Raging Romantics

This is the romance sporting event of the year - that's right, it's TROPE OFF TIME! And what better to do during national month of stuffing yourself silly, than talking about our guiltiest of pleasures? Bookish pleasures, that is. Jen and Jackie submitted tropes, not knowing what the other would say, and now it's time for them to do your favorite thing - ARGUE IT OUT.Questions/comments/concerns/recommendations? Email us at ragingromantics@nopl.org Books we mentionThe Starless Sea by Erin MorgensternLights Out by Navessa AllenCredence by Penelope DouglasThe System by Robert Reich

You don't have to be a football afficionado to appreciate wide receivers in tight pants. Here's some books to appease that appreciation.Questions/comments/concerns/recommendations? Email us at ragingromantics@nopl.org! Tutoring the Delinquent by Jessa KaneThe C*ck Down the Block by Amy AwardFalling Hard by Nichole RoseTreasure State Wildcat series by Devney PerryClose Knit by Kels Stone

Jackie's talked about her enough on the show, it was high time we got LYLA FREAKING SAGE onto Raging Romantics. Grab your Swig, a comfy blankey, and a cowboy to cuddle (a paperback one is perfectly acceptable), and turn it up!Lost & Lassoed is out November 5th and available for preorder wherever you purchase your books. Make sure to also place it on hold or recommend it to your favorite local library! Thank you again to Lyla for taking time out of her busy schedule for sitting down and talking romance Rebel Blue Ranch series by Lyla SageHello Beautiful by Ann NapolitanoAustin Drake @bottlecap.creative

May your Halloween be full of treats with these bonus spooky titles!Stalked by the Wide Receiver by Maya Stratham Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa BroadbentFang Fiction by Kate Stayman London (bonus mention One to Watch)Inkspell by Cornelia FunkeThe Starless Sea by Erin MorgensternThe Woods All Black by Lee MandeloLights Out by Navessa AllenBonus: Raihn fanart by Enchanted Chapters Art

It's a cryptid; of course Jackie wants to talk about it again. That's right, let's get back into werewolves with everything we've learned over the past three years!Books/legends/texts we mentionthe Epic of GilgameshThe Legend of LycaonBeowulfThe Saga of the VolsungsBisclavret by Marie de FranceWilderness by Dennis DanversDead Until Dark by Charlaine HarrisCate C WellsCrave to Conquer by Zoey EllisAddison CainChristine FeehanSherrilyn KenyonBad Dreams in the Night by Adam EllisSilmarillion by JRR Tolkien (sp. the one narrated by Andy Serkis)Other werewolf episodes we've done!#27 Howling For Werewolves#28 Intro to Omegaverse#66 Did They Just Say Mothman Romance? (Cryptids)#35 We Ship It! Fanfiction and Romance Novels#29 Spilling the Tea on Romance Scandals (Omegaverse scandal)

Check out your new favorite book club Between the Covers at the North Syracuse library, every third Thursday of the month! Join us virtually on Zoom, or in person at the library. (See our event calendar at onlib-nopl.libcal.com.Questions/Comments/Concerns/Recommendations? Email us at ragingromantics@nopl.orgBooks we mention:Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver (Ruinous Love Trilogy)Haunting Adeline by HD CarltonBride by Ali HazelwoodSteminist series by Hazelwood

We're so honored to welcome author John Wiswell to the podcast! We talk all things horror, romance, monsters, sexuality, neurodivergence, short fiction, and so. much. more. Go check out John's website for more information about him and his vast array of writings! Questions/comments/concerns/recommendations? Email us at ragingromantics@nopl.org!John can be contacted at:Website: johnwiswell DOT blogspot DOT comE-mail: johncwiswell AT gmail DOT comX: http://twitter.com/Wiswell Instagram: John_Wiswell US cover by JM FennerUK cover by Stephen PlayerJohn Wiswell's work:Someone You Can Build a Nest InSpectrum, an autistic horror anthology"Alligators by Twitter""A Silhouette Against Armageddon" (skeleton)"For Lack of a Bed" (sofa)"The Three O'clock Dragon" (dragon runs for mayor)"A Taste of Justice" (magic dirt - not yet out)Books, authors, works we mentionJRR TolkienAlexandra DumasMark TwainMargaret AtwoodMarlon JamesUncannyClarkesWorldStrange HorizonsGuan Un Locked Tomb trilogy by Tamsyn MuirMurderbot Diaries by Martha WellsRumiko TakahashiTerry PratchettGrendel by John GardnerCirce by Madeline MillerLet the Right One In by John Ajvide LindqvistMongrels by Stephen Grahame JonesClytemnestra Costanza CasatiMedea by Eilish QuinHera by Jennifer SaintDracula by Bram StokerOscar WildeVampire Chronicles by Anne Rice Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby DixonFifty Shades by EL JamesDowry of Blood by ST GibsonDuskwalker Brides series by Opal ReyneCity in Glass by Nghi Vo

