#That Kind Of Guy by Talia Hibbert

[betterbooksandthings]

"A-spec and asexual romance novels might just be my favorite kind of romance novels. The communication is next level, the interpersonal plots are to die for, and, even better, at least one character is ace.

Really, the A-spec community has a lot to offer romance readers who’ve already bought into the project of romance at large. I.e. readers buy into the idea that the characters are going to have a happily ever after or happy for now (HEA/HFN). The joy of romance is figuring out just how those two people will get from point A to point B.

A-spec characters introduce an added layer of communication and consideration into the character’s interpersonal relationship that can sometimes get glossed over or assumed in other relationships. Allosexual and alloromantic couples do not always separate their layers of attraction (sexual, romantic, platonic, aesthetic, etc.). Don’t get me wrong: they can consider the varied ways they are attracted to and want to interact romantically, platonically, or sexually with another person. It just doesn’t happen all too often.

In contrast, I love the range of interactions asexual romance novels give readers. Some decide to do an info-dump style AVEN (Asexual Visibility and Education Network) definition. Others describe how they experience attraction and go into their feelings about what they are comfortable with the people they are in a relationship with. However they happen, these are conversations that clarify and crystalize relationships on the page for readers in satisfyingly intricate ways.

The Range of A-spec and Asexual Romance Novels

There are more and more a-spec and asexual romance books being published every year in every romance subgenre. So, there are more and more opportunities for new approaches to representing a-spec characters in interpersonal relationships with an HEA/HFN that feel more authentic to individual readers. Not every book is going to land for every reader. What I like in these a-spec and asexual romance novels might be something you dislike.

All that being said, I had a terrible time narrowing down my list to just the 16 best asexual romance novels. These books have a range of a-spec characters who are aromantic, asexual, demisexual, demiromantic, and gray ace. I have broken them up into contemporary romance, historical romance, romantasy, horror romance, and paranormal romance."

[lgbtqreads]

Fave Five: Demisexual Romances

The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun (m/m) Better Hate Than Ever by Chloe Liese (m/demi f) Far From Home by Lorelie Brown (f/f) How to Be a Movie Star by TJ Klune (m/m) That Kind of Guy by Talia Hibbert (demi m/f) Bonus: Coming next month, For Never & Always by Helena Greer (demi m/f)

[bookcub]

Hey hey, I was wondering if you have any ace book/books with ace characters recommendations? I’ve only read Loveless so far (since it is as you said The Ace Book), but I want to read some more for pride month and I don’t know where to start. I know you’ve read a couple but I can’t remember which ones you liked so I was hoping you could help me out?

ooooo yes I absolutely can! I will start with my favorites and then some others I enjoyed. Let me know if you have any questions about content warnings or genres I didn't cover!

Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger- urban fantasy, Ellie's ace identity isn't the focus but is canon and the central relationships are familial and platonic. it's part murder mystery, part magical journey

(Little Badger's A Snake Falls to Earth also has an ace mc but I remember less of the plot)

Little Thieves by Margaret Owen- goose girl retelling from the maid's perspective and she's demisexual!! high fantasy and action packed.

Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan Mcguire- a magical school book where kids who come back from their portal fantasy adventures. Nancy is ace and there's a murder mystery plot within.

Tash Hearts Tolstoy by Kathryn Ormsbee- my favorite ace contemporary ya romance

How to Be a Normal Person by TJ Klune- contemporary adult romance. the love interest is explicitly ace.

Aces Wild: A Heist by Amanda DeWitt- a group of ace internet friends plan a heist.

How to Be Ace by Rebecca Burgess- A graphic memoir

(I liked Ace by Angela Chen and Refusing Compulsory Sexuality by Sherronda J Brown for heavier reading)

That Kind of Guy by Talia Hibbert- adult contemporary romance, one of the mcs is demisexual (he knows before the book starts)

Role Playing by Cathy Yardley- adult contemporary romance, one of the mcs is demisexual (he realizes within the book)

That's Not What Happened by Kody Keplonger- YA contemporary, follows a group of students after a school shooting.

Let's Talk About Love by Claire Kann- ya contemporary romance.

[mermaidsirennikita]

hi!!!

do you have any recommendations for books with a dynamic like the one between andrew garfield and amelia in their chicken shop date?

doesn't have to be a pure romance novel either, i'm just kinda obsessed unfortunately

Those two have INSANE chemistry, it must be said. I don't know what their actual dynamic is, obviously, but the interview reminded me of books like these...

THE PAIRING BY CASEY MCQUISTON OMG. This is a recent standout for me, it's a m/nb romance (the NB lead was AFAB and identified as female when they were in a relationship with the hero before, but they've since come out as nonbinary during their time apart) about a pair of exes who basically end up on the same food and wine tour in Europe and decide to strike up their old friendship by making a bet to see who can seduce more people on the tour. It's one of the FLIIIIIRTIEST books I've ever read, the hero is very soft but also one of those ones where you know that in real life you'd be like "haha, I'm in dangerrrr" about him. So much banter. So much "oh shit suddenly I'm being vulnerable". Loved this one.

