“QUEER AVON”

This week in celebration of Pride month, host Sarah Jean is interviewed by archivist Steve Ammidown about her on-going research into romance publisher Avon’s queer history

BONUS EP HOST

> SARAH JEAN (she/her) From the woods of Massachusetts, Sarah Jean has been reading queer romance for 12 years. She runs a queer book club called Rainbow Readers of Massachusetts (https://www.facebook.com/rainbowreadersmass/) that celebrates queer lives, joy, and empowerment through genre fiction. When not reading or listening to books Sarah is plotting her queer historical romances, cuddling with her cats, and planning her next adventure. Follow Sarah on Twitter @queer_reader

BONUS EP GUEST

> STEVE AMMIDOWN (he/him) is an archivist currently based in northwest Ohio. In 2019, he was the Romance Writers of America Cathie Linz LIbrarian of the Year for his work in preserving and sharing the history of the romance genre with scholars and the public. He currently writes about romance history on his blog, romancehistory.com.

BONUS EP DISCUSSION

FULL SHOW NOTES & BIBLIOGRAPHY FORTHCOMING

NOTE: This episode was recorded in mid-September 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020-21

NOTE: This discussion includes mentions of anti-obscenity law, anti-semitism, suicide ideation, and the AIDS crisis

> Interested in hearing more about queer romance history? Check out these other RomBkPod episodes:

>> RBP episode #108 with guest author Cat Sebastian

LISTEN NOW: http://lustandfoundreads.com/rombkpod/ep-108/

>> RBP 2020 Pride episode #1 with guest author ‘Nathan Burgoine

LISTEN NOW: http://lustandfoundreads.com/rombkpod/bonus-ep-pride-burgoine/

> What’s your favorite Avon queer romance? Let us know on Twitter or Instagram @RomBkPod

Happy Reading!

BONUS EP MUSIC CREDIT

Music: “Lift Off” by Jahzzar

From the Free Music Archive

CC BY-SA 3.0

FULL TRANSCRIPT FORTHCOMING

“SWEET, SWEET SLOW BURN”

This week Sarah Jean concludes our ode to Romance Friendly Librarians with special guest librarian Amy Dittmeier and a focus on queer romance

EP 232 HOST

> SARAH JEAN (she/her) From the woods of Massachusetts, Sarah Jean has been reading queer romance for 12 years. She runs a queer book club called Rainbow Readers of Massachusetts (https://www.facebook.com/rainbowreadersmass/) that celebrates queer lives, joy, and empowerment through genre fiction. When not reading or listening to books Sarah is plotting her queer historical romances, cuddling with her cats, and planning her next adventure. Follow Sarah on Twitter @queer_reader

EP 232 GUEST

> AMY DITTMEIER (she/they) Amy is a librarian living in Chicago who loves romance novels, comics, and cosplay. You can follow Amy on Twitter and Instagram @RoboticDinos

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EP 232 DISCUSSION

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

NOTE: These notes include affiliate links to Bookshop.org and Amazon.com to support the RBP transcript project

NOTE: This episode was recorded in mid-April during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020-21

> Slow Burn = unresolved sexual tension, while Slow Build = unresolved pining

> Title: The Loaded March

Author: Footloose 

Relation to theme: slow burn

Representation: Queer MCs

Content Warnings: war games, war violence, spy games

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/series/9979

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34115776-loaded-march

NOTE: This is speculative fiction written on Archive of Our Own (Ao3)

> Title: Check, Please!

Author: Ngozi Ukazu

Relation to theme: Slow burn

Representation: Black, queer author; white m/m couple, anxiety rep

Content Warnings: underage drinking, panic attacks, hazing

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-sarah-jean-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3wL30Vx

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/series/223727-check-please

> Sarah Jean and Amy discuss some slow burn Webtoons and Tapas favorites:

> Heir’s Game by Suspu

Link: https://www.webtoons.com/en/drama/heirs-game/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42101767-heir-s-game

> The Croaking by Echorise

Link: https://www.webtoons.com/en/fantasy/the-croaking/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/43180513

> Brimstone & Roses by Mei Rothschild

Link: https://www.webtoons.com/en/romance/brimstone-and-roses/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44310037-brimstone-and-roses

> Charity Case by Malacandrax

Link: https://tapas.io/series/Charity-Case/

Goodreads: unavailable

> Title: Fence

Author: C.S. Pacat

Relation to theme: Slow burn

Representation: Queer MCs

Content Warnings: none identified

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-sarah-jean-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3wL423R

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40680873-fence-vol-1#

> Title: The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics

Author: Olivia Waite

Relation to theme: Slow burn

Representation: White, queer author; white f/f couple

Content Warnings: sexism, domestic abuse, infertility, gaslighting

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-sarah-jean-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/2PJwjaz

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42402528-the-lady-s-guide-to-celestial-mechanics

> Sarah Jean mentions Hellion’s Waltz by Olivia Waite due out June 2021

Kindle: 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55355668-the-hellion-s-waltz

> Title: His Secret Illuminations

Author: Scarlett Gale

Relation to theme: Slow burn

Representation: Queer m/f couple

Content Warnings: institutional abuse, sexual guilt and shame

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-sarah-jean-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3uIyREm

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55817571-his-secret-illuminations

NOTE: This is a duology and the first book ends with a HFN and book 2 is now available

> Sarah Jean recommends The Magnus Archives podcast, which just finished if you were waiting before you started listening

Link: https://rustyquill.com/the-magnus-archives/

> Sarah Jean also mentinons the Night Vale podcast

Link: http://www.welcometonightvale.com/

> Title: Winter’s Orbit

Author: Everina Maxwell

Relation to theme: Slow burn

Representation: White, queer author; white m/m couple

Content Warnings: death, court intrigue, domestic abuse

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-sarah-jean-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3t8iCQQ

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53320169-winter-s-orbit

> Title: A Dark and Hollow Star

Author: Ashley Shuttleworth

Relation to theme: Slow burn

Representation: White, queer author; f/f couple & m/m couple

Content Warnings: murder, court intrigue, vigilante justice 

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-sarah-jean-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3mCPVZC

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43850198-a-dark-and-hollow-star

> Amy mentions enjoying the audio book for Take a Hint, Dani Brown written by Talia Hibbert and narrated by Ione Butler

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-sarah-jean-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3mwxCWl

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48568248-take-a-hint-dani-brown

> Amy’s TBR: 

>> Leo Loves Aries by Anyta Sunday

Bookshop:  https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-sarah-jean-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3mZNHDt

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33267481-leo-loves-aries

NOTE: This book was also discussed in RBP #204

LISTEN NOW: http://lustandfoundreads.com/rombkpod/ep-204/

>> Amy also mentions anticipating some “Stucky” fanfic and Good Omens fanfic

> Sarah Jean’s TBR:

>> 10DANCE by Inouesatoh

Bookshop: unavailable

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3vWDWtD

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43673054-10-dance-vol-1

---

> Who’s your favorite romance friendly librarian? What’s the best romance recommendation you received from a librarian? Let us know on Twitter or Instagram @RomBkPod

Happy Reading!