It's that time of year- all the cool librarians strap on our superhero capes and dust off our soap boxes to scream about banned books! We may only officially recognize Banned Books Week the last week of September, but let's talk about, read, and celebrate banned and challenged books every single day.Questions/comments/concerns/recommendations? Email us at ragingromantics@nopl.org.Books we mention:Gender Queer by Maia KobabeAll Boys Aren't Blue by George M JohnsonThe Bluest Eye by Toni MorrisonCaptain Underpants by Dav PilkeyAnd Tango Makes Three by Justin RichardsonA Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo by Jill TwissPrince and Knight by Daniel HaackThe Hill We Climb by Amanda GormanSources:"American Library Association reports record number of demands to censor library books and materials in 2022,” American Library Association, March 22, 2023. https://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2023/03/record-book-bans-2022"Book Ban Data", American Library Association, March 20, 2023. https://www.ala.org/bbooks/book-ban-data"American Library Association reports record number of unique book titles challenged in 2023", American Library Association, March 14, 2024. https://www.ala.org/news/2024/03/american-library-association-reports-record-number-unique-book-titles“Let Freedom Read,” Daniel Boone Regional Library, September 25, 2003. https://www.dbrl.org/adults/let-freedom-read“An Author’s Apology” in “Mrs. Warren’s Confession,” George Bernard Shaw, 1902, https://www.gutenberg.org/files/1097/1097-h/1097-h.htm“About” Banned Books Week Coordinator, ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom, 2024. https://bannedbooksweek.org/about/Five Laws of Library Science, S. R. Ranganathan, 1931.

Let's try this again, shall we? Are vampires being resurrected in romancelandia? Or are they back in the coffin? Come along for classic Jackie + Jen hijinks.Questions/comments/concerns/recommendations? Email us at ragingromantics@nopl.org!Fang Fiction by Kate Stayman-LondonOne To WatchAnd I Darken by Kiersten White**Don't Eat Me Chupacabra! by Kyle SullivanDracula by Bram StokerCarmila by J Sheridan Le FanuSmoke Gets in Your Eyes by Caitlin DoughtyCackle by Rachel Harrison So Thirsty by Rachel HarrisonLucy Undying by Kiersten WhiteA Dowry of Blood by ST GibsonVampires of El Norte by Isabel CañasAssistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole MaehrerMistress of Lies by KM EnrightAmish Vampires in Space by Kerry NietzMy Roommate is a Vampire by Jenna LevineReal Vampires series by Gerry BartlettDark Ones series by Katie MacAlisterSookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine HarrisFantasy Lover by Sherrilyn KenyonDark Carpathian by Christine FeehanHouse of Hunger by Alexis HendersonBeautiful Villain by Rebecca KenneyBride by Ali HazelwoodGlimmer Falls series by Sarah HawleySomeone to Build a Nest In by John C. WiswellNoah Kahan - "If We Were Vampires"

Time to crack open the books and jump back in the day to the smell of autumn leaves and anxiety - that's right, it's collegiate romance time!Icebreaker by Hannah Grace (book 1 of the UCMH series)Elle KennedyGirl Abroad by Elle KennedyThe Hook Up by Kristin CallahanNuts by Alice clayton (not collegiate but Jackie got this author mixed up)Letters We Keep by Nisha SharmaGridiron series by Jen Frederick Mistakes Were Made by Meryl WilsnerDon't forget to pop on in (virtually) for book club! October we're reading Bride by Ali Hazelwood. You can join us via zoom, the third Thursday of every month at 630pm EST! Questions/comments/concerns? Email us at ragingromantics@nopl.org.

We have a special treat for you to welcome you back from our hiatus - today we're interviewing booktok phenom, Chelsea Reads! Let's talk all things booktok and make Jen thoroughly confused. Make sure to go check out @Chelseareads on tiktok and @Chelseareads__ on bookstagram!Questions/Comments/suggestions/recommendations? Email us at ragingromantics@nopl.orgBooks/authors/things we mention:Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby DixonFourth Wing by Rebecca YarrosRed Tower booksThe Pairing by Casey McQuistonColleen HooverForked/Spooned by Ruth CardelloAbby JimenezGena ShowalterCM NascostaNora RobertsSophie LarkBloom booksBrynne WeaverThe Hollow God by Alec HutsonLove at a Funeral and Other Awkward Conversations by Sophie Andrew**Jen and I mistakenly used "confirmation bias," when discussing screaming into the Tiktok void. We've since learned that the phenomenon Jackie described is actually called the Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon or the Frequency Illusion, or, yes, the Red Car Theory.

