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Romance Read Along episodes
- Let me be your ghost by Amy Suto
Summary
Toni interviews author Amy Suto about Let Me Be Your Ghost, a genre-blending story combining romance, a spy thriller, and a murder mystery. They discuss the craft choices behind the book, from clue fairness and emotional investment to point of view, happy endings, and how readers’ tastes shape their responses. Romance reader and interviewer Toni talks with author Amy Suto about what makes romance resonate, how readers choose among its many subgenres, and the emotional realism behind fantasy stories. They also discuss Suto’s novel *Let Me Be Your Ghost*, its surveillance themes, writing decisions, and her other fiction and nonfiction books.
The VC Andrew's books I mentioned are Flowers in the Attic series and they made them into a truly awful mini series.
https://www.amysuto.com/let-me-be-your-ghostSubstack Sutoscience.com@chemangel.bsky.social
Or Join the discords we are always looking to talk books, whether it's writing, editing or just swapping recommendations we are always looking to meet new people.
https://discord.gg/DRZe3kqNKT
Many thanks to Jacob the horse for allowing us to sample their amazing song Sunshine for our theme music. You can get Jacob the Horse's music at BandCamp.com
1 hr 32 min - Pantheon by Lacunae
Summary
Lacunae describes *Pantheon* as a romantic conspiracy thriller: former operative Cersei hides as Vivian Ho until businessman Damien Tang’s investigation draws attention to her.
The novel uses close third person in the past tense, with each chapter following one character; Circe’s guarded feelings emerge through actions, while Damien is more emotionally explicit.Pantheon is a criminal organization, or “house,” inspired in part by the worldbuilding of *John Wick*, with operatives specializing in disguise, information, surveillance, and combat.Lacunae wanted Circe to make her own choices rather than be rescued; the identity of Vivienne Ho and Circe’s past losses shape her gradual search for who she wants to become.Damien’s family wants influence over his separate company and sees Vivienne’s logistics assets as a route to the port terminals they have sought to control.Toni and Lacunae discuss how the novel’s metaphorical prose, dense procedural details, and withheld explanations invite readers to assemble the story themselves.Lacunae draws on 11 years in video game design, including level design and worldbuilding, to create grounded settings and detailed systems for fiction.Lacunae says *Pantheon* book two is being edited and may release the following year; it is planned to be darker and reveal more of the organization’s operatives.Lacunae also discusses the *Perpetura* series, adapted from interactive fiction with five stories and branching romance routes.Lacunae
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lacunaedesigns/
- Studio site: https://lacunaedesigns.com
Pantheon
- Website (with the free opening chapters): https://pantheon.lacunaedesigns.com
- Buy on Amazon (pre-order, out 1 November): https://pantheon.lacunaedesigns.com/buy
This is the Pantheon playlist on Spotify, enjoy!https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7lA6QnCTGqQ1RfNxdRQ3uA?si=a2b8a4a0316b4debPerpetūra
- Website (Interactive Fiction): https://perpetura.lacunaedesigns.com
- Book One on Amazon: https://perpetura.lacunaedesigns.com/buy-one
- Book Two on Amazon: https://perpetura.lacunaedesigns.com/buy-two
@chemangel.bsky.social
Or Join the discords we are always looking to talk books, whether it's writing, editing or just swapping recommendations we are always looking to meet new people.
https://discord.gg/DRZe3kqNKT
Many thanks to Jacob the horse for allowing us to sample their amazing song Sunshine for our theme music. You can get Jacob the Horse's music at BandCamp.com
1 hr 6 min - Blood and Books - Samantha Andersen
Stay with us till the end when we talk about indie publishing and small author supports.
In this episode, author Samantha Anderson shares insights into her writing process, world-building, and the romance genre, including her favorite authors and series. Toni and Samantha discuss the importance of representation, genre conventions, and the challenges of writing and reading in the romance community. In this episode, Samantha Andersen shares her insights on writing, series development, and navigating the challenges of authoring in a small community. She discusses her series' structure, character development, and the importance of authenticity in storytelling. In this episode, Samantha Andersen shares her journey from aspiring writer to published author, discusses her writing process, and offers insights into the world of romance and fantasy genres. Toni and Samantha explore storytelling techniques, genre blending, and the importance of editing and beta readers.
Sutra House
sutrahouse.com
Samantha Andersen
Substack
https://substack.com/@samanthaandersenwritesInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/samanthaandersenwrites?dlrf=MWxjZWxlZzAwNHgycg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr@chemangel.bsky.social
Or Join the discords we are always looking to talk books, whether it's writing, editing or just swapping recommendations we are always looking to meet new people.
https://discord.gg/DRZe3kqNKT
Many thanks to Jacob the horse for allowing us to sample their amazing song Sunshine for our theme music. You can get Jacob the Horse's music at BandCamp.com
2 hr 27 min - A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall
Summary
In this episode, Toni discusses two books: 'Bound by the Alien Buckaroo' by Ursa Dax and 'A Lady for a Duke' by Alexis Hall. They explore themes of gender identity, historical context, and character development, offering insights into contemporary and historical romance genres.
keywordsromance, LGBTQ+, historical fiction, gender identity, book review, Alexis Hall, Ursa Dax, character analysis, historical romance, transgender characters
key topicsThemes of gender identity in romance
Character development in historical and sci-fi romanceRepresentation of LGBTQ+ characters in literatureImpact of historical context on character conflictsAnalysis of specific character relationships and dynamics@chemangel.bsky.social
Or Join the discords we are always looking to talk books, whether it's writing, editing or just swapping recommendations we are always looking to meet new people.
https://discord.gg/DRZe3kqNKT
Many thanks to Jacob the horse for allowing us to sample their amazing song Sunshine for our theme music. You can get Jacob the Horse's music at BandCamp.com
42 min - I am a Weapon with Sean Robins
In this episode I talk to author Sean Robins about the 1st book in his iAnomaly series, I am a Weapon about what it is like for protagonist and sentient robot Jack. We talk writing, robots and OCD I hope you'll join us on this journey and know that though there were technical difficulties and tears we will persevere.
