Claim OwnershipRomance Book Review Podcast
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© 2022 Romance Book Review Podcast
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Like romance novels? Want to find your next great read? Or maybe you just want to hear one person's opinion on if they liked the book or not? Join Heidi. Heidi doesn't hold back. Heidi expects romance novel's to be great books and she expects authors to create compelling characters. Come hear her thoughts and breakdown of what she's reading.Each book will get an overview of the plot and it's steaminess level, and some books she will also have a spoiler section - easily marked with music so it can be skipped - where she discusses some plot elements she may have loved, or found problematic with the story in greater depth. All reviews are based on a 10 point scale judging: characters, romance, plot, climax, pacing, dialogue, world building, mechanics, overall impression, and authorial voice. Heidi's tastes are mostly paranormal, contemporary and a smattering of historical romance. She reads some erotica and there's always fodder for what is erotica, and what is romance, with some erotica getting discussed.
49 Episodes
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Heidi talks about a book from 1984! Exit to Eden by Anne Rice. She starts the podcast talking about Anne Rice and Interview with a Vampire and The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty Trilogy and, unfortunately, a few things in this book that are content offensive and cannot be ignored. She then discusses that this book is in first person point of view and some of her thoughts on first person vs. third person.At the thirty minute mark she summarizes the book and then goes into her review. This is a pretty long and juicy podcast! Come join!Books mentioned by Anne Rice/ A.N RoquelaureInterview with a VampireThe Claiming of Sleeping BeautySupport the show (https://paypal.me/romancebookreviewpod)
Whelp this podcast was quite a ride. Heidi finished the entire review, then realized that this series follows the same hero and heroine (Elena and Raphael) over multiple books! So she added some additional commentary into the podcast for you (and it answered some of her questions too!)This series features a Guild Hunter - Elena, who hunts vampires, and Raphael an Archangel when he hires her for a job. Heidi discusses her initial impressions of this different and immersive world of Singh's, her thoughts on the romance, and what she thinks has to happen to have a satisfactory happy ever after.Support the show (https://paypal.me/romancebookreviewpod)
A nontraditional podcast where Heidi discusses a BDSM light series - the Zandian Masters (8 Book series total and Heidi discusses Books 1, 2, 5, and 6) by Renee Rose and a similar series (alien breeder, fated mate, no BDSM) The Commanders Captive. She does not do the 10 point system for these books as they are all short books and the Zandian series is erotica. She does give her Amazon star rating though and does a character/overall breakdown. It's a fun, if short, dive into the alien/human genre. Heidi has some pro/cons to discuss with you. Books Discussed:Zandian Masters Series by Renee RoseHis Human Slave: An Alien Warrior Romance Book 1His Human Prisoner: An Alien Warrior Romance Book 2His Human Vessel: An Alien Warrior Romance Book 5Her Mate and Master: An Alien Warrior Romance Book 6The Commander's Captive: An Alien Breeder Romance The House of Kaimar Book 1 by Miranda BridgesSupport the show (https://paypal.me/romancebookreviewpod)
Heidi goes back to her favorite Nora Roberts book Face the Fire, the third book in The Three Sisters Island Trilogy from 1997. Was it as good as she remembered? How does Nora's writing back in 1997 compare to her writing today? (Continuing the analysis from Part 1 in the Nora Podcast series)? Come find out! Support the show (https://paypal.me/romancebookreviewpod)
In this Part 1 of a 2 Part Nora Roberts Review, Heidi returns to Nora Roberts exploring a recent Paranormal Trilogy - The Guardians Trilogy, reading Book 1 The Stars of Fortune, which came out in 2015. This book takes place in a stunning location, with some pretty cool characters (and one that Heidi hates and she probably takes more time than she ought explaining why) with a fast pace and excellent action. Heidi reviews the book and gives you her thoughts. Nora is a master for a reason. Heidi once read every book Nora wrote voraciously, then stopped for a long span of time, and she explains why. She was interested in returning to Nora's Paranormal series to see if she could reconnect to the things she loved about Nora.In Part 2 - Heidi is going to explore an old favorite to see if she still loves it. The Ratings:Heidi uses a 1-10 system with 10 as the best. Each of the following categories can get a point: characters, romance, plot, climax, pacing, dialogue, world building, mechanics, overall impression, and authorial voice. She did give one book a 0.Books mentioned in the podcast:The Name of the Wind - by Patrick RothfussThe Dragon Heart Legacy - Books 1 and 2- The Awakening, and The Becoming by Nora RobertsFace the Fire - Book 3 of the Three Sisters Island Trilogy by Nora Roberts (Featured in a future podcast) Support the show (https://paypal.me/romancebookreviewpod)
