Many people have chosen self-publishing for different reasons. One of those reasons seems to be the differences in the ways that authors are treated and compensated in comparison to traditional publishing. For some people, it’s about the money. For others, it’s about the flexibility and autonomy that publishing your own books provides.
We are already planning for our trip to Steamy Lit Con in Anaheim in August, so we wanted to share a few pics from last year. Do you have plans to go this year? Let's meet up and gush about romance novels! [ID 1: From left to right, Monica, Melissa and Maria, white women with short hair, stand in formal dresses in front of a draped white flower background. 2. Monica, Melissa and Maria stand in front of a marquee style sign with giant letters. 3. Monica and Melissa stand and Maria reclines on a chair underneath white flowing flowers.]
Editor Maria just read a fantastic bully romance (Never Sweeter by Charlotte Stein), and now we need more recommendations! We are specifically looking for bully romance where the bullying took place in the past, and the whole book is just a giant grovel. Ahhhh it's hurts so good. Give us your recs please!!! [ID A hot pink and purple background with the words "What are your favorite bully romances? Share your answers in the comments and we will feature them in a roundup!]
Amy is an unusual character for me. In The Prestons series, most of my protagonists have strong feelings about working towards a specific cause. (Or they have strong feelings about the futility of being politically minded.) In the case of Amy, she hasn't quite looked around the world yet to notice the struggles of others around her. Rather than being an active agent of change in societal systems, her story is about untangling herself from her familial system. In some ways, this requires equal energy as what Ellen and Lydia do in their fights in my previous books. After all, it is one thing to speak truth to a faceless power. It takes a lot of courage to speak your truth to loved ones. I wasn't always sure how Amy was going to finish her story (in fact, I rewrote some pivotal scenes a couple of times!), but in the end, I take a lot of joy in how she navigates this personal fight. The Sailor Without a Sweetheart launches this Friday on April 19th! #historicalromance #historicalromancebook #historicalromancebookss #historicalromancebookrecs #regencyromance #regencyromancebook #feministromancebooks #feministromance #feministread #feministromancerec #feministromancerecs
This is such a fun trend! We love seeing everyone's names in tropes, so we couldn't resist making one for Juicy Details! Stay tuned, because we are going to do one for each of our three romance editors too! [ID: All slides have a hot pink background with a purple vortex in the center and white lettering. 1. Our name in tropes. 2. J-Jilted before the wedding, In a Jam by Kate Canterbary, U- Ugly duckling, Melt for You by JT Geissinger 3. I-Instalove, Misadventures of a Curvy Girl by Sierra Simone C- Celebrity, So Flocked by Sara Estep 4. Y- Young Love, A Wolf in the Garden by Allegra Hall D- Domme, If she says yes... by Tasha L. Harrison 5. E- Enemies to Lovers, Outdrawn by Deanna Grey T- Tattoos, Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver 6. A- Alien, Strange Love by Ann Aguirre I- Injury/Caretaking, Never Leave Never Lie by Thea Verdone. 7. L-Lessons, Love Lessons by Reese Morrison S-Step Sibiling by Sierra Simone]
There's just something about hockey romance, and in the indie romance world, it's a lot more diverse than it often is in traditional publishing. Which romances would you add to the list? [ID: All slides have light and hot pink background stripes and a pink and white stage with pink and purple lighting bolts. 1. Let's read Hockey Romance. 2. Breakaway by EM Lindsey, M/M figure skater and hockey player. 3. Power Play by BP Gilmore, Polyamorous and BIPOC. 4. Team Players by Deanna Grey, Black College Hockey Captains 5. On Thin Ice by Calliope Steward, omegaverse. 6. The Pilot and the Puckup by Pippa Grant, true romcom.]
One thing to know about me is that I love a historical romance. I am adoring this series by @scarlettpeckham , its full of characters that feel so real and pop off the page. I started with an arc of book three 'The Mistress Experience' but I didn't feel like I was missing too much, she did a wonderful job at explaining everything that happened in the previous 2 books. I can't wait to dive into more! . . . . . . #historicalromance #societyofsirens #scarlettpeckham #feministromance #historical #victorianera #bookstagram #bookrecs
Haven't had a chance to write in over 24 hours, so just soaking up my work-in-progress moodboard. #amwriting #amediting #workinprogess #wipquote #supportindieauthors #romancewriters #romanticwip #romancewritersofinstagram #belindasharpe #danielalasecka #complexfemaleprotagonist #romanceauthor #moniquemedwell #seancollins #romancetagram #feministromance #romancelandia #wip #secondchanceromance #matureromance #midliferomance #seasonedromance #wildwomendo #promoteyourartaprilday6 #promoteyourartapril
We are obsessed with micro-tropes, those little details that make a romance sparkle, and make readers kick their feet and swoon. These are some of our favorites, which ones really do it for you? [ID: All slides have a hot pink background with purple text. 1. team long term pining. 2. team only one bed 3. team who hurt you? 4. team slow burn 5. team nick names 6. team indie authors 7. team forehead kisses 8. team flirty banter 9. team cat dad 10. team snarky grandparent.]
