Unfiltered Romance Nights

❗️DISCLAIMER: This episode was pre-recorded❗️

In tonight's episode, hosts Kolleen and Marjorie chat with Author Penelope Black about her journey into writing dark romance, her favorite tropes, and the emotional challenges of creating characters. Penelope shares insights into her writing process, the support from her family, and her experiences with reader engagement. The conversation also touches on her upcoming book releases, special editions, and the excitement of potential adaptations of her work. Throughout the episode, Penelope emphasizes the importance of reader connection and the joy of writing for herself.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Penelope Black
01:06 Penelope's Writing Journey
04:04 Hobbies and Interests
06:04 Exploring Audiobooks and Graphic Audio
09:06 Favorite Authors and Reading Preferences
14:09 Family Support and Reactions to Writing
19:06 Book Release Schedule and Writing Process
24:05 The Challenge of Writing Standalones vs. Series
25:02 The Importance of Angst in Romance
26:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
27:14 Expressions of Love Beyond Words
28:52 The Emotional Journey of Writing
30:24 Unexpected Successes in Writing
31:27 Character Development and Personal Connections
36:45 Exploring Subgenres in Romance
39:13 Future Projects and Anticipations
45:58 Casting Dreams: Who Would Play the Characters?
51:57 Special Editions and Upcoming Signings
54:42 YouTube Outro.mp4

Order Shattered Promises here: https://shorturl.at/tsORw

Learn more about Penelope Black:
 
 Website: https://authorpenelopeblack.com/

Follow Penelope on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorpenelopeblack/
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/penelopeblackauthor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@penelopeblackwrites

Don’t forget to rate and/or review us on your preferred listening platform. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Our episodes will contain spoilers and potential triggers.

Follow our social media pages:
 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unfilteredromancenights
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfilteredromancenightspodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unfilteredromancenightspod

Follow your hosts:
Kolleen
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookswith_kolleenirene
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolleenirene
Marjorie
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marjoriematthews34
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marj_spicyreads

In this episode of Unfiltered Romance Nights, hosts Kolleen and Marjorie welcome bestselling author J. Saman, who shares her journey into writing, balancing family life with her career, and her favorite authors. They delve into the tropes of her Boston series, discuss character favorites, and explore the significance of setting in her books. J also talks about her future projects, the challenges of writing, and the importance of communication in romance. The conversation wraps up with insights on special editions, book signings, and her excitement for upcoming releases.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jay Salmon
00:57 The Journey to Becoming an Author
02:41 Balancing Writing and Nursing Career
05:25 Influences and Support from Family
07:18 Exploring the Boston Irresistible Billionaire Series
10:04 Character Development and Favorite Couples
12:45 Setting and Inspiration for the Series
14:25 Casting the Characters for Adaptation
16:18 Writing Process and Challenges
18:59 Themes in Romance and Reader Expectations
21:59 Navigating Adult Relationships
23:25 The Art of Storytelling: Breakups and Grand Gestures
24:15 Defining Authorial Voice: Three Words to Describe Books
25:16 Upcoming Projects: New Releases and Series
26:58 Editing and Cover Design: The Creative Process
29:46 Exploring New Genres and Tropes
31:06 Special Editions and Book Signings: Future Plans

Read Undeniably Unexpected here.

Learn more about J. Saman:

Website: https://www.jsamanbooks.com/

Follow J. Saman on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jsamanbooks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jsamanbooks

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@author.j.saman_

Don’t forget to rate and/or review us on your preferred listening platform. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Our episodes will contain spoilers and potential triggers.

