Before reading a book, I try to go in with an open mind and without judgments. “Try” being the operative word. Because sometimes, I hear about a premise and my eyes roll to the back of my head. No way, I think, no way in hell is this going to work. I shouldn’t even try to read this book because it won’t succeed and I’ll regret even trying. And when I heard about the premise … Continue reading One Day to Fall by Therese Beharrie →

Sorry for being MIA for a month, but I was hopelessly sidetracked by my new obsession with medieval fantasy romance and I kind of forgot about any other reading options. Over the last two months I managed 3 books! South Africa Primarily, I read books so that I can immerse myself in a world that is completely different from my own. So I have never read a South African romance before. This was my first … Continue reading Sailing the Seven Seas of Romance Reading Challenge: September and October Update →
September is here and that means it’s time for a new Whatcha Reading! We want to hear how you’re kicking off this month, reading-wise. Lara: I’ve returned to old habits and am reading multiple books at once. I’m about halfway through Therese Beharrie’s Ghost in Shining Armor and it’s charming! And then coming in hot, I’m starting Book Lovers by Emily Henry for my book club. It’ll be my first Emily Henry book! Shana: I … Continue reading Whatcha Reading? September 2023, Part One →
There are two things that you need to know about me at the moment. I’ve never done a reading challenge in my life. I’m in a comfortable, if stuck, reading rut. I read the same sort of things set in the same world, over and over again. Solution? Sailing the seven seas of love! It’s my international reading challenge. Here’s the outline so far… Duration: August to December 2023 Goal: Collecting as many countries as … Continue reading Sailing the Seven Seas of Love: Lara’s International Reading Challenge →
Welcome to Whatcha Reading! It’s our first one of the month. Here’s what we’ve been reading and enjoying lately! Elyse: I’m reading The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley. I’m not very far in but I’m enjoying it so far Sarah: I put The Body is Not an Apology by Sonia Renee Taylor on hold at the library so long ago I completely forgot. My hold came in and WOW is this some radical mind blowing … Continue reading Whatcha Reading? March 2022, Part One →
On a mission to save her South African paradise, Therese Beharrie’s latest heroine may get more than she bargained for… Saving their home… Healing their hearts! Morgan’s mission to save Penguin Island, her South African paradise, is personal. She just wasn’t prepared for how personal it would be when striking a deal with tycoon Elliott! Both have something to lose if they fail, so putting the island back on the map is their number one priority. But … Continue reading Finding Forever on Their Island Paradise →
From acclaimed South African author Therese Beharrie, this #OwnVoices rom-com about a romance novelist with a touch of magic is loaded with heart, heat, and smart, sexy banter, while also addressing timely, weighty issues around the foster care system, mental health, and the power of creativity. In this sparkling new novel, acclaimed author Therese Beharrie delivers a delightfully magical romantic comedy about a woman literally living her dreams—and conjuring a real-life hero . . . … Continue reading And They Lived Happily Ever After →

This is request for our very own Shana, who is looking for closed door romances that don’t fall into the inspirational umbrella. I thought we did this before, but I couldn’t find anything so here we go! Sneezy: Loathe at First Sight has no sex at all. Amanda: I know there are a few newer contemporaries that qualify? Guillory or maybe Christina Lauren? Can’t say for certain though! Elyse: If the Shoe Fits by Julie … Continue reading The Rec League: Non-Inspirational Closed Door Romances →
I don’t typically group books by theme for these things, but it’s always funny when a theme emerges from randomly putting book covers together. Cover art by Sudeepti Tucker Amanda: I love this damn color palette so much. And also #hairgoals. Shana: Damn. What a beauty! I love the colors and their coy glances Sneezy: Oof!!! The coziness!!!! The sexual tension!!!! Sarah: This is an excellent cover. So much tension, so much casual intimacy. Elyse: … Continue reading Cover Awe: Pretty in Pink →
Hi. Yes. It’s Whatcha Reading time. If you’re new or new-ish, this is where we talk about what we’ve been reading: all the hits, misses, and everything in between. Sarah: I’m reading: Tales from the Folly by Ben Aaronovich, a collection of short stories from the Peter Grant series. Peter seems to be my exception to my disinterest in reading any law enforcement characters at the moment. There’s one short story that takes place in … Continue reading Whatcha Reading? September 2020 Edition, Part One →
This idea came from one of our new reviewers, Lara! We thought it was so great that it deserved a Rec League! Lara: What about a mash-up of a book first aid kit and the holidays. For example, if you don’t enjoy holidays and would like a December romance that has nothing to do with family, then read: X. What’s in your “book first aid kit” (no more than 1 or 2 books per person) … Continue reading The Rec League: Books in Our Holiday Stress Kit →