Kissing Books Critique

Vicki's brought us a deliciously wet romance meet-cute that's got positioning issues—and we're not talking about the steamy kind. Between crystal-clear Mediterranean waters and one mysterious Frenchman who's definitely giving Aquaman vibes, we're drowning in "eyes running over" problems and romance characters who can't figure out if they're horizontal or vertical. Expect passionate manuscript crit...

Romance writing craft meets underwater chaos in this manuscript critique session for indie authors and aspiring romance writers. Vicki's chapter delivers a delicious meet-cute scene, but we're diving deep into writing craft fundamentals: scene logistics, character movement, dialogue formatting, and point of view techniques that every romance author needs to master. Learn essential writing skills a...

We're deep in hockey romance territory this week as the group tackles a submission featuring contract clauses, curse words in French Canadian, and one very good dog named Clyde who's clearly the real star of this critique session. From the mysterious "Clause 53B" (which we're definitely stealing for our own books) to the eternal struggle of making characters move through scenes without sounding li...

This week, the team dives into Jenna's hockey romance featuring Hampus, a troubled player facing ultimatums from team management. Listen as three romance authors dissect a tense office scene, debate whether dogs can "chuff" (spoiler: they can), and provide 742 comments on character development, setting details, and the fine art of writing close POV. Plus: Why yellow highlighting means love, the pr...

We're deep in Resting Brood Face territory this week as Vicki's Catching Trouble continues with Maxime's chapter two, where our grumpy hero discovers that scowling at customers might not be the best business strategy. From "wild, untamed Poseidon king" energy (our first yellow highlight!) to the eternal struggle of whether your protagonist wants to "please them or poison them," we're unpacking wha...

We’re deep in scene logistics, missing windows, and rogue dental appointments this week as Heather's submission hits the group chat. From personified smiles to hallway entrances that don’t quite make sense, we’re unpacking character movement, setting gaps, and what it really means to widen your stance (and direct it at a human, not a desk). Expect fierce opinions on all-caps dialogue, the eternal...

In this episode of Kissing Books Critique , we dive headfirst into Vicki’s brand-new first chapter, an angsty, small-town cowboy romance inspired by a classic '90s country hit. From navigating car logistics (who’s driving again?) to unpacking the emotional weight of fictional towns and old flames, we’re tackling it all with our usual blend of craft, chaos, and cackling. We discuss grounding your r...

We’re back in action, and this time it’s Vicki’s turn in the hot seat! Join us as we dive into the second half of Chapter One from the final book in her globe-trotting, language-blending trilogy. This one stars Chloe. Former sidekick, current leading lady, and the kind of character we all want to grab drinks with. We dig into voice, visual clarity, and the magic of reading your work aloud (even if...

This week on Kissing Books Critique , it's Vicki's turn in the hot seat as we dive into the sparkling first chapter of her upcoming (and final!) book in the French Kisses trilogy. We talk freckle problems, seaside settings, and what exactly comes to mind when someone says "French kiss" (spoiler: it’s not subtle). As always, we sandwich the critique between some well-earned praise, lovingly dissect...

This week on Kissing Books Critique , the spotlight turns to Jenna’s upcoming romance Unleashed —and things heat up fast (literally). Heather and Vicki dive into a rain-soaked, tension-filled chapter where sparks fly and shirts come off. We critique everything from setting clarity and physical grounding to repeated metaphors and emotionally immersive POV. Along the way, we unpack how to handle rom...

We’re back—and just a little too excited about it. In this giddy return to the pod, Jenna reads the first chapter of Heather's current WIP, featuring Mason and Ronnie, two characters with too much communication and a whole lot of tension. Vicky brings the critique, and together we dive into why first chapters are so dang hard to get right. Spoiler: nobody’s first draft is sacred. Join us as we nav...

In this episode of Kissing Books Critique , we dive into the art of the slow burn—how to build tension, keep characters at odds, and make every stolen glance count. We tackle passive voice, repetition, and the sneaky ways setting (or lack of it) can impact a scene. Plus, a broody hero fights his feelings, a teasing heroine turns up the heat, and Jenna finally hits her storytelling groove. But can...

Deadlines are closing in, but that doesn’t stop us from diving deep into revisions, refining character depth, and debating the logistics of stormy bar scenes. In this episode of Kissing Books Critique, we analyze pacing, emotional resonance, and the fine line between evocative and overwrought prose—while also getting delightfully derailed by demanding cats, unexpected movie comparisons, and the et...

Too many hands, too many mouths, and one big stylistic leap—welcome to the final episode of our Valentine's love scene critique special! This week, we’re unraveling the mysteries of rogue body parts, refining intimacy on the page, and celebrating Heather’s bold new writing style. Can we keep things steamy and sensical? Tune in to find out! Subscribe now so you never miss an episode, and follow us...

Love scenes: the good, the bad, and the logistically impossible. In this episode of Kissing Books Critique , we’re diving deeper into what makes a love scene work—breaking down sensuality, pacing, and those little details that can make or break the moment. From crafting multi-sensory experiences to avoiding accidental acrobatics, we’re here to make your steamy scenes sizzle. Subscribe now so you n...

We’re back, just in time for Valentine’s Day—and things are heating up! Love them, hate them, or struggle to write them, love scenes are the heart (and heat) of romance, and for the next three episodes, we’re pulling back the covers to critique what makes them sizzle—or fizzle. As Pink would say, "Got me lit like a candlestick"—that’s the goal! Let’s turn up the heat and make these scenes unforget...

Beats v. stage direction. Setting, setting, setting! Goals, motivation and emotions. Texts being an awesome narrative tool. We made a couple of references to books this episode. The first was Dwight V. Swain's Techniques of the Selling Author. Mr. Swain discusses scene-sequel and motivation-reaction units. Excellent book despite being pretty dang old. The other book was Lisa Hall-Wilson's Method A...

Setting matters. Romance and smells. Logistics and towels! NOTED! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Size doesn't matter, and neither does quiche. Parkling Spink anyone? Moving with the social times in our writing. Heather takes us to school on attention to detail. Vicki's still living in the nineties. Internal thoughts help drive a narrative. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The last of our naughty adventures in crafting a fun love scene. Join us for our tipsy foray as we help our characters get all the right moves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Drinking Games and Sexcapades Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's all hands and panting - Potato lovers of the world unite - We love a man who comes undone Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nailing the opening of a book is hard. We continue work on Heather's opening chapter of her new book. When real life invades our stories and Heather learns texting laws. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Openings are hard. We all struggle to nail the right tone, present the characters the way we see them in our head, and do all the things. But openings are hard. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we each introduce ourselves. Share a little about where we are in out book-writing adventures and give you a small taste of what you can expect in the coming year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.