Romance Read Along

What I've been reading this week

In this episode of Romance Read Along, Toni discusses her recent reading experiences, focusing on three books: 'The Snow Queen' by Elizabeth Gannon, 'Travels with a Fairy Tale Monster', and 'A Goddess Unraveled' by Morgan Ryder. She shares her thoughts on the characters, themes, and writing styles of these works, providing insights into her preferences and biases in romance literature. Toni invites listeners to engage with her about their own reading experiences and thoughts on the discussed books.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Romance Read Along02:47 Exploring 'The Snow Queen' by Elizabeth Gannon07:32 Thoughts on 'Travels with a Fairy Tale Monster'08:42 Reviewing 'A Goddess Unraveled' by Morgan Ryder16:27 Concluding Thoughts and Listener Engagement17:48 Intro Music.mp3
 
As always I'd love to hear from you romancereadalong@gmail.com
@chemangel.bsky.social
 
Many thanks to Jacob the horse for allowing us to sample their amazing song Sunshine for our theme music. You can get Jacob the Horse's music at BandCamp. com
 
 
 

Frisco's Kid by Suzanne Brockmann

In this episode of Romance Read Along, Toni discusses the book 'Frisco's Kid' from the Tall, Dark and Dangerous series by Suzanne Brockmann. She shares personal insights about the characters, particularly Frisco and Mia, and explores themes of personal growth, emotional struggles, and the impact of alcoholism. Toni emphasizes the importance of asking for help and the journey of self-acceptance that Frisco undergoes throughout the story. The episode concludes with recommendations for other books, including 'Devil's Angel' by Margaret Bernard.
 
As always I'd love to hear from you romancereadalong@gmail.com
@chemangel.bsky.social
 
Many thanks to Jacob the horse for allowing us to sample their amazing song Sunshine for our theme music. You can get Jacob the Horse's music at BandCamp. com
 
 

Forever Blue By Suzanne Brockmann

Today on Romance Read Along Toni discusses 'Forever Blue,' the second book in Suzanne Brockman's 'Tall, Dark, and Dangerous' series. The conversation covers the book's main themes, character dynamics, and plot elements, including a murder mystery intertwined with a romance between Lucy, a police officer, and Blue, a Navy SEAL. 
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Forever Blue03:10 Plot Overview and Character Dynamics06:35 Themes of Friendship and Love09:58 Mystery Elements and Storytelling Style11:39 Critical Reception and Reviews26:09 And that has been your happy ending26:16 Outro Music
 
As always I'd love to hear from you romancereadalong@gmail.com
@chemangel.bsky.social
 
Many thanks to Jacob the horse for allowing us to sample their amazing song Sunshine for our theme music. You can get Jacob the Horse's music at BandCamp. com
 
 

We Discuss Lizzie Lazurus and Die Hard with Aviv Rubenstein

Hello and Welcome to Romance Read Along! Today we discuss the commonalities and differences between romances and horror.
 
Keywords
Aviv Rubenstein, Lizzie Lazarus, romance novels, horror movies, vampire lore, storytelling, wildfires, Los Angeles, female protagonists, genre exploration, literary themes, character identification, romantic tropes, humor in romance, historical context, storytelling, filmmaking, plot twists, character dynamics, emotional responsibility, filmmaking, Die Hard, romance tropes, Lizzie Lazarus, relationships, movie adaptation, storytelling, psychological themes
 