Check in with what Jen and I read (or didn't read) this summer!Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon (out October 15)After the Shut Up Ring by Cate C WellsDark Restraint by Katee RobertTrail of the Lost by Andrea LankfordBeautiful Villain by Rebecca F. KenneyMarriage and Masti by Nisha Sharma

Guess who's back...back again...Did you miss us??? We missed you! Let's jump back into things with a fun episode all about this new sphere of romance that's been appearing on our Kindle Algorithms.Books/Authors we read:Forked by Ruth CardelloUnhinged by Vera ValentineJack by Layla FaeDeviled egg bookTriceratops and Bottoms by Lola FaustChris Tingle booksFantasy Lover by Sherrilyn KenyonAs always, you can email us at ragingromantics@nopl.org with any thoughts/questions/comments/concerns/recommendations. Thanks for coming back to us, and we hope you had an excellent summer!

This June 28th (2024) is the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. In honor of that, here's a re-release of our episode all about queer history, the impact of Stonewall, and queer romance books we love. Featuring friend and fellow librarian, Thomas! Books we mention:Red White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuistonThe God Box by Alex SanchezThe Rainbow trilogy by Alex SanchezCity of Bones by Cassandra ClareHarry Potter by She Who Shall Not Be AcknowledgedThe Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily DanforthAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire SáenzThey Both Die At the End by Adam SilveraSimon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky AlbertalliDavid LevithanTessa DareFloat Plan by Trish Doller (prosthetic leg on cover!)Titan by Jillian GravesSarah J. MaasBook of Gothel by Mary McMyne (Google Lens Cover)Something Wild and Wonderful by Anita KellyToo Hot To Handle by Tessa BaileyVirginia Heath (the author Jackie couldn't remember but likes the illustrative style)Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie GarmusMortal Follies by Alexis HallGirls and Their Horses by Eliza Jane BrazierDear Prudence by Daniel LaverlyMarriage, A history by Stephanie CoontzSources:"Stonewall Riots" (history.com, 2017)“Stonewall then and now” (Walsh, 2019)“‘Queer, hilarious and full of joy’: the rise of LGBTQ+ romance fiction” (Braidwood, 2022)“‘I Just Want Something That’s Gay and Happy’: L.G.B.T.Q. Romance Is Booming” (Harris, 2022)“The Rise of Queer ‘New Adult Romance’ Literature,” (Beggs, 2022)“I ONLY READ QUEER ROMANCE AND I FEEL GREAT ABOUT IT” (Sackton, 2017)“Love is for everyone. Modern romance writers are breaking barriers to show it” (Asmelash, 2023)“A Brief History of the Path to Securing LGBTQ Rights” (Davidson, 2022)“Repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"” (Human Rights Campaign.org)“Stonewall at 40: The Voice Articles That Sparked a Final Night of Rioting” (Village voice, 1969, ed. 2009)Bookstagram Examples@Mariannareads@lilys.bookcase

Thomas is back, and we're recommending our favorite books to celebrate Pride Month with!The Guncle by Stephen RowleyThe Boyfriend Subscription by Steven SalvatoreThe Pairing by Casey McquistonA Lesson in Thorns by Sierra SimoneBoyfriend Material by Alexis HallHow to Become the Dark Lord or Die Trying by Django WexlerBonus mentionsRed White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuistonWaiting for the Flood by Alexis Hall

Would it be a RR episode without us having technical issues? One of our mics decided to die right as we started recording, so bear with us on this one folks. IT WILL BE FIXED WHEN WE COME BACK IN AUGUST.And on that note - our hiatus stretches from July-August 23rd. WE WILL BE BACK AFTER THAT. We hope you have a splendiferous summer filled with so many beautiful romance books. Keep reading, and keep raging!Want to talk with us in the meantime? Email us at ragingromantics@nopl.org!Books we mention:AJ Tremble (Hold Me?) - can't find this anywhere online. If anyone knows it, reach out!Ace by Angela ChenBoink by Mary RoachSapiens by Yuval Noah HarariFlame & The Flower by Kathleen WoodiwissBecky ChambersRole Playing by Cathy YardleyThe Romantic Agenda by Clare KannTea for Two by CM NascostaThe Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwoodand Not in Love by Ali HazelwoodMorbidly Yours by Ivy FairbanksTwo Rogues Make a Right by Cat SebastianCybernetic Tea ShoppeVicious by V.E. SchwabOther episodes to listen to;Noble Blood#49 Elinor GlynSources:The Kinsey Scale"Asexual Romance in an Allosexual World: How Ace-Spectrum Characters (and Authors) Create Space for Romantic Love" (Carter, 2020)"Asexual Romance Readers Are Finally Getting Their Happily Ever Afters" (Herman, 2021)The Asexual Visibility and Education Network; FAQ"Ace Books 4: Ace & Books – still more books with ace rep" (K-Specks, 2024)"Why Women in Asia Are Having Fewer Babies" (Rajvanshi, 2024)