A Merry Little Meet Cute by Sierra Simone and Julie Murphy, which gives me this vibe because again, lots of flirting, but also the kind of like... caustic girl and emotionally in touch guy sensibility is there. Verrrry sexy.

The Hook Up by Kristen Callihan, surpriisngly. This one gives me that vibe because the hero has a very "dogged pursuit" angle while the heroine resists, and he's so open about it.

You, Again by Kate Goldbeck. A classic "funny girl who jokes to hide the pain"/"man who just wants to settle the fuck down" book. They're friends, so he's less open about it being a pURSUIT, but it's obvious and totally gives that vibe.

Get A Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert. I can't exactly explain why this one gives me that vibe, but.... it just does.

[read-alert]

December TBR! 📖📚❄️

• Genocide of the Mind: New Native American Writing edited by MariJo Moore

• A Girl Called Echo Omnibus by Katherena Vermette et al

• Drag Me Up by RM Virtues

• That Kind of Guy by Talia Hibbert

• How to Excavate a Heart by Jake Maia Arlow

• A Magical Girl Retires by Park Seolyeon trans by Anton Hur

• Ring of Solomon by Adrian Polydoros

• City of Wishes by Christina Soontornvat

• Only for the Week by Natasha Bishop

• Witch of Wild Things by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

• Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki

• The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennett by Kate Rorick and Bernie Su

• Bitter by Akwaeke Emezi

• Darky Sky Rising: Reconstruction and the Dawn of Jim Crow by Henry Louis Gates Jr

• The Palace of Eros by Caro De Robertis

• A Holly Jolly Diwali by Sonya Lalli

• Memnoch the Devil by Anne Rice

• Something Kindred by Ciera Burch

• Batu and the Search for the Golden Cup by Lilya Kalaus and Zira Nauryzbai trans by Shelley Fairweather-Vega

• Reaper Man by Terry Pratchett

• Time and Time Again by Chatham Greenfield

• Lunar Boy by Cin and Jes Wibowo

• Mutant Pride by SJ Whitby

• Cheer Up! Love and Pompoms by Crystal Frasier et al

• Squire by Nadia Shammas and Sara Alfageeh

• Stories of the Islands by Clar Angkasa

• Wash Day Diaries by Jamila Rowser and Robyn Smith

• She Came to Slay: The Life and Times of Harriet Tubman by Erica Armstrong Dunbar

• No 6 Vol 2 by Atsuko Asano and Hinoki Kino

• Boys Weekens by Mattie Lubchansky

• Kitty's Water Mill by Kārlis Skalbe and Astrida B Stahnke

• Princess Princess Ever After by K O'Neill

• The Oracle Code by Marieke Nijkamp and Manuel Preitano

• Aya: Life on Yop City by Clément Oubreire and Marguerite Abouet trans by Helge Dascher

• Star Trek: Countdown Collection Vol 1 by Mike Johnson et al

• Doctor Who: The Blood of Azrael by Scott Gray et al

[accidentalspaceexplorer]

March Monthly Recap

Like February, March was a rough month for me, although I read 10 books, a few of which I really enjoyed. I finally finished Thief of Time, which I really enjoyed, and I was fascinated by Worn: A People’s History of Clothing. On the other hand, I had two severe disappointments, The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels and High Times in the Low Parliament, which made me realize that I don’t really enjoy whimsical books!

The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton: 1.5/5, dnf

Thief of Time by Terry Pratchett: 5/5

Meet Me in Atlantis by Mark Adams: 4.25/5

The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi: 4.5/5

Untouchable by Talia Hibbert: 4.75/5

That Kind of Guy by Talia Hibbert: 4.75/5

High Times in the Low Parliament by Kelly Robson: 2/5

Murder on the Red River by Marcie R. Rendon: 2/5

Worn: A People’s History of Clothing by Sofi Thanhauser: 5/5

The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden: 4.5/5

And my goal progress beneath the cut:

23 in 2023: 7 [+4]

Read 100 books: 42 [+10]

Translated works: 1 [+0]

Physical TBR: 3 [+1]

Top of TBR: 2 [+1]

Books in Spanish: 0

Read 40% AOC: 26.2% [+1.2%]

Discworld books: 1 [+1]

Series: 3 started vs. 12 caught up on/finished [+0/+2]

Storygraph recs: 1 | avg. 3/5 [+0]

Indigenous authors: 1 [+1]

[b-andherbooks]

welcome to a new segment i’m going to try out, #FiveThingsFridays! I’ll be posting a variety of bookish “Five Things” weekly, and would love it if you all would jump on!

This week I’m sharing 📚📚five goodreads shelves📚📚 to get to know b.andherbooks (me!)!

I have seemingly random goodreads shelves amongst the more common ones, and these are just a selection of some of my favs or more obscure shelves. For more, you can always find these on my goodreads (link in bio).

