s Battalion by Rose Lerner, Courtney Milan, and Alyssa Cole

The Honey Badger Chronicles (first book is Hot and Badgered) by Shelly Laurenston

The Blessings series (first book is Bring on the Blessings) by Beverly Jenkins

The Wallflowers series (first book is Secrets of a Summer Night) and Ravenels series (first book is Cold-Hearted Rake by Lisa Kleypas

The Witches of Thistle Grove series (first book is Payback’s a Witch) by Lana Harper

Think of England by KJ Charles

The Meant to Be series (first book is If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy)

Mrs. Martin’s Incomparable Adventure by Courtney Milan

The Heart is a Universe by Sherry Thomas

The Girl With Stars in her Eyes by Xio Axelrod

A Summer for Scandal by Lydia San Andres

Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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Jess is joined by Book Riot's resident velocireader, Liberty Hardy, who listens patiently while Jess discusses news and then actually gets the chance to talk when the pair discuss witch romances (with many detours along the way).

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

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News

When In Romance Book Club is back! We'll be reading The Perfect Find by Tia Williams AND discussing the adaptation on Netflix, and discussing it at the end of September.

Check out Tailored Book Recommendations!

The Seattle Times does a good rundown on the BookTok/Kraken drama.

Here's Marines's video on TikTok.

Strength, solidarity, and healing vibes to Emily McIntyre.

Visit A Novel Romance if you're in Louisville!

Find Jess at Steamy Lit Con!

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Books Discussed

The Bad Ones by Melissa Albert

Snow Place Like LA by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone

Crossed by Emily McIntyre

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

Not the Witch You Wed by April Asher

The League of Gentlewoman Witches by India Holton

Binding Shadows by Jasmine Silvera

Let us know what you think about witch romances and tell us your favorite! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @franzencomesalive), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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Jess and Trisha check in on the current state of romance publishing and then talk about some of their favorite romances of 2023 so far.

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News

Subscribe to First Edition on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your podcatcher of choice.

Check out Book Riot’s list of the best books of 2023 so far (romance and all).

Books Discussed

The Bride by Julie Garwood

Goal by Alexandria House

We Could Be So Good by Cat Sebastian

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez

Hostile Takeover by Christina C. Jones

Role Playing by Cathy Yardley

Something Wild and Wonderful by Anita Kelly

The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest

Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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Jess and Trisha talk about Regency romance and why so many romances are set in that 9 year(!) period and then share what romances they’re excited about in the second half of 2023.

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News

Subscribe to First Edition on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your podcatcher of choice.

Check out Jess’s piece on Regency romance (you’ll be glad you did).

Books Discussed

Single Dads Club by Therese Beharrie

We Could Be So Good by Cat Sebastian

Play it Forward by Frederick Smith

It Happened One Fight by Maureen Lee Lenker (coming 7/11)

First Time for Everything by Mina V. Esguerra

Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date by Ashley Herring Blake (coming 10/24)

Next Door Nemesis by Alexa Martin (coming 11/14)

Raiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura (coming 12/5) 

The Duke Gets Desperate by Diana Quincy (coming 9/26)

Thank You For Sharing by Rachel Runya Katz (coming 9/12)

Full Moon Over Freedom by Angelina M. Lopez (coming 9/5)

Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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Jess and Trisha jump back into book club and then take a minute to pay tribute to Julie Garwood and the legacy and place of older romance books.

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News

Ready to take The Deep Dive? Check out the details and choose your membership level at bookriot.substack.com.

Friend of the podcast Sarah Wendell paid tribute to Julie Garwood at Smart Bitches, Trashy Books.

Books Discussed

Rules of Engagement by Stacey Abrams writing as Selena Montgomery

Chef’s Kiss by Stephanie Shea

Flirting with Fire by Jane Porter

The Bride by Julie Garwood

Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Crusie

Vivid and Captured by Beverly Jenkins

Say Jesus and Come to Me by Ann Allen Shockley

Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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Jess and Trisha discuss how racism impacts sports romance publishing and talk about some basketball romances they love.

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News

Book Club is back!! We’re reading Rules of Engagement by Stacey Abrams writing as Selena Montgomery. We’re discussing on June 22 for our next episode!

Ready to take The Deep Dive? Check out the details and choose your membership level at bookriot.substack.com.

Books Discussed

Unhinged by Onley James

The Enchanted Hacienda by J.C. Cervantes

Crimes of Passion by Jack Harbon

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

How You Get the Girl by Anita Kelly (coming February 2024)

Let Me Hold You by Alexandria House

Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan

His Best Shot by J. Nichole

Slamdunked by Love by Jamie Wesley

Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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Jess and Trisha do something a little different and spend the show ranking the most influential romance novels that have come out in the last decade (based on their very subjective opinions).

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News

Book Club is back!! We’re reading Rules of Engagement by Stacey Abrams writing as Selena Montgomery. We’re discussing on June 22 for our June 26 episode.

Subscribe to First Edition on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your podcatcher of choice.

Books Discussed

A Bollywood Affair by Sonali Dev

American Dreamer by Adriana Herrera

An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole

Beach Read by Emily Henry

Forbidden by Beverly Jenkins

Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon

Neon Gods by Katee Robert

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Sinner by Sierra Simone

Take the Lead by Alexis Daria

The Duke Who Didn’t by Courtney Milan

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood 

The Wedding Date and The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory

Truth or Beard by Penny Reid

Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLean

Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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Jess and Trisha announce a new book club book and get into why contemporary romance isn’t always the same as a romcom (which is different from a romantic comedy)…and where does “chick lit” fit into all of this?

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News

Check out Book Riot’s new First Edition podcast – there’s something for everyone!

Book Club is back!! We’re reading Rules of Engagement by Stacey Abrams writing as Selena Montgomery. Get ready – we’re discussing on June 22 for our June 26 episode.

Books Discussed

Something Wild and Wonderful and Love & Other Disasters by Anita Kelly

Codename Charming by Lucy Parker

Wrong to Need You by Alisha Rai

Trade Me by Courtney Milan

The Dating Playbook by Farrah Rochon

Battle Royal by Lucy Parker

Second Chance at Rancho Lindo by Sabrina Sol

The Tyrant Alpha’s Rejected Mate by Cate C. Wells

Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking (especially about romcoms), and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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Jess and Trisha do a bit of follow-up from last time, talk about why romance book adaptation news so often goes nowhere, and recommend some favorite romances with STEM characters. 

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News

Check out this episode of the Big Gay Fiction Podcast with Anna Zabo and L.A. Witt.

The blog post by Jane Friedman that Trisha mentioned about book adaptations is here.

Books Discussed

Hotel of Secrets by Diana Biller, audiobook narrated by Carlotta Brentan

Calling the Shots by Kelly Farmer

The Eastside Brewery series (starting with Thirsty) by Mia Hopkins

Wrong Number, Right Woman by Jae

A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole

Reckless at Heart by Zoe York

The Countess Conspiracy by Courtney Milan

The Viscount Made Me Do It by Diana Quincy

Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail by Ashley Herring Blake

Digging Up Love by Chandra Blumberg

Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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Jess and Trisha talk about the jobs and activities we do and don’t see in romance (and what it means) and discuss and recommend second chance romances. 

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Books Discussed

The Spy and Her Serpent by Maria Ying

Rookie Mistake by by Anna Zabo and LA Witt

Appealed by Emma Chase

Before I let Go and Coming Home by Kennedy Ryan

How to Catch a Queen by Alyssa Cole

Faded by Lisa B. Trinidad

A Lot Like Adiós by Alexis Daria

Unwritten Rules by KD Casey

Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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Jess and Trisha talk about the trans rights readathon (starting March 20!) and then discuss comfort reads.

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News

Join the Trans Rights Readathon March 20-27!

Here’s a list of free books you can read for the readathon.

Books Discussed

The Taming of Jessi Rose by Beverly Jenkins

The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks by Shauna Robinson

Drag Me Up by RM Virtues

The Craft of Love by EE Ottoman

Sing Anyway by Anita Kelly

Reverb by Anna Zabo

Hotel of Secrets by Diana Biller

Love at First Psych by Cara Bastone

That Kind of Guy by Talia Hibbert

Your Dad Will Do by Katee Robert

Hot and Badgered by Shelly Laurenston

Running Away With the Bride by Sophia Singh Sasson

Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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Jess and Trisha discuss a social media situation impacting romance authors and why it matters more broadly and then dive into After Hours on Milagro Street for WIR Book Club.