Hot Alpha dragon male who has something from his horde stolen by the mysterious heroine, Pia. What is her secret? How long does it take him to track her down and find her? Why does the dark fae want them dead? Find all this out and Heidi's reaction to the book!New format includes:~Author biography~Overview of the book -no spoilers~Heidi's Loves~Heidi's Gripes~What Heidi would have said if she were the Editor~Heidi's ten point scale~Spoiler Section Support the show (https://paypal.me/romancebookreviewpod)
After reading Grace Goodwin's first book in her Interstellar Brides series Assigned a Mate for her last book review podcast, Heidi decided to give Grace Goodwin another chance with this book The First Starfighter. Heidi is a lifelong gamer, and the idea that a sexy videogame character was real and would come to your front door to take you away-uh hello Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher you can take Heidi away anytime-really appealed to her. (The Witcher was a book series made into a video game series before it became the Netflix show and Henry Cavill is a gamer and he played it...drool). The first ten minutes of this podcast, Heidi talks about story narrative using two popular streaming shows out right now as examples - The Squid Game and Only Murders in the Building. This podcast dives a bit deeper into story developmental editing than other podcasts for you writers out there. Come find out if this book got a higher score than Assigned a Mate!Support the show (https://paypal.me/romancebookreviewpod)
Heidi discusses the report she received about an author bullying other authors, and the offensive social media post she saw a few days ago. This is a quick, extra podcast this week. Be prepared for some fireworks.Support the show (https://paypal.me/romancebookreviewpod)
Heidi talks about Grace Goodwin's Assigned a Mate. It's described as an erotic romance with a lot of spanking and it delivers. But does Heidi like it? This is a hugely popular series with 21(!) books in it but this first book is about heroine, Eva, needing to go undercover into space for protection from the mob while she waits to provide testimony in court. She needs to seem like an actual "bride" in the brides in space program and she's paired with the Hero Tark. Our story goes from there!Heidi does the 10 point rating system and then the spoiler section.Support the show (https://paypal.me/romancebookreviewpod)
If you're interested in reading Omegaverse, Heidi guides you down the knotty path with 5 selections to wet your appetite and help you figure out what you might like. These key five cover the sweeter side, and toe into the darker side so you can see what appeals to you. Heidi thinks these are a great introduction to anyone wanting to start, or wanting to continue, their journey.1. Choosing her Alpha -Isoellen2. The Knotted Book Series - Laxmi Hariharan3. Hired for Heat by Leann Ryan4. The Golden Line by Addison Cain5. Feral Trilogy by Nora AshThen Heidi discusses more books in sweetverse, the gray side of dark, and DARK!Sweetverse:Without dark themes, or an Alpha that gets too Alpha-holeish, these Omegaverse fill that romance need!1. Leann Ryan - The entire Hired series2. Hannah Haze - Author3. Laxmi Hariharan - Fae's Claim Series4. Milana Jacks - Alpha Breeds Series5. Callie Rhodes - Boundarylands SeriesReverse Harem - Baby and the Late Night Howlers by Kathryn MoonM/M = Feral a M-PREG gay erotic by Lily HaremGray:Getting into the darker side of things with dubious consent, but still finding redemption in the Alpha.1. Isoellen - Her Broken Alpha and Finding her Luck2. Zoey Ellis - A Tainted Claim - the Beholden DuetDARK:Tougher Alphas to like, possibly an Alpha you may never like or who may not get redeemed or change through the course of the book. Trigger material like rape. Possible non consensual sex. Alphas that aren't as easy to like. Societies that treat omegas in ways that can be tough to handle. 1. Alison Aimes - Ruthless King - A Dark Mafia Omegaverse Fated Mate Romance 2. Merel Pierce - The Sacred Omegas - December Book 13. L.V. Lane4. Addison Cain - Born to be Bound TrilogySupport the show (https://paypal.me/romancebookreviewpod)
Last year Heidi recorded a podcast to guide you through omegaverse, a subgenre of paranormal romance she'd just discovered. A year later - she's just as excited about it, but realized that she missed discussing a whole heck of a lot, and she knows a lot more about the evolution of this exciting new world.First she's going to discuss what to expect in any omegaverse book you pick up. There's unique sex here so be prepared! (Or intrigued!) No pearl clutching in this podcast. You've been warned! Then, she'll talk about four branches she's broken down and how they differ.1. Male/male omegaverse2. The dark side of omegaverse3. The sweetverse - the sweet side4. Reverse haremThis is Part I of a 2 Part Podcast. In Part 2 she will be the Virgil to your Dante as she gives you a map to help you dive into books to figure out what themes and types of omegaverse you may like. She'll give you quick snapshots of many different books to wet your appetite and help you choose. If you're already a fan, maybe you'll find some new authors!Two omegaverse facebook groups mentioned:Omegaverse Readers UniteMonsters, Demons, & Knotting, Oh my!Books Mentioned:Born to Be Bound by Addison Cain Support the show (https://paypal.me/romancebookreviewpod)