THE LOVE REMEDY is set in early Victorian London and features Lucinda, a woman apothecary. She lost her heart - and her revolutionary formula for strep throat - to a rival apothecary. Her family has taken a hit since she is the main breadwinner,l. Something even worse has happened. A second revolutionary formula has been stolen from Lucy. The anxiety and pressure of running a store, supporting her siblings, providing safe and effective medical care for patients whether they pay or not, has left Lucy prone to panic attacks. Jonathan Thorne, a private investigative agent, needs to find a new home, fast. An ex-prize fighter and the son of a baron, Thorne would have continued to fight and drink for the rest of his life if he hadn’t encountered Sadie, a then two year old baby who may or may not be his natural daughter. His desire to be a good father led him to draw a series of lines around himself that he dare not cross, including never to drink, dance, or fall in love with a beautiful woman. I love writing mature characters who have a balanced power relationship and relatable flaws. To date, I’ve never written a virgin heroine for this reason (although I can’t say the same for heroes.) How Thorne and Lucy find love together has been one of my favorite journeys to write and I hope readers will connect with them as much as I did. Here’s another question - does it turn you off when main characters have mental health issues? #elizabetheverett #theloveremedy #romancedbythebook #virginhero #feministromance #romanceauthor #historicalromance #romancestagram #authorsofig #romanceauthorsofinstagram
This is our second year participating in the Trans Right Readathon, and we have some great indie recs for you! What have been your highlights? Freydis Moon's Gideon Testaments series Reese Morrison's Love Language series The Burnt Toast B&B by Heidi Belleau and Rachel Haimowitz Fake It by Lily Seabrooke Free Me by Beck Grey Taste of Greed by E.M. Lindsey Really Cute People by Markus Harwood-Jones The Sex Wizards series by Alethea Faust [ID All slides have a pink background with bubbles that have pale pink and blue highlights]
Fake fiancé is a sub trope of fake dating, and we wanted to feature this little nugget of romancelandia today. It is often instigated by more intense social and familial situations than fake dating, and thus, has higher stakes. What are your favorite fake fiance romances? [ID: All slides have a hot pink background with purple and light pink details. 1) A writer's key to romance tropes: Unlocking the power of love: Fake Fiance 2) Fake Fiance 1. Often start to appease social or family expectations 2. Intense pretend intimacy, often cohabitating. 3. Unexpectedly deep feelings develop 4. Feature a pact, sneaking around, and coming clean 5. Need for repeated public outings to prove relationship. 3) Juicy Details Recommends Fake Fiance by Indie Authors: Forever Your Rogue by Erin Langston, Stud in the Stacks by Pippa Grant, Best Fake Fiance by Roxie Noir.]
Are you confused about what kind of editing you should consider when? This simple flow chart is a good place to start. We offer free 20 minute video calls to discuss your project and where we can best plug into your publishing journey and help your romance be it's best! Invest in your future as a successful author today. [ID A hot pink background with purple writing says "Recommended editing services order" Developmental, Line, Copy, Published!]
Not sure what book to pick up next? These five books have our seal of approval, so swipe to see which one you might like. Shout out to ricki.readss for inspiring this post! [ID: 1. Five purple book covers each have a hot pink icon on them. The first is a set of hockey sticks and puck, the second is a hand holding a knife, the third is a dancer mid leap, the fourth is a wolf howling, the fifth is a sprouting plant. Text reads "Pick a book and get your next indie romance. 2. The hockey sticks book: Sunny Disposition by Deanna Grey, Grumpy/Sunshine, Amnesia, College, Black Girl Gamer, They were Roommates 3. The hand with knife book: Sweet Vengence by Viano Oniomoh, deal with a demon, murder her rapist, nigerian mc and author, virgin mc, novella. 4. The dancer book: Plie by AH Cunningham, kinky, secret identity, single dance dad, dance studio, female friendships. 5. The howling wolf book: Fleeing Fate by Sabrina Day, omegaverse, black omega, abused fmc, waiting for book two, wolf shifters, 6. The sprouting plant book: Work For It by Talia Hibbert, m/m farmer mc, enemies to lovers, opposites attract, guarded mcs. 7. If you enjoyed this post, follow us and tag a friend, the purple and hot pink juicy details logo takes up most of the page.]
