Episodit
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Reality TV is about how Katie sums this book up. It's not great, there are definitely other books that surpass Icebreaker in general quality, but if you need something to fill the time and you're in your hockey romance era, this just might tide you over until you find a better read. *Mild caution for some eating disorder themes.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61767292-icebreaker
Other books mentioned in this episode:
The Graham Effect and The Dixon Rule by Elle Kennedy
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123255391-the-graham-effect?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=MUKab2vIIr&rank=1
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200338241-the-dixon-rule?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=mL7O9iE78r&rank=1
All of Ali Hazelwood's works:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21098177.Ali_Hazelwood?from_search=true&from_srp=true
Some hidden gems:
Easy by Tammara Weber
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16056408-easy?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=3vpKLYRjSK&rank=2
Simon Says by Lori Foster
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/155317.Simon_Says?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=mNVqcFA8gg&rank=19
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We have entered our era of fanfiction. This week we're reading "The Right Thing To Do" by LovesBitca8 (aka Julie Soto, the author of Forget Me Not). This work is the author's first fanfiction, posted in 2017 and served as the inspiration for another beloved fic, "The Auction," due to be published later this year under the title "Rose in Chains."
"The Right Thing To Do" feels like a 16-episode corporate romance k-drama complete with makeover sequence, busybody mom, several secondary love interests, and a third-act break-up. At its heart, this story is driven by the character's insecurities and repeated instances of miscommunication, but despite these typically alienizing tropes we devoured this story and the slowburn to a happily ever after.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/11472648/chapters/25724661
Rating: 5
Spice: 3
Genre: Fantasy
Sub-genre: more romance than plot
Heroine: Soft Girl
Hero: Billionaire, Golden Retriever
Tropes: slow burn, forbidden love
Other books mentioned in this episode:
Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201627074-not-another-love-song
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Puuttuva jakso?
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It's another DNF week for both of us but not for the reasons you might think. Throne in the Dark is the first book in the Villains & Virtues series and it is all over the romantasy subbreddit. This book is frequently recommended hand in hand with Reign & Ruin by J. D. Evans (which we loved), but this just hits a little different. Well-written but created in the vein of Spaceballs and The Princess Bride, this is a campy romp following the evil son of a demon lord and a do-goody damsel. If that's your thing, you will love this book.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62232755-throne-in-the-dark?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=zFYRO5uAfD&rank=1
Other books mentioned in this episode:
Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123257687-assistant-to-the-villain?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_5
The Songbird & The Heart of Stone by Carissa Broadbent
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210134467-the-songbird-the-heart-of-stone?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_23
Reign & Ruin by J. D. Evans
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50607309-reign-ruin?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=oUkIsWUSuJ&rank=1
When The Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/202507554-when-the-moon-hatched?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Sb4riMkZpN&rank=1
Also check out:
Galavant
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3305096/
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We have entered our era of fanfiction. This week we're reading "The Right Thing To Do" by LovesBitca8 (aka Julie Soto, the author of Forget Me Not). This work is the author's first fanfiction, posted in 2017 and served as the inspiration for another beloved fic, "The Auction," due to be published later this year under the title "Rose in Chains."
"The Right Thing To Do" feels like a 16-episode corporate romance k-drama complete with makeover sequence, busybody mom, several secondary love interests, and a third-act break-up. At its heart, this story is driven by the character's insecurities and repeated instances of miscommunication, but despite these typically alienizing tropes we devoured this story and the slowburn to a happily ever after.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/11472648/chapters/25724661
Rating: 5
Spice: 3
Genre: Fantasy
Sub-genre: more romance than plot
Heroine: Soft Girl
Hero: Billionaire, Golden Retriever
Tropes: slow burn, forbidden love
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Rival gang members in early 20th century Shanghai battle a mysterious plague while battling feelings for each other: seems like a stay-up-all night reading concoction but this take on Romeo and Juliet falls flat. Katie recommends it if you're an Allison Saft fan (which she is not) but maybe check out Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross or Dance of Thieves by Mary Pearson instead.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50892212-these-violent-delights?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=YQOUh4VyNf&rank=1
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We have entered our era of fanfiction. This week we're reading "The Right Thing To Do" by LovesBitca8 (aka Julie Soto, the author of Forget Me Not). This work is the author's first fanfiction, posted in 2017 and served as the inspiration for another beloved fic, "The Auction," due to be published later this year under the title "Rose in Chains."
