Romance Recs

Jordan and Devonnie are joined by the always witty stars of Paperback Pleasures Podcast, Romy and Annabel. With a combined total of 481 new books read this year there was a lot to unpack and recommend. This episode covers not only their favorite book of the year (yes peer pressure did ensure choices were made), but also favorite scenes, new authors, hottest reads, biggest plot twists, and more! It's a lengthy episode so buckle in because it's well worth the ride. And don't forget those chapter markers if you're looking for something specific.  "Paperback Pleasures is an award-winning podcast dedicated to de-stigmatizing romance literature and female sexuality. In each episode, lifelong best friends Romy and Annabel take turns highlighting romance novels, unpacking a genre historically underestimated due mainly to its link with female pleasure." https://tr.ee/c8O1EP2Zii https://paperbackpleasures.com/ https://www.instagram.com/paperback_pleasures_books/ Send us a text Support the show https://substack.com/@romancerecspodcast https://www.instagram.com/romancerecspod/ https://www.threads.net/@romancerecspod

If you love listening to your romance books or you've been interested in trying out audiobooks and don't know where to start this is the episode for you! Jordan and Devonnie share their favorite listens and discuss their favorite voice actors.  *There were some technical difficulties while recording so our audio in this episode sounds a bit different than all our others. We apologize for the lower quality and will be back to our clear sounding selves soon.  Send us a text Support the show https://substack.com/@romancerecspodcast https://www.instagram.com/romancerecspod/ https://www.threads.net/@romancerecspod

Jordan and Devonnie interview with the #1 New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author, Rachel Van Dyken. Rachel has almost two HUNDRED books published already. From regency to thrillers she has an extensive catalog to choose from. Her latest release, Fallen Gods, comes out December 2nd! Fallen Gods is dark academia meets Norse mythology all set in our current world. Listen wherever you get your podcasts tomorrow to hear all about how Rachel took these legends and put her own unique twist on them. More about Rachel Van Dyken: https://rachelvandykenauthor.com/ Pre-order Fallen Gods: https://www.entangledpublishing.com/books/fallen-gods Send us a text Support the show https://substack.com/@romancerecspodcast https://www.instagram.com/romancerecspod/ https://www.threads.net/@romancerecspod

This week's episode is full of tension, forced proximity, and secret pining. Jordan and Devonnie have their top 5 marriage of convenience romance recommendations for you, plus bonus recs if you still haven't had enough!  Marriage of convenience in romance is when two characters (usually two who can't stand each other) agree to get married for a previously agreed upon amount of time to fulfill some kind of requirement. These can range from keeping citizenship, meeting a stipulation to receive an inheritance, or improving their public image. The agreements create forced proximity and a whole lot of sexual tension! And who doesn't love a good "My Wife" moment?! Send us a text Support the show https://substack.com/@romancerecspodcast https://www.instagram.com/romancerecspod/ https://www.threads.net/@romancerecspod

This one is for fans of Amber V. Nicole's Gods and Monsters series. In part two of a three part deep dive, Jordan and Devonnie recap the entirety of "The Thorne of Broken Gods" in preparation for the latest installment- The Wrath of the Fallen (out October 28th, 2025).  *This episode is FULL of spoilers for The Throne of Broken Gods and some spoilers through book 3.  **Part 1 is already out and be sure to subscribe to the substack for access to part 3. Send us a text Support the show https://substack.com/@romancerecspodcast https://www.instagram.com/romancerecspod/ https://www.threads.net/@romancerecspod

For fans of Amber V. Nicole's Gods and Monsters series. In part one of a three part deep dive, Jordan and Devonnie recap the entire The Book of Azrael in preparation for the latest installment- The Wrath of the Fallen (out October 28th, 2025).  *This episode is FULL of spoilers for The Book of Azrael and some spoilers through book 3.  **Part 2 will be out later this week and be sure to subscribe to the substack for access to part 3. Send us a text Support the show https://substack.com/@romancerecspodcast https://www.instagram.com/romancerecspod/ https://www.threads.net/@romancerecspod