You can email the show at [email protected]
Thanks to Jacob the horse for the use of their music for our theme.
1 hr - I am a Weapon with Sean Robins
Summary
In this episode, author Sean Robbins discusses his science fiction series 'I Am a Weapon,' exploring themes of sentience, ethics, and storytelling strategies for indie authors. Toni and Sean delve into character development, publishing tactics, and the influence of pop culture in sci-fi writing.
keywordsscience fiction, indie publishing, sentient machines, character development, rapid release, series strategy, pop culture references, book marketing, Kindle Unlimited, author insights
key topicsSean Robbins' inspiration for 'I Am a Weapon'
Character development of Jack the sentient androidPublishing strategy: rapid release and series buildingThe role of pop culture references in sci-fi writingMarketing tips for indie authors on Amazon and KUThe importance of character descriptions matching cover artThe therapeutic origins of Sean Robbins' writing careerBalancing bloodshed and humor in sci-fi series@chemangel.bsky.social
Or Join the discords we are always looking to talk books, whether it's writing, editing or just swapping recommendations we are always looking to meet new people.
https://discord.gg/DRZe3kqNKT
Many thanks to Jacob the horse for allowing us to sample their amazing song Sunshine for our theme music. You can get Jacob the Horse's music at BandCamp.com
1 hr - His Orc Charioteer Bride by KR Treadway and Lights Out by Navessa Allen
key topics
Fantasy elements in romance novels
Character dynamics and size differencesPortrayal of kidnapping and escape in fictionWorld-building without bogging down in detailsSeries development and storytelling pacingMorality and crime in romance storiesDark romance themes and triggersCharacter perspective and emotional depth@chemangel.bsky.social
Or Join the discords we are always looking to talk books, whether it's writing, editing or just swapping recommendations we are always looking to meet new people.
https://discord.gg/DRZe3kqNKT
Many thanks to Jacob the horse for allowing us to sample their amazing song Sunshine for our theme music. You can get Jacob the Horse's music at BandCamp.com
30 min - Goblin StepSister Obsession with Sinclair Sting
summary
In this episode, Sinclair Sting and Toni talk about the romance for men sub genre, while exploring the nuances of romance genres, character perspectives, and the influence of anime and fantasy tropes on storytelling. They discuss their favorite themes, character development, and the importance of emotional depth in romance novels. In this episode, Sinclair Sting and Toni explore the nuances of first-person narration, character perspectives, and world-building in fantasy and romance genres. They discuss their preferences, writing choices, and the impact on reader engagement, sharing insights into their creative processes and genre trends.
Get Goblin Stepsister Obsession at
https://afterrealms.com/shop/
@chemangel.bsky.social
Or Join the discords we are always looking to talk books, whether it's writing, editing or just swapping recommendations we are always looking to meet new people.
https://discord.gg/DRZe3kqNKT
Many thanks to Jacob the horse for allowing us to sample their amazing song Sunshine for our theme music. You can get Jacob the Horse's music at BandCamp.com
1 hr 27 min - Free Books!
summary
Toni shares her recent reading adventures, including reviews of free book giveaways, series opinions, and upcoming releases in the romance and sci-fi genres. She discusses her favorites, disappointments, and plans for future reads, offering insights for fellow book lovers. Opinions on Exiles on Earth by Bea Tama, Against a Wall by Cate C wells and Accidental Fearless by Sapphire Dixon.
@chemangel.bsky.social
Or Join the discords we are always looking to talk books, whether it's writing, editing or just swapping recommendations we are always looking to meet new people.
https://discord.gg/DRZe3kqNKT
Many thanks to Jacob the horse for allowing us to sample their amazing song Sunshine for our theme music. You can get Jacob the Horse's music at BandCamp.com
21 min - My musings and an idea for a new direction
key topics
Books with disabled or scarred heroes
Themes of ugliness and acceptance in romanceSpecific book reviews: The Duchess Deal, Trust Me, Wila's BeastDiscussion of characters' physical scars and emotional depthRecommendations for alien and fantasy romances@chemangel.bsky.social
Or Join the discords we are always looking to talk books, whether it's writing, editing or just swapping recommendations we are always looking to meet new people.
https://discord.gg/DRZe3kqNKT
Many thanks to Jacob the horse for allowing us to sample their amazing song Sunshine for our theme music. You can get Jacob the Horse's music at BandCamp.com
29 min
About Romance Read Along
From the publisher's feed
An Obsessive re-reader starts a book club. Come and join the fun! Guests recruited constantly, all are welcome!
Special thanks to Jacob the Horse for letting us use their amazing song Sunshine for our theme music.