EP 232 MUSIC CREDIT

Music: “Lift Off” by Jahzzar

From the Free Music Archive

CC BY-SA 3.0

FULL TRANSCRIPT FORTHCOMING

“DON’T BUY ME FLOWERS”

This week Sarah Jean concludes our Platonic Friendship theme with special guest author and editor Claudie Arseneault and a focus on queerplatonic relationships in romance

EP 228 HOST

> SARAH JEAN (she/her) From the woods of Massachusetts, Sarah Jean has been reading queer romance for 12 years. She runs a queer book club called Rainbow Readers of Massachusetts (https://www.facebook.com/rainbowreadersmass/) that celebrates queer lives, joy, and empowerment through genre fiction. When not reading or listening to books Sarah is plotting her queer historical romances, cuddling with her cats, and planning her next adventure. Follow Sarah on Twitter @queer_reader

EP 228 GUEST

> CLAUDIE ARSENEAULT (she/her) Claudie Arseneault is an asexual and aromantic-spectrum writer hailing from the mostly-francophone Quebec City. The stories of her heart revolve around platonic affections, especially friendship and families, and her love for sprawling casts invariably turns her novels into multi-storylined wonders. Claudie is a founding member of The Kraken Collective as well as an editor for Common Bonds: an Aromantic Speculative Anthology, she’s well-known for my database of aro and ace characters, and her unending love of squids. You can visit Claudie’s website at https://claudiearseneault.com/ or follow her on Twitter @ClH2OArs

---

EP 228 DISCUSSION

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

NOTE: These notes include affiliate links to Bookshop.org and Amazon.com to support the RBP transcript project

NOTE: This episode was recorded in early-March during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020-21

> Title: Baker Thief

Author: Claudie Arseneault

Relation to theme: queerplatonic relationship

Representation: Queer author, queer MCs, aromantic rep, asexual rep

Content Warnings: theft

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-sarah-jean-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3f4mFaP

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39979131-baker-thief

> Title: City of Strife (City of Spires #1)

Author: Claudie Arseneault

Relation to theme: queerplatonic relationship

Representation: Queer author, queer MCs, aromantic rep, asexual rep, disability rep

Content Warnings: past family deaths

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-sarah-jean-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3bcZBG2

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34337942-city-of-strife

> Title: Common Bonds

Editor: Claudie Arseneault, et. al.

Relation to theme: queerplatonic relationships

Representation: Queer authors, queer MCs, aromantic rep, asexual rep

Content Warnings: 

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-sarah-jean-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3f17wr0

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56652180-common-bonds

NOTE: This is an anthology

> Sarah refers to Fullmetal Alchemist is a Japanese anime series

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0421357/

> Claudie refers to Tales of Symphonia

Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tales_of_Symphonia

> Title: Syncopation (Twisted Wishes #1)

Author: Anna Zabo

Relation to theme: queerplatonic relationship?

Representation: Queer author, queer MCs, aromantic rep, allosexual rep

Content Warnings: toxic manager

Bookshop: unavailable

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3vNObA9

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37648566-syncopation

> Title: Two Dark Moons (Sãoni Cycle #1)

Author: Avi Silver

Relation to theme: queerplatonic relationship

Representation: Queer author, queer MCs, aromantic rep

Content Warnings: none identified

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-sarah-jean-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/33nkDx4

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50203226-two-dark-moons

NOTE: This is a YA graphic novel

> Sarah Jean mentions Three Seeking Stars by Avi Silver which is due out July 2021

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57251046-three-seeking-stars

> Title: The Thread That Binds (The Eternal Library #1)

Author: Cedar McCloud

Relation to theme: platonic life partners

Representation: Queer author, queer MCs, aromantic rep, asexual rep

Content Warnings: past trauma including emotional abuse, inferred physical abuse

Bookshop: unavailable

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3bsk5uD

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57166244-the-thread-that-binds

> Title: Ignition Zero

Author: Cedar McCloud

Relation to theme: queerplatonic relationship

Representation: Queer author, queer MCs, aromantic rep, asexual rep, disability rep

Content Warnings: none identified

Bookshop: unavailable

Kindle: unavailable

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35041313-ignition-zero-volume-one

> Claudie is the originator of the Aro & Ace Character Database which you can visit here

Link: https://www.aroacedatabase.com/

> Claudie refers to Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25533896-every-heart-a-doorway

> Title: Stake Sauce

Author: RoAnna Sylver

Relation to theme: queerplatonic relationship?

Representation: Queer author, queer MCs, aromantic rep, asexual rep, disability rep

Content Warnings: paranormal violence

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-sarah-jean-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3xWKI4r

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36309824-stake-sauce-arc-1

> Title: The Ice Princess’s Fair Illusion (Fairytale Verses #2)

Author: S.L. Dove Cooper 

Relation to theme: queerplatonic relationship

Representation: Queer author; queer MCs, aromantic rep, asexual rep

Content Warnings: forced marriage

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-sarah-jean-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3xT52U8

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42129562-the-ice-princess-s-fair-illusion

> Claudie mentions the queerplatonic poem “Cucumber” by Penny Stirling

Link: https://www.pennystirling.com/2018/04/02/cucumber/

> Claudie’s TBR:

>> Claudie recommends Come Drink with Me by Michelle Kan and wanting to read the rest of Kan’s backlist

Kindle: https://amzn.to/2RuC1NU

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14229060.Michelle_Kan

NOTE: These fairytale retellings are short

>> Claudie mentions E.H. Timms’ Medusa retelling Create My Own Perfection which is out now, and recommends Birthday Landscapes

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3vJRqsk

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13444440.E_H_Timms

>> Claudie mentions reading The Heretic’s Guide to Homecoming by Sienna Tristen

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3h9zovz

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39751894-the-heretic-s-guide-to-homecoming

> Sarah Jean’s TBR:

>> Sarah Jean mentions The Reckless Kind by Carly Heath due out in Nov 2021

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3h8BZ9a

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57093519-the-reckless-kind

>> Sarah Jean also mentions He Must Go Walk the Woods So Wild by S.L. Dove Cooper

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3b7z8tu

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57452841-he-must-go-walk-the-woods-so-wild

NOTE: This is an anthology

> Interested in further discussion of aromantic and asexual rep in romance? Listen to the first episode of our 2020 Pride series featuring author Kara Jorgensen

LISTEN NOW: http://lustandfoundreads.com/rombkpod/bonus-pride-ep-jorgensen/

---

> What your favorite queerplatonic friendships in romance? Let us know on Twitter or Instagram @RomBkPod

Happy Reading!

EP 228 MUSIC CREDIT

Music: “Lift Off” by Jahzzar

From the Free Music Archive

CC BY-SA 3.0

FULL TRANSCRIPT FORTHCOMING

“AUDIO LOVE”

This week host Danielle shares her love for romance audio books with RomBkPod producer, Sarah Johnson, a recent convert to the format

EP 231 HOST

> DANIELLE (she/her) is the voice behind LoveReadListen.com where she writes about her adventures in reading romance, YA, and audiobooks. Danie has a passion for promoting Black Romance and can’t wait to share her favorites with you. When she’s not reading, Danie enjoys anime, cartoons, and hip-hop. You can follow her on Twitter and Instagram @DanieReads

EP 231 GUEST

> SARAH JOHNSON (she/her) is a life-long reader with a passion for historical fiction and non-fiction. After having her first child, Sarah turned her attention to historical romance and has nearly completed her collection of Beverly Jenkins historicals. Sarah is the producer of RomBkPod, and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram @LustFoundReads

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EP 231 DISCUSSION

NOTE: These notes include affiliate links to Bookshop.org and Amazon.com to support the RBP transcript project

NOTE: This episode was recorded in mid-April during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020-21 

NOTE: We have not provided content warnings this week, but if you would like content warnings for a book, please send us a message via Twitter or Instagram @RomBkPod or via email at RomBkPod@gmail.com

> “FREE 99”

> Library: Overdrive, Cloud Drive, Hoopla

> Audible/Amazon

Link: https://www.audible.com/

> Kobo

Link: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobooks

> Chirp Books

Link: https://www.chirpbooks.com/

> Indie author Christina C. Jones

Link: https://beingmrsjones.com/audiobooks/

Link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnwnV94bJHXtb9bbHACrnxw

> WE LOVE NOVELLAS!

