I did a post way back in January 2020 when season 1 premiered, and I just updated it to include thoughts on season 3. You can check it out HERE, or by clicking on the button below. Happy reading! (and viewing, of course...)

Anyone who thinks that romance novels are all light and fluffy and never tackle any big issues is full of crap. In fact, romance novels with characters facing depression, PTSD, social anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and many other mental health issues aren't at all uncommon these days. Don't believe me? Well, take a look at THESE:    

I try not to engage with toxic folks on social media. Really, I do. But sometimes I just can't help myself and fire off a response that inevitably doesn't do any good. And no matter how well-reasoned, polite, or funny my response is, it won't EVER do any good. Because the fact is that loud, wrong, and toxic people enjoy making others angry. So, from this point on, I will be auto-blocking THESE types of people (and I reserve the right to add to this list at ANY time):   

In times of stress, I comfort read. That means I will turn to my favorite authors and re-read something of theirs--even something I've read many, many times before. These are but a few of those authors:  

Yesterday, some snarky jackhole on Twitter got preachy with authors, telling them not to discount their books to 99 cents (or give them away) because it devalued their work. In the comments, said jackhole went on to say, a) how much he hated authors who tell other authors what to do (and he totally missed the hilarious irony on that one), b) Would never put his precious book babies on sale because he'd rather sell nothing at full price than give his groundbreaking words away for anything less than full price.

Other authors chimed in to agree with the jackhole (no romance authors, I noticed), saying that free and discounted books were ruining the industry. So basically, these folks were saying that authors who give away their work or put their books on sale are basically stealing money out of their colleagues pockets.

I, of course, disagreed and was called a "troll" who didn't care about authors and just wanted to keep getting cheap books. (BIG eye roll) But along with the utter madness and stupidity and entitled snarkiness of the jackhole's posts and comments, he also mentioned that no one EVER  reads a free book. His contention (which I assume he pulled directly out of his own ass after pushing his head out of the way) was that readers just hoard free books and NEVER EVER NEVER read them. Which brings me to the headline question and THIS:      

Sci Fi Romance
Publication date: ​07/09/2021
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Cliffhanger: No

If you're in the mood for something a little different with plenty of sexy times and great world building, then THIS is the book/series for you. Here's the scoop: 

In looking back on all thebook recommendation lists I've done on this site, I can NOT believe I've never done a marriage of convenience list...but...here we are. These are just a few of the great ones I've read and enjoyed over the years: 

Anyone want a quickie? Oh, get your minds out of the gutter. Jeez. I'm talking about quick book reviews, y'all! (Full disclosure: My mind would've gone into the gutter, too. :)  Anyhoo, I don't have much time these days for full book reviews, so here are a few super-short reviews for stuff I've read in the past couple of weeks:

The "famous person falls for normal person" (aka: celebrity romance) trope is one of my all-time favorites. I've read some GREAT books that fall into this trope, too. And because I'm a giving sort (you're welcome), here are some of the best, just in time for #WeekendReads and #FridayReads: 

I have an impressive list of traditionally published authors that I will always read, no matter what. (They include but are not limited to: Darynda Jones, Jeaniene Frost, Beverly Jenkins, Lorraine Heath, Lisa Kleypas, Ilona Andrews, Roni Loren, etc.) I trust those authors to deliver an A+ reading experience and I don't see that changing anytime soon. But these days, unless an author is on my "proven to be safe" list, I don't pick up their traditionally published books. Why? I'm glad you asked. It comes down to one thing that traditional publishers are doing TOTALLY wrong:  

Look, I'm going to be real honest here. I don't like sports. Not any of them. But I especially don't like baseball. It just holds no fascination for me whatsoever. But that doesn't mean I don't enjoy the occasional romance that features baseball in some capacity. So, because I'm not one to yuk anyone's yum, if you like baseball (or romances that feature ballplayers in some way), then THIS list is just for you. You're welcome:   

So, as you know, I'm not doing a ton of romance novel reviews these days. I have my reasons, but that doesn't mean I'll NEVER review again. In fact, here are some lightning-quick reviews for books I've read recently: 

Look, I don't have anything against the Bridgerton series. But I will admit that I get a little irked when people who've never read historical romance act like it's the only series on the market. It's not!! There are TONS of great historical romances out there, and to prove it, here are just a few of my all-time favorite series that I recommend you binge, like, IMMEDIATELY, because they're just that good:   

Get 'em while they're cheap, y'all. And beware, these sales will NOT last forever: 

I'm very sad to report that author Claire Kingsley very recently and tragically lost her husband. And since I don't know her personally and can't think of any other way to convey my deepest condolences, I'm going to recommend her books to y'all--because honestly, they are DAMN delightful. This is an author who can do rom com and deeply emotional contemporary romances with ALL the feels. I'm a huge fan, will probably always be a huge fan, and will keep recommending her via Friday lists and such. But today, I'm going to give her the full spotlight and recommend a few of my all-time favorite Claire Kingsley reads. Seriously, pick them up. You'll thank me later: