Author: Jessica Pryde

Categories
Kissing Books

Passing the Baton

Hey hey romance lovers! It’s Monday. The King DOES have an HEA (if anyone was wondering), and after that and Crash Landing On You I am ready to begin the futile search for Ultimate LDR stories, either in print or on the screen. I guess the next level of extreme would be people who live in different time periods. Or something.

Books, let’s talk books!

News and Useful Links

Sil and Beth hosted the #MyRomanceBook2021 chat on Twitter and collected ALL OF THE RESPONSES in a single google doc. Get ready. Your TBR won’t be able to handle it. 

Alyssa Cole and Rebekah Weatherspoon IG Chat!

Read an excerpt of Tasha L. Harrison’s newest, If She Says Yes. 

And have you seen the cover for Farrah Rochon’s The Dating Playbook? Bonus interview content, too. 

If you don’t subscribe to Talia Hibbert’s newsletter (and you do that kind of thing), I definitely recommend you do so. Her last one included some exciting information about her stable of 2021 releases and I’m sure we’ll hear more in the future. She also shared this Goodreads column, which she put together herself!

Sonali Dev revealed the cover for Incense and Sensibility with a cute video. 

There’s a new romance merch shop in town and my body is ready. I might need that Hand Flex shirt. 

There’s still time to join the Romancelandia Holiday Fairies. 

Beverly Jenkins = LEGEND. 

If you have access to Lifetime (or want to rent it on Amazon), I totally recommend watching Christmas Ever After. It’s about a romance novelist who uses a wheelchair and a man who looks just like the one on her covers (which are painted). It’s adorable and fun and Ali Stroker just looks so delighted to be there the whole time. I don’t completely understand how Izzy’s series works, but that’s a minor thing. 

Deals

Weave The Dark, Weave The Light by Anna Zabo

If you’re looking for a weird-ish winter book to enjoy, check out Weave the Dark, Weave The Light by Anna Zabo for 99c (or nothing if you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited). It’s brief, but it’s full of all that Zabo Goodness—a touch of angst, a touch of vulnerability, and a lot of good writing. If you’ve been missing their writing like I have since reading Reverb, this is a good balm to hold you over.

And speaking of holdovers for the next new book, if you haven’t read Alexis Daria’s holiday novella that takes place in the world of Dance Off (starting with Take The Lead ), Dance All Night is also 99 cents. 

Recs!

So I realize this sort of qualifies as burying the lede, but I’m passing the Kissing Books baton for 2021 and onward. I have absolutely loved every word I’ve written, and every connection I’ve made with you all. Have no fear, though; there will still be KB in the coming year, and you, my wonderful readers, will be in good hands going forward!  (And if you’re looking for me, you can still find me on the When In Romance podcast and I’ll try to write as much regular romance content for Book Riot proper as I can.)

With that said, I wanted to talk about some of my favorite books that you all have recommended to me when I’ve asked for your favorites, and I want to know what your favorite books that I’ve recommended have been over the past few years. I want to round those up next week (December 21, Winter Solstice, which will be my last Monday send) for everyone to see, and to keep for myself for fuzzies, of course. 

Thanks for sending me your beloved books, either from one of my lingering questions or because there was something you thought I just needed to read. I’ve had a blast checking them out. A lot of my emails are from publicists (who are all awesome in their own right!) so it’s nice to get something directly from one of you all (or a note on twitter or instagram!). 

Entreat Me by Grace Draven

I cannot for the life of me find the original recommendations for this, but I remember mentioning that I was going down a Beauty and the Beast hole and multiple people told me I had to read this one. My favorite things in a good retelling of this story are a badass beauty character of any gender and a beast you can empathize with, and this had both. The worldbuilding was interesting, there was no “you must be my prisoner” deal, and I’m not gonna say I wasn’t happy for the…sexual intimacy…between Louvaen and Ballard. I’m still on my Quest To Read Them All, but this one still sits very high on the list of my favorites. 

Conventionally Yours by Annabeth Albert

I mentioned that I had found my happy place in Geek YA several months ago and one of you recommended I check this one out to get that same feeling with adults. I’d already had a copy (lol what else is new) so I sat down to read it very shortly after that recommendation. Two gamers who don’t particularly like each other forced to travel cross country together for a convention and learn about each other and themselves along the way? Of course I was going to love it. 

Happiness in Jersey by Jacinta Howard

One of you recommended this series by Jacinta Howard when I was looking to build out my repertoire of Black romance authors who wrote Black Romance. I was totally excited to see a new adult series with black characters, about a group of people in a band of all things! Jacinta’s characters are that blend of fascinating and flawed that make you root for them to find success in whatever they’re going for, even if you kind of can’t stand them, and the way she writes chemistry is :fire-emoji: I sadly haven’t made it through the whole series, but I’m looking forward to more.

Shout out to everyone who has ever written back with a suggestion, recommendation, or to just say hi or thanks. I’ve appreciated each and every word of encouragement over the four years I’ve been doing this thing, and if you recommended a book, I definitely put it on my to-read list…I just might not have gotten to it yet. Story of my life, right?

I’m still around for a couple weeks yet. So. As usual, catch me on Twitter @jessisreading or Instagram @jess_is_reading, or send me an email at wheninromance@bookriot.com.

Categories
Kissing Books

The 2021 Reading Log is Here!

It’s New Book Day! There are a bunch out this week that I’m pretty excited about! And there are other things to be excited about too, this week!

Over on Book Riot

Read Harder is up! There are multiple romance tasks (and a fanfiction one! Your girl is excited.)

Take this quiz to figure out which holiday romance to read next. 

These were the most popular bookish things from Book Fetish this year.

Book blankets!

The 2021 Reading Log is here! I have been terrible at maintaining Goodreads but my spreadsheet? On point. (We won’t talk about all those empty “completed date” fields, okay?)

Deals

cover of a solder's scoundrel by Cat Sebastian

The Soldier’s Scoundrel by Cat Sebastian

I’ve talked a lot about Cat’s books over the past few years, but it’s been a while, and now’s the perfect time to do it because her first book is on sale! You can hang out with Jack and Oliver for a whole two bucks! Get to know the Turner clan and then just go ahead and dive into the rest of them (you get more than ten books to read next)!

