Episodes
-
Hi Readers and Happy May!
We're still on a reading hiatus but found this rant of an episode in our 2025 library.
-----
Thank you Reddit for inspiring yet another H&B episode: this week we're getting judgy. What is your book? You know the one. If someone says it's their most favorite, artistic rendering of the genre, an utter masterpiece. and you just, can't? Every single recommendation they make is tainted by it.
Books and authors mentioned this episode:
Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49826643-daughter-of-no-worlds?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=9pUDfXymEa&rank=1
Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13928.Daughter_of_the_Forest?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=6XPbWHXyby&rank=1
Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25128811-ice-planet-barbarians?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=jPaU0ULUMi&rank=1
Zodiac Academy
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46261182-the-awakening?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=JBiMKOnXaD&rank=1
Blade Dancer by S.L. Viehl
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/664640.Blade_Dancer?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=FfyIT0V8pY&rank=1
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50892338-legendborn?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_9
Linnea Sinclair
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/202269.Linnea_Sinclair?from_search=true&from_srp=true
-
As promised Readers, we present some of our older rant sessions on random book-adjacent topics. This episode was originally recorded in February 2025 and focused on Kindle Unlimited.
--------------
Is Kindle Unlimited unduly influencing the writing/editing game? Romantasy books keep getting longer, plot predictability is at an eye-rolling level, and if we meet one more shadow daddy on page 2 we're both going to convert to full-time hockey smut.
-
Missing episodes?
-
Readers,
We never want books to feel like a chore or for our episodes to be an endless nitpicking critique, but we've found ourselves drifting closer to that reality. We want to return to why we started Not Another Heroine in the first place: love of reading and the desire to share that excitement with another reader. Our first episodes on Sherwood Smith's "Crown Duel," while entirely too long, were exactly that.
On that note, we're taking a hiatus. All of our episodes will still be available on all platforms (except Patreon), and we'll start posting some of our back catalog that wasn't originally available on all the sites. We'll still be reading in the meantime, and when the book feels rights, we'll turn the mics back on for a new Monday episode.
Thank you for sticking with us through four seasons of readings. The book recs, the encouragement, and every like, subscribe, or follow gave us so much joy. To know that we're not alone in the library, that our shelf may look like your shelf, and that our silly episode titles made you giggle too, well, that's why we're still going.
Goodbye for now Readers, but we'll see you on the next page.
Katie & Jordan.
Books Mentioned In This Episode
Wicked, Ugly, Bad by Cassandra Gannon
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201821045-wicked-ugly-bad?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_15
Divergent by Veronica Rothe
goodreads.com/search?q=divergent&ref=nav_sb_noss_l_9
The Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61431922-fourth-wing?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=8xcgHt8JZT&rank=1
Weavingshaw by Heba al-Wasity
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/234943536-weavingshaw?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=6bShtRni2g&rank=1
-
While it looks fluffy and silly, Boyfriend on Demand offers a surprisingly dark commentary on modern dating. Jisoo from Blackpink and Seo In-guk (Doom At Your Service) star as almost enemy coworkers who each harbor secret feelings for the other. And if you like an extra helping of eye candy, there are many other recognizable actors who make appearances as Jisoo's virtual boyfriends.
https://www.netflix.com/title/82007623?source=35&fromWatch=true
Similar Shows
Business Proposal
https://www.netflix.com/title/81509440
Doom At Your Service
https://www.netflix.com/title/81488912
Her Private Life
https://www.netflix.com/title/81205812
Marry My Husband
https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CPYQKXW5/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r
-
This book is over 40 years old and a product of its time, but we enjoyed the accurate (but digestible) historic setting, character development, and well-paced romantic tension. Warning for romance readers who like their side of spice...there is none in this book.
