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 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 →
Curious about being a publicist for romance? And how publicity is working during the Quarantimes? Today I’m chatting with Estelle Hallick, publicist at Forever. We talk about all the things, and I ask a lot of questions! We also talk about the Hachette walkout, which happened in early March and seems like a year ago. We don’t go into the specifics of the memoir, but look more at what internally led to the walkout, what … Continue reading 405. Behind the Scenes in Publicity, Plus Reading Recs with Estelle Hallick from Forever →
Time for a quick collection of upcoming romance reader gatherings, from special events to monthly book clubs. I hope there’s one in your area! If you have a romance book club or upcoming romance event, please email me and let me know? There’s a form at the bottom of this post. I want to help romance fans connect with one another in as many places as possible! These are in alphabetical order by state, and … Continue reading Upcoming Romance Reader Gatherings: March 2020 →
You might have seen some of the news this week, on the Frolic site, or on Yahoo!Finance or (my favorite) Broadway World, but my podcast, Smart Podcast Trashy Books, and many brilliant others are now part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Yay! What’s that mean? Basically, it’s a network of really terrific podcasts and podcasters who produce episodes devoted to romance, pop culture, and other romance-related topics. So if you like what we do, or you … Continue reading Announcing the Frolic Podcast Network! →