New Books

I know I’m like, always excited about the new week’s batch of books, but this particular one is pretty great. Some of these are sitting right next to me, waiting for me to offer them my time, while others are waving in the distance, calling for me to come for them. I probably won’t be able to resist…eventually.

Her Pretend Christmas Date by Jackie Lau

Julie’s roommate loves to set her up. Like, is certain she can find Julie The One. Julie is still recovering from Unicycle Adrian (the unicycle wasn’t the problem) from years before, but agrees to go on a date with Tom the pharmacist. He’s exactly the kind of guy her parents would love and they do the opposite of hitting it off. But somehow, when she’s talking to her mom a few days after their date, she tells her that he’s her boyfriend. She can just “break up” with him when the time is right, right? Too bad her whole family keeps asking if he’s coming to their family home for Christmas. What do you do when your family won’t let go of the boyfriend you essentially made up? Call up the real Tom and invite him to visit your hometown, of course.

This is pretty fun in all the best Jackie Lau ways, even if Julie is kind of a baffling human that I don’t always understand. Also, all of Jackie’s promo for the book calls Tom “starchy” and I love him for it. He’s my starchy fave. And that cover. Don’t you just love that face?

I haven’t finished it so don’t have a complete list of CWs, but can say that Julie’s relationship with her parents is fraught because of her life and career choices.

Best Women’s Erotica of the Year Volume 6 Edited By Rachel Kramer Bussel

When I saw the list of names involved in this year’s edition of BWEY, I just knew I had to get my hands on it: Naima Simone; Mia Hopkins; Olivia Waite; Zoey Castile; Elia Winters; Katrina Jackson. That’s like, a third of the stories. You aren’t even ready. Are you ready? The theme this time around is “adventure” and boy, do each of the authors take it some interesting directions. 

I should note that not all of these stories have HEAs, but they’re still great reads. 

Okay, then there’s the rest of what’s out this week:

If She Says Yes by Tasha L. Harrison

Santa’s Helper by Shae Sanders

Trapunzel by Tanzania Glover

Deathly Touch by CC Solomon

Burying the Hatchet by AC Thomas

If We Were Perfect by Ana Huang

Son of Krampus by Ellen Mint (I am TOTALLY judging this by its cover but a Krampus Romance WHAT)

Angels in the City by Garrett Leigh

Alicia: His Troublesome Fate by Chencia C. Higgins (if you haven’t read her shifter books, definitely check them out)

Layla by Colleen Hoover (I was hesitant to call this romance but she says it’s if a suspense novel and a romance had a baby so we’ll see?)

The Queen’s Triumph by Jessie Mihalik (I’ve been wondering if there’d be a third book in that series)

An Unexpected Temptation by Sophie Barnes

Tempt by Ainsley Booth

Best Lesbian Erotica of the Year Volume 5 by Sinclair Sexsmith

#Blocked by Savannah Thomas

A Recipe for Pounding My Butt by Chuck Tingle (Yes, he responded very quickly to the whole Colonel Sanders fiasco)

As usual, catch me on Twitter @jessisreading or Instagram @jess_is_reading, or send me an email at wheninromance@bookriot.com if you’ve got feedback, bookrecs, or just want to say hi!

Categories
Kissing Books

So Much Pining

It’s a Monday in December, and that’s about all I can say about it. We’re back to sportsball as a background, so no fun anecdotes today. At some point I’ll finish The King and be able to tell you if it has a HEA (if you’ve watched it, I’ll take that one single spoiler). Otherwise, it’s been quiet on this side of the world.

Let’s talk book world!

News and Useful Links

NPR’s Book Concierge is live and there are some familiar titles there!

Nora Roberts isn’t on Twitter, but she was trending late last week because someone tried to explain publishing to her…on her own blog. Poor Debra has already been meme’d, so if you’ve been wondering why there are tee shirts with “I have personally explained the process to you, Debra” on them, that’s why. 

I might be overly excited about this book announcement specifically because it features an all female mariachi band. Like, yes, I’m happy for the book, but that is super exciting. 

Maureen rounded up some holiday romances for EW.

If you’ve got a little to spare this year, join the Romancelandia Holiday Fairies, or submit a wishlist if you need a little help on your end.

There’s also The Ripped Bodice’s Tamponukkah.

There’s a new holiday movie featuring a romance author who uses a wheelchair and a man who looks just like one of her cover models! It’s a Lifetime movie, which means I don’t think it’s findable if you don’t have access to cable, but it might show up on Hulu?

Christmas BINGO, anyone?   

Deals

Race to a Christmas Reunion by Brenda Jackson

Get a Brenda Jackson holiday novella for 1.99 right now! Race car driver (get it? Race to a reunion? Eh? Eh?) Myles returns to his hometown for a wedding, only to come face to face with the girl he left behind. The wedding brings them together again and again, and their fire still burns. Will they try again? I love Brenda Jackson’s drama, and I am always on the lookout for romances with racer protagonists, so this one sounds like a winner! 

Book Recs

I was making a list of holiday romances for the day job and asked the internet for recommendations for Winter Solstice romances, that were actually about the Solstice and not a Christmas story with random references to the Solstice. I got a few recommendations and was able to start reading them!

Wanting a Witch by Lauren Connolly

Keta is a vampire. She was turned in part thanks to Roe, a nurse who is also a witch. In years past, when Keta was near to death thanks to a vampire attack, Roe called the only vampire she knew to come save the woman, and now Keta is back in town, standing on Roe’s doorstep. Her intention had only been to thank her for saving her life and move on, but there is an immediate connection between the two that neither is willing to move on, even as Roe invites Keta to stay in her home as long as she needs to. And as the Solstice nears and Keta still hasn’t left, both women are afraid their feelings are one sided. 

This is a sweet story about two pretty lonely people who blossom from their exposure to each other. The way they start to fit into each other’s life grows almost organically, and it’s fun to watch them pine. So much pining. I love it. It’s a pretty short read, too, so you can just have a seat and enjoy the quick slow burn (I know that phrase doesn’t make sense but it’s slow for them, okay?). 

CW: Estranged parents; neglectful parents; blood drinking; safe self-injury; on-page sexual activity; hospital-related references; discussion of suicide

Another reader recommended Holly and Oak by R. Cooper, which involves a coven’s darling golden boy and the vaguely outcast rebel who are keepers of the town’s strongest magic and totally in love with each other (but think they can never be together). Or at least that’s how I understand it. I’ll be picking it up soon. I expect more pining in this one, too 😀


PS – Alexis Daria wrote a cute short story called Solstice Miracle but I can’t find a working link to it anymore! Let me know if you’ve read it recently…

As usual, catch me on Twitter @jessisreading or Instagram @jess_is_reading, or send me an email at wheninromance@bookriot.com if you’ve got feedback, bookrecs, or just want to say hi!

Categories
Kissing Books

Behold, The Power of Romancelandia (And Friends)

Happy December, lovely love lovers! It’s officially time for White Christmas (what am I kidding, I’ve watched that movie at least five times this year) and the Hallmark App (which I still need to figure out…), and maybe I’ll see if that ghost romcom with Aisha Dee is still on Hulu…and I guess I should watch Jingle Jangle so I can add it to the “pay half attention” holiday movie rotation. 

Anyway, whatever media you use to keep you company (if you do that kind of thing), I hope you’ve got something worthwhile. Or if you prefer to sit in silence while you work or read, I hope you have a place to do that, too!

Books! We’ve got a lot to cover, including the news from the past week. 

News and Useful Links

I know it’s been almost two weeks, but have you seen this cover for Lucy Parker’s next book, Battle Royal? 

I’m writing this on Tuesday, so I haven’t seen the final number yet, but after the big Romancing the Runoff auction and the epilogue RTR auction, they were set to donate over $460K to voting rights organizations in Georgia. Behold, the power of Romancelandia (And Friends)!

(Check out the coverage from EW. And Newsweek. And Bustle. And Kirkus. And The Guardian. And Jezebel.)   

If you’re the type who reads winter holiday romances but won’t read a holiday romance before the month starts with a D, here’s a rundown of some new ones to check out.  

And here’s another great list of recs from Nick.

And some more, broken down by various winter holidays.

It’s time to nominate your faves for #readRchat!

Rebekah reminded us of this thread of Indigenous romance authors.

Oh, and Season 2 of Virgin River is ready for your perusal. 

Over on Book Riot

Can you guess what romances are on our favorite books of 2020?

Oh hey, more recs! 

Have you been reading late at night? Book lights to a rescue!

Deals

The Remaking of Corbin Wale by Roan Parrish

I don’t know how long it will be, but this book is 99 cents, and that dollar is more than worth the comfort and joy you will get from reading this book. It’s got its own bit of pain and angst, because all good Roan Parrish books do, but it’s just so…warm. You’ll settle in with your favorite warm beverage and blink several hours later wondering what time it is and what world you’re living in. 

And this isn’t a deal so much as a heads up: if you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited, An Extraordinary Union is there for the moment! I’m not sure how long it’s been there or how long it will remain, but if you’ve been waiting for a sign to read it, there it is. 

Recs and New Books!

Since we skipped last week’s KB, the New Books list is going to be a bit overwhelming. Just so you know. But first, definite recommendations from last week’s releases.

Just Like This by Cole McCade

In the second book in the Albin Academy series, we return to the school where the Summer Hemlock and Fox Iseya met. While the pair appears, we are mostly in the world of Rian Falwell, the fae-faced art teacher, and his nemesis Damon Louis—the chiseled football coach. They clash about a student, only to discover the kid has been keeping a secret that they need to get to the bottom of. Along the way, each one opens up in ways neither expected. The writing (and the angst) is classic McCade, and his author note about writing Damon, an adopted man of Indigenous heritage, from some of his own experience is so touching. 

CW: passing out (side character); bruises (side character); exhaustion (side character); unprotected sex; children

The Recovery by Nicole Falls

This is the third book in the New Beginnings book, which among other amazing things features women in less common sports—this one is golf! Parker works as an in-house nanny (an au pair? What’s the diff?) while training to make it to the LPGA Tour, and her BFFs have been making fun of her having a crush on her employer since the first book (The Changeup). At the opening of this book, Parker and her boss Kelly have begun a no-strings sexual relationship…or at least. She says it’s no-strings. What the two of them are actually thinking is obvious to everyone except Parker. 

One thing that I like about this book is the fact that we actually get to see Parker working on her golf career. She really loves the game and works hard to bust her way up through the ranks. 

CW: pregnancy (side character); surprise pregnancy; unprotected sex; vomit; children

Those are the only books I’ve finished (though I’m about a third of the way through the audiobook of Alyssa Cole’s newest book), but hoo man do we have a list!

Confessions in B-Flat by Donna Hill (Civil Rights Era romance!)

The Pearl by Tiffany Reisz

Tempted by the Boss by Jules Bennett

Second Chance on Cypress Lane by Reese Ryan

This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens

Lord Lucifer by Jade Lee

Daddy Crush by A. Anders

Wanting a Witch: A Winter Solstice Romance by Lauren Connolly

A Soldier Under Her Tree by Kathy Douglass

His for Hanukkah by Reese Morrison

The Awakening by Nora Roberts

Being Merry by Meka James

A Warm Heart in Winter by JR Ward (Look, I haven’t picked up a BDB book in years, but Blay and Qhuinn holiday book, what?)

Femme Like Her by Fiona Zedde (WHAAAAAAAAA)

Ten Things I Hate About the Duke by Loretta Chase

How to Catch a Queen by Alyssa Cole

Get It Right by Skye Kilaen

How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams

Taking on the Billionaire by Robin Covington (Native hero by Native author!)

Party Favors by Erin McLellan  

Merry Measure by Lily Morton

Stuffed by K Sterling (I was watching Sil read this book on Goodreads and uh…I’m intrigued)

Cowboy Under Fire by Lena Diaz

The Inside Edge by Ashlyn Kane (ex hockey player + ex figure skater = YES)

My Christmas Charade by Melanie Ting

Off Limits Attraction by Jayci Lee

The Way You Hold Me by Elle Wright

A Feast For the Senses by Nicole Falls (your girl has been busy)

All For Show by Courtney Mariah

Operation Fake Relationship by Jay Northcote

That’s…probably enough, right? 