1️⃣ Secret Spectacles: definition—when a main character is discovered to wear glasses and their love interest(s) are absolutely smitten and delighted by this knowledge. ✅Examples: Mickey Chambers Shakes it Up by Charish Reid The Rebel & the Rake by Emily Sullivan

2️⃣Fainting Couch: definition—when lovers actually encounter a fainting couch in the story and hopefully!! put it to great use ✅Examples: Indigo by Beverly Jenkins Can’t Help Falling by Cara Bastone Inside Bet by Katie Porter Stolen Desire by Robin Lovett

3️⃣Blacksmith: definition—a main character’s profession is a blacksmith ✅Examples: That Kind of Guy by Talia Hibbert Beauty & The Blacksmith by Tessa Dare

4️⃣Good Girl: definition—praise k1nk // good girl being uttered during sexy times ✅Examples: The Playing Game by Ainsley Booth A Duke Worth Falling For by Sarah MacLean Her Grumpy Neighbor by Eve Pendle Charming Your Dad by Sarah Blue

5️⃣Sex Pact: definition—love interests enter into an agreement that it is “just sex” or “just this one time” or “just for teaching you what you like//don’t like” and definitely NOT for catching feelings. ✅Examples: Earth Bound by Emma Barry * Genevieve Turner A Wicked Bargain for a Duke For the Love of April French by Penny Aimes Daring Truth by Adrian J Smith

What’s your favorite goodreads shelf? What other “Five Things” would you like me to feature? Let me know!

[richincolor]

[The three images are all the same and are the cover of the book Highely Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert. The background is pink and the author’s name is at the top. The title is in white for the first few words then in hot pink cursive for the last two words. There are tall evergreen trees in the background on the left. A smiling young Black man and woman carrying backpacks are walking closely on the right side of the cover. The young woman has an alien face on her t-shirt.]

Group Discussion: Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute

We started off the year with a really fun book for our group discussion. HIGHLY SUSPICIOUS AND UNFAIRLY CUTE by Talia Hibbert brought many smiles to our faces. If you've read along, please share your thoughts. If you haven't had a chance to read it yet, we didn't reveal any major plot twists, but you may want to skip this post until you read do get to finish reading.

Publisher's summary: Bradley Graeme is pretty much perfect. He’s a star football player, manages his OCD well (enough), and comes out on top in all his classes . . . except the ones he shares with his ex-best friend, Celine.

Celine Bangura is conspiracy-theory-obsessed. Social media followers eat up her takes on everything from UFOs to holiday overconsumption—yet, she’s still not cool enough for the popular kids’ table. Which is why Brad abandoned her for the in-crowd years ago. (At least, that’s how Celine sees it.)

These days, there’s nothing between them other than petty insults and academic rivalry. So when Celine signs up for a survival course in the woods, she’s surprised to find Brad right beside her.

Forced to work as a team for the chance to win a grand prize, these two teens must trudge through not just mud and dirt but their messy past. And as this adventure brings them closer together, they begin to remember the good bits of their history. But has too much time passed . . . or just enough to spark a whole new kind of relationship?

Crystal: I don’t know about you all, but I have read quite a few of Talia Hibbert’s adult romances and have really enjoyed them so I was very excited to see that she was trying out writing for young adults. There were probably hearts dancing above my head when I saw her name on the cover image. Speaking of the cover, what are your thoughts about the use of illustration and the colors?

Jessica: One of my absolute favorite romance books is ACT YOUR AGE, EVE BROWN, so I was very, very, very much looking forward to reading HIGHLY SUSPICIOUS AND UNFAIRLY CUTE– so yes, same, Crystal. I loved how bold and colorful the cover was! I know there’s some mixed feelings about romance covers increasingly having the same look – bright solid colors, simply illustrated characters – but I felt like this cover managed to be both familiar, signaling that you were picking up a fun YA romance by an author known for Adult Romance, and stand out with its bright pink palette and expressive characters. The best of both worlds! I’m a fan.

Audrey: I haven’t read any of Talia Hibbert’s adult titles before, but I loved HIGHLY SUSPICIOUS AND UNFAIRLY CUTE. I’m also not up to date on the conversation re: illustrated covers, but I can tell you that I was thrilled to have a plus sized Black girl on the cover! I’m glad we’re getting more and more fat rep in YA, especially in romance. The illustrator did a great job on Celine’s and Brad’s expressions and how they’re both sneaking looks at each other. Also, I love the little alien on Celine’s shirt.

K. Imani: I’m also a fan of Talia Hibbert having read and greatly enjoyed TAKE A HINT, DANI BROWN last year and like everyone else was excited to read her take on YA romance. I really like the cover as I feel like it fits her other covers which feature a plus sized Black girl being loved by a cute guy. Like Audrey said, their facial expressions are so cute and so teenagery because if anyone has ever been around teens finding love, it’s all about stealing glances and the cover captured these two perfectly.

Crystal: This is an excellent audio book that I was able to get through Libro.fm as an advance listening copy. The voice actors do a great job. One thing that I wasn’t aware of at first though was that the physical copy has a glossary at the beginning. If you also listened, you can access the glossary by “looking inside” on the publisher page. It would seem like that wouldn’t be a big thing to miss, but even the glossary is amusing. Laughter is something that Hibbert is fantastic at inspiring. Her humor is a gift.

Jessica: I ended up reading the book as an audiobook, ebook, and physical book since I was traveling. And I have to say, if you want your 6 hour flight to go by in a snap, listen to the audiobook. It is truly such a great experience. And I needed that glossary, lol, so it was much appreciated.

