I've read a lot of romance novels. Like, a lot. I've read countless books in every sub category of romance by more authors than I can name. I've FORGOTTEN more about romance books and authors than most folks will ever know. So, when I say that you should be reading a particular author, you can trust me. I know whereof I speak. And here I am, saying loud and proud, that I adore Emma Scott, and if you're not reading her work, you're missing out. Here's why I adore her (and you will, too): 

Let's face it: artists are sexy. Whether it's a dancer, a song writer, a painter, or a sculptor, artists are fascinating creatures that us normal folk envy the crap out of. So maybe that's why I love reading about artists in my romance novels? I dunno. All I know for sure is that you better get ready to load up your Kindles, because this list of top romance novel artists is pretty freakin' awesome (if I do say so myself). Happy reading!    

Paranormal Romance 
Publication date: 06/16/2020
Kindle Unlimited: No
Cliffhanger: No

A new release in one of my all-time favorite paranormal romance series EVER? Yes, please!!  

Look, some women have a fantasy of hiring the perfect man who gives them EXACTLY what they need, and that's OK. I'm a firm believer in the whole "let women like what they like and leave them alone about it" principle. So, I don't find the "escort with a heart of gold" trope at all problematic, and I don't think anyone else should, either. There. I've said it. With that in mind, here are some AWESOME, romantic reads about male escorts (with hearts of gold) who find their happily ever afters. Enjoy!    

Heat level: N/A
Rom com 
Publication date: 10/11/2015
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Cliffhanger: No

It had it's charms. That's for sure. But...

Contemporary romance 
Publication date: 05/31/2020
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Cliffhanger: No

Another winner from Carian Cole. Not that I'm surprised. I mean, y'all are probably bored with how much I brag on this author, aren't you? Well...too bad. Imma do it again...

So, earlier this week, I admitted that I was a grumpy old hag who has officially aged out of new adult romance. In fact, I broke up with it once and for all. The angst and youthful dumbassery are just too much for me to handle. With that in mind, I thought it was time to update our recommendations for mature romance--that is, romance where characters are older than 30. There's some great stuff here, so get ready to 1-click, folks. Happy reading!  

There's A LOT of hubbub around this movie, which was based on a Polish-edition, bestselling book. Well, I watched it, and I have...feelings and thoughts about it. There's a lot to unpack here, but I think if you know what to expect going on, you can enjoy this movie. Here's what you'll need to know first, though...  

Dear new adult romance, 

It pains me to write this, but I think I'm done with you. Look, I'll admit we had some good times, and I'll be forever grateful to you for introducing me to Meghan Quinn, LJ Shen, Scarlett Cole, Helena Hunting, Tammara Webber, and so many more. But I just can't go on like this. My TBR list is WAY too long to keep adding your books and not getting what I want out of them. I'm sure this comes as a surprise to you, and for that I am truly sorry. I do feel like you're entitled to an explanation, though, so here it goes...  

If you've been looking for ways to support #BlackLivesMatter, there are LOTS of things you can do. Smart Bitches, Trashy Books came out with a fantastic list. But one additional way you can show your support is by buying, reading, and reviewing awesome romance novels that were written by black authors. Will reading and reviewing books change the world and make it a better place? No. But it will definitely mean something to the author, which is a great place to start. So, with that in mind, here are some recommendations for books you'll ADORE that were written by black authors. Happy reading!  

Sci fi romance 
Publication date: 04/21/2020
Kindle Unlimited: No
Cliffhanger: No

So, if you've checked out any of our Friday "best of" book lists you'll probably  notice the name Dianne Duvall there pretty often. I'm a HUGE fan of her paranormal romance Immortal Guardians series, and when I heard she was branching out into sci fi romance, I was beyond thrilled. Now that I've read her debut story in this new category of romance, I'm happy to report that I got exactly what I was expecting from this one: a thrilling, action-packed, sometimes funny romance that happens to include a hot dude from space.  

Romantic comedy 
Publication date: 05/12/2020
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Cliffhanger: No

Another winner from Helena Hunting. That doesn't come as a surprise to anyone, right?