As usual, catch me on Twitter @jessisreading or Instagram @jess_is_reading, or send me an email at wheninromance@bookriot.com if you’ve got feedback, bookrecs, or just want to say hi!

Categories
Kissing Books

Exclusive First Look at THE WISTERIA SOCIETY OF LADY SCOUNDRELS

Happy Monday, folks! I hope you had a good week. If November was any example, we’re just going to fly through the rest of 2020! But first, we’ve got an exclusive first look!

I’m excited to be able to share a bit of one of Berkley’s 2021 romances with with you! In The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, lady and thief Cecilia leads a charmed double-life…at least until she meets Ned Lightbourne, who has been sent to kill her. The two must pair up in a haring quest to protect the ladies of the Wisteria Society crime sorority, who have gotten on the wrong man’s bad side! This book is not only a historical romance, but it has fantastical elements including flying houses! I haven’t gotten my hands on a copy yet, but it sounds like lots of fun!

Are you ready for a look into India Holton’s debut historical romance?

(Psst! Keep reading for a look at the cover!)

There was no possibility of walking to the library that day. Morning rain had blanched the air, and Miss Darlington feared that if Cecilia ventured out she would develop a cough and be dead within the week. Therefore Cecilia was at home, sitting with her aunt in a room ten degrees colder than the streets of London, and reading aloud The Song of Hiawatha by “that American rogue, Mr. Longfellow,” when the strange gentleman knocked at their door.

As the sound barged through the house, interrupting Cecilia’s recitation mid-rhyme, she looked inquiringly at her aunt. But Miss Darlington’s own gaze went to the mantel clock, which was ticking sedately toward a quarter to one. The old lady frowned.

“It is an abomination the way people these days knock at any wild, unseemly hour,” she said in much the same tone the prime minister had used in Parliament recently to decry the London rioters. “I do declare—!”

Cecilia waited, but Miss Darlington’s only declaration came in the form of sipping her tea pointedly, by which Cecilia understood that the abominable caller was to be ignored. She returned to Hiawatha and had just begun proceeding “toward the land of the Pearl-Feather” when the knocking came again with increased force, silencing her and causing Miss Darlington to set her teacup into its saucer with a clink. Tea splashed, and Cecilia hastily laid down the poetry book before things really got out of hand.

“I shall see who it is,” she said, smoothing her dress as she rose and touching the red-gold hair at her temples, although there was no crease in the muslin nor a single strand out of place in her coiffure.

“Do be careful, dear,” Miss Darlington admonished. “Anyone attempting to visit at this time of day is obviously some kind of hooligan.”

“Fear not, Aunty.” Cecilia took up a bone-handled letter opener from the small table beside her chair. “They will not trouble me.”

Miss Darlington harrumphed. “We are buying no subscriptions today,” she called out as Cecilia left the room.

In fact they had never bought subscriptions, so this was an unnecessary injunction, although typical of Miss Darlington, who persisted in seeing her ward as the reckless tomboy who had entered her care ten years before, prone to climbing trees, fashioning cloaks from tablecloths, and making unauthorized doorstep purchases whenever the fancy took her. But a decade’s proper education had wrought wonders, and now Cecilia walked the hall quite calmly, her French heels tapping against the polished marble floor, her intentions aimed in no way toward the taking of a subscription. She opened the door.

“Yes?” she asked.

“Good afternoon,” said the man on the step. “May I interest you in a brochure on the plight of the endangered North Atlantic auk?”

Cecilia blinked from his pleasant smile to the brochure he was holding out in a black-gloved hand. She noticed at once the scandalous lack of hat upon his blond hair and the embroidery trimming his black frock coat. He wore neither sideburns nor mustache, his boots were tall and buckled, and a silver hoop hung from one ear. She looked again at his smile, which quirked in response.

“No,” she said, and closed the door.

And bolted it.

Ned remained for a moment longer with the brochure extended as his brain waited for his body to catch up with events. He considered what he had seen of the woman who had stood so briefly in the shadows of the doorway, but he could not recall the exact color of the sash that waisted her soft white dress, nor whether it had been pearls or stars in her hair, nor even how deeply winter dreamed in her lovely eyes. He held only a general impression of “beauty so rare and face so fair”—and implacability so terrifying in such a young woman.

And then his body made pace, and he grinned.

Miss Darlington was pouring herself another cup of tea when Cecilia returned to the parlor. “Who was it?” she asked without looking up.

“A pirate, I believe,” Cecilia said as she sat and, taking the little book of poetry, began sliding a finger down a page to relocate the line at which she’d been interrupted.

Miss Darlington set the teapot down. With a delicate pair of tongs fashioned like a sea monster, she began loading sugar cubes into her cup. “What made you think that?”

Cecilia was quiet a moment as she recollected the man. He had been handsome in a rather dangerous way, despite the ridiculous coat. A light in his eyes had suggested he’d known his brochure would not fool her, but he’d entertained himself with the pose anyway. She predicted his hair would fall over his brow if a breeze went through it, and that the slight bulge in his trousers had been in case she was not happy to see him—a dagger, or perhaps a gun.

“Well?” her aunt prompted, and Cecilia blinked herself back into focus.

“He had a tattoo of an anchor on his wrist,” she said. “Part of it was visible from beneath his sleeve. But he did not offer me a secret handshake, nor invite himself in for tea, as anyone of decent piratic society would have done, so I took him for a rogue and shut him out.”

“A rogue pirate! At our door!” Miss Darlington made a small, disapproving noise behind pursed lips. “How reprehensible. Think of the germs he might have had. I wonder what he was after.”

Cecilia shrugged. Had Hiawatha confronted the magician yet? She could not remember. Her finger, three-quarters of the way down the page, moved up again. “The Scope diamond, perhaps,” she said. “Or Lady Askew’s necklace.”

Miss Darlington clanked a teaspoon around her cup in a manner that made Cecilia wince. “Imagine if you had been out as you planned, Cecilia dear. What would I have done, had he broken in?”

“Shot him?” Cecilia suggested.

