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Send us a textAudiobook baddies, this one's for YOU.
This is a SUPER special episode because it marks the 100th episode of the She Reads Romance Books Podcast! To celebrate this momentous episode, I am sharing all of the reasons why I love reading romance books and why I think more readers should too. Take a listen as I talk about 20 reasons why I am obsessed with reading romance books!BOOKS:First Time Caller by B.K. Borison: https://amzn.to/4ijjVGbFourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros: https://amzn.to/4bQVE84The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary: https://amzn.to/4kGapyuBrutal Vows by J.T. Geissinger: https://amzn.to/4kBbuHTRock Bottom Girl by Lucy Score: https://amzn.to/3iQVtC2Beautiful Stranger by Christina Lauren: https://amzn.to/4htJmnhBlind Side by Kandi Steiner: https://amzn.to/3Wev8wbPillow Talk by Maya Banks: https://amzn.to/41L4v6FDating-ish by Penny Reid: https://amzn.to/43qvzKLIf Tomorrow Never Comes by Allison Ashley: https://amzn.to/4hpea8CSay You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez: https://amzn.to/4hyYGiASummer Romance by Annabel Monaghan: https://amzn.to/41E5Ko5Wicked Sexy by J.T. Geissinger: https://amzn.to/4hbUchzMotorcycle Man by Kristen Ashley: https://amzn.to/3UZg9VQHard to Handle by K. Bromberg: https://amzn.to/41KiBoMSome Sort of Happy by Melanie Harlow: https://amzn.to/3WixLwTFangirl Down by Tessa Bailey: https://amzn.to/4bFFxtXThe Kingmaker by Kennedy Ryan: https://amzn.to/3uMeJTZThe Romantic Pact by Meghan Quinn: https://amzn.to/3hn5d6GReverse by Kate Stewart: https://amzn.to/3WgGxvvLEAVE A REVIEW!Please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform. Thanks!This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Narrator Elizabeth Knowelden joins AudioFile's Michele Cobb to discuss one of this year's Best Romance Audiobooks, THE ORNITHOLOGIST'S FIELD GUIDE TO LOVE by India Holton. Elizabeth tells Michele about what's most interesting and fun to her about romance audiobooks. She gives a charming performance of the audiobook, and in her interview, she explains how she created the voices for the many characters listeners will encounter in the story. Read AudioFile's review of THE ORNITHOLOGIST'S FIELD GUIDE TO LOVE. Published by Penguin Audio. AudioFile's 2024 Best Romance Audiobooks are: AVENGING ANGEL by Kristen Ashley, read by Stella Bloom THE BREAK-UP PACT by Emma Lord, read by Natalie Naudus JUST FOR THE SUMMER by Abby Jimenez, read by Christine Lakin, Zachary Webber LOVE AT FIRST BOOK by Jenn McKinlay, read by Brittany Pressley THE ORNITHOLOGIST'S FIELD GUIDE TO LOVE by India Holton, read by Elizabeth Knowelden THE PAIRING by Casey McQuiston, read by Emma Galvin, Max Meyers Find the full list of 2024 Best Audiobooks on our website. Today's episode is brought to you by Brilliance Publishing. The Sound of Storytelling. Discover your next great listen at https://www.brilliancepublishing.com/ Elizabeth Knowelden photo by Dana Patrick. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In today's episode, I'm going to be filling up your to be read list by sharing my top 10 most anticipated new romance book releases for September 2024. These are the new romance book releases dropping this September that I cannot wait to read and suggest that you read as well. I wade through all the new romance book releases to choose from each and every month to help you pick the ones that you absolutely don't want to miss.SPONSOR: Star Maker by Jessa Nevins. Available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited: https://amzn.to/4fhcSwCBOOKS MENTIONED:No One Does It Like You by Katie Shepard: https://amzn.to/3SCeSFUWild Eyes by Elsie Silver: https://amzn.to/3LQvB4GRight Kiss Wrong Man by Stacey Kennedy: https://amzn.to/3YCFVonEmbracing the Change by Kristen Ashley: https://amzn.to/3AcI9AVMy Rules by TJ Swan: https://amzn.to/4ddn1JbTwisted Knight by K. Bromberg: https://amzn.to/4fwjmrzAll I Want is You by Falon Ballard: https://amzn.to/4dyknNSA Jingle Bell Mingle by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone: https://amzn.to/3LVd7QvBeg for Me by J.T. Geissinger: https://amzn.to/4fK6OgqSunday Morning by Jewel E. Ann: https://amzn.to/4fK6RJ8Bulldozer by P. Dangelico: https://amzn.to/4cs52h6Dirty by Kylie Scott: https://amzn.to/4fJP2K7LINKS: She Reads Romance Books Book Club: https://www.shereadsromancebooks.com/bookclubRomance Journal: https://www.shereadsromancebooks.com/romance-book-journal/A Year of Reading Romance Card Deck: https://www.shereadsromancebooks.com/a-year-of-reading-romance/FOLLOW! Web FacebookInstagram Join My ListPlease leave a review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform if you loved this episode. Thanks!This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Summary: Devin would like to welcome you all to her state! On this stop of their Summer Road Trip, Holly and Devin discuss books set in the Rocky Mountain state. Even though we're all battling heat waves, both their books feature blizzards, being snowed in, and close quarters tension. In every other way, though, the plots differ drastically. Known for its outdoor culture, snow skiing, and craft beer this state has a lot to offer those seeking an adrenaline rush like our hosts! Topics Discussed: The Heart (5:21): Devin discussed The Gamble by Kristen Ashley, a second-chances romance that follows Nina Sheridan, a visitor to the mountain town of Gnaw Bone, as she finds herself stuck in a gorgeous A-frame home with the homeowner, Holden “Max” Maxwell due to a rental mixup. Escaping to Colorado to think about her future and her neglectful fiancé back in the UK, Nina was hoping for peace and quiet but Max brings anything but; can she withstand the allure of this sexy mountain man? Devin's key takeaways were: This is a quintessential Colorado book. Very strong sense of place, small town with resort energy on the sides and picturesque with the start of a blizzard and lots of good views, mountains, valleys, dive bars. Devin spent a good chunk of it wondering if it was modeled after the town she lives in specifically. There are trigger warnings for sexual abuse and violence, physical violence and threats. This book has heavy trauma, for every single character; it classifies as trauma porn in a lot of ways. If you like watching people who have suffered and then work to support, grow, and love each other this book will work great for you. There is a simmering tension between Max and Nina right from the start and while some of the build up is the annoying “interrupted” trope, it is a blast to read and experience. The book takes its time building everything and the side characters/town play a huge part, but the care, chemistry and overall vibes between our protagonists carry you through. The Dagger (21:08): Holly discussed No Exit by Taylor Adams, a psychological thriller that follows college student Darby Thorne on her frantic drive home to Utah to see her dying mother. In the mountains of Colorado, a blizzard forces her to stop at a remote highway rest stop. Trying to find cell service in the parking lot, Darby discovers a little girl locked in an animal crate in the van near her car; the situation becomes increasingly dangerous from there. Holly's key takeaways were: The novel explores themes of survival as Darby must use her wits, courage, and resourcefulness to navigate the life-threatening situation and protect herself and the kidnapped girl. Adams underlines the moral choices characters make in extreme circumstances for good or evil; Darby's determination to save the girl contrasts sharply with the kidnapper's sinister motives. We aren't seeing broader life in Colorado, but the book uses the wintry elements to great effect to increase the tension and stakes in the story. The setting of the remote, snowed-in rest stop amplifies themes of isolation and vulnerability. The characters are cut off from the outside world, heightening the sense of danger and urgency. No Exit has various twists and a nail-biting pace, even some horror elements. It reminded Holly a bit of The Shining just in the way of feeling trapped and isolated in a wintry wasteland. The reader feels the intensity of trying to survive as Darby uses her wits, courage, and resourcefulness to navigate the life-threatening situation. Hot On the Shelf (35:54): Devin: Micro Activism: How You Can Make a Difference in the World Without a Bullhorn by Omkari L. Williams Holly: The Feast by Margaret Kennedy What's Making Our Hearts Race (39:07): Devin: Bob's Burgers Holly: New rescue dog, Toki! Instagram: @heartsanddaggerspod Website: www.heartsanddaggerspod.com If you like what you hear, please tell your friends and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so that we can find our perfect audience.
Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books & you can read our affiliate disclosure here. In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with author Tijan about her writing journey, which began after college when she started using her parents' old computer to get the stories and characters in her head out into the world. Tijan shares her experiences writing on platforms like Fiction Press, Live Journal, and Wattpad, and how her self-published book, Fallen Crest High*, skyrocketed her career.Tijan's latest book is Hockey with Benefits*, a new adult friends-with-benefits romance. Tijan shares a few of her backlist titles for you to pick up after reading Hockey with Benefits*.We also explored the benefits and challenges of being a hybrid author, working with both traditional and self-publishing. Tijan talks about the support she receives from a team in traditional publishing, as well as the creative control and potentially higher earnings in self-publishing. She also shares her reading habits and book recommendations from authors like Kristen Ashley, Jennifer Armentrout, and Debra Anastasia. Don't miss this insightful conversation with author Tijon as we dive into the world of writing and publishing. Happy listening!*Affiliate Links SHOWNOTES AND BOOK LINKShttp://WhattoReadNextBlog.comCheck out our YouTube Channel;https://www.whattoreadnextblog.com/youtubeMusic from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/sunnyLicense code: 0RDRBKGH6NGQCAXR
This is a book about a motorcycle club, and a girl who wants one of the riders as well as he wants her but he can't have her. Hope you guys enjoy.
Welcome to the Audiobook Lovin Podcast, discussing all things audiobooks, the narrators that perform them and the authors that write the stories. The Audiobook Lovin Podcast is brought to you by Viviana, Enchantress of Books. Guest(s): Updates and Author Kristen Ashley Viviana, Enchantress of Books: http://www.vivianaenchantressofbooks.com/2022/11/audiobook-lovin-podcast-s4-ep14-updates.html Become a patron at https://www.patreon.com/AudiobookLovin Subscribe to newsletter here: eepurl.com/cD_VHX Subscribe & Listen on: Audible: https://adbl.co/3lbkxl2 Amazon Prime Music: https://amzn.to/32xUgaA Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3L3Nf25 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/38l1odY Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/audiobook-lovin-pocast/PC:1001022570 Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/5bmvo1zo Soundcloud: https://bit.ly/AudiobookLovinSoundcloud iHeart Radio Podcast: https://ihr.fm/38qaZ31 Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/AudiobookLovinGooglePodcast We hope you have enjoyed this production of The Audiobook Lovin' Podcast. Host: Viviana Izzo Podcast Intro & Outro: Emma Wilder Podcast Patreon: Benjamin Charles Audio Editor: Gabriella Bojorge This has been an Audiobook Lovin' production Copyright 2017 by Viviana Izzo, Enchantress of Books. Production Copyright 2017 by Audiobook Lovin'. Audiobook Lovin' Series, The Audiobook Lovin Podcast is a division of Viviana, Enchantress of Books. Please visit Viviana, Enchantress of Books to learn more about the Audiobook Lovin' Series. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, modified, copied, distributed, repackaged, shared, displayed, revealed, extracted, emailed, transmitted, sold or otherwise transferred, conveyed or used, in a manner inconsistent with the Agreement, or rights of the copyright owner. You shall not redistribute, repackage, transmit, assign, sell, broadcast, rent, share, lend, modify, extract, reveal, adapt, edit, sub-license or otherwise transfer the Content. You are not granted any synchronization, public performance, promotional use, commercial sale, resale, reproduction or distribution rights for the Content. For permission requests, please visit Viviana, Enchantress of Books for more information.
