When In Romance

Latest Episodes:

The Regency Version of a Stripper Mar 03, 2025

Show notes

Jess and Trisha talk about romance graphic novels, short stories, and novellas — just in case you’re already feeling behind on your 2025 reading goals.

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Trust your reading list to the experts at Tailored Book Recommendations! The professional book nerds (aka bibliologists) at TBR have recommended over 160,000 books to readers of all kinds. Let TBR match you with your next favorite read! Simply fill out a quick survey about what you want more of in your reading life, and your bibliologist will scour their bookish knowledge to find three reads they think you’ll love. Choose from receiving just the recommendations via email, or opt to have paperbacks or hardcovers delivered right to your door. Get started for only $18 at mytbr.co!

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News

Book club is back!! We’re reading Even if The Sky is Falling, edited by Taj McCoy, for an episode we’re recording on March 13 and which will be live on March 17. Send us your thoughts!

The Lisa Kleypas Historical Hero Showdown hosted by Romancing The Data brought us the joy we needed in February.

Books Discussed

A Gentleman’s Gentleman by TJ Alexander

Sunny Disposition by Deanna Gray

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham

Check, Please by Ngozi Ukazu

My Boyfriend is a Bear by Pamela Ribon

Hungry Heart by Jem Milton

I Shall Never Fall in Love by Hari Conner

Boyfriends by Refrainbow

Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe

Les Normaux by Janine Janssen

Baes of Juneteenth series (starting with Mr. Straight Up No Chaser by Sherelle Green)

The Fall Risk by Abby Jimenez

The Governess Affair and Mrs. Martin’s Incomparable Adventure by Courtney Milan

A Rake, His Patron, and Their Muse by Nicola Davidson

The Sweetest Connection by Denise Williams

Aisle Be Yours by Nina High

Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address (wheninromance@bookriot.com). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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A Crime He’s Satisfied to Commit Feb 17, 2025

Show notes

Jess and Trisha talk about what they read when the real world is difficult and recommend some Black romance authors who might be new to you.

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A new year means a new Read Harder Challenge! Join us as we make our way through 24 tasks meant to expand our reading horizons. To get recommendations for each task, sign up for the Read Harder newsletter. All Access subscribers get even more recommendations plus community features, where you can connect with like-minded readers in a cozy and supportive corner of the internet. You can become an All Access member starting at $6 per month or $60 per year to get unlimited access to all members-only content in 20+ newsletters, community features, and the warm fuzzies of knowing you are supporting independent media. To join, visit bookriot.com/readharder.

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News

Book club is back!! We’re reading Even if The Sky is Falling edited by Taj McCoy for an episode we’re recording on March 13 and which will be live on March 17. Send us your thoughts!

Find the Lisa Kleypas Historical Hero Showdown on Instagram through @romancingthedata.

Check out the Black Romance Has a History podcast AND the article Jess mentioned.

Jess was on the Book Riot pod - check it out!

Books Discussed

A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke by Adriana Herrera

The Last One by Rachel Howzell Hall

Before I Say Goodbye by Mary Higgens Clark

Dear Wendy by Ann Zhao

I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I’m Trapped in a Rom-Com by Kimberly Lemming

A Man for Mrs. Claus or Rafe (or anything) by Rebekah Weatherspoon

It Takes Two to Tumble by Cat Sebastian

Hungry Heart by Jem Milton

The Widow of Rose House by Diana Biller

Chasing Cassandra by Lisa Kleypas

Role Playing by Cathy Yardley

Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

The Kiss Countdown by Etta Easton

When I Think of You by Myah Ariel

Just Right by Shon

Luca by Grey Huffington

Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places by Claire Kann

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May Justice Prevail Feb 03, 2025

Show notes

Jess and Trisha do a news roundup and recommend some great books with trans characters and trans authors.

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This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

News

Book club is back!! We’re reading Even if The Sky is Falling edited by Taj McCoy, for an episode we’re recording on March 13 and which will be live on March 17. Send us your thoughts!

Here’s a link to the New Yorker article by Katy Waldman about the romantasy lawsuit that we talked about.

And please consider taking part in this auction to support those impacted by the California wildfires.

Books Discussed

Alone with Mr. Darcy by Abigail Reynolds

Yours, Forever by Leonor Soliz

Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham

Even if The Sky is Falling edited by Taj McCoy

They Ain’t Proper by M.B. Guel

Hold Me by Courtney Milan

A Rare Find by Joanna Lowell

Divine Intervention by R.M. Virtues

Make Room for Love by Darcy Liao

Reverb by Anna Zabo

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Easter Bunny or Playboy Bunny? Jan 20, 2025

Show notes

Jess and Trisha discuss what might be coming in 2025, including book club, trends, and romances they can’t wait to read.