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NEWS

Looking for fascinating stories, informed takes, useful advice, and more from experts in the world of books and reading? Subscribe to Book Riot’s newest newsletter, The Deep Dive, at bookriot.substack.com

The Spoutable situation is a little tricky to piece together, but here’s a Twitter thread from Courtney Milan about her experience.

Go check out the Swoon Awards winners!!

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BOOKS DISCUSSED

Black Love Matters by Jessica P. Pryde

Scoreless Game by Anna Zabo and LA Witt

A Week to be Wicked by Tessa Dare

After Hours on Milagro Street and Full Moon Over Freedom by Angelina M. Lopez

Send us all of your thoughts on anything, but especially After Hours on Milagro Street and the Swoon Awards. As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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Jess and Trisha talk about positive Valentine’s Day romance coverage, happy Harper Collins strike news, and romance mysteries.

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

NEWS

Book club is back!!! We’re reading After Hours on Milagro Street by Angelina M. Lopez, and we’ll be talking about it March 2 for our March 6 episode. 

The Harper Collins strike is finally ending!!

Another “B” romance imprint is coming…

And hooray for positive romance coverage this Valentine’s Day! Check out this coverage from CNN, this podcast from NPR, and a couple of podcasts featuring our own Jess Pryde(!!): one from Iowa Public Radio and another from American Libraries Magazine.

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BOOKS DISCUSSED

After Hours on Milagro Street by Angelina M. Lopez

Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan

The Fastest Way to Fall by Denise Williams

Something About You by Julie James

The Hidden Moon by Jeannie Lin

Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Proper English by KJ Charles

The Whitaker Island books, starting with Her Other Secret by HelenKay Dimon

Hither Page by Cat Sebastian

Murder at Pirates Cove by Josh Lanyon

Send us all of your thoughts on anything, but especially After Hours on Milagro Street and your favorite mystery romances. As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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Jess and Trisha talk about some news and listener emails before getting real about fake relationships: why the trope works, why they like it, and some of the fake relationship romances they’ve been reading lately.

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

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NEWS

Book club is back!!! We’re reading After Hours on Milagro Street by Angelina M. Lopez, and we’ll be talking about it on March 2 for our March 6 episode. 

The Harper Collins strike continues – please support the workers however you can.

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BOOKS DISCUSSED

After Hours on Milagro Street by Angelina M. Lopez

The Spymaster’s Lady by Joanna Bourne

Night and Day by Lily Seabrooke

Only When It’s Us by Chloe Liese

Not Your Valentine by Jackie Lau

A Spinster’s Guide to Danger and Dukes by Manda Collins (3/28/23)

Fake It Till You Bake It by Jamie Wesley

The Romantic Agenda by Claire Kann

Well Matched by Jen DeLuca

Everything’s Better with Lisa by Lucy Eden

Send us all of our thoughts on anything, but especially After Hours on Milagro Street and your favorite fake dating romances. As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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This week, Trisha and special guest Liberty Hardy talk about reality show competition romance: what we like about it, why it works, and some of our favorites.

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

NEWS

Are you looking for the perfect Valentine’s gift for your bookish boo? Gift Tailored Book Recommendations!

Book club is back!!! We’re reading After Hours on Milagro Street by Angelina M. Lopez, and we’ll be talking about it when we record on March 2. 

The Harper Collins strike continues – please support the workers however you can.

The 2022 Swoon Book Awards are open for nominations until Jan 30!

And yes, Roxane Gay has confirmed that she’s writing a romance novel with Channing Tatum.

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BOOKS DISCUSSED

After Hours on Milagro Street by Angelina M. Lopez

This Bird Has Flown by Susanna Hoffs (4/4/23)

Georgie All Along by Kate Clayborn

Looking for Group and Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake by Alexis Hall

Battle Royal by Lucy Parker

Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev

D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins

Track Liberty down at a whole bunch of places: What’s My Page Again, the Book Riot New Books newsletter, the All the Books podcast, and/or on Instagram (@franzencomesalive). As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha cover some recent romancelandia news, look back on favorites of 2022, and look ahead to possible future favorites for 2023.

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

NEWS

Book club is back!!! We’re reading After Hours on Milagro Street by Angelina M. Lopez, and we’ll be talking about it in early March. 

Romance author Susan Meachen lied about her death in 2020 (CW for suicide) [Rolling Stone]

If you or someone you know needs to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the Unites States, you call dial 988. The website is here.

USA Today is no longer publishing a bestseller list [Publisher’s Weekly]

The Harper Collins strike continues – please support the workers however you can.

This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

BOOKS DISCUSSED

After Hours on Milagro Street by Angelina M. Lopez

Must Love Cowboys by Carly Bloom

Second Chance at Rancho Lindo by Sabrina Sol

You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi

Tanked by Mia Hopkins

Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake

Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola

Ship Wrecked by Olivia Dade

The House on Mulberry Street by Jeannie Chin (3/07)

Sorry, Bro by Taleen Voskuni (1/31)

The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest (2/28)

Codename Charming by Lucy Parker (8/15)

Hotel of Secrets by Diana Biller (3/28)

Diamond Ring by KD Casey (4/11)

Let us know what you’re excited to read in 2023! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha close out the year by recommending queer friends-to-lovers books, romances with a criminal element, and more in part two of our annual recommendation request episode.

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

NEWS

A reminder to learn more about the Harper Collins strike and support the workers however you can.

Gift Tailored Book Recommendations this holiday season!

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BOOKS DISCUSSED

For a complete list of books discussed in this episode, visit our website https://bookriot.com/listen/pine-pine-pine-pine-pine/.

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It’s that time again!! Jess and Trisha recommend steamy sci-fi, romance with characters over 40 (and sometimes 50!), and more in part one of our annual recommendation request episode.

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

NEWS

Please learn more about the Harper Collins strike and support the workers however you can.

We mentioned our episode from earlier this year that included some romances about older MCs, and you can check it out here.

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BOOKS DISCUSSED

Paris Daillencourt is About to Crumble by Alexis Hall

Silver Silence by Nalini Singh

Read Between the Lines by Rachel Lacey

Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade

Ghosting, a Love Story by Tash Skilton

Act Your Age Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert

The Jekh Saga by HE Trent starting with Erstwhile

Deal with the Devil (and many other books) by Kit Rocha

Monsters Love Curvy Girls series starting with His Human Nanny by Michele Mills

Asking for It by Lilah Pace

Better Off Red by Rebekah Weatherspoon

The Beards and Bondage series starting with Haven by Rebekah Weatherspoon

Syncopation and others by Anna Zabo

Flirting with 50 by Jane Porter

Wherever is Your Heart by Anita Kelly

Something About You by Reese Ryan

The Worst Guy by Kate Canterbury

Let us know if you have other recs for these requests…and you might still be able to sneak in a request of your own! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha start talking about 2022 recommendations, including No-Shirt November and their favorite backlist romance reads of 2022.

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News

Jess mentioned the Brown Book Series — check it out here!

Jess was at RRAW this year — maybe we’ll all join her next year??

Are you ready for Shop Your Shelves BINGO from Love in Panels? Of course you are.

Books Discussed

The Vibrant Years by Sonali Dev

Cupid Calling by Viano Oniomoh

Play it by Ear by Tara Frejas

The Men at Work series — including Her Naughty Holiday — by Tiffany Reisz

Harbor (or anything in the Beards and Bondage series, honestly) by Rebekah Weatherspoon

Thirsty (and similarly, anything in the Eastside Brewery series) by Mia Hopkins

Royally Screwed (and the rest of the Royally series) by Emma Chase

Whiteout by Adriana Anders

Battle Royal by Lucy Parker

Deal With the Demon by Chace Verity

You Had Me at Hola and A Lot Like Adiós by Alexis Daria

The Worst Guy by Kate Canterbury

If You Love Something by Jayce Ellis

Check, Please! By Ngozi Ukazu

The time has come — send us your recommendation requests for any gifting (or just for you)!! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Jenn discuss the increasing number of romances in best-of lists (even if they are coming way too early) and the massive phenomenon that is holiday romance.

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

Check out the giveaway to win a copy of Book Riot’s Reading the Stars with an Obvious State celestial print, notebook, and tote bundle.

