
This month on the podcast, I wanted look more closely at the intersection of romance and reality tv, particular the Bachelor franchise and Real Housewives. There is only one place to start with that inquiry: with Dr. Jodi McAlister. Jodi McAlister is a scholar of romance and an expert on all things The Bachelor, and she’s the author of the Australia-set Marry Me, Juliet trilogy, which you may remember was available digitally in the US … Continue reading 626. The Bachelor and Romance with Dr. Jodi McAlister →

Second Night Stand by Fay Stetz-Waters and Karelia Stetz-Waters is $2.99 and a Kindle Daily Deal! Shana recently gave this a B-:
Ultimately, this is a steamy sapphic romance where the love story easily overshadows the reality tv competition. Both heroines start the book feeling afraid other people will see their flaws, and I loved the themes of healing, being loved for your true self, not making work your whole life, and finding a new path to happiness.
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Hey all! We’re about halfway through our SBTB 2024 Romance Bingo card! By now, you might have knocked out a few easier spaces, but if you’re having trouble, we’re here to help! Below are some resources or recommendations you can use to fill more specific squares. And of course, I encourage you to brainstorm in the comments. For trope-specific squares, check out our Book Finder! Most of these tropes have tags in the Book Finder. … Continue reading SBTB Summer Bingo Recommendations →

Kilt Trip by Alexandra Kiley is $1.99! This is a standalone contemporary romance with a heroine who works as a travel consultant. Have any of you read this one?
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Good morning! Welcome back to Wednesday Links! We’re a little light on content today, so that means you get Links several hours early. Did any of you attend the Lady Eve’s Last Con event that Sarah hosted? I want to hear all about it if you did! I honestly can’t remember the time I attended a book event as just a fan (and not someone running it). What was the last bookstore event you attended? The … Continue reading Links: Video Games, Romantasy, & More →

System Collapse by Martha Wells is $2.99! This is the seventh book in the Murderbot series. I asked Sarah if you can jump in here. She said:
I think so. Obviously there’s more depth if you know the history, but Wells is a very strong writer and I think readers can start there if they wish. They’ll probably want to read all of them, which I support!
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Francine Pascal, creator of the Sweet Valley High series, has died at age 92. Her death was announced yesterday, and there is a lot of coverage – the Guardian, People, Variety and EW have written about her life alongside the BBC and the NY Times. For a lot of people my age, Sweet Valley was an indelible companion though adolescence. They were first published in 1983, and ran for more than 175 books over two … Continue reading Remembering Francine Pascal, Creator of Sweet Valley High and a Lot of my Reading History →

This HaBO is from Judy, who is hoping to find this romance: It’s a historical romance. I remember a notorious madam us blackmailing all her former clients by sending a letter asking for money and threatening to put their name in the paper if they don’t comply. I also remember that the heroine challenges the madam to a duel. I loved the book, but can’t remember title or author. This one sounds interesting! Does anyone … Continue reading HaBO: She Duels a Blackmailing Madam →

Happy Tuesday! It’s a short week for us in terms of releases; only four! However, looking ahead to August, it looks like the first week is going to be particularly beefy for book releases. Get ready! What books are you excited for this week? Let us know in the comments!

Girl Gone Viral by Alisha Rai is $1.99! Maya wrote a great review for this one and gave it a B-:
If you can handle some angst, some systemic oppression, and a distinct lack of totally justified vengeance, check out this slow burn romance between two damaged, but kind people of color who desire only each other and the safety of anonymity.
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Welcome back to Cover Snark! From MegCat: I didn’t know “Liar, liar, pants on fire” was quite this literal. Sarah: Poor person. EVERYONE can see when an air biscuit hath been floated. Poor Emma, engulfed in fart. Elyse: Okay but where is his head? Sarah: The helmet is cropped in such a way that it looks like he’s wearing a big Daft Punk mask? Amanda: It’s 10 o’ clock. Do you know where your Emmas … Continue reading Cover Snark: Orc Taylor Lautner →