Similar Books and Shows
The Illusionist
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443543/?ref_=fn_i_1
The Sound of Music
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059742/?ref_=fn_t_1
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17899948-rebecca?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=IjmyceMHkz&rank=2
Under the Stars of Paris by Mary Burchell
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3343881-under-the-stars-of-paris?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=hOEz8dLmNT&rank=1
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5711852-the-reluctant-heiress?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=2SZizHV5TF&rank=1
-
If you liked The Reluctant Heiress, just make this one your next read. Same tropes, same characters, just new names and a South America setting.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/963274.A_Company_of_Swans?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=2ulW7hj6nx&rank=1
Similar Books
Edenbrooke Julianne Donaldson
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12820360-edenbrooke?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=NaZfzrZPRr&rank=1
Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15795628-blackmoore?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=9pmrBB61fe&rank=1
The Reluctant Heiress by Eva Ibbotson
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5711852-the-reluctant-heiress?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_22
-
This book is over 40 years old and a product of its time, but we enjoyed the accurate (but digestible) historic setting, character development, and well-paced romantic tension. Warning for romance readers who like their side of spice...there is none in this book.
Similar Books and Shows
The Illusionist
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443543/?ref_=fn_i_1
The Sound of Music
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059742/?ref_=fn_t_1
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17899948-rebecca?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=IjmyceMHkz&rank=2
Under the Stars of Paris by Mary Burchell
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3343881-under-the-stars-of-paris?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=hOEz8dLmNT&rank=1
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5711852-the-reluctant-heiress?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=2SZizHV5TF&rank=1
-
Once Upon a Time (the TV show) get a spicy, modern setting where all the traditional fairy tale characters are flipped on their heads. What makes a Good or Bad person? How do you get sent the to WUB Club? Is Cinderella really doing that with her mice?
This is the first in a seven book series, but each can be read as a standalone (the characters are interconnected a la Bridgerton style).
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201821045-wicked-ugly-bad?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=RrPVWFhPmg&rank=1
Similar Books
Throne in the Dark by A.K. Caggiano
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62232755-throne-in-the-dark?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=dgldHUSRNK&rank=1
Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123257687-assistant-to-the-villain?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=9gUlIRiQNF&rank=1
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58510253-the-undertaking-of-hart-and-mercy?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=j8K91zwf3X&rank=1
-
Katie makes an attempt at extroversion during a Heated Rivalry event and runs a marathon instead of a turkey trot. The list of DNFs continues to grow and the reading slump persists.
Please leave a comment and help us narrow down our future reads, some options:
Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222376906-wild-reverence
Divergent by Veronica Roth
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13335037-divergent?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=u1NAVWLnkk&rank=1
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2767052-the-hunger-games?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=7ooMmIhHUc&rank=1
Legend by Marie Lu
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29863662-legend?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_6
This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56554281-this-woven-kingdom?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=10pQnM14d3&rank=1
The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10429092-the-girl-of-fire-and-thorns?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_17
Other Books Mentioned This Episode:
The Moon Raven by Grace Draven
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/241601258-the-moon-raven?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=sL9FLvZVOy&rank=1
Gods of Jade and Shadow by Sylvia Moreno-Garcia
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36510722-gods-of-jade-and-shadow?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=kj5pdzLePE&rank=1
How to Find a Nameless Fae by A.J. Lancaster
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/215760963-how-to-find-a-nameless-fae?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=1XYOGGPUqN&rank=1
Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/146943294-binding-13?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=HAA7zLGXmS&rank=1
Sight Unseen by Alexis Marie
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/238750605-sight-unseen?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=uLRoWT0GwW&rank=2
The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson
goodreads.com/search?q=The+raven+scholar&ref=nav_sb_noss_l_17
Teach Me How to Forget by Scullymurphy
https://archive.transformativeworks.org/works/41597901/chapters/104337864
Creep by Cr0ftisprocrasting
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/157237417-creep
-
