The HEA Book Club: Reading Romance with Friends

Ep. 53: United States of Anarchy | The Twisted Sisters with Book Bestie Lindsey Join us for our second to last episode of the HEA Book Club where I'm joined by Mary the Viberarian and Book Bestie Lindsey to talk the wild west of Why Choose: The Twisted Sisters in all their out of pocket glory. We dissect how these authors create multi-series universes and layer in characters that keep you hooked as well as whether or not Rogue is a pick-me and the Why Choose archetypes. Books mentioned by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti: The Harlequin Crew series The Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac

Ep. 52: The Romantic Psychopath | Marrow with Brynne Weaver and Trisha Wolfe In this episode of the HEA Book Club, we sit down with co-authors Brynne Weaver and Trisha Wolfe to talk about their latest release: Marrow. Marrow is a rival serial killer romance and we discuss the intersection between glitter and psychopathy (hint: it's cozy). You can find these two talented authors on Instagram @Trisha_wolfe and @Brynne_weaver

Ep. 51: Dream Jobs and Jizz-Flavored Mints | Bookish Businesses with Bruce and Asscrack Ever wondered what it takes to quit your 9 to 5 to talk about smut all day? Kristie from Between the Wines Consulting and Samantha from the SmutHood have carved out niches for themselves in the spicy book world. But I can’t promise this will be a how-to episode. We take some unruly tangents to Alcatraz, foot vaginas, mattress humping and bonkers romance tropes. I hope you laugh listening to this as much as we did recording and that your intercourse usually involves less teeth. Mentioned: SmutHood Facebook group SmutHood Authors group (& book tours) Between the Wines Consulting Episodes you may also like: -First episode with Kristie: Episode 7 -More bookish businesses with The Last Chapter Book Shop: Episode 35 Books Mentioned: The Blood We Crave by Monty Jay Burn With Me by Lucy Smoke Last on the List by Amy Daws Tempt by Melanie Harlow American Queen by Sierra Simone Stupid Cupid and Dear Monster Claus by Maeve Black Desperate Measures by Katee Robert

Ep. 50: Dick Photo Albums and Alien Invasions | Interview with Author Marie Maravilla As always, we had a great time catching up with friend and author Marie Maravilla. Co-host this week was Val and we started off strong with valentine presents from our favorite, crazy book boyfriends. Marie recently released her second book and first Why Choose romance, an absolute action-packed book with a cast of absolutely bonkers characters. We talk all about writing Syndicate of Sins, our favorite funny moments and steamy sex scenes. At the end of the day, this episode is about owning your strengths, being unapologetically yourself and not shying away from pushing the limits. Mentioned: Tiffany Robert’s Patreon for all your NSFW art needs and Fated Romance Box & Shop Episodes you may also like: -First interview with Marie: Episode 33 -Interview with Fated Romance co-owners: Episode 31 Books Mentioned: Skeletons of Society by Marie Maravilla Syndicate of Sins by Marie Maravilla

Ep. 49: Ruining Our pH and Our Sanity | Lee Jacquot’s Holinight Novellas with Malika “I’ve seen this women across the street and I’ve thrown her over my shoulder and kidnapped her and we’re in love and now she’s pregnant and the whole thing is 50 pages.” We are talking spicy novellas this week! Malika and I chat about Lee Jacquot’s A Holinight Novella series and break down Lee’s recipe for a perfect smutty novella. We may or may not have also planned Lee’s next four books for her…unbeknownst to her. Novellas are well loved because they operate by different rules than regular romance novels, but for Malika, some things go too far and she has to protect what normal she has left. But not too normal, Orcs are still the hottest monsters and anything with tentacles. Mentioned: Tiffany Robert’s Patreon for all your NSFW art needs Episodes you may also like: -Ep. 8: Interview with Elizbeth Stephens and Xiveri Mate books 1-2 -Ep. 27: Creature Cafe and Jessa Kane with Literary Alexandra -Ep. 48: Writing Process with Naomi Loud -Ep. 6: Smutty Novellas with Molly Doyle Books Mentioned: Holinight Novellas by Lee Jacquot Desert Island by Olivia T Turner When the Farmer Met the City Girl by Jessa Kane Cookies For My Orc Neighbor by Michele Mills Ensnared by Tiffany Roberts Was I Ever Real by Naomi Loud Room Twenty-Two by Mila Crawford Xiveri Mates by Elizabeth Stephens Creature Cafe by Clio Evans

