When In Romance

Jess and Trisha share listener recs, reveal the May WIR Book Club pick, talk about the Vivians and romance awards generally, and discuss and recommend slow burn romances.

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News 

We’re discussing Vivid by Beverly Jenkins on our episode that comes out May 17! Feel free to send us all of your thoughts and feelings before we record that episode on May 13. 

The Vivian finalists have been announced.

If you don’t remember how the Vivian Awards came to be, let Jess remind you.  

For comparison, check out the Swoon Awards, the Ripped Bodice Awards, and the ReadRChat awards.

Books Discussed

Sweet Disorder by Rose Lerner

Wrong Number, Right Woman by Jae

Office Hours by Katrina Jackson

If the Boot Fits by Rebekah Weatherspoon

Yes & I Love You by Roni Loren

Craving Flight by Tamsen Parker

The Preacher’s Promise by Piper Hughley

Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle

Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn

Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert

Well Met by Jen DeLuca

Signal Boost by Alyssa Cole

His Perfect Partner by Priscilla Oliveras

Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid

Send us your thoughts on slow burn romances…and any insight you have on what a toaster oven romance is. As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

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Jess and Trisha talk about the next round of the WIR book club and discuss and recommend romances featuring married couples.

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To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

This post contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Book Riot may earn a commission.

News 

The WIR book club is back! Send your votes to [email protected]! (Options are below)  

Books Discussed

Sweet Disorder by Rose Lerner (Book club option!)

Wrong Number, Right Woman by Jae (Book club option!)

Vivid by Beverly Jenkins (Book club option!)

Office Hours by Katrina Jackson (Book club option!)

The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

Maybe Next Time by Christina C. Jones

Rend by Roan Parrish

A Bollywood Affair by Sonali Dev

The Captain’s Midwinter Bride by Liana de la Rosa

Send us your book club votes! And your favorite adventure romances! And your favorite married couple romances! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Jess and Trisha dive into romance films, discussing the way non-romance readers view adaptations, debating whether certain films marketed as romance actually fit the definition, and offering a few recommendations.

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To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

News

Thanks to all of you who reminded us of the excellent work Lee and Low Books has done with their Diversity Baseline Survey.

We also talked a bit about Nick and Ari’s full critique of the Ribbed Bodice Diversity in Romance report.

Please enjoy this delightful news about the adaptation of Rebekah Weatherspoon’s Cowboys of California trilogy [The Hollywood Reporter by Lexy Perez] 

Films Discussed

Happiest Season

The Mummy

The Big Sick

Crazy Rich Asians

The Lovebirds

The Wedding Plan

Tangled

Juanita

Deliver Us from Eva

Share your thoughts on all things romance film – including what films you play “is it a romance?” with! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Jess and Trisha discuss three news stories related to inclusion, exclusion, and diversity in romance. Then they talk about books they’ve been reading (and how one of those books is like a cancelled TV political drama).

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To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

News 

Here’s the (current version of the) Sourcebooks/E L James press release. 

Meryl Wilsner’s twitter thread about their experience being disinvited from a library event is here.

The most recent Ripped Bodice “State of Racial Diversity in Romance Publishing” is out as well, though some on Twitter raised concerns. 

And if you need additional information about Designated Survivor, I don’t blame you and have you covered. 

This post contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Book Riot may earn a commission.

Books Discussed

Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsner

Touch Me by Alexandria House

The Home I Find With You by Skye Kilaen

A Lady’s Formula for Love by Elizabeth Everett

If The Boot Fits by Rebekah Weatherspoon

Let us know what romance topics you’re thinking about and what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Jess and Trisha discuss some non-terrible Valentine’s week romance coverage, talk about the way romance represents the experience of being Black in history…and Trisha has a confession to make.

Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

This post contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Book Riot may earn a commission.

News

As discussed, our fellow Rioters Silvana and Carole are just the best. 

Please enjoy the romance coverage from NPR via podcast and this interview Beverly Jenkins did with Karen Grigsby Bates.

Also the New York Times has come a long way, y’all. [NYT]

There WAS in fact a Reading Pathways piece on Book Riot about Beverly Jenkins! And it was written by yet another of the actual best, Amanda Diehl [insert heart eyes emoji].

This is your regular reminder (from Trisha) to read this Book Riot piece about Bridgerton (by Jess).

Post show note: Okay, we were wrong, and Black Panther came out in 2018. Time is complicated!

Books Discussed

Indigo, Forbidden, and basically everything else by Beverly Jenkins

That Could Be Enough and Agnes Moor’s Wild Knight by Alyssa Cole

Confessions in B Flat by Donna Hill

The Preacher’s Promise by Piper Hughley

A Duke, the Lady, and a Baby by Vanessa Riley

The Duke Who Didn’t by Courtney Milan

Rafe and Xeni by Rebekah Weatherspoon

Two Rogues Make a Right by Cat Sebastian

Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn

Please send Trisha your favorite romances that aren’t especially plot-driven (she clearly needs the help). As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Jess and Trisha discuss Nora Roberts’s lack of time for nonsense, authors behaving badly, and the unique world of category romance – along with a few recs, of course.

Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

This post contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Book Riot may earn a commission.

News

Nora Roberts doesn’t care what you think [Entertainment Weekly]

Here’s a way not to write outside of your own experience. 

In case you’re curious, here a bit more info about category romance…and here’s a little more info about Pregnesia.

Books Discussed

Seducing His Secret Wife by Robin Covington

Bane by Brenda Jackson

The Flapper’s Fake Fiancé by Lauri Robinson

Pregnesia by Carla Cassidy

Let us know if YOU have favorite category romance – and keep sharing your romance reading origin stories! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Jess and Trisha do a bit of Bridgerton follow-up, celebrate a When In Romance anniversary, and discuss romances by debut authors they’re watching for.

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To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

News

Read Jess’s excellent piece about the Bridgerton adaptation casting decisions and trauma centered on Black characters.

We talked about WIR Ep #22, featuring special guest Rebekah Weatherspoon.

And Trisha stands by her Carrie Underwood reference.

Books Discussed

For the Love of April French by Penny Aimes

Happy Endings by Thien-Kim Lam

A Lady’s Formula for Love by Elizabeth Everett

Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers

Love in Color: Mythical Tales From Around the World, Retold by Bobu Babalola

Sweethand by N.G. Peltier

Let us know what your favorite WIR moments have been, share your romance origin stories, and tell us what romance titles you’re excited about in 2021. As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Jess and Trisha celebrate a new year, discuss Netflix adaptation Bridgerton, and talk about the books they’re ready for – and hoping for – in 2021.

Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

News

You can watch Bridgerton (or not) on Netflix.

Books Discussed

The Duke and I by Julia Quinn

Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert (Out March 9, 2021)

Incense and Sensibility by Sonali Dev (Out July 6, 2021)

How To Find A Princess by Alyssa Cole (Out May 25, 2021)

Cinnamon Roll and Weave the Dark, Weave the Light by Anna Zabo

Loose Ends Series by Rebekah Weatherspoon

The Bride Bet by Tessa Dare

The Devil Comes Courting by Courtney Milan (Out February 9, 2021)

Let us know what you thought of Bridgerton and what you’re excited to read in 2021. As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Jess and Trisha discuss news they’ve missed in recent weeks, give some “best of” list updates, and recommend a few of their favorite romances from 2020.

Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

News

Romancing the Runoff raised a bonkers amount of money. [Per EW, with a longer piece on this and similar efforts on Jezebel]

Courtney Milan made the NYT notable fiction list with an independently published book because she is an unstoppable badass. [NYT]

Since we talked about the Goodreads Readers Choice awards, here’s what happened there.

Vote in the ReadRChat awards!

And ICYMI, here’s the Book Riot Best of 2020 list.

This KFC thing is happening for some reason…? [Washington Post]

Books Discussed

Deal with the Devil by Kit Rocha

Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev

The Duke Who Didn’t by Courtney Milan

Two Rogues Make a Right by Cat Sebastian

Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade

Thanks to everyone who rode the 2020 roller coaster with us! Let us know what your favorite books have been, and always feel free to send us your thoughts and questions. As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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It’s recommendation request time – part 2! Jess and Trisha offer recs to readers looking for comedic romance, underrepresented authors, cruelty-free paranormal romance, and more.

Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

Books Discussed

Polaris Rising by Jesse Mihalik

The Blacksmith Queen by G.A. Aiken

Highland Dragon Warrior by Isabel Cooper

The Rebel Wears Plaid by Eliza Knight

Agnes Moor’s Wild Knight by Alyssa Cole

The Winter Sea and The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley

Being Hospitable by Meka James

Heartbeat Braves by Pamela Sanderson

Taking on the Billionaire by Robin Covington

Second Chance on Cypress Lane by Reese Ryan

The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

The Love Study by Kris Ripper

Between a Rock and a Hot Mess by Phyllis Bourne

The Duke Who Didn’t by Courtney Milan

Truth or Beard by Penny Reid

Ghosting by Tash Skilton

Mangoes and Mistletoe by Adriana Herrera

Stripped by Zoey Castile

The Baldwin Village and Holidays with the Wongs series by Jackie Lau

The Sumage Solution by G.L. Carriger

Deal with the Devil by Kit Rocha

The Last Wolf by Maria Vale

Hot and Badgered by Shelly Laurenston

The Demigod’s Legacy and Prince in Leather by Holley Trent

Comedic Romances Discussed This Year

Get a Life, Chloe Brown and Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

The Roommate by Rosie Danan

You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria

The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

Meet Cute Club by Jack Harbon

Conventionally Yours by Annabeth Albert

Do You Want To Start a Scandal? by Tess Dare

Fumbled by Alexa Martin

Thanks to everyone who wrote in with recommendation requests, and always feel free to send us your thoughts and questions! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address ([email protected]). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading and @trishahaleybrwn), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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