>  Title: Should’ve Been 

Author: Alexandria House

Narrator(s): Wesleigh Siobhan & Emmanuel Ingram

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Shouldve-Been-Audiobook/B087W9XBT6

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49506935-should-ve-been

> Narrators we love: Emmanuel Ingram

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20806536.Emmanuel_Ingram

> Narrators we love: Wesleigh Siobhan

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19389992.Wesleigh_Siobhan

> Title: Held in Contempt

Author: Eva Sherie

Narrator(s): Emmanuel Ingram & Wesleigh Siobhan

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Held-in-Contempt-Audiobook/B08TPCHV3Z

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55273145-held-in-contempt

> Title: His Side, Her Side, & the Truth About Falling in Love

Author: Christina C Jones

Narrator(s): Wesleigh Siobhan & Emmanuel Ingram

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/His-Side-Her-Side-and-the-Truth-About-Falling-in-Love-Audiobook/B08FF1MG25

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55657953-the-truth

> Title: Wonder

Author: Christina C Jones

Narrator(s): Sean Crisden & Wesleigh Siobhan

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Wonder-Audiobook/1630153753

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54545355-wonder

> Narrators we love: Sean Crisden

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4531094.Sean_Crisden

> Not sure about audio books? Danie’s advice: first listen to a book you’ve already read

> Title: Thirsty (Eastside Brewery #1)

Author: Mia Hopkins

Narrator(s): Ozzie Rodriguez

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Thirsty-Audiobook/B079STB9Y2

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37909039-thirsty

> Narrators we love: Ozzie Rodriguez 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2917982.Ozzie_Rodriguez

> Title: Trashed (Eastside Brewery #2)

Author: Mia Hopkins

Narrator(s): Gomez Pugh

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Trashed-Audiobook/B07SY9M333

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55457355-trashed

> Narrators we love: Gomez Pugh

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8435087.Gomez_Pugh

> Third Person or First Person or All of the Above?

> Scribd

Link: https://www.scribd.com/

> Libro.fm 

Link: https://libro.fm/

> Thien-Kim Lam, the founder of Bawdy Bookworms, has her own book due out May 18th, and yes it will be available in audio

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56626397-happy-endings

> Libro.fm & Avon Kiss Club

Link: https://libro.fm/kissclub

> Title: Getting Schooled (Wright Brothers #1)

Author: Christina C. Jones

Narrator(s): Sean Crisden & Adenrele Ojo

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Getting-Schooled-Audiobook/1977338860

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46029631-getting-schooled

> Title: Sun of a Beach

Author(s): Mia Sosa

Narrator: Valentina Ortiz & Sean Crisden

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Sun-of-a-Beach-Audiobook/B091DZBK3Y

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57600499-sun-of-a-beach

> Do you re-read your favorite audio books?

> Title: Xeni: A Marriage of Inconvenience (Loose Ends #2)

Author: Rebekah Weatherspoon

Narrator(s): Antony Ferguson

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Xeni-A-Marriage-of-Inconvenience-Audiobook/1494548666

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54246525-xeni

> Narrators we love: Antony Ferguson

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4421655.Antony_Ferguson

> Title: Get a Life, Chloe Brown (Brown Sisters #1)

Author: Talia Hibbert

Narrator(s): Adjoa Andoh

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Get-a-Life-Chloe-Brown-Audiobook/0062941240

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43118158-get-a-life-chloe-brown

> Title: Take a Hint, Dani Brown & Act Your Age, Eve Brown (Brown Sisters #2 & #3)

Author: Talia Hibbert

Narrator: Ione Butler

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Take-a-Hint-Dani-Brown-A-Novel-Audiobook/0062941267

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51793322-take-a-hint-dani-brown

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Act-Your-Age-Eve-Brown-Audiobook/0062941291

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55527575-act-your-age-eve-brown

> Narrators we love: Ione Butler

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15931324.Ione_Butler

> Narrators we love: Cornell Collins 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15056671.Cornell_Collins

> Title: #Blessed by Malaki (To Marry a Madden #1)

Author: Sherelle Green

Narrator: Jakobi Diem and Mari

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Blessed-by-Malakai-Audiobook/1541406354

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52395324-blessed-by-malakai

> Narrators we love: Jakobi Diem

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16066006.Jakobi_Diem

> Narrators we love: Leon Nixon

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18402846.Leon_Nixon

> Narrators we love: Carmen Vine

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15643050.Carmen_Vine

> Narrators we love: Natalie Naudus

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18069644.Natalie_Naudus

> Narrators we love: Joe Jameson

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6582079.Joe_Jameson

> Books we’d like to read on audio:

>> A Natural Transition by Nicole Falls narrated by Emmanuel Ingrahm

>> The Wolves of West Texas by Chencia C. Higgins narrated by Jakobi Diem

>> Anything by D. Rose

>> The Holiday Shorts by Necole Ryse narrated by Janina Edwards

> Narrators we love: Janina Edwards

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7289221.Janina_Edwards

> Title: Leslie’s Curl and Dye (Potter Lake #1)

Author: D.L. White

Narrator: Sharell Palmer

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Leslies-Curl-Dye-Audiobook/B07HY1H3VK

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55778772-leslie-s-curl-dye

> Narrators we love: Sharell Palmer

Audible: https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Sharell+Palmer

> If you find a narrator you love, listen to their other books and discover new authors!

---

> What are your favorite romance audio books? Do you have a favorite romance narrator? Tag us @RomBkPod or share with us in the comments

Happy Reading!

EP 231 MUSIC CREDIT

Music: “Lift Off” by Jahzzar

From the Free Music Archive

CC BY-SA 3.0

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT FORTHCOMING

“THAT COZY FEEL”

This week Danielle hosts the podcast and combines the Platonic Friendship and Romance Friendly Librarian themes with special guest author and librarian Necole Ryse

EP 227 HOST

> DANIELLE (she/her) is the voice behind LoveReadListen.com where she writes about her adventures in reading romance, YA, and audiobooks. Danie has a passion for promoting Black Romance and can’t wait to share her favorites with you. When she’s not reading, Danie enjoys anime, cartoons, and hip-hop. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @DanieReads

EP 227 GUEST

> NECOLE RYSE (she/her) Necole Ryse has been writing since she was four years old, when she triumphantly wrote her ABC’s on the hood of her grandmother’s brand new Volvo. Alive and well, Necole has since authored several books that are light on love, and heavy on murder, available wherever books are sold on the interwebs. When she’s not writing, she’s weeping into a stack of unfinished manuscripts, abandoning exercise regimens, scolding innocent children in libraries, or listening to other people’s conversations. You can visit Necole’s website at https://necoleryse.com/ or follow her on Twitter and Instagram @NecoleRyse

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EP 227 DISCUSSION

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

NOTE: These notes include affiliate links to Bookshop.org and Amazon.com to support the RBP transcript project

NOTE: This episode was recorded in mid-March during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020-21 

> Title: Key to Your Heart

Author: Necole Ryse

Relation to theme: Friend group forms to solve a mystery

Representation: Black author; Black MCs

Content Warnings: murder

Bookshop: unavailable

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3tupxDT

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57186090-key-to-your-heart

NOTE: This book is more suspense with romantic elements

> Title: Chocolate Covered Murder (Holiday Shorts #1)

Author: Necole Ryse

Relation to theme: Supportive friend

Representation: Black author, Black MCs

Content Warnings: murder

Bookshop: unavailable

Kindle: https://amzn.to/32rDua6

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43786058-chocolate-covered-murder

