I’ve been looking at tons of romance novel blurbs at online bookstores this year–a consequence of being both an enthusiastic romance reader and writer. Looking at all those book covers and blurbs, I’ve noticed something: if I had a dime for every time I read the words “secret” or “alpha,” I’d be able to buy … [Read more…]
Are you reading books of literary fiction? Or do they instead fit into one of the genres like sci-fi, fantasy, or romance? Here are ten ways to tell if you’re reading genre fiction. (Please note that any gross stereotypes and snark here is meant with a big dose of bibliolove. Proof: last year I read … [Read more…]
Give me a bookshelf of romances, virtual or real, and I’ll show you dozens of manscaped men. Naked torsos totally devoid of hair, sometimes gleaming with sweat, almost always sculpted. When did this happen? Where did all the hair go? Is it being knitted into sweaters? Is it clogging our drains? The other day I saw … [Read more…]
I was impressed by this Reddit post from last Halloween of horror stories told in only two sentences. I’m still amazed that the writers of these ultra-short stories could completely terrify me with only a handful of words. As I’ve thought about it since, I realized that these supershort stories work because they get to … [Read more…]
Every year brings its share of romantic books, movies, and shows, and this year is no exception. Here’s what’s got me loving 2014 with respect to romance in the book world and beyond, from the beginning of the year to the end: 1.) The Book Vixen Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge Between two book clubs, a sturdy … [Read more…]
Of all the New Year’s resolutions I made this month–walking more, using more Listerine, watching my Hulu shows before they expire–I’ve got an extra-weird one: stop being embarrassed about reading romance. I’ve always been drawn to television shows and movies brimming with love stories and sexual tension, but when it comes to books, I’ve often … [Read more…]