Miss Darlington arched two vehemently plucked eyebrows toward the ringlets on her brow. “Good heavens, child, what do you take me for, a maniac? Think of the damage a ricocheting bullet would do in this room.”

“Stabbed him, then?”

“And get blood all over the rug? It’s a sixteenth-century Persian antique, you know, part of the royal collection. It took a great deal of effort to acquire.”

“Steal,” Cecilia murmured.

“Obtain by private means.”

“Well,” Cecilia said, abandoning a losing battle in favor of the original topic of conversation. “It was indeed fortunate I was here. ‘The level moon stared at him—’”

“The moon? Is it up already?” Miss Darlington glared at the wall as if she might see through its swarm of framed pictures, its wallpaper and wood, to the celestial orb beyond, and therefore convey her disgust at its diurnal shenanigans.

“No, it stared at Hiawatha,” Cecilia explained. “In the poem.”

“Oh. Carry on, then.”

“‘In his face stared pale and haggard—’”

“Repetitive fellow, isn’t he?”

“Poets do tend to—”

Miss Darlington waved a hand irritably. “I don’t mean the poet, girl. The pirate. Look, he’s now trying to climb in the window.”

Cecilia glanced up to see the man from the doorstep tugging on the wooden frame of the parlor window. Although his face was obscured by the lace curtain, she fancied she could see him muttering with exasperation. Sighing, she laid down the book once more, rose gracefully, and made her way through a clutter of furniture, statuettes, vases bearing long-stemmed roses from the garden (the neighbor’s garden, to be precise), and various priceless (which is to say purloined) goods, to part the curtain, unlatch the window, and slide it up.

“Yes?” she asked in the same tone she had used at the doorstep.

The man seemed rather startled by her appearance. His hair had fallen exactly as she had supposed it would, and his shadowed eyes held a more sober mood than before.

“If you ask again for my interest in the great North Atlantic auk,” Cecilia said, “I will be obliged to tell you the bird has in fact been extinct for almost fifty years.”

“I could have sworn this window opened to a bedroom,” he said, brushing his hair back to reveal a mild frown.

“We are not common rabble, to sleep on the ground floor. I don’t know your name, for you have not done us the courtesy of leaving a calling card, but I assume it would in any case be a nom de pirata. I am all too aware of your kind.”

“No doubt,” he replied, “since you are also my kind.”

Cecilia gasped. “How dare you, sir!”

“Do you deny that you and your aunt belong to the Wisteria Society and so are among the most notorious pirates in England?”

“I don’t deny it, but that is my exact point. We are far superior to your kind. Furthermore, these are not appropriate business hours. We are ten minutes away from taking luncheon, and you have inconvenienced us twice now. Please remove yourself from the premises.”

“But—”

“I am prepared to use a greater force of persuasion if required.” She held up the bone-handled letter opener, and he laughed.

“Oh no, please don’t prick me,” he said mockingly.

Cecilia flicked a minuscule latch on the letter opener’s handle. In an instant, with a hiss of steel, the letter opener extended to the extremely effective length of a rapier.

The man stepped back. “I say, there’s no need for such violence. I only wanted to warn you that Lady Armitage has taken out a contract on your life.”

From across the room came Miss Darlington’s dry, brusque laugh. Cecilia herself merely smiled, and even then with only one side of her mouth.

“That is hardly cause for breaking and entering. Lady Armitage has been trying to kill my aunt for years now.”

“Not your aunt,” he said. “You.”

Well I’m ready! And nothing has me more ready than this cover, designed by Katie Anderson with art by Dawn Cooper!

Isn’t it delightful! So much purple; so many weapons! Read more about The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels on Berkley, and follow India Holton on twitter, instagram, and facebook.

(Transparency note: I am publishing a book with Berkley in 2022. (!!!))

See you for an extra-long Kissing Books on Thursday!

As usual, catch me on Twitter @jessisreading or Instagram @jess_is_reading, or send me an email at wheninromance@bookriot.com if you’ve got feedback, bookrecs, or just want to say hi!

Categories
Kissing Books

Romancelandia And Friends Support Democracy

Hey hey, folks. Hope you’re doing well this Monday Before Thanksgiving That Isn’t Thanksgiving. To change things up, I treated myself to the week off from the day job—well, the three days I would be working this week—and will hopefully settle in for some reading! (And really, I am historically terrible at taking time off…to the point that my boss was like “just take a day off a week, that’s how much leave you’ve accrued because you never leave this place” and…I’m still not very good at it.) We’ll see. I might end up just watching Romance is a Bonus Book and crocheting another lap blanket (lolsob).

Speaking of bonus books. 

News and Useful Links

Romancelandia! Y’all are killing it with the Romancing the Runoff auction! As of writing this on Sunday evening, they had surpassed 300K! That’s over a quarter of a million dollars set to go to voting rights organizations that will support the runoff race in Georgia and democracy in general. And there’s still time to bid! So whether you’re ready to drop a lot of cash for that Kate Spade typewriter bag or an annotated copy of Spoiler Alert or more limited to one of the 25-50 dollar Buy It Now items, you’ve got until the end of November 24 to check it out.  

I am READY for this. 

Have you seen the cover for Alexandria Bellefleur’s next book, Hang the Moon? It’s gorgeous!

And speaking of covers, how many (romance) authors do you know who would pose for their own cover? Well now, you know at least one.

It should be no surprise that I backed this sex-positive comics anthology. There are still a few days left if you’re interested. 

While it’s not specifically about romance, this is a fascinating look at the world’s reading habits.  

Are you ready for Winter Bingo? (I hardly made it through Summer and didn’t even try the Fall one, but you know…)

I have no idea what international shipping costs from the UK, but I wants it precious. 

While we’re still going to have to have a chat with The New York Times about their romance coverage, it was satisfying to see The Duke Who Didn’t on the list of 100 Notable Books of 2020. Yes, it was the only romance, which…you know what. You know how it is. Let’s all just roll our eyes and gaze at the pretty Ripped Bodice holiday recommendations display. 

And have you nominated your favorite 2020 books for the Swoonies yet? 