Jordan and Devonnie are back to bring you their most anticipated trope: Shadow Daddies. These are morally grey, brooding, possesive, weidlers of shadow magic who usually are only soft for the women they love. You've probably heard the term "shadow daddy" when readers describe popular characters like Xaden from Fourth Wing, Dorian Havilliard from Throne of Glass and Azriel from ACOTAR. But these MMC's are only the beginning to what a fictional man can do with their shadows.  Send us a text Support the show https://www.instagram.com/romancerecspod/ https://www.threads.net/@romancerecspod https://substack.com/@romancerecspodcast

Welcome back to Romance Recs for season three! Devonnie and Jordan are here to re-introduce themselves and what to expect for season three. Full of romance book recommendations broken down by genre and tropes, deep dives, and even author interviews, this season is sure to be the best yet! So whether you've been here from the beginning or are just discovering the highly entertaining bookish banter that is Romance Recs, buckle up! Send us a text Support the show https://www.instagram.com/romancerecspod/ https://www.threads.net/@romancerecspod https://substack.com/@romancerecspodcast

Devonnie and Jordan chat with the infamous, the hilarious, the incredibly talented, the absolute bombshell, New York Times Bestselling Author of Assistant to the Villain- Hannah Nicole Maehrer! Hannah shares her current reading obsession, the whirlwind of becoming a trad author, and shares as much as she can about Accomplice to the Villain (out August 5th). Jordan shares a favorite quote from the new title and shares reactions to Hannah's latest master class in romantasy comedy. You can find Hannah at: https://beacons.ai/hannahnicole?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaePkCi5VrQmqjDGY9fkawLy2z8IQ5NctEcuRI3mAfpqhsFYQ6-r_Ruo08ugIg_aem_ykv4kvOjWj0Eh9u82vfmIA Send us a text Support the show https://www.instagram.com/romancerecspod/ https://www.threads.net/@romancerecspod

Join Jordan, Devonnie, and Christina as they close out season two. They feature TEN friends to lovers romance books by trad and indie authors. If you love your romance full of heavy pining, years of suppressed feelings, and involve a healthy amount of jealousy you're sure to find your next read here! Although this is the end of the formal season, we'll be bringing you more interviews and events this summer before coming back with exciting changes next fall! So make sure you're subscribed and follow us over on IG and Threads.  Send us a text Support the show https://www.instagram.com/romancerecspod/ https://www.threads.net/@romancerecspod

Devonnie leads Jordan and Christina through an episode featuring her favorite romance trope: pregnancy. The pregnancy trope is where one of the main characters is pregnant at some point during the book. This hotly debated trope is often divisive in the romance book community. Whether you love or hate this trope we encourage you to give it a chance. From part dragon babies, omegaverse births, surprise pregnancy in a throuple, to sweet contemporary love stories there are a wide range of books discussed this week. You won't want to miss the conversations that come from these recs.  Send us a text Support the show https://www.instagram.com/romancerecspod/ https://www.threads.net/@romancerecspod

Dearest Listener, Your presence is formally requested while Jordan and Devonnie explore the classic and popular genre of Historical Romance.  You've surely heard of titles such as Pride & Predjudice by Jane Austen, The Duke and I by Julia Quinn, and Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. And while classics for a reason, the romance novels explored in this spicy podcast are sure to have you clutching your pearls and deviate from traditional stereotypes. If you're looking for magic, queer love, and greater representation in your historical reads, this is the episode for you! Send us a text Support the show https://www.instagram.com/romancerecspod/ https://www.threads.net/@romancerecspod

We prefer our billionaires fictional and written by women. Devonnie and Jordan discuss the most extravagant of tropes; billionaire romance. There are marraige contracts, high end male escorts, lavish gifts, and even some ancienct paranormal money being thrown around in these recs. No matter your tax bracet, you're sure to find your next read.  Send us a text Support the show https://www.instagram.com/romancerecspod/ https://www.threads.net/@romancerecspod

