Romance ME Podcast

In this episode, we discuss The Highlander's Pirate Lass by Heather McCollum. It's a pirate's life for Eliza. She's grown up with salty sea air in her hair, an unblemished horizon as a future heading, and hatred in her heart for the scoundrel who murdered her family. Eliza has no plans to ever be a wife or even to fall in love. Meanwhile, highlander Beck needs a wife so that his family island can once again support a community and be rid of the curse that has plagued them.  Beck rescues Eliza from being stranded on an island, and the chemistry between them is overwhelming. They develop a friendship and maybe more. But, with such different life paths, how will they ever manage to chart a course that will bring them together? Content warning: Human trafficking (including children), references to rape, sexual assault, trauma survivorship Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Coming next: The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

In this episode, we discuss The Lady and the Orc by Finley Fenn. Once upon a time, there was a Lady who was doomed to a loveless, childless, and comfortless marriage. As luck would have it, Lady Jule's situation gets worse, when her husband Lord Norr abandons her to be captured by orcs.  Orc Captain Grimarr makes Jule the centerpiece of his plan to win his war against her husband, and Jule, in spite of herself, is on board. But, this means she has to surrender, in all ways, to her orc enemy. Content warning: Dubious consent, non-consent, exhibitionism, emotional manipulation, and domestic violence (but not between the couple). Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Coming next: The Highlander's Pirate Lass by Heather McCollum

In this episode, we discuss Ask, Tell by E.J. Noyes. Amid the oppression of the U.S. government's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, Army Surgeon Capt. Sabine Fleischer is busy in Afghanistan, patching up injured bodies while keeping her crush on her commanding officer under surgical wrap. Forced to internalize her struggles so she doesn't face career ending consequences for revealing her sexuality, Sabine battles personal challenges related to finding her place in the military, from which she feels increasingly isolated. And, while her commanding officer Col. Rebecca Keane seems to be dropping hints that she returns Sabine's interest, the timing could not be worse. Taking a risk for love may not be worth it if it means ruining both of their livelihoods.  Content warning: cheating (but not between the couple), homophobia, PTSD, graphic depictions of combat, casualties, injuries, and death Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Coming next: The Lady and the Orc by Finley Fenn

In this episode, we discuss The Break-Up Artist by Erin Clark and Laura Lovely. Narrated by Regan Linton When life gets her down, Zelda applies her creative writing gifts to the composition of break-up e-mails for others using facts provided to her by the dumper. It's a stress reduction outlet she doesn't question until one day she realizes that the recipient of one of her creations is someone she knows and likes.  Newly single Jake recently received a message brutally canceling his previous relationship, a fact that Zelda soon discovers and finds deeply upsetting. Now, Zelda has a front row seat to the devastation she helped cause while falling for the same guy she'd mocked for being a loser. Unfortunately for her, karma wields a jackhammer when it becomes evident that Zelda's secret identity will be revealed, one way or another.  As Zelda's choices come back to haunt her, what will happen to the blooming relationship she's developing with Jake? Content warning: Ableism, homophobia, transphobia, death of family members, grieving death of a parent. Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Coming next: Ask, Tell by E.J. Noyes

In this episode, we discuss An Easter Demon for Eloise by Chloe Alice Balkin. Bouquet of basil, yellow carnation, and butterfly weed anyone? Florist Eloise would love to give her demonic captors the arrangement of hatred, disdain, and let me go, but unfortunately she'll have to settle for breaking out of her confinement and rescuing herself. Almost immediately, she is found by Killian, a loathsome demon who has come to save her. You see, they've met before. And, they didn't like each other before. But, now they have to work together if they want to get out of this hellacious landscape or else they'll be captured, tortured, and killed by his family. Content warning: Descriptions of past torture, character experiences episodes of trauma, panic, and anxiety  Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Coming next: The Break-up Artist by Erin Clark and Laura Lovely