The final Trailblazer of Season 4 is a very excellent one—we're welcoming JR Ward to Fated Mates! Best known as the author of The Black Dagger Brotherhood (a series that blooded Jen), JR began her career writing contemporary romances under the name Jessica Bird before turning to the vampires the romance world adores. In this episode, we talk about the twists and turns of her early career, about the influence of her mother and other powerful women in her life, about the business of being JR Ward, about her process of writing the Black Dagger Brotherhood, and about her relationship to her characters. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did, and we are so grateful to JR Ward for spending some time with us.Thanks to Avon Books, publishers of Beverly Jenkins's To Catch a Raven, Blackstone Publishing, publishers of Nora Zelevansky's Competitive Grieving, and Alyxandra Harvey, author of How to Marry a Duke, for sponsoring the episode. Stay tuned at the end of the episode for an audio excerpt of Competitive Grieving.Next week, we finish out Season 4 as is traditional — with a deep dive episode on Sarah's summer release, Heartbreaker! Get it at Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, at your local indie, or signed and with special swag (and a Fated Mates sticker!) from her local indie, WORD in Brooklyn! Show NotesWelcome J.R. Ward, author of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, a series of paranormal romances. She also wrote category romance under the name Jessica Bird.We did a deep dive of JR Ward's Dark Lover in Season Two. Listen here. People Mentioned: editor Hannah Braaten, publisher Jennifer Bergstrom, publicist Andrew Nguyen, editor and publisher Kara Cesare. Authors Mentioned: Sherilyn Kenyon, Laurel K. Hamilton, Christine Feehan, Kresley Cole, Nora Roberts, Kristen Ashley, Christopher Rice, and Gena Showalter.
We created a master list for you of ALL the books we've ever talked about! Check out the Raging Romantics Booklist for all the titles, series, and episode links your heart could ever desire as a romance reader. In the meantime, here's our little list of romantic suspense books to get you running. Enjoy!DID YOU LISTEN TO THE TESSA BAILEY EPISODE YET?!?!?!?!Questions/Comments/Concerns/Recommendations? Email us at ragingromantics@nopl.org
On this episode we're main character walking back into the world of Rock Chicks and Overly Alpha Men and are tackling The Hookup by the one and only Kristen Ashley. Throw on your blinged out jeans and all your heavy silver jewelry as we discuss whether Vintage KA is back or if she is still managing to out KA herself. There will be spicy language and spoilers so If this book is still on your TBR list we'd hop skip over to another episode. Special Guest: @kaguascao Books Discussed: Kristen Ashley's The Hookup, Rock Chick Revenge, The Gamble & Sommersgate House --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
John Charles in conversation with Kristen Ashley
In this episode, my guest Kini Allen shares her love for Kristen Ashley. We chat about Kristen's backlist and what books you should add to your TBR.
Feeling nostalgic for Game of Thrones (the good seasons)?The Golden Dynasty is the perfect Khal Drogo + Dany fanfic to fill the void. Juliette and I have had enough time after the disastrous final season that we were craving a little barbarian horde romance. I apologize for the quality of the audio for this episode. We will be fixing the microphones for future recordingsWHERE TO FIND US:► Email: swreadromance@gmail.com ► Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/swreadrom► Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/swreadrom► Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/swreadrom► Twitter: https://twitter.com/swreadrom► FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/swreadrom.theswoonzone/► Juliette's Books: https://www.juliettecross.com/ ► Etsy Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/swreadrom/► Discord: https://discord.gg/ptJr3yvFhW► Podcast: http://www.buzzsprout.com/230454Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/swreadrom)
Lia completes a Mr. Sunshine hero trifecta, Amy surprises us with her Lee Minho choices, and Megan talks about how Ko Dong Man would absolutely go downtown... well. Get all the details on which kdrama heroes we would marry, mate, and murder.Kpop rec:Love Scenario by IKONRomance book rec with a hero we would marry:Joe Callahan from At Peace by Kristen Ashley
New York Times bestselling author Kristen Ashley joins us on the podcast this week to discuss her journey to publishing, her career as a hybrid author, and how she manages her backlist of over 80 titles. Kristen also talks to us about her newest release After the Climb: Special Edition, which she wrote with the help of her readers, and she tells us about her reader community, Rock Chick Nation. Learn more about this episode!
Heidi wants to talk about two books this week she didn't finish - but for two very different reasons. 1. The first book - The Golden Dynasty by Kristen Ashley a fantasy romance was due to two problems. Her frustration that the authors made up fantasy language was never translated, so you never knew what the hero was saying. EVER! (A translator shows up but she isn't there very much!) And the heroine was about as interesting as a dish rag. (Also the author made some interesting choices about the Hero at the start of the book... more on that in the pod.)If you don't want the snark, starting at minute 19 - 2. A Lady of Rooksgrave Manor by Kathryn Moon is a Reverse Harem. Heidi tried this genre, knowing it isn't her thing. This book is really great, but Heidi just can't do RH. She wanted to talk about it anyway because those of you that like RH, might really like this book! This is a positive review, just not Heidi's thing. She fell in love with one of the guys and that was it, it was too hard to read about the heroine with the others. Support the show (https://paypal.me/romancebookreviewpod)
John Charles in conversation with Kristen Ashley
Lady Luck by Kristen Ashleyhttps://amzn.to/362yXNzSince birth, Lexie Berry has had nothing but bad luck. Orphaned at an early age, she had a rough childhood and a boyfriend who was murdered. Now the beautiful, stylish Lexie is determined to change her luck and her life. But first she's got to make good on a promise: To pick up Ty Walker from prison. One look at the gorgeous ex-convict and Lexie knows she's in trouble - and already thinking about taking a walk on the wild side. For five years, Ty was imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit. Now he wants revenge on the people who framed him. Yet when the high-stakes poker player sees the leggy Lexie, he suddenly has other desires on his mind. Realizing that Ty is innocent, Lexie tries to stop his plan for vengeance and help him become a better man. But as Ty battles his inner demons, dirty cops and criminals plot to take him out, can he and Lexie find a way to escape the past?https://amzn.to/362yXNz
Lady Luck by Kristen Ashleyhttps://amzn.to/362yXNzSince birth, Lexie Berry has had nothing but bad luck. Orphaned at an early age, she had a rough childhood and a boyfriend who was murdered. Now the beautiful, stylish Lexie is determined to change her luck and her life. But first she's got to make good on a promise: To pick up Ty Walker from prison. One look at the gorgeous ex-convict and Lexie knows she's in trouble - and already thinking about taking a walk on the wild side. For five years, Ty was imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit. Now he wants revenge on the people who framed him. Yet when the high-stakes poker player sees the leggy Lexie, he suddenly has other desires on his mind. Realizing that Ty is innocent, Lexie tries to stop his plan for vengeance and help him become a better man. But as Ty battles his inner demons, dirty cops and criminals plot to take him out, can he and Lexie find a way to escape the past?https://amzn.to/362yXNz
Today’s episode is all about audiobooks. I invited my friend Amy (novelgossip) to chat about all of the audiobook services that you can add to get access to audiobooks for low cost. In this episode, we chat about Libro.fm, Audible Plus, Scribd, Out of State Libraries where you can get access to Libby and Hoopla. TV RECOMMENDATIONS: The Hills is available on Hulu! AUDIOBOOK SERVICES Scribd Lbro.fm - Use code GOSSIP Audible Plus Kindle Unlimited Out of State Libraries: Brooklyn Public Library (Libby) Orange County Public Library (Libby & Hoopla) BOOKS RECOMMENDED: The Gamble by Kristen Ashley Act your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert Lady Luck by Kristen Ashley CONNECT WITH AMY Instagram Twitter Facebook Website SUPPORT THE WHAT TO READ NEXT PODCAST! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Or you can subscribe to the show on Spotify. Spread the love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends JOIN PATREON COMMUNITY Get weekly book recommendations, attend monthly meetups, get a free book/audiobook for your birthday! Perks start st $5. Sign up today; http://www.whattoreadnextblog.com/patreon ETSY SHOP ALERT- QUEEN BEE READS Romance lovers: check out Queen Bee Reads Etsy Shop for cute & comfortable bookish apparel! Use code: WHATTOREAD10 to save! http://www.whattoreadnextblog.com/queenbeereads FROLIC PODCAST NETWORK What to Read Next Podcast is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts! AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE If you purchase a book through my Bookshop link, I will receive a commission at no cost to you that will help cover the cost of the podcast CONNECT WITH LAURA YAMIN WhattoReadNextBlog.com Instagram
Sweet Dreams by Kristen Ashleyhttps://amzn.to/379WLjfWhen you lose everything, anything is possible.Lauren Grahame needs a whole new life. A simpler life. After leaving her cheating husband, she moves to Carnal, Colorado, takes a job as a waitress and realizes she might have finally found the hometown for which she'd been searching. Except things are about to get a lot more complicated....Lauren's fresh start does not include her growing feelings for her boss, Tate Jackson. She'll take the new friends, the new job, not to mention the incredible banana bread from the local coffee shop, but love is not on the agenda. However, the people of Carnal know chemistry when they see it, and they're not about to let Tate and Lauren miss their chance. *Booktrack is an immersive format that pairs traditional audiobook narration to complementary music. The tempo and rhythm of the score are in perfect harmony with the action and characters throughout the audiobook. Gently playing in the background, the music never overpowers or distracts from the narration, so listeners can enjoy every minute. When you purchase this Booktrack edition, you receive the exact narration as the traditional audiobook available, with the addition of music throughout.https://amzn.to/379WLjf
Sweet Dreams by Kristen Ashleyhttps://amzn.to/379WLjfWhen you lose everything, anything is possible.Lauren Grahame needs a whole new life. A simpler life. After leaving her cheating husband, she moves to Carnal, Colorado, takes a job as a waitress and realizes she might have finally found the hometown for which she'd been searching. Except things are about to get a lot more complicated....Lauren's fresh start does not include her growing feelings for her boss, Tate Jackson. She'll take the new friends, the new job, not to mention the incredible banana bread from the local coffee shop, but love is not on the agenda. However, the people of Carnal know chemistry when they see it, and they're not about to let Tate and Lauren miss their chance. *Booktrack is an immersive format that pairs traditional audiobook narration to complementary music. The tempo and rhythm of the score are in perfect harmony with the action and characters throughout the audiobook. Gently playing in the background, the music never overpowers or distracts from the narration, so listeners can enjoy every minute. When you purchase this Booktrack edition, you receive the exact narration as the traditional audiobook available, with the addition of music throughout.https://amzn.to/379WLjf
In this episode, we discuss Midnight Soul by Kristen Ashley. Franka Drakkar has secrets, and to make everyone keep their distance, she wears a mask of cruelty. Noc Hawthorne, an undercover cop from our world, was transported to Fantasyland to help save it from evil. While there, he meets Franka. In a moment of vulnerability, her mask slips, and Noc sees her for who she really is. Noc wants Franka to come home with him, and promises her an adventure beyond her dreams. After a lifetime of keeping everyone at a distance, is Franka prepared to let Noc into her heart? Content warning: Abuse survivorship, including violent child abuse. Join us for a special bonus episode next week, when we discuss the Fantasyland series as a whole!