> Title: Pushing Thirty

Author: Necole Ryse

Relation to theme: Supportive friend group

Representation: Black author, Black m/f couples

Content Warnings: none identified

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-danielle-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3uYQWhN

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40543681-pushing-thirty

NOTE: This book skirts the line between romance and women’s fiction

> Necole mentions being inspired by Terry MacMillan and Kimberla Lawson Roby

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20704.Terry_McMillan

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/84220.Kimberla_Lawson_Roby

> Title: Higher Love (Love After #1)

Author: Alexandria House

Relation to theme: Supportive friend group

Representation: Black author, Black m/f couple

Content Warnings: broken engagement

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-danielle-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3mZrZzO

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33579246-higher-love

> Title: Mustard-Based Murder (Holiday Shorts #2)

Author: Necole Ryse

Relation to theme: Supportive friend

Representation: Black author, Black MCs

Content Warnings: murder

Bookshop: unavailable

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3x4gBYc

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51950460-mustard-based-murder

> Necole mentions being inspired by the Hannah Swensen cozy mystery series by Joanne Fluke

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18819.Joanne_Fluke

> Danie mentions indie author Wynta Tyme who’s also writing romantic suspense

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19229414.Wynta_Tyme

> Title: Flashed (Happy Endings #3)

Author: Zoey Castile

Relation to theme: Friends headed in different directions

Representation: Latinx author; interracial m/f couple (Latinx MC, white MC)

Content Warnings: PTSD, past accident, anxiety

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-danielle-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3mYEeg9

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43260585-flashed

NOTE: This book was also discussed in RBP #118 as a retelling of Beauty and the Beast

LISTEN NOW: http://lustandfoundreads.com/rombkpod/ep-118/

> Title: Someone Seeking Someone Else (More to Life #1)

Author: Nicole Falls

Relation to theme: Supportive friend group

Representation: Black author, Black m/f couple

Content Warnings: cheating, gaslighting

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-danielle-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/32qqaCU

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48586495-someone-seeking-someone-else

NOTE: This book was also discussed in RBP #131 with guest Nicole Falls

LISTEN NOW: http://lustandfoundreads.com/rombkpod/ep-131/

> Title: A Kwanzaa Brunch (Holiday Shorts)

Author: D.L. White

Relation to theme: Friends as intermediaries

Representation: Black author, Black m/f couple

Content Warnings: divorce

Bookshop: unavailable

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3mWnF4q

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55615208-the-kwanzaa-brunch

> Necole is also a librarian by day!

> We want to read inclusive romantic suspense!

---

> What are your favorite platonic friendships in romance? Who’s your favorite Romance Friendly Librarian? Tag us @RomBkPod or share with us in the comments

Happy Reading!

EP 227 MUSIC CREDIT

Music: “Lift Off” by Jahzzar

From the Free Music Archive

CC BY-SA 3.0

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT FORTHCOMING

“META ROMANCE”

This week Melinda & Melanie host the podcast and continues our April tribute to Romance Friendly Librarians with special guest Jess Pryde and a focus on self-referential romance

EP 230 HOSTS

> MELINDA UTENDORF (she/her) was that child reading Baby-Sitters Club and Sweet Valley High books with a flashlight until 2 a.m. and checking out stacks of books from the library every week. After getting sick of ‘important’ books in her English degree classes, she turned to romance and HEAs and hasn’t looked back since. Melinda spends her time doing puzzles, listening to podcasts, and helping as admin for @RomanceSparksJoy. When she’s not busy with all of that, she’s a freelance editor or talking about books as @MelindaEdits

> MELANIE (she/her) A life-long bookworm, Melanie discovered her love of books with kissing at a pretty early age. Gilbert Blythe was her very first book boyfriend. Since then, she’s developed a love for contemporary, historical, and more recently, paranormal romances. Basically, if it involves humans or vampires or shapeshifters or even aliens falling in love and living happily ever after, chances are high she’ll be interested in reading it. When she’s not immersed in a book, she can usually be found baking and hanging out with her husband and daughter. You can find Melanie’s reviews at SmexyBooks (https://smexybooks.com/) and you can follow Melanie on Twitter @Melon_Reads

EP 230 GUEST

> JESS PRYDE (she/her) is a librarian for a public library system in Southern Arizona. She’s also a contributing editor for Book Riot, where she co-hosts the “When In Romance” podcast. Jess loves romance of all kinds, and can be found squeeing about her faves on twitter @JessIsReading and Instagram @Jess_Is_Reading

---

EP 230 DISCUSSION

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

NOTE: These notes include affiliate links to Bookshop.org and Amazon.com to support the RBP transcript project

NOTE: This episode was recorded in mid-March during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020-21

> Yes, that is one of Melinda’s dogs wagging their tail on the floor in the background 

> Check out Jess’ podcast, When in Romance

Link: https://bookriot.com/listen/shows/when-in-romance/

> Are you familiar with your local library’s patron recommendation options?

> Title: Playing the Part

Author: Robin Covington

Relation to theme: Romance novelist MC, actor MC playing one of her characters

Representation: Indigenous author; interracial m/f couple (white female MC, biracial Male MC)

Content Warnings: TBD (need to revisit)

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-melinka-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/2OXzKKk

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18300510-playing-the-part

> WHAT ARE THESE FEELINGS? 

> Jess also recommends Robin’s new Redhawk Reunion series with Harlequin

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/series/290759-redhawk-reunion

> SNARK TO LOVERS <3 <3 <3

> Title: Meet Cute Club

Author: Jack Harbon

Relation to theme: Romance book club

Representation: Multiracial, queer author; interracial m/m couple (Black MC, white MC)

Content Warnings (from reader Leigh Kramer): recent death of grandmother, grief, Rex’s father is a serial cheater, past homophobia, secondary character is on a diet, secondary character’s mother is in remission (does not say from what), reference to a fictional character who does coke and dies

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-melinka-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3s5r95z

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51054227-meet-cute-club

> Title: Just Like This (Albin Academy #2)

Author: Cole McCade

Relation to theme: romance reading MC

Representation: Multiracial, queer author; interracial m/m couple (MC with indigenous heritage)

Content Warnings: toxic family relationship; indication of illness or abuse (resolved)

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-melinka-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3soCrSy

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53443222-just-like-this

> Title: The Story Guy (Lakeside novellas)

Author: Mary Ann Rivers

Relation to theme: Librarian MC

Representation: white author, white m/f couple

Content Warnings: traumatic brain injury relating to car accident, grief, loneliness

Bookshop: unavailable

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3ahX90u

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18096568-the-story-guy

> Title: Take a Hint, Dani Brown (Brown Sisters #2)

Author: Talia Hibbert

Relation to theme: romance reading MC, romance-inspired gesture of love

Representation: Black, queer, neuro-divergent author; queer m/f couple (Black, bisexual, witch MC, Pakistani-British Muslim MC with anxiety)

Content Warnings: PTSD, grief, past death of parent, past death of sibling, anxiety, depression, evil ex

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-melinka-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3mwxCWl

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48568248-take-a-hint-dani-brown

> Title: Spoiler Alert

Author: Olivia Dade

Relation to theme: fanfic writing MC

Representation: white author; white m/f couple; fat rep

Content Warnings: fat shaming, anxiety, hero is dyslexic and shamed by his parents for his learning disability, toxic parental relationships, sexism and misogyny

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-melinka-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/2Q7ceej

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53410266-spoiler-alert

> Title: Ever After Always (Bergman Brothers Book 3)

Author: Chloe Liese

Relation to theme: romance reading MC

Representation: white author; white m/f couple; anxiety rep 

Content Warnings: anxiety, past food insecurity, past poverty

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-melinka-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/2Q0di3M

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55929228-ever-after-always

> Title: Three Part Harmony (Plot Twist #2)

Author: Holley Trent

Relation to theme: MCs work in publishing

Representation: Black author; m/m/f triad

Content Warnings: toxic family

Bookshop: unavailable

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3doJG96

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44668988-three-part-harmony

> Title: Two Rogues Make a Right

Author: Cat Sebastian

Relation to theme: Seduction via books

Representation: white, queer author; white m/m couple; chronic illness rep

Content Warnings: PTSD, MC with drug addiction, MC with on-page illness

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-melinka-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3cAOENS

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52737554-two-rogues-make-a-right

---

> Who’s your favorite romance friendly librarian? What’s the best romance recommendation you received from a librarian? Let us know on Twitter or Instagram @RomBkPod

Happy Reading!