As a Englishwoman, Lydia sees her own people oppressing the Irish. As a person raised in Ireland, Lydia wants to fight for Irish freedom. As a woman, she isn't admitted into any of the secret societies plotting a revolution. So she combines her privileges to use her money and status to fight, whether or not she is a member of the group. (Read the book to find out how this works out for her!) The Charmer Without a Cause ebook is $0.99 this month, so grab it at this steal while you can! #feministromance #romancebook #romancereads #romancebooks #romancenovel #romancenovels #romancebookstoread #romancerecs #historicalromance #regencyromance
A dream fulfilled! With CUPID @ CORPORATE! Immensely thankful to my esteemed publishers @vishalamrutsoni Vishal Soni Ji, Vishwakarma Publications @vishwakarmapublications01 , my brilliant literary agent and friend @mathursuhail Suhail Mathur, CEO of The Book Bakers @thebookbakers for their constant support and faith. [ New Book Romance Office Fiction Release ] 💘📖 #OfficeRomance #RomanceNovel #bookstagrammar #BookRelease #AmazonBooks #FeministRomance #Gratitude #thebookbakers #vishwakarmapublishers #newbookstagram #lovestory #modernlove #momsurecan
Ramadan Mubarak Share your favorite Muslim romance authors we might have missed!
We love this community and our lives are better because we are part of it. Share your favorites to spread the love! [ID All slides have a hot pink and pale pink stripes coming into the purple circle in the middle overlaid with white text. 1. Romance makes everything better 2. Book stores make everything better. 3. Boycotts make everything better. 4. Book clubs make everything better. 5. HEAs make everything better 6. Reading makes everything better 7. Angst makes everything better 8. Meet cutes make everything better 9. Intimacy makes everything better 10. Orgasms make everything better.]
Happy International Women’s Day! We’ve come a long way, baby. But we still have far to go. The women I write are fortunate enough to have access to education and labour rights. This isn’t the case for all. Let’s keep working to lift all women up and do what we can to put women—the world’s largest untapped resource—into positions of power and influence. The world will be a better place for it.
On Wednesdays, we smash the patriarchy, right? Benjamin Preston is very aware of his privileges as a white, Protestant, peer of the realm, so he really wants to fight the patriarchy (and all those systems). Sometimes, he struggles with choosing which battles to focus on! That's why he decides to give his money and energy to his wife, who is passionate about one specific cause: freeing Ireland from the political oppression of English rule. Read all about it in The Charmer Without a Cause - which is on sale this month for only $0.99! Link in bio ☘️ #feministromance #intersectionalromance #historicalromance #romancebook #historicalromancebook #historicalromancebooktok #historicalromancebookrec #historicalromancebookrecs #romancestagram
I couldn’t let the week of International Women’s Day go by without an appropriate Music Monday post. P!nk’s music is always so inspirational. The Under Construction playlist would be incomplete without her. Turn this one up loud and make no apologies for it. Weaponized feminism—the best kind of therapy. Find the complete playlist 🔗 in my bio.
There are so many amazing characters to choose from, so who rises to the top for you? [ID: Hot pink and purple background with pale pink lettering "If you could go on a date with any romance protagonist who would it be?"]
𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡-𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥 “𝐂𝐮𝐩𝐢𝐝@𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞” 𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐨𝐧! 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐦𝐲 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠. It is a labor of love. Your support is much valued. Amazon Link to Order your copy :- https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/9395481617/ref=cx_skuctr_share_ls_srb?smid=A26CNKY6F05628&tag=ShopReferral_0ad7da63-60a6-4198-a81f-a8f07853607d With twists, turns, secrets, threats, poignant and heartwarming moments, this romantic contemporary fiction set at Corporate is a must-read for all love enthusiasts. Order now and let Cupid’s arrow strike your heart! Don’t miss the chance to get soaked in the fragrance of this love story. Grab your copy today and escape into a world where love knows no bounds! Immensely thankful to my esteemed publishers Vishal Soni Ji, Vishwakarma Publications, my brilliant literary agent and friend Suhail Mathur, CEO of The Book Bakers for their constant support and faith. Thank you Suhail Mathur for the beautiful cover too. @vishwakarmapublications01 @thebookbakers @mathursuhail 💘📖 #CupidAtCorporate #officeromance #romancenovels #bookrelease #amazonbooks #FeministRomance #gratitudepost #TheBookBakers #vishwakarma #meenakshimsingh #announcement
Many of us didn’t grow up with healthy models of relationship skills, and even those of us who did have been inundated by unhealthy models in our social groups or in media. One of the great things that romance novels can do for us is model healthy relationship skills. We love to see characters learning how to be in relationships in healthy ways. What are some of your favorite examples of healthy relationship skills in romance novels? Tag an indie author that you think does an especially good job of this.