Deals

Holidays With The Wongs: The Complete Series by Jackie Lau

I’ve talked about the Holidays With the Wongs books many times here, but Jackie has bundled them all into one! You can get all four books plus a special bonus epilogue for 3.99 if you preorder it or buy it this week! That’s a blind date for (Canadian) Thanksgiving book, a road trip plus snowed-in Christmas book, a fake dating Lunar New Year book, and a FWB Valentine’s Day book, all wrapped up with never-before-seen material! You can’t go wrong (I almost punned there and I’m sorry for even thinking of it after I accidentally typed it). 

Recs 

After reading Carmen Maria Machado’s edit of Carmilla a couple of weeks ago, I have been ready to welcome queer vampires back into my life. I’ve only just set out on this journey, but I’m happy with what I’ve read so far!

Frostbite by J. Emery

Not only is this a queer vampire book, it’s a cozy winter holiday novella! Ezra, a sheltered young vampire who just wants to be considered an adult, leaves home without any way to track him with the help of a witch for a night on the town and maybe a nice hookup. But instead of meaningless sex he gets kidnapped (and easily escapes, he’s not a toddler after all). Alone and wandering through the woods, and very much not dressed for a snowstorm, he comes across an empty cabin and proceeds to…whatever vampires do that is a more elegant version of passing out. Enter Morgan, who is borrowing the cabin from a friend while waiting out the fallout of telling his family (via text!) that he is leaving the family Monster Hunting business to go to community college. When he comes across Ezra, he isn’t sure what to do, but after a bumpy start, the pair warm to each other… They have to; the snow is keeping both of them there for the time being. But what happens when it melts?

While I would have loved to read more about these two, I was happy with what I got. Both characters are very sweet in their own way and their interactions are wonderful and hilarious. It’s a quick read; only 121 pages. And it doesn’t even feel like it’s that long, honestly. It was a great book to pick up when I was in a slump and not sure what I wanted, and you know I love an opposites-attract, literal-enemies-to-lovers story. With chains. Just sayin. 

I’m not sure I’ll be able to find another queer snowy vampire/hunter romance, but by god I’ll keep trying. Do you have any favorites?

There’s no Kissing Books on Thursday because we’re closed for the holiday, but I’ll see you all on the 30th. Be ready for something special!

As usual, catch me on Twitter @jessisreading or Instagram @jess_is_reading, or send me an email at wheninromance@bookriot.com if you’ve got feedback, bookrecs, or just want to say hi!

Categories
Kissing Books

Did Someone Say “Infectious Enthusiasm”?

Wow, thanks to those of you who reached out about K-Dramas! I have some watching to do 😀 Subtitles totally count as reading, right? (lolsob)

Anyway, let’s talk about some more romance stuff.

Over on Book Riot

Hide your wallets, it was the first of two holiday recommendation episodes of When In Romance!

I don’t know what’s going to be harder: getting through this post without buying something, or without cackling.  

Did someone say “infectious enthusiasm”?

And here’s some more information about Romancing the Runoff. I’m afraid to see what the bids look like two days in. *hides*

Bookish holiday cards!

Ever wondered what makes good jacket copy? Appease your curiosity here.

If you’re looking for a midwestern indie bookstore to support, you can start here.  

If this is the most reading you’ve done this week, you might be in a reading slump. Still. 

Deals

cover of I Think I Might Love You by Christina C Jones

I Think I Might Love You by Christina C. Jones

If you need some giggles around now, the first book in CCJ’s Love Sisters series is FREE right now. And you can get the second, I Think I Might Need You, for 99 cents (and the third is less than 5 dollars so that’s a six dollar magical series!). Get to know a great family and the people they surround themselves with, for better or for worse. 

New Books!

There are some books out, y’all. I’ve read one and a half of the ones out this week, and I’m super proud of myself! But also, so many other good books to read. 

His Beauty by Jack Harbon

So if you’ve been reading this for more than a week, you know how much I love Beauty and the Beast retellings. This one was no different. Well, no different in how much I loved it. Very different in regards to content. Which is rated E for explicit. Rated NSFW. Rated holy forking shirtballs, Batman. 

And once you start, you won’t want to stop. 

Isla is the daughter of a pickpocket, thief, whatever you want to call him. He’s a dying man with two daughters who does what he can to keep everyone fed and alive. And he ventures into the manor house of The Beast to find something that will help keep them fed after he dies. When Isla follows after him, she finds him captured in a dungeon and makes a deal with the Beast: “Take me, instead” she says in her Best Disney Voice. Y’all know the rest of the story. Well, mostly.

(Transparency Note: I will be working with Jack on a project soon.)

Wrapped Up In You by Talia Hibbert

On the other hand, there’s Talia Hibbert’s Kobo Original Christmas Novella. I love Talia’s Christmas novellas. If you haven’t read Merry Inkmas, you are very much missing out on some sweet sweet hot winter goodness. And then you can come to a very different kind of Christmas, featuring a pair of friends who have been in love with each other forever…but both think it’s unrequited.

Abbie and her twin brother Jason have been BFFs with Hollywood Hottie Will Reid for most of their lives. And now it’s time for their annual trek to Scotland with all of Abbie’s family and her grandma’s cats and dogs for the holiday. Will has decided that this is the year he finally does it. This is when he gets Abbie to fall in love with him. But obviously, things don’t go as planned. 

(Note: Since this is a Kobo Original I’m not certain when it might be available to purchase in print or for Kindle.)

So I’m going to work on finishing that one, but in the meantime, here are some other books out this week:

Bounce Back by Nicole Falls (new Nymphs & Trojans!)

On The Rebound by Alexandra Warren (see above)

Stuck With You by Moni Boyce

The Lady’s Champion by Marie Lipscomb (chonk hero yes please) 

Duke I’d Like to F… by a bunch of people

Naughty or Nice by Shae Sanders (a holiday roundup of characters from the On The Clock Series)

When the Wind Chimes by Mary Ting

It’s a Date by Claire Highton-Stevenson

Until Now by Delaney Diamond

Frostgilded by Stephanie Burgis 

The Single Life With Zola Patterson Part 1 by Danielle Allen

All That Glitters by Danielle Steel (unlike a few of her recent books, this one looks like it’s actually a romance)

Dragon’s True Mate by Riley Storm

Time After Time by Melody Grace

Found Love in a Rider by Monica Walters

Frosting Her Christmas Cookie by Alina Jacobs (NGL I am completely into this because of this ridic title)

The Stars at Night by Gerri Hill

California Love by Kenya Goree-Bell

The Formidable Earl by Sophie Barnes

Snowed In With The Firefighter by Victoria James

The Flip Side by James Bailey

As usual, catch me on Twitter @jessisreading or Instagram @jess_is_reading, or send me an email at wheninromance@bookriot.com if you’ve got feedback, bookrecs, or just want to say hi!