In this episode, we discuss Broken Dove by Kristen Ashley. Apollo is still grieving the tragic loss of his wife, Ilsa, when he learns there is a parallel world where everyone in his world has a “twin.” He arranges for the twin of his wife to be brought to his world, hoping that, in this way, he can have his wife again. Ilsa is on the run from her abusive husband, Apollo’s twin. When she is brought to Apollo’s world, she isn’t what he expected. And, Ilsa doesn’t want to be a constant reminder of what he lost. However, evil is on the horizon and Apollo must keep Ilsa close to keep her safe. Content warning: This book has scenes depicting domestic violence, emotional abuse, and child loss.
Souhaila and Zineb talk about their reading goals, their favourite readathons and the top three books they're excited to read next year. Please submit your requests and questions at ourbookpodcast@gmail.com. *Books Mentioned* · The Girl with All The Gifts by M.R.Carey · Great Expectations by Charles Dickens · Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe · A Series Of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket · A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles · Why We sleep by Matthew Walker · The Great Influenza by John M. Barry · King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo · The Book Thief by Mark Zusak · The Messenger by Mark Zusak · The Wall of Winnipeg by Mariana Zapatha · Kim ji-young, born in 1982 by Cho Nam-joo · The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid · The Rock Chicks by Kristen Ashley · Illuminae By Amie Kaufman *Reading challenges & Readathons* ** *· The book riots (read harder challenge) :* *https://bookriot.com/read-harder-2021/* ( https://bookriot.com/read-harder-2021/ ) *· Bill Gates’s reading list:* *·* *https://www.gatesnotes.com/About-Bill-Gates/Summer-Books-2020* ( https://www.gatesnotes.com/About-Bill-Gates/Summer-Books-2020 ) ** *· A year of reading the world:* *https://ayearofreadingtheworld.com/* ( https://ayearofreadingtheworld.com/ ) ** *· Quiet Readathon :* *https://24hryabookblog.wordpress.com/2019/12/17/quietreadathon-my-first-readathon-coming-in-2020/* ( https://24hryabookblog.wordpress.com/2019/12/17/quietreadathon-my-first-readathon-coming-in-2020/ ) *· Gilmore girls Readathon:* *https://twitter.com/gilmoreathon?lang=en* ( https://twitter.com/gilmoreathon?lang=en ) ** *· Harry Potter readathon :* *https://www.magicalreadathon.com/magical-readathon-timeline* ( https://www.magicalreadathon.com/magical-readathon-timeline ) *· Underrated books readathon :* *http://www.littlebookowl.com/* ( http://www.littlebookowl.com/ ) *· Dewey’s readathon :* *https://deweysreadathon.wordpress.com/* ( https://deweysreadathon.wordpress.com/ ) *· The reading Rush readathon :* *https://www.thereadingrush.com/* ( https://www.thereadingrush.com/ ) *· Cozy reading night:* *https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llAdrMGI22Q&ab_channel=LaurenAndTheBooks* ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?ab_channel=LaurenAndTheBooks&v=llAdrMGI22Q ) *· Readathons calendar: http://www.littlebookowl.com/p/read-thon-calendar.html*
John Charles in conversation with Kristen Ashley
Jagged by Kristen Ashley https://amzn.to/2IgWBN3The next novel in Kristen Ashley's sizzling Colorado Mountain series introduces a new electrifying relationship that turns Carnal, Colorado into a hotbed of action, romance, and suspense.An old flame rekindled . . .Zara Cinders always knew Ham Reece was the one, but he wasn't interested in settling down. When she found someone who was, Ham walked out of her life. Three years later, Zara's lost her business, her marriage, and she's barely getting by in a tiny apartment on the wrong side of the tracks. As soon as Ham hears about Zara's plight, he's on her doorstep offering her a lifeline. Now, it will take every ounce of will power she possesses to resist all that he offers.Ham was always a traveling man, never one to settle down in one town, with one woman, for more time than absolutely necessary. But Ham's faced his own demons, and he's learned a lot. About himself, and about the life he knows he's meant to live. So when he hears that Zara's having a rough time, he wants to be the one to help. In fact, he wants to do more than that for Zara. A lot more. But first, he must prove to Zara that he's a changed man.https://amzn.to/2IgWBN3
Jagged by Kristen Ashley https://amzn.to/2IgWBN3The next novel in Kristen Ashley's sizzling Colorado Mountain series introduces a new electrifying relationship that turns Carnal, Colorado into a hotbed of action, romance, and suspense.An old flame rekindled . . .Zara Cinders always knew Ham Reece was the one, but he wasn't interested in settling down. When she found someone who was, Ham walked out of her life. Three years later, Zara's lost her business, her marriage, and she's barely getting by in a tiny apartment on the wrong side of the tracks. As soon as Ham hears about Zara's plight, he's on her doorstep offering her a lifeline. Now, it will take every ounce of will power she possesses to resist all that he offers.Ham was always a traveling man, never one to settle down in one town, with one woman, for more time than absolutely necessary. But Ham's faced his own demons, and he's learned a lot. About himself, and about the life he knows he's meant to live. So when he hears that Zara's having a rough time, he wants to be the one to help. In fact, he wants to do more than that for Zara. A lot more. But first, he must prove to Zara that he's a changed man.https://amzn.to/2IgWBN3
Zineb and Souhaila talk about a bunch of books that they hope to read before 2020 ends! Please submit your requests and questions at ourbookpodcast@gmail.com. Tag created by @Ariel Bissett ( https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7meg6KOPt_CRTLcEiy2lGg ) original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlKiC... ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlKiCFTVmXI ) *Questions:* 1. Are there any books you started this year that you need to finish? 2. Do you have an autumnal book to transition into the end of the year? 3. Is there a new release you're still waiting for? 4. What are three books you want to read before the end of the year? 5. Is there a book you think could still shock you and become your favorite book of the year? 6. Have you already started making reading plans for 2021? *Books Mentioned :* · Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff · King of Scars By Leigh Bardugo · Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari · The Name Of The Wind By Patrick Rothfuss · Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy · The Little Prince by Antoine Saint d’Exupéry · Harry potter And The Goblet Of Fire · The House of Incest by Anis Nin · The Rock Chicks series by Kristen Ashley · Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell · Seasonal Quartet by Ali smith · An Ember In The Ashes series by Sabah Tahir · Blood and Ash series by Jennier. L Armentrout
In this episode, we discuss Fantastical by Kristen Ashley. Cora wakes up in, what she first assumes, a dream-world--where birds talk to her and the furniture defies physics. She inadvertently sets off a centuries-old curse, and soon realizes she is not actually dreaming but in an alternate world where the alternate her is not very nice. Noctorno rescues Cora from the effects of the curse, but he doesn’t like her or trust her. When Cora tries to tell him who she really is, he thinks it’s all a game. But, he’s willing to play along as long as she stays sweet. Content warning: Discussion and threats regarding rape, as well as elements of dubious consent.
In this episode, we discuss Wildest Dreams by Kristen Ashley. Finnie is always searching for the grandest adventure, so when a witch tells her of a parallel world, and offers to help her switch places with the other her, Finnie is more than willing to spend the money to make it happen. However, there are some secrets the other her has been keeping and not all of them are good. Frey Drakkar quickly realizes that his new bride isn’t the woman he actually knows. In fact, she’s much better. He plots to keep her with him always, but to do that, he’ll have to keep her safe. Content warning: Discussion and threats regarding rape, as well as elements of dubious consent.
Welcome to the What to Read Next Podcast. Today is a bit of a different episode because I asked my friend Kini to interview me. In this episode, I share about my reading, my move to Chicago, podcasting questions including how much money I spend and what I make from the show. Yes we do dive into my own book recommendations. BOOKS RECOMMENDED Addicted to You by Krista and Becca Ritchie- https://amzn.to/358fNUZ Wait for You by Jennifer L. Armentrout - https://amzn.to/2H4Goum On Dublin Street by Samantha Young- https://amzn.to/3lWkcRO The Ones That Got Away by Karina Halle https://amzn.to/35cNcOf Lexi Blake - https://amzn.to/2T56waL You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle - https://amzn.to/3ja7ehx Heaven and Hell by Kristen Ashley- https://amzn.to/3dAZiEI Lady Luck by Kristen Ashley- https://amzn.to/35pz8kX CONNECT WITH KINI Twitter Instagram SmexyBooks.com JOIN PATREON COMMUNITY Get weekly romance recommendations, early access to author interviews and exclusive Patreon audio series by joining the Patreon community. We also host twice a month Zoom Romance Recommendations Meetups. Monthly perks start at $1 a month. Want to join the fun? Sign up today; http://www.whattoreadnextblog.com/patreon FROLIC PODCAST NETWORK What to Read Next Podcast is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts! AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE If you purchase a book through my Amazon or Bookshop link, I will receive a commission at no cost to you that will help cover the cost of the podcast CONNECT WITH LAURA YAMIN WhattoReadNextBlog.com Instagram Goodreads
A Frogmorton Farm short story from the bestselling author of the Chronicles of St Mary's. Perfect for fans of Sarah Addison Allen, Kristen Ashley and Genevieve Cogman. It's Christmas time again and all is not well at Frogmorton Farm. Jenny and Russell's daughter, Joy, is growing up. Not quickly enough as far as she's concerned but far too quickly according to Russell. Father and daughter are at odds and suddenly the outlook is very dark indeed. That is until Thomas comes to the rescue.