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To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

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News

Book club is back!! We’re reading Even if The Sky is Falling edited by Taj McCoy, probably in late February! Or early March!

And Jess was on Rebel Ever After with Ella Dawson. Check it out!

Books Discussed

One for the Team by Aria Daze

A Shore Thing by Joanna Lowell

I Think I’m In Love With an Alien by Ann Aguirre (6/17/25)

There’s Something About Mira by Sonali Dev (2/1/25)

I Got Abducted By Aliens and Now I’m Trapped in a Romcom by Kimberly Lemming (2/25/25)

Rules for Ruin by Mimi Matthews (5/20/25)

The Broposal by Sonora Reyes (1/21/25)

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna (7/15/25)

Losing Sight by Tati Richardson (2/11/25)

Dream On Ramona Riley by Ashley Herring Blake (5/13/25)

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2025: Still Astonished Jan 06, 2025

Show notes

Jess and Trisha talk about lists and roundups that closed out 2024, as well as their favorite backlist reads of the last year.

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Books Discussed

Rifts and Refrains by Tiye and Keisha Mennefee

Just Playing House by Farah Heron

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter

Demon’s Dream by Elle Kayson

Fly with Me by Andie Burke

Role Playing by Cathy Yardley

Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood

The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton

White Whiskey Bargain by Jodie Slaughter

Love in Color by Bolu Babalola

The Marquess Makes His Move by Diana Quincy

Amor, Actually by Adriana Herrara et al

The Broposal by Sonora Reyes (publishing 1/21/25)

Secret Spark by Kelly Farmer (publishing 1/7/25)

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(Still) Excited by the Shenanigans Dec 23, 2024

Show notes

We're on break for the holiday week, so we're rerunning an episode from earlier this year in which we reflect on the 2023 books we still want to get to and the books we were most excited about coming out in 2024.

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

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Books Discussed

The Wildest Ride by Marcella Bell

Change of Plans by Dylan Newton

Forever Your Rogue by Erin Langston

Outfield Assist by Cat Giraldo

Ruined by Sarah Vaughn, illustrated by Sarah Winifred Searle and Niki Smith

Technically Yours by Denise Williams

Fly With Me by Andie Burke

Something Wild & Wonderful by Anita Kelly

A Little Kissing Between Friends by Chencia C. Higgins

Night for Day by Roselle Lim

Birding With Benefits by Sarah T. Dubb

The Spy and I by Tiana Smith

The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava

Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend by Emma R. Alban

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Discovering Each Other: Favorites of 2024 Dec 09, 2024

Show notes

Jess and Trisha offer a few more gifting recommendations and then talk about some of their favorite new books of 2024.

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

At Tailored Book Recommendations, we’ve recommended over 150,000 books to readers of every type. And we’ve got good news— TBR makes a novel gift for the book lover on your list! All your gift recipient has to do is fill out a survey about their reading likes and dislikes, and our expert bibliologists will use their bookish knowledge to round up three personalized recommendations for reads we think they’ll love. Whether they’re a mystery maven, a historical fiction fanatic, or a contemporary connoisseur, we’ve got the chops to match the book lover in your life with their next favorite read. And it only takes a few clicks to gift TBR! Simply head to mytbr.co/gift to get started. You can even schedule the delivery of the welcome email, which means no more waiting on gifts to arrive last minute.

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News

Check out Book Riot's Best Books of 2024!

Books Discussed

Fast Track Fiance by Amanda Cinelli

Amor, Actually by Adriana Herrara et al

Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria

Loving the Secret Billionaire by Adriana Anders

Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare

At First Smile by Melissa Whitney

Play it Again by Aidan Wayne

The Turning Point by Francis Ray

Payback’s a Witch by Lana Harper

Salt Magic, Skin Magic by Lee Welch

Once Ghosted, Twice Shy by Alyssa Cole

D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding by Chencia C. Higgens

Tea for Two by C.M. Nascosta

Romancing the Inventor by Gail Carriger

The Stars Too Fondly by Emily Hamilton

Aurora’s Angel by Emily Noon

Make Room for Love by Darcy Liao

Heat and Run by Adriana Herrera

A Shore Thing by Joanna Lowell

The Prospects by KT Hoffman

A Little Kissing Between Friends by Chencia C Higgins

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams

Even if We’re Broken by A.M. Weald

Queen of Dreams by Kit Rocha

Nine Tailed by Jayci Lee

The Lily of Ludgate Hill by Mimi Matthews

A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston

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2024’s Recommendation Request Show! Nov 25, 2024

Show notes

Jess and Trisha respond to requests for recommendations for everything from romances with older couples to gentle reads to romcoms.