K. Imani: I have no comment on the audiobook because I’m strictly a physical book kind of gal, but yes there was a glossary at the beginning and I enjoyed reading it before I started the book. I’ve read a lot of British lit so some of the words I knew, but much of the current slang I didn’t, so it was fun to learn new words.

Audrey: I bought the hardcover, and the glossary cracked me up. It was fun and playful, which wasn’t something I expected, but it really set the tone for me since this was my first book by Hibbert. The glossary was also helpful—while I could and did figure out most of the terms in context, the book is really centered on the modern British schooling system, which I know almost nothing about. I definitely am not up on modern British slang, either.

Crystal: As a person who seeks outdoor experiences like camping, hiking, and rock climbing, the time they spent in nature was a bonus for me. Some contemporary YA romances have outdoorsy scenes, but it’s not extremely common so it seems like something to note especially since there are even fewer such scenes with characters of color.

Jessica: The combination of academic competition for a scholarship with outdoor expedition was so fresh! I’m very much an indoors person and will never voluntarily go camping, so I loved that I got to experience the great outdoors via a wonderful YA book. Speaking of which, this reminded me of one of my favorite influencers online – Alexis Nikole (@ blackforager on instagram!), who posts short videos about foraging and how she relates to the outdoors as a Black person. (You can read a great NPR interview with her here.)

Crystal: Thanks for that awesome interview Jessica! I also searched and found some of her videos. Fell down a rabbit hole for a bit. ;)

Audrey: I actually went to England and Scotland last fall, so while I was reading, I had fun imagining Celine and Brad hiking through some of the outdoors areas I visited. I didn’t do anything nearly so hardcore as what the Breakspeare Enrichment Program was, of course, but I enjoyed the (very small) connection. It was nice to have such long segments in the outdoors, too, because a lot of contemporary YA romance ends up being physically centered around a high school building, and the two Breakspere segments broke that up in a good way.

K. Imani: As one who goes camping with her students twice a year I loved it. I feel like taking both characters out of their comfort zones allowed them to open themselves up to each other and to others. Celine definitely grew at each of the camping weeks and Brad learned he was much more of a leader than he thought he was. I also liked that it opened up Celine and Brad’s world as they were away from their friends and had to be on their best behavior as they developed new friendships. I feel like this allowed them to also get to know each other as who they are now rather than who they were when their friendship ended.

Crystal: In her author’s note, Hibbert explains that the “story involves parental abandonment and a portrayal of living with obsessive compulsive disorder.” I don’t know how that portrayal would seem to someone with OCD, but I appreciated how she made the characters seem whole and complete people. A recurring theme with both main characters was that individuals can be the boss of their brain. Since it is written through both perspectives we get to really see how thoughts are rumbling through and what’s affecting their actions.

Jessica: I’ll take this opportunity to shout out the acknowledgements, where Hibbert talks about how OCD runs in her family, how she reacted to being diagnosed, and how “writing him inspired me to take better care of myself.” I love that so much – the idea that both the act of reading and the act of writing can help you as a person. And I love that, in all her books, Hibbert portrays characters in their full humanity – like Brad being bisexual (and having a crush on John Boyega, which, relatable), a high school football star, and someone working on managing his OCD. And Celine being an overachiever, TikTok influencer, and someone grappling with how her father abandoned her family. They’re such rich characters, and they make the story that much more compelling.

Audrey: That bit that Jessica quoted in the acknowledgments also hit me hard. A lot of time on our blog we talk about how important it is for teen readers to see themselves represented—and it is!—but it was also a good reminder that it can be just as important for the authors writing these books. Hibbert did a wonderful job of exploring Brad and Celine’s inner worlds compassionately, and I appreciated that even when the two were more on the “enemies” side of “enemies-to-lovers,” they still had moments of understanding toward each other.

Crystal: My audiobook didn’t include the acknowledgments so I’m glad that you all mentioned them. When I was a teen, I never did read such things, but now I usually do. I finially got my physical copy last night and was glad to get a chance to read the acknowledgements and see a bit of Hibbert's own story.

K. Imani: Like Jessica, Hibbert’s comment about learning to take care of herself while writing about Brad touched me too. I don’t know much about OCD but I liked the way Hibbert wrote Brad and how he dealt with his brain. In fact, much like Crystal, I really enjoyed the inner lives of both Celine and Brad and how their mental and emotional challenges and growth influence their decisions. They both felt like fully realized characters, which made me really connect with them.

Crystal: One time, I think Brad says that being with Celine is like falling into bed after a long day. That’s what this book is like for me. It’s comfy and wraps me in a hug. Yes, characters have bad things happen to them or they make poor choices, but rom-coms are safe and reliable because we know *spoiler alert* they will muddle their way through and it will all work out in the end. I love that they were friends in the past and so that made them good enemies. Their verbal sparring is too cute. Also, Hibbert was great at writing descriptions that would stick in my head like when Brad describes Celine popping up like a meerkat in one particularly adorable scene. Was there anything specific that had y’all smiling?