This week, as part of joy month, we’re joined by Nisha Sharma, author of The Takeover Effect and The Legal Affair, to talk about her favorite trope — Mafia Romances! We talk about why organized crime works in romance, fill your TBR to the brim…and share some real life mafia stories. Or, at least, Sarah does. It’s a lot.We’re putting read alongs on hold for a bit to spend the next few weeks hanging out with some of our favorite people and talking about books and tropes that give us joy, so we hope you’ll join us and keep a pen handy so you can add to your TBR list as needed!Also! please join us for a Fated States phonebanking session with Indivisible.org on Saturday — it’s so fun! We love seeing so many of your amazing faces there, hanging out, and lifting each other up through absolute anxiety! Please join us, fellow Fated Maters, and special guests for Fated States Phonebanking Part 4 this Saturday, October 17th at 3pm Eastern to call Iowa! It’s easy, not scary, and there will be prizes!Thank you, as always, for listening! If you are up for leaving a rating or review for the podcast on your podcasting app, we would be very grateful!Fated States!Join us this Saturday, October 17th at 3pm Eastern to call Iowa and make sure it turns up blue! It’s easy, not scary, and there will be prizes! Sign up at the link, watch the video, and come hang out!Remember: "Despair is not a strategy."**Call Your Senators. Tell them you want "the McConnell Rule" enforced.**Donate Donate Donate (if you can). We're thrilled to support "Get Mitch or Die Trying" via ActBlue -- donations to this are immediately split evenly between Senate candidates in elections**Text bank**Phone bank**Write postcards**Vote early by mail if you are planning to vote by mail. Be sure to check that your ballot has all the correct information, and is returned accorting to the instructions (this goes double for people in NYCand Pennsylvania).**Vote early in person if your state has early voting.**Stay fired up!Show NotesWelcome Nisha Sharma! She is the author of some of favorites: the YA romance My So Called Bollywood Life, and the Singh family trilogy.The Fifty Shades movies are lying about lipstick.Maybe you’d like to learn more about organized crime in Rhode Island, Cleveland, and Scranton. Sarah grew up in Rhode Island and recommends you listen to Crimetown if you're interested in learning more about how far-reaching the mob is there.How car crushers work.When it comes to Capone, we recommend the Chicago tour (if life ever returns to normal) but not the movie with Tom Hardy.Nisha mentioned a 1970s Bollywood movie. It’s called Sholay, and Nisha said, “Technically it was like this small village bad guy...think old westerns but he had like a gang of hoodlums.”The big Western movies seem to pop up every ten years, and Brokeback Mountain was 2005!The list of mafia romance from Goodreads is here, and the queer mafia romance list is here.Does your gender determine how you relate to mafia movies, books, and TV shows? Or if you participate in real life?Maybe you want to watch Weeds or Traffic and see some kickass women who are antiheroes?Erin from Learning the Tropes is on the hunt for books that have heroines that are named Erin, so let her know if you’ve read any. Jen’s list is Ivan and an old Loveswept by Barbara Boswell called Sharing Secrets -- the hero’s name is Rad Ramsey!Speaking of Ivan and Erin, while working on show notes for this episode, Jen discovered that a second story with these two is coming out in a few weeks!It is MMA fighting, which stands for Mixed Martial Arts.We did a deep dive episode on Kresley Cole's The Master in Season 1. Listen to it here.Jen’s love of Russian mobsters started with Viggo Mortensen in Eastern Promises.Sons of Anarchy actually does predate the MC romance. The TV show aired from 2008 - 2014, and one of the first MC romances was Motorcycle Man (2012) by Kristen Ashley. After Sons of Anarchy ended, the MC romance genre did grow exponentially, including books like Reaper’s Property by Joanna Wylde (2016).Jen said the Molly O’Keefe book with the mafia guy and the secret baby was Bad Neighbor, but it’s actually Baby Come Back. You should just go ahead and read them both.All about the myth of the minotaur.The Oscars released a diversity rubric.The big, bad Russians influenced American media for decades.Online Advertising is the new cement shoes.Sarah learned about money laundering because of pinball machines. Today's kids get to learn about it because of the President. Sure.Books Mentioned in the PodcastMy So Called Bollywood Life by Nisha SharmaThe Singh Family Trilogy by Nisha SharmaThe Professional by Kresley ColeThe Master by Kresley ColeThe Player by Kresley ColeThe Bastard’s Bargain by Katee RobertThe Marriage Contract by Katee RobertThe Corruption Series by CD ReissIvan by Roxie RiveriaLies You Tell by LaQuetteThe Fighter’s Prize by Jessa KaneBaby Come Back by Molly O’KeefeThe Devil of Downtown by Joanna ShupeDark Mafia Prince by Annika MartinLuca by Theodora TaylorJudgment Road by Christine FeehanTurbulent Sea by Christine Feehan
https://amzn.to/3kB3TcBThere's nothing like the first time.In Carnal, Colorado, Faye Goodknight is the town's quiet, shy librarian. She may also be Carnal's last remaining virgin. For years, Faye has had a crush on Chace Keaton, but the gorgeous cop has always been unattainable. She's resigned to live contentedly with only her books for company - until Faye suddenly meets Chace alone in the woods.Chace doesn't think he's the good guy everyone believes him to be. He's made a lot of choices he regrets, including denying his feelings for Faye. Through his choices, he's come to believe the pretty librarian is too good for him, but after their time in the woods, Chace realizes that she may be his last chance for redemption. Soon, their long-simmering desires grow to a burning passion. Yet always casting a shadow over their happiness is Chace's dark past.https://amzn.to/3kB3TcB
https://amzn.to/3kB3TcBThere's nothing like the first time.In Carnal, Colorado, Faye Goodknight is the town's quiet, shy librarian. She may also be Carnal's last remaining virgin. For years, Faye has had a crush on Chace Keaton, but the gorgeous cop has always been unattainable. She's resigned to live contentedly with only her books for company - until Faye suddenly meets Chace alone in the woods.Chace doesn't think he's the good guy everyone believes him to be. He's made a lot of choices he regrets, including denying his feelings for Faye. Through his choices, he's come to believe the pretty librarian is too good for him, but after their time in the woods, Chace realizes that she may be his last chance for redemption. Soon, their long-simmering desires grow to a burning passion. Yet always casting a shadow over their happiness is Chace's dark past.https://amzn.to/3kB3TcB
Welcome to the What to Read Next Podcast. Today’s guest is Odette from RomanceBookJunkie from Instagram. In this episode, we chat recommendations for historical and paranormal. We share a bit of Sexy Series Sunday with a few series for you to check out. BOOKS RECOMMENDED: Harry Potter by JK Rowling Nora Roberts Marriage of Convenience Kiss an Angel by Susan Elizabeth Phillips Beauty and the Beast Retelling The Dark One by Ronda Thompson (Historical/Paranormal) Historical Romance Authors Lisa Kleypas Julia Quinn Eloisa James Tessa Dare Medieval Romance The Bride by Julie Garwood Paranormal Romance Black Dagger Brotherhood by JR Ward Immortal After Dark by Kresley Cole Lords of Underworld by Gena Sholwalter ScI Fi Starbreaker by Amanda Bouchet Fantasy Romance Fantasyland by Kristen Ashley Anticipated New Releases Munro by Kresley Cole A Dark and Stormy Night by Kerrigan Byrne The Earl I Ruined by Scarlett Peckham Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase (Beauty and the Beast) Wolf Gone Wild by Juliette Cross (Great gateway Paranormal series) Barenuckle Bastards series by Sarah MacLean Heart of Blood and Ashes by Milla Vane The Rakess by Scarlett Peckham My Fake Rake by Eva Leigh Tools of Engagement by Tessa Bailey White Hot by Ilona Andrews Love under Quarantine by Kylie Scott and Audrey Carlan CONNECT WITH ODETTE Instagram Goodreads Sexy Series Sunday SUPPORT THE WHAT TO READ NEXT PODCAST! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends JOIN PATREON COMMUNITY Join the What to Read Next Podcast Patreon Romance Book Club. We are offering one tier Weekly Recommendation + Early Access to Author Interviews and other bonus podcast content + Access to Patron-only Facebook Group: + Twice a month Zoom meetups (Backlist Book Club & Author Q&A ) + Conversation with Publishers + Rolling IG Chat: $5 This is a great romance loving community where you will get book recommendations, make new friends and an opportunity to discover to new to you authors, series and genres to binge on. Want to join the fun? Sign up today; https://bit.ly/WTRNRomanceBookClub FROLIC PODCAST NETWORK What to Read Next Podcast is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts! CONNECT WITH LAURA YAMIN WhattoReadNextBlog.com Instagram Goodreads Twitter
Listen as Mo fangirls over Rock Chick, Kim loses her mind over Fantasyland, and KA proves she's the coolest chick on the block. We just want to go hang out with her and talk alpha males and badass chicks all day long. Recommended Listen:Wildest Dreamshttps://amzn.to/3jyOycu
Amanda and Jenn are joined by Sarah MacLean and Jen Prokop of the Fated Mates podcast in this romance special episode! This episode is sponsored by Book Marks, a customizable journal to record your reading life, Sourcebooks, and Two Lines Press. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. QUESTIONS 1. Hello! I love your show. I’m looking for a fantastic romp. I love light, hilarious reads like Tessa Dare and the book I’m currently reading, My Fake Rake, which is utterly brilliant. I also love a SFF romp, like How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Multiverse and Jodi Taylor’s books. That’s the mental place I’m in. Can you recommend some great romps, in any genre? Thank you! 2. I love listening to your show and have found so many great books at your suggestion. I finally got to read Red, White, and Royal Blue over my holiday break and i loved it. I would love another book like this one. -Heidi 3. I’ve been in a bit of romance reading slump. I love the genre, but keep ending up with books that annoy the hell out of me. Things that frustrate me: years and years of pining, finally moving on, just to go right back to the person they pined after; power imbalances between characters (no boss/subordinate stuff, and I especially can’t stand when someone falls in love with their damn therapist); super-alpha dudes (I like a lot of Kristen Ashley’s female characters, but I want to bury most of her men alive). I prefer contemporary romance – I can’t get into historical stuff, and for some reason, I just don’t care for any royalty related stuff either. Books/authors I’ve really enjoyed are Alisha Rai’s The Right Swipe and Forbidden Hearts series, Alexa Martin’s Playbook series, Jasmine Guillory, Yolanda Wallace, Zoey Castile’s Happy Ending’s Series, Penny Reid, and Helen Hoang. I’m interested in m/m, m/f, f/f, or any other variation, so it doesn’t have to be only hetero romance. I prefer more comedic/lighter stuff to heavy drama, but don’t mind some seriousness and my favorite tropes involve forbidden love, friends to lovers, and in a m/f romance, dudes who absolutely worship their ladies. Thanks! -Desiree 4. Hi! I recently found your podcast and I love it. Thanks for sharing your insights and expanding my reading horizons. I’m looking for a sexy book. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a romance or have descriptions of sex in it, but I would like something with a sexy vibe/feel to it. I know this is a bit of a vague request, and I’m having a hard time nailing down what exactly I’m looking for, so let me share some of my preferences: – I tend to read and enjoy a lot of literary fiction. I also like SFF and have recently started reading romance (but haven’t found anything yet in that genre that scratches this itch). – I’m a little tired of the very young woman/older man trope, but will go back to it if you feel strongly about your recommendation. Same with the virgin trope. – I can do spooky but not gory. – I have no preference on when the book was published. So I’m kind of asking: What is the sexiest book you’ve read? I know this might not elicit the same response to my request, but maybe it’s a good starting point. Thanks for all you do! Keep up the good work! -Nan BOOKS DISCUSSED The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa Chilling Effect by Valerie Valdes What Happens in Scotland by Jennifer McQuiston One Fine Duke by Lenora Bell Carry On by Rainbow Rowell How To Be a Movie Star by TJ Klune (tw: discussion of suicidal thoughts & depression) American Dreamer by Adriana Herrera Band Sinister by KJ Charles Take the Lead by Alexis Daria Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors by Sonali Dev (tw: discussion of rape & assault, racism & police encounters, fears around disability, miscarriage and difficulties with pregnancy) Scoring Off the Field by Naima Simone Wrong Bed, Right Roommate by Rebecca Brooks One and Only by Jenny Holiday Priest by Sierra Simone Written on the Body by Jeanette Winterson The Vegas Top Guns series by Katie Porter Dark Needs at Night’s Edge by Kresley Cole
“Whizzing Like a Shooting Star.” This week, Harley R. Pageot and Emily Fear talk to Warren Hayes and Kristin Ashley of the podcast In-Ring Riot. Plus: Andy Symmonds stops by to discuss Eve’s Christmas spectacular, Leyla Hirsch, Rhea Ripley capturing the NXT Championship, Kris Statlander becoming #1 contender to the AEW Championship, and Hazuki’s retirement gauntlet.