 Follow our social media pages:
 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unfilteredromancenights
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfilteredromancenightspodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unfilteredromancenightspod

Follow your hosts:
Kolleen
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookswith_kolleenirene
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolleenirene
Marjorie
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marjoriematthews34
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marj_spicyreads 

In this episode of Unfiltered Romance Nights, hosts Kolleen and Marjorie welcome USA Today Bestselling Author Trisha Wolfe. The conversation delves into Trisha's journey as a writer, her inspirations, and the challenges she faces in balancing her writing career with her personal life. Trisha shares insights into her writing process, character development, and the importance of family support. The discussion also touches on the evolution of her writing style, the significance of cover design, and the impact of cliffhangers on reader engagement. Throughout the episode, Trisha reflects on her favorite characters and themes, providing a comprehensive look at her creative world. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of writing romance, particularly focusing on dark humor, character dynamics, and the intricacies of different sub-genres like mafia and stalker romance. They explore their personal writing preferences, upcoming projects, and the challenges of balancing health with creative endeavors. The discussion also touches on reader engagement through special editions and the importance of emotional depth in character development.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Trisha Wolfe
06:15 Balancing Writing and Business Life
10:07 Family Support and Understanding as an Author
18:17 Character Development and Romance Writing
24:12 Cover Art and Marketing in Publishing
30:15 Writing as a Duo
38:36 Exploring Dark Themes in Writing
45:18 Future Projects and Inspirations
52:17 The Balance of Tropes and Authenticity
58:40 Upcoming Projects and Special Editions
01:04:42 Health, Events, and Future Plans
01:07:46 YouTube Outro.mp4

Learn more about Trisha Wolfe:

Website: https://www.trishawolfe.com/

Follow Trisha on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trisha_wolfe/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trishawolfeauthor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@triswolfe

Don’t forget to rate and/or review us on your preferred listening platform. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Our episodes will contain spoilers and potential triggers.


Follow our social media pages:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unfilteredromancenights
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfilteredromancenightspodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unfilteredromancenightspod

Follow your hosts:
Kolleen
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookswith_kolleenirene
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolleenirene
Marjorie
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marjoriematthews34
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marj_spicyreads

In this episode of Unfiltered Romance Nights, hosts Kolleen and Marjorie welcome bestselling author Lena Hendrix. They discuss Lena's journey into writing, her favorite romance tropes, and the dynamics of her characters. Lena shares insights into her writing process, the reactions of her family and friends to her work, and her upcoming projects. The conversation also delves into the book club's featured book, 'One Look', and the unique elements that make her stories engaging. Lena emphasizes the importance of community among authors and readers, and her excitement for future signings and releases.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lena Hendricks
02:27 Lena's Writing Journey
07:08 Reading Preferences and Influences
10:24 Family and Friends' Support
12:23 Writing Process and Book Production
14:42 Challenges in Writing Friends to Lovers
15:55 Describing Lena's Books
19:37 Discussion on 'One Look'
23:40 Character Preferences: Kings vs. Sullivans
26:23 Starting Points for New Readers
28:34 Future Projects and Series
31:37 Favorite Scenes and Inspirations
33:45 Exploring New Genres and Tropes
35:06 Building Unique Small Towns
36:18 Character Inspirations and Unique Jobs
38:08 Special Editions and Book Signings
44:49 YouTube Outro.mp4

Learn more about Lena Hendrix:

Website: https://www.lenahendrix.com/

Follow Lena on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlenahendrix/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lenahendrixwrites/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorlenahendrix

Shop here signed books here:

https://shoplenahendrix.com/

Don’t forget to rate and/or review us on your preferred listening platform. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Our episodes will contain spoilers and potential triggers.

