Plot Trysts
Episodes
The Merchant Match by Jenna Bigelow
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is now a Roman Empire/Republic romance fan account.
Worldly and Temporal Things: Lessons in French
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meg and Alex are joined by Adriana Herrera to discuss Laura Kinsale's most conventional book. (That is not a diss.)
Losing Sight by Tati Richardson
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We ADORED this book and it managed to be fun while dealing with some serious topics.
Wooing the Witch Queen by Stephanie Burgis
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This book is adorable and so much fun to read and I really enjoyed the balance of romance and world building and I wanted it to be smut and it wasn...
Enemy of My Dreams by Jenny Williamson
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We were both so charmed by the road trip romance between a brutal Visigoth and a Roman princess. We were not charmed by the asshole king letting his p...
Worldly and Temporal Things: The Prince of Midnight
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alix E. Harrow joins Meg and Alex to discuss The Prince of Midnight, by Laura Kinsale, a book that is both bonkers and heartbreaking.
A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke by Adriana Herrera
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The concept of this series is very cool, and this book is very effective, but it was also hard to read at this moment in time.
The Arrangement by Mary Balogh
01 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do I get what is objectively good about Mary Balogh's writing? Yes. Is a low-stakes, low-conflict, low-steam story what I need right now? Not really.
My Inconvenient Duke by Loretta Chase
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Loretta is BACK. Is this the marriage in crisis as we expected? No. But once you set aside the expectation that something horrible is about to happen ...
Worldly and Temporal Things: The Shadow and the Star
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meg and Alex resume their read of all Laura Kinsale's books. Today they are joined by Angelina M. Lopez to discuss the Shadow and the Star.
Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This book is exactly what we expect from this series, rompy and very very sexy. Please give me a book about Jasper, I am such a sucker for a real sp...
As You Desire by Connie Brockway
17 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We read this because we will read pretty much anything set in Egypt. There were parts that were really fun, but you can really tell it was written i...
Freed by the Marquess by Stevie Sparks
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We were both a bit scared of this book and were pleasantly surprised, but were left wondering who the target audience was. Also, we now return to our ...
Scandalous Lord Dere by Stephanie Laurens
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Stephanie Laurens NYE novella? Sign us up for the batshittery.
Worldly and Temporal Things: The Hidden Heart
10 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meg and Alex are joined by Charis Michaels to discuss Laura Kinsale's first book. If I learned anything from editing this episode, you should defini...
The Silly Season by D.P. Clarence
09 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is the perfect Christmas novella to end our season with. Yes, I know it's January 9th.
His Mistletoe Wager by Virginia Heath
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Everything about this book charmed us, even the things that shouldn't have. It's a Christmas miracle!
When the Lord Adored Me by Lydia Lloyd
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A sex cabin 12 days of Christmas book? Well ok, if we must, we must.
A Halifax Holiday by Alexandra Vasti
29 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Halifaxes are all home for the holidays, and it's exactly what you expect (that is a good thing).
No Ordinary Duchess by Elizabeth Hoyt
28 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Elizabeth Hoyt is back, baby!
His Christmas Rose by Jane Maguire
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is super Christmasy and super sexy but we do have to hate on the heroine at the beginning of the book. She improves very much over the course of ...
A Waltz with Isabelle by Nina Jarrett
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's really fun to see the convention of introductions in the regency taken to a rom-com extreme. We liked it, even if the ties to Christmas feel tenu...
A Jingle Bell Mingle by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The end of the Christmas Notch series returns with plenty of Christmas cheer and gingerbread lube.
Mrs. Milner Gets a Kitchen by Jane Hadley
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This sexy newsletter novella was the perfect transition from fall to Christmas aka Thanksgiving.
The Proposal by Mary Balogh
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We both like low-stress couples, but this book took it to an extreme. It had its moments, but we needed more.
Duchess Material by Emily Sullivan
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes what you need is a well written and sexy good time.