Morning Glory Milking Farm: A Monster Bait Romance (Cambric Creek Sweet and Steam Romance #1) by C.M. Nascosta is a Minotaur hero and human female. Yes, you read that right, it is a ROMANCE with a minotaur hero. And before you stop reading - this book is a delight and it's all over the FB groups because it is surprising everyone with both the sweetness of its romance and the hilarity of "milking" of minotaurs. Come find out more in the podcast.Also mentioned in this podcast - Heidi discusses some other books she has been reading this summer:1. The Lantern Men by Ellie Griffiths and Night Hawks by Ellie Griffiths. This a mystery series with a central romance and Heidi discusses her thoughts.2. Heidi tried to read Book 3 in the Kristen Callihan VIP series Fall (the book after Managed, a book she loved and which has an entire podcast about) and couldn't get past chapter 3. Come find out why. Support the show (https://paypal.me/romancebookreviewpod)
Heidi returns to the Omegaverse to discuss two titles:1. The Sacred Omegas Book 1 - December by Merel Pierce2. The Ruthless King A Dark Mafia Omegaverse Romance by Alison AimesShe provides an overview of both books including the dark themes so that readers can decide if these books are for them or not. Both books are popular in the Omegaverse genre. Heidi thinks that the first 25% of the Merel Pierce book has some of the best Alpha/Omega dynamics for new to the genre readers to help explain how they relate to each other and she is excited to share why she feels that way. For those dipping their toe into this genre, or just interested in hearing more about it, come over to the knotty side! (If you read Omegaverse, you'll get this joke. If you don't, listen to the first Omegaverse podcast Heidi did last fall - she explains knotting in this genre). The beginning of the podcast she also briefly discusses why she hasn't started Sally Thorne's new romance, and she also goes over a few key terms of Omegaverse M/F romances (heat and slick) and her personal viewpoints on them. Support the show (https://paypal.me/romancebookreviewpod)
Heidi discovered Angela Knight when she read about writing that Angela wrote (referenced below). In her book about writing, Angela used her own work to provide examples about things she was discussing. Heidi loved her paranormal/science fiction romances so much that she purchased them immediately. In Jane's Warlord - Baran Arvid travels backwards in time to save Jane's life and defeat a time jumping serial killer. He has to be with Jane 24/7 as the serial killer is able to jump to her at any moment. Despite how hot he is, he likes her to obey his orders and that's a bit of a tough pill to swallow. Except... in the bedroom. The sex scenes jump off the page, the action is part investigation/part action and is fast moving and intense. One of the best plots Heidi has read in a while. There is a reason this book won a ton of awards in 2004. The science fiction in this book will blow you away with its creativity. At minute 45 Heidi discusses the sexy thesaurus - why it is so difficult to find good words to use for the female anatomy, yet not so hard for male parts. Minute 50, she ends with talking about the Mageverse Book 1 Vampire book which had the first chapter in the back of Jane's Warlord and most likely will be reviewed soon!Also - if you like this book, Angela has werewolf and vampire books! Reviews coming soon!Books mentioned in the podcast:Master of the Moon by Angela Knight - Werewolf/Elf King bookMaster of the Knight by Angela Knight - Vampire/Witch book and Book 1 of the Mageverse seriesPassionate Ink by Angela KnightSupport the show (https://paypal.me/romancebookreviewpod)
Heidi wants to talk about two books this week she didn't finish - but for two very different reasons. 1. The first book - The Golden Dynasty by Kristen Ashley a fantasy romance was due to two problems. Her frustration that the authors made up fantasy language was never translated, so you never knew what the hero was saying. EVER! (A translator shows up but she isn't there very much!) And the heroine was about as interesting as a dish rag. (Also the author made some interesting choices about the Hero at the start of the book... more on that in the pod.)If you don't want the snark, starting at minute 19 - 2. A Lady of Rooksgrave Manor by Kathryn Moon is a Reverse Harem. Heidi tried this genre, knowing it isn't her thing. This book is really great, but Heidi just can't do RH. She wanted to talk about it anyway because those of you that like RH, might really like this book! This is a positive review, just not Heidi's thing. She fell in love with one of the guys and that was it, it was too hard to read about the heroine with the others. Support the show (https://paypal.me/romancebookreviewpod)
