One Reader’s Opinion

Photo of pumpkins, autumn leaves, and glasses of orange-colored tea

Pumpkin Spice is Nice

Pumpkin Spice is Nice This short post has nothing to do with books or cats, but it does have to do with tea. Sort of. Yes, I’m late to the party, but I’ve discovered that pumpkin spice is nice. If you’re a pumpkin hater, hear me out. I have long resisted the siren call of…

3 favorite paranormal romance themes in science fiction romance

3 Favorite Paranormal Romance Themes in Science Fiction Romance

3 Favorite Paranormal Romance Themes in Science Fiction Romance I read a lot of paranormal romance (PNR) and science fiction romance (SFR). Certain themes (some people call them tropes) in romances call to me, no matter what flavor of romance we’re talking about. I bet you have your favorites, too. I grew up reading science…

Happy Earth Day - Love Your MOther

Happy Earth Day

Happy Earth Day I’m extremely fond of the planet we live on, so here’s wishing everyone a Happy Earth Day, 22 April. This year, lots of events have moved online for social distancing reasons, but they look amazing. Environmental causes have some great slogans, and climate fiction has come great books. Clever Earth Day Slogans People…

Authors of Color Write Paranormal Romances

Authors of Color Write Paranormal Romances

Authors of Color Write Paranormal Romances Note: Contains opinionated author opinions and book recommendations I’m a sucker for a good story, regardless of who wrote it. Sometimes the author becomes the story, in both good and bad ways, which is a topic for another day