"The Right Thing To Do" feels like a 16-episode corporate romance k-drama complete with makeover sequence, busybody mom, several secondary love interests, and a third-act break-up. At its heart, this story is driven by the character's insecurities and repeated instances of miscommunication, but despite these typically alienizing tropes we devoured this story and the slowburn to a happily ever after.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/11472648/chapters/25724661
Rating: 5
Spice: 3
Genre: Fantasy
Sub-genre: more romance than plot
Heroine: Soft Girl
Hero: Billionaire, Golden Retriever
Tropes: slow burn, forbidden love
Other books mentioned in this episode:
Almost Forever by Linda Howard
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/411698.Almost_Forever?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=uAVvxC0TbP&rank=1
Rose in Chains by Julie Soto
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221179254-rose-in-chains?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=mM8W2eM1IT&rank=1
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An introverted librarian with a talking plant escapes a burning city to flee to her island home out in the boondocks. A gorgeous neighbor delivers her delicious treats.
And that's as far as Jordan got in this book. Despite its GoodReads Choice Award nomination, this one is standing on a pretty cover and a cottage-core setting only. It's not bad, it's boring...and blue.
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
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This week we're finishing "The Songbird & The Heart of Stone" by Carissa Broadbent. Despite great world-building and compelling character backstories, this book was ultimately boring and predictable. Recycled tropes, a grating heroine, and a hero with everything going for him except personality.
Rating: 2
Spicy: 3.5 (not plentiful but very explicit)
Genre: Fantasy
Sub-genre: more plot than romance
Tropes: almost enemies to lovers, slowburn
Heroine: Soft Girl
Hero: Shadow Daddy
https://www.notanotherheroine.com/the-spice-archive/the-songbird-%26-the-heart-of-stone
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210134467-the-songbird-the-heart-of-stone
Other books mentioned in the episode:
"Slaying the Vampire Conqueror" by Carissa Broadbent
https://www.notanotherheroine.com/the-spice-archive/slaying-the-vampire-conqueror
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123368729-slaying-the-vampire-conqueror?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=PEAiN1KLTS&rank=1
"Assistant to the Villain" by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
https://www.notanotherheroine.com/the-spice-archive/assistant-to-the-villain
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123257687-assistant-to-the-villain?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_4
"The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy" by Megan Bannen
https://www.notanotherheroine.com/the-spice-archive/the-undertaking-of-hart-and-mercy
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58510253-the-undertaking-of-hart-and-mercy?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=3KlweTl7wW&rank=1
"Deathless" by Catherynne M. Valente
https://www.notanotherheroine.com/the-spice-archive/deathless
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8694389-deathless?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=KqF2jJkYXa&rank=1
patreon.com/notanotherheroine
www.notanotherheroine.com
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This book is everywhere so Katie finally gave in and immediately started a Reddit argument. Campy, rife with misogyny, reminiscent of an early 2000's teen girl series - it's something when Katie recommends Fourth Wing over another book. Just read for the vibes, man.
The Zodiac Academy: The Awakening
But, seriously, read A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik or The Cruel Prince by Holly Black instead.
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This week we're reading "The Songbird & The Heart of Stone" by Carissa Broadbent. Despite great world-building and compelling character backstories, this book was ultimately boring and predictable. Recycled tropes, a grating heroine, and a hero with everything going for him except personality.
Rating: 2
Spicy: 3.5 (not plentiful but very explicit)
Genre: Fantasy
Sub-genre: more plot than romance
Tropes: almost enemies to lovers, slowburn
Heroine: Soft Girl
Hero: Shadow Daddy
https://www.notanotherheroine.com/the-spice-archive/the-songbird-%26-the-heart-of-stone
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210134467-the-songbird-the-heart-of-stone
Other books mentioned in the episode:
"Deathless" by Catherynne M. Valente
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8694389-deathless?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=KqF2jJkYXa&rank=1
"Bonesmith" by Nicki Pau Preto
https://www.notanotherheroine.com/the-spice-archive/bonesmith
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62919122-bonesmith?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Krqo0Ifma6&rank=1
"Gideon the Ninth" by Tamsyn Muir
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42036538-gideon-the-ninth?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=8LAvTriWgQ&rank=1
patreon.com/notanotherheroine
www.notanotherheroine.com
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We did it, readers! 100 episodes, two seasons, and a third yet to come. Join us on Monday, January 13th for our first book of 2025, Carissa Broadbent's "The Songbird & The Heart of Stone."