The Miss Without a Mister by Katherine Grant
22 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Katherine Grant continues to tackle themes we're not used to seeing in Romance. While this book achieves what we think it set out to do, it was a...
This Marquess of Mine by Sylvie Sinclair
22 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This book leans into romance novel tropes in all the right ways, and was sexier than we were expecting (which is a very good thing).
Re-release: The Ruin of Evangeline Jones by Julia Bennet
22 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This innovative take on lovers from different classes is very very sexy. The wider plot confused us a bit, but we liked the main couple enough to make...
Deep Dive: Judith Ivory's Beast with Sherry Thomas
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're joined by Sherry Thomas to discuss Beast, by Judith Ivory. We talk author inspiration, interconnected literary worlds, and much, much more. Than...
The Beast Takes a Bride by Julie Anne Long
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We love the Palace of Rogues. That is all.
Re-Release: Of Silk and Steam by Bec McMaster
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The last book in the London Steampunk series wraps up all the loose ends in a way we didn't always totally understand, but with main couple this perfe...
RE-Release: Forged by Desire by Bec McMaster
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In my mind I now live in steampunk London and I'm just waiting on a newly promoted cop whose mom was killed by basically jack the ripper to save me fr...
Re-release: My Lady Quicksilver by Bec McMaster
26 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Laine and Meg like honorable men who go bad for the right reasons, decadent costumes, and nuanced world views. This book has all of those things, so t...
Re-release: Heart of Iron by Bec McMaster
26 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This book is world building with a side of romance. Some of it really works and some of it was really boring, but we're still intrigued by the series....
Re-release: Kiss of Steel by Bec McMaster
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What would Halloween be without vampires? This take is a bit different, with vampirism presented as a progressive disease limited to the highest ranks...
A Werewolf's Guide to Seducing a Vampire by Sarah Hawley
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We wrap up this adorable series with Ben and Eleanora and we were both thoroughly charmed.
Mated to My Ex by Kate Prior
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our version of spooky season continues with "Mated to My Ex." We usually like Kate Prior's social commentary, but she goes a different route with this...
My Vampire Plus-One by Jenna Levine
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We were completely charmed by this contemporary vampire rom-com. I know! Who am I?
Taken by the Night by Kathryn Smith
06 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We start off spooky season with Laine cackling like a witch with glee at how absurd this book is.
I Will Steal You The Stars by Alivia Fleur
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This book makes you FEEL how precarious the characters' lives are (credit to Meg). Apparently it's less steamy than her usual fare, but it's definitel...
The Finest Print by Erin Langston
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I cannot get the name of this book right for the life of me, but it's so good I need to figure it out.
My Word as Vorkosigan: Interview with Lois McMaster Bujold
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Alex and Meg wrap up this series with a bang!
The Suitor by Mary Balogh
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Meg and Laine try a new author, though this book was too short for us to draw any conclusions. If you've seen this book advertised as steamy, that...
Earl of My Dreams by Sylvie Sinclair
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ok look. We can't stay on topic to save our lives and we end up talking more about our platonic ideal of a romance novel. In short: this book is g...
Stranger in My Arms by Lisa Kleypas
14 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Meg has fond feelings about this 90s-tastic Kleypas, and Laine read it for the first time. It brought us both joy, just in different ways.
My Word as Vorkosigan: Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Meg and Alex are joined by Sarah Wendell to discuss the final book in the Vorkosigan Saga.
RE-RELEASE: The Madness of Miss Grey by Julia Bennet
06 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This book is... a lot. It handled a difficult subject in a compelling way but left us wanting more from the characters. The main couple really works, ...
Passion at the Palais Royal by Delphine Roy
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Delphine Roy deals with some themes that are not our favorite, but does seem aware of the difficulty and makes some fun choices within a very not fun ...
The Bladesmith Queen by Sarah MacLean
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
MacLean really nails the prose as she goes full medieval. We liked it.
My Word As Vorkosigan: Cryoburn
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Meg and Alex are joined by Kelsea Yu to spend most of the episode talking about the ending of this book.