Jessica: The banter was *chef’s kiss* – I was grinning the whole flight as I was listening. Well, alternating between smiling and tearing up at the emotional scenes.

Audrey: I agree, the banter was great! That was the big sign for me that these characters would eventually be on the same page about each other and that I would end up rooting for them to be. One scene that cracked me up was the mud fight between Brad and Celine. Not only was it hilarious, but it was also a great segue into a tipping point in their relationship.

K. Imani: I feel like the scenes that had me smiling, especially when they were in their “enemies” stage, was the love that was still there between them. You could tell they still mourned their friendship and when Brad comes over to Celine’s house after she breaks her wrist, my heart just melted because it was clear how close they were and how much they really missed their friend. The parallel visit at the end of the novel was a perfect payoff as well.

Crystal: Are there any other rom-coms you’re looking forward to this spring? I was excited to finally start reading Maurene Goo’s THROWBACK that comes out in April.

Jessica: HER GOOD SIDE by Rebekah Weatherspoon! Another exciting YA by an Adult Romance author. It comes out May 30th.

Audrey: I think CHLOE AND THE KAISHAO BOYS by Mae Coyiuto sounds like fun! It came out just yesterday.

K. Imani: I’m looking forward to WHILE YOU WERE DREAMING by Alisha Rai who is another Adult Romance author whose writing I love. I’m also looking forward to Rhythm and Muse by India Hill Brown as it seems like a swoon worthy story.

If you have any spring release rom-coms to recommend, let us know in the comments. Happy reading!

[katimorton]

I haven't read "Get a Life, Chloe Brown" and I have to admit I am not familiar with Talia Hibbert's work, but I stumbled across this quote this morning and had to share it. Why does it seem that the people who struggle the most with being kind to themselves are always the ones who are extraordinary at being kind to others. Is it because we give them what we know we need? Is it because we notice others the way we long to be noticed? Today, on this Monday - try listening to yourself as you say lovely things to others. Notice your tone, notice your words - and then notice what comes up if you try to talk to yourself that way. What tools or tricks do you guys have for managing your self-talk? I want to hear it!! Share below!! #selftalk #nurture #selfloved — view on Instagram https://ift.tt/4pKLotY

[bookcub]

Role Playing by Cathy Yardley and That Kind of Guy by Talia Hibbert both have a demisexual male lead

How to Be a Normal Person by TJ Klune has an ace male love interest

The Romantic Agenda by Claire Kann has an ace female lead

And I have Bitter Medicine by Mia Tsai on my ace tbr and I think it is also adult but I haven't read it soooooo idk.

Does anyone have any good books with adult aspec characters in them? I'm brainstorming Christmas gifts for my sister and she's gray ace and I really want to give her books that represent that part of her, but aside from Bury Your Gays by Chuck Tingle and How to Sell Your Blood and Fall in Love by D.N. Bryn all the other books with aspec characters I can think of are YA and she's in her thirties so id like older characters.

So, any recommendations?

[hafwen]

I alway love reading books by Talia Hibbert but finishing a book I was not into and then starting one of hers feels like coming inside a warm cozy house after being stuck in the cold for the day

[betterbooksandthings]

Welcome to a list of good old romance books set in fan conventions. Zoom rooms replace endless queuing, enticing panels, and nerdy swag, making convention books all the more fun. Now, whether you’re reminiscing or anticipating gatherings, these romance books set in fan conventions will hit the spot. 

Featuring: CONVENTIONALLY YOURS BY ANNABETH ALBERT, THAT KIND OF GUY BY TALIA HIBBERT. PLAY IT AGAIN BY AIDAN WAYNE, SPOILER ALERT BY OLIVIA DADE

[literaticat]

Hi Jenn, do you have any recs for good rom coms?

okkkkkk strap in lmao

I actually wrote this LONG ASS email to my friend recently when she asked for "escapist romance reads" (for grownups) -- I assume that is what you are asking for? All of these are grownup books - I'm just literally cutting and pasting that email.

So some are more "rom" than "com" but they are all FUN and A DELIGHT.

All Emily Henry books - BEACH READ, PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION and the latest BOOK LOVERS (about an agent and an editor!!) -- these are pure perfection, IMO.

I love all Jasmine Guillory books, they are an absolute auto-buy for me. Her latest is a bit of a departure, it's called BY THE BOOK and is a contemporary Beauty and the Beast reimagining -- it's a lot of fun. (Though I personally prefer her other series, this one is def "escapist" and delightful!)

THE FLATSHARE by Beth O'Leary -- it's about a girl who works days, and a guy who works nights. They share a flat in London that neither of them could afford on their own -- but they have NEVER ACTUALLY MET. They just communicate via post-it notes they leave for one another. Until.....  (I also really liked another book by her, THE ROAD TRIP, about a two exes that unexpectedly have to share a ride to a wedding of a mutual friend, and the trip encounters a lot of snags...)

All 3 of the Talia Hibbert Brown Sister's books (ACT YOUR AGE, EVE BROWN -- TAKE A HINT, DANI BROWN, etc) - Each book is about a different sister, all of them posh Black women in London, all of them close to one another, but that's where their similarities end -- each one has her own issues holding her back in one way or another -- each of these romances is STEAMY and full of BANTER and just basically delish.