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209740448-the-songbird-the-heart-of-stone
The NAH Awards
Best Heroine: Kestrel from "The Winner's Curse" by Marie Rutkoski
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16069030-the-winner-s-curse?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=vRfLlprRat&rank=1
Best Hero: Lowe from "Bride" by Ali Hazelwood
Sleeper Hit: "Reign & Ruin" by J.D. Evans
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50607309-reign-ruin?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=7HBGnFyRt9&rank=1
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/181344829-bride?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=kk68IlTksC&rank=1
Worst Heroine: Violet from "Fourth Wing" by Rebecca Yarros
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61431922-fourth-wing?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=0HMubJMO3V&rank=1
Worst Hero: Bjorn from "A Fate Inked in Blood" by Danielle L. Jensen
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/165940202-a-fate-inked-in-blood?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_21
Don't forget to check out The Spice Archive to see all of our pod books and ratings: notanotherheroine.com
Find us on Patreon: patreon.com/notanotherheroine
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Welcome to Jordan's corruption: i.e. Katie has hyped up fanfiction so much that Jordan has come and joined the dark side - and started with reading the ENTIRETY of PacificRimbaud's catalog.
For your four course meal, Jordan recommends starting with the funny and sweet, Love and Other Historical Accidents (covered in full length pod episodes too!), then a quick and smutty palate cleanser, The Secretary. Next the heavy and deeply romantic, Remember One Thing, and end on the silly (and very, very spicy!) One and Done.
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"There you are sweetheart."
Come on readers, Christian Bale as the voice of our beloved rakish wizard Howl? This movie is up there with Pride and Prejudice in the comfort film rotation, but this week, we're reading, listening, and watching this story.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6294.Howl_s_Moving_Castle
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Oh no... Katie has fallen down the hockey smut romance rabbit hole... and is surprisingly having a decent time. The verdict: The Graham Effect by Elle Kennedy was fun the way reality TV is. But worth mentioning, maybe only consume this story as an audiobook for your own sanity.
The Graham Effect by Elle Kennedy
This being Katie's first foray into the sports romance genre, her only other suggestion is the movie, Legally Blonde (lol).
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"There you are sweetheart."
Come on readers, Christian Bale as the voice of our beloved rakish wizard Howl? This movie is up there with Pride and Prejudice in the comfort film rotation, but this week, we're reading, listening, and watching this story.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6294.Howl_s_Moving_Castle
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We step into an alternate universe this week as Jordan recommends a surprisingly deep and touching monster romance featuring a lich, a word we both mispronounce for the entire first half of the episode (what's new?). Trigger warning, however, for eating disorders and body dismorphia!
Goodreads: Wed to the Lich by Layla Fae
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Proof that all books are not published equally, this week we're finishing a Dramione fanfic that is perhaps the best story we've read all year. The romantic tension, the beautiful quirky writing, the Austen-esque plot is all free to download at Archive of Our Own.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/21496525?view_full_work=true
For those of you with a Kindle, you can download a PDF copy of this work and send it to your Amazon account. Just search for "send to Kindle."
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It's fanfiction central over here on the pod and Katie's pick this week is a big ol' masterpiece - Measure of a Man by Inadaze22. Generational trauma, terrorism, and dementia give this story depth and a slowburn romance to end all slowburn romances keeps you entranced the entire time. Honestly, just start it now, you won't regret it.
Measure of a Man by Inadaze22
(Audiobook format) Measure of a Man - SEP Fanfic Readings
To send works from Archive of Our Own (AO3) to your kindle:
Open the fanfiction, in the right hand corner click download > AZW3
Then follow the Amazon Kindle instructions found here: https://www.amazon.com/sendtokindle/email
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Proof that all books are not published equally, this week we're reading a Dramione fanfic that is perhaps the best story we've read all year. The romantic tension, the beautiful quirky writing, the Austen-esque plot is all free to download at Archive of Our Own.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/21496525?view_full_work=true
For those of you with a Kindle, you can download a PDF copy of this work and send it to your Amazon account. Just search for "send to Kindle."
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Jordan's pick this week is a lil sneak peak at what's to come next season! We'll be covering The Winternight Trilogy by Katherine Arden in season 3 of the pod - so start reading now! The Trilogy includes The Bear and the Nightinggale, The Girl in the Tower, and The Winter of the Witch.
Goodreads: The Winternight Trilogy by Katherine Arden
If you're looking for something similar try:
The Shadow and Bone Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo
Anything by Juliet Marillier
- Näytä enemmän
