Plot Trysts

We asked Eloisa James to join us for a discussion of one of the tropes in her new book, and she said yes! We touch on so many topics, but it was fascinating to get an author's take on how romance evolves with the times. Thank you, Elosia!

Meg and Alex have paired the Ekaterin Vorkosigan novellas, and they are definitely Ekaterin defenders.

We both had expectations for this seasonally-appropriate novella, which was probably a mistake.

To be honest, we were both nervous about this book, but Lydia Lloyd stunned us both in the best way possible. Fake rakes are our favorite rakes, and this is a second chance romance we can both get behind.

Ok real talk, this book was inevitably going to suffer by comparison to "The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy" becuase that book was surprising and perfection. It it fair? no. Did we appreciate the risks taken? yes. Are we ready for Rosie? Yes.

Listening to this episode had me rereading the Lord Peter Wimsey books, if you're wondering how much of the conversation is about the dedication and comedies of manners and romance. The episode is celebration that works out way better than Miles' dinner party.

It's our favorite time of year: Lady Sherlock Time

We talk for.... a while about season 3 of Bridgerton.

We both adored this book. It's perfectly feel good and exactly what we want from a romance. Can something spiritually have a virgin here even if he's not a virgin?

Alex and Meg are joined by Everina Maxwell to discuss the meet cute? of Miles and Ekaterin and the plot. But mostly Miles and Ekaterin.

We've reached the Ali Hazelwood singularity and we are here for it.

Usually spies do it for us but this book wouldn't have done it for us on that alone. Instead, the ending! The ending absolved so much.

Meg and Laine were both super intrigued by this book but omg is it visceral. Perfect execution; Meg cried and Laine was waiting to get punched, which is not what we generally expect from Romance novellas.

Meg and Alex are joined by Jill Tew to discuss a Vorkosigan novel without any Vorkosigans in it.

Henry is very put upon! Georgina is too mouthy for governessing! They figure it out!

Laine and Meg once again read Romantasy. Meg is glad they aren't teenagers, Laine has questions.

Charis writes fairy tales so well, and Laine wasn't even annoyed by the kids. This is the kind of living in a cave we can get behind.

Alix Harrow joins Alex and Meg to discuss Memory: the transition book between young Miles and Lord Vorkosigan.

None of us can remember the name of Sarah's hometown so we just call it Grover's Corners, which is fitting given how forgettable she is as a character. We also didn't recall how much of this book was threats of sexual violence. We had a great time recording, but make no promises as to your listening experience.

We're far enough into Susanna Craig that the appearance of characters from past series is a delight! We both really enjoyed this spin on the actor and his critic, and the low stakes found us both in the right moment.

Jo Walton joins Meg and Alex to discuss Mirror Dance. Come for the clones, stay for the amnesia.

We're back with more sentient space dildos! Meg loves virgins and Laine needs some innovation.

This series continues to impress, even when exploring our less-enjoyed tropes.

This book just did a lot of things right. It struck a balance: well researched without being explosive, a slow burn that knew how to incorporate early heat, and a dramatic set up but two characters who communicate.

Meg and Alex are joined by Olivia Waite to discuss this entry in the Vorkosigan saga. Is there a more fun way to represent issues of a fractious identity than clones?