014.5. Revisiting Courtney Milan's Writing in the Wake of RWA's Censure
Dec 24, 2019In light of RWA's 12/23/19 censure of Courtney Milan for calling out racism, I revisit a conversation about power, fixing corrupt systems from within, and the patriarchy. New content includes a summary of the issue/themes in the intro, and previously unreleased bonus content and updated outro at the end. An edited version of episode 7 between 5:00 and 38:00. - Erin Leafe (Learning the Tropes Podcast) and I get deep into a discussion of power, privilege, the patriarchy, and pretending to be someone you’re not after reading The Heiress Effect by Courtney Milan.
014. Equivalent Exchange by Christina C. Jones with Funmi B.
Dec 17, 2019Funmi (romance reader, reviewer, aspiring writer), a fierce and passionate advocate for Black romance, shares her own story of becoming a romance reader, and we discuss who is worthy of a Happily Ever After. This week’s romance worth reading is Equivalent Exchange by Christina C. Jones. We discuss themes of therapy, health literacy, and what Black contemporary authors are doing to destigmatize mental health in their communities. We also talk about how books might not be for you...but why you should still read them.
013. The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams with Steve Ammidown
Dec 10, 2019Guest Steve Ammidown (BGSU Browne Popular Culture Library Archivist) joins the podcast to discuss The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams. Topics include Romancelandia’s history, Warm blanket reads, Men’s friendships, Men reading romance, Emotional idiots, What we give of ourselves in marriage, and Why The Bromance Book Club is a book worth reading.
012. The Obsession by Nora Roberts with Lucy Score
Dec 3, 2019Lucy Score, indie publishing extraordinaire, pulls back the curtain on how she’s innovating and thriving as a romance novelist and we discuss The Obsession by Nora Roberts (queen of romance). The Obsession is a romantic suspense novel, and we discuss being a survivor and not a victim, the true crime craze (murderinos unite!), home renovations, and the family you choose.
011. A Midnight Feast by Emma Barry/Genevieve Turner with Kate Clayborn
Nov 26, 2019This week, romance novelist Kate Clayborn (Love Lettering) and I talk a lot about work! We read A Midnight Feast, a marriage in trouble novella by Emma Barry and Genevieve Turner. A Midnight Feast begins on Thanksgiving day 1965 - a day of second chances! We discuss how it’s a subversive act to respectfully represent domestic labor on the page, why work is so often shorthand for identity and why that’s problematic, as well as why women’s work in particular is undervalued. Bonus clip at the end of the episode featuring another special person!
010.5 More to Love: Polyamorous Romance, Hot Tub No Ma'am, Billionaire Questions
Nov 21, 2019Bonus extras from episode 10 with Kelly Reynolds from Boobies & Noobies. We play Hot Damn, No Ma'am (Hot Tubs, Quirky Cats, Dating Neighbors), and Kelly shares a polyamorous Write This Book. We also discuss the Billionaire trope: What is their core competency anyway? Extras also include an update on Jess's copywriting career, and listener feedback: is monogamy a capitalist construct?
010. Wallbanger by Alice Clayton with Kelly Reynolds (Boobies & Noobies)
Nov 19, 2019Kelly Reynolds (Boobies & Noobies Podcast) joins me to discuss Wallbanger by Alice Clayton, a rom-com that took Romancelandia by storm in 2014. This book features a missing Orgasm, neighbors to lovers, and a modern rake archetype. We also dive into generational crushes, why some books seem to age really fast, and what makes a book worth reading.
009. Listener Requests and Mass Market Paperbacks
Nov 16, 2019Romancelandia Request episode: Recorded in Hyderabad, India! This episode includes a meaty debate with myself about mass market paperbacks, my favorite Darcy, holiday romances, a taste of India, and answers to some questions about my own romance reading history and preferences, including my problematic faves: makeover romances.
008. Wolf Rain by Nalini Singh with Alyssa Cole
Nov 5, 2019Romance novelist Alyssa Cole joins the podcast to discuss Wolf Rain by Nalini Singh, which features emotional badasses. Also discussed: Using your Power. Systemic Oppression. Growing Your Circle. Sign up for the email newsletter on shelflovepodcast.com for bonus episode content!
007. The Heiress Effect by Courtney Milan with Erin Leafe (Learning the Tropes)
Oct 29, 2019Erin Leafe (Learning the Tropes Podcast) and I get deep into a discussion of power, privilege, the patriarchy, and pretending to be someone you’re not after reading The Heiress Effect by Courtney Milan. Also discussed: Podcasting. Inspirational Westerns rife with sexual tension. The Gorilla Twins.