Do you also love cinnamon roll characters?! There is something so comforting about them, we can't get enough. Who are your favorite cinnamon rolls? And help us think of female or nonbinary characters who fit the description. Comment with your faves please! [ID. All slides have an ombre purple to pink background, all slides but the first have a book cover and a character name on the slide. 1. An illustration of a cinnamon roll below the words Our favorite cinnamon roll characters with four bullet points that read "soft soft soft, emotionally mature, loyal, sweet" 2. Mason from Xeni by Rebekah Weatherspoon 3. Bo from Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young 4. Edin from Edin by Lily Mayne 5. Aiden in Role Playing by Cathy Yardley 6. Declan from A Little Too Familiar by Lish McBride 7. Slug from Queenie and the Krakens by Aleera Anaya Ceres 8. Levi from the Hot Mess and the Heartthrob by Pippa Grant 9. Shay from Born to be Badger by Shelly Laurenston 10. Arson from Dear Monster Claus by Maeve Black.]
Don't forget to balance the work with play, struggle with rest, and to read good books whenever you can. May we suggest the incredible Beverly Jenkins and her extensive backlist? {ID: A hot pink background with purple quote brackets and accents "Hester thought about the political upheaval gripping the country and said, “These are serious times.” “Yes, they are, which is why it’s important to seek out humor and beauty whenever possible. If we don’t, we’ll all be buried under the weight of the misery.” ~Indigo by Beverly Jenkins"]
Your Juicy Details editors love to read indie books, and here are some of our favorites for the year this far! Have you read any of these yet? What's your favorite indie read of the year? [ID: All slides have a hot pink background with light pink text bubbles and light pink stars over purple blobs with three book covers and titles. 1. Maria's Jan/Feb Picks: Give me Butterflies by Jillian Meadows, Plie by AH Cunningham, If She Says Yes by Tasha L. Harrison. 2. Monica's Jan/Feb Picks: Queenie and the Krakens by Aleera Anaya Cetes, A Milky Way Home by Hsinju Chen, My Curvy Rival by Leigh Carron. 3. Melissa's Jan/Feb Picks: Command the Moon by Kathryn Moon, Outfield Assist by Cat Giraldo, Role Playing by Cathy Yardley.]
Ever wonder how to find out who published that book you’re reading? Want to make sure you’re supporting an indie author. Here’s how you can find the publisher in Libby, the Kindle app, and on the Barnes and Noble website.
One of the best things about indie romance is that so many people are able to write about their lived experience without having to filter it through a big publishing house first. The most inclusive and sensitive romance novels show the world around us in it's diverse glory, full of happily ever after's for everyone. Swipe for five tips about writing fat characters, and three books we recommend by indie authors. What books do you recommend? [ID: 1. A pink scribbled heart on a purple background with the words "A Writer's Key to inclusive characters: unlocking the power of love. Fat. 2. Two pink hearts on a purple background with the words "Fat Characters 1. Fat is not a bad word, it’s a descriptor 2. Fat characters are people first, give them layers 3. Let characters have complicated body feelings 4. Be explicit about describing fat bodies lovingly. 5. Give content warnings if characters face fatphobia. 3. A purple background with multiple pink heart outlines "Juicy Details Recommends Fat Characters by Indie Authors" with three books, Soft Flannel Hank by Eliza MacArthur, 40-Love by Olivia Dade, Forbidden by Emilia Emerson]
It’s #feministfriday folks! Let’s finish the week strong 💪🏻 and get sh!t done while smashing the patriarchy. #feministfridays #feministfiction #smashthepatriarchy #feministromance #feministromancenovel #getshitdone #feministwritersofinstagram #feministwriter #underconstructionromance #katecoleauthor #womenintradesromance #weaponizedfeminism #isabellaavery #femalestonemason
Do you often read books by traditionally published romance authors but want to dip your toe into indie authors? Pick your favorite trope and see what we recommend! [ID: All slides have a purple and pink background with two sides, the left says Trad and the right says Indie. 1. Trope Recommendations. If you like these traditionally published books, try these independently published books by Black authors 2. Small Town: It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey, From Scratch by Katrina Jackson. 3. Work Place: The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon, Love on the Byline by Xio Axelrod. 4. Forbidden Romance: Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston, Reel by Kennedy Ryan. 5. Age Gap: Her Naughty Holiday by Tiffany Reisz, If She Says Yes by Tasha L. Harrison. 6. Kinky: The Fifty Shades Trilogy by EL James, Plie by AH Cunningham. 7. Workplace: The Hating Game by Sally Thorne, Forrest for Trees by Kilby Blades. 8. Mythology: Neon Gods by Katee Robert, Drag Me Up by RM Virtues. 9. Vacation: The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren, Love Scammed by Rilzy Adams. 10. Food and Farming: Love and Other Disasters by Anita Kelly, Work For It by Talia Hibbert.]