Ep. 48: We’re Freaking Out But It’s Fine | Indie Publishing and Writing Sequels with Author Naomi Loud I’m not freaking out, you’re freaking out! Summer and Naomi talk about their hopes and anxieties about their upcoming dark romance releases. We also dive into our best advice for new authors, writers in general. Summer and Naomi have two very different takes on how they view themselves as artists. This episode will be great for anyone who has a story to tell but suffers from imposter syndrome or writer’s block–you can do it! Follow along with our releases on instagram: @Naomi.Loud @SummerOtoole Books mentioned: Hate Me by Summer O'Toole Was I Ever Real by Naomi Loud

Ep. 47: The One Where Summer Actually Finishes The Book | Flawless by Elsie Silver with Shani Season 3 is kicked off with new hosts and hopefully new habits: Summer actually finishing the books she is supposed to for the episode! Shani and Summer dive into Flawless by Elsie Silver and the world of Chestnut Springs that she has created, just in time for the release of Powerless. Find out what’s on Summer’s bookish pet peeve list and Shani’s top palette cleaners. Books mentioned: Flawless by Elsie Silver Chestnut Springs Series & Gold Rush Ranch series by Elsie Silver So Not Meant To Be by Meghan Quinn Lies of the Underworld Series by Haley Jenner The Obsidian Brotherhood by Delaney Foster Cruel Saints by Michelle Heard The Sinner by Shantel Tessier Sinner’s Playground by the Twisted Sisters

Ep. 46: Season 2 Finale | Author Interview with Angel Lawson Summer somehow manages to not faint from excitement as Angel Lawson, co-author of the Royals of Forsyth series, joins us for the final episode of 2022. We talk about how the idea for the series came together and how it has changed following its amazing success. Angel tells us about her inspiration for writing and gives us a sneak peek into what’s to come with the Princes (hint: you’re not ready). Angel’s presentation on plotting and writing steam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ma5bjhFFVAs Books mentioned: Royals of Forsyth Boys of Preston Prep

Ep. 45: Merry Dickmas! BookTok Husbands Talk Romance Books In this extra special episode of The HEA Book Club, we are joined by Shani and Meghan and their husbands for an episode that is part interrogation, part game night and part book reviews. We hear about Den of Vipers and Ice Planet Barbarian from Barry and two-dicked werewolves from DJ. Husbands get slightly traumatized by balloon animal shifters and we all get traumatized by Barry’s love for geese. In an episode unlike any other, we hope you laugh as hard as we do and have a happy holiday! Books mentioned: Squeak by Vera Valentine Den of Vipers by KA Knight It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey Ice Planet Barbarian by Ruby Dixon Little Piece of Sass by Clio Evans (Two dicked-werewolf book) Oppressed In The Butt By My Inclusive Holiday Coffee Cups by Chuck Tingle

Ep. 44: When Your Ex Bangs Your Dad | Age Gap Romances with Malika from @BookSpice_and_EverythingNice Join us laughing until we cry in this episode of The HEA Book Club to chat about age-gap romances with Malika. We talk redemption arcs, when to tell your son you’re f*cking his ex, and the worst names to moan during sex. We cover vanilla to kinky age gaps and everything in between and Malika, our resident expert, shares what books get wrong and right about age gap romances. Books mentioned: Mercy by Sara Cate Tempt by Melanie Harlow What Was Meant To Be by QB Tyler

Ep. 43: Red Flags R Us | Stalker Romances with Melanie from @Mells_View In this episode of The HEA Book Club, Melanie joins us to talk about stalker romances and see if we can answer the age old question of “Are red flags just another love language?” Unfortunately, Kelsey has another swing and a miss with her book–a little too much topless prancing. We discuss all their unhinged book boyfriends and their irredeemable traits, realizing that some books are just too loud when it comes to revealing our true nature. Books mentioned: Haunting/Hunting Adeline by HD Carlton Make Me by Summer O’Toole Loner by Jamie Schlosser The Awakening of Ivy Leavold by Sierra Simone My Step Sister is a Vampire by K.L. Mann Nicky the Driver by Cate C. Wells Untouchable by Sam Mariano Even if it Hurts by Sam Mariano Sinners Anonymous by Somme Sketcher