An older rec so I may have said it before, but: Any Alyssa Cole book - I'd start with A PRINCESS IN THEORY. It's about a girl who keeps getting these spam messages saying something about an African prince and a betrothal, and she's like YEAH RIGHT, DELETE -- but then he shows up on her doorstep. Very "coming to america" vibes, so cute.

BATTLE ROYAL by Lucy Parker - All of Lucy Parker's previous books are set in the world of London theater/acting communities (and I really liked all of them) -- but this new one is set on the set of a Great British Bake-Off style show. The one super uptight "fancy" man judge and the new judge (who was a previous contenstant, specializing in frilly, sparkly bakes) get along like oil and water... *cough*

IT HAPPENED ONE SUMMER by Tessa Bailey - if you liked Schitt's Creek or Northern Exposure kind of vibes - it's about a super-hot party girl (think Alexis in Schitt's Creek) who has effed up one too many times in LA and is relegated to a small fishing village in the pacific northwest. So cute (and hot) - and the companion book, about the party girl's sister, just came out - HOOK, LINE, AND SINKER.

And I really liked THE UNHONEYMOONERS by Christina Lauren -- about the maid of honor and groomsman at a wedding who -- when the ENTIRE bridal party and everyone gets horrifically sick at the reception, are the only two left standing. They hate each other -- but the bride insists that they take the amazing, non-refundable honeymoon on the bride and groom's behalf. And they only have to pretend to be married. WHAT COULD GO WRONG?  (Yes, I guess I really like enemies-to-lovers) -- this is the one that got me out of a horrible year-long book slump last year!

Bonus.... Just a couple to round out the list, a couple of legit funny historical romances!

Courtney Milan - HEIRESS EFFECT: All of Milan's books are terrific, but I really love this Brothers Sinister series. In this one, an extremely rich girl who is not marriage-minded does everything possible (short of contracting a contagious disease) to get potential suitors to stay the hell away from her. Witty and fun and oh also I totally ugly-cried at a certain point. I think this will make you want to read ALL the books.

Tessa Dare - ANY DUCHESS WILL DO: All of Dare's books are delightful - most set in the little village of "Spindle Cove" (aka Spinster Cove), a beach community full of ladies who are pretty much off the marriage mart for one reason or another. In this one, a Duke is charged by his mother to get married. She declares she can make any lady into an appropriate Duchess, so he just needs to choose. NOW. So he picks the most inappropriate wench he can find, determined to foil his mother's plan. (Bonus: has a bookselling subplot!) Again - this is just one book in a totally delightful series.

[bookcub]

Do you have any book (or show or movie) recs with asexual men? I feel like all the books with asexual characters I’ve read feature asexual women but no asexual men. Fiction or nonfiction is good. TIA!

ooo this is a great ask!! women are definitely more likely to be the ace rep in the books I have read!!

first off, How to Be a Normal Person by TJ Klune is fantastic. the love interest is a man and asexual. it's a mlm adult romance novel, very low stakes and I totally cried. I haven't read the sequel, but the main character is demisexual in that one and a man. bonus, TJ Klune is asexual himself and (if I recall correctly) The Lighting Struck Heart has a prominent asexual side character.

Ace by Angela Chen is a nonfiction book and she interviews many people throughout her books, and I distinctly remember her interviewing men, specifically talking to one about how his gender intersected with his asexuality.

I never finished Tarnished Are the Stars by Rosiee Thor, but one of the three main characters was an aro ace teen boy. This is a scifi, set in space, YA novel.

Radio Silence by Alice Oseman has a major character who is a demisexual teen boy. It's YA contemporary. I also cried reading this.

Rick by Alex Gino is a middle grade novel about a middle school boy questioning his place in the queer community. Very sweet.

That Kind of Guy by Talia Hibbert is a contemporary romance and one of the main characters is a demisexual man falling in love with his best friend (who is a fantasy author). This was unexpected for me because I picked this up for the author, not the demi rep so I was over the moon.

side note, for tv shows, I've only watched Todd's ace clips, but there is a male character who realizes he is ace.

The podcasts A-OK and Sounds Fake but Okay both have interviews with ace men, so if you like podcasts, I would check those out as well.

[mermaidsirennikita]

Weekly Book Recs: 9/22-9/29

Duke of Depravity by Scarlett Scott

A very classic historical--pair a drunken, PTSD-ridden war veteran duke with a takes-no-shit governess who's actually spying on him because he's suspected of treason? It's delicious. This is the first time I've read Scarlett Scott, and I love the heat to her books, the wit and sense of humor matched with melodramatic emotion. The air is a bit... Tessa Dare meets Elizabeth Hoyt. Which is a really good combo, I've gotta say. Will definitely read more from her soon.

The Billionaire's Fake Fiancee by Annika Martin

Annika Martin's Billionaires of Manhattan series always evokes the sense of a truly great cinematic romcom. A lot of "romcom" novels are not actually funny, and she has such an upbeat sense of humor in her writing, along with some serious sex appeal. I didn't love the third installment after super enjoying the first two, but this one was a return to form--it may be my favorite yet. You pair a hairdresser obsessed with daytime soaps and Hello Kitty on a yacht with her stern client who hates everything she represents (... or rather, he's obsessed with everything she represents) and force them into a fake relationship... You have magic. Actually, fake dating is so ubiquitous in contemporary at the moment that it often doesn't work--but here, it so does. A fabulous "grumpy hero has a love realization" moment included.