This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

News

So many best of lists already!

Publishers Weekly Best Books 2022

NPR Books We Love

Barnes & Noble Best Romance of 2022

Books Discussed

What the Hex by Alexis Daria

Hiding in the Smoke by Ofelia Martinez

Partners in Crime by Alisha Rai

Drunk on Love by Jasmine Guillory

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

Heroine Complex by Sarah Kuhn

Mating the Huntress by Talia Hibbert

A Scatter of Light by Malinda Lo

Beach Read by Emily Henry

Bottle Rocket by Erin McLellan

Lighting the Flames by Sarah Wendell

The Matzah Ball by Jean Melzer

The Mistletoe Affair by Farrah Rochon (the Kwanzaa one!)

Holiday Temptation by Donna Hill etc (The Green Book)

Just One More by Jodie Slaughter

Candy Hearts by Erin McLellan

Party Favors by Erin McLellan

Stocking Stuffers by Erin McLellan

No, Thank You by Alexandra Warren

Thank You, Next by Nicole Falls

Thank Me Later by Christina C. Jones

A Match Made for Thanksgiving by Jackie Lau

A Second Chance Road Trip for Christmas by Jackie Lau

A Fake Girlfriend for Chinese New Year by Jackie Lau

A Big Surprise for Valentine’s Day by Jackie Lau

Wanting a Witch by Lauren Connolly

Trick by Shae Sanders

Treat by Shae Sanders

Pumpkin Pounder by Laura Lovely

Halloween Boo by Sarah Spade

The Rivals of Casper Road by Roan Parrish

Matzah Ball Surprise by Laura Brown

A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone

Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory

A Holly Jolly Diwali by Sonya Lalli

How to Excavate a Heart by Jake Maia Arlow

Season of Love by Helena Greer

You’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince by Timothy Janovsky

Amor Actually by Adriana Herrera, Alexis Daria, Diana Munoz Stewart, Zoey Castile, Mia Sosa, Priscilla Oliver’s, and Sabrina Sol

Grand Theft NYE by Katrina Jackson

…Sorry.

Let us know your thoughts about the excessive number (if there is such a thing) of holiday romances, very early best-of lists, and what you’re hoping to read by the end of the year!

As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find Jess and Jenn on Twitter (@jessisreading and @jennIRL), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @iamjennirl).

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Jess and special guest Vanessa Diaz talk about what they’re reading, discuss some upcoming Good News in romance and offer season-appropriate romance recs.

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

Check out the giveaway to win a copy of Book Riot’s Reading the Stars with an Obvious State celestial print, notebook, and tote bundle.

NEWS

Follow The Rom Con on instagram and check out the tiers of their crowdfunding campaign.

The Love Hypothesis has been optioned for film!

There’s been a male director announced for the People We Meet On Vacation adaptation.

Watch The Flatshare! In the UK or continental Europe 🙁

If you an author from a historically or systemically excluded group in the US or Canada, check out the Romance Includes You Mentorship program.

This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

BOOKS DISCUSSED

Her Majesty’s Royal Coven by Juno Dawson

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

A Thief in the Night by KJ Charles

The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

The Widow of Rose House by Diana Biller

What the Hex by Alexis Daria

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

I’ll Come Back For You by Charish Reid

How to Succeed in Witchcraft by Aislinn Brophy

The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

Let us know what season-appropriate books you’re reading, what you think about vampires, and if you’re excited for RomCon!

As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find Jess and Vanessa on Twitter (@jessisreading and @buenosdiazsd), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @buenosdiazsd).

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Jess and Trisha talk through some news and updates and then discuss Witchmark – including whether it can be classified as a romance.

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NEWS

As mentioned, this McSweeney’s post by Rachel Mans McKenny will brighten your day. 

Join Jess at the RRAW Experience later this month (or just read about it and be jealous)! 

BOOKS DISCUSSED

Partners in Crime by Alisha Rai

Wicked Beauty by Katee Robert

Witchmark by C.L. Polk

Let us know what your fantasy recs are and what you’re reading and thinking about! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha talk about unreasonable expectations of authors and then offer a few “if you like this, try that” romance recs.

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

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NEWS

Book club is back!! We’re reading Witchmark by CL Polk, so give it a read and send us your thoughts by Sept. 29.

A little extra background on the Katee Robert signature story can be found here, here, and here. 

BOOKS DISCUSSED

The Sweetest Remedy by Jane Igharo

The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker

The Dragon’s Bride by Katee Robert

The Stand-Up Groomsman by Jackie Lau (October 25, 2022)

If You Love Something by Jayce Ellis

A Virtuous Ruby and The Preacher’s Promise by Piper Hughley

Let us know what your “if you this try that” recs are! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha talk about baby epilogues and revisit a classic romance trope: fake dating stories.

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News

Book club is back!! We’re reading Witchmark by CL Polk, so give it a read and send us your thoughts by Sept. 29 (note the date change!).

Check out what you might have missed on Bookstore Romance Day.

Books Discussed

The Wedding Crasher by Mia Sosa

Ruby Fever by Ilona Andrews

The Out on the Ice series by Kelly Farmer

Jilted by Lilah Suzanne

How to Find a Princess by Alyssa Cole

Rent a Bae by Unoma Nwankwor

Luck of the Draw by Kate Clayborn 

To Catch a Raven by Beverly Jenkins

Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola

Let us know what you think of baby/child epilogues, and what you think of fake dating. As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha cover a grab bag of topics before talking about backlist romances they’re glad to have found this year.

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News

Book club is back!! We’re reading Witchmark by CL Polk, so give it a read and send us your thoughts by Sept. 15.

Here’s the link to the Apollycon statement we mentioned.

Get excited about the Black Romance Book Club (especially if you live in Canada)!

Books Discussed

The Hookup Plan by Farrah Rochon

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

Coffee Boy by Austin Chant

An Heiress’s Guide to Deception and Desire by Manda Collins

Wild Rain and Tempest by Beverly Jenkins

Hold Me by Courtney Milan

The Worst Guy by Kate Canterbary

Let us know what backlist books you’ve discovered so far this year, and what you think of Witchmark. As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha talk about Fire Island and the essence of a good retelling/adaptation, and offer up some recommendations for Disability Pride Month.

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

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NEWS

Book Riot is hiring!

Check out our Best Books of the Year So Far.

MidContinent Public Library’s RomanceGenreCon is back!

Watch Fire Island on Hulu!

Books Discussed

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall

Husband Material by Alexis Hall

Redeemed by Maggie Blackbird

Can’t Escape Love by Alyssa Cole

Kiss Hard by Nalini Singh

Only When It’s Us by Chloe Liese

Knot My Type and Love Flushed by Evie Mitchell

The Bride Test and The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

Tell us what you liked about Fire Island and send us your recs for disabled protagonists! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha talk about the appeal (or not) of the enemies to lovers trope and then offer some picks for their best romances of 2022 so far.

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

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NEWS

Book Riot is hiring!

BOOKS DISCUSSED

Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola

Knot Again by Kwana Jackson (Coming July 26, 2022)

A Heart of Blood and Ashes by Milla Vane

D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins

Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake

A Brush With Love by Mazey Eddings

Tanked by Mia Hopkins

A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall

We got to some of your picks for favorite reads of 2022, but not all of them, so keep sharing your faves – front AND back list! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Book club is back as Jess and Trisha discuss The Beast by Katee Robert and then dive into the distinctions between steamy romance, erotic romance, and erotica. 

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News

Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston has some updates.

Here’s the discussion Jess mentioned between Katee Robert and Beverly Jenkins [insert heart eyes here!]

Books Discussed

The Beast by Katee Robert

Looking by Katrina Jackson 

American Royalty by Tracey Livesay

Indigo by Beverly Jenkins

A Lot Like Adios by Alexis Daria

The Eastside Brewery series (first book is Thirsty) by Mia Hopkins

Spoiler Alert and All the Feels by Olivia Dade

Syncopation by Anna Zabo

A Gentleman in the Streets by Alisha Rai (AOC)

The Rose by Tiffany Reisz

Harbor by Rebekah Weatherspoon

The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty by Anne Rice, writing as A.N. Roquelaure

Tell us what you thought of The Beast, your thoughts on erotic romance and erotica, and anything else you’re thinking or reading about. As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha do a few updates, dive into a recent film that lives in the romance world (in more ways than one), and talk about some of the books they’re excited about for the rest of 2022.