Stay tuned for the second half of the episode in December! Next week, just in time for your tryptophan induced coma, we’re talking Loretta Chase’s Lord of Scoundrels, which was on both Jen & Sarah’s list, and is on the lions’ share of Best Romance Novels Ever lists. We’ll get into why. Read Lord of Scoundrels at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Kobo or your local indie.Show NotesQuestion 1: Ennis from New York asked, "is like Lothaire by Kresley Cole or Cold Cole Heartby K Webster, where the hero is someone who would be a villain in any other book. A megalomaniac, horribly damaged, murderous, whatever- and a heroine who takes NONE of his shit and brings him to his knees."Our Recommendations: The name of this trope is "morality chain" which might help you on your search for books like this. Sarah's Summer 2020 release Daring and the Duke is perfect for this question, but since it's not out yet, try The Masterpiece Duet by Skye Warren. The first is The King.Question 2: Lesley from Washington DC asked for books "with Jewish heroes and heroines, does not have to be holiday themed."Our recommendations: : Jen suggests Knit One, Girl Two and Cinnamon Blade by Shira Glassman. In fact, Jen was a special guest on the Heaving Bosoms podcast taking about Cinnamon Blade. Sarah recommends Craving Flight by Tamsen Parker and Dalliances and Devotion by Felicia Grossman. Stacey Agdern also writes about Jewish representation in romance and has written some novellas in the Rogue Anthologies. We also mentioned a great point that inspired a great thread by Felicia Grossman about Jewish characters in literature.Question 3: Daniela from Winnipeg had this AMA question: If there was a battle royale between all the IAD heroes, who would win? Does the answer change if they can't use weapons?Our Answer: The Wroth brothers would band togehter, Declan Chase has a real shot, and Lothaire wouldn't care. No matter who wins, Thronos goes down first. Jen mentioned someone who wrote about what would happen if all the US Presidents were in a knife fight. Enjoy.FWIW, Daniela also asked a question we skipped because we couldn't think of anything: A historical that has a silver fox duke and a spitfire heroine who exhausts the hell out of him. IDEAS? Let us know on twitter.Question 4: Kristen from DC! asked, "LGBTQ romance easily available in PRINT for my book club???? We do it through a local indie bookshop, and are having a hard time finding things other than Cat Sebastian/Olivia Waite from Avon."Our Recommendations: Adriana Herrera's American Dreamer series! Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. We think Vanessa North and KJ Charles might be print on demand, which many indie bookstores won't carry. Dreamspinner is a mess right now, but many great authors are there, including LaQuette's latest, Under His Protection, which Jen bought a copy of at Love's Sweet Arrow. Carina titles might be more easily available, so try Syncopation and the rest of the Twisted Wishes series by Anna Zabo. Jen mentioned Being Hospitable by Meka James, but it's just in E. But you should still read it for fun.Question 5: Courtney from the Bodice Tipplers Podcast wants to know what books made us fall in love with the genre.Our answer: Well, just listen to all of season 2 of Fated Mates! But Sarah mentioned Nobody's Baby but Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Jen mentioned a new book that has made her feel that way is The Bride Test by Helen Hoang. Julie Garwood and Jude Deveraux were old-school authors we both loved back in the day.Question 6: Ali in NYC had an AMA and a question: How is Eric Mortensen so good at podcast editing?Our answer: Well, he just is and you should contact him if you need podcast editing help.Ali also wanted recommendations about historicals with witches/magic. Our recommendations: So many of these are old school, because this is not a very popular trope right now, so please proceed with caution. Sarah recommended Bewitching by Jill Barnett and Jen recommended a pair of books by Teresa Medeiros, Breath of Magic and Touch of Enchantment. In fact, Jen reviewed Touch of Enchantment for The Book Queen. Post-recording, we thought of Sex and the Psychic Witch by Annette Blair, which is the first of a series where three sisters use their "magic powers for good and their good looks for seduction."Question 7: Hannah from Texas asked for a romance that "has a Lucy Liu in "Set It Up" type heroine getting her actual HEA. I need ball-busting energy falling in love with a guy/gal/whoever that deserves her."Our Recommendations: Sarah recommended The Takeover Effect by Nisha Sharma which has a corporate espionage plot. Jen was maybe thinking of Set it Off and recommeded Elle Kennedy's Out of Uniform series. Jen mentioned Getting Hotter by Elle Kennedy, but upon further reflection, also thinks The Heat is On (in an anthology called Hot & Heavy) might work. But since Hannah was actually talking about Set it Up, which is about assistants and bosses, maybe try The Assistant by Ramona Gray or check out this extensive goodreads list of boss/employee romance novels.Question 8: Jenica from New York asked for a book that has "Childhood friends to enemies to lovers, preferably contemporary."Our recommendations: : We don't say it here, but one strategy Sarah and Jen use all the time with more popular tropes is searching for a Goodreads list. If you can find a book with a title or two you like on it, you might like others! Jen recommended His Until Midnight by Reese Ryan, and also noted that Sarah's book A Rogue by Any Other Name has this trope. Sarah recommended Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas. And a trailing suggestion was trying Christina Lauren, who has written many great enemies to lovers books and maybe one also has childhood friends. We didn't mention it on the podcast, but if you like YA, Jen loved Not if I Save You First by Allie Carter. That one would definitely work!Question 9: Holly from Chapel Hill asked for a book that "Has all the mutual pining. Friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, doesn't matter. Give me every last drop of pining."Our recommendations: Sarah suggests Waking Up with the Duke by Lorraine Heath. Jen recommends On Broken Wings by Chanel Cleeton. After we realized that there is lots of pining in Lisa Kleypas, but we think Again the Magic might be best.Holly had a follow up AMA, "What would your ideal book-centered vacation be?" Sarah said a beach, Jen has always wanted to stay at The Library Hotel, and that led to a discussion of Nora Robert's Boonsboro Inn, in Boonsboro, Maryland. But Jen also loves to read locally, which means reading books set in the places you are traveling.Question 10: Kara asked for a recommendation that "Has some sort of adventure or quest but is also slow burn."Our recommendations: Slow burns aren't our speciality. Jen joked she likes a "fast, incendiary burn." Please check out the Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews, and the second one where they finally do it is called White Hot. The first one is called Burn For Me, it's right in the title! If you like fantasy, try Bound to the Battle God by Ruby Dixon. Sarah mentioned A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet. And Aurora Blazing by Jessie Mihalik could count for this category and for pining!Question 11: Chase from Germany wants "Has m/m with a happy ending and the trope enemies to lovers?"Our recommendations: Sarah recommends Goalie Interference, which has enemy hockey players. Annika Martin has a good series, the first is called Enemies Like You, and Jen also likes a series by Layla Rayne called Agents Irish and Whiskey. Cask Strength also appeared in Jen's list of Who Did It Better on a Pool Table. You're welcome.Question 12: Caitlin from Wisconsin wants a book that "Has a plus size heroine, emphasis on fashion...vampires would also be nice."Our recommendations: We had to handle these two separately. For a curvy heroine with fasion, we recommended Take Me by Bella Andre and The King of Bourbon Street by Thea De Salle. For vampires, try Tall Dark and Hungry by Lynsay Sands. It's about a vampire who writes vampire novels. The Sherrilyn Kenyon book Sarah was thinking about is called Night Play, but it's actually about a werewolf. Oh well.Question 13: Jess asked, "Has an alpha submissive (I’ve tasked Sarah with this before and want more!)"Our recommendations: Jen doesn't think this exists, but Sarah recommends The Duke I Tempted, Giving It Up, The Devil's Submission and Sierra Simone's New Camelot series. If you can roll with Kristen Ashley's prose style, try Deacon. There is no pony play involved.Jess had a follow up AMA: "I would love to hear more about audiobook production. How much say authors have. Do they get to check in during production to make sure jokes are being delivered properly, etc?" Sarah replied that the answer is ... authors don't have much say at all, except maybe a choice of narrators. Sarah loves her narrator, Justine Eyre.Question 14: Lesley from San Francisco asked for a book that "Has a heroine over 50 who is single (not divorced or widowed)."Our recommendations: This was a hard one, and we are hoping that listeners will chime in with answers. We don't think any of these heroines are single--all widowed or divorced. But try Apples Are Red, Driving in Neutral, Bound with Love, or Mrs. Martin's Incomparable Adventure. But, you can check out this facebook group for seasoned romance, and Donnaposts a weekly Frolic column of seasoned romances. Finally, Sarah recommended London Hale's Talk Dirty To Me.Question 15: Carly from Atlanta is looking for “there’s only one bed,” historical edition (bonus points if they don’t have sex that time, but do later).Our recommendations: There are so many of these that we had a hard time answering. Yikes! But A Christmas Gone Perfectly Wrong is amazing. Later in Season 2 of Fated Mates, we'll read Devil's Bride by Stephanie Laurens, but the ohter one Sarah was thinking of was The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae Afterwards, we thought of The Duke Buys a Bride and Tycoon.Question 16: Shannon in Atlanta said, "Ghosts. I need all the ghosts. I’m regrading Lynn Kurland’s Stardust of Yesterday to see if I am still madly in love with Kendrick like 14 yr old me was. But I need more ghosts. For spooky season and for always."Our recommendations: So obvioulsy the best IAD book is Dark Needs at Night's Edge. But Halloween Boo and Hot Ghost might also be of interest. After recording, Jen thought of The Headmaster by Tiffany Reisz and Sarah thought of For the Earl's Pleasure by Anne Mallory.Question 17: Natali from Tampa asked for romances with "a sexy but serious body guard- saves heroine from her evil husband OR serious sexy body guard that is hired by father to care for wild heroine. And/Or sexy but consensual teacher-student relationship."Our recommendations: Sarah and Jen both liked The Professor by Charlotte Stein. Sarah also recommended The Unrequited by Saffron Kent. Bodyguards for some reason we didn't have specifics, but check out Sexy/Dangerous by Beverly Jenkins, which has a female bodyguard. Fallen by Rebecca Zanetti will work. But also, Jen is convinced that something in Lexi Blake's Masters and Mercenaries series will work.Question 18: Nisha wants books that are "bananas sexy."Our recommendations: Ice Planet Barbarians forever. But Brill Harper anything will work, and Jen especially recommends Altogether. Everyone on twitter thinks White Whiskey Bargain is super hot, and The Red is amazingly sexy. Grace Goodwin's Interstellar Brides series is also pretty hot.