The Princess Trap by Talia Hibbert

Kind of wild that I've been bitching about being bored with fake dating lately, only to recommend two fake dating books back to back. But in my defense a) they're both really good and b) they both came out a few years ago, back before the trope was quite so exhausted. Anyway! This is great. I'm a sucker for a good royal romance, and this hits. Ruben's a very "nice guy in the streets, fuck you and leave (consensual) bruises in the sheets" type of hero, which is difficult to resist. And he's a Danish-ish prince! But where Talia Hibbert really excels is in writing great heroines, and Cherry is no exception. No nonsense yet bratty (in other words, the ideal match for Ruben) with a tough veneer that masks a very sweet, very kind heart. It's super hot--there's a moment where he tells her he likes to take control in bed, and has an "oral fetish", as if these are potential problems--but it has a soft center. TW: domestic violence (not between the couple). #23for23

Her Errant Earl by Scarlett Scott

A classic "marriage in trouble by way of his dipshittery" book, short and sweet--or not so sweet. I personally enjoy a cheating book. In this case, Will and Victoria never really had a relationship before he began cheating; he marries her to appease his father, sleeps with her once, and is off on his way for six months. But it doesn't hurt her any less, and so you have a lot of groveling, some secret keeping, and plenty of righteous anger on her part. It's not complicated, and it could stand to be a bit longer. But if you want a good long grovel with actual misdeeds to make up for? This is it.

Her Lovestruck Lord by Scarlett Scott

Another "low-down cheating dog" book, as the second installment of Scott's Wicked Husbands series (a series with a premise for me if there ever was one). In this case, however, Maggie's husband Simon never bothered to consummate the marriage before ditching her--because he was already in love with a married woman, who subsequently dumped his ass, leading him to accidentally deflower his wife at a masked sex party, during which she was planning on cucking him in revenge. Whew. And I kind of fucking loved this one. Whereas Will of Errant is a rake through and through, Simon is stern. And possessive as fuck. And so confused, because he does not love wife!!! But why is wife all he can think about??? Why wife so pretty??? This one is for the "alpha male is downed by love" crowd, with a charming heroine and a third act twist that I didn't love, but--I did love the subsequent angst. Definitely scratched an itch.

[bookaddict24-7]

8 ROMANCE NOVELS BY BLACK AUTHORS TO ADD TO YOUR TBR!

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1. Intercepted by Alexa Martin 

“Marlee thought she scored the man of her dreams only to be scorched by a bad breakup. But there's a new player on the horizon, and he's in a league of his own... Marlee Harper is the perfect girlfriend. She's definitely had enough practice by dating her NFL-star boyfriend for the last ten years. But when she discovers he has been tackling other women on the sly, she vows to never date an athlete again. There's just one problem: Gavin Pope, the new hotshot quarterback and a fling from the past, has Marlee in his sights. Gavin fights to show Marlee he's nothing like her ex. Unfortunately, not everyone is ready to let her escape her past. The team's wives, who never led the welcome wagon, are not happy with Marlee's return. They have only one thing on their minds: taking her down. But when the gossip makes Marlee public enemy number one, she worries about more than just her reputation. Between their own fumbles and the wicked wives, it will take a Hail Mary for Marlee and Gavin's relationship to survive the season.”

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2. How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams 

“One daring to-do list and a crash course in flirtation turn a Type A overachiever’s world upside down. When her flailing department lands on the university's chopping block, Professor Naya Turner’s friends convince her to shed her frumpy cardigan for an evening on the town. For one night her focus will stray from her demanding job and she’ll tackle a new kind of to-do list. When she meets a charming stranger in town on business, he presents the perfect opportunity to check off the items on her list. Let the guy buy her a drink. Check. Try something new. Check. A no-strings-attached hookup. Check…almost. Jake makes her laugh and challenges Naya to rebuild her confidence, which was left toppled by her abusive ex-boyfriend. Soon she’s flirting with the chance at a more serious romantic relationship—except nothing can be that easy. The complicated strings around her dating Jake might destroy her career. Naya has two options. She can protect her professional reputation and return to her old life or she can flirt with the unknown and stay with the person who makes her feel like she's finally living again.