In this episode, we discuss Crushing on You by Jen Trinh. When Anna sits next to Ian on the plane, she immediately decides she wants nothing to do with him, even after learning they are traveling to the same event. But, by the end of the weekend, Anna realizes that there may be more to him than she'd first suspected. He's not the well-mannered stereotype she had thought him to be. Perhaps it's even safe for her to open up to him about her own hardships. As they get to know each other, they share passions and sorrows, and eventually learn there is a validity to living life differently. Content warning: Abusive parents, alcohol addiction, racism, death of family members Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Coming next: An Easter Demon for Eloise by Chloe Alice Balkin

In this episode, we discuss My Phony Valentine by Courtney Walsh. In order to prove to her childhood bully that she isn't a romantic late bloomer, Poppy claims a random man as her boyfriend without at first realizing that he was so hunky, or such a well-known hockey player. As luck would have it, said hockey player Dallas feels magnanimous towards a pretty stranger and plays along.  Once they get to know each other and their respective situations better, they devise a mutually beneficial plan to enter into a fake relationship. But, once her business is no longer in the red and his reputation is no longer in a fiery dumpster, will they be brave enough to admit their real feelings? Content warning: Character's past includes neglectful abuse. Financially abusive ex.  Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Coming next: Crushing on You by Jen Trinh

In this episode, we discuss Neon Gods by Katee Robert. Persephone is on the run from a forced marriage when she crosses the River Styx and falls into the arms of Hades, King of the Underworld. At first, she's confused, because Hades isn't supposed to exist, and yet, here he be… and he be hot.  Wanting shelter from the coming storm of her alleged fiance's wrath, Persephone makes a mutually beneficial deal with Hades. Their fake relationship has a time limit, but as the end date approaches, will they admit to themselves that there is real love between them? Content warning: Exhibition kink; aggressive, but consensual, oral sex; abusive parent Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Coming next: My Phony Valentine by Courtney Walsh

In this episode, we discuss Ambrosia by C.N. Crawford. After almost becoming a ice sculpture, Ava falls through a portal and finds herself in an unfamiliar, hostile world with few allies and fewer options. She wants to reconnect with Torin. She wants to go home. She might not want to face the truth about herself and her nature. But when she meets the land's sadistic queen, Ava is forced to make a gut wrenching decision in the hope that her vicious actions might save the man she loves. Content warning: Abusive family members, captivity and torture Listen to our review of the previous book in the series: Frost by C.N. Crawford Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Coming next: Neon Gods by Katee Robert

In this episode, we discuss Homecoming King by Penny Reid. Pro-football player Rex is always a boyfriend but never a husband, sending many of his exes into the arms of his teammates. Meanwhile, bartender and crafter Abby had a fairytale love story gone bad, convincing her to give up on love. When Abby's lifelong crush Rex walks into her bar, Abby is suddenly forced to reexamine her views on love. Rex has a proposal that will hopefully help both of them out and Abby agrees in spite of herself.  As they spend more time with one another, will Rex take a chance and lower his grumpitudinous walls? Will Abby continue to assume her childhood crush is too good to be true?  And what does too good to be true really mean, anyway? Content warning: Abusive and predatory ex, and stalking Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Coming next: Ambrosia by C.N. Crawford

In this episode, we discuss Frost by C.N. Crawford. There is rock bottom, and then there is the layer of crap Ava finds herself in the morning after her worst birthday ever. Involuntarily single and not ready to mingle, she finds herself jobless as well. Cue the handsome Seelie King Torin to rush in, saying words that amount to, “I hate you, so, marry me and I'll give you a bunch of money." Nothing in life is easy, and neither is this staged courtship. Ava must compete against, even sword fight, magic-using princesses to give her a shot at winning Torin's hand. While Torin helps her survive the deadly challenges, undesired feelings develop. Can Torin keep his distance from Ava and save his people? Or will his love for her doom them all?  Content warning: Cheating, but not between the couple. Ends on a cliffhanger, but we'll be doing the next book as our first book for the new year! Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Coming next: Homecoming King by Penny Reid