Devonnie and Jordan chat with indie author Lizzie B. Brown. They chat Lizzie's latest reads, her tops romance recs, and all her unruly characters.  Lizzie writes romance that features highly entertaining characters and all the smut you could hope for! Her latest title, Obedience Vol. 2 comes out April 5th, 2025. Until then check out Friendsgiving With Benefits, Coming For Christmas, and Obedience Vol.1. If that's not enough check out her Patreon for exclusives and whole new stories.  https://www.lizziebbrown.com/ https://www.instagram.com/lizzie_b_brown/ https://www.patreon.com/LizzieBBrown Send us a text Support the show https://www.instagram.com/romancerecspod/ https://www.threads.net/@romancerecspod

Devonnie, Christina, and Jordan are all here for this episode to give you 13 romance recommendations featuring the "Fake Dating" trope!  The "Fake Dating" trope is when two characters start out by pretending to be in a relationship to achieve certain goals; like cleaning up one's reputation or making an ex jealous. This trope is full of denial, secret pining, chaos, drama, and lots of romantic tension! There's something for every romance reader in this chaotic episode full of book banter and romance recs. Send us a text Support the show https://www.instagram.com/romancerecspod/ https://www.threads.net/@romancerecspod

Devonnie and Christina chat with author N. Caceres. Hear all about her latest release, A Debt of Shattered Hope. A dark fantasy romance where the fae are depraved and the female main character can't keep her mouth shut to save her life. Learn all about Caceres's  experience writing erotic horror, hear her latest romance recommendations, and all the awe-inspiring future projects yet to come.  https://www.instagram.com/authorncaceres/ https://authorncaceres.com/ https://authorncaceres.carrd.co/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZp_dAFj1_qljJVPcpUft6WFzEbcGsB_xwpQXksMgK_vg6sB80HOLnBuvA_aem_lTmH1nsYgIvWUuoccJ1EHQ Send us a text Support the show https://www.instagram.com/romancerecspod/ https://www.threads.net/@romancerecspod

This week Devonnie and Jordan discuss small town romance recommendations. Small town is a subgenre of romance where the town plays a significant role in the story. Think nosy neighbors, town gossips, and local wildlife that terrorize the locals. You'll find everything from sweet connections to bully romance in these recs.  Send us a text Support the show https://www.instagram.com/romancerecspod/ https://www.threads.net/@romancerecspod

Romantasy (or romantic fantasy) is such a big genre that we had to do a part two! Devonnie, Christina, and Jordan bring you their latest fantasy heavy reads. You'll find fae, shifters, and magic of all kinds staring in these recommendations. Maybe you're feeling the book hangover from books like Onyx Storm or Heat Of The Everflame? We're here to help! Send us a text Support the show https://www.instagram.com/romancerecspod/ https://www.threads.net/@romancerecspod

Jordan, Devonnie, & Christina share their favorite romance recommendations centered around characters that lead a life of crime. These heroines often find themselves in tricky situations with dangerous men who will do anything for them. You'll find love in the Mafia, Yakuza, Motorcycle Clubs, the Bratva, and more! If you like reading about morally grey bad boys who burn the world for their love, then we've got your next read! Because in these stories, crime really does pay. Send us a text Support the show https://www.instagram.com/romancerecspod/ https://www.threads.net/@romancerecspod

Devonnie and Jordan chat with New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of The Kindred's Curse Saga, Penn Cole.  Penn shares her journey of landing her dream trad deal, being a fantasy romance fan, attempts to convert us to team Henri (iykyk), and she shares an EXCLUSIVE QUOTE FROM BURN 😱. It’s definitely one that will send you into a theory spiral! If you haven’t caught up on her series yet, you can still listen. Just skip the chapters marked *spoilers* to avoid any major spoilers. You can find Penn Cole at: https://www.penncole.com/ https://www.instagram.com/AuthorPennCole Send us a text Support the show https://www.instagram.com/romancerecspod/ https://www.threads.net/@romancerecspod