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3. Get A Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

“Chloe Brown is a chronically ill computer geek with a goal, a plan, and a list. After almost—but not quite—dying, she’s come up with six directives to help her “Get a Life”, and she’s already completed the first: finally moving out of her glamourous family’s mansion. The next items? • Enjoy a drunken night out. • Ride a motorcycle. • Go camping. • Have meaningless but thoroughly enjoyable sex. • Travel the world with nothing but hand luggage. • And... do something bad. But it’s not easy being bad, even when you’ve written step-by-step guidelines on how to do it correctly. What Chloe needs is a teacher, and she knows just the man for the job. Redford ‘Red’ Morgan is a handyman with tattoos, a motorcycle, and more sex appeal than ten-thousand Hollywood heartthrobs. He’s also an artist who paints at night and hides his work in the light of day, which Chloe knows because she spies on him occasionally. Just the teeniest, tiniest bit. But when she enlists Red in her mission to rebel, she learns things about him that no spy session could teach her. Like why he clearly resents Chloe’s wealthy background. And why he never shows his art to anyone. And what really lies beneath his rough exterior…”

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4. The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa

“A wedding planner left at the altar. Yeah, the irony isn’t lost on Carolina Santos, either. But despite that embarrassing blip from her past, Lina’s managed to make other people’s dreams come true as a top-tier wedding coordinator in DC. After impressing an influential guest, she’s offered an opportunity that could change her life. There’s just one hitch… she has to collaborate with the best (make that worst) man from her own failed nuptials. Tired of living in his older brother’s shadow, marketing expert Max Hartley is determined to make his mark with a coveted hotel client looking to expand its brand. Then he learns he’ll be working with his brother’s whip-smart, stunning —absolutely off-limits — ex-fiancée. And she loathes him. If they can survive the next few weeks and nail their presentation without killing each other, they’ll both come out ahead. Except Max has been public enemy number one ever since he encouraged his brother to jilt the bride, and Lina’s ready to dish out a little payback of her own. But even the best laid plans can go awry, and soon Lina and Max discover animosity may not be the only emotion creating sparks between them. Still, this star-crossed couple can never be more than temporary playmates because Lina isn’t interested in falling in love and Max refuses to play runner-up to his brother ever again...”

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5. The Sweetest Remedy by Jane Igharo 

“9 hours, 9 minutes When a woman travels to Nigeria to attend the funeral of the father she never knew, she meets her extravagant family for the first time, a new and inspiring love interest, and discovers parts of herself she didn't know were missing, from Jane Igharo, the acclaimed author of Ties That Tether. Hannah Bailey has never known her father, the Nigerian entrepreneur who had a brief relationship with her white mother. Because of this, Hannah has always felt uncertain about part of her identity. When her father dies, she's invited to Nigeria for the funeral. Though she wants to hate the man who abandoned her, she's curious about who he was and where he was from. Searching for answers, Hannah boards a plane to Lagos, Nigeria. In Banana Island, one of Nigeria's most affluent areas, Hannah meets the Jolades, her late father's prestigious family--some who accept her and some who think she doesn't belong. The days leading up to the funeral are chaotic, but Hannah is soon shaped by secrets that unfold, a culture she never thought she would understand or appreciate, and a man who steals her heart and helps her to see herself in a new light.”

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6. One True Loves by Elise Bryant

“Lenore Bennett has always been a force. A star artist and style icon at her high school, she’s a master in the subtle art of not giving a . . . well, you know what. But now that graduation is here, she’s a little less sure. She’s heading to NYU in the fall with a scarlet U (for “undeclared”) written across her chest. Her parents always remind her that Black kids don’t have the luxury of figuring it out as they go—they have to be 110 percent prepared. But it’s a lot of pressure to be her ancestors’ wildest dreams when Lenore’s not even sure what her dreams are yet. When her family embarks on a post-graduation Mediterranean cruise, her friend Tessa is sure Lenore’s in for a whirlwind romance. But Lenore knows that doesn’t happen in real life. At least not to girls like her. Then she meets Alex Lee. After their parents bond over the Cupid Shuffle, she ends up stuck with him for the remainder of the cruise. He’s a hopeless romantic and a golden boy with a ten-year plan. In short, he’s irritating as hell. But as they get to know each other during the picturesque stops across Europe, he may be able to help her find something else she’s been looking for, even if she doesn’t want to admit it to herself: love.”

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7. Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan  

“A Standalone FORBIDDEN LOVE SET IN THE EXPLOSIVE WORLD OF THE NBA... Think you know what it's like being a baller's girl? You don't. My fairy tale is upside down. A happily never after. I kissed the prince and he turned into a fraud. I was a fool, and his love - fool's gold. Now there's a new player in the game, August West. One of the NBA's brightest stars. Fine. Forbidden. He wants me. I want him. But my past, my fraudulent prince, just won't let me go. *Some aspects of this story may be sensitive for some readers.”

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8. Wanting Mr. Cane by Shanora Williams

“KANDY It was love at first sight when I met Mr. Cane. He was handsome, broody, tattooed, and rich. For years, he’s been mine. He just didn’t know it. I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with him, or for him to want me in the ways that he did. None of it was ever supposed to happen, but after all we’ve done together, it’s too late to turn back now. A once harmless crush had blossomed into so much more. CANE When we first met, she was just a kid - my best friend’s daughter. A sweet, young girl with a big heart. But now, she’s a young woman who knows what she wants, and all she wants is me. I’ve tried holding back, pretending the connection meant nothing, but my sweet candy cane made it impossible. If anyone finds out, I’ll be ruined. I’ve worked too hard to lose everything I’ve built. But there’s just something about her that tempts me, making me want to sacrifice just about anything to have her.”

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Have you read any of these? Would you recommend them?

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Happy reading!