Follow our social media pages:
 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unfilteredromancenights
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfilteredromancenightspodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unfilteredromancenightspod

Follow your hosts:
Kolleen
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookswith_kolleenirene
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolleenirene
Marjorie
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marjoriematthews34
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marj_spicyreads

In this episode of Unfiltered Romance Nights, hosts Kolleen and Marjorie delve into 'Beautiful Venom' by Rina Kent, a dark enemies-to-lovers hockey romance. They discuss their reading experiences, character dynamics, and the emotional depth of the story, particularly focusing on the protagonists, Kane and Dahlia. The conversation explores themes of redemption, strong female leads, and the intricacies of plot development, while also addressing the role of secondary characters and the impact of other woman drama. The hosts share their favorite scenes and moments that evoke strong emotions, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the book's themes and character arcs. In this engaging conversation, Kolleen and Marjorie delve into the intricate dynamics of character relationships, particularly focusing on the found family concept within a book series. They share their favorite quotes and memorable moments, express their overall thoughts on the series, and discuss the expectations readers have of authors, especially in the context of receiving ARCs. The discussion also touches on hot topics within the book community, including reader entitlement and the responsibilities of authors regarding trigger warnings.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Beautiful Venom
06:13 The Dynamics of Their Relationship
12:19 Character Analysis: Dahlia's Strength
18:20 Addressing the Other Woman Drama
25:31 Character Dynamics and Gender Roles
31:50 Themes of Redemption and Trauma
37:29 Character Interactions and Humor
50:18 Navigating Reader Expectations and Author Responsibilities
01:08:37 Entitlement in ARC Requests and Author Support
01:18:38 YouTube Outro.mp4

Don’t forget to rate and/or review us on your preferred listening platform. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Our episodes will contain spoilers and potential triggers.

Follow our social media pages:
 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unfilteredromancenights
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfilteredromancenightspodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unfilteredromancenightspod

Follow your hosts:
Kolleen
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookswith_kolleenirene
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolleenirene
Marjorie
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marjoriematthews34
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marj_spicyreads

In this episode, hosts Kolleen and Marjorie dive deep into the dark enemies-to-lovers M/M romance 'Chokehold' by Leigh Rivers and Harleigh Beck. They discuss their initial reactions to the book, the intricacies of M/M romance, character development, and the dynamics of power and emotion between the protagonists, Cole and Blaise. The conversation also touches on the role of supporting characters and the spicy scenes that define the narrative, culminating in their overall thoughts on the book. The conversation explores themes of possessive love, jealousy, emotional vulnerability, and the impact of parental relationships on personal growth. The speakers discuss various scenes from a narrative that highlight these themes, including spicy moments and emotional confrontations. 

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Chokehold
03:01 Exploring M/M Romance
05:56 Book Ratings and Spicy Scenes
09:06 Character Development: Cole and Blaise
11:56 The Dynamics of Power and Emotion
15:00 The Role of Supporting Characters
17:53 Concluding Thoughts on Chokehold
21:28 Possessive Love and Jealousy
24:42 Spicy Scenes and Emotional Vulnerability
28:38 Parental Relationships and Emotional Abuse
35:56 Redemption Arcs and Character Growth
39:43 Critique of Dark Romance and Plot Twists
42:08 Exploring Dark Romance Tropes
45:01 Defining Darkness in Romance
46:28 Hot Topics in Book Covers and Tropes
57:56 Generalizations in Book Communities

You can read/purchase Chokehold here:

eBook

Paperback

Don’t forget to rate and/or review us on your preferred listening platform. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Our episodes will contain spoilers and potential triggers.

Follow our social media pages:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unfilteredromancenights
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfilteredromancenightspodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unfilteredromancenightspod

Follow your hosts:
Kolleen
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookswith_kolleenirene
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolleenirene
Marjorie
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marjoriematthews34
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marj_spicyreads