Which fan club are you part of? We could only pick 10 black indie authors to highlight here, who would you love to see included in this list? [ID: All slides have a hot pink lined background with a white circle and purple text. 1. Kennedy Ryan fan club. 2. RM Virtues fan club 3. Alexandria House fan club. 4. Chencia C. Higgins fan club. 5. Rebekah Weatherspoon fan club 6. Tasha L. Harrison fan club 7. Katrina Jackson fan club 8. Christina C. Jones fan club 9. Rilzy Adams fan club 10. Talia Hibbert fan club.]
When it comes to fighting the patriarchy, not all heroines know they are doing it. In Elena's case, she is up against some prejudice as she walks into a house party as the known former mistress of a peer. When a certain paramour starts hinting he perceives her as lower worth because of that, she instinctively knows not to accept that behavior. QOTD: How are characters in your current read reacting to patriarchal or other harmful systems? #feministromance #feministromancereads #feministromancerecs #historicalromance #regencyromance #romancestagram
Get to know your editors! This week we answer the question: Do you prefer physical, ebooks, or audiobooks? Why? Which format do you prefer? [ID: A swirled background with colors of pink and purple with three text boxes with an editors name and picture. Monica: Ebook for sure. I used to be a physical book purist but as I’ve gotten older I’ve really appreciated the physical ease that ebooks offer. I do like to listen to memoir and nonfiction on audiobook.. Maria: I mostly read ebooks because they are so convenient, but I love to (re)listen to audiobooks while I’m walking or working outside, and I buy physical copies of my favorite books to keep. Melissa: I used to be physical books only, but now I lean more towards ebooks. Portable, convenient, and less likely to drop on my face while reading at night.]
Writing is hard! Whether you are struggling with writers block, have too many characters swirling around in your head, or have a hard time making time for writing in your busy life, your writing journey is valid. And all your first draft has to do is exist. [A hot pink graphic with a white block containing the text "Reminder: All a first draft has to do is exist. Put it away for a few weeks, then come back with fresh eyes. Self edit, and then collaborate with us to take your book all the way to published."]
Louisa was a companion, and now she is a governess, but she doesn't intend to remain in service for the rest of her life. Instead, she has big plans to embark on a career as a children's book author! Fun fact: this part of her character is based on my great-great-great-great aunt, Alicia Catherine Mant, who actually was a children's book author in Regency England! At the end of Letters to Her Love, I include a review of Louisa's book that is actually a review of one of Alicia Catherine Mant's books. Preorder your copy of Letters to Her Love from your favorite ebook retailer! #feministromance #feministromancerecs #romancebook #romancestagram #romancebookrecs #historicalromance #regencyromance
What do you think about this quote from Octavia Butler? Do you have a writing schedule? Tell us all the writing habits that work for you and save the post so you can see what other writers have to say! [ID: A pink and purple graphic background anchors a hot pink box with white letters. It reads 'First forget inspiration. Habit is more dependable. Habit will sustain you whether you’re inspired or not. Habit will help you finish and polish your stories. Inspiration won’t. Habit is persistence in practice.']
I think these might actually be the first romance books I’ve ever owned. Like, OFFICIALLY, technically classified “romance” not fantasy-romance or fiction with strong romantic themes, but straight up pulled them off the shelves of the romance section ROMANCE books. They are my first recommendation for romance ALWAYS, but especially at Valentine’s, this is my “yes, as it happens, I DO have a romance rec for you!” Book rec go-to because I’ve never met a series that does steam and historical accuracy and emotionally healthy boundaries to such high standards! And feminism! There are some romance trends I will probably never be able to wrap my head around, and contemporary fiction in any genre is usually my last choice in a line-up of settings, but these magical, pastel, historical romance unicorns are proudly taking their place on my shelf and I’d love to find more like them in my literary wanderings some day… but suffragists finding egalitarian love as they fight for justice in the halls of parliament? What can even compare? #theleagueofextraordinarywomen #eviedunsmore #bringingdowntheduke #arogueofownsown #portraitofascotsman #thegentlemansgambit #historicalromance #historicalromancebooks #smartromance #feministromance #romancerecs #romancebookrecommendations #romancefornonromantics #acreatureofthestacks
I have to be totally honest and tell you that The Gentleman's Gambit didn't work for me. It's the final book (4) in the series so that's kind of sad. I like what this series brought in terms of feminists in the suffragette era fighting for recognition and finding love along the way. My meh can be your yeah! and I hope that's the case for many who read this. Have you had any books not work out yet in 2024 or has it all been good? Many thanks to Piatkus Books for the review copy. AD-PR