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

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News

Don’t forget! Read The Beast by Katee Robert to join in the WIR Book Club fun, and send us your thoughts by June 23.

The Lost City is waiting for you. 

Here’s the Book Riot post by Annika Barranti Klein about fat representation on romance covers.

Books Discussed

You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi

Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Husband Material by Alexis Hall (Coming August 2, 2022)

The Stand-Up Groomsman by Jackie Lau (Coming October 25, 2022) 

The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen (Coming August 23, 2022)

A Ghost in Shining Armor by Therese Beharrie (Coming September 27, 2022) 

Partners In Crime by Alisha Rai (Coming October 18, 2022)

Lizzie Blake’s Best Mistake by Mazie Eddings (Coming September 6, 2022)

Tell us what you thought of The Lost City, what romances you’re excited about in the coming year, and let us know what else you’re reading and thinking about. As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha talk about weddings in romance: why there are so many, their ties to different tropes, why all the weddings can be a problem, and some recommendations that include weddings in one way or another.

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

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News

Read The Beast by Katee Robert to join in the WIR Book Club fun, and send us your thoughts by June 23.

Books Discussed

Mechanics of Love by Meka James

The Emma Project by Sonali Dev

American Sweethearts by Adriana Herrera

The Billionaire’s Last Minute Marriage by Amanda Cinelli 

Running Away With the Bride by Sophia Singh Sasson

Not Another Family Wedding Jackie Lau

The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare 

D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins

Tell us what you think about weddings in romance and let us know what else you’re reading and thinking about. As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha talk about their current reads, romance novel cover history, and backlist books to add to – or move up on – your TBR.

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News

Read The Beast by Katee Robert to join in the WIR Book Club fun, and send us your thoughts by June 23.

“The Steamy, Throbbing History of Romance Novel Covers” by Kelly Faircloth [Jezebel]

“Hey Right Quick: Fabio Was on Just a Minority of Romance Covers” by Kelly Faircloth [Jezebel]

“The Origin of Romance Novel Clinch Covers” by Jessica Avery [Book Riot]

“How Are Romance Novel Covers Made?” by Sarah Nicolas [Book Riot]

Books Discussed

Kiss Hard by Nalini Singh (May 3, 2022)

Tanked by Mia Hopkins

Read Between the Lines by Rachel Lacey

A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Mayhem by Manda Collins

Waiting for the Flood by Alexis Hall

First Comes Like by Alisha Rai

All the Feels by Olivia Dade

A Duke, the Lady, and a Baby by Vanessa Riley

Tell us what backlist books you’d recommend, and let us know what else you’re reading and thinking about. As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha share some listener recommendations and other updates, announce a new book club book, and talk about authors who are new to them. 

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News

It’s time again for book club!! Read The Beast by Katee Robert to join in the fun, and send us your thoughts by June 23.

Books Discussed

The Viscount Made Me Do It by Diana Quincy

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey

Love Him Free by EM Lindsey

I’m So (Not) Over You by Kosoko Jackson

Tell us about your favorite “new to you” authors, and let us know what else you’re reading and thinking about. As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess is joined by special guest Liberty Hardy, Book Riot’s resident velocireader. Important questions are asked and answered, and they wander into the world of monster romance.

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

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Books Discussed

Thirsty, Trashed, and Tanked by Mia Hopkins

Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake

Deceived by the Gargoyle by Lillian Lark

Morning Glory Milking Farm by CM Nascosta

That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon and Mistlefoe by Kimberly Lemming

The Dragon’s Bride by Katee Robert

Sing Me to Sleep by RM Virtues

Thanks to Liberty Hardy for joining as a special guest! Listen to her on All The Books and All The Backlist podcasts, read her posts on Book Riot proper and the New Books newsletter, and find her on Instagram @franzencomesalive. Send us your favorite monster romances, and let us know what else you’re reading and thinking about. As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha talk about recent romance (bad) news stories and recommend romances with main characters above the age of 40. 

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News

Please keep in mind that many of this week’s news stories contain topics that could be triggering for listeners/readers.

A TikTok explaining the Eros and Dana Isaly story

An article by Alyssa Shotwell [The Mary Sue] about the reactions to ableism in the summary of Cora Reilly’s A Touch of Fate

A Twitter thread with some information on the backlash and harassment related to Jennifer L. Armentrout’s new book

Per another article by Alyssa Shotwell [The Mary Sue], somehow there are still romances about Nazis being sold…

…And we’re also still dealing with books about enslavers. 

But!! In happier news!! Margo Hendricks’ Masterclass on Indigo by Beverly Jenkins is available online for anyone to enjoy!

And here are a couple of Book Riot lists about romances with older main characters from Jess and our friend Annika.

Books Discussed

At Your Service by Sandra Antonelli

If You Love Something by Jayce Ellis

Something About You by Reese Ryan

The Wedding Bait by Adele Buck 

Autumn by Cole McCade

Second Wind by Ceillie Simkiss

Mrs. Martin’s Incomparable Adventure by Courtney Milan

Send us your favorite romances feature older (or even just “older”) couples, and let us know what else you’re reading and thinking about. As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha dive into Written in the Stars for WIR book club and then talk through some of the other romance retellings they love.

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News

We don’t deserve Dulcé Sloan.

Jess and Jenn talked about Jane Austen adaptations way back in 2020.

If you want to find out a little more about your star chart, check out Café Astrology.

Books Discussed

Written in the Stars and Count Your Lucky Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur

Never Look Back by Lilliam Rivera

Where the Rhythm Takes You by Sarah Dass

A Thorn in the Saddle by Rebekah Weatherspoon

Dating Dr. Dil by Nisha Sharma

If I Loved You Less by Tamsen Parker

Send us your thoughts on Written in the Stars and all of your other favorite romance retellings. As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha celebrate episode 100 with a new quiz, look back (and forward!) at changes in the romance world, and share recommendations that come from WIR listeners.

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News

Don’t forget to check out our new line of bookish, Wordle-inspired merch! 

Don’t forget – the first WIR Book Club book of 2022 is Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur. We’ll be discussing on our March 7 episode, so send your thoughts/feelings by March 3!

Books Discussed

Rafe by Rebekah Weatherspoon

Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin 

The Widow of Rose House by Diana Biller

A Cowboy to Remember by Rebekah Weatherspoon

Get A Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

Theirs for the Night by Katee Robert

Wolfsong by TJ Klune

Whiteout by Adriana Anders

Office Hours by Katrina Jackson

Thirsty by Mia Hopkins

Wrong Number, Right Woman (and other books!) by Jae

Payback’s A Witch by Lana Harper

Hana Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin

Thanks for hanging with us for 100 episodes! Send us your thoughts on Written in the Stars – and whatever else you’re reading. As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Jess and Trisha have some exciting news about episode 100(!), talk about the pros and cons of Twitter discussions, and recommend books that sat on the TBR for far too long.

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News

We want YOU to be a part of our 100th episode! Tell us about a book you love that we talked about at some point on the show. You can either send us a note OR send us a voice memo (30 seconds or less!) to [email protected]. Send them in by February 15!

Don’t forget – the first WIR Book Club book of 2022 is Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur. We’ll be discussing on our March 7 episode, so send your thoughts/feelings by March 3!

Time to vote in the finals of the Swoon Awards.  

Since you obviously like romance podcasts, check out Love Struck Daily.

Here’s a link to Jack Harbon’s tweet, and one to Jack Edwards’s tweet as well.

Books Discussed

Wherever You Are by Elle Wright 

The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren

If She Says Yes by Tasha L. Harrison

Beginner’s Luck by Kate Clayborn

Check, Please by Ngozi Ukazu

Something Like Love by Christina C. Jones (not to be confused with Something Like Love by Beverly Jenkins)

Send us your favorite romances that we’ve talked about over the last 99 episodes, and let us know what you’re glad you finally got to on your TBR! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Jess and Trisha discuss romance news updates, offer recs for the 2022 Read Harder Challenge, and chat about sports romance and what makes it unique.

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News

Big announcement alert!! The first WIR Book Club book of 2022 is Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur! We’ll be discussing on our March 7 episode, so send your thoughts/feelings by March 3!

