Hello out there, all you foxy firefighters and sassy social media influencers! In this episode, you'll experience our complete lack of chill as we talk to and about famous romance authors in our Island Affair book club recap. Plus, category romance, cyborgs in love, and shangents galore!  For readalikes, book lists, and antiracism resources, to learn more about attending a virtual book club meeting, or just to chat, find us here or email us directly at [email protected] (Shannon) or [email protected] (Shandy). Our next meeting is Sunday, September 12 at 11:00 a.m. PST. We'll be reading Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender, and we would love to have you join us! Books discussed in this episode: Island Affair by Priscilla Oliveras Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors by Sonali Dev His Perfect Partner by Priscilla Oliveras Anchored Hearts by Priscilla Oliveras Rafe: A Buff Male Nanny by Rebekah Weatherspoon Redeemed by His New York Cinderella by Jadesola James The Sweetest Charade by Jadesola James Satisfaction Guaranteed by Karelia Stetz-Waters Enough: Notes From A Woman Who Has Finally Found It by Shauna M. Ahern Hola Papi! How To Come Out In a Walmart Parking Lot and Other Life Lessons by John Paul Brammer Let’s Talk About Hard Things by Anna Sale Accidentally Engaged by Farah Heron Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells (start with All Systems Red) The A.I. Who Loved Me by Alyssa Cole Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender Authors mentioned in this episode: Christina C. Jones Rebel Carter Pamela Sanderson Courtney Milan Tawna Fenske Jack Harbon Kennedy Ryan Rebekah Weatherspoon Jackie Lau Piper Huguley K.J. Charles Olivia Dade Vanessa Riley Lucy Eden Nicole Falls Ruby Lang Rose Lerner Vanessa Riley Tasha L. Harrison Talia Hibbert

Hello, all you filmmaking foodies and high-powered attorneys! After an accidental summer break of several weeks, we're back to talk Juneteenth recipes, Meet Cute Club, the fantastical notion of a weekly book club, and whether purple, red, and green actually go together. We're so happy to be back with you!  For readalikes, book lists, and antiracism resources, to learn more about attending a virtual book club meeting, or just to chat, find us here or email us directly at [email protected] (Shannon) or [email protected] (Shandy). Our next meeting is Sunday, August 8 at 11:00 a.m. PST. We'll be reading The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon and we would love to have you join us! This week's links: Starstruck's Rose Matafeo Wants To Save the Rom-Com (Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair) Roan Parrish Gets Real About Giving Her Queer Feminist Character a Happily Ever After  Writing About Slavery? Teaching About Slavery? This Might Help (P. Gabrielle Foreman, et al) Books discussed in this episode Meet Cute Club by Jack Harbon Hearts On Hold by Charish Reid All That She Carried by Tiya Miles A Lowcountry Bride by Preslaysa Williams Small Change by Roan Parrish The Lights On Knockbridge Lane by Roan Parrish Reel by Kennedy Ryan Queen Move by Kennedy Ryan The Murderbot Diaries (series) by Martha Wells Strange Bedfellows: Adventures in the Science, History, and Surprising Secrets of STDs by Ina Park Agrippina: The Most Extraordinary Woman of the Roman World by Emma Southon A Fatal Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum by Emma Southon Marriage, Sex, and Death: The Family and the Fall of the Roman West by Emma Southon A Blues Singer to Redeem Him by Elle Jackson Heart and Seoul by Jen Frederick The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon Island Affair by Priscilla Oliveras