Oliver Chow doesn't get down with the patriarchy. When he sees Samantha Billings getting shut down by the powers that be, he steps in to offer his help. He'll be the master carpenter in name so that the System doesn't stop Samantha, but everyone knows who actually runs the carpentry workshop at Drury Lane. Find out how the story evolves from there in The Hellion of Drury Lane! Available on Kindle Unlimited until January 27! #historicalromance #regencyromance #feministromance #kindleunlimitedhistoricalromance #kindleunlimitedhistoricalromances #romancestagram #romancebooks
We read some incredible indie romances in 2023, and we know you did too! Tell us about the romance that made the biggest impression on you last year and tag a friend who reads a lot of indie romance so they can share their favorites with us too. We will share your answer in a post soon! [ID: A graphic pink and purple blocked background with light pink writing that says "what was the best indie romance you read in 2023? Share your recommendations in the comments]
Are you familiar with the term 'golden retriever' in reference to a character? It's been floating around Romancelandia for a while, and we love how it really cuts to the heart of a specific character archetype. Who are your favorite golden retriever characters? Is the an author you think writes them particularly well? We want your recs! [ID: All slides are a pink/purple ombre with white outline writing. 1. Our favorite golden retriever characters, a bullet point list that says: full of energy, chaotic, loyal, eager to please, outgoing. There is a graphic of a yellow dog wagging it's tail joyously. 2. Kitt from Outfield Assist by Cat Giraldo 3. Jordy from So Flocked by Sarah Estep. 4. Ollie from Love on the Byline by Xio Axelrod 5. Will from Rough Around The Hedges by Lish McBride 6. Butch from Not All Himbos Wear Capes by C. Rochelle 7. Ainsley from Parties by CM Nascosta 8. Oliver from Everything For You by Chloe Liese 9. Knox from Stud in the Stacks by Pippa Grant 10. Freddie from Love in the Time of Wormholes by Jess K Hardy]
Did you know that there are different kinds of editing that focus on different aspects of writing? One of the least known and most important is developmental editing. This is a high level, structural edit that focuses on plot structure, character arcs, point of view, voice, and other hard to pin down concepts. Collaborating with a developmental editor helps you build writing skills for the long run while making sure you current story is as strong as it can be. [A pink background with a title and four colored sections reads "Is developmental editing right for you? if any of this rings true, it could be. 1. You are a writer still developing your craft, and you want to collaborate with an expert to build your skills. 2. You haven’t published a book yet and you want your debut to be as strong as possible to start building a loyal reader base. 3. Your writing priority is building effective emotional resonance between your characters and your readers. 4. You can tell something is wrong or missing in your story, but you can’t put your finger on exactly what you need to do to fix it.]
Have you ever read an omegaverse romance before? The subgenre is a particular favorite for a couple of our editors, and in case you don't know much about it yet, here is a guide. See our reading recommendations at the end! [ID 1. Omegaverse repeated five times in different shades of pink on a purple background. 2. Everything you want to know about Omegaverse romance, origins in fanfiction, dynamic social relationships, explostion of online popularity, challenging power dynamics, rapid evolution of tropes, global appeal. 3. Origins in fanfiction. While aspects of omegaverse have been present in various media, they came together in 2010 in multiple Supernatural fanfiction stories, and exploded out into other fandoms, growing and evolving. 4. Dynamic Social Relationships. Most omegaverse feature alphas (dominant and powerful) betas (neutral) and omegas (submissive and calming), with many core aspects coming from more established werewolf lore. Shifters are optional. 5. Explosion of online popularity. In 2023, there are more than 165,000 omegaverse fan works on A03, and over 6,000 omegaverse novels published on Amazon. It is gaining popularity and is starting to enter traditional romance publishing. 6. Controversial Power Dynamics. While the omegaverse can exacerbate problematic traditional gender roles, many authors are using it to challenge and subvert those power dynamics. Sometimes tighter rules create more originality. 7. Rapid Evolution of Tropes. While characters can be any race or gender there are some expectations for omegaverse Knotting, nesting and heats Finding mates through scent External social structures upholding designations. 8. Global appeal. Omegaverse has been embraced worldwide, especially in east Asia, where Japan, Korea, and China all have popular media set in the subgenre. Omegaverse is here to stay. 9. Our favorite indie omegaverse romance novels. Baby and the Late Night Howlers by Kathryn Moon, Dark City Omega by Elizabeth Stephens, The Tyrant Alpha's Rejected Mate by Cate C. Wells.]