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Keep up to date with the world of books and reading with Today in Books, Book Riot's daily round-up of literary headlines at the intersection of politics, culture, media, and more. Our editors offer commentary, context, and the occasional clap-back to keep you informed and entertained. Visit bookriot.com/todayinbooks to subscribe for free, or become an All Access member starting at $6 per month or $60 per year and get unlimited access to members-only content in 20+ newsletters, community features, and the warm fuzzies knowing you are supporting independent media.

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Books Discussed

A Tale of Two Florists by Brenna Bailey

Midlife Crisis by Audra North

Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory

Role Playing and Do Me a Favor by Cathy Yardley

Come As You Are and Lips Like Sugar by Jess K Hardy

Autumn by Cole McCade

Heartwaves by Anita Kelly

Mrs. Martin’s Incomparable Adventure by Courtney Milan

Hot and Badgered by Shelly Laurenston

The Holiday Trap by Roan Parrish

Riley Thorn and the Dead Guy Next Door by Lucy Score

The Cock Down the Block by Amy Award

The Wolf of Wall Street by Lucy Eden

Lights out by Navessa Allen

The Belle of Belgrave Square by Mimi Matthews

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree

We Could Be So Good by Cat Sebastian

Worth Fighting For by Jesse Q Sutanto

In Memoriam by Alice Winn

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams

The Night Mark by Tiffany Reisz

The Palace of Eros by Caro de Robertis

The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley

Angels’ Blood and Silver Silence by Nalini Singh

Nine Tailed by Jayci Lee

Shapechangers and Sword-Dancer by Jennifer Roberson

A Heart of Blood and Ashes by Milla Vane

Highland Dragon Warrior by Isabel Cooper

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

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Cared for in a Way Your Horse Deserves Nov 11, 2024

Show notes

It’s Book Club week! Jess and Trisha discuss The Siren of Sussex and similar historical romance books they recommend.

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

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News

Send us your requests for recommendations AND your favorites of 2024 - you can send both to WhenInRomance@BookRiot.com

Books Discussed

Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree

The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava

The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews

An Unnatural Vice by KJ Charles

The Duke Who Didn’t by Courtney Milan

Ana Maria and the Fox by Liana de la Rosa

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

The Wallflowers series by Lisa Kleypas (first book is Secrets of Summer Night)

The Brothers Sinister Series by Courtney Milan (first book is The Duchess War)

The Girl Meets Duke series by Tessa Dare (first book is The Duchess Deal)

Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address (WhenInRomance@BookRiot.com). You can also find us on Twitter (@JessIsReading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @TrishaHaleyBrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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A whole lotta drama no matter what Oct 28, 2024

Show notes

Jess and Trisha get ready to announce dates for the next WIR Book Club and recommendations episodes and then dive into a discussion about age gap romances.

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter!

This October, Tailored Book Recommendations is giving away a pair of Beats Fit Pro headphones! TBR is the perfect way to take the guesswork out of finding your next favorite read. To get started with TBR, just fill out a quick survey about your reading likes and dislikes, and we’ll pair you with a professional book nerd— aka bibliologist— who uses their bookish knowledge to match you with three books they think you’ll dig. You can sign up to receive your recommendations via email or have your bibliologist’s picks delivered right to your door as either hardcovers or paperbacks.

And if you sign up or gift TBR in the month of October, you’ll be automatically entered to win a pair of Beats Fit Pro headphones! Current TBR subscribers also have a chance to win by purchasing a drop-in round of recommendations in October. Sign up today at mytbr.co

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News

It's time to start reading The Siren of Sussex!

Have you watched A Family Affairor Lonely Planet?

Books Discussed

The Fall that Saved Usby Tamara Jerée

The Talk of Coyote Canyonby Brenda Novak

Stepdaddy Seasonby Natisha Raynor

Ella Gets the Dby Tanvier Peart

Part of Your Worldby Abby Jimenez

The Art of Scandal by Regina Black

Everything For Youby Chloe Liese

You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi

So Sweet by Rebekah Weatherspoon

Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! And of course, send us your holiday recommendation requests! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address (wheninromance@bookriot.com). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading).

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