In this episode, we discuss Role Playing by Cathy Yardley. At age 48, Maggie has learned to embrace her inner bog witch, possibly to the point of being detrimental to her mental and emotional well being. Various people in her life are encouraging her to be more social and less of a hermit, but the one with the power to reach her is her son, Kit. Based on Kit's quid pro quo logic, she finds herself joining a local online guild where she can obtain loot, talk shit, and potentially make friends, like with the guild leader Otter.  Unbeknownst to Maggie, Otter, who's real world name is Aiden, isn't a 20-something being nice to some woman old enough to be his mother, but instead a 50 year old nurse taking care of his actual mother. Isolated from the very family he's helping, Aiden struggles to assert himself and fight for the life he wants.  When they finally meet in person, their friendship grows. Can Maggie the bog witch give Aiden the confidence he needs so that he can tell his family to find another scapegoat for the things they don't like about their own lives? And, in return, can a playful otter really fall in love with a grumbly old bog witch? Content warning: Queerphobia, racism, emotionally abusive exes Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Coming next: Frost by C.N. Crawford

In this episode, we discuss Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert. After a brush with death, Chloe rearranges her priorities and writes a list that will ensure she'll be remembered well once she dies. Chloe is now determined to live her life to the fullest, despite living with the chronic pain of fibromyalgia. To complete the items on her list, she enlists the help of a man who doesn't like her so she can successfully become all the Chloe she can be. Always looking to play the knight in shiny armor, Red is a happy-go-lucky artist unless he is reminded of his painful romantic past, involving an upper class woman who, unfortunately, reminds him of Chloe. Despite this, he agrees to assist with getting Chloe a life in exchange for her professional website building expertise. As Chloe and Red become friends, and maybe more, can they trust each other's intentions once Chloe finally has achieved a life? Content warning: An emotionally and physically abusive ex and living with chronic pain.   Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Coming next: Role Playing by Cathy Yardley

In this episode, we discuss Depraved by A.J. Merlin. Having lived through a formative, terrifying experience when she was young, Sloane works and lives at a camp nestled into a residential area. Virgil is a serial killer just trying to get away from it all and take a little mini-vacay. Sloane finds him intriguing with his snake tattoo, charming looks, and easy way with her guard dog. But, once she finds out that he spends his leisure time un-aliving people, can she ever feel her heart is safe with him? Content warning: Minimal animal cruelty, kidnapping, panic attacks/anxiety/PTSD, trauma survivorship. Dark romance including stalking, knife play, light strangling, primal play, light BDSM, consensual non-consent, and dubious consent. Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Coming next: Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

In this episode, we discuss A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare. Susanna's idyllic seaside home is under invasion of a most brutish sort. These bombers of sheep, these red fever spreading cads, these teashop renaming bulls led by none other than the chief bull Bramwell, the recently elevated Earl of Rycliff.  Susanna and Bram fight for the betterment of the locals – her by maintaining tranquility as well as an restorative atmosphere and him by preparing for a battle that may or may not happen. Will they be able to find common ground? Or will they make their demarcation lines in the sand? Content warning: Dubious consent, FMC strikes the MMC Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Coming next: Depraved by A.J. Merlin

In this episode, we discuss Never Seduce a Scot by Maya Banks Evelyn and Graeme are forced into an arranged marriage devised by their king to bring an end to the long-standing feud between their families. Both families think this is the worst thing that could ever happen, especially to poor, gentle Evelyn who is thought of as “daft.” How can she ever be a “true wife” to Graeme? Once Graeme learns Evelyn's secret and they begin to fall in love, they must now embark on the difficult task of overcoming the ingrained hatred between the families. And, now that Evelyn's secret is out, Graeme must fight to protect Evelyn from her terrifying past.  Content warning: Abilism, abuse, and captivity Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Coming next: A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare

In this episode, we discuss Enemy Lines by Alex Lidell. Kyan is determined to rescue everyone he can to make up for the one person he didn't save. This includes his doctor Ivy, who moved to Denton Valley to escape the danger threatening her life. For mutual benefit, they make an arrangement: He will help her learn to function under constant pressure and she will help him get his medical clearance renewed. But, when Ivy backs out of their deal, will Kyan be able to forgive her and finally work to save himself? Content warning: Trauma survivorship, unhealthy couple dynamics, emotional manipulation/abuse, physical altercation between the couple, indentured servitude Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Coming Next: Never Seduce a Scot by Maya Banks