You can vote now in the Swoon Awards – semi-final voting ends Jan 28.  

Harlequin Plus is has arrived – is it for you?

Books Discussed

Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur

Syncopation by Anna Zabo

Say Jesus and Come to Me by Ann Allen Shockley

So Sweet by Rebekah Weatherspoon

Slippery Creatures by K.J. Charles

Unexpected Goals by Kelly Farmer

Aiming High by Tanya Chris

His Convenient Husband by Robin Covington

Unwritten Rules by KD Casey

Love Hard by Nalini Singh

Shots Not Taken by Nicole Falls

Let us know what romances you’re reading for reading challenges this year, and send us your favorite sports romances as well. As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha share some follow-up from the recommendation request episodes, talk New Year’s resolutions, and get excited about the next six months in romance reading.

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News

All Book Riot all the time this week! Here’s reading log Trisha found in a BR newsletter; here’s the link to the Read Harder Challenge (and the accompanying newsletter), and here’s the Book Riot Insider’s link – try it out and hear Jess on the Read Harder podcast!

Books Discussed

Red Dot by Mike Karpa

The Lights on Knockbridge Lane by Roan Parrish

The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer

Love & Other Disasters by Anita Kelly (Jan 18, 2022)

D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins (Jan 25, 2022)

Never Cross a Highlander by Lisa Reyne (May 24, 2022)

The Emma Project by Sonali Dev (May 17, 2022)

You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi (May 24, 2022)

Black Love Matters by Jessica P. Pryde (Editor) (Feb 1, 2022)

Let us know if you have any thoughts on 2022’s WIR book club – or on 2022’s books in general! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha share some listener feedback, discuss Rose Lerner’s Sweet Disorder, and look back (and a little bit ahead) at 2021 romance.

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News

The best “Best of” booklist of the year (in our humble opinion) is now live!

Books Discussed

The Legend of All Wolves series by Maria Vale (first book is The Last Wolf)

Sweet Disorder by Rose Lerner

To Be Alone With You by Jodie Slaughter 

The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes by Xio Axelrod

All The Feels by Olivia Dade

Amor, Actually by Adriana Herrera, Alexis Daria, Diana Muñoz Stewart, Mia Sosa, Priscilla Oliveras, Sabrina Sol, and Zoey Castile

The Lights on Knockbridge Lane by Roan Parrish

Thanks for listening in 2021! We’ll be back in January, but feel free to stay in touch while we’re away! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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It’s our 2021 recommendation request show (part 2)! Jess and Trisha recommend books for readers looking for romance without sex on the page, progressive historical romance, and more!

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News

Read Sweet Disorder by Rose Lerner with us, and send us your thoughts by December 9!!

We spoke too soon about KissCon – it’s back (kinda)!

Some of the listeners looking for requests might find this 2019 episode helpful.

And with all of the caveats in WIR Episode 89, some of you might also appreciate the “Does It Bang?” social media accounts.

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Books Discussed

Whiteout by Adriana Anders 

Open House by Ruby Lang 

The Bride Test by Helen Hoang

His Convenient Husband by Robin Covington

Witch Please by Ann Aguirre

The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling

Payback’s a Witch by Lana Harper

Not the Witch You Wed by April Asher (coming Feb 2022)

A Taste of Her Own Medicine by Tasha L. Harrison

The Hidden Legacy Series, starting with Burn For Me, by Ilona Andrews 

The Craft of Love by EE Ottoman 

Think of England by K.J. Charles

Patience & Esther by SW Searle

Evie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes

Perfect Rhythm by Jae

The Matched to Perfection series, starting with His Perfect Partner, by Priscilla Oliveras 

Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle

Spellbound by Allie Therin

A Duke in Disguise by Cat Sebastian

Let Us Dream and Let It Shine by Alyssa Cole

The Devil Comes Courting and The Brothers Sinister series, starting with The Duchess War, by Courtney Milan

Strange Love by Ann Aguirre

Pas De Deux by Lynn Turner

The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun

Kick Off Your Sunday Shoes by leiascully (via Archive of Our Own)

The Twisted Hearts Series, starting with Theirs for the Night, by Katee Robert

Harbor by Rebekah Weatherspoon

The Plot Twist series, starting with Writing Her In, by Holley Trent

Neighborly by Katrina Jackson

Behind these Doors by Jude Lucens

If I Loved You Less by Tamsen Parker

The Preacher’s Promise and Sweet Tea by Piper Huguley

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood 

How to Be a Movie Star by TJ Klune

Lean on Me by Pat Simmons

Incense and Sensibility by Sonali Dev

Ayesha At Last and Hana Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin

Wild Rain by Beverly Jenkins

The Hidden Blade and My Beautiful Enemy by Sherry Thomas

Milla Vane’s fantasy series starting with A Heart of Blood and Ashes

Morning Glory Milking Farm by C.M. Nascosta

The Fastest Way to Fall by Denise Williams

Spoiler Alert and All the Feels by Olivia Dade

If the Boot Fits by Rebekah Weatherspoon 

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall

The Christmas Escape by Sarah Morgan

Holly Jolly Diwali by Sonya Lalli

Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory

A Princess for Christmas by Jenny Holiday

Let us know what you’re reading and thinking about (and thinking about what you’re reading!) As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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It’s our 2021 recommendation request show (part 1)! Jess and Trisha recommend books for readers looking for pining, queer paranormal romance, vampires, and more!

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News

Read Sweet Disorder by Rose Lerner with us, and send us your thoughts by December 9!!

Books Discussed

Scandalous Passions and Wicked Passions by Nicola Davidson 

Highland Dragon Warrior by Isabel Cooper 

Agnes Moor’s Wild Knight by Alyssa Cole

Butterfly Swords by Jeannie Lin

A Summer for Scandal by Lydia San Andres

Serving Sin by Angelina M. Lopez 

The Brightest Star in Paris by Diana Biller

Role Model by Rachel Reid

Waiting for the Flood by Alexis Hall 

The Devil Comes Courting by Courtney Milan

How to Find a Princess by Alyssa Cole 

The library of Kit Rocha (for a specific title, take a peek at Deal with the Devil)

GL Carriger’s San Andreas Shifters series starting with The Sumage Solution 

Holley Trent’s Noreston Wolves series starting with Beast and Masters of Maria series starting with The Demigod’s Legacy

Wanting A Witch by Lauren Connolly

Human Enough by ES Yu 

Good Enough to Eat by Alison Grey and Jae

Soulless by Gail Carriger

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

Romancing the Duke and The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare

The Duke Who Didn’t by Courtney Milan

The Infamous Miss Rodriguez by Lydia San Andres 

The Companion by EE Ottoman

Two Rogues Make a Right by Cat Sebastian

The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite

Let us know what you’re reading and thinking about (and thinking about what you’re reading!) As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha discuss the present and future of romance conventions, and then talk about some romances that probably shouldn’t have worked for them…but did.

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News

Send us your recommendation requests – we’re recording on Nov 11, so send them ASAP!

Check out Book Riot’s new podcast: Adaptation Nation, all about TV and film adaptations of your favorite books. You can subscribe now – this very moment! – on your favorite podcatcher.

You can find all the info on the Romance for Roe anthology here.

Read Sweet Disorder by Rose Lerner with us, and send us your thoughts by December 9!

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Books Discussed

Payback’s a Witch by Lana Harper

Wild Rain by Beverly Jenkins

Saint by Sierra Simone 

Just Like This by Cole McCade

The Wolf of Wall Street by Lucy Eden

The Dating Playbook by Farrah Rochon

Let us know what you’re reading and thinking about (and thinking about what you’re reading!) As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha have some updates – including a new book club book! – and spend some time talking about how they find new books and what they think about when they recommend them.

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News

Get your Book Riot merchandise – this month only!

As Jess mentioned, our friends at Smart Bitches, Trashy Books do some great work tagging the themes and subgenres in romance books.

Read Sweet Disorder by Rose Lerner with us, and send us your thoughts by December 9!!

‘Tis the season for recommendation requests – send those our way too!

