Smart Women Read Romance

The book that started it all! Darkfever was the catalyst that sparked our fangirly bookclub of two. Is this a romance? Why, yes...yes it is - even though the romance element is on the slowest of slowburns, we stan for Mac and Barrons! Before we go nuts on our obsession with this series, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they talk about the Game of Thrones S8 teaser, upcoming minisodes, and John Bernthal (00:54). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of Darkfever (7:11). Spoiler Section: Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their favorite scene to see which one reigns supreme (13:15)! Then, take a deep dive into all the SPOILERY details of this compelling paranormal romance (16:28).

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Happy Galentines Day! Our Valentine's minisode focuses on our top book Girlcrushes - those leading ladies in romance that we just can't get enough of and aspire to be like. Show some love to your favorite romance girlcrush! Who would make your list?

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This book is 100% worth the wait and the perfect selection for a buddy read book review episode. Before we go Valeska on this episode, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they talk about Mardi Gras season in South Louisiana, who has the best King Cakes, and city vs rural Mardi Gras celebrations (00:50). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of 99 Percent Mine (5:29). Spoiler Section: Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their favorite scene to see which one reigns supreme (11:27)! Then, take a deep dive into all the SPOILERY details of this slowburn friends-to-lovers romance (15:27).

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What's your favorite flavor of Book Boyfriend? Alpha with a capital "A", sweet and vulnerable, the boy who brings all the laughs to the yard, or a combination of all three? Jessen and Juliette are sharing each of their top five book boyfriends and what makes them stand out from all the rest! 

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Drum roll please! Mal Erickson is in the house and he is determined to play his way into your heart. Before we Stage Dive into this rockstar romance, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they talk about the romance-podcast community, their 2019 reading goals, and two new series that Juliette is writing (00:47). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of Play (7:00). Spoiler Section: Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their favorite scene to see which one reigns supreme (13:03)! Then, take a deep dive into all the SPOILERY details of this whirlwind rockstar romance in the Stage Dive series (17:03).

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Is it hot in here? Mad Rogan must be near! *grumbles about cheesy rhyming* Ignore that... back to the important stuff - MAGIC. Specifically an epic urban fantasy romance set in a world where magic is power and the Houses rule. Nevada Baylor is just trying to keep her family business afloat, but gets roped into a dangerous game of cat and mouse between the powerful families of Houston. Before we begin swooning over all things Mad Rogan, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they talk about their affectionate nature when it comes to relationships and the meaning behind the "three-hand-squeeze" (00:48). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of Burn for Me (4:40). Spoiler Section: Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their favorite scene to see which one reigns supreme (10:07)! Then, take a deep dive into all the SPOILERY details of this incredibly sweet and funny romance (15:45).

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There is a fine line between love and hate... Lucy and Josh can attest to that. This steamy office romance will have you at the edge of your seat screaming "Stop toeing the line and kiss already!" But first, a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they talk about the interesting things each have found while digging into their ancestry - Notre Dame organist and moonshine makers (00:52). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of The Hating Game (6:14). Spoiler Section: Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their favorite scene to see which one reigns supreme (10:51)! Then, take a deep dive into all the SPOILERY details of this incredibly sweet and funny romance (14:32).

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Yes, we are those people and we don't care who knows it! Reylo is a thing and we are still rooting for them. Jessen & Juliette discuss all of the clues from both The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi to convince you that this love will not be silenced. We know we aren't alone out there, and have a Pinterest board filled with Reylo art to prove it!

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It's historical romance time! Our wallflower, Evangeline Jenner, has her hands full with the notoriously rakish Sebastien St. Vincent. Humor, intrigue, and moments so sweet you will melt - this book has it all! First, a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they rave about Lore Olympus - a free serial comic and retelling of a modern day love story between Hades and Persephone (00:51). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of Devil in Winter (4:36). Spoiler Section: Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their favorite scene to see which one reigns supreme (9:04)! Then, take a deep dive into all the SPOILERY details of this incredibly sweet and funny romance (13:13).

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Little snails, German chocolate cake, and tacos! Seems random, right? WRONG! Gather around schneckes because we are reviewing Kulti! But first, a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they laugh about a raunchy weather app (00:54). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of this slow-burn romance (2:42). Spoiler Section: Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their favorite scene to see which one reigns supreme (5:21)! Then, take a deep dive into all of the book's full SPOILERY glory (8:13).

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