Which fan club are you a member of? [ID All slides have a purple and off-white graphic background with hot pink writing in the middle of an off-white circle. 1. slow burn fan club 2. low angst fan club 3. own voices fan club 4. novella fan club 5. open door fan club 6. dark romance fan club 7. book memes fan club 8. trope soup fan club 9. consent king fan club 10. consent queen fan club]
🌹ROSE REPORT🌹 Love, Theoretically Ali Hazelwood “I like to see you. When you’re not trying to be someone else.” 🩷 Elsie is a pathological people pleaser and passionate theoretical physicist 📝. However, her position as an adjunct professor doesn’t pay well and Elsie can hardly afford her medication for Type 1 Diabetes 😰. To make up for the lack of pay in her day job, by night, she offers her services as a fake girlfriend 💃🏼. But finally, Elsie feels like things may be turning around as she interviews for a professorship at MIT. Except, of course, until she finds out that one of the experimental physicists on the hiring committee is the one and only Jonathan Turner-Smith 🫠. Turner-Smith once wrote a fake article on theorists and embarrassed them all when it actually got published, therefore adding to the rivalry between the theorists and experimentalists 😠. But it gets worse. Jonathan Turner-Smith turns out to be Jack Smith, the older brother of Elsie’s favorite client who has always been suspicious of her intentions. But, as the two are inevitably forced to spend time together, Elsie doesn’t know what face to put on for Jack 🎭. She’s so used to reading people and giving them the version of her she thinks they want, but with Jack, it seems like all he wants is her true self. And, despite her feelings for what he did with his article all those years ago, it just MIGHT be possible she could be falling for him 👀. As with all of Ali Hazelwood’s STEMinist 🧪🩵🔬 novels, I adored this! Hazelwood’s humor never fails to make me laugh and the romance and spice is always top tier 😌. If you’re looking for an unputdownable, feminist, humorous, steamy read, look no further 😍. 🥀ROSE THEMES🥀 ❤️Red: Rivalry, Competition, Romance, Smut, Passion, Enemies To Lovers 🩷Pink: Humor, Happiness 💜Purple: Feminism, Intelligence 💙Blue: Secret, Longing, Ultimate Desire 🤍White: Blooming Romance, Truth, Hope For The Future ✨QOTD: Have you read any books by Ali Hazelwood? 🩷🧬 If not, what’s a contemporary romance you love? 🩵
Curious about whether you should read Stiff? Here’s your answer. If none of these are true for you, then move along. There are other books for you 😉 #inanimateobjectromance #feministromance #readromance #romancebookrecs
Happy 2024! Popping out of the writing cave to inform you that The Hellion and The Hero e-book is 1.99 across all platforms for a limited time! It features: 💖 A boss bitch widowed viscountess 💖 A disillusioned naval hero turned PI 💖 Mutual hate crushes ❤️🔥 💖 ‘What happens in Monte Carlo stays in Monte Carlo’ Enjoy!! #historicalromance #romancebooks #booksale #victorianromance #thehellionandthehero #feministromance #emilysullivan #readforeverpub #romancestagram #kissingbooks #romancenovels #kindledeal #kindledeals
I just finished reading To Write a Wrong by Jen Turano, and what a read! I enjoyed the concept of A. A writer, B. A female writer, and C. A female writer in the Gilded Age! It had messages on women's rights (but was not preach-y), along with courage, praying, and God answering our prayers (also without getting preach-y). There was just plain silliness the plot and characters had as they went through one shenanigan after another, which left me smiling, grinning, or laughing. This has to be one of my favorite Jen Turano books yet! To see further likes--and some dislikes--on the novel, check out the review you can find under the Linktree on my profile! Have you read To Write a Wrong, or any books that seem similar? What were your thoughts? #bookstagram #bookworm #book #booklover #booklovers #bookshelf #reading #reading #read #bookhaul #bookhoarder #goodreads #goodread #goodreading #review #bookreview #bookreviewer #towriteawrong #jenturano #gildedage #historicalfiction #historicalfictionbooks #historicalfictionnovel #historicalfictionromance #feministromance
Share one thing you appreciate about your favorite indie author and tag them in the comments. Let's all spread the love! [ID: A Purple and light pink graphic line motif is the background for a hot pink square that reads "Celebrating Independent Authors. We love their innovative storytelling, risk taking, and diverse voices. Tag your favorite indie author in the comments below! Let's all share our love and appreciation for their talent and hard work.