EP 230 MUSIC CREDIT

Music: “Lift Off” by Jahzzar

From the Free Music Archive

CC BY-SA 3.0

FULL TRANSCRIPT FORTHCOMING

“FRIEND-BUILDING”

This week Melinda hosts the podcast with guest host Melanie & special guest author Katrina Jackson as they continue our March theme: Platonic Friendship, and discuss how friendships are vital to world-building

EP 226 HOSTS

> MELINDA UTENDORF (she/her) was that child reading Baby-Sitters Club and Sweet Valley High books with a flashlight until 2 a.m. and checking out stacks of books from the library every week. After getting sick of ‘important’ books in her English degree classes, she turned to romance and HEAs and hasn’t looked back since. Melinda spends her time doing puzzles, listening to podcasts, and helping as admin for @RomanceSparksJoy. When she’s not busy with all of that, she’s a freelance editor or talking about books as @MelindaEdits

> MELANIE (she/her) A life-long bookworm, Melanie discovered her love of books with kissing at a pretty early age. Gilbert Blythe was her very first book boyfriend. Since then, she’s developed a love for contemporary, historical, and more recently, paranormal romances. Basically, if it involves humans or vampires or shape shifters or even aliens falling in love and living happily ever after, chances are high she’ll be interested in reading it. When she’s not immersed in a book, she can usually be found baking and hanging out with her husband and daughter. You can find Melanie’s reviews at SmexyBooks (https://smexybooks.com/) and you can follow Melanie on Twitter @Melon_Reads

---

EP 226 GUEST

> KATRINA JACKSON (she/her) Katrina Jackson is an overworked and perpetually tired professor who misses the sun and outside. She writes diverse erotica and erotic romance, with lots of queer people of color and recently a bunch of old Black women trying to set them up with people and one time a ghost. You can follow Katrina on Twitter @KatrinaJax and on Instagram @KatJacksonBooks

EP 226 DISCUSSION

> We love Kit Rocha and spoke to them about Found Family earlier this season in RBP #209

LISTEN NOW: http://lustandfoundreads.com/rombkpod/ep-209/

> Title: Every New Year (Love at Last #1)

Author: Katrina Jackson

Relation to theme: Group of friends over time

Representation: Black author; interracial m/f couple (Black woman, white man)

Content Warnings: parental illness (cancer)

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-melinka-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3s9At8H

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48751344-every-new-year

> Title: Office Hours

Author: Katrina Jackson

Relation to theme: Supportive work friends

Representation: Black author; interracial m/f couple (Black woman, Latinx man)

Content Warnings: work burnout, toxic coworkers, systemic abuse

Bookshop: unavailable

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3uCHh00

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53186281-office-hours

> Title: The Spies Who Loved Me (The Spies Who Loved Her #1)

Author: Katrina Jackson

Relation to theme: Supportive friends

Representation: Black author; interracial, polyamorous f/f/m triad (Black woman, white woman, white man)

Content Warnings: bosses/employee relationship, murder, non-consensual surveillance, non-consensual kidnapping and bondage, interrogation, torture, dismemberment, consensual kink

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-melinka-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3ta1Xfz

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40517558-pink-slip

> Title: So Sweet (Sugar Baby #1)

Author: Rebekah Weatherspoon

Relation to theme: Friendship breakup, supportive friend group

Representation: Black author; interracial m/f couple (Black woman, white man)

Content Warnings: sexual assault, toxic friend

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-melinka-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3rSfqr3

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26209241-so-sweet

NOTE: This book was previously discussed on RBP #205 with Rebekah herself

LISTEN NOW: http://lustandfoundreads.com/rombkpod/ep-205/

> Katrina also loves the friendships in Rebekah’s Beards & Bondage series which is on the angistier end of the romance spectrum

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/series/203119-beards-bondage

> We love novellas! Never hesitate to rec a novella on RBP <3 <3 <3

> Title: A Tale of Two Cities Holiday collection

Author: Alexandra Warren

Relation to theme: Short stories featuring various groups of friends

Representation: Black author; Black m/f couples 

Content Warnings: none identified

Bookshop: unavailable

Kindle: https://amzn.to/2OJTIbk

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44301706-a-tale-of-two-cities

> Katrina compares these Alexandra Warren novellas to the Before Sunrise film series starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112471/

> Oh no! Nicole Falls didn’t rec Alexandra Warren when she chatted with us in RBP #131

LISTEN NOW: http://lustandfoundreads.com/rombkpod/ep-131/

> Melinda mentions Necole Ryse and her Holiday Shorts series, and stay tuned because Necole is our guest next week!

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43786058-chocolate-covered-murder

> Title: Meet Cute Club

Author: Jack Harbon

Relation to theme: Book club 

Representation: Multiracial author; interracial m/m couple (Black man, white man)

Content Warnings (from reader Leigh Kramer): recent death of grandmother, grief, Rex’s father is a serial cheater, past homophobia, secondary character is on a diet, secondary character’s mother is in remission (does not say from what), reference to a fictional character who does coke and dies

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-melinka-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3s5r95z

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51054227-meet-cute-club

> Title: Destiny’s Embrace (Destiny #1)

Author: Beverly Jenkins

Relation to theme: Sister-in-law friendship; supportive community

Representation: Black author; Black m/f couples

Content Warnings: parental neglect and abuse, attempted kidnapping

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-melinka-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3wW9D7N

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18431604-destiny-s-embrace

NOTE: This series has been discussed multiple times including with Ms. Bev herself

LISTEN NOW: http://lustandfoundreads.com/rombkpod/bonus-ep-jenkinsjuly-ms-bev/

> Title: Go Deep (Unexpected Lovers #1)

Author: Rilzy Adams

Relation to theme: Best friends who hook up

Representation: Black author; Black m/f couple

Content Warnings: off page cheating by heroine’s former fiance

Bookshop: unavailable

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3d9pjMT

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54290559-go-deep

NOTE: This book was previously discussed in our 2020 Faves ep

LISTEN NOW: http://lustandfoundreads.com/rombkpod/best-of-2020/

> Title: Like Lovers Do (Girls Trip #2)

Author: Tracey Livesay

Relation to theme: Supportive friend group

Representation: Black author; interracial m/f couple (Black heroine, white hero)

Content Warnings: racism

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-melinka-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/2OGsBhl

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50309161-like-lovers-do

> Title: If She Says Yes 

Author: Tasha L. Harrison

Relation to theme: Supportive friend group

Representation: Black author; interracial m/f couple (Black woman, Mexican-American man)

Content Warnings: ex husband was a serial cheater and fathered a son with his mistress, death of husband, past cancer, infertility, past pregnancy loss, classism