Categories
Kissing Books

Are You Ready for MODERN AUSTEN?

Happy Monday, folks! I finished Crash Landing On You, and I gotta tell you, if you have the mental capacity to read subtitles (or happen to speak Korean), K-Dramas are the way to go. I have to do some digging to find out which ones don’t have an HEA, but CLOY was basically exactly what I’ve been looking for in a series: spending a long time investing in characters and their HEA, and getting that without the other aspects of the show getting in the way. No last minute cliffhanger pulling the central couple together so they can go another season or two. No will-they-won’t-they dragging on for years. Just a lot of Feelings. It’s perfect for a romance reader. 

Okay, let’s get into the romance reader thing. 

News and Useful Links

The auction isn’t open yet, but the items available for bid are up on the Romancing the Runoff site. Donations include annotated books by authors like Diana Biller, Alyssa Cole, and Mia Hopkins; a cameo in a book, hangouts with authors, gift baskets, and autographed books—including a copy of The Duke & I signed by Julia Quinn and a couple of the stars of Bridgerton.  Look out, folks. Things are about to get heated. 

(And if you haven’t seen it, this is a heck of a thread of videos from Georgia authors.) 

And an article about Stacey Abrams that also talks about RTR. 

The CW is bringing us Modern Austen, and I gotta say, I’m intrigued. That network seems to be better at making shows with monsters than they are human drama, but we’ll see!

We’re also getting a series adaptation of The Wrath and the Dawn.

Also, if you want a deeper look into Bridgerton, here’s a great article about it (with more pictures *fans self*).

This is an amazing longread.

If you’re a fan of the Nymphs & Trojans books, you can now get merch! 

And if you’re excited about the release of How to Catch A Queen, check out the release party with Alyssa and Meg Cabot!  

Romance Class webseries!

Finally, vote for your favorite HEA with The Swoon Awards! (A new project by some awesome Romancelandia folks!)

Deals

Family Man by Heidi Cullinan and Marie Sexton

I am by no means Italian nor do I claim knowledge about what it’s like to be part of a big Italian family, but I loved the crap out of this book. It’s an age-gap romance featuring an older man still discovering his identity and a younger one who helps him with that. And of course, the aforementioned big Italian family. I mean, it’s soooooper white, but it’s precious. It’s 1.99 right now, so you gotta tell me if it still stands up (since it’s been a while since I read it)!

Recs!

We’re getting into holiday reading territory! I don’t read a million holiday books every year, but I do enjoy picking up a few when I get the chance, especially if they’re not your run-of-the-mill cold hands, warm heart Christmas self-discovery romance. Here are a few I’m looking forward to picking up this year. (Yeah, they’re mostly Christmas. Sorry.)

Sweet on You by Carla de Guzman

Bakery rivals fall in love around Christmastime in the Phillipines! When a new fancy baker from Manila comes into town, trying to lure away her customers, cafe owner Sari goes to war—prank war, that is! 

A Timeless Christmas by Alexis Stanton

(Now a Hallmark Movie!) You know I love a good time travel romance, and this one gives it a holiday spin! A tour guide at a historic mansion is in for a shock when the famed historic owner of said historic mansion shows up in modern times. Obviously, he has to go back, but how? 

The Captain’s Midwinter Bride by Liana de la Rosa

This historical features an estranged married couple who have to get to know each other when he returns home from service and the pair must prepare for their daughter’s Christmas marriage. Yep, this is a couple old enough to have a daughter getting married. When does that happen, especially in a historical?

Being Merry by Meka James (November 27)

Even if I had no idea what this book was about, I would be all about a Meka James Christmas story. Her stories are fun and sexy. And this one sounds like the grumpy/sunshine wlw story of my dreams, with a woman full of holiday cheer in need of a home and the Grinch who grudgingly takes her in. 

Her Pretend Christmas Date by Jackie Lau

Another Jackie Lau Christmas book! Another Jackie Lau fake dating Christmas book! And look at that cover; he’s so grumpy, I’m so excited. 

All They Want for Christmas by Andie J. Christopher 

Three people. One snowstorm. Lots of Feelings. I’m so ready.

(This book was previously published in the Reindeer Games anthology, so check your kindle to see if you have that already–I’m speaking from experience.)

Miracles and Menorahs by Stacey Agdern

This is a new romance centering Hannukah and two people who love it. While Sarah, who has been put in charge of coordinating the town festival celebration is excited to go big or go home, Isaac is more interested in the idea of celebrating quietly with family and food. But when Sarah comes into his life because of his metal sculptures, their chemistry (and her enthusiasm) might help change his mind. 

Every New Year by Katrina Jackson

Katrina Jackson published two New Years books last year, and I took the easy road with Grand Theft NYE, a quick, fun romance about a thief and the man who let her get away. This one is a super slow burn between two people who take much longer to figure their stuff out. I’m ready.

This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens

Minnie and Quinn were born at the same time in the same hospital, but Quinn was the one to get the special prize for being born first. And of course, Minnie has resented that for years. But when they meet later as adults, and keep running into each other, maybe there’s something there. 

What holiday romances are you reading this year?

As usual, catch me on Twitter @jessisreading or Instagram @jess_is_reading, or send me an email at wheninromance@bookriot.com if you’ve got feedback, bookrecs, or just want to say hi!

Categories
Kissing Books

Read an Excerpt from WILD RAIN

It’s another Thursday in November and it sure feels like it’s been 200 years since the last one. Unfortunately that 200 years has not translated into time for reading, but alas, time goes on.

Over on Book Riot

Have you read this excerpt from Beverly Jenkins’ Wild Rain? I can’t wait for this book to come out. 

I know there are like, sports again, but these books are probably better.

Winter holidays are here and so are holiday romances!