A momentous episode! Your co-host Rachel has read her first truly problematic book. Listen in as Rachel tells Margie all about Kristen Ashley's book, Wildest Dreams. What if there was an alternate dimension with a copy of everyone you know and love? Would you want to go check it out? We sure wouldn't!
Jeff opens the show talking about the work he's doing on the manuscript for the Hat Trick re-release. New patron Lucy is welcomed. The guys talk about Tales of the City on Netflix and the new season of Pose on FX. Will reviews Anticipating Disaster by Silvia Violet while Jeff reviews Prince of Killers (Fog City #1) by Layla Reyne. Jeff interviews Layla Reyne about the new Fog City series as well as how it felt wrapping up the Trouble Brewing series earlier this year. They also talk about Layla's RITA nominated book, Relay, and the upcoming fall release, Dine with Me. Complete shownotes for episode 193 along with a transcript of the interview are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com. Interview Transcript – Layla Reyne This transcript was made possible by our community on Patreon. You can get information on how to join them at patreon.com/biggayfictionpodcast. Jeff: Welcome Layla back to the podcast. It’s great to have you here. Layla: Thank you for having me back. Jeff: I had to have you back to talk about this new series, “Prince Of Killers,” as listeners will have heard right before this interview, blew my mind to pieces and back. Layla: That’s what I wanna hear. Jeff: Tell everybody what this new series is and in particular what they have to look forward to in “Prince Of Killers.” Layla: Sure. So the series is “Fog City.” It’s set here in San Francisco. It’s a new romance suspense series. You don’t need to have read any of my series before that. I won’t say that there aren’t some Easter eggs for those that have, because we are all existing in the same place and time. But, this is a little different because this is following a family of assassins. So in books one to three of the “Fog City” trilogy, starting with “Prince of killers,” you’ve got Hawes Madigan, who runs a cold storage business by day, a very successful family kind of business in the city. And then by night, the families, they’re assassins. And he and his two siblings, Helena and Holt, are kind of the triumvirate that is currently the heir apparent. He’s the heir apparent and they kind of all run it together. His grandfather is ailing and so that’s kind of the setup and fairly successfully he is making some changes in the organization. And so in comes…in the first scene, which is actually set at one of my favorite restaurants in the city, Gary Danko, walks Dante Perry who kind of has this strut about him, you know, long hair, looks like a rock God. But he’s carrying a gun, which he immediately notices, Hawes does, and Perry tells him, “There is someone trying to kill you.” And Hawes kind of laughs it off to start with because, dude, he runs an organization of assassins. That’s what they’re paid for. But then as Hawes and the family come to learn, it does look like someone is trying to stage a palace coup, so to speak. And so “Prince Of Killers” involves sort of the first stages of that and them trying to figure out who it is. And Dante has his own motivations as well. You know, he is trying to find the killer of someone who was close to him and Hawes doesn’t want him to find out who that is either. So I will leave it at that without spoiling too much. Jeff: Let’s talk about the elephant in the room a little bit, and that is the fact that while you have left, for example, the books of the Whiskeyverse on some subtle cliff hangers, this one’s bigger than normal for you. Layla: Yeah, I’m not hiding anything, guys. This one’s got a cliffhanger. I wouldn’t say anyone’s life is in jeopardy, but it’s definitely a cliffhanger. I have made no bones about that “The Usual Suspect” is one of my favorite movies. So hello. And, you know, I grew up in TV land and so I love cliffhangers and I kind of embrace it with this. And, you know, the good thing is the plan is for all the books to be out this year. All the covers are done. By the time this airs, book two will be in the hands of editors and I should be working on book three by then. So, they will all come this year and it’s in the blurb. So you know, everybody, fair warning. I’m not trying to hide it here. So… Jeff: Yeah. And I love how you make the analogy to TV because I would put the cliffhanger that you did on the level of like the mid-season break. Not quite the end of season break, but that mid-season, it’s Christmastime, we’re gonna go away for a while and we’ll have a big thing when we come back. Layla: That’s right. It’s the end of November sweeps. Jeff: Exactly. Layla: That’s where we’re at, not gonna lie. And then book two picks up right where it ended and goes on in there. Jeff: Yeah. Which I’m super looking forward to. Layla: I’m writing. It’s been a…It’s fun and, you know, I can’t…yeah, I can’t spoil anything. Jeff: Yeah. Don’t say anything else. I don’t wanna know. I don’t want the listeners to know. Layla: Okay. Okay. Jeff: What was the inspiration for “Fog City” overall? Because since you’ve gone with this family of assassins, it’s certainly different from what we’re used to in the Whiskeyverse where you’ve got all the, you know, FBI agents and other kinds of, you know, law enforcement as your main characters. Layla: So ironically, I was wandering through Wander Aguiar’s photography website looking for covers for a different project and I saw this picture of what will be the book three cover. And I had to know what the hell is their story. I mean it just jumped at me and I was like, I have to know the story. And then one of my good writer friends, Allison Temple said, “You can’t buy the pictures until you have a story.” She’s like, “Do not spend the money.” So by the end of the weekend, I had the story. I had all three of them and then I was like, “Okay, so let me piece together the three covers.” And so that’s kind of how it, in its original, came about, you know, thinking about doing it. So art really did inspire art in this case because the photos were just amazing. I wanted to branch out and do a little bit of something different. There have been hints of the people in the gray area, you know, Jamie, good guy, but some of that hacking is not exactly on the up and up. Mel, I think we saw go more and more, you know, in her bounty hunter business and be a little bit more flexible once she left the FBI. And so kind of going from there and wanting to play more in that gray area and having read books too, L.J. Hayward’s “Death And The Devil” series, in particular, you know, it’s fun and it’s to some extent pretty liberating. I don’t think it was…it wasn’t harder. There are less rules. Right? I don’t have to check the FBI’s hierarchy chart every day to make sure I’m naming someone the right position. So in that regard, it’s actually been a bit easier. Jeff: Your shades of gray is 100% right because it’s not a spoiler to say that Hawes, not only did he have the legit business on the side, but he’s even trying to modify the ways that the family does the assassin business to make it, I guess, less bad maybe. Layla: Yeah. So, there’s an event that happened three years ago that kind of drives a lot of the series and when you read you’ll find out what that is and to the extent it drives Hawes’ three rules, which are in the blurb, which is no indiscriminate killing, no collateral damage, and no unvetted targets. So, if they’re not…He is turning the organization away from kind of the killing machine that his grandfather, Papa Cal, was. And his parents were very methodical, very efficient, not a whole lot of emotion in it. And so, he’s trying to find the balance between those two of it being, you know, I don’t wanna say the killer with a heart of gold, but he is a killer with a conscience. And so he doesn’t even like the moniker Prince of Killers and what that stands and how it came about, which you’ll read about in the book as well. So, he’s definitely a great character. And then when you look at the broader picture of everyone in the series, Holt is, you know, this…he has a kid and he is, first and foremost, a father, right? And he is a hacker and he, because of where he’s at in his life, has pulled back to being kind of the digital assassin of the bunch. And then Helena, who is the sister, who is my typical female complete badass, love her, she works for…she does a criminal defense work in her day job where she is actually working for people who are wrongfully accused. And so there’s some shades of gray in her as well. And then even one of the other side characters is the chief of police who has an interesting relationship with the Madigans and he knows that there is some benefit to what they do and you’re gonna find out there’s some backstory with him as well as to where he is. So, there’s a reference to him in…If you’ve read “Trouble Brewing,” there’s a reference to him in “Noble Hops.” It’s the same chief, for those who are watching, that read that. So… Jeff: That was one of the Easter eggs that I missed. Because you and I have talked about the Easter eggs and there was some that I caught it and some was like, “Dang it.” Layla: So that’s one of…he’s the new chief, you know, that’s a little bit more flexible in the way things are done. And so everybody…and then Dante is also, you know, playing in his shades of gray as a PI and how far he’s willing to go and what he’s doing personally and professionally. Like where’s that line for him? Jeff: Helena is the one that I found the most interesting in her shades of gray because here’s an officer of the court who occasionally does some, you know, very illegal things, which isn’t to say that, you know, all lawyers are, you know, on the right side of the law. But for her, it seemed like really… Layla: Right. And she makes a line about balancing out her karma, right? That’s kind of how she approaches it to some extent of, you know, part of what they’re doing and why he…particularly Helena and Hawes are so well aligned like that, you know, Hawes wants the contracts of the people the law can’t reach or that escape the law, you know, who get around it, let’s just say, because of who they know or who they pay. And that’s kind of who their targets…that’s the targets he wants. People that have, you know, skirted justice for nefarious reasons. And her day job is the people who justice has wrongfully done. And so they kind of work hand in hand and her feeling on it plays to both of her careers. Jeff: You mentioned in this book you had less rules, so like, you’re not looking upon the FBI flow chart and things. Were there challenges to coming at these characters who had these shades of gray or was it…”free for all” is a little bit much, but certainly more freeing I guess. Layla: Yeah, certainly challenges. Though, I mean, you still have to balance the fact that, “Hey, they’re killing people.” Right? And how you balance that with their conscience, with the people around them, particularly Kane, who was the police chief, has a lot to deal with and going on kind of. So yeah, I mean it is definitely there. There were different challenges for me, I kind of liked it because I got to go a little bit more, even though it’s a shorter book than usual, I think going into their heads more than I typically would because there’s a lot more internal conflict – while still having tons of external conflict. I felt like there was more internal conflict about what they’re actually doing than, you know, being an FBI agent and knowing you’re on the right side of the law. So this was more…they had to kind of walk that line, particularly Hawes. Jeff: One of the things I like most about the book that is…in a lot of ways, it’s separate from the romance and it’s separate from the suspense element a lot is the