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Books Discussed

Knot My Type by Evie Mitchell

Battle Royal by Lucy Parker

The Brightest Star in Paris by Diana Biller

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood, 

Seducing His Secret Wife by Robin Covington

Sing Anyway and Our Favorite Songs by Anita Kelly 

That Could Be Enough by Alyssa Cole

The Duke Who Didn’t and Mrs. Martin’s Incomparable Adventure by Courtney Milan

Send us your Swiss army recs, and let us know what you’re reading and thinking about (and thinking about what you’re reading!) As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha revisit goals from the last episode and the WIR survey from this summer, discuss sexiness and academia in Office Hours, and have some fall romance recs that are more dark and stormy than pumpkin spice-y.

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News

Read about the results of the WIR listener survey – and thanks to everyone who completed it! 

Books Discussed

Office Hours by Katrina Jackson

The Widow of Rose House by Diana Biller (because Trisha can’t help herself)

The Tenant by Katrina Jackson

Her Other Secret by HelenKay Dimon

A Lady of Rooksgrave Manor by Kathryn Moon

Briarley by Aster Glenn Gray

Big Bad Wolf by Suleikha Snyder

The Wife in the Attic by Rose Lerner

Let us know what you think about this week’s conversations and anything you’re reading and thinking about (and thinking about what you’re reading!) As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha talk about a publisher taking advantage of an author’s idea, explain what on earth is happening with a certain ice planet (and the barbarians who reside there), and have some plans to read what they’ve got. 

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News

Hear directly from R.M. Virtues about the Violet Gaze monster anthology mess, and if you’re interested, you can read the Violet Gaze apology as well.

Here’s a good rundown of the Ice Planet Barbarians – and larger Booktok – story. [CNN]

And ICYMI is a great internet culture podcast that also had a take on this story.

This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Books Discussed

Office Hours by Katrina Jackson (Read along with us for WIR Book Club!)

Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon

Battle Royal by Lucy Parker

Capturing the Silken Thief by Jeannie Lin

That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon by Kimberly Lemming

What We May Be by Layla Rayne

A Lot Like Adios by Alexis Daria

The Ones Who Got Away by Roni Loren

Let us know what you think about this week’s conversations and anything you’re reading (hopefully Office Hours!) and thinking about (and thinking about what you’re reading!) As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha have a few updates and then discuss how to talk about sexual content in romance before recommending romances with teachers and school settings. 

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To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

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News

Aug 21 was Bookstore Romance Day! Find the events and participating bookstores online.

Learn a little more about the Romance for Haiti and Rom for Afghan Woman auctions – and then bid if you can.

Here’s where you can find out if it “bangs”, and here’s an episode in which we talked about romance without explicit sexual content. 

And it’s time to start planning for the next WIR Book Club! We’ll be talking about Office Hours by Katrina Jackson on our October 4 episode (recording Sept 30). 

Books Discussed

Then There Was You by Mona Shroff

Between the Sheets by Molly O’Keefe

Grumpy Jake by Melissa Blue

Sing Anyway by Anita Kelly

A Taste of Her Own Medicine by Tasha L. Harrison

The Professor Next Door by Jackie Lau

Just Like This by Cole McCade

Getting Schooled by Christina C. Jones

Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

Touch Me by Alexandria House 

Teach Me by Olivia Dade

Let us know what you think about this week’s conversations and whatever else you’re reading and thinking about (and thinking about what you’re reading!) As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Jess and Trisha discuss why some corners of the romance book world have seen progress regarding inclusion and others have very much not, talk about a recent review and how we think about trauma in romance, and recommend (and re-recommend) romances that involve trauma, grief, and other often difficult human experiences. 

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News

Here’s a rundown from Book Riot’s Sarah Nicolas on the RWA/Vivian award terribleness. 

The most recent statement from RWA about it is here. 

The review of The Heart Principle that we discussed can be found on the Kirkus site.

Books Discussed

The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang

Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev

The Seducing the Sedgwicks series by Cat Sebastian

The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai

Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale

Seven Days in June by Tia Williams

Anything by Roan Parrish (Seriously, anything. Riven. In the Middle of Somewhere. Best Laid Plans. Or whatever else.) 

Let us know what you think about this week’s conversations and whatever else you’re reading and thinking about (and thinking about what you’re reading!) As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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It’s WIR Book Club time again! Jess and Trisha discuss Wrong Number, Right Woman by Jae and then talk about their most anticipated romances for the rest of 2021. 

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Books Discussed

Wrong Number, Right Woman and Under a Falling Star by Jae

Donut Fall In Love by Jackie Lau

A Thorn in the Saddle by Rebekah Weatherspoon

The Love Con by Seressia Glass

The Cowboy’s Unexpected Family by Molly O’Keefe

Never Cross a Highlander by Lisa Rayne

The Lights on Knockbridge Lane by Roan Parrish

For the Love of April French by Penny Aimes

All The Feels by Olivia Dade

The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang

Role Model by Rachel Reid

A Lot Like Adios by Alexis Daria

The Brightest Star In Paris by Diana Biller

Breaking Badger by Shelly Laurenston

The Groom, The Maid of Honor, and the Runaway Bride by Katee Robert

The Devil You Know by Kit Rocha

Well Matched by Jen DeLuca

Let us know what you thought of Wrong Number, Right Woman and what books you’re excited about for the rest of 2021. As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Jess and Trisha share feedback from their listener survey and recommend some backlist titles in case you’re having trouble getting your hands on new releases. 

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News 

We’re discussing Wrong Number, Right Woman by Jae on July 22 for our episode coming out July 26 – read with us!

You can still take our survey! And please do!

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Books Discussed

Human Enough by ES Yu

Real Men Knit by Kwana Jackson

You Had Me At Hola by Alexis Daria 

Whiteout by Adriana Anders

Inheritance by Katrina Jackson

Thanks to everyone who took the WIR survey! We’re leaving it up for another week or so, so feel free to let us know how your reading is going if you haven’t already. As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha talk about how their reading habits have changed and ask for listener input before discussing their favorite romances of 2021 so far. 

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News 

We’re discussing Wrong Number, Right Woman by Jae on July 22 for our episode coming out July 26 – read with us!

Jess mentioned the Book Riot reading log, so here you go if you wanna check it out.

We want to know how your reading is going, so take our survey!

Books Discussed

Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert

Wild Rain by Beverly Jenkins

The Devil Comes Courting by Courtney Milan

Best Laid Plans by Roan Parrish

Make It Sweet by Kristen Callihan

The Girl With Stars in Her Eyes by Xio Axelrod

Please take our survey! And let us know what your favorite romance of 2021 is so far – you can even do it in the survey! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha dive into the world of romance between women, discussing the current publishing landscape and recommending some titles you should check out.

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News 

The podcast 99% Invisible has a new episode about romance novels and their covers!

Looking for just a bit more clinch cover coverage in your life?

One of our faves is getting a special anniversary re-release, and we are decidedly on board.

Books Discussed

Indigo by Beverly Jenkins

Once Ghosted, Twice Shy by Alyssa Cole

Mrs. Martin’s Incomparable Adventure by Courtney Milan

Satisfaction Guaranteed by Karelia Stetz-Waters

Knit, Purl, a Baby and a Girl by Hettie Bell

Prize Money by Celeste Castro

Small Town Secrets by Katrina Jackson

Femme Like Her by Fiona Zedde

Wrong Number, Right Woman by Jae (Our next book club pick!!)

Send us your favorite romances between (and among) women! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Trisha is joined by very special guest Jenn Northington to discuss Beverly Jenkins’s Vivid and to offer some SFF (and P) romance recs. 

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News 

Listen to Jenn discuss all kinds of other bookish things on Get Booked and SFF Yeah!

If you are also a “cook or bake as you read” person, here’s the recipe Jenn used for what we’re now calling Miss Abigail bread. (It calls for a cast-iron skillet but you can use any oven-safe pan or cake tin of that approximate size.)

AND Jenn was kind enough to also share her (soon to be famous, probably) jam recipe with all of us: 2 cups blueberries; 1 tbs white sugar; ½ tbs lemon juice; a pinch of cinnamon (optional). Mix blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a saucepan; cook, stirring regularly, over medium heat until thickened, about 30 minutes. It will gel a little more as it cools; an easy way to know if it’s “done” is if you can draw a spoon through it along the bottom of the pan and it takes a second for the pan bottom to be covered up again. (TB note: this recipe apparently does not call for a dutch oven or a double boiler – I checked.)