Summary
In this engaging conversation, host Toni speaks with Aviv Rubenstein, the creator of the movie 'Lizzie Lazarus.' They discuss various themes including the impact of wildfires in Los Angeles, the genre of romance novels, the evolution of horror tropes, and the complexities of vampire lore. The conversation also touches on the challenges of writing female protagonists and the balance of expectations in storytelling, particularly in series writing. In this conversation, Toni delves into the intricacies of literary themes, character identification, and the impact of romantic tropes in storytelling. The discussion transitions into the role of humor in romance, the historical context of romance novels, and the balance between pleasure and pain in storytelling. Aviv also shares insights into the creative challenges faced in filmmaking, particularly regarding the plot twists in her movie 'Lizzie Lazarus.' In this conversation, the themes of character dynamics, emotional responsibility, and the complexities of relationships are explored through the lens of the film 'Lizzie Lazarus.' The discussion delves into the nuances of character portrayals, the collaborative nature of filmmaking, and the challenges of adapting stories from books to screen. Additionally, the conversation touches on the unexpected romantic elements in action films like 'Die Hard' and the appeal of romance tropes, particularly the grumpy sunshine dynamic.
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Aviv Rubenstein and Current Events06:12 Exploring the Genre of Romance Novels12:02 The Evolution of Horror Tropes18:09 The Complexity of Vampire Lore24:00 The Intersection of Romance and Horror29:56 The Balance of Expectations in Storytelling52:33 Exploring Literary Themes and Personal Connections59:40 The Complexity of Character Identification01:06:42 Romantic Tropes and Their Impact01:12:40 The Role of Humor in Romance01:19:09 Historical Context in Romance Novels01:30:46 Creative Challenges in Filmmaking01:39:25 Unpacking the Plot Twists of Lizzie Lazarus01:45:39 Character Dynamics: The Gardener and the Flower01:51:36 Emotional Responsibility: The Burden of Relationships02:00:39 The Imperfections of Adaptation: Books vs. Movies(spoilers end)02:30:54 Romance Tropes: Grumpy Sunshine Dynamics 
 
As always I'd love to hear from you romancereadalong@gmail.com
@chemangel.bsky.social
 
Many thanks to Jacob the horse for allowing us to sample their amazing song Sunshine for our theme music. You can get Jacob the Horse's music at BandCamp. com
 
 

Prince Joe by Suzanne Brockmann

Hello and Welcome to Romance Read Along! Today we talk about Suzanne Brockmann's Prince Joe. 
Keywords
Suzanne Brockman, Tall Dark and Dangerous, romance, Navy SEAL, character development, love story, action-adventure, book review, series, impersonation
Summary
In this episode, Toni discusses Suzanne Brockman's 'Tall, Dark, and Dangerous' series, focusing on the first book, 'Prince Joe.' The conversation explores the character dynamics, the challenges of impersonation, and the themes of love and duty intertwined with action and adventure. Toni highlights the author's unique style and emotional depth, recommending the series for its engaging storytelling and character development.
Takeaways
The series is a precursor to Brockman's Troubleshooter series.City gardening is portrayed as a unique experience.Joe's character is a Navy SEAL with a complex background.Veronica's role is to teach Joe how to impersonate a prince.The story involves foiling a terrorist attack.Emotional depth is shown through Joe's interactions with a dying girl.Brockman's characters are relatable and nuanced.The series combines romance with action-adventure elements.Brockman revolutionized the romance genre with multiple POVs.The book is recommended for its engaging plot and character development.
Chapters
00:00 Prince Joe By Suzanne Brockmann08:39 Character Depth and Emotional Resonance in Romance14:55 Suzanne Brockman's Impact on the Romance Genre18:15 Outro Music.mp3
Sorry for the difference in sound quality we had some technical difficulties, Stick with me I have some big plans for the up coming month!
As always I'd love to hear from you romancereadalong@gmail.com
@chemangel.bsky.social
 
Many thanks to Jacob the horse for allowing us to sample their amazing song Sunshine for our theme music. You can get Jacob the Horse's music at BandCamp. com
 

Ruby Dixon's Worse Guy Ch19-24

Keywords
Ruby Dixon, Worst Guy, romance, relationship, clones, love, sacrifice, character development, emotional journey, fantasy
Summary
In this episode of Romance Read Along, Toni discusses the conclusion of Ruby Dixon's 'Worst Guy,' focusing on the emotional journey of the characters Victor and B. The conversation explores themes of love, sacrifice, and personal growth as Victor navigates his relationship with B amidst challenges and misunderstandings. The episode highlights key moments of tension, resolution, and the ultimate celebration of their love, culminating in a heartwarming conclusion that ties together the fantastical elements of the story with genuine emotional depth.
Takeaways
The importance of communication in relationships.Self-sacrifice can lead to misunderstandings.Victor's character development is central to the story.Bee's role as a social worker adds complexity to their relationship.The theme of love overcoming obstacles is prevalent.Riffin's character serves as a foil to Victor.The transformation of Victor symbolizes personal growth.The conclusion emphasizes the joy of love and companionship.The meeting with Mycruel introduces new family dynamics.The story blends fantasy with genuine emotional experiences.
 