The Duke Undone by Joanna Lowell has a fantastic heroine that drives the novel and keeps you wanting more to see her get her happy ever after. She's a starving artist trying to make her mark in a school that won't let her paint from life. Why can't women in the 1800s have live, naked male models? It's really stifling her creative process. So when she comes across a naked man in the alley, well, she takes a good look. Heidi definitely would have taken a good look too. For the sake of art of course!Since he's super hot, it gets burned in her brain and she paints him. Her finest work. And since she needs the money, she has to sell it. As he's a duke (unknown to her), his face is recognized and hijinks ensue from there. Heidi describes her reaction to this fun tale. She loved Lucy, the heroine and the initial beginning of the novel was fun and made her laugh. It didn't quite keep that same tone throughout, although Lucy was a delight and a treasure the entire book. Come and find out why. The Duke Undone by Joanna LowellHeidi uses a 1-10 system with 10 as the best. Each of the following categories can get a point: characters, romance, plot, climax, pacing, dialogue, world building, mechanics, overall impression, and authorial voice.Support the show (https://paypal.me/romancebookreviewpod)
Christine Feehan is well known for her vampire Carpathian Dark Series, but she also has a Shifter series with the first full book being Wild Rain. Heidi explores the author and her lush rainforest world. She questions some decisions, discusses the books cover picture of the hero - spoiler alert, may be the worst one she's ever seen, and gives her overall Heidi rating on this 2004 foray into Shifter world. The Ratings:Heidi uses a 1-10 system with 10 as the best. Each of the following categories can get a point: characters, romance, plot, climax, pacing, dialogue, world building, mechanics, overall impression, and authorial voice.Books Mentioned:Dark Prince - Carpathian SeriesSupport the show (https://paypal.me/romancebookreviewpod)
Rarely does Heidi review two books in the same series back to back but she enjoyed Prisoner (last weeks podcast) so much she moved on to the next book in the series. This series has excellent male POV and this book does not disappoint here! The Hero is fantastic, full of angst, a real troubled soul who changes and grows in a way that will tug at your heart.Heidi does have issues with the choices made with the Heroine and she describes the book as seeming like two different books. One when you are reading the Hero's POV, and one when you are reading the Heroine's POV. It makes for a spicy podcast this week!The Ratings:Heidi uses a 1-10 system with 10 as the best. Each of the following categories can get a point: characters, romance, plot, climax, pacing, dialogue, world building, mechanics, overall impression, and authorial voice.Support the show (https://paypal.me/romancebookreviewpod)
Yes the captive "prisoner" does make the hero and her "jailor" aroused while performing a heist in a library to steal some blueprints by talking about filing systems. Prisoner is a great read. A captive heroine trope, a revenge trope, it busts out of these genres by being really darn good and really well written. The hero is really sexy, and Heidi's favorite part is the first ten chapters or so when the heroine is working in the prison getting the prisoners to share their memoirs and there is a lot of chemistry between the heroine and hero and it is all look but no touch. Come find out why.She discusses that this book does contain a dubious consent scene that in her opinion, doesn't really fit in this book and detracts from the overall surprising and strongly moving romance. This book surprised Heidi. Come find out why, and what rating she gave it.Support the show (https://paypal.me/romancebookreviewpod)
Beverly Jenkins novel Rebel is Book One in the 'Women Who Dare' series, book two just came out in Feb 2021! This book features Valinda Lacey our heroine, and Drake LeVeq an AMAZING hero, in Reconstruction era New Orleans. Beverly Jenkins is a MASTER and you need to come and hear why. One hint, she does what she calls 'edutainment' which she describes as teaching while entertaining. You become immersed in the different cultures of New Orleans in this time period so vividly that you won't realize you are learning, you will just see the Quarter, the electric energy of the city, while watching the two characters fall in love. Drake is an incredible hero... romantic, a bit of a pirate, he speaks with a French accent... not much more needs to be said! Article mentioned in the podcast:https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-02-14/bridgerton-series-netflix-diversity-in-historical-romance-novels/13116184Heidi discovered the book Through the Storm is Raimond LeVeq's book (she mentioned that she thought he must have his own)Support the show (https://paypal.me/romancebookreviewpod)
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