In this episode, we discuss Beard in Mind by Penny Reid. Beau has a vision of his future, and that vision does not include Shelly, the infuriating, rude mechanic his brothers hired to ensure their family business doesn't turn into a parking lot. As he grapples with the complexity of Shelly's prickly exterior, he realizes that there is more to the woman than he first assumed. When a family secret comes to light, will Mr. Fix-It Beau allow Shelly to provide him with the emotional support that he didn't even realize he needed? Content warning: OCD as a major theme, self harm Website: romanceMEpodcast.com

In this episode, we discuss Bound to the Battle God by Ruby Dixon. When Faith goes to check on a sound in an empty apartment, she inadvertently finds herself a plaything of the gods as she is sent to another world where she is now the low woman on the totem pole. All she wants to do is go home, where she's a slave to the dollar and not a sex slave or sacrificial lamb.  The arrogant battle god Aron is being taught a lesson by the High Father when he's sent to walk amongst the mortals, who he assumes will be eager to provide him aid. His sole supporter is Faith, as she considers him her ticket out of trouble. Soon, the two set out to win Aron's battle to return back to the Aether.  As they trek across the countryside and plan for victory, will god Aron keep taking his Faith for granted? Or will he move Aether and Aos to remain anchored forever?  Content warning: Dubious consent, non-consent, slavery (including sex-slavery) Website: romanceMEpodcast.com

In this episode, we discuss Ocean's Echo by Everina Maxwell. Dumpster-fire walking, Tennal is self-medicating and self-indulging in an effort to cope with the enhanced mental capabilities of his “reader” brain. He's living the charmed life of a socioeconomically advantaged civilian as if there are no consequences… until there are, you know, consequences. The next thing he knows, he's forcibly enlisted in the Cavalry and bullied into syncing with a babysitter, aka “architect”, Lt. Surit. Hard working Lt. Surit is a model soldier. He doesn't plan to disobey orders, but when he is ordered to sync with the non-consenting Tennal, Surit is forced to reevaluate why a social pariah like him was given this opportunity in the first place.  Content warning: Themes surrounding a lack of consent Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Twitter: @romanceMEcast | Facebook: @romanceMEpod

In this episode, we discuss Happy Place by Emily Henry. Although Harriet and Wyn know they have been broken up for five months, no one else does. When they are summoned to Maine for their annual Summer meetup with their besties, they don't want to let said besties know that there is trouble in paradise. In fact, paradise is lost, possibly for good.  So, to keep the peace for one final summer hang, they agree to remain fake-engaged before going back to their separate, uncoupled lives. But, as the forced proximity with Wyn causes Harriet to relive their greatest hits, she begins to wonder if her Happy Place is actually a place at all. Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Twitter: @romanceMEcast | Facebook: @romanceMEpod

In this episode, we discuss By the Book by Jasmine Guillory. Isabelle works in publishing, helping to encourage authors to bring their stories to life. While she enjoys her work, she is feeling underappreciated by her boss. She wishes she could grow her career and she doesn't really want to be a babysitter for a beastly writer who isn't writing. Beau, the grumpy pants author, has writer's block and the bad attitude that often accompanies it. He is clearly not prepared for Izzy to intrude upon his domain, armed with tips, tricks, and a spine of steel. Izzy confronts Beau, his bullshit, his writer's block, and his personal baggage. Izzy is clearly good for Beau, but is Beau good for Izzy? Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Twitter: @romanceMEcast | Facebook: @romanceMEpod

In this episode, we discuss Husband Material by Alexis Hall. Four weddings, one funeral, but no Andi Macdowell in this romantic comedy. Instead, we are reacquainted with Luc and Oliver! They fell in love with each other in Boyfriend Material and now, two years later, they are still in love, watching those around them do the next socially expected thing: aka get married. As Luc and Oliver work out what they want in their ceremony, and struggle to compromise, they learn whether they are forever-level compatible. Content warning: Homophobia, abusive parents. Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Twitter: @romanceMEcast | Facebook: @romanceMEpod

