"Just found out the wife is writing a book about our honeymoon called 50 Shades of Just OK." - Conan O'BrienIt is no surprise that I have some contrary ideas about romance novels. I love a good romance, after all, I've been feasting on romcoms & romance novels for the past 40+ years, and I have seen how the world has changed in its acceptance of romance novels in popular culture. There is a difference between smut and romance, and I am happy to sit down with two romance readers today to talk about what they love about the genre and what critiques they have about tropes, book boyfriends, and steamy scenes. Michelle and Vanessa are regulars around the bookshop, and it is a genuine delight to spend time with them. I knew their bookish relationship would be one that you'd enjoy too, so I was eager to invite them onto the pod. Enjoy this convo, and don't worry, I will have more in future episodes about strong opinions about the genre... I hold nothing back. ;-)Books Discussed:A Court of Thorns and RosesButcher and BlackbirdLights OutSwift & SaddledThe Forty Year KissBirthday GirlWild Love/Wild Eyes/Wild SideFourth WingThrone of GlassThe Fault in Our StarsFlawless/Heartless/Powerless/RecklessThe Friend ZoneTruth or BeardThe StrikerReady or NotPrayer For the Crown ShyBright SideIce Planet BarbariansFunny FeelingsDungeon Crawler CarlOutlanderHaunted Ever AfterThings We Never Got OverMy Best Friend's ExorcismThe Way of KingsInto ShadowThe Fine PrintThe Time I Got Abducted By Aliens and Now I'm Trapped in a RomcomSay You'll Remember MeLord of the RingsKingdom of AshHarold and the Purple CrayonThe Pandas Take a VacationThe Widow's Guide to Dead BastardsProject Hail Mary ** For information on the upcoming Booktruck BOOK, please go to my BLOG for updates, access to sneak peeks, and more!Let's get social - follow Daisy Chain Book Co. on Instagram, Bluesky, and TikTok, or email me at [email protected]Our bookstore offers audiobooks that you can listen to on your iPhone, Android device, or PC. These audiobooks are available through our partner, Libro.fm, and all sales support our store. Choose to support indie bookstores with your audiobooks - it MATTERS.If you are in the Edmonton area, come and see our beautiful store in High Street, and if you are in the community of Beaumont, come and see us on Main St. as the only bookshop in town! For updates on all the bookish events at the bookstore, and an online database of our marvelous books visit Daisy Chain Book Co. Podcast theme music created and performed by the incredible Kerri Bridgen.