Conversationsbad outcome / bodice rippers / breakup / character death / HEA / reader expectations / reader response26 Comments
There was recently a hullabaloo about Devil in Disguise, Lisa Kleypas’ historical romance, around the time of its release in July. Here’s what one Goodreads reviewer said in her review: Fourteen years ago, I drove like a madwoman an hour away to my nearest B&N with a cranky teething baby ... more >
Book Reviews / Open Thread18 Comments
Got a book you want to talk about? Frustrated with a book or series? In love with a new one? Found a buried treasure? An issue that keeps popping up in the books you are reading? Just want to chat about stuff in general?
Conversationsbook titles / book-covers / chat / grammar / marketing / publishing trends18 Comments
Recently, Jayne, myself and a friend of ours (someone who writes grammar textbooks) had this conversation: Jayne: I just started The Ex Hex and am hoping for a cutesy rom-com. We’ll see what I get. Janine: Have you noticed how The [Adjective] [Noun] titles have become a trend in contemporary ... more >
Conversations / Letters of Opinionabortion / Alaska / Texas18 Comments
Recently a Berkley publicist sent me an email highlighting several books coming out in December 2021. I was struck by the number of books mentioned that were set in Alaska. Here are brief excerpts from their descriptions on Amazon: Love and Let Bark by Alanna Martin (Hearts of Alaska Book ... more >
Conversationsbook marketing / false advertising / publishing trends / reader expectations18 Comments
Janine: In our recent joint review of Helen Hoang’s The Heart Principle, Jayne and I expressed our dismay over the way the book is marketed, and over missold books more generally: Jayne: I also feel that in my opinion, this is more a women’s fiction book albeit one with strong ... more >
Book Reviews / Open ThreadOpen Thread26 Comments
Got a book you want to talk about? Frustrated with a book or series? In love with a new one? Found a buried treasure? An issue that keeps popping up in the books you are reading? Just want to chat about stuff in general?