In this episode of Unfiltered Romance Nights, hosts Kolleen and Marjorie welcome international bestselling author R.G. Angel. They discuss her journey from being a lawyer to a successful author, her writing process, and the importance of representation in literature. R.G. shares insights into her favorite genres, the challenges of writing, and how her family supports her career. The conversation highlights the significance of research and respect for diverse communities in storytelling. In this engaging conversation, R.G. Angel discusses the intricacies of romance writing, focusing on character chemistry, the inspiration behind her latest work 'A Vows of Betrayal', and the dynamics of age gaps in relationships. She shares insights into her creative process, the development of interconnected series, and hints at future projects, including the potential for second-generation storylines. The discussion highlights the importance of character development and the unique elements that make her stories resonate with readers. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the realms of urban fantasy, the dynamics of diverse love stories, and the intricacies of MM romance. They discuss the challenges and joys of writing across genres, the importance of special editions and book signings, and the profound connection between authors and their readers. The conversation also touches on the social anxieties that can accompany public events, making it relatable for many listeners.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to R.G. Angel
03:04 The Journey of Writing and Balancing Careers
06:06 Exploring Genres and Inspirations
09:12 Family Support and Reader Engagement
11:58 Writing Process and Challenges
14:58 Representation in Literature
18:09 Respecting Diverse Communities in Writing
20:00 Exploring Chemistry in Romance
22:02 Inspiration Behind A Vows of Betrayal
24:00 Character Dynamics and Story Development
26:00 Future Projects and Series Expansion
29:51 Age Gaps and Relationship Dynamics
33:56 Interconnected Series and Second Generations
39:57 Exploring Urban Fantasy and Genre Shifts
41:58 Diving into Diverse Love Stories
44:00 The Dynamics of MM Romance
45:59 Special Editions and Book Signings
50:04 The Author-Reader Connection
53:59 Navigating Social Anxiety in Book Events

Learn more about R.G. Angel:

Website: https://www.rgangel.com/

Check out her store for signed paperbacks, hardcovers, and special editions.
Instagram: @author_rg_angel
Facebook Page: R.G. Angel Author

Don’t forget to rate and/or review us on your preferred listening platform. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Our episodes will contain spoilers and potential triggers.

Follow our social media pages:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unfilteredromancenights
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfilteredromancenightspodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unfilteredromancenightspod

Follow your hosts:
Kolleen
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookswith_kolleenirene
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolleenirene
Marjorie
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marjoriematthews34
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marj_spicyreads

In this episode, Kolleen and Marjorie discuss 'Close to Me', the first book in Monica Murphy's The Callahan Series. They explore the dynamics of the enemies-to-lovers trope set in a high school environment, focusing on the characters Autumn and Asher. The conversation delves into themes of class disparity, character development, and the pacing of the narrative, with both hosts sharing their personal ratings and critiques of the book. They also compare the writing style to other authors and reflect on their reading preferences. In this episode, Marjorie and Kolleen delve into the intricacies of female rivalry in literature, discussing how it is portrayed and its impact on character development. They analyze memorable quotes from the book, share their thoughts on the ending, and address sensitive topics often found in dark romance. The conversation wraps up with reflections on their reading experiences and listener engagement.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to 'Close to Me' and Initial Impressions
03:01 Character Analysis: Autumn and Asher
06:10 Themes of Class and Insecurity
08:53 Plot Development and Relationship Dynamics
11:58 Narrative Structure and Pacing Issues
15:03 Character Growth and Immaturity
18:01 Comparative Analysis with Other Authors
21:02 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
27:28 The Complexity of Female Rivalry in Literature
29:18 Character Development and Relationship Dynamics
33:00 Memorable Quotes and Their Impact
35:02 Ending Analysis and Future Prospects
42:57 Addressing Sensitive Topics in Dark Romance
51:00 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

Don’t forget to rate and/or review us on your preferred listening platform. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Our episodes will contain spoilers and potential triggers.

Follow our social media pages:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unfilteredromancenights
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfilteredromancenightspodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unfilteredromancenightspod

Follow your hosts:
Kolleen
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookswith_kolleenirene
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolleenirene
Marjorie
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marjoriematthews34
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marj_spicyreads

Buckle up for a juicy, laugh-filled ride through the world of steamy romance with none other than Penelope Ward! In this birthday special episode of Unfiltered Romance Nights, Kolleen and Marjorie dive into Penelope’s unexpected journey from TV anchor to bestselling romance author. We’re talking forbidden love, spicy scenes, illustrated covers, and even candles that smell like her leading men (yes, seriously). Whether you're a longtime fan or just romance-curious, this episode serves up laughs, behind-the-scenes tea, and heartfelt moments that’ll make you one-click her books faster than you can say “Stepbrother Dearest.”