family unit. And it’s a recurring theme, at least in the books that I’ve read of yours from, you know, Irish And Whiskey and their families. And then what we see of the families in “Trouble Brewing” of the main characters. And here I really feel like maybe it’s because we’re so much closer to the family that we really, even in the shorter book, get a lot about Hawes and Holt and Helena and their interaction with each other. What was your plan as you like populated this family and the characters that you wanted to put on the page? Layla: So, it kind of, I would say, came about organically to an extent. The first scene I wrote like that weekend when I saw the pictures, I wrote it and then I posted it in my little reader group’s like, “I hate you.” And in that first scene, actually there’s a reference to the siblings, but you actually don’t see them, but then they pop up. And part of it too was I had already found their pictures as well. I kind of knew who they all were, but, I also knew who we needed to do X, Y, and Z from a plot standpoint. I also didn’t want Hawes to be an island to himself. Right? And to some extent, giving the life that he lives. And, you know, the two aspects of his life, that family is gonna be the only…like they can’t really let anyone else get close. Right? And so, they’re so tight with the family. That’s the only people they trust. And so, that’s, I think, particularly why, you know, that’s who he debriefs with. That’s who they’re planning with and everything because that’s kind of it. And then, sort of, you have in that expanded family, you also have Holt’s wife, Amilia, and you have the grandmother, Papa Cal’s wife, and like that’s the tight-knit crew. And it has been that way for that family for three generations. And that’s kind of what you find out is that, this is what they do. And because of that, they have to keep it close to the vest and the families who they trust. Jeff: But even through that, you’ve got Helena pushing on Hawes to make the connection to find somebody. Which I love because even as all hell’s breaking loose, it’s like think about doing that because you could have what Holt has. Layla: Yeah. They both…you know, Holt’s happily married with a kid. And I think for both, for Hawes and Helena, you know, that’s the ideal. Their parents were happily married, right? Papa Cal and Rose were. So you can have happiness, right, in this. You just have to find the person who accepts it and where’s that line? And Dante is someone who could be that person, right? He comes in and he seems to know what they do. He seems to be okay with it. And it’s got a hint of insta-lust for sure. Like they’re immediately attracted to each other, but it’s not until later where Hawes kind of starts to think, “Huh, here’s this person who maybe gets it and is okay with it,” the way that Holt and Amelia ended up working out. And Amelia is part of the group, she actually has her own specialty with pressure points and being kind of a perfect Trojan horse for the group because she’s not as out there as the rest of the Madigans are with the business. So yeah. So, he starts to see that. And Helena is kind of also walking a thin line of, “I wanna be happy, but do we know who this dude is?” Right. “Hey, Buddy. Okay, go have fun. But be careful.” So, he’s trying to be the rational one in that scenario. Jeff: So, we know that this is a trilogy. How far does “Fog City” go overall? Do you have a grand plan? Layla: I do, I do. Hawes and Dante will have a trilogy. So they’re the main characters through books one to three. And then Helena will have a book and then there’s another fifth book, but I’m not gonna say who that is because that’ll spoil things. But everybody will get their HEAs by the end of it. I’m looking at five and then I’ve got some ideas for spin-offs and I may already have some cover photos bought for them. I would say I like building big verses, right? I mean, I grew up…I mean my intro to really reading a lot of romances, Kristen Ashley, and I love that big verse concept. And so I like building them too. Jeff: And if you, you know, put it back on TV, I mean, you look at things like the Arrowverse and all of its characters or all of the Chicago shows on NBC, you can have all of your one big, huge comboverse. Layla: Yeah. No, and that’s kind of like that. I grew up in all that too. I was a TV person first. I come from that world where it is all intertwined like that. I like doing that. I like cameos and seeing characters and it’s fun. And you know, Mel runs everything, just remember that. That’s all you need to know. Jeff: Even if the characters don’t know that, she’s really in charge. Layla: Everything. Yeah. Jeff: Now, we gotta give you a congrats too because in the midst of you getting this ready, it was announced you’re a finalist for the Romance Writers of America RITA Award, for the book, “Relay.” Layla: Yes. Yes. Jeff: Which is awesome. For those who don’t know, tell us what “Relay” is about. Layla: “Relay” is book one and the “Changing Lanes” duology, which is “Relay” and “Medley.” So, two books. The duology follows the four men who are on the U.S. men’s medley relay team, swim team. And so, the first book, “Relay,” which was nominated, is about Alex Cantu and Dane Ellis, who had a little summer love affair at a training camp 10 years ago and didn’t go well because Dane is the son of an evangelical minister and very closeted. And so he ends up on the same Olympic team with Alex, who is the team captain, who’s worked his tail off basically to get where he’s at and he is…you know, it’s enemies to lovers to start. Obviously, there’s a lot of friction there from what happened in the past. And then they end up on the relay team together, have to work together. And so then you’ve got a bit of a second chance love story. That’s what it rolls into. And so you see up through the first two legs of training camp and Olympic training in the first book. So you see the two domestic sites. And then in the second book, “Medley,” which follows the other two characters, Boss and Jacob, that’s a mentor-mentee. A little bit of an age gap, like 26 to 19, I think. And Jacob’s this lovely like pirate-quoting cinnamon roll. I love him. He’s so much fun. And two bi characters. Jeff: Pirate-quoting cinnamon roll? Layla: Yeah, he’s a cinnamon roll character, like, he’s a total dork. Jeff: I love that description of him. Layla: And so, then you see international training in the Olympics in that book. So they go hand in hand. And I’m really…you know, there are definite problems with the RITA awards has been brought up with getting better representation. I am happy this book got through. Alex is a character of color. And, you know, when I wrote this, I wanted to say, you know, “This is the U.S. Olympic team, a representation that I would like to see,” right, that’s diverse in sexuality and race and, you know, I’m glad that it did get to the finalists because that’s at least out there. Jeff: And again, congrats for that. That’s cool. I’ll have to go pick that up now because I have not picked up your sports books and I’m certainly like a sports romance lover anyway, so… Layla: One of my good friends was a competitive swimmer up through college and so I talked to him a lot and then one of my other friends swam up through high school and then a little bit in college too. So, it was something different, you know, and I think it was right about the Olympics time where we started talking about that idea and then it just rolled. Jeff: As I mentioned, there was some research involved there too, just to know what the training program was like and where it happened. Layla: And then some of it was my own, like, but too, they go to Vienna for training and I studied abroad there. And I’ve kinda always wanted to put it in a book. And so that was a lot of fun – everywhere there is somewhere that I went and even the fight that happens up in the wine country kind of happened to a friend. And so it was interesting like to see kind of, it was a different source of the fight, but you know, I was traipsing through this little village in the middle of the night going, “Where’d you go?” Jeff: That’s awesome. Drawing from real life events. You’ve got a bit of a con schedule going on this year. You’re headed to BLC so you’ll be at the first incarnation of Book Lovers Con in New Orleans, but you’re also making your very first trip to GayRomLit this year. Layla: I know, I can’t wait. It’s finally back out here, relatively close to us on the West Coast. I’m so looking forward to that. You know, I loved…I’ve been to an RW International and then I went to RT last year and I love the reader interaction like that. I like that part of it so much. And so that’s why I’m going back to Book Lovers Con to get more of that, but then I really want to go to GRL because those are particularly our readers, right, and my favorite authors, so I can’t, you know, wait to meet some folks. See folks that I met last year, meet others, and then like… two of my closest writing friends I’ve never met in person, they’re both going to be there. So I can’t wait for that. Jeff: So name drop a little bit. Who are these people you’re meeting in person for the first time? Layla: Well, what’s cool at Book Lovers Con is that I’ll get to meet Annabeth Albert, who’s been a sprint partner, publishes with the same…with Carina Press too. So that’ll be awesome. But then, yeah, at GRL, it’ll be Erin McLellan, who you actually reviewed “Clean Break,” and Allison Temple. So we’re looking forward to that. Jeff: Very cool. Now, of course, “Fog City” continues through this year. I know you’ve got at least one other book sneaking it’s way out there. What else is coming up this year? Layla: So there’ll be the three “Fog City” books and then “Dine With Me” comes out in September and it’s very different from everything else. So, well, I guess not, you know, if you read my books, and even in “Fog City,” there’s food, there’re restaurants because I am a complete and total foodie. And so “Dine With Me” is kind of my love letter to restaurants that I’ve loved, to food experiences that I’ve loved. And it follows Miller Sykes who is an award-winning chef who gets a diagnosis, a medical diagnosis, and basically if he gets treatment, he will lose his sense of taste. It’s a high likelihood that the treatment and surgery will compromise the sense of taste. And as a chef, dude, how? Like even as a foodie, you know, God, I can’t imagine and I can’t even…as a chef, wow. And so rather than get treatment, he decides to go on the last tour of his favorite meals. And it’s not just high end, you know, it’s dive bars and, you know, there are high-end restaurants also all across the spectrum for everything a different place offers. And that’s partially my experiences too, everywhere there is based on somewhere I’ve been. And then Clancy Rhodes who is the financial backer for this effort is kind of along for the ride. He’s a total foodie, experiencing it, and how he starts to piece together what’s going on and also starts to realize they have a lot in common. Despite, you know, a bit of an age gap and coming from different places in different worlds, they are both kinda facing these great expectations and how to handle that. And he has to convince him that, you know, life is more than just your taste buds, right, and that love’s worth it. And so it’s the book of my heart. It’s been in my head for years. I’ve sat on the first chapter since 2015, 2016 it was on the initial list of blurbs I gave my agent, and we finally found a place to make it happen. So I’m super excited about it. Jeff: That’s awesome because it’s always good to get the book of your heart out there. Layla: Yes. Yeah. Like I said, it’s different. You know, there is a ticking clock aspect to it given the diagnosis and what’s going on but, there’s not a car chase, which is unusual. But it’s a