Books Discussed

Vivid, Wild Rain, and Bring on the Blessings by Beverly Jenkins

The Books of Ambha series by Tasha Suri

In Deeper Waters by FT Lukens

The Heroine Complex series by Sarah Kuhn

Briarley by Aster Glenn Gray

Touched By An Alien by Gini Koch

The Off the Grid series by Alyssa Cole (First book is Radio Silence)

The Heart is a Universe by Sherry Thomas

Sword Stone Table: Old Legends, New Voices edited by Swapna Krishna and Jenn Northington (Out July 14)

Send us your favorite SFF(P) books AND your favorite bookish recipes! You can find Jenn on Twitter and Tumblr (@jennIRL) and on Instagram (@iamjennirl). And as always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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After some kitchen appliance romance-related follow-up, Jess and Trisha return to the topic of romance covers and recommend some options for your #SpringIntoLoveBingo reading.

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News

Use #SpringIntoLoveBingo and #RomBkLove on Twitter as ways to find your next spring read!

Don’t forget to send any questions or thoughts about Vivid by May 13 for our book club episode (which will drop Monday, May 17).

This post contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Book Riot may earn a commission.

Books Discussed

Vivid by Beverly Jenkins

The Lady’s Champion by Marie Lipscomb 

Touch Me by Alexandria House 

The Kindred Spirits Supper Club by Amy E. Reichert

Bear’s Gold by Yvette Hines

In the Middle of Somewhere by Roan Parrish

The Hate Project by Kris Ripper (Quick note on this one: Jess mentioned that a character in this book was deceased, but that relative is actually in care.)

Send us your thoughts on Vivid and whatever else you’re reading this spring! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha share listener recs, reveal the May WIR Book Club pick, talk about the Vivians and romance awards generally, and discuss and recommend slow burn romances.

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News 

We’re discussing Vivid by Beverly Jenkins on our episode that comes out May 17! Feel free to send us all of your thoughts and feelings before we record that episode on May 13. 

The Vivian finalists have been announced.

If you don’t remember how the Vivian Awards came to be, let Jess remind you.  

For comparison, check out the Swoon Awards, the Ripped Bodice Awards, and the ReadRChat awards.

Books Discussed

Sweet Disorder by Rose Lerner

Wrong Number, Right Woman by Jae

Office Hours by Katrina Jackson

If the Boot Fits by Rebekah Weatherspoon

Yes & I Love You by Roni Loren

Craving Flight by Tamsen Parker

The Preacher’s Promise by Piper Hughley

Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle

Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn

Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert

Well Met by Jen DeLuca

Signal Boost by Alyssa Cole

His Perfect Partner by Priscilla Oliveras

Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid

Send us your thoughts on slow burn romances…and any insight you have on what a toaster oven romance is. As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha talk about the next round of the WIR book club and discuss and recommend romances featuring married couples.

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News 

The WIR book club is back! Send your votes to [email protected]! (Options are below)  

Books Discussed

Sweet Disorder by Rose Lerner (Book club option!)

Wrong Number, Right Woman by Jae (Book club option!)

Vivid by Beverly Jenkins (Book club option!)

Office Hours by Katrina Jackson (Book club option!)

The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

Maybe Next Time by Christina C. Jones

Rend by Roan Parrish

A Bollywood Affair by Sonali Dev

The Captain’s Midwinter Bride by Liana de la Rosa

Send us your book club votes! And your favorite adventure romances! And your favorite married couple romances! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha dive into romance films, discussing the way non-romance readers view adaptations, debating whether certain films marketed as romance actually fit the definition, and offering a few recommendations.

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News

Thanks to all of you who reminded us of the excellent work Lee and Low Books has done with their Diversity Baseline Survey.

We also talked a bit about Nick and Ari’s full critique of the Ribbed Bodice Diversity in Romance report.

Please enjoy this delightful news about the adaptation of Rebekah Weatherspoon’s Cowboys of California trilogy [The Hollywood Reporter by Lexy Perez] 

Films Discussed

Happiest Season

The Mummy

The Big Sick

Crazy Rich Asians

The Lovebirds

The Wedding Plan

Tangled

Juanita

Deliver Us from Eva

Share your thoughts on all things romance film – including what films you play “is it a romance?” with! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha discuss three news stories related to inclusion, exclusion, and diversity in romance. Then they talk about books they’ve been reading (and how one of those books is like a cancelled TV political drama).

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News 

Here’s the (current version of the) Sourcebooks/E L James press release. 

Meryl Wilsner’s twitter thread about their experience being disinvited from a library event is here.

The most recent Ripped Bodice “State of Racial Diversity in Romance Publishing” is out as well, though some on Twitter raised concerns. 

And if you need additional information about Designated Survivor, I don’t blame you and have you covered. 

This post contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Book Riot may earn a commission.

Books Discussed

Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsner

Touch Me by Alexandria House

The Home I Find With You by Skye Kilaen

A Lady’s Formula for Love by Elizabeth Everett

If The Boot Fits by Rebekah Weatherspoon

Let us know what romance topics you’re thinking about and what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha discuss some non-terrible Valentine’s week romance coverage, talk about the way romance represents the experience of being Black in history…and Trisha has a confession to make.

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This post contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Book Riot may earn a commission.

News

As discussed, our fellow Rioters Silvana and Carole are just the best. 

Please enjoy the romance coverage from NPR via podcast and this interview Beverly Jenkins did with Karen Grigsby Bates.

Also the New York Times has come a long way, y’all. [NYT]

There WAS in fact a Reading Pathways piece on Book Riot about Beverly Jenkins! And it was written by yet another of the actual best, Amanda Diehl [insert heart eyes emoji].

This is your regular reminder (from Trisha) to read this Book Riot piece about Bridgerton (by Jess).

Post show note: Okay, we were wrong, and Black Panther came out in 2018. Time is complicated!

Books Discussed

Indigo, Forbidden, and basically everything else by Beverly Jenkins

That Could Be Enough and Agnes Moor’s Wild Knight by Alyssa Cole

Confessions in B Flat by Donna Hill

The Preacher’s Promise by Piper Hughley

A Duke, the Lady, and a Baby by Vanessa Riley

The Duke Who Didn’t by Courtney Milan

Rafe and Xeni by Rebekah Weatherspoon

Two Rogues Make a Right by Cat Sebastian

Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn

Please send Trisha your favorite romances that aren’t especially plot-driven (she clearly needs the help). As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha discuss Nora Roberts’s lack of time for nonsense, authors behaving badly, and the unique world of category romance – along with a few recs, of course.

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This post contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Book Riot may earn a commission.

News

Nora Roberts doesn’t care what you think [Entertainment Weekly]

Here’s a way not to write outside of your own experience. 

In case you’re curious, here a bit more info about category romance…and here’s a little more info about Pregnesia.

Books Discussed

Seducing His Secret Wife by Robin Covington

Bane by Brenda Jackson

The Flapper’s Fake Fiancé by Lauri Robinson

Pregnesia by Carla Cassidy

Let us know if YOU have favorite category romance – and keep sharing your romance reading origin stories! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha do a bit of Bridgerton follow-up, celebrate a When In Romance anniversary, and discuss romances by debut authors they’re watching for.

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News

Read Jess’s excellent piece about the Bridgerton adaptation casting decisions and trauma centered on Black characters.

We talked about WIR Ep #22, featuring special guest Rebekah Weatherspoon.

And Trisha stands by her Carrie Underwood reference.

Books Discussed

For the Love of April French by Penny Aimes

Happy Endings by Thien-Kim Lam

A Lady’s Formula for Love by Elizabeth Everett

Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers

Love in Color: Mythical Tales From Around the World, Retold by Bobu Babalola

Sweethand by N.G. Peltier

Let us know what your favorite WIR moments have been, share your romance origin stories, and tell us what romance titles you’re excited about in 2021. As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha celebrate a new year, discuss Netflix adaptation Bridgerton, and talk about the books they’re ready for – and hoping for – in 2021.

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News

You can watch Bridgerton (or not) on Netflix.

Books Discussed

The Duke and I by Julia Quinn

Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert (Out March 9, 2021)

Incense and Sensibility by Sonali Dev (Out July 6, 2021)

How To Find A Princess by Alyssa Cole (Out May 25, 2021)

Cinnamon Roll and Weave the Dark, Weave the Light by Anna Zabo

Loose Ends Series by Rebekah Weatherspoon

The Bride Bet by Tessa Dare

The Devil Comes Courting by Courtney Milan (Out February 9, 2021)

Let us know what you thought of Bridgerton and what you’re excited to read in 2021. As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha discuss news they’ve missed in recent weeks, give some “best of” list updates, and recommend a few of their favorite romances from 2020.