Chapters:
00:00:00 - Intro birthday special with Penelope Ward  

00:02:14 - How Fifty Shades kicked off indie romance's golden age  

00:04:24 - Writing as a job that never feels like work  

00:08:16 - Penelope’s writing routine and sprint method  

00:13:23 - Stopped at two books for the Rockstar series  

00:21:41 - Duet audiobook versions and how they hit differently  

00:24:35 - Team Physical Book vs Team eBook debate  

00:28:47 - Best starter books for new Penelope Ward readers  

00:31:41 - Her favorite couple? Elec & Greta forever  

00:35:12 - Behind-the-scenes of how co-writing really works  

00:37:44 - Realities of publishing schedules and release pacing  

00:44:50 - Tropes Penelope won’t write—

00:46:48 - Special editions and upcoming book boxes 

00:48:21 - Book signings, Boston roots, and fangirl energy  

00:51:33 - Honest truth about the emotional cost of book signings  

Learn more about Penelope Ward:

Website: penelopewardauthor.com

• Check out her store for signed paperbacks, hardcovers, and special editions.

Instagram: @penelopewardauthor
Facebook Page: Penelope Ward: Author
Facebook Group: Penelope’s Peeps
X (formerly Twitter): @PenelopeAuthor

Don’t forget to rate and/or review us on your preferred listening platform. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Our episodes will contain spoilers and potential triggers.

Follow our social media pages:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unfilteredromancenights
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfilteredromancenightspodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unfilteredromancenightspod

Follow your hosts:
Kolleen
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookswith_kolleenirene
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolleenirene
Marjorie
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marjoriematthews34
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marj_spicyreads

In this fun and heartwarming episode of Unfiltered Romance Nights, Kolleen and Marjorie sit down with USA Today bestselling author Willow Aster to chat about her newest release Wicked Love, her journey as a writer, favorite characters, spicy scenes, and even dream Netflix adaptations! Willow, known for her swoony, heartwarming, and unforgettable love stories, shares behind-the-scenes insights into her writing process, her inspiration for beloved characters, and the magic of creating romances that stick with readers long after the last page. From hilarious side stories to deep bookish discussions, it’s a feel-good conversation you won’t want to miss!

Chapters:
00:00:00 - Meet Willow Aster and intro to her writing journey

00:04:00 - Dark romance and needing lighter reads

00:08:00 - Writing routines and word count goals

00:11:00 - Diving into Wicked Love and reading order tips

00:13:00 - Inspiration behind Becca’s character in Wicked Love

00:18:00 - Hallmark vibes—but spicier

00:21:00 - Where new readers should start with Willow’s books

00:27:00 - Dream adaptations for Willow’s books

00:30:00 - Tropes Willow hasn’t written yet (but might!)

00:34:00 - Physical books vs eBooks talk

00:36:00 - Discrete covers and funny bookshelf stories

00:38:00 - Upcoming signing events and stress-free bookstore signings

00:41:00 - Indie bookstores and future event hopes

00:42:30 - Wrapping up and manifesting Netflix deals

Learn more about Willow Aster:

Instagram: @willowaster
Twitter (X): @WillowAster

Facebook: Willow Aster Author Page
Official Website: www.willowaster.com

Don’t forget to rate and/or review us on your preferred listening platform. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Our episodes will contain spoilers and potential triggers.

Follow our social media pages:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unfilteredromancenights
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfilteredromancenightspodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unfilteredromancenightspod

Follow your hosts:
Kolleen
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookswith_kolleenirene
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolleenirene
Marjorie
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marjoriematthews34
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marj_spicyreads