I read 20 books in the month of February. While that might seem like I was up to my regular habits, I was not. I had some series slumps, emotionally and numbers wise. I felt like I needed to play catch up in moments and turned to novellas and audiobooks. Overall, it was a month I can look back on with satisfaction.

For full show notes, head to: www.jaycereadsromance.com/podcast/february-2025-wrapup

**CW/TC: We talk about depression, self harm, and dark thoughts. Please only listen if you have the mental space to do so. Take care of yourself.

A common theme that has come up during reader interviews is the shift that happened during COVID. How reading romance became a new strategy to help with people's mental state. I share some of my own mental health journey, how reading has brought me comfort for decades.

For full show notes, head to: www.jaycereadsromance.com/podcast/mentalhealth

This started off as such a light and fluffy episode. And that’s mainly what romance is, but right now it’s under threat. It can feel like we have no power, but we do.

For show notes, head to: www.jaycereadsromance.com/podcast/the-power-we-have

There will be spoilers!

I bring my friend Caitlin on the podcast to talk about That Prince is Mine by Jayci Lee. It's a stand-alone book with secret prince. That's the plot point that sold me.

For show notes, head to: www.jaycereadsromance.com/bookclub-thatprinceismine

Spoiler Alert: I will spoil these books

If you want to see the full list of books ahead of time, you can find it in the show notes.

Head to: www.jaycereadsromance.com/podcast/january-2025-wrapup

We chat with indie bookstore employee and avid romance reader, Addy. What is it like working in the indie bookstore space. What are they seeing in regards to romance from both the retail side and publishing side. We also mention A LOT of books.

For full show notes, head to: www.jaycereadsromance.com/podcast/interview-with-addy

A we grow as a community, we need spaces we can come together as a community. I am so thrilled to bring some extra podcast love to Substack. Instead of a blog on my website, I’m creating a newsletter. I’m also building a membership space for listers who want a little bit extra.

I can’t wait to see you there!

For show notes, head to: www.jaycereadsromance.com/podcast/we-have-a-membership

This was my first year tracking the number of books that I read. It was surprising to say the least. I finished a few series I had started earlier in the year. I had to pivot when I realized I wasn't on track for my diversity goals. Gotta love a holiday novella to up the number count.

For full show notes, head to: www.jaycereadsromance.com/podcast/december-2024-wrapup

Loved getting to interview Bookishly Haley. We met via Instagram, but live close enough that we have gotten to meet and hug in person. This bookish space is growing and changing, it’s exciting and thrilling to be here, and it can also bring up a lot of pressure. We chat about championing indie authors and finding your crew.

For show notes, head to: www.jaycereadsromance.com/podcasts/bookishlyhaley

What a year it has been! I read WAY more books than expected. Found a TON of new to me authors. And some new favorites!

I also hit my diversity reading goals and have decided to change some things in 2025.

For show notes, head to: www.jaycereadsromance.com/podcast/2024wrapup-2025goals