bookworm

It's here! The Deal is one of our favorite enemies to friends to lovers romance. It's just so well done that we couldn't NOT include it on the podcast. Before we deep dive into the story, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette talk about Top Secret, WAGs, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (01:04). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of The Deal (6:54). Spoiler Section:  Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their favorite scene to see which one reigns supreme (11:32). Then, take a  deep dive into all the SPOILERY details of this fun college romance (17:17).

Another age-gap romance! Is Jessen trying to convert anti-age-gappers? Nah, everybody has their likes and dislikes. BUT, we do like to highlight when the trope is done well and not in a creepy way. Penelope Ward delivers a relaxing slowburn romance perfect for summertime. Before we deep dive into the story, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette talk about lake vacations and Jessen's run-in with a raccoon (00:58). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of When August Ends (4:52). Spoiler Section:  Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their favorite scene to see which one reigns supreme (9:46). Then, take a  deep dive into all the SPOILERY details of this slowburn romance (15:42).

Before we deep dive into the story, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette talk about Juliette trip to a comic book store and her own honeymoon in Maui (1:11). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of The Unhoneymooners (5:59). Spoiler Section:  Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their favorite scene to see which one reigns supreme (10:41). Then, take a  deep dive into all the SPOILERY details of one of this slowburn enemies to lovers romance (15:11).

Before we deep dive into the story, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette talk about book taste testers and book reviewing etiquette (1:04). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of The Viscount Who Loved Me (2:57). Spoiler Section:  Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their favorite scene to see which one reigns supreme (9:25). Then, take a  deep dive into all the SPOILERY details of one of this classic historical romance (15:36).

Before we deep dive into the story, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette talk about book taste testers and book reviewing etiquette (00:52). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their  spoiler-free discussion of Dirty Exes (7:56). Spoiler Section:  Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their favorite scene to see which one reigns supreme (14:16). Then, take a  deep dive into all the SPOILERY details of one of this love triangle romcom (18:55).

A woman scorned, Blaire has made a business out of exposing cheaters. When she and her best friend are hired by a socialite convinced that her estranged husband is cheating, she runs into The One That Got Away. While gathering intel for her new client, she meets a flirty bartender that she can't help but banter with. This love triangle will have you at the edge of your seat wondering which guy is the RIGHT guy for Blaire. Before we deep dive into the story, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette talk about Jessen's Quick Reviews and 90s vs 80s romcoms (00:55). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their  spoiler-free discussion of Dirty Exes (4:10). Spoiler Section:  Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their  favorite scene to see which one reigns supreme (8:48). Then, take a  deep dive into all the SPOILERY details of one of this love triangle romcom (15:35).

Mythology, magic, shifters, vampires - you name it, Magic Bleeds has it! Welcome to the world of Kate Daniels - our favorite urban fantasy romance series! Before we deep dive into the story, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette talk about The OA and The Umbrella Academy (00:59). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their  spoiler-free discussion of Magic Bleeds (4:46). Spoiler Section:  Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their  favorite scene to see which one reigns supreme (10:16). Then, take a  deep dive into all the SPOILERY details of one of this epic adventure and romance (16:32).

Who doesn't love a good accent? Juliette and Jessen sure do - especially if it's Scottish! Get ready for this hilarious secret identity, friends-to-lovers themed romance - it's gonna be a fun ride! Before we deep dive into their story, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette talk about unusual names - like Jessen - and Juliette's trouble with shutting off her writer brain (00:52). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their  spoiler-free discussion of Talk British to Me (4:26). Spoiler Section:  Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their  favorite scene to see which one reigns supreme (9:05). Then, take a  deep dive into all the SPOILERY details of one of this hilarious romcom (13:42).

You've heard us drool over Sebastian St. Vincent in Episode 6, now meet his daughter Phoebe in this wonderful historical romance filled with out favorite tropes. You'll see quite a few cameos from Kleypas' other series, including Sebastian and Evie themselves! Before we deep dive into their story, listen to a brief  chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette talk about the musical Hamilton (01:26). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their  spoiler-free discussion of Devil's Daughter (4:29). Spoiler Section:  Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their  favorite scene to see which one reigns supreme (7:57). Then, take a  deep dive into all the SPOILERY details of one of this witty and swoony historical romance (12:50).

Need any salt with that burn? Vera, a food truck owner, and the renowned head chef of Lilou - Killian Quinn - go head to head, when Vera parks right across from his restaurant. Sparks fly and these rival chefs become something more during the course of their friendly (oftentimes hilarious) competition. One of our favorite enemies-to-lovers plots!  Before we deep dive into their story, listen to a brief  chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they talk about their major anticipation of the final season of Game of Thrones (00:58). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their  spoiler-free discussion of The Opposite of You (4:26). Spoiler Section:  Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their  favorite scene to see which one reigns supreme (10:10)! Then, take a  deep dive into all the SPOILERY details of one of this hilariously sweet contemporary with a cool twist (16:12).

The ultimate journey of friends to lovers - Torn will tear you up and put you back together again. Age-gap romances are hard to do well, but Carian Cole has got the magic touch and tackles the tough-to-tell stories in a way that feels completely realistic. Kenzie and Toren have a unique relationship and it grows and changes throughout the years. Before we deep dive into their story, listen to a brief  chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they talk about the Starz adaptations of Philippa Gregory's novels (1:14). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their  spoiler-free discussion of Torn (5:45). Spoiler Section:  Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their  favorite scene to see which one reigns supreme (10:00)! Then, take a  deep dive into all the SPOILERY details of one of this hilariously sweet contemporary with a cool twist (16:16).