much more internal book and a lot of food gushing. So, you know, I generally say have snacks and tissues, just FYI. Jeff: That’s not really a bad thing for any book to have the snacks and the tissues nearby. Layla: You’ll really need it. So, I’m excited. That comes out September 16 and that’ll be from Carina, that one will. Jeff: Cool. And I have to ask before we wrap up, how was it to wrap up the Whiskeyverse for now – as “Trouble Brewing” wrapped up earlier this year? Layla: Yeah. I mean, good. Right. I like where everybody got to. I loved writing that last scene in “Trouble Brewing” and “Noble Hops.” You know, it was just kind of a nice – everybody’s where they should be. Right. I was glad to give everybody their happily ever after there. I did see some things, which are in the pipeline. And so, things may happen in the future depending on time and whatnot. But I’m excited for it and I’m glad Nick and Cam and Mel and Danny and Aiden and Jamie all got their happy. They definitely deserved it. Jeff: Yeah. Yes, they did. They worked for it. Layla: They worked for it. Jeff: Yeah. It was such a satisfying read. If anybody hasn’t picked those books up, they need to for sure. Layla: Thank you. Jeff: So what is the best way for folks to keep up with you online so they can keep track of all the “Fog City” releases and the upcoming “Dine With Me” and everything else? Layla: Yeah, so probably my Facebook group, Layla’s Lushes is where I’m at the most. And you can find a link to that on my Facebook page too, which is just Layla Reyne. So, that’s me on pretty much all the platforms on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. I’m on Instagram a fair bit. There’s a lot of food and my pugs there, so just FYI. I would say the reader group and the newsletter too, which is on my website, there’s a banner, so it’s laylareyne.com and you can follow and find it there. Jeff: Yup. We will link to all that in the show notes along with all the books. The reader group is the place to be because it’s where you find out about like, oh, the first chapter of “Fog City” well before anybody else does. Layla: Yeah. I kind of like…I have a hard time sitting on stuff. I ran one of the big “X-Files” spoiler sites back in the day, so if that tells you anything, I’m a bit of a spoiler junkie and have a tendency to spoil things though, just FYI. Jeff: Yeah. Everybody should go join up with that if you’re into Layla’s books in any shape, form, or fashion. Layla: Yes. Jeff: All right. Well, Layla, it’s been so good talking to you. Thank you so much for the great read that is “Prince of Killers” and I look forward to keeping track of “Fog City” as the year progresses. Layla: Excellent. Thank you so much for having me again. It’s been fun. Book Reviews Here’s the text of this week’s book reviews: Anticipating Disaster by Silvia Violet. Reviewed by Will Nice-guy Oliver enjoys his quiet bookish life – so he’s less than thrilled to be attending a family reunion at a ski resort. He braves the frigid temperatures and disapproving attitudes of his extended family to please his grandmother, who he adores. Irresistibly sexy bisexual outdoorsman David is in town to help his friend mend a broken heart. While his bestie distracts himself with a pair of slope bunnies, David sets his sights on klutzy Oliver, offering to give him private ski lessons. Flirtation leads to friendship and to David accompanying Oliver to some of the planned reunion activities. When certain family members mock Oliver’s nerdish tendencies, David fiercely defends him. Can’t they see how smart and sweet and kind he is? To give Oliver a vacation from his relatives, David takes Oliver to Anticipation, the picture-perfect mountain town that he calls home. The more time that our heroes spend together, the more they think this might just be the real deal. The problem is that neither one of them does casual relationships. David has his life in Anticipation and Oliver has his life back in Florida with his grandmother. A long-distance arrangement doesn’t seem particularly practical and they sadly part ways. Oliver returns to his real life and, after some time apart from David, he realizes (with some help from grandma) that his quiet existence might be more about hiding from life than truly living it. He decides that David is well-worth the risk and heads back to Anticipation to start a new adventurous chapter in his life story. I really enjoyed Anticipating Disaster. The author takes some familiar character types and story tropes and crafts a really compelling story, while at the same time giving the romance her own twist. The set-up might be pure category romance, but let’s be real, this is a Silvia Violet book, so you know that the heat level is going to be cranked up to 11. Oliver has a penchant for lacy undergarments and, over the course of the story, David discovers he likes cute guys with a penchant for lacy undergarments – like, A LOT. Also, in the bedroom, David has a talent for turning some particularly filthy turns-of phrase. So the time our that heroes spend together do not disappoint – these aren’t the kinds of sex scenes you’ll skim over. This book is the first in a series with the quaint town of Anticipation serving as the backdrop for future installments. A few side characters are introduced in Anticipating Disaster and I look forward to the new romances that will unfold in upcoming books. Prince of Killers (Fog City #1) by Layla Reyne. Reviewed by Jeff. Anyone who’s been listening to the show over the past year knows that I’ve fallen hard for romantic suspense, and in particular the stories that Layla Reyne writes. As soon as I offered the chance to read an advanced copy of Prince of Killers I jumped on it and devoured it in just a few days. Not only is the suspense tight but the budding romance had great sizzle. I’ve never read romantic suspense where someone in law enforcement wasn’t at least one, if not both, of the central characters in the love story. In this book, our main character is on the flipside of the law as the leader of a family of assassins. This provided an interesting twist and I loved the ride. The titular prince of killers is Hawes Madigan who has recently come into leading his family’s business because his grandfather is on his deathbed. One evening, just before a job, Hawes gets information that someone inside the organization is looking to take him out and possibly targeting others inside his family. The bombshell is dropped by the mysterious Dante Perry. The news of betrayal from the inside throws Hawes for a loop. He figured some associates might take issue with the new rules he’s put into place, which include no indiscriminate killing, no collateral damage and no unvetted targets. He introduces these rules because of past incidents that haunt him. The introduction of the Madigan family and how they approach their line of work fascinated me as much as the suspense of the internal sabotage and the romance that blooms between Hawes and Dante. Hawes has a twin sister, Helena, and younger brother, Holt who has a wife and baby daughter. Holt’s the tech wizard for the organization and Helena has another career as an attorney helping those who are wrongfully accused. Hawes’s life revolves solely around the family businesses–both the legit refrigeration business and the not-so-legit assassin game. The interplay of the family members as they try to sort out the traitor in their midst while dealing with their dying grandfather is so sharply written. There’s barely time for them to process any one thing that happens and yet the do make time to support and care for one another. Helena even pushes Hawes toward Dante as a potential partner because she wants her brother to have someone. Hawes taking the leap to trust and fall for Dante is one of things I love most about the book as he finds the strength to overcome the fear of putting his family at risk. Even though Holt has made a family for himself and his parents and grandparents had a successful family life, Hawes feels that he needs to be cautious since he’s the family leader now. Dante also goes out of his way to get Hawes and the family to trust him with not only their brother’s heart but aspects of the business as well. Hawes using Dante as his rock as the plot against the family unfolds, exposed his vulnerabilities perfectly. Meanwhile, the bombs that dropped in the final quarter of this book were ones I hadn’t seen coming and got my heart thumping. This is book one of a trilogy and as was the case with Layla’s other books I can’t wait to see where she takes this story. Similar to the Irish and Whiskey and Trouble Brewing trilogies, the Hawes and Dante’s story doesn’t fully wrap up at the end of the book. Of particular note, Prince of Killers ends with a significant cliffhanger. I don’t mind cliffhangers but if you are averse to that kind of ending you might want to wait until book two’s out so you won’t be waiting long to see what happens next. For me Layla’s redefined what a family of assassins looks like with this book. Fog City kicks off with some mind-blowing twists and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Mr. Warren Hayes and Diva Dirt's Kristen Ashley bring you a wrap up podcast for WWE NXT UK Takeover Blackpool!!
This week Erica and Marissa have romance author Alexis Daria back on for a full episode. Alexis is nominated for not one, but TWO RITA awards. What’s a RITA? Think Oscars, but make it Romance Novels. The crew looks at their faves in all the categories and talk a little bit about what the RITAs mean for the romance community as a whole. Audible Romance Package: bit.ly/otpaudible Follow us on Twitter @OTP_Pod. BOOKS: Contemporary: -Take the Lead by Alexis Daria – amzn.to/2zO3ReI -A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole – amzn.to/2L30OVk -The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang – amzn.to/2muRtad Erotica: -Silver Bastard by Joanna Wylde – amzn.to/2LoE65T -The Greatest Risk (The Honey Series) by Kristen Ashley – amzn.to/2NkmybV -Perv (Filth Series) by Dakota Gray – amzn.to/2JtKUh2 -FIT #1 (The Fit Series) by Rebekah Weatherspoon – amzn.to/2L6dxXr Historical: -The Scot Beds His Wife by Kerrigan Byrne – amzn.to/2L2fSCG -The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare – amzn.to/2LnXHqt -The Rarest Blooms by Madeline Hunter – amzn.to/2zNRMpV Paranormal: -Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward – amzn.to/2uIvZdo -Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison – amzn.to/2zNc2rx -Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon – amzn.to/2mnrxgl -Radiance by Grace Draven – amzn.to/2mspdVw Romance Suspense: -Single Malt (Agents Irish and Whiskey, #1) by Layla Reyne – amzn.to/2uufDWu -Honest Illusions by Nora Roberts – amzn.to/2uv49lK -The Reef by Nora Roberts – amzn.to/2LnTuj4 -The Villa by Nora Roberts – amzn.to/2uHTu6B -Shelter in Place by Nora Roberts – amzn.to/2uug4jA -Under Fire by Scarlett Cole – amzn.to/2LnZKuF New Adult/Young Adult: -Vampire Academy Richelle Mead – amzn.to/2NoYFjo -Blackbird of the Gallows by Meg Kassel – amzn.to/2LrwCz6
Ellen and Mom get REAL awkward talking about The Hookup by Kristen Ashley. Plus, we talk about our hard limits when it comes to sexy times in a book. Ellen may reveal more to her mother than she wants to.
Crystal of the Week: Super SevenAnimal of the Week: SheepAudible Book: Three Wishes by Kristen Ashley
Listen to Randi, Red and Alpha as they discuss Knight. This is a book by Kristen Ashley and is the 1st book in the Unfinished Hero Series. The Audible version is read by Savannah Richards Alpha has a Q&A with the ladies about issues touched on in the book. We also drink/review 2013 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley. It was delicious. Not too sweet for Red (she is the wine snob). Dry and flavorful. Very Recommended
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