In this episode, we discuss The Duchess and the Cowboy by Debra Erfert. Lady Jane has everything: a nice estate, pretty dresses, dutiful staff, and a husband she gets along with. But one day, her brother-in-law stages a duel with her husband, robbing her of her safe lifestyle. Jane decides to escape her nefarious brother-in-law by moving to Nevada where she meets cowboy Heath, who has his own issues. They become friends, but will their differences in social class and cultures stand in the way of falling in love? Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Twitter: @romanceMEcast | Facebook: @romanceMEpod

In this episode, we discuss Seven Years by Dannika Dark. Seven years after disappearing, Austin Cole returns along with his grumpiness and sexiness. Lexi Knight is trying to not appreciate either as she attempts to learn why he left after Wes, his best friend and her brother, died under mysterious circumstances. However, things escalate when her mother is abducted, and Lexi learns a secret about her past, which forces Lexi and Austin under one roof so he can protect her and they can sort out their feelings.  Content warning: Obsessive exes, rapey dudes, other man drama Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Twitter: @romanceMEcast | Facebook: @romanceMEpod

In this episode, we discuss Shame On You by Tara Sivec. Army veteran Kennedy is struggling with her new normal: civilian life, single parenthood, and new business ownership. In the course of her duties as a bounty hunter, she joins forces with Griffin, a former friend who kept her husband's infidelity a secret while she was serving her country in Afghanistan. While on the hunt for the bail jumper, can Kennedy discover who the actual bad guy is? And, can she learn compassion for the men who've wronged her?  Content warning: In this world, casual misogyny, man-hating, gun violence, and familial abuse are funny. Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Twitter: @romanceMEcast | Facebook: @romanceMEpod

In this episode, we discuss Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh. Sascha is a Psy who is experiencing a problematic flare up of emotion, which could get her sent to ‘rehabilitation' to have her feelings/personality removed. To avoid this fate, she suppresses her emotions to pass as a normal Psy – nothing to see here. That all changes when she meets Lucus, a Changeling who's used to expressing all of his feels and getting his own way. Lucus is trying to catch a serial killer. He senses that Sascha is different and hopes she can help.  Exposure to the Changeling way of life has Sascha questioning everything. While they try to stop the murderer from starting an all-out war, Sascha must also decide if she wants to continue to control her emotions. Content warning: Mind rape, elements of dubious consent Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Twitter: @romanceMEcast | Facebook: @romanceMEpod

In this episode, we discuss Transcendence by Shay Savage. Ehd is a man with a cave but no tribe. As a result, he struggles to find a purpose for his life after the end of another long, lonely winter. Enter his purpose: Elizabeth, a mysterious woman from the future. Together, they must face the prehistoric wilderness while trying to find some way to communicate without words. Content warning: Dubious consent, attempted rape, threat of child loss, heroine is maybe a highschooler Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Twitter: @romanceMEcast | Facebook: @romanceMEpod

In this episode, we discuss Spellbound by Allie Therin. In 1925 New York, booze and non-heterosexuality were illegal. A magical disaster is threatening the city, and New York's mightiest heroes are attempting to prevent the atrocity. Two of these champions are Arthur Kenzie, a wealthy veteran of The Great War, and Rory Brodigan, a poor orphan hiding a secret identity. When Arthur's past returns to threaten the future, they work together to save the city and themselves. Content warning: Racist and homophobic laws and social conventions of the past. Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Twitter: @romanceMEcast | Facebook: @romanceMEpod

In this episode, we discuss The American Roommate Experiment by Elena Armas. New romance writer Rosie moves into her bestie's empty apartment to avoid being crushed to death by the bathroom ceiling in her own apartment. Bestie is on her honeymoon, so Rosie can't ask her for permission, but assumes it's fine. While there, she meets bestie's cute older cousin Lucus, who she's had an online crush on for months. Unlike her, he is supposed to be there.  Since neither Rosie nor Lucas want the other to be out of a place to stay, they agree to cohabitate as roommates until Rosie's apartment is fixed. It is under this not-crumbling roof that they devise a plan to help Rosie out of her romance writer's block by engaging in dating experiments. When it works to inspire her, she and Lucus are left wondering if they can truly believe in the results. Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Twitter: @romanceMEcast | Facebook: @romanceMEpod Check out Em's recommendation for this episode: Moment of Truth by PBS NewsHour.