Greetings, all you long-lost princesses and inquisitive investigators! In this episode, we'll look back at a year spent listening to Black voices in romance and beyond. We'll rave about some of our favorite indie authors, highlight more LGBTQ+ stories, and recommend an awful lot of authors and books.  For readalikes, book lists, and antiracism resources, to learn more about attending a virtual book club meeting, or just to chat, find us here or email us directly at [email protected] (Shannon) or [email protected] (Shandy). Our next meeting is Sunday, June 13 at 11:00 a.m. PST. We'll be reading Meet Cute Club by Jack Harbon, and we would love to have you join us! This week's links:  Deepening Our Connections: A 3-Part Series on African-American Literature Cook the Books Third Eye Books, Accessories, and Gifts Books mentioned in this episode: So Many Beginnings: A Little Women Remix by Bethany C. Morrow The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon The Dating Playbook by Farrah Rochon Office Hours by Katrina Jackson Along for the Ride by Mimi Grace Make a Scene by Mimi Grace The Write Escape by Charish Reid (Trust) Falling for You by Charish Reid Home to Milford College series by Piper Huguley Love’s Sweet Melody by Kianna Alexander Love’s Serenade by Sheryl Lister Binding Shadows by Jasmine Silvera Blind Date With a Book Boyfriend by Lucy Eden Truth or Dare by Danielle Allen New Beginnings series by Nicole Falls Be Mine and All Mine by Savannah J. Frierson Rapper’s Delight by Kenya Goree Bell Lotus Flower Bomb by Kenya Goree Bell Queen Move by Kennedy Ryan Reel by Kennedy Ryan Go Deep by Rilzy Adams The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Rilzy Adams Liquor & Laundry by Tasha L. Harrison Roll Bounce Love by Kay Shanee Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet Jacobs Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson Back in the Day by Katrina Jackson The Tenant by Katrina Jackson Pride and Passion by Rebel Carter D’Vaughn and Kris Plan A Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins Things Hoped For by Chencia C. Higgins Desert Rose Hook-Ups series by Meka James American Dreamer by Adriana Herrera Mangos and Mistletoe by Adriana Herrera How To Find A Princess by Alyssa Cole Meet Cute Club by Jack Harbon Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender Little Women by Louisa May Alcott Sweet Tea by Piper Huguley A Treasure of Gold by Piper Huguley Reel by Kennedy Ryan Hana Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin Satisfaction Guaranteed by Karelia Stetz-Waters Confessions in B-Flat by Donna Hill Pride and Passion by Carla Buchanan Promise Me A Dream by Wayne Jordan Let It Shine by Alyssa Cole Haunted Serenade by Anna K. Taylor Island Affair by Priscilla Oliveras

Greetings and salutations, all you buttoned-up accountants and free-spirited artists! In this episode, we'll discuss some of our favorite and most-anticipated LGBTQ+ romances of 2021. Plus, we'll talk Jello sculptures, middle school speech tournament selections, and (finally!) our September book club pick.  For readalikes, book lists, and antiracism resources, to learn more about attending a virtual book club meeting, or just to chat, find us here or email us directly at [email protected] (Shannon) or [email protected] (Shandy). Our next meeting is Sunday, June 13 at 11:00 a.m. PST. We'll be reading Meet Cute Club by Jack Harbon, and we would love to have you join us! This week's links: Seven New Romance Novels To Read This Summer (Olivia Waite, New York Times) Books discussed in this episode: Satisfaction Guaranteed by Karelia Stetz-Waters One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston Playing the Palace by Paul Rudnick How To Find A Princess by Alyssa Cole Once Ghosted, Twice Shy by Alyssa Cole Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake by Alexis Hall The Companion by E.E. Ottoman The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting by KJ Charles Subtle Blood by KJ Charles The Queer Principles of Kitt Webb by Cat Sebastian The Hellion’s Waltz by Olivia Waite A Little Light Mischief by Cat Sebastian Her Lady’s Melody by Renee Dahlia Her Lady’s Honor by Renee Dahlia Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers The Beautiful Things Shoppe by Philip William Stover There Galapagos My Heart by Philip William Stover The Hideaway Inn by Philip William Stover The Hate Project by Kris Ripper The Life Revamp by Kris Ripper Book Boyfriend by Kris Ripper Gays of Our Lives by Kris Ripper Jeremiah by Jayce Ellis Andre by Jayce Ellis Learned Behaviors by Jayce Ellis Learned Reactions by Jayce Ellis If You Love Something by Jayce Ellis Things Hoped For by Chencia C. Higgins D’Vaughn and Kris Plan A Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins Jay’s Gay Agenda by Jason June Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo When Tara Met Farah by Tara Pammi Fireheart Tiger by Aliette de Bodard It’s Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake by Claire Christian Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade All the Feels by Olivia Dade Yes and I Love You by Roni Loren Conviction by Denise Mina Indigo by Beverly Jenkins Forbidden by Beverly Jenkins Mister Impossible by Maggie Stiefvater The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas Let's Talk About Love by Claire Kann Meet Cute Club by Jack Harbon

