Hello out there, all you sexy bodyguards and foxy firefighters! In today's episode, we'll try to provide some cheer in a world on fire. We'll (finally) talk about betas, the great unsung heroes of romance, and swoon over a few favorite dreamboats of film, television, and literature. Plus, Shandy can't get away from her least favorite trope, Shannon doubles down on romantic suspense, and an epically punny romance title inspires a new feature.
(Important correction: the author of said epically-punnily-titled romance is Milly Taiden, NOT Tilly Maiden. Shandy apologizes for the error!)
For readalikes, book lists, and antiracism resources, to learn more about attending a book club meeting, or just to chat with us about romance, find us here or email us directly at ssedell@lakeoswego.city (Shannon) or sdickinson@lakeoswego.city (Shandy).
You can also find us on Instagram at @theknitterlybookworm and @shandybeereads! (Disclaimer: these are our personal bookstagram accounts and the opinions espoused on those accounts do not necessarily reflect the views of LOPL.)
Links:
Romance 101: Beta Heroes (Amanda Diehl on Book Riot)
Alyssa Cole On the Magic of Writing Romance (Shondaland interview by Kendra James)
My Favorite Romantic Hero: The Gamma Guy (Christina Bauer)
All the heart eyes for Isaac Jaffe.
Books mentioned in this episode:
Wild Rain by Beverly Jenkins
A Hope Divided by Alyssa Cole
An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole
Rafe: A Buff Male Nanny by Rebekah Weatherspoon
The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai
Wrong To Need You by Alisha Rai
Girl Gone Viral by Alisha Rai
Aubrey/Maturin series by Patrick O’Brian
Hurts To Love You by Alisha Rai
Forbidden Promises by Synithia Williams
Temporary Wife Temptation by Jayci Lee
Secret Crush Seduction by Jayci Lee
Anyone But the Earl by Irene Davis
The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa
Can’t Escape Love by Alyssa Cole
Party of Two by Jasmine Guillory
Whiteout by Adriana Anders
Sexy/Dangerous by Beverly Jenkins
Pink Slip by Katrina Jackson
Visible Panther Line by Milly Taiden
