The Romance Voice #20
Sharing my love for Big Bad Wolf, The Cowgirl's Surprise Match, Devil in Disguise.
Welcome to The Romance Voice!
This might come as a surprise: I’m not a fan of romance movies. I used to be - and I’m dating myself here - in the 80s and 90s. But since then I’ve been mostly disappointed in what was on offer and as a result I stopped looking. Books and my own imagination were so much more rewarding. But I haven’t given up on them completely. And sometimes I do discover a new favorite. A year ago it was Emma. Does that one count?
I’m ready to try again, but I don’t know where to start. Do you have a favorite romance movie? A TV show you’d be happy to recommend? Something more current than a classic from the last century? I’d love to hear about it.
I hope you enjoy this week’s newsletter issue. I found several articles but sadly only one book announcement (but it is a good one).
Keep safe & stay healthy! ❤️
In the Media
From Vulture: Your Next Romance Read, Based on Your Favorite Rom-com by Carly Lane VIEW ARTICLE
From Capilano Courier: There is More to Romance Than Meets the Eye by Steph Bliss VIEW ARTICLE
From CNN: Netflix's 'Bridgerton' is leading a romance novel renaissance by AJ Willingham VIEW ARTICLE
From Time: ‘We Know Our Stories Matter.’ Brit Bennett, Jasmine Guillory and Jacqueline Woodson Discuss the Importance of Fiction by Rebecca Carroll VIEW ARTICLE
From The Kansas City Star: In defense of Regency romance novels, she has only two words: Thanks, ‘Bridgerton’ by Sherry Kuehl VIEW ARTICLE
From The Guardian: It’s time to talk more about kink – and take the shame away from it by VIEW ARTICLE
From BookPage: Romance: February 2021 by Christie Ridgway VIEW ARTICLE
Debut Release
As much as I like discovering an author with a backlist (instant bingeabilty for the win), there is just something special about coming across an announcement for a debut release.
#TwitterMadeMeReadIt
I read Big Bad Wolf by Suleikha Snyder. I had the book already on my reader, but it was Amy Jo Cousins’ tweet that made me pick it up sooner rather than later. And I fully agree with her. It’s fun, fast-paced, political, and as expected plenty sexy. Loved the diverse cast and can’t wait to hang out with them again.
Newly Added
The latest romance novels I’ve added to my Want to Read list on Goodreads are:
When We're Thirty by Casey Dembowski
A marriage of convenience. One of my favorite tropes. And it comes with the tropes friends to lovers and fake relationship. Very much looking forward to this debut release.
Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships by Sarah Grunder Ruiz
It’s the author’s first book and I like the title. The blurb mentions grief too often for my current reading tastes, but it also mentions kissing a stranger. And the author’s persona on her Instagram account is just so nice that I want to see what her characters are like.
The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
Sil mentioned the book yesterday in a very enthusiastic tweet. When I looked it up on Goodreads, I came across the best tagline. I didn’t even read further before I added the title to my list.
A wedding. A trip to Spain. The most infuriating man. And three days of pretending. Or in other words, a plan that will never work.
First Time
I’m reading The Cowgirl's Surprise Match by Nina Crespo. I’ve been meaning to read the author for a while and I have bought several of her books. Usually, I prefer to read a series in order, but this book jumped the line for several reasons: a heroine in her 30s, a younger hero, a fake relationship. And I’m loving it so far. Making a note to myself: Schedule in a category romance binge.
Favorite Cover
Devil in Disguise by Lisa Kleypas | Publisher: Avon
New Releases
This week’s new releases I can’t wait to read:
Wild Rain by Beverly Jenkins
Hit Me With Your Best Scot by Suzanne Enoch
A Lady's Formula for Love by Elizabeth Everett
Gray Hair Don't Care by Karen Booth
Free Books
Found the following e-book for free (as of today) on Amazon DE:
Truth or Beard by Penny Reid
My Favorite Tweet
Find me on Twitter and on Instagram. I’d love to hear about your favorite romance novels, authors, and creators.
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