I adored Something Wild and Wonderful, a sweet romance between two men who meet while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). I thought it was a beautifully written, funny, warm, touching, empowering, and sexy grumpy-sunshine story. However, certain aspects of the book might make it a “love it or hate it” read. Readers should be prepared for discussion of homophobia in the context of coming out, and for one on-page instance of vocal homophobia. Sometimes … Continue reading Something Wild and Wonderful by Anita Kelly →
CW: transphobia Love and Other Disasters rides the cooking show competition wave with a romance between two contestants. In one corner, we have London, an openly nonbinary, pansexual contestant who is especially good at desserts. In the other, we have Dahlia, a queer (her word) divorcee who is great with main courses. London is quiet and reserved. Dahlia is goofy and outgoing. Will these two find love amidst the perils of cooking, competition, and reality … Continue reading Love and Other Disasters by Anita Kelly →
Sarah and I frequently talk about video games, and I thought it would be fun to find pairings of video games and books that work well together. We’d also love to hear what games you’ve been playing recently and what books may complement them. Stardew Valley is a cozy, farming game that Sarah and I have streamed many times. You revive a farm in a small town. Maybe you spend your day fishing or wooing … Continue reading Book and Video Game Pairings →
Hey all! It’s time for our first Whatcha Reading of July 2022! We want to know how you’re kicking off the month of reading. Tara Okay, okay. So, I can’t believe it either, but I’m reading something again! One of my kids got Amazons, Abolitionists, and Activists: A Graphic History of Women’s Fight for Their Rights by Mikki Kendall and A. D’Amico from the library, so I started it today and I’m loving it. … Continue reading Whatcha Reading? July 2022 Edition, Part One →
January is my least favorite month. Every January, the steady stream of people hating their bodies intensifies into a deluge. Nonstop weight loss ads fill my tv screen and social media feed, promising dramatic, if unlikely, results. At gatherings, the delicious holiday cookies from December have been replaced with tasteless grain-free hockey pucks. Inevitably at least one family member will talk incessantly about their diet, while looking askance at my body. And I’m grumpy because … Continue reading Fat Representation in Romance: Counter-Programming with Fat Romances →
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! →