Greetings, all you lusty list-makers and dashing dukes! In this week's episode, we'll recap our book club discussion of The Duke Who Didn't and freedive into a plethora of recent reads. For readalikes, book lists, and antiracism resources, to learn more about attending a virtual book club meeting, or just to chat, find us here or email us directly at [email protected] (Shannon) or [email protected] (Shandy). Our next meeting is Sunday, June 13 at 11:00 a.m. PST. We'll be reading Meet Cute Club by Jack Harbon, and we would love to have you join us! Books discussed in this episode: The Duke Who Didn’t by Courtney Milan Once Upon A Marquess by Courtney Milan Talk Sweetly To Me by Courtney Milan The Heiress Effect by Courtney Milan The Pursuit Of… by Courtney Milan (from Hamilton’s Battalion) After the Wedding by Courtney Milan The Devil Comes Courting by Courtney Milan The Year of the Crocodile by Courtney Milan Only One Bed: A Romance Anthology One Bed for Christmas by Jackie Lau The Duchess War by Courtney Milan Snapped by Alexa Martin Meet Cute Club by Jack Harbon The Wave: In Pursuit of the Rogues, Freaks, and Giants of the Ocean by Susan Casey Voices in the Ocean: A Journey Into the Wild and Haunting World of Dolphins by Susan Casey Ninety Percent of Everything: Inside Shipping, the Invisible Industry That Puts Clothes on Your Back, Gas in Your Car, and Food on Your Plate by Rose George How To Find a Princess by Alyssa Cole Death at Sea World: Shamu and the Dark Side of Killer Whales in Captivity by David Kirby The Devil’s Teeth: A True Story of Obsession and Survival Among America’s Great White Sharks by Susan Casey Deep: Freediving, Renegade Science, and What the Ocean Tells Us About Ourselves by James Nestor Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law by Mary Roach (pub date 9/14/2021) Tempest by Beverly Jenkins Topaz by Beverly Jenkins Forbidden by Beverly Jenkins It’s Been A Pleasure, Noni Blake by Claire Christian Animal, Vegetable, Junk: A History of Food, from Sustainable to Suicidal by Mark Bittman Sweet Tea by Piper Huguley (pub date 7//13/2021)

Greetings, all you idealistic filmmakers and remote CEOs! In this episode, we've got angst: enemies-to-lovers, double grumps, super slow burns, and one very impatient (yet adorable) cat. Plus, a novella bonanza and a whole lot of Scot (but surprisingly few kilts).  For readalikes, book lists, and antiracism resources, to learn more about attending a virtual book club meeting, or just to chat, find us here or email us directly at [email protected] (Shannon) or [email protected] (Shandy). Our next meeting is Sunday, June 13 at 11:00 a.m. PST. We'll be reading Meet Cute Club by Jack Harbon, and we would love to have you join us! This week's links: Longhand Pencils Books discussed in this episode Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne mysteries by Julia Spencer-Fleming The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon The Hideaway Inn by Philip William Stover The Hate Project by Kris Ripper The Love Study by Kris Ripper Bittersweet by Christina C. Jones I Think I Might Love You by Christina C. Jones A Dash of Heat by Christina C. Jones Band Sinister by KJ Charles The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting by KJ Charles When Tara Met Farah by Tara Pammi Sweetest Regret by Meredith Duran My Imaginary Ex by Mina V. Esguerra Fairy Tale Fail by Mina V. Esguerra No Strings Attached by Mina V. Esguerra What Happens Under the Mistletoe by Sabrina Jeffries, Meredith Duran, Karen Hawkins, and Candace Camp One Week To Claim It All by Adriana Herrera Forbidden by Beverly Jenkins Tempest by Beverly Jenkins Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors by Sonali Dev Indigo by Beverly Jenkins The Duke Who Didn't by Courtney Milan You've Got Plaid by Eliza Knight Hit Me With Your Best Scot by Suzanne Enoch Sinful Scot by Julie Johnstone Seductive Scot by Julie Johnstone Scandalous Scot by Julie Johnstone Sexy Scot by Cecelia Mecca Between a Highlander and a Hard Place by Mary Wine It’s Getting Scot in Here by Suzanne Enoch Meet Cute Club by Jack Harbon

Greetings and salutations, all you vivacious leading ladies and telenovela hunks! In this episode, we'll bring you a bit of lakeside birdsong, recap our book club discussion of You Had Me At Hola, and recommend some books that might bring a tear -- of one sort or another -- to your one good eye.  For readalikes, book lists, and antiracism resources, to learn more about attending a virtual book club meeting, or just to chat, find us here or email us directly at [email protected] (Shannon) or [email protected] (Shandy). Our next meeting is Sunday, May 9 at 11:00 a.m. PST. We'll be reading The Duke Who Didn't by Courtney Milan, and we would love to have you join us! This week's links: "Latinx" Is Growing In Popularity. I Made A Comic To Help You Understand Why by Terry Blas (Vox) The Argument Against the Use of the Term "Latinx" by Gilbert Guerra and Gilbert Orbea (The Phoenix, Swarthmore College) Inclusive Spanish: A Simple Guide To Using and Understanding Lenguaje Inclusivo (I Will Teach You A Language) Books mentioned in this episode: You Had Me At Hola by Alexis Daria Take the Lead by Alexis Daria The Bride Test by Helen Hoang If the Boot Fits by Rebekah Weatherspoon Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad There I am by Ruthie Lindsay This Close to Okay: A Novel by Leesa Cross-Smith Meet Me in Paradise by Libby Hubscher His Perfect Partner by Priscilla Oliveras A Dash of Heat by Christina C. Jones A Touch of Sugar by Christina C. Jones It's the Chase For Me by Christina C. Jones I Think I Might Love You by Christina C. Jones Grow Something by Christina C. Jones Bittersweet by Christina C. Jones Plus One by Christina C. Jones Sweethand by N.G. Peltier The Companion by E.E. Ottoman My Heart is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones A Champion’s Heart by Piper Huguley The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting by KJ Charles She Whom I Love by Tess Bowery Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell A Tip for the Hangman by Allison Epstein (Trust) Falling for You by Charish Reid The Duke Who Didn’t by Courtney Milan