In this episode, we discuss Book Lovers by Emily Henry. Nora Stephens is not a small town girl. Nora Stephens is the city girl who gets dumped by boyfriends for the small town girl. As a last hoorah before her sister gives birth, Nora and her sister Libby go to Sunshine Falls, NC, so they can have a vacation from city life… a life Nora loves.  But, what's a vacay without a checklist? Not one Nora and Libby want to be on, so they devise a list of Small Town Must Dos to keep themselves occupied – one of which is for Nora to date a small town guy. Nora goes along with this despite the fact that she's developing feelings for a not-so-small town guy who doesn't count as far as her sister is concerned. Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Twitter: @romanceMEcast | Facebook: @romanceMEpod

In this episode, we discuss Bows and Eros by Ava Devlin. In a quiet, snow covered town, grade school teacher Noor expects to deal with the chaos of Family Fun Day, not ancient Greek gods running amuck. Amidst the mayhem, she pairs up with Ethan, the single father of a former student, both to find his child and to help tame the wild love magic. But, with so much love in the air, how can Noor know if her developing feelings for Ethan are real? Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Twitter: @romanceMEcast

In this episode, we discuss Forbidden by Beverly Jenkins. Eddy is traveling to California with dreams of owning her own restaurant. On the way, she trusts the wrong person and is abandoned to die in the Nevada desert. Luckily, Eddy is rescued by Rhine, a local business owner who happens to be in the right place at the right time. Eddy and Rhine have an immediate, yet forbidden, attraction to each other. But now Eddy is out of the frying pan and into the fire of social rules which state that people of color can't marry white people. Rhine has a secret that will allow them to be together, but is he willing to give up the privileges he's been granted passing for white so that he can marry Eddy? Content warning: Racism including segregation, some racist language, hate crimes, and mentions of racist violence. Threat of sexual assault. Mentions of child abuse and pedophilia. One of the main characters is a former slave. Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Twitter: @romanceMEcast

In this episode, we discuss A Ticking Time Boss by Olivia Hayle. Perhaps you've heard this before: a journalist and a billionaire walk into a bar and become texting buddies.  The journalist, Audrey Ford, is having a panic attack because blind dates are stressful, and the billionaire, Carter Kingsley, is just the sort of guy who can help out with a joke or two. They bond, exchange phone numbers, and stay connected.  Later, Audrey meets Carter face to face once again when she goes to interview her new boss, who turns out to be Carter. Awkward. As they try to figure out who they are to one another and whether they can even still be friends, Audrey and Carter might just discover a truth they didn't see coming. Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Twitter: @romanceMEcast

In this episode, we discuss There's Something about Merry by Codi Hall. When her life implodes after yet another terrible ex, Merry Winters moves back home to Mistletoe, Idaho to be where she feels rooted. Single dad Clark Griffin is now working on the Christmas Tree farm owned by Merry's parents. When the position on the farm Merry wants is given to Clark, a tension develops, causing isolationist Clark to actively avoid the boss's daughter. Longing for an adult connection, Clark signs up on an online dating site where he meets KnottyGirl. As he juggles his feelings for Merry and KnottyGirl, Clark wonders if there just isn't something about Merry. Content warning: Animal abuse (but they are still okay, guys) and characters with history of childhood abuse. Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Twitter: @romanceMEcast

In this episode, we discuss The Lucky Heart by Devney Perry. Felicity returns home after a long absence to reconnect with her family. To make her home in Prescott once again, she must confront the person she used to be and prove to those who knew her, and to herself, that she isn't that girl anymore.  One of the people she assumes will need a lot of convincing is Silas, a former friend and infrequent friend with benefits. Both Felicity and Silas will need to reconcile their past feelings before they can begin their future. Content warning: Domestic abuse, drug abuse, violence against women. Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Twitter: @romanceMEcast

