BBE Reads Romance
Because She's Smart, That's Why.
On the Pod This Week:
When people talk about “guilty pleasure” books, I’ve noticed they almost always mean romance. We all know why that is, right? Anything that is created by and/or beloved by mostly women is considered silly, frivolous, and unrealistic, and they feel “guilty” for loving it. (See also: pumpkin spice lattes, Taylor Swift, and rosé wine.)
But who the hell cares, amirite? I’m going to keep loving the genre, in all of its incredible diversity and levels of spiciness.
Here are a few of the romance episodes we’ve had on the podcast:
Author and utterly delightful human Elizabeth Essex introduced me to the work of Laura Kinsale when she talked to me about “Lessons in French” in Episode 011. GAH I loved this book so very much.
Kenya Goree Bell talked to me about “Nine Rules to Break” by Sarah MacLean in Episode 016. I think Sarah MacLean is my all time favorite romance writer. Or Tessa Dare. Both of them write hilarious, feminist heroines.
My pal Mia Hopkins, who writes some of the sexiest romances I’ve ever read, came on the show in Episode 036 to discuss “The Proposition” by Judith Ivory.
Jami Albright joined me on Episode 043 to talk about Sally Thorne’s “The Hating Game”. This is an especially fun episode because we did a lightning round of all of Jami’s favorite books within popular romance tropes.
One of my favorite authors and teachers, Theodora Taylor, talked about Johanna Lindsey’s “Warrior’s Woman” on Episode 046. This is the romance book you give your friends who like sci-fi.
In Episode 052, Leah Koch of the Ripped Bodice Bookstore joined me to talk about Nora Roberts’ classic “Vision in White.” New York friends - did you know that the Ripped Bodice just opened a second location in Brooklyn? Run, run, run!!!!
Lauren Regenhardt’s first appearance on the show was on Episode 068, when she told me about the sublime “Red, White, and Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston. The movie adaptation just came out and I am sooooo excited!
Sex and Intimacy Coach Leah Carey joined me in Episode 092 to talk about the nuances of “One To Watch” by Kate Stayman-London.
The brilliant Becca Syme talked to me about “Bet Me” by Jennifer Crusie in Episode 106. Bonus: you get to hear me screech DAMMIT BECCA! during this episode, because that’s what everyone who knows Becca screeches when she drops a painful truth bomb upon us.
Romance author Naima Simone introduced me to the work of the beloved Julie Garwood when we talked about “Saving Grace” in Episode 113.
Kenya Goree Bell came back again for Episode 120 to talk about “His Revenge Baby” by Theodora Taylor (guest of Episode 046) and hooooo-boy you are not ready for the fabulousness of that book. Brace yourself.
What’s your favorite romance? I’d love some recommendations!
Julie’s Current Read:
Hope you had your seatbelt on for that sharp turn!
Is this book the opposite of a romance? Yes. Sort of.
My youngest son just re-discovered reading for pleasure after several years of mild disinterest. He leans toward sci-fi and post-apocalyptic stories, but wants to move on from the YA books he’s read in the past. Cormac McCarthy had just died, and I suggested “The Road,” which I loved even though it has one gruesome scene that will haunt me to the end of my days. To his credit, my son gave it a fair shot. I think he actually gave it more time than he would have if anyone else in the world had suggested it. Ultimately he quit about halfway through, saying he thought it was boring. (Even though I think he is objectively wrong. The freedom to DNF applies to all!)
Then I came across this article in the Cut: Cormac McCarthy Wrote the Best Parenting Book of All Time, and decided to re-read it myself.
It’s a tough read. Beautiful, but tough. I have to read in very, very small chunks, and then put the book away and watch some John Mulaney comedy bits before I go to sleep.
Julie’s Current Listen:
Almost finished with Tana French’s The Trespasser and gaaaaah - it did NOT go where I thought it was going to go!
I’m also doing a weird thing where I sort of avoid listening to this one, because when it’s over I’m finished with the Dublin Murder Squad books, and I’m not ready to leave that world.
Julie’s Current Obsession:
Let’s go ahead and do another screeching u-turn.
I titillated you with a spate of romances, and then talked about a grim post-apocalyptic hellscape of a book and then a murder book. That was not fair.
You deserve a little Dessert Porn. Porn Dessert?
I honestly don’t know if I’m hungry or horny.
What about you, my friends? What are you reading/listening to/eating/drinking/watching/interested in these days?
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Hungry or horny!!!! 😝