TBQ'S Book Palace: Whatcha Reading? + Podcast (March 3rd)

I can't believe it's already March (aka, my birthday month, in case you were curious).

Today's chat starts with some WTFery that involves a dead dog returning as his owner's lover, before moving on to some much more serious romance news -- the Ripped Bodice's 2017 diversity in publishing report. (Spoiler: it's not good. Publishers: do better.) I also briefly talk about the racist problems in Kleypas's newest and how she heard everyone's outrage and is going to have it changed before the next edition comes out.

Finally, I talk about the 3 books I read this week -- ranging from 2 to 4 stars -- before ending with my reading plans for the weekend.

Please note: I'm aware of how the audio sounds in this one. I'm not sure what happened after I saved the audio and started to upload it for the podcast, but it's a hot mess and I did not have the time, or the knowledge if I'm being honest, to try and fix it and reupload. I swear, one of these days I will finally get the hang of the editing!

While I'm on the subject of the audio quality: If you know of a good microphone for recording podcasts, that hooks up to an iPhone -- which is how I record everything -- let me know. I'd prefer it be under $40, if possible, but I'm open to suggestions at this point!

So without further ado, on with the podcast and links!

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What I Read:

Virgin Territory by Lia Riley
Out March 6th
4 Stars

✦ She’s a yoga instructor
✦ Ginger hockey star (goalie)
✦ VIRGIN HERO
✦ I just really enjoyed this one. Quick and fun and sexy
✦ Not a perfect read, I have a few things to quickly chat about, but even that didn't bother me because I had a good time overall
✦ Also, sex positive!

Find all the quotes I shared HERE

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo
Goodreads

Heat Wave by Elyse Springer
2 Stars
Limited 3rd POV

✦ Bi heroines (one out, one coming to terms w/ ID)
✦ Makeup artist
✦ Diner manager
✦ Some kink
✦ TBH, I didn’t feel the connection/romance
✦ Also, the repeated stereotypical reaction to bi (cheating! actually straight!) -- BY ONE HEROINE TO THE OTHER. Ugh

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo
Goodreads

A Duke to Remember by Kelly Bowen
Narrated by Ashford McNab
3 1/2 Stars

✦ She works like a spy/PI for the ton. Loved her, very strong and kickass
✦ He’s the “missing” duke she’s been sent to find
✦ He has, I think, some form of dyslexia? He has a hard time keeping his spoken words straight
✦ A solid read -- nothing to complain about, but also wasn't a "OMG, changed my life!" read, you know?

✦ Moderate heat level

✦ I just really enjoy this series, narrator is good, too

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo
Goodreads

Currently Listening To:

Wilde in Love by Eloisa James

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

Goodreads

I hate this narrator and frankly I don't care about the story. Mostly I'm just trying to finish it up until my library hold comes in.

Currently Reading:

Talk British to Me by Robin Bielman

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

Goodreads

Honestly, I'm bored by this one as well. And I do have one thing to rant about next week, though it's more of a "This needs to stop in romancelandia, period" rant than "This is a limited to this book" rant.

Next Up: Scoring off the Field by Naima Simone