As always I'd love to hear from you romancereadalong@gmail.com
@chemangel.bsky.social
 
Many thanks to Jacob the horse for allowing us to sample their amazing song Sunshine for our theme music. You can get Jacob the Horse's music at BandCamp. com
 

The Alien Nanny for Christmas by Amanda Milo

In this episode of Romance Read Along we dive into the whimsical and endearing world of "The Alien Nanny for Christmas" by Amanda Milo. This delightful episode explores the charming antics of a dragon-like alien, Mitteeku, who finds himself in suburbia after Amanda Milo's Stolen by the Alien series aliens visit Earth.
When Gwen, a single mother struggling to balance work and family life, encounters Mitteeku, her holiday season takes an unexpected turn. Follow along as Mitteeku uses his gentle nature and unique skills to help Gwen with her daily challenges, from babysitting her children to fixing household plumbing issues.
This episode is filled with laughter, cross-cultural misunderstandings, and heartwarming moments that highlight the importance of family, understanding, and adapting to life's unexpected surprises. Don't miss this charming tale of love and adventure this Christmas.
 
As always I'd love to hear from you romancereadalong@gmail.com
 
Many thanks to Jacob the horse for allowing us to sample their amazing song Sunshine for our theme music. You can get Jacob the Horse's music at BandCamp. com

Mandy's Galactic Adventure: Art, Aliens, and Unexpected Romance

In this episode of Romance Read-Along, we try something new. I use a new program to record this episode tell me what you think!
In this episode we dive into the whimsical world of B.B. Harper's Mandy and Tentacle Monster, a delightful alien romance available on Kindle Unlimited. Follow Mandy, our human heroine, as she's abducted and sold to good-natured aliens, only to transform her perceived captivity into an adventure filled with interstellar art, unexpected friendship, and heartwarming love.
The story unfolds with Mandy acclimating to life aboard a spaceship with octopus-like aliens named Third, First, and Second – charmingly renamed Seven, Lu, and Ken. Initially treated as a pet, Mandy rises beyond the miscommunications to help the crew sell goods by showcasing her unique artistic talent, ultimately leading to closer bonds.
Explore the themes of communication, misadventures, and cross-species relationships as Mandy and Seven’s friendship blossoms into something deeper, setting the stage for thrilling escapades that promise more surprises and laughter. Tune in for an inspiring mix of art, space drama, and a love story that proves even across galaxies, misunderstandings can lead to the happiest of endings.
 
If you like the longer formats do a girl a favor and volunteer to be a guest host. I promise I don't bite.
As always I'd love to hear from you romancereadalong@gmail.com
 
Many thanks to Jacob the horse for allowing us to sample their amazing song Sunshine for our theme music. You can get Jacob the Horse's music at BandCamp. com

If Music be the food of Love with Lenny Cavallaro(Trigger Warning the episode)

Welcome to Romance Read-Along, where we delve into the intriguing realms of romantic fiction. In this episode, join us as we explore the complex and multifaceted novel "If Music Be the Food of Love" by Lenny Cavallaro. Dive into a world where dark eroticism intertwines with historical elements and paranormal spirituality, as we discuss the journey of Elena and Giovanni under the shadow of an ancient curse.
Discover how love, pain, and spiritual growth are intricately woven into a narrative that defies conventional romance genres. Listen as we navigate through the storytelling techniques, character perspectives, and themes that challenge the norms of traditional romantic fiction. Whether you're a fan of unconventional literary romances or curious about new narrative styles, this episode offers insights into a unique tale of love transcending time and adversity.
So tune in for an engaging discussion that promises to broaden your understanding of what romance can be, and how it resonates in the literary realm. Don't miss out on this fascinating exploration of a book that challenges and captivates in equal measure.
 
As always I'd love to hear from you romancereadalong@gmail.com
 
Many thanks to Jacob the horse for allowing us to sample their amazing song Sunshine for our theme music. You can get Jacob the Horse's music at BandCamp. com

Radiant Words of Power by Jordan Willis Bright

Author Jordan Willis Bright and I discuss books including their debut novel Radiant Words of Power. The importance of representation and the importance of writing with respect.
 
The  new mics seem to be working better, I am greatly relieved.
 
As always I'd love to hear from you romancereadalong@gmail.com
 
Many thanks to Jacob the horse for allowing us to sample their amazing song Sunshine for our theme music. You can get Jacob the Horse's music at BandCamp. com