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News

Romancing the Runoff raised a bonkers amount of money. [Per EW, with a longer piece on this and similar efforts on Jezebel]

Courtney Milan made the NYT notable fiction list with an independently published book because she is an unstoppable badass. [NYT]

Since we talked about the Goodreads Readers Choice awards, here’s what happened there.

Vote in the ReadRChat awards!

And ICYMI, here’s the Book Riot Best of 2020 list.

This KFC thing is happening for some reason…? [Washington Post]

Books Discussed

Deal with the Devil by Kit Rocha

Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev

The Duke Who Didn’t by Courtney Milan

Two Rogues Make a Right by Cat Sebastian

Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade

Thanks to everyone who rode the 2020 roller coaster with us! Let us know what your favorite books have been, and always feel free to send us your thoughts and questions. As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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It’s recommendation request time – part 2! Jess and Trisha offer recs to readers looking for comedic romance, underrepresented authors, cruelty-free paranormal romance, and more.

Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

Books Discussed

Polaris Rising by Jesse Mihalik

The Blacksmith Queen by G.A. Aiken

Highland Dragon Warrior by Isabel Cooper

The Rebel Wears Plaid by Eliza Knight

Agnes Moor’s Wild Knight by Alyssa Cole

The Winter Sea and The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley

Being Hospitable by Meka James

Heartbeat Braves by Pamela Sanderson

Taking on the Billionaire by Robin Covington

Second Chance on Cypress Lane by Reese Ryan

The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

The Love Study by Kris Ripper

Between a Rock and a Hot Mess by Phyllis Bourne

The Duke Who Didn’t by Courtney Milan

Truth or Beard by Penny Reid

Ghosting by Tash Skilton

Mangoes and Mistletoe by Adriana Herrera

Stripped by Zoey Castile

The Baldwin Village and Holidays with the Wongs series by Jackie Lau

The Sumage Solution by G.L. Carriger

Deal with the Devil by Kit Rocha

The Last Wolf by Maria Vale

Hot and Badgered by Shelly Laurenston

The Demigod’s Legacy and Prince in Leather by Holley Trent

Comedic Romances Discussed This Year

Get a Life, Chloe Brown and Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

The Roommate by Rosie Danan

You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria

The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

Meet Cute Club by Jack Harbon

Conventionally Yours by Annabeth Albert

Do You Want To Start a Scandal? by Tess Dare

Fumbled by Alexa Martin

Thanks to everyone who wrote in with recommendation requests, and always feel free to send us your thoughts and questions! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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It’s recommendation request time!! Jess and Trisha offer recs to readers looking for soapy drama, storylines related to social justice, SFF without the alpha males, funny and quirky narrators, and more. 

This episode is sponsored by TBR, Book Riot’s subscription service offering reading recommendations personalized to your reading life; First We Were IV by Alexandra Sirowy (KidsBuzz); and Just the Two of Us by Ryu Hyang with POPPYPUB and KPIPA.

Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

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News 

No news on this episode, but Jess did recommend Crash Landing on You (available on Netflix).

Books Discussed

The Austen Playbook by Lucy Parker

The Rakess by Scarlett Peckham

After the Wedding by Courtney Milan

Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLean

Island Affair by Priscilla Oliveras

The Key to Happily Ever After by Tif Marcelo

Life is Sweet by Lily Seabrooke

Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin

Thirsty by Mia Hopkins

Guarding Temptation by Talia Hibbert

The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite

Open House by Ruby Lang

The Undoing by Shelly Laurenston

The AI Who Loved Me by Alyssa Cole

The Rose by Tiffany Reisz

Strange Love by Ann Aguirre

Intercepted by Alexa Martin

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall

Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur 

So Forward by Mina V. Esguerra

The Bollywood Bride and Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev

Rumor Has It by Cheris Hodges

Theirs for the Night and Forever Theirs by Katee Robert

Lush Money by Angelina M. Lopez

More recommendations still to come, and as always, feel free to send us your thoughts and questions! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha discuss where “best of” lists come from and what they’re for, and then they do a deep dive into meet cutes – and not so cutes – that includes a pop quiz and some recommendations.

This episode is sponsored by TBR, Book Riot’s subscription service offering reading recommendations personalized to your reading life; Sorrow by Tiffanie DeBartolo from Woodhall Press; and If The Boot Fits by Rebekah Weatherspoon from Kensington Books.

Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

News 

Publishers Weekly has weighed in on the best romances of the year, and Goodreads has asked readers to do the same.  

Send us your recommendation requests for our holiday rec episode!

Books Discussed

His Convenient Husband by Robin Covington

Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare

Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

I Think I Might Love You by Christina C. Jones

One Last Chance by Therese Beharrie

My Fake Rake by Eva Leigh

Strange Love by Ann Aguirre

Play It Again by Aiden Wayne

Xeni by Rebekah Weatherspoon

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

Send us your holiday recommendation requests! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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When In Romance is a biweekly romance podcast dedicated to romance novel news, enthusiasm, and romance book recommendations from Book Riot! Join hosts Jess and Trisha every other Monday as they dig into the joys and complexities of the genre.

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Jess and Trisha do some quick updates, talk about a complicated decision from Harlequin, and recommend romances with great friendships.

This episode is sponsored by TBR, Book Riot’s subscription service offering reading recommendations personalized to your reading life; Sips by: Experience the joy of personalized tea discovery; and Book Riot Insiders, the digital hangout spot for the Book Riot community.

Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

News 

Brenda Jackson’s books are getting the adaptation they so richly deserve! [Variety]

And speaking of adaptations, we have a premiere date for the Shonda Rhimes Bridgerton adaptation! [Deadline]

We adore Roan Parish and still have some thoughts about this because more than one thing can be true. 

Jess wrote this great piece on friendships in Black and multicultural romance for Book Riot.

Send us your recommendation requests for our holiday rec episode!

Books Discussed

París Puede Esperar by Marisa Sicilia

Bane by Brenda Jackson

The Duke and I by Julia Quinn

Sustained and the whole Legal Briefs series by Emma Chase

Meet Cute Club and Kitten by Jack Harbon

The Love Study by Kris Ripper

Thanks to everyone who sends us emails and input! Feel free to keep ‘em coming. As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha talk about the end of Audible Escape and why the “all you can read” model is a challenge in romance, and they recommend books with bisexual characters. 

This episode is sponsored by Book Riot’s mystery thriller podcast, Read or Dead; TBR, Book Riot’s subscription service offering reading recommendations personalized to your reading life; and The Return by Nicholas Sparks.

Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

News

Audible Escape is ending and romance readers aren’t pleased about the new option supposedly replacing it. [Distractify]

But according to The Digital Reader, many romance authors had been frustrated with the service for some time. 

And if all of this sounds familiar, you might be remembering when this happened at Scribd. [The Guardian]

Books Discussed

Two Rogues Make a Right by Cat Sebastian

Wrong to Need You by Alisha Rai

Xeni by Rebekah Weatherspoon

Better Than People by Roan Parrish

Just Like That by Cole McCade

From Scratch by Katrina Jackson

Out on the Ice by Kelly Farmer

Let us know if you have feelings about the end of Audible Escape or favorite romances with bi characters. As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha talk about the impacts of the pandemic on romance publishing, brainstorm possible ways it will affect future stories, and share favorite romances by Latinx authors. 

This episode is sponsored by TBR, Book Riot’s subscription service offering reading recommendations personalized to your reading life; Book Riot Insiders; the digital hangout spot for the Book Riot community, and Portrait of Loyalty by Roseanna M. White.

Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

News

Publisher’s Weekly did a few articles on the impact of the pandemic on small and indie publishers.

But romance sales increased this spring…

And a printing backlog is compounding problems.

Trisha also mentioned this discussion about COVID impacts on pop culture from Pop Culture Happy Hour.

Books Discussed

You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria

The Infamous Miss Rodriguez by Lydia San Andres

His Quiet Agent by Ada Maria Soto

American Dreamer, American Fairytale, and American Love Story by Adriana Herrera