Bookshop: unavailable

Kindle: https://amzn.to/326c5dw

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56181324-if-she-says-yes

> Title: A Princess in Theory (Reluctant Royals #1)

Author: Alyssa Cole

Relation to theme: Supportive friend group

Representation: Black author; Black m/f couple

Content Warnings: past death of parents, foster care, abandonment, epidemic, poisoning, systemic racism in academia

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-melinka-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3mDBeFO

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35271238-a-princess-in-theory

NOTE: This series has been discussed many times, including in RBP #225 with Alyssa herself

LISTEN NOW: http://lustandfoundreads.com/rombkpod/ep-225/

> Melinda mentions How to Catch a Queen by Alyssa Cole

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49436862-how-to-catch-a-queen

> Title: Honey Girl

Author: Morgan Rogers

Relation to theme: Multiple groups of friends

Representation: Black author; interracial f/f couple (Black woman, Asian woman)

Content Warnings: racism, sexism, parental pressure, parental death, parental abandonment, possibly alcoholism, PTSD, mental health (institutionalized, self harm from anxiety)

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-melinka-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3t9lOvC

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49362138-honey-girl

NOTE: This book leans towards lesfic with romantic elements

> Title: The Love Study (Love Study #1)

Author: Kris Ripper

Relation to theme: Friend group

Representation: White author; genderqueer rep, non-binary rep

Content Warnings: body dysmorphia, anxiety, panic attacks

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-melinka-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/2OJTelw

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53710329-the-love-study

> Title: Learned Behaviors (Higher Education #1)

Author: Jayce Ellis

Relation to theme: Supportive friends

Representation: Black author; queer, Black m/m couple, bi rep

Content Warnings: divorce

Bookshop: unavailable

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3tgG5zu

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55364828-learned-behaviors

> REMINDER: We love Kit Rocha and spoke to them about Found Family earlier this season in RBP #209

LISTEN NOW: http://lustandfoundreads.com/rombkpod/ep-209/

---

> What are your favorite Platonic Friendships in romance? Tag us @RomBkPod or share with us in the comments

Happy Reading!

EP 226 MUSIC CREDIT

Music: “Lift Off” by Jahzzar

From the Free Music Archive

CC BY-SA 3.0

FULL TRANSCRIPT FORTHCOMING

“DEEP DIVE”

This week Ana hosts the podcast and introduces our April tribute to Romance Friendly Librarians with special guest Robin Bradford with a focus on slow burn romance

EP 229 HOST

> ANA COQUI (she/her) A lifelong genre reader, Ana grew up reading fantasy, sci-fi & mystery novels in Puerto Rico, before finally wandering into the romance section of the library in search of HEA’s after bawling through one too many dystopian novels. When she is not reading, knitting, writing about romance for Love in Panels or running #RomBkLove on Twitter as @anacoqui, Ana is a school librarian

EP 229 GUEST

> ROBIN BRADFORD (she/her) Robin is a collection development librarian in the Pacific Northwest and the 2016 recipient of the RWA Cathie Linz Librarian of the Year award. You can follow Robin on Twitter and Instagram @tuphlos

---

EP 229 DISCUSSION

NOTE: This episode was recorded in mid-March during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020-21 

CW: This discussion includes mentions of romance blogger Corey Alexander

> #RomBkLove is Ana’s annual celebration of inclusive romance in which romance readers share recommendations on social media during the month of May

Link: https://www.anacoqui.com/rombklove/

> Corey Alexander passed away in Aug 2020, and their blog lives on as an archive of their unique and invaluable voice in the romance community. Last March, we were lucky to speak with Corey about neuro-divergent representation in romance for RBP

LISTEN NOW: http://lustandfoundreads.com/rombkpod/ep-129/

Link: https://coreysbookcorner.wordpress.com/

> Robin is the author of many an opinion on book covers which you can read by following the #CollectionDevelopment hashtag on Twitter

> Robin recommends the Crossfire Series by Sylvia Day

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/series/73778-crossfire

> Robin recommends Make It Sweet by Kristen Callihan

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54447129-make-it-sweet

> Robin recommends A Slow Burn (Stories from Beauville #0.5) by Tigris Eden

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21896217-a-slow-burn

> Robin recommends In Her Wildest Dreams by Farrah Rochon

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13448644-in-her-wildest-dreams

> Decision Fatigue is real!

> Librarians to Authors: Tell us what’s in your books! Tropes, keywords, content warnings are all helpful

> Robin recommends the Anita Blake series by Laurell K. Hamilton including Dead Ice (Anita Blake #24) featuring Rafael the wererat

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24353296-dead-ice

> Robin & Ana recommend all things Shelly Laurenston

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/65137.Shelly_Laurenston

> Ana recommends Empire of Sand (The Books of Ambha #1) & Realm of Ash (The Books of Ambha #2) by Tasha Suri

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/series/247496-the-books-of-ambha

NOTE: These books were previously discussed on RBP #209 & #217 with Tasha herself

LISTEN NOW: http://lustandfoundreads.com/rombkpod/ep-217/

> Robin recommends Binding Shadows (Tooth & Spell #1) by Jasmine Silvera

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49231123-binding-shadows

> Ana recommends The Devil You Know (Mercenary Librarians #2) by Kit Rocha

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53424624-the-devil-you-know

NOTE: This book is due out August 2021

NOTE: The Mercenary Librarians series was previously discussed in RBP #209 with Kit Rocha

LISTEN NOW: http://lustandfoundreads.com/rombkpod/ep-209/

---

> Who’s your favorite romance friendly librarian? What’s the best romance recommendation you received from a librarian? Let us know on Twitter or Instagram @RomBkPod

Happy Reading!

EP 229 MUSIC CREDIT

Music: “Lift Off” by Jahzzar

From the Free Music Archive

CC BY-SA 3.0

FULL TRANSCRIPT FORTHCOMING

“POCKET FRIENDS”

This week Ana hosts the podcast with guest author Alyssa Cole as they introduce our March Theme: Platonic Friendship in Romance

EP 225 HOST

> ANA COQUI (she/her) A lifelong genre reader, Ana grew up reading fantasy, sci-fi & mystery novels in Puerto Rico, before finally wandering into the romance section of the library in search of HEA’s after bawling through one too many dystopian novels. When she is not reading, knitting, writing about romance for Love in Panels or running #RomBkLove on Twitter as @anacoqui, Ana is a school librarian

EP 225 GUEST

> ALYSSA COLE (she/her) Alyssa Cole is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of romance (historical, contemporary, and sci-fi) and thrillers. When she’s not working, she can usually be found watching anime with her husband or wrangling her pets. You can visit Alyssa’s website at www.alyssacole.com, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram @alyssacolelit

---

EP 225 DISCUSSION

NOTE: These notes include affiliate links to Bookshop.org and Amazon.com to support the RBP transcript project

NOTE: This episode was recorded in late-February during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020-21

> Ana mentions Alyssa’s NYT BESTSELLING thriller When No One Is Watching

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51202607-when-no-one-is-watching

> Title: The A.I. Who Loved Me

Author: Alyssa Cole

Relation to theme: Supportive friends

Representation: Black, queer, neuro-divergent author; Black, disabled MC, Asian MC

Content Warnings (from reader Fadwa): trauma, panic attack, chronic pain, talk of past accident, stroke, memory suppression

Bookshop: unavailable

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3dCbG7Q

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53467163-the-a-i-who-loved-me

NOTE: The A.I. Who Loved Me originated as an Audible Original and features an all-star cast lead by actress Regina Hall–not to be missed!