Ep. 42: I Wrote A Best Seller | What I’ve Learned In My First Year Self-Publishing Summer’s newest book, Make Me, is now a best seller! A dark crime syndicate romance, possessive alphahole, serial killer plot, and unholy amounts of spice. In this episode, Summer and Kelsey celebrate the one year publi-versary of Summer’s first book and talk about how her latest release is climbing the charts. We talk about making our younger selves proud and even cry over a TikTok. Summer doesn’t hold back, sharing stats, tips, and lessons she’s learned four books later. If you’re an aspiring author or just starting out, you’ll not want to miss this! Books mentioned: Taken Series by Summer O’Toole Make Me by Summer O’Toole

Ep. 41: Killers and Kinks | Black Sheep with Authors Brynne Weaver and Alexa Harlowe Summer’s newest book, Make Me, is now a best seller! A dark crime syndicate romance, possessive alphahole, serial killer plot, and unholy amounts of spice. In this episode we have the honor of bringing co-authors, Brynne and Alexa, together on a call for the first time ever! We chat all about writing a female serial killer, their plans for the Black Sheep sequel (hint: it’s gonna be hot hot hot), and of course, pegging. We learn about their unique co-writing process and who they fancast for Kinky Kaplan and Bria, everyone’s favorite neighborhood killer. Books mentioned: Black Sheep by Brynne Weaver and Alexa Harlowe The Shadow Realm Series by Brynne Weaver Wretched by Emily McIntire Mindf*ck Series by S.T. Abby

Ep. 40: Ancient Dildos and Whale Peen | Make Me Release Day Live The episode is a little different today. In celebration of Summer's latest release, Make Me, we hosted an Instagram live with some friends. This episode is an unedited, unfiltered recording of that live. We are joined by Val, Mary, Shani, and Meghan. You can read Make Me for free on kindle unlimited now! All content warnings can be found here.

Ep. 39: Demon Daddies and Fat Baddies with Angie from @HerSoulForBooks | Spooky Season Reads In this episode we are joined by our dear friend, Angie from @hersoulforbooks to talk spooky smut and demon daddies. As always we take a detour to talk about Lords but Kelsey does have the chance to squeal with a fellow reader of Crescent City for once. In between discussion on plus-size rep and forked demon tongues, we have a healthy chat about non-con in romance and how characters and storylines can reckon with these tough subjects. Angie picks her Why Choose group and Kelsey stabs someone in the butt with a hot poker…sorta. Summer’s newest book, Make Me, is available for pre-order: Crime syndicate romance, possessive alphahole, serial killer plot, and unholy amounts of spice. Books mentioned: Nightshade by Keri Lake Ghost by Kat Blackthorne House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J Maas Cat and Mouse Duet by HD Carlton Royals of Forsyth University Series by Samantha Rue and Angel Lawson Requiem by Callie Hart Losers (Part 1) and The Dare by Harley Laroux Souls Trilogy by Harley Laroux

Ep. 38: Is It Criminal Or Just Romantic with Author Naomi Loud | Star-Crossed Lovers Support the podcast and your favorite book boyfriends by voting in Battle of the Tropes at BattleofTheTropes.com In this episode we are joined by the fabulously talented and hilarious author Naomi Loud to talk about reincarnation in romance books. We have very poignant and intellectual discussions on the differences between hot, spice, tension and slow burn and defining dark romance logic. Naomi answers what drinks her characters would be, Kelsey gives us an update on reading Lords and Summer picks a trope to describe her real life love story. Summer’s newest book, Make Me, is available for pre-order: Crime syndicate romance, possessive alphahole, serial killer plot, and unholy amounts of spice. Books mentioned: Riot House by Callie Hart Dreamcatcher by Marilyn Barr When We Crash by Cynthia A. Rodriguez Was I Ever Here by Naomi Loud

Ep. 37: Kinda Hot But Really Wrong with Bonnie @BonReviewsBooks | Bully Romances Support the podcast and your favorite book boyfriends by voting in Battle of the Tropes at BattleofTheTropes.com In a not so shocking turn of events, we sit down with Bonnie from @BonReviewsBooks to discuss bully romances. We dive into all the ways this unique sub genre redeems the irredeemable. We also battle the ever pressing question of are high school romances realistic? Especially when they are like the one Kelsey read. Summer’s younger brother weighs in on her taste in books and we are all a little traumatized. But by the end Summer and Kelsey promise to swap favorite reads! Summer’s newest book, Make Me, is available for pre-order: Crime syndicate romance, possessive alphahole, serial killer plot, and unholy amounts of spice. Books mentioned: Savage Kings by LM Harrison Corrupt by Penelope Douglas Royals of Forsyth by Angel Lawson and Samantha Rue Give Me More by Sara Cate