How to Fall for a Scoundrel by Kate Bateman
25 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Good news! This book was wayyyyy less problematic than the first in the series, in that it was not problematic at all.
Good Duke Gone Wild by Bethany Bennett
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There are many things to enjoy about this book and a ton of well developed B plots. Maybe too many, but we could have looked beyond that if all the ta...
Full Speed to a Crash Landing by Beth Revis
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Meg loved this, Laine didn't, so maybe don't start here if you're new to SciFi?
My Word as Vorkosigan: Captain Vorpatril's Alliance
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Meg and Alex are joined by Jim Butcher to discuss Captain Vorpatril's Alliance, which TBH sounds like a romp.
The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love by Indian Holton
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Laine isn't a bird person and apparently Meg isn't a this book person, so we struggled a bit here.
Hot Earl Summer by Erica Ridley
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This series keeps getting more and more bonkers. There are moments of fun, but we untimately had trouble connecting with the characters.
The Earl Who Isn't by Courtney Milan
04 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This book might be quintessential Milan. She deals with real issues with a lot of resonance today in a way that is still so true to the Romance novel ...
My Word as Vorkosigan: Diplomatic Immunity
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Meg and Alex are joined by Yoon Ha Lee to discuss Diplomatic Immunity.
Viscount in Love by Eloisa James
27 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Torie is basically the best and Dominic is... trying, but in a way we both REALLY enjoyed.
Ne'er Duke Well by Alexandra Vasti
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Alexandra Vasti's first full-length novel is here and we stan it almost as hard as Peter stans Selina.
Trope Talk: Sunshine/Grump with Eloisa James
20 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We asked Eloisa James to join us for a discussion of one of the tropes in her new book, and she said yes! We touch on so many topics, but it was fasci...
My Word as Vorkosigan: Winterfair Gifts and Flowers of Vashnoi
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Meg and Alex have paired the Ekaterin Vorkosigan novellas, and they are definitely Ekaterin defenders.
On a Midsummer Night by Liana De La Rosa
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We both had expectations for this seasonally-appropriate novella, which was probably a mistake.
When the Earl Desired Me by Lydia Lloyd
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
To be honest, we were both nervous about this book, but Lydia Lloyd stunned us both in the best way possible. Fake rakes are our favorite rakes, and t...
The Undermining of Twyla and Frank by Megan Bannen
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ok real talk, this book was inevitably going to suffer by comparison to "The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy" becuase that book was surprising and perfe...
My Word As Vorkosigan: A Civil Campaign
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Listening to this episode had me rereading the Lord Peter Wimsey books, if you're wondering how much of the conversation is about the dedication a...
A Ruse of Shadows by Sherry Thomas
27 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's our favorite time of year: Lady Sherlock Time
Bridgerton with a Romance Novice
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We talk for.... a while about season 3 of Bridgerton.
Lady Scandal by Laura Lee Guhrke
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We both adored this book. It's perfectly feel good and exactly what we want from a romance. Can something spiritually have a virgin here even if h...
My Word as Vorkosigan: Komarr
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Alex and Meg are joined by Everina Maxwell to discuss the meet cute? of Miles and Ekaterin and the plot. But mostly Miles and Ekaterin.
Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood
17 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We've reached the Ali Hazelwood singularity and we are here for it.
Isabel and the Rogue by Liana de la Rosa
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Usually spies do it for us but this book wouldn't have done it for us on that alone. Instead, the ending! The ending absolved so much.
The Countess Without Conviction by Katherine Grant
07 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Meg and Laine were both super intrigued by this book but omg is it visceral. Perfect execution; Meg cried and Laine was waiting to get punched, which ...
My Word as Vorkosigan: Falling Free
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Meg and Alex are joined by Jill Tew to discuss a Vorkosigan novel without any Vorkosigans in it.
All's Fair in Love and War by Virginia Heath
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Henry is very put upon! Georgina is too mouthy for governessing! They figure it out!
