I struggled with how to grade Song of Blood and Stone. I feel like the book did a few things unusually and phenomenally well, and I definitely enjoyed it (especially the latter half when the plot really picks up). However, I was left unsatisfied by some of the relationships and characters. While Song of Blood and Stone is not explicitly a fantasy romance, the romance element is such a major part of the plot that … Continue reading Song of Blood and Stone by L. Penelope →
Oh, this book made me so happy. I had DNFed ten books within the first chapter before starting Whispers of Shadow & Flame, and I’m so grateful for this read for pulling me out of every book lover’s worst nightmare. You know that sensation when you’re reading something and you can just feel the joy bubbling within because it’s so freaking good? That’s what reading Whispers of Shadow & Flame felt like. Issues with the … Continue reading Whispers of Shadow & Flame by L. Penelope →
This book is a magical heist set in DC in the 20s. For those folks who just headed over to find a copy, I hope you like it! For those who need a bit more detail: I started this book on a chaotic morning when there was a lot of noise in my house and a lot of barking because of the noise, and despite all that, I could not put it down. Each chapter … Continue reading The Monsters We Defy by Leslye Penelope →
This month I give you not one Kickass Woman but rather twenty-nine, as profiled in the graphic non-fiction book Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World . I loved this book so much that I couldn’t resist sharing it with you all. The panels are simple and classical in style (mostly rectangles), which allows for the focus to be on the information presented. The art is clever and colorful and the text is packed with … Continue reading Kickass Women: Brazen by Pénélope Bagieu →
Today I’m speaking with Leslye Penelope, also known as L. Penelope, about her twice-new book, Song of Blood and Stone. It released (again) on May 1 – and she will tell you the whole story. It’s a very good story with a very happy ending. We talk about writing fantasy and speculative fiction – and horror. She is part of a Stoker Award nominated anthology called Sycorax’s Daughters, which is very cool. She and I … Continue reading 297. Song of Blood and Stone: An Interview with Leslye Penelope →
This timely request comes from Tara: A few years ago I gave my father Angels’ Blood by Nalini Singh as a retirement gift, not mentioning that it’s considered a romance. He loved it and has read all of the Guild Hunter and Psy/Changeling series. I’ve also introduced him to Sarah J Maas, Thea Harrison, and he’s currently hooked on Shelly Laurenston. I’m looking to introduce him to another romance author this Father’s Day, any suggestions? … Continue reading The Rec League: A Father’s Day Request →
Wait, it’s Wednesday again? How did that happen? I feel like this week is just flying by. Does it feel that way for you? I had a tattoo consult this week and I’m getting ready for my third beauty in October. I’m so excited for this one to join the ranks of my romance novel tattoo and the tattoo I have of my cat in space. … There’s a new Twitter account that may be … Continue reading Links: Fundraising, Pokemon, & More →
Hellooooo! Bookstore Romance Day is this Saturday, August 21st and there are so many independent bookstores participating this year. Here’s a list of all the stores involved and definitely check to see if a store near you is doing anything fun! Last year, I hosted three virtual panels for Belmont Books for different romantic subgenres: contemporary, fantasy and paranormal, and historical. They’re all watchable at the Belmont Books YouTube channel. This year, I’m just doing … Continue reading Bookstore Romance Day! →
Five powerhouse authors of fantasy and urban fantasy bring you a feast of romantic midwinter holiday adventures. These heartwarming and pulse-pounding tales celebrate Hanukah, Christmas, the solstice, Yule – and holidays from worlds beyond our own. With fancy-dress balls, faery bargains, time travel, blood sacrifice, and festive cocktails, these stories will delight lovers of fantasy and romance, with a dash of seasonal joy. Ballgowns & Butterflies by Kelley Armstrong The North Yorkshire moors are always … Continue reading Under a Winter Sky →
In the vein of K. Arsenault Rivera and V.E. Schwab comes the newest epic fantasy book in the stunning Earthsinger Chronicles, L. Penelope’s Cry of Metal & Bone. Six weeks after the fall of the Mantle, centuries-old enemies Elsira and Lagrimar struggle to unite. The will of the goddess is that the two nations become one, but while the war may be over, peace is still elusive. As desperate Lagrimari flee their barren land for a chance … Continue reading Cry of Metal & Bone →
Today, I’m talking rakes, rakesses, and historically ferocious women with Scarlett Peckham. We talk about what she calls her feminist primal scream book, The Rakess, about steely steadfast cinnamon roll heroes, and we deep dive into what we love about characters who destabilize and unpeel one another emotionally and, uh, literally. Also: a sneak peek into what’s next in her Sirens series and for the Charlotte Street series! TW/CW: talk about sexual harassment, the price … Continue reading 407. The Privileges of Being a Rakess with Scarlett Peckham →