In this episode, we discuss Am I the Asshole? by Cassie Alexander. While blackout drunk at a party, Becky's fiancé Logan gets her to agree to summon a demon for a threesome. The demon they summon is Quenalith, who is more than Logan bargained for. But, before he can dispel the summoning magic, Becky and Quen form a connection that is too powerful for either woman to ignore. When Quen later tracks her down, Becky has to decide whether to ignore their undeniable chemistry or give up her safe life and take a chance on Quen. Content warning: Cheating and emotional abuse (but not between the main couple), alcoholism, sex trafficking.  Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Twitter: @romanceMEcast

In this episode, we discuss Ten Trends to Seduce Your Bestfriend by Penny Reid. For the last six years, Winnifred and Byron have maintained distance while orbiting in the same social group. When a mutual friend backs out of a plan to boost Winnie's online following, Byron offers to be the best friend/secret crush in her Challenge videos.  Winnie and Byron now need to navigate through their respective comfort zones as they negotiate the boundaries of becoming friends to maybe more than friends. Will they be able to open up and trust each other with their squishy bits? Content warning: Childhood trauma, abuse survivorship Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Twitter: @romanceMEcast

In this episode, we discuss Easy Magic by Kristen Proby. After her grandmother dies, Mallory decides to eschew her psychic gifts in favor of a ‘normal' life with as little connection to the dearly departed as possible. However, one fateful night, her shop in the French Quarter gets waterlogged, which forces her to interact with her landlord, serious CEO Beau. The chemistry is amazing and things seem so easy, but can she adjust to his affluent lifestyle? And can he accept her spooky side and the dangers it brings? Content warning: Kidnapping and child murder referenced but off the page. Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Twitter: @romanceMEcast

Welcome to another special bonus episode about NaNo (aka National Novel Writing Month)! This is our very, very late follow-up for our previous Camp NaNo episode. In case you don't know, Camp NaNo is a modified challenge that takes place in both April and July, where you get more flexibility with word count or can even choose to use the time to edit a previous project.  In this episode, we discuss Em's experience this year with both the April and July Camp NaNos. Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Twitter: @romanceMEcast

In this episode, we discuss Issued to the Bride One Marine by Cora Seton. Two Willows rancher Lena Reed has worked on the family ranch her whole life in spite of her father, the General's, frequent attempts to dictate how business will be conducted. In order to control and protect Lena and her sisters, the General has been sending cherry-picked servicemen to be their husbands.  Lena's would-be suitor Marine Logan Hughes is trying to avoid imprisonment after a botched knight in shining armor moment by marrying Lena, the daughter assigned to him. Fourth in line to get hitched, Lena is unwilling to kowtow to the General's demands and marry her pre-approved husband.  Now it's up to Logan to convince Lena that he's her man and not her father's minion. Content warning: Abusive ex, main character has panic attack,  heroine assaults hero multiple times, mentions of drug trade Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Twitter: @romanceMEcast

In this episode, we discuss Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLean. After an accident has left her mildly ruined, Lady Felicity Faircloth's prospects of marrying for money and status are devastated. She's so desperate to get back into society's good graces, she'll make a deal with a charming Devil, who assures her that he can grant her wish. But, can she trust his motivations? Will he trust that she knows her own mind? And what will happen when Felicity decides she prefers the Devil she knows? Content warning: Threats of rape, child abuse.  Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Twitter: @romanceMEcast

In this episode, we discuss Elijah: an Amish Story of Crime and Romance by Sylvia Price. In Lincoln, Nebraska, Elijah Troyer is a young man on Rumspringa, the Amish rite of passage where young members of the community are given the freedom to choose if they wish to remain in the Amish community or live outside of it. While out on the town, he comes to the aid of Eve Campbell, a young woman in mortal distress. When push comes to shove, he soon realizes that the only thing he can't live without is Eve. Content warning: Abusive ex-boyfriend, human trafficking Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Twitter: @romanceMEcast