To Cage a God by Elizabeth May
27 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Laine and Meg once again read Romantasy. Meg is glad they aren't teenagers, Laine has questions.
The Prince's Bride by Charis Michaels
25 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Charis writes fairy tales so well, and Laine wasn't even annoyed by the kids. This is the kind of living in a cave we can get behind.
My Word as Vorkosigan: Memory
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Alix Harrow joins Alex and Meg to discuss Memory: the transition book between young Miles and Lord Vorkosigan.
Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas
17 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
None of us can remember the name of Sarah's hometown so we just call it Grover's Corners, which is fitting given how forgettable she is as a character...
The Lady Plays with Fire by Susanna Craig
10 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're far enough into Susanna Craig that the appearance of characters from past series is a delight! We both really enjoyed this spin on the actor and...
My Word as Vorkosigan: Mirror Dance
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jo Walton joins Meg and Alex to discuss Mirror Dance. Come for the clones, stay for the amnesia.
Barbarian's Taming by Ruby Dixon
03 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're back with more sentient space dildos! Meg loves virgins and Laine needs some innovation.
My Season of Scandal by Julie Anne Long
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This series continues to impress, even when exploring our less-enjoyed tropes.
The Stranger I Wed by Harper St. George
26 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This book just did a lot of things right. It struck a balance: well researched without being explosive, a slow burn that knew how to incorporate early...
My Word as Vorkosigan: Brothers in Arms
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Meg and Alex are joined by Olivia Waite to discuss this entry in the Vorkosigan saga. Is there a more fun way to represent issues of a fractious ident...
The Sailor Without a Sweetheart by Katherine Grant
20 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Katherine Grant always impresses us with the diversity of experiences she puts in her romances. Both of us enjoyed reading this! Meg had a lot of thou...
Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart by Sarah MacLean
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We are officially Sarah MacLean completionists with this book. We are NOT fans of this couple, but it was very fun to see how far MacLean has come.
The Lady He Lost by Faye Delacour
12 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is a very promising debut, especially on the hot tamale scale. We just couldn't get over the hero's lack of conviction and making out with her co...
My Word as Vorkosigan: Cetaganda
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Meg and Alex are joined by Katherine Addison, author of the Goblin Emperor, to discuss Cetaganda. For a romp, there's quite a bit of social and politi...
Obsession at the Opera by Delphine Roy
06 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is this the biggest disagreement ever on plot trysts?
What Is Love? by Jen Comfort
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The title is meant to be Not!Jeopardy reference, but even though we loved this book all I can think is "baby don't hurt me."
The Duchess by Sophie Jordan
31 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We (reasonably IMO) expected a sex book. This was NOT a sex book.
My Word As Vorkosigan: Ethan of Athos
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We interrupt your usual Naismith/Vorkosigan family hijinks to explore some speculative, old-school SciFi. What if a planet inhabited only by men ran o...
A Governess's Guide to Passion and Peril by Manda Collins
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is a bite-sized good time, even if neither of us can articulate more than "it was fun and we figured out the mystery too soon so there should hav...
The Love Remedy by Elizabeth Everett
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This book really takes some chances and explored new-to-us things in Romance. We liked it overall, but if we're being honest Thorne's way of... taking...
Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord by Sarah MacLean
15 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I think this is the closest we've ever come to grading on a curve. Is this good? No? Did it have potential that Sarah MacLean later realized. YES.
My Word As Vorkosigan: Borders of Infinity
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Max Gladstone joins Meg and Alex for a deep dive into three novellas. Buckle up! Start - Mountains of Mourning; 25 Minutes - Labyrinth; 65 Minutes - B...
In Want of a Viscount by Lorraine Heath
09 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This book is neither hinged nor unhinged. It was fun, but we like the extremes.
Talk Sweetly to Me by Courtney Milan
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This novella is a perfect standalone, and you should read it. However, it is the last book in a series, which made us sad, even though we wouldn't cha...