CONTENT WARNING: drugs and drug trafficking, violence, violence against women, gang and outlaw culture, and murder.Now paging Charlie Hunnam...Charlie are you there? We need someone to take us on a motorcycle ride! On this episode we explore the history of motorcycles, motorcycle riders, and the original outlaw motorcycle gang (aka, the OMG!). Questions/comments/concerns/recommendations? Email us at: ragingromantics@nopl.org Pics:ReitwagonMotorcycle adOrient Motor PacerMotodomeJohnnie drinking cokeJohnnie the pigKnuckleheadVarsity riders clubHollister RiotBooks/authors we mentionTillie ColeJoanna WyldeDevil's Game by Joanna WyldeReaper's Property by Joanna WyldeTm FrazierKristin AshleyChristine FeehanCate C WellsButcher & Blackbird by Brynne WeaverThe Dirty Life by Kristin KimballWhen the Moon Hatched by Sarah ParkerSources"Bonds of Brotherhood: The Origin and Growth of Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs" (Hamilton, 2002)"Outlaw Motorcycle Club" (Wikipedia)"The Rough History of Biker Cuts" (Muzquiz, 2020)"Cut-off" (wikipedia)"Hollister Riot" (wikipedia)"American Masculinity After World War II" (national ww2 museum, 2021)"Counterculture as a Gendered Post-War Legacy: The Latent Case of Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs" (Hatta, 2020)"Motorcycle Club Culture: Embracing the Brotherhood & Exploring the Rich History" (Leather Face Gear, 2023)Commodification and Popular Imagery of the Biker in American Culture (Austin, 2010)A Brief History of the Motorcycle (Bellis, 2019)A Brief History of Motorcycles" (Windy City Motorcycle Company, 2023)"Motorcycle" (wikipedia)"History of Motorcycles in the United States" (Indian Motorcycle of Austin, 2022)THE MOTORDROME - BOARD TRACK MOTORCYCLE RACING (Panhead Jim, 2012)"Not Just a Knucklehead: The 1936 Model EL" (Harley Davidson Museum)"A Century of Motorcycling | The 1930s (Motorcyclist Staff, 2012)""Davidson: There’s a Reason It’s Called a Hog "(Wells, 2024) - note that this website might not work correctly."THE MOST RECOGNIZED PHOTO IN HARLEY-DAVIDSON® HISTORY: RAY, JOHNNIE AND THE HOG LEGACY" (Harley-Davidson, 2020)HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES (Online Museum.net, 2020)"Choppers" (wikipedia)What is it about choppers? (quora)What are some criticisms of Sons of Anarchy regarding its portrayal of biker culture? (quora)Longing and Belonging: Toward a Cultural History of Gay Motorcycle Clubs in the US (gurman, 2019)

What sort of books do you, you lovely listeners, binge read? Jackie has been bingeing cowboys.Yeah, no one's surprised.She recommends:Chestnut Springs series by Elsie SilverWild Love/Rose Hill series by Elsie SilverGold Rush Ranch by Elsie SilverThe Edens by Devney PerryThe aesthetic on pinterest that made Jackie read itTexas Rodeo by Kari Lynn DellShelter in Place by Nora Roberts

We all have our guilty pleasures...one of Jen's is mafia romance books! In this episode she leads us on a classic RR discussion all about this specific side of dark romancelandia.Questions/comments/concerns? Email us at ragingromantics@nopl.org!Books/authors we mentionAnn MayburnAlexa RileyMaid for the Italian Mafia by Flora FerrariDen of Vipers by K.A. KnightSweet Cruelty by Zoe BlakeDesperate Measures by Katee RobertAddison CainUrgent Vows and Demanding Mob Boss by Lucy MonroeDeal with a Demon series by Katee RobertAtlas Rose Mafia MonstersOrc Boss by Lark GreenButcher & Blackbird by Brynne WeaverMy Secret Garden by Nancy FridayMob movies Jackie recommends"Scarface (1983)Gangs of New York (2002)Newsies (1992)West Side Story (1961)Mafia Mamma (2023)SourcesThe American MafiaThe Sicilian MafiaOmertà

Did we look at a calendar when we recorded this? NOPE. It's mother's day weekend here int he US, but today we're talking about single dads and bookish hot takes. Email us at ragingromantics@nopl.org with your thoughts! Books/authors we mention:Lost and Lassoed by Lyla SageTessa BaileyLana FergusonDevil's Lair by Anna ZairesBuns by Alice ClaytonJust for the Summer by Abby JimenezDust Storm by Maggie Gates