Happy spring, all you big dreamers and Hollywood heartthrobs! This week, in our fourth recording of this possibly cursed episode, we'll recap our book club discussion of the Shannons' beloved If the Boot Fits. Plus, book hangovers, Shandy's dad reads romance, and some exciting news from the library! We know it's been almost a month -- thanks for sticking with us.  For readalikes, book lists, and antiracism resources, to learn more about attending a virtual book club meeting, or just to chat, find us here or email us directly at [email protected] (Shannon) or [email protected] (Shandy). Our next meeting is Sunday, April 11 at 11:00 a.m. PST. We'll be reading You Had Me At Hola by Alexis Daria, and we would love to have you join us! This week's links: Respond To Racism LO for LOve Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO) LOPL Anti-Racism and DEI Resources Books mentioned in this episode: If the Boot Fits by Rebekah Weatherspoon Two Rogues Make a Right by Cat Sebastian A Thorn in the Saddle by Rebekah Weatherspoon (release date 10/26/2021) A Cowboy to Remember by Rebekah Weatherspoon Night Song by Beverly Jenkins Weird But Normal: Essays by Mia Mercado One Day We'll All Be Dead and None of This Will Matter by Scaachi Koul The Viscount Made Me Do It by Diana Quincy The Hellion's Waltz by Olivia Waite The Care and Feeding of Waspish Widows by Olivia Waite The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite Love’s Sweet Melody by Kianna Alexander Hamilton’s Battalion: A Trio of Romances by Rose Lerner, Courtney Milan and Alyssa Cole Topaz by Beverly Jenkins Lively St. Lemeston series (start with Sweet Disorder) by Rose Lerner All or Nothing by Rose Lerner The Wife in the Attic by Rose Lerner First Comes Like by Alisha Rai Wrong To Need You by Alisha Rai The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai Girl Gone Viral by Alisha Rai Hurts To Love You by Alisha Rai You Had Me At Hola by Alexis Daria

Greetings, all you sassy schoolmarms and dashing cavalry officers! In this week's episode, we'll embark on our Beverly Jenkins reading challenge with Night Song, Vivid, Topaz, and more. Plus, pandemic facial hair (not ours), mustaches with character (also not ours), and, as always, a shangent or two.  For readalikes, book lists, and antiracism resources, to learn more about attending a virtual book club meeting, or just to chat, find us here or email us directly at [email protected] (Shannon) or [email protected] (Shandy). Our next meeting is Sunday, March 14 at 11:00 a.m. PST. We'll be reading If the Boot Fits by Rebekah Weatherspoon, and we would love to have you join us! This week's links: Should You Grow a Beard? Here's how women perceive bearded men by Molly Hanson (BigThink) Uncommon Ground: Beverly Jenkins, diverse romance, and American history the way it really happened by Emily Jordan (Salon) Books discussed in this episode: Caste by Isabel Wilkerson Night Song by Beverly Jenkins On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson Anne of Avonlea by Lucy Maud Montgomery Vivid by Beverly Jenkins Bring on the Blessings by Beverly Jenkins Topaz by Beverly Jenkins Wild Rain by Beverly Jenkins The Art of Love by Suzette D Harrison Love’s Serenade by Sheryl Lister The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Love’s Sweet Melody by Kianna Alexander Dead Dead Girls by Nekesa Afia How To Find A Princess by Alyssa Cole A Taste of Her Own Medicine by Tasha L. Harrison If the Boot Fits by Rebekah Weatherspoon (audiobook narrated by Elle Cleviden)

Greetings, all you feisty football fans and courageous quarterbacks! In this week's episode, we'll talk Snapped, snowpocalypses, submarines, and smokin' smooches.  For readalikes, book lists, and antiracism resources, to learn more about attending a virtual book club meeting, or just to chat, find us here or email us directly at [email protected] (Shannon) or [email protected] (Shandy). Our next meeting is Sunday, March 14 at 11:00 a.m. PST. We'll be reading If the Boot Fits by Rebekah Weatherspoon, and we would love to have you join us! 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.) Books mentioned in this episode: Snapped by Alexa Martin Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors by Sonali Dev The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas Hearts on Hold by Charish Reid A Holiday by Gaslight by Mimi Matthews The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo The Write Escape by Charish Reid