In this episode, we discuss The Corsair's Captive by Ruby Dixon. After being taken from Earth and treated like livestock, Fran finds herself being led around like a pet by an alien. Meanwhile, Kivian was planning to gamble for some fuel crystals, but revised those plans when he saw the pretty human getting her chain yanked. Now he intends to liberate Fran's captor of everything, woman included.  Kivian wants Fran to know she will be safe with him, but can she trust him? Content warning: Human trafficking, slavery. Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Twitter: @romanceMEcast

In this episode, we discuss Roommaid by Sariah Wilson. Maddison is cut off from family assistance at age 23, in a lot of debt, and doesn't have much of a teacher's salary to live on. Needing a place to live where cockroaches don't also call it home, she agrees to live rent free in a really nice place in exchange for doing some light housekeeping and pet sitting. This apartment comes with a wealthy hunk who isn't looking for romance in a roommate after being stalked by the previous woman he roomed with. It all seems almost too good to be true, doesn't it? Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Twitter: @romanceMEcast

In this episode, we discuss Killing Sarai by J.A. Redmerski. For nine years, Sarai was trained to be arm candy in public and a sex toy in bed. At 23, she meets Victor, who she uses to escape her captivity. Unbeknownst to her, he has his own history of abuse and grooming. They begin to develop romantic feelings for each other as they navigate the dangerous world of sex trade and hired assassins.  Content warning: Sex trafficking, sex slavery, sexual assault and rape, child slavery and implications of child rape.  Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Twitter: @romanceMEcast

In this episode, we discuss One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston. While trying to distance herself from her mother's pursuit of her missing uncle, August Landry moves to New York City to pursue higher education and higher rent. While boarding the subway, she meets the leather-jacket-wearing-cool-girl Jane Su, who saves her from coffee-shirt humiliation with a red scarf. August soon realizes there is more to the mysterious Jane than she first suspected, and she is forced to admit she wants to investigate Jane's past in order to save her dream girl. Content warnings: Homophobia. Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Twitter: @romanceMEcast 

In this episode, we discuss Firelight by Kristen Callihan. Miranda Ellis is a woman with a powerful secret but no social power. Lord Benjamin Archer is a man with all sorts of power and yet he is doomed to cover himself so he doesn't shock society. For this couple, marriage and murder intertwine, but only when they learn to trust and communicate will they see the truth. Content warning: Threats of rape. Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Twitter: @romanceMEcast 

In this episode, we discuss Beach Read by Emily Henry. January Andrews inherited a beach house and drama when her father passed away. She moves in to save money and figure out how to write a happily-ever-after while feeling beaten down by her crumbling fairy-tale life. Proving that misery did not like or want company, a loud party next door brought her face-to-face with college crush and now famous literary author Augustus Everett. In an act of creative desperation and mutual attraction, they agree to each try writing in the other's style, giving a shine to the shady pages and vice versa. But, creative excavation is dirty work and soon both of them have uncovered more than they bargained for.  Content warning: Mentions of past child abuse and suicide cults. Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Twitter: @romanceMEcast 

In this episode, we discuss The Duke Who Didn't by Courtney Milan. Chloe Fong is too busy with making lists about her entrepreneurial ambitions and revenge plots to give the man who almost kissed her any of her time as she checks off her tasks. Jeremy Wentworth is secretly the Duke of Lansing as well as the man who didn't stick around after their near kiss three years before, but he has now returned with plans for her list-making. She'd like to check him off, but he won't let her– not without a fight. Content warning: Mentions of racism.  Check out Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's free Sustainable Palm Oil Shopping app mentioned in today's episode. Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Twitter: @romanceMEcast 

In this episode, we discuss Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison. After taking a penny and leaving a penny, Pia Giovanni is wrapped into the loving (and smothering) wings of an ancient dragon. All Dragos Cuelebre, a.k.a. the dragon, wants to do is protect her as if she were the most valuable treasure in his hoard. Unfortunately, Pia's theft has far-reaching complications that put them both in danger. And, while Dragos has forgiven her, he has no intention of letting her go.  Content warning: Dubious consent. Website: romanceMEpodcast.com | Twitter: @romanceMEcast