Beyond excited for this review because Lingus needs a whole hellavalot more love than it gets. It's one of our top three Zapata books and we are here to share the love. And yes, the title means exactly what you're thinking! Buckle up for this unconventional friends-to-lovers romance. Before we deep dive into their story, listen to a brief  chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they talk about appendectomies and grand-parent names - we were very random in this round of chit-chats (00:56). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their  spoiler-free discussion of Lingus (6:21). Spoiler Section:  Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their  favorite scene to see which one reigns supreme (11:51)! Then, take a  deep dive into all the SPOILERY details of one of this hilariously sweet contemporary with a cool twist (16:02).

***TRIGGER WARNING***
This episode will discuss scenes depicting sexual assault and violence, which may be upsetting to listeners.

"I'd play you at the five." Que major swoon, because August West is taking a shot at winning the heart of Iris - but the play isn't that simple. It's not an easy road to their HEA, but the journey is raw and real. Before we deep dive into their story, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they talk about the wonders of synesthesia and recording with a lot of eyes starring us down (1:05). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of Long Shot (5:25). Spoiler Section: Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their favorite scene to see which one reigns supreme (10:00)! Then, take a deep dive into all the SPOILERY details of one of this hauntingly beautiful sports romance (14:14).

Pirate-historical romance? Yes, please! The harrowing story of the survivors of Newgate Prison continues in Kerrigan Byrne's latest installment which focuses on The Rook. He may not remember his past, but fans of the Victorian Rebels series are sure to connect a few dots to discover his identity! Before we get into the fangirling zone, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they talk about Jessen's moving struggles and the new role that Juliette's husband is playing in Legally Blonde(00:48). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo(5:00). Spoiler Section: Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their favorite scene to see which one reigns supreme (10:00)! Then, take a deep dive into all the SPOILERY details of one of this second-chance, pirate romance (14:19).

You all knew this one was coming. We have waxed poetic about our favorite sexual lumbersnack and the not-so-Banana-Cake-Queen in previous episodes as well as our Book Boyfriend and Girlcrush minisodes. Now you get an entire episode dedicated to Cletus Winston and Jennifer Sylvester! We also have a special segment where you get Juliette's live reaction to reading selected parts of Dr. Strange Beard. Before we get into the fangirling zone, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they talk about Les Miserables in New Orleans, the Sazerac, and a book rec from our listeners (00:59). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of Beard Science (6:22). Spoiler Section: Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their favorite scene to see which one reigns supreme (10:11)! Then, take a deep dive into all the SPOILERY details of one of our favorite contemporary romances of all time (15:00). LIVE REACTION: I pulled a few scenes from Dr. Strange Beard - which has a 5 year time jump and some very interesting developments in the Winston world - for Juliette to read and you get her unfiltered WTF reaction (1:13:35)!

The book that started it all! Darkfever was the catalyst that sparked our fangirly bookclub of two. Is this a romance? Why, yes...yes it is - even though the romance element is on the slowest of slowburns, we stan for Mac and Barrons! Before we go nuts on our obsession with this series, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they talk about the Game of Thrones S8 teaser, upcoming minisodes, and John Bernthal (00:54). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of Darkfever (7:11). Spoiler Section: Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their favorite scene to see which one reigns supreme (13:15)! Then, take a deep dive into all the SPOILERY details of this compelling paranormal romance (16:28).

This book is 100% worth the wait and the perfect selection for a buddy read book review episode. Before we go Valeska on this episode, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they talk about Mardi Gras season in South Louisiana, who has the best King Cakes, and city vs rural Mardi Gras celebrations (00:50). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of 99 Percent Mine (5:29). Spoiler Section: Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their favorite scene to see which one reigns supreme (11:27)! Then, take a deep dive into all the SPOILERY details of this slowburn friends-to-lovers romance (15:27).

Drum roll please! Mal Erickson is in the house and he is determined to play his way into your heart. Before we Stage Dive into this rockstar romance, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they talk about the romance-podcast community, their 2019 reading goals, and two new series that Juliette is writing (00:47). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of Play (7:00). Spoiler Section: Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their favorite scene to see which one reigns supreme (13:03)! Then, take a deep dive into all the SPOILERY details of this whirlwind rockstar romance in the Stage Dive series (17:03).

Is it hot in here? Mad Rogan must be near! *grumbles about cheesy rhyming* Ignore that... back to the important stuff - MAGIC. Specifically an epic urban fantasy romance set in a world where magic is power and the Houses rule. Nevada Baylor is just trying to keep her family business afloat, but gets roped into a dangerous game of cat and mouse between the powerful families of Houston. Before we begin swooning over all things Mad Rogan, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they talk about their affectionate nature when it comes to relationships and the meaning behind the "three-hand-squeeze" (00:48). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of Burn for Me (4:40). Spoiler Section: Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their favorite scene to see which one reigns supreme (10:07)! Then, take a deep dive into all the SPOILERY details of this incredibly sweet and funny romance (15:45).

There is a fine line between love and hate... Lucy and Josh can attest to that. This steamy office romance will have you at the edge of your seat screaming "Stop toeing the line and kiss already!" But first, a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they talk about the interesting things each have found while digging into their ancestry - Notre Dame organist and moonshine makers (00:52). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of The Hating Game (6:14). Spoiler Section: Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their favorite scene to see which one reigns supreme (10:51)! Then, take a deep dive into all the SPOILERY details of this incredibly sweet and funny romance (14:32).