> Title: Duke By Default (Reluctant Royals #2)

Author: Alyssa Cole

Relation to theme: Supportive friends

Representation: Black, queer, neuro-divergent author; Black, neuro-divergent MC, Scottish-Chilean MC

Content Warnings: internalized ableism, toxic family, anti-immigrant sentiment, employer-apprentice relationship

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-ana-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/2PxKIq5

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36912332-a-duke-by-default

NOTE: This book was also discussed in RBP ep #129 with reader/blogger Corey Alexander

LISTEN NOW: http://lustandfoundreads.com/rombkpod/ep-129/

> Title: Love Lettering

Author: Kate Clayborn

Relation to theme: Broken friendship

Representation: White, author; white MCs

Content Warnings: toxic friend/roommate, broken engagement, past parental infidelity

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-ana-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/39Il0pM

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48667034-love-lettering

> Title: The Boyfriend Project

Author: Farrah Rochon

Relation to theme: New friends

Representation: Black author; Black MCs

Content Warnings: infidelity, racist microagressions 

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-ana-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/2PztBUP

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52776397-the-boyfriend-project

> Ana also recommends Farrah Rochon’s Maplesville series for dynamic friendship

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/series/124723-moments-in-maplesville

> Title: Tempest (Old West #3)

Author: Beverly Jenkins

Relation to theme: Found Family, also good rep for male friendship

Representation: Black author; Black MCs

Content Warnings: accidental shooting, grief, death of a spouse, family tension, racism, sexism, references to the 1885 Rock Springs Massacre

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-ana-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/2RaDZmB

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35097002-tempest

NOTE: This book has been discussed many times on RBP including our #MyFirstJenkins special

LISTEN NOW: http://lustandfoundreads.com/rombkpod/bonus-ep-myfirstjenkins/

NOTE: We also chatted with Queen Bev herself

LISTEN NOW: http://lustandfoundreads.com/rombkpod/bonus-ep-jenkinsjuly-ms-bev/

> Title: Dreaming of You (Gamblers #2)

Author:  Lisa Kleypas

Relation to theme: Male friendship

Representation: White author; white MCs

Content Warnings: gambling, evil ex

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-ana-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/2PWczA2

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6659136-dreaming-of-you

> See the Mated Fates podcast for more on Derek Craven

Link: https://fatedmates.net/

> Ana recommends the Beyond series by Kit Rocha for dynamic friendships

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/series/87051-beyond

NOTE: Kit Rocha chatted with RBP in ep #209

LISTEN NOW: http://lustandfoundreads.com/rombkpod/ep-209/

> See the Beyond the Sectors podcast, hosted by Ana, for more on the Beyond series

Link: https://beyondthesectors.com/

> Title: Deal With the Devil (Mercenary Librarians #1)

Author: Kit Rocha

Relation to theme: Found Family

Representation: White authors; white MCs

Content Warnings: post-apocalypse, genetic tampering, violence, assault, death (both on page and off)

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-ana-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3wnbaDz

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45157148-deal-with-the-devil

> Alyssa mentions The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams as being on her TBR

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44019067-the-bromance-book-club

> Alyssa recommends the Psy-Changeling series by Nalini Singh for dynamic friendships

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/series/41454-psy-changeling

NOTE: We also chatted with Nalini Singh last year

LISTEN NOW: http://lustandfoundreads.com/rombkpod/bonus-nalini-singh/

> Title: Wolf Rain (Psy-Changeling Trinity #3)

Author: Nalini Singh

Relation to theme: New friendship

Representation: South Asian author

Content Warnings: life-threatening injury to 2nd characters, murder & past trauma

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-ana-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3fHyjdW

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42374078-wolf-rain

> Title: Alpha Night (Psy-Changeling Trinity #4)

Author: Nalini Singh

Relation to theme: New friendship

Representation: South Asian author

Content Warnings: past trauma

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-ana-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3rRoc8P

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49074639-alpha-night

> Ana & Alyssa discuss two of Nalini’s recent thrillers: A Madness of Sunshine and Quiet in Her Bones

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44490713-a-madness-of-sunshine

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55400330-quiet-in-her-bones

> Title: Layover

Author: Katrina Jackson

Relation to theme: Friendship as tough love

Representation: Black, queer author; Black MCs

Content Warnings (from reader Leigh Kramer): death of parent (heart attack), grief, side character announces pregnancy

Bookshop: unavailable

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3cPRUa0

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39792079-layover

NOTE: Stay tuned–Katrina Jackson is our guest next week!

> Ana recommends Rebekah Weatherspoon’s entire catalog for dynamic friendships

NOTE: We chatted with Rebekah Weatherspoon last year in RBP #205

LISTEN NOW: http://lustandfoundreads.com/rombkpod/ep-205/

> The Weatherspoon Effect! <3 <3 <3

> Title: Rafe (Loose Ends #1)

Author: Rebekah Weatherspoon

Relation to theme: Supportive friends

Representation: Black, queer author; Black MC, white MC

Content Warnings: divorce, employer/employee relationship

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-ana-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3cPRUa0

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39792079-layover

> Title: So Sweet (Sugar Baby #1)

Author: Rebekah Weatherspoon

Relation to theme: Bad friend

Representation: Black, queer author

Content Warnings: toxic friend

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-ana-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3rSfqr3

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26209241-so-sweet

> Title: Xeni (Loose Ends #2)

Author: Rebekah Weatherspoon

Relation to theme: Supportive friends

Representation: Black, queer author; Black MC, white, queer MC

Content Warnings: family secrets, toxic family, homophobia

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-ana-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3cPRUa0

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39792079-layover

> Title: The Duke Who Didn’t (Wedgeford Trials #1)

Author: Courtney Milan

Relation to theme: Friendship as invisible support

Representation: Chinese-American, neuro-divergent author; Chinese-English MCs

Content Warnings: secret identity, racism

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/host-ana-s-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3dOez7g

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55012301-the-duke-who-didn-t

NOTE: This book has been discussed several times including RBP #221 & #213

LISTEN NOW: http://lustandfoundreads.com/rombkpod/ep-213/

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> What are your Platonic Friendship #InclusiveRomance favorites? Tag us @RomBkPod or share with us in the comments

Happy Reading!

EP 225 MUSIC CREDIT

Music: “Lift Off” by Jahzzar

From the Free Music Archive

CC BY-SA 3.0

TRANSCRIPT FORTHCOMING

“EXTENDED STAY”

This week Sarah Jean concludes our Grumpy/Sunshine theme with special guest author Roan Parrish and a focus on queer romance

EP 224 HOST

> SARAH JEAN (she/her) From the woods of Massachusetts, Sarah Jean has been reading queer romance for 12 years. She runs a queer book club called Rainbow Readers of Massachusetts (https://www.facebook.com/rainbowreadersmass/) that celebrates queer lives, joy, and empowerment through genre fiction. When not reading or listening to books Sarah is plotting her queer historical romances, cuddling with her cats, and planning her next adventure. Follow Sarah on Twitter @queer_reader

EP 224 GUEST

> ROAN PARRISH (she/her) Roan Parrish lives in Philadelphia, where she is gradually attempting to write love stories in every genre. When not writing, she can usually be found cutting her friends’ hair, meandering through whatever city she’s in while listening to torch songs and melodic death metal, or cooking overly elaborate meals. She loves bonfires, winter beaches, minor chord harmonies, and self-tattooing. One time she may or may not have baked a six-layer chocolate cake and then thrown it out the window in a fit of pique. You can visit Roan’s website at www.roanparrish.com and follow her on Twitter and Instagram @RoanParrish