A slow start (Katie had to persevere through the first 50 to 60 percent), but thorough world-building and a rewarding friends-to-lovers romance make this worth the effort. Not quite as emotionally immersive as others in the genre, but this does tend to lean more traditional fantasy.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220137908-the-second-death-of-locke?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Ap0AyVJDDV&rank=1
Similar Books
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/133286777-the-familiar?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=liEHuV2Lof&rank=1
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58340706-one-dark-window?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=IZmg5nlTcO&rank=1
Realm Breaker by Victoria Aveyard
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54513688-realm-breaker?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=mPD3Fcq83j&rank=1
-
So many walls and the weirdest love confession we've read yet.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218333744-traitor-son?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=cYvC4cviR5&rank=1
Similar Books
The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10429092-the-girl-of-fire-and-thorns?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=w6brDLeNax&rank=1
The Emperor's Edge by Lindsay Buroker
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10031259-the-emperor-s-edge?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=6mmf4MaaUj&rank=1
Reign and Ruin by J.D. Evans
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50607309-reign-ruin?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=YebYk90Mvv&rank=1
Master of Crows by Grace Draven
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6811150-master-of-crows?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=XzcHPTJfqT&rank=1
-
There was too much going on for any one aspect of this book to be particularly good. An interesting start with a novel setting led to shoved in tropes and a romance that felt flat and forced. This would've been better as a pure fantasy.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/219268963-this-monster-of-mine?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=eUgEEnIeQ8&rank=1
Similar Books
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58340706-one-dark-window?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=tcW2yC2HbZ&rank=1
The Songbird and The Heart of Stone by Carissa Broadbent
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210134467-the-songbird-the-heart-of-stone?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Dfrbj2pdVF&rank=1
Poison Study by Marissa Snyder
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60510.Poison_Study?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=09kDm3n6pN&rank=1
-
It's not too often that a Pick of the Week turns into a Monday episode but given the similarities to Grace Draven and J.D. Evans, we should've known better.
Traitor Son is a bit of a sleeper hit, equal parts intricate world-building and romance. The heroine is not your typical romantasy lead. She's a bit mousy, submissive, and sometimes innocent to an eyeroll level, but she undergoes massive character growth throughout the novel and you can see her potential in future books.
We won't say too much about Remin, but if sheer brute strength is your thing you won't be disappointed, although we were both rooting for Miche the entire time.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218333744-traitor-son?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=cYvC4cviR5&rank=1
Similar Books
The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10429092-the-girl-of-fire-and-thorns?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=w6brDLeNax&rank=1
The Emperor's Edge by Lindsay Buroker
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10031259-the-emperor-s-edge?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=6mmf4MaaUj&rank=1
Reign and Ruin by J.D. Evans
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50607309-reign-ruin?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=YebYk90Mvv&rank=1
Master of Crows by Grace Draven
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6811150-master-of-crows?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=XzcHPTJfqT&rank=1
-
Maybe a bit recycled on the plot but what isn't these days? This was a decent read, reminiscent of some the blockbuster romantasy hits.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58650445-heavenly-bodies?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_15
Similar Books
The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75668288-the-hurricane-wars?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=D4qBxLmvHn&rank=1
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/76703559-throne-of-glass?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=GwZgchMcIP&rank=1
Reign and Ruin by J.D. Evans
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50607309-reign-ruin?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=w9iFQ2ZYbq&rank=1
-
This iteration is more faithful to the book than past seasons, perhaps that's why we enjoyed it more? Or maybe it's the acting chops of Katie Leung (Araminta) and Yerin Ha (Sophie), who absolutely kill it in both of their roles.
We do have some gripes with the show in general, namely the constant jumping around to different couples who already had a whole damn season for their story. Netflix also seems to miss the mark on the subtle romance of period dramas in favor of HBO-style sex scenes.
https://www.netflix.com/title/80232398
Based on the novel "An Offer From A Gentleman" by Julia Quinn
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9408584-an-offer-from-a-gentleman?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=HM6dWVoWfn&rank=1
-
A Lilo and Stitch meet-cute on a Wall-E style Earth featuring Cinderella and a Ken doll?