Kelly talked about why she still uses Goodreads, and honestly, a mood.  

Thinking about an ereader (or shopping for a new one)? Here’s a rundown of the best ereaders out there. 

This kind of information is always so cool to learn. 

Deals

A Timeless Christmas by Alexis Stanton

In another life, Alexis Stanton is Eva Leigh, and she wrote a time travel Christmas story that is also releasing as a Hallmark movie very very soon. And this one is my favorite type of time travel—the Kate & Leopold type involving someone from the past getting to fawn over all of the modern stuff. And as of writing this, it’s 99 cents. So enjoy them in your preferred order: read then watch, or the other way around!

New Books!

Another week means another Tuesday (or Monday, or Wednesday, or Thursday, as the case may be with some people who choose when their books release) and we’ve got some new books to talk about!

Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur

Tagged as the sapphic inheritor to Pride and Prejudice and Bridget Jones’ Diary (even so much as having central characters named Elle and Darcy), this opposites attract, fake relationship romance is a delightful contemporary story about two people on the verge of absolute success in danger of utter emotional collapse. (You scoff, but it’s true!) When Elle’s friend and new business partner sets her up with his sister Darcy, everything goes wrong. But when a slip leads to Brendan thinking they’re dating, Darcy convinces Elle to go along with it. And of course, Feelings. But quiet, reserved Darcy is hesitant to get into another relationship after a giant breach of trust, especially with the astrologer who shines like the stars. I gotta tell y’all. I am smack in the middle of the dark moment of this book and I sort of don’t remember the experience of reading the first 90 percent of the book—it’s one of those blackout reads where you dive in and come out on the other side gasping for air. I am super excited to read more of Bellefleur’s writing. I will say that to me, it reads more like a solid contemporary with a few funny moments than a romcom, but ymmv as usual. 

And then there’s the rest of the list:

Learned Behaviors by Jayce Ellis (Hello, older single dads!)

A Deal With the Elf King by Elise Kova

Her Lady to Love by Jane Walsh

Unforgettable Man by Tiye Love

Two to Tangle by Melissa Brayden

Mingle All the Way by Mia Heintzelman

Saddle Up by AM Arthur

A Boy and His Dragon by R. Cooper

So. Got any plans this weekend?

As usual, catch me on Twitter @jessisreading or Instagram @jess_is_reading, or send me an email at wheninromance@bookriot.com if you’ve got feedback, bookrecs, or just want to say hi!

Categories
Kissing Books

Something New from The Ripped Bodice!

Well folks, it’s Monday. We’ve at least got one stressor out of the way, but it’s still 2020 so… *knocks on wood* The hours I haven’t spend working or watching twitter have a bizarre wave of lust for Map Daddy/Chart Throb/Korsnack Attack have been spent watching Crash Landing On You…and since I can’t actually properly watch something without something to do with my hands (if it’s in English, it’s digital coloring), I took up crocheting again! Blanket yarn, folks. It’s the way to go.  

Anyway, let’s talk about some book stuff!

News and Useful Links

Starting today, the lovely folks at The Ripped Bodice are embarking on a new venture: Read, Romance, Repeat! Their new romance subscription is part of their service shift due to the pandemic, and I’m always excited for a new romance box! They’re just in time for the gift-giving season 😉

And look at it; it’s super cute!

Photograph of Jess sitting crosslegged, holding up a pale blue and snowflake box around the size of a shoebox that says "Read, Romance, Repeat"

Have you seen the trailer for Mismatched? It’s based on When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon, though there have been some significant changes–most obviously the setting moving from Northern California to India. 

And speaking of trailers, the first Bridgerton trailer is out, and hoo man, Hellooooo, Simon. 

AND we’re getting more Virgin River very very soon. 

Quite a few authors have come together to sponsor Romancing The Runoff, an auction/donation space to contribute to the work to make January’s Georgia Runoff election more manageable for those who will be boots on the ground. Follow the account on twitter and check out the QTs of their pinned post to see some of the early donations to the auction, which starts later this month.  

And speaking of Georgia, it’s always a joy to see a new batch of folks discover that Stacey Abrams wrote romance as Selena Montgomery. 

And speaking of Chart Man, Sil put together this thread of math nerds in romance.

There’s another Date Night coming up!

And keep an eye out for the events to celebrate Best Women’s Erotica of the Year!

Deals

cover of then, now, always by Mona Schroff

Then, Now, Always by Mona Schroff

If you like a good second chance story with a secret baby (now a teenager) trope, this is the story for you! (And of course, I have to warn you that it is an actual secret baby trope; the father does not know the teenager exists and is his biological child. So if that’s not your thing, skip this one.) 

Maya is a business owner in New York with a job she loves and a teenager she adores. But when said teenager gets into some trouble, Maya reaches out to the girl’s father—now a successful lawyer—for help. While Sam is rightly outraged about it being kept from him, he offers his assistance…and of course, all that time spent with his first love is going to bring back some uncomfortable Feelings.

Recs!

I did manage to read a few short things this past week, including one that makes me want to read all the personal chef stories. 

Ate by Rilzy Adams

When Tempest lands the deal of a lifetime, she celebrates by hiring a private chef for a quiet dinner between herself and her bff. But when that heffa cancels because someone has the nerve to go into labor, Tempest is prepared to enjoy a table for one…until she meets Russ, the chef. Both the man and the food he creates are droolworthy, and Tempest has a hard time not biting the man instead of the food. But the night is young, right? This is a brief, 50 page novella that will make you hungry for a few things 😀 The food descriptions are to-die-for and the time the pair take to get to know each other is pretty darn sweet, considering this book is hawt as all get out. I’m definitely a new Rilzy convert (I think I have a few of her books and just hadn’t read any before this one…)

What are your favorite personal chef stories? I’ve been meaning to pick up Dear Enemy by Kristen Callihan, but don’t know many others.

As usual, catch me on Twitter @jessisreading or Instagram @jess_is_reading, or send me an email at wheninromance@bookriot.com if you’ve got feedback, bookrecs, or just want to say hi! (Trisha and I are also recording our holiday gift recommendations episode on Thursday, so if you’re looking for something for a friend, family member, or yourself, drop a line!)