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EP 224 DISCUSSION

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

NOTE: These notes include affiliate links to Bookshop.org and Amazon.com to support the RBP transcript project

NOTE: This episode was recorded in late-January during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020-21

> Sarah Jean mentions The Remaking of Corbin Wale by Roan Parrish which has been recommended on the podcast many times including RBP eps #116 & #216

LISTEN NOW: http://lustandfoundreads.com/rombkpod/ep-116/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3aUegGI

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39481486-the-remaking-of-corbin-wale

> Title: Small Change (Small Change #1)

Author: Roan Parrish

Relation to theme: Grumpy MC, sunshine MC

Representation: White, Jewish, queer author; white, queer MCs

Content Warnings: mentions of sibling’s suicide attempt, misogynist microaggressions, sexual harrassment, emotional abuse from family, drug use & overdose (past)

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-sarah-jean-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/2WVM0LA

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35109768-small-change

NOTE: This book has been previously discussed in RBP eps #116 & #216

LISTEN NOW: http://lustandfoundreads.com/rombkpod/ep-216/

> Sarah Jean mentions Thrall co-written by Roan and Avon Gale

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41570429-thrall

> Ooh! Roan has a horror-romance Audible Original due out summer 2021!

> And also a secret project she can’t tell us about yet!

> Title: Best Laid Plans (Garnet Run #2)

Author: Roan Parrish

Relation to theme: 

Representation: White, Jewish, queer author; white, queer MCs

Content Warnings: death of parents (past), raising younger sibling, virgin MC, kink

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-sarah-jean-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3w8KhTs

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55529819-best-laid-plans

> Sarah Jean mentions Better Than People (Garnet Run #1) by Roan Parrish

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53038198-better-than-people

> Title: Daughter of the Blood (The Black Jewels)

Author: Anne Bishop

Relation to theme: Sunshine MC, grumpy MC

Representation: White author; white, cishet MCs

Content Warnings: witchcraft, gaslighting

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-sarah-jean-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3rx3OcH

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/series/42209-the-black-jewels

NOTE: This is a YA fantasy series with romantic elements

> Title: Fruits Basket

Author: Natsuki Takaya

Relation to theme: Sunshine MC, grumpy MC

Representation: Japanese author, Japanese MCs

Content Warnings: orphan, curse, toxic family

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-sarah-jean-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/2O2BNfw

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27862882-fruits-basket

> Sarah Jean recommends Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert which was has been discussed in many RBP episodes including #204, #216, & #221 with the author herself

LISTEN NOW: http://lustandfoundreads.com/rombkpod/ep-221/

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-sarah-jean-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3cAOuGg

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48568248-take-a-hint-dani-brown

> Title: A Girl Like Her (Ravenswood #1)

Author: Talia Hibbert

Relation to theme: Grumpy MC

Representation: Black, queer, autistic author; Black, autistic MC; white MC

Content Warnings (from reader Corey Alexander): MC’s mom passed from cancer. Internalized ableism. Ableist harassment, including a lot of sexual harassment. Casual ableism. Abusive relationship in the past, including stalking, coerced dating, sexual coercion and sexual assault. Ex is stalking her within the timeline of the story. 

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-sarah-jean-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3wcFTDg

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44569978-a-girl-like-her

> Title: Work for It (Just for Him #4)

Author: Talia Hibbert

Relation to theme: Grumpy MCs

Representation: Black, queer, autistic author; queer MCs

Content Warnings (from the author): this book includes depression, anxiety, references to past sexual trauma and forced outing, references to a parent who died by suicide

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-sarah-jean-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/2PKq1ak

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52054712-work-for-it

> Elderflower liqueur: yay or nay?

> Title: In Other Lands

Author: Sarah Rees Brennan

Relation to theme: Grumpy MC

Representation: Bisexual rep

Content Warnings: war, child abuse from parental neglect/abandonment, brief biphobia/homophobia in human world, reverse gender stereotype and mysgonistic elves (men the weaker sex to be protected) child soldiers, death, violence

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-sarah-jean-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3rH3urT

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38058478-in-other-lands

NOTE: This book was previously discussed on RBP ep #104, #116, & the 2019 Faves ep

LISTEN NOW: http://lustandfoundreads.com/rombkpod/bonus-best-of-2019/

> Team Grumpy or Team Grouchy?

> Sarah Jean recommends Misfits by Garrett Leigh for Grumpy-Grumpy

Kindle: https://amzn.to/382DQr9

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39663411-misfits

> Title: Boyfriend Material

Author: Alexis Hall

Relation to theme: Grumpy MCs

Representation: White, queer author; white, queer MCs

Content Warnings: parental abandonment, gaslighting, toxic exes, homophobia, mention of disordered eating, lapsed vegetarianism

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-sarah-jean-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3jHau4Z

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48994908-boyfriend-material

NOTE: This book has previously been discussed in RBP eps #205, #216, & 2020 Faves

LISTEN NOW: http://lustandfoundreads.com/rombkpod/best-of-2020/

> Title: Glitterland (Spires #1)

Author: Alexis Hall

Relation to theme: Grumpy MC, sunshine MC

Representation: White, queer author; white, queer MCs

Content Warnings: depression, anxiety, past suicide attempts

Bookshop: unavailable

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3fwk1g2

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39332293-glitterland

> Title: Candy Hearts (So Over the Holidays #2)

Author: Erin McLellan

Relation to theme: Grumpy MCs

Representation: Queer MCs

Content Warnings: past manipulative relationships

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-sarah-jean-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3ufw0Tr

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50170971-candy-hearts

NOTE: This book was previously discussed in RBP ep #124

LISTEN NOW: http://lustandfoundreads.com/rombkpod/ep-124/

> Title: Tournament of Losers

Author: Megan Derr

Relation to theme: Grumpy MCs

Representation: Queer MCs

Content Warnings: debt

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-sarah-jean-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3doRoPi

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29011502-tournament-of-losers

> Title: It Takes Two to Tumble (Sedgwicks #1)

Author: Cat Sebastian

Relation to theme: Grumpy MC, sunshine MC

Representation: White, queer author; white, queer MCs

Content Warnings: grief, homophobia, virgin MC, broken engagement, mentions of sexual abuse of a secondary character

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/rombkpod-sarah-jean-recs/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3wdLyJ9

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35285117-it-takes-two-to-tumble

NOTE: This book was previously discussed in RBP #113 & #108 with the author herself

LISTEN NOW: http://lustandfoundreads.com/rombkpod/ep-108/

> Don’t miss Thirst Aid Kit’s episode on James Norton and Grantchester

Web: https://thirstaidkitpodcast.tumblr.com/post/188256348930/thirst-aid-kit-s4e03-forgive-us-father

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3747572/

PBS: https://www.pbs.org/show/grantchester/

NOTE: Cat Sebastian was inspired by the original James Norton character

> Roan’s TBR

>> Watching The Crown on Netflix

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4786824/

Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/80025678

>> Watching the final season of Schitt’s Creek

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3526078/

Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/80036165

> Sarah Jean’s TBR

>> Saffron Alley by A.J. Demas

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56632501-saffron-alley

>> The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting by K.J. Charles

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56393369-the-gentle-art-of-fortune-hunting

> Checkout Roan’s podcast Dear Romance Writer

Web: https://www.dearromancewriter.com

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> What are your Grumpy/Sunshine or Grumpy/Grumpy #QueerRomance favorites? Let us know on Twitter or Instagram @RomBkPod

Happy Reading!

EP 224 MUSIC CREDIT

Music: “Lift Off” by Jahzzar

From the Free Music Archive

CC BY-SA 3.0

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FULL TRANSCRIPT FORTHCOMING