This week's pick is a little unhinged, and while it might not be a good book, it was definitely an enjoyable one. Stick around if you like monster romance, are intrigued by sci-fi, or just need some cute fluff to get you through a reading slump.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50337348-homebound?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=hHAXyY4HGm&rank=3
Similar Books
Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25128811-ice-planet-barbarians?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=J8dZ94pNTo&rank=1
Scout's Progress by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/288768.Scout_s_Progress?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=MRIKveOHei&rank=1
Wed to the Lich by Layla Fae
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/157541817-wed-to-the-lich?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=hc9HoukKYp&rank=1
Author - Linnea Sinclair
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/202269.Linnea_Sinclair
Author - S.L. Viehl
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/121557.S_L_Viehl?from_search=true&from_srp=true
-
Is Benedict the most believable rake of all the Bridgerton brothers? Maybe that's what makes his insta-love with the Lady in Silver so convincing.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9408584-an-offer-from-a-gentleman?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_23
Similar Books
Stranger In My Arms by Lisa Kleypas
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/243206.Stranger_in_My_Arms
How the Marquess Was Won by Julie Anne Long
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11388053-how-the-marquess-was-won
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36381037-cinder?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=dk3GNqSb4V&rank=1
The Sweetest Oblivion by Danielle Lori
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39083635-the-sweetest-oblivion?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=z8SdN5n2PC&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=Y4KtfYlxz7&rank=1
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218038285-ella-enchanted?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=m2sxMzF7ZQ&rank=1
Check us out on Youtube @notanotherheroine
-
It's taken years, but Katie FINALLY read The Hating Game, and the result? 5 stars, immediate re-read shelf. It's a Dramione-level enemies to lovers but in a contemporary business setting. Banter, tension, and humor that doesn't feel cheesy or forced.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27213238-the-hating-game?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Ju29076QRy&rank=1
Similar Books
The Bodyguard by Katherine Center
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58724801-the-bodyguard?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_33
The Politician's Wife by pir8fancier
Check us out Youtube and Patreon @notanotherheroine
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26890767-the-politician-s-wife?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Rsp8pK9I0v&rank=1
Potions, Poisons, and Policies by Courtney Thorne
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/219922931-potions-poisons-and-policies?ref=nav_sb_noss_l_15
-
Julia Quinn can be relied upon to provide a safe, hallmark-worthy intro to historical romance. Just enough background and history to keep you immersed in the world without drowning you in the minutiae of how day-to-day life in the 1800s. Sophie and Benedict's story is our favorite of the Bridgerton novels for it's pacing but we're missing the angst of Lisa Kelypas' couples.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9408584-an-offer-from-a-gentleman?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_23
Similar Books
Stranger In My Arms by Lisa Kleypas
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/243206.Stranger_in_My_Arms
How the Marquess Was Won by Julie Anne Long
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11388053-how-the-marquess-was-won
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36381037-cinder?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=dk3GNqSb4V&rank=1
The Sweetest Oblivion by Danielle Lori
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39083635-the-sweetest-oblivion?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=z8SdN5n2PC&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=Y4KtfYlxz7&rank=1
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218038285-ella-enchanted?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=m2sxMzF7ZQ&rank=1
Check us out on Youtube and Patreon @notanotherheroine
-
"I'm not mad, just disappointed."
The writing is fine, the premise is interesting, but between the characters and the slow pacing this book transformed from a reliable romcom to a DNF.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60683957-check-mate?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=7ufhbF1VSO&rank=1
Similar Books and Shows
The Queen's Gambit (Netflix)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10048342/?ref_=mv_close
Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198716261-not-in-love?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=yfH0kE8B0H&rank=1
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36381037-cinder?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=cszkcZqRQA&rank=1
Check us out on Youtube and Patreon @notanotherheroine
- Show more