One of the best things about indie romance is that so many people are able to write about their lived experience without having to filter it through a big publishing house first. The most inclusive and sensitive romance novels show the world around us in it's diverse glory, full of happily ever after's for everyone. Swipe for five tips about writing neurodiverse characters, and three books we recommend by indie authors. [ID: 1. A pink scribbled heart on a purple background with the words "A Writer's Key to inclusive characters: unlocking the power of love. 2. Two pink hearts on a purple background with the words "Neurodiverse Characters 1. Write from your experience for max authenticity 2. If not, do your research, and talk to real people 3. Portray unique individuals, not cliches 4. Research respectful and inclusive language 5. Pay sensitivity readers for their emotional labor. 3. A purple background with multiple pink heart outlines "Juicy Details Recommends Neurodiverse Characters by Indie Authors" with three books, 10 Trends to Seduce Your Best Friend by Penny Reid, Always Only You by Chloe Liese, and Ewe Complete Me by Susannah Nix]
Part two of our community recommendations for BIPOC authors with holiday or winter romances!
Part one of the wonderful community recommendations of BIPOC authors with holiday romances!
A top 10 of 2023 and an all time favorite book, I can’t believe I forgot to post this! Thank you for writing my favorite books @rlynn_solomon , you are incredible! . . . #yalit #nalit #romance #enemiestolovers #bookstagram #bookreviewer #booktoker #romcombooks #jewishromance #rachellynnsolomon #todaytonighttomorrow #seattlebooks #feministromance #yaromance #naromance #newadult #5star #5starbook #onebookedbabe
We were putting together a holiday trope post list and haven't read as many written by BIPOC authors as we'd like, so we need your help! Recommend your favorites in the comments, and let's all diversify our holiday shelves together! [ID. A purple and pink graphic with a book watermark that says "What are your favorite holiday romances by BIPOC Authors? Share your recommendations in the comments!]
Friday rant! 🤣🤣 “I’m a feminist, but…” and “the feminist in me 💀 every time…” Every single time I read these phrases from the female character in a book because they like to be dominated or they want their partner to take charge, or whatever, I huff to myself. Because it isn’t feminism that’s stopping them, it’s actually their own prejudices about who they think they should be and what they feel they should like which is the issue. Feminism is about the freedom to choose and the ability to be who you are without society having expectations on you because of your gender. In fact you could say those phrases are anti feminist. If you want to be with a partner who takes control of you in the bedroom, that’s your choice to make. As long as it’s your choice! So let’s stop blaming feminism unnecessarily, because it’s not your enemy. It’s the thing which gives you the freedom to make that choice. 💜 Rant over!! For now. (Just don’t get me started on the ‘romance books aren’t feminist’ argument. Then I’ll really get going!) 🤣😬 ❤️🔥❤️🔥💜❤️🔥❤️🔥 #romancebooks #bookstagrammer #feminisminromance #feministromance #feminismischoice #romancereader
MAEVE IN THE MORNING is only $.99 for a limited time! #womensfiction #womensfictionwriters #enemiestolovers #enemiestoloversbooks #writersofinstagram #authorsofinstagram #strongheroine #smartheroine #feministromance #amreading #amwriting
💪 Let’s make our voices heard! I will donate 100% of my proceeds from book sales on Tuesday, December 12 to the American Civil Liberties Union @aclu_nationwide, an organization that protects access to abortion, voting rights, and trans justice. Spread the word, and let’s make a difference. #romancebooks #feministromance #historicalromance
very so often an author comes along who you REALLY want to hate because they are so goddamned talented and smart and delightful to look at. If only @evietheauthor wasn’t also generous and genuine and a pleasure to engage with. Damn you Evie, we could have been archenemies! Instead, I am one of her biggest fans. I have been WAITING for this book but have been a good person and not entered any of the contests so I can read the book along with everyone else. If you haven’t pre-ordered THE GENTLEMAN’S GAMBIT (and if you don’t know why pre-orders are important I will do a post on that pretty soon) then GET THEE TO A BOOKSELLER and buy it today. Don’t just listen to me —actually I know most of you don’t listen to me and you have excellent judgement. If THE @juliaquinnauthor loves Evie’s work, then you know it is amazing! #happypubday #bookbirthday #pubday #newrelease #newbooks #newbookalert #romancebooks #romancereadersofinstagram #historicalromance #historicalromancebooks #Victorianromance #feministromance #romancelandia #forcedproximity #oppositesattract #EvieDunmore #TheGentlemansGambit
Get ready to laugh your pants off with "A Feminist Romance Novel Podcast!" Hold on, Buckaroo, for a hilarious twist on romance novels that challenges stereotypes and celebrates feminism. Go get some spare pants and join the laughter! January 2024 #FemRomPod #FeministRomance Image Description: Close up on a cowboy belt buckle. Fingers pointing suggestively at a stylized #FemRomPod
YES, this is HAPPENING! This arc of my snappy romcom Olympus Inc. series will finish in early Jan with Hera Takes Charge, so I am making the Persephone in Bloom ebook FREE for a limited time across all e-retailers! Link in the bio! #bookstagram #freebook #grumpysunshine #agegap #hefallsfirst #workplaceromance #feministromance #bodypositive #inclusive