Ep. 36: Catfished By Shirtless Cowboys with Rachel @FitTeacherRachel | Small Town Romances Support the podcast and your favorite book boyfriends by voting in Battle of the Tropes at BattleofTheTropes.com Summer and Kelsey sit down with (unofficial) spicy booktok founding member, Rachel Baldwin from @FitTeacherRachel to chat about small town romances and sexy cowboys. Summer reads a book that leaves everyone shook with a surprise threesome with twins and we all get a lesson on snowballing and breeding kink–but please don’t fact check us! Rachel breaks down her science for giving the perfect book recommendations and spills the tea on which book led to her own surprise baby trope. Summer’s newest book, Make Me, is available for pre-order: Crime syndicate romance, possessive alphahole, serial killer plot, and unholy amounts of spice. Infamous Twilight Fart video can be found here. You're welcome. Books mentioned: The Eden series by Devney Perry Claiming the Cowboy by Kennedy Fox The Montana Marshalls by Susan May Warren Neon Gods by Katee Robert ACOTAR by Sarah J Maas Stolen at Sea by Summer O’Toole Taken to Voraxia by Elizabeth Stephens The Stop Over by TL Swan Off Balance series by Lucia Franco Madison Kate by Tate James Beautifully Cruel by JT Geissinger Hooked by Emily McIntire

Ep. 35: Chasing Dreams and Fictional Dick with The Last Chapter Book Shop Visit TheHEAmembership.com to snag discounts for our favorite bookish shops, including The Last Chapter Book Shop We had the privilege of sitting down with Amanda from The Last Chapter Book Shop and getting a behind the scenes look at how she has exploded her dream business in less than a year. We get exclusive announcements on future books and boxes and of course, talk about our favorite books. From our desert island picks to day dreaming of monster dick and getting kidnapped, this conversation was full of laughs and book recs (all are linked below!). –Make Me is available for pre-order: Crime syndicate romance, possessive alphahole, serial killer plot, and unholy amounts of spice. Books mentioned: The Beast by Jenika Snow Neon Gods by Katee Robert Blind Side by Kandi Steiner Royals of Forsyth by Angel Lawson and Samatha Rue Salacious Players Club series by Sara Cate Say You Swear by Meagan Brandy Midnight Mayhem series by Amo Jones The Never King (The Vicious Lost Boys series) by Nikki St. Crowe Black Sheep by Brynne Weaver and Alexa Harlowe Lunar Witch (Dark Imaginarium Academy) by M. Sinclair Creature Cafe series by Clio Evans Kingdom of Stars and Shadows by Holy Renee ACOTAR by Sarah J Maas Episodes you may also like… Hades and Persephone Retellings ft. Neon Gods Royals of Forsyth and ACOTAR Creature Café Sports Romance Support the podcast and your favorite book boyfriends by voting in Battle of the Tropes at BattleofTheTropes.com

Ep. 34: Eating Doritos In Bed & Other Disorganized Bookish Rants with Romance at a Glance Visit TheHEAmembership.com to secure discounts for The Brightside Candles and The Last Chapter Book Shop In part one of our cross-over episode with Romance at a Glance podcast, we attempted to talk about books we’ve never talked about before but ending up talking about our first periods, what happens when your toddler finds your sex toy and why men need better sex education. We do eventually get to books and hear about some of our favorite romcom Why Choose romances and the Highlander series that sent Summer spiraling to the pits of Smutshell. Listen to Part 2 here! Summer's upcoming release, Make Me, is available for pre-order: Crime syndicate romance, possessive alphahole, serial killer plot, and unholy amounts of spice. Books mentioned: Make Me by Summer O’Toole The Secrets Charlotte Street by Scarlett Peckham Interstellar Brides Program series by Grace Goodwin The Highlander Takes a Bride by Lynsay Sands The McCabe Trilogy by Maya Banks The Devil and Devil’s Advocate by Ashley Jade Call the Coroner by Avril Ashton Nanny for the Neighbors by Lily Gold Taken to Voraxia by Elizabeth Stephens Romance at a Glance episodes mentioned: Tessa Bailey Interview Melanie Harlow Interview You may also like… Why Choose (formerly called RH) episode Highlander episode with Outlander TikTok Author interview with Elisabeth Stephens Enemies to lovers + Forced proximity episode ft. Taken to Voraxia Support the podcast and your favorite book boyfriends by voting in Battle of the Tropes at BattleofTheTropes.com