Not Your Mom's Romance Book Club

Ellen and Mom talk the much lauded The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang.  Did everything add up to a perfect book this time?  Plus, we get to know Mom a little better!

Ellen and Mom get extra complimentary about one of their all-time favorites, Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn.  Plus, we make a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT and lay out our dream casts for the upcoming Bridgerton TV series.  

Ellen and Mom are in Las Vegas and getting textual with Accidental Tryst by Natasha Boyd! Plus, technology in romance, both the genre and real-life. (DISCLAIMER: Apparently, we lost half our mic in Las Vegas because it only recorded the left side of us.  So if you are listening on headphones, don't worry, you are not going deaf in one ear).  

Ellen and Mom discuss the delightful Indigo by Beverly Jenkins!  Plus, our recent brush with greatness on Facebook and diversity in the romance genre.

Ellen and Mom are joined by their sister/daughter-in-law and romance virgin, Kristen, to discuss love on the West End in Act Like It by Lucy Parker. Plus, we recount Kristen's real life romance that got her mixed up in our crazy family. 

Ellen and Mom talk Pestilence (the book, not the epidemic disease) by Laura Thalassa. Are we ready to take a ride with this Horseman of the Apocalypse. Plus, we talk the rom com-issance (a word I am very much trying to make happen). 

Ellen and Mom get a little more serious than usual with their discussion of the beautiful but harrowing ride that is Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan. But don't worry, they get goofy again when Mom tries to give Ellen advice on her love life. 

Ellen and Mom talk rakes and Quakers with Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale. Did this book, which is a classic for many, live up to the hype? Plus, just what is it about reading that we love so much? And why isn't every one else on board?

Did we hate The Hating Game? You'll have to listen to find out! Plus, Ellen and Mom give you 2 for the price of 1 in this episode and also discuss Dr. Strange Beard by Penny Reid. 

Ellen and Mom talk about the insanity that is the plot of The Countess. Plus, we get positively giddy over the news of a Bridgerton series!

Ellen and Mom très romantique talking about Wanderlust by Lauren Blakely (and really enthusiastic about the audiobook). Plus, our own wanderlust fantasies and bucket lists! 

Everyone rejoice! We have a new Sarah Maclean! Does it live up to our high expectations? Ellen and Mom discuss Wicked and the Wallflower. Plus, Richard Armitage and the good and bad of romance titles. 

Are we bittersweet on Bittersweet by Sarina Bowen? Ellen and Mom talk about beards, cider, and grumps. Plus, how important setting is to a romance. 

Ellen and Mom chat about the historical classic, Gentle Rogue, with its piracy, quick banter, and broody grumpy hero (Ellen's on board!). Plus, we talk about some of the mainstays of the Old School romance. 

Ellen and Mom are in pretty resounding agreement about Christina Lauren's Roomies. Plus, our own roommate stories (spoiler: they're less sexy than the book) and more on audiobooks. 

Ellen and Mom chat sleeping dukes and Peter Gallaghers while chatting about While the Duke was Sleeping by Sophie Jordan, a historical based on the seminal rom com classic While You Were Sleeping. Plus, we chat about rom coms based on books, the good and the bad.

Ellen and Mom go back and forth on #Starstruck by Sariah Wilson. Plus, we read some listener mail and get all nostalgic gushing about our childhood celebrity crushes. 

Ellen and Mom discuss Lisa Kleypas' latest, Hello Stranger, and actually disagree on how much of a success it is. Plus, we break down our Drunk Austen Rom Com Bracket! 

What's the one thing you didn't ask for and never knew you wanted? Hopefully the answer was a white girl rapping the summary of a romance novel, because you're getting it! Ellen and Mom give heaps of to Marriage of Inconvenience by Penny Reid and really just all things Penny Reid.

Ellen and Mom discuss Tempting Miss Allender by Wendy Vella and dramatic heroines and villains. Plus, Mom goes into full teacher mode with her vocab lesson on rakes, rogues, and scoundrels. 

Ellen and Mom get REAL awkward talking about The Hookup by Kristen Ashley. Plus, we talk about our hard limits when it comes to sexy times in a book. Ellen may reveal more to her mother than she wants to. 

Ellen and Mom visit the wild west with Anne and Cord of Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold by Ellen O'Connell. Plus, we talk about some of the pet peeves that have developed while reading the romance genre. 

Ellen and Mom get a bit fantastical talking about this fantasy/paranormal from Kerrelyn Sparks. Is this book as electrifying as it's premise? Plus, we give a rundown of some our favorite tropes. (Note: We recorded this past my bedtime and I got a bit punchy. Apologies in advance.)

Ellen and Mom feel pretty attached to Attachments by Rainbow Rowell. Plus, we discuss commitment issues and how Mom has none. NOTE: We apologize for the audio quality. I'm not saying it was operator error on Mom's part, but.....

Ellen and Mom get a bit worked up talking about Marian's Christmas Wish. What's are the holidays without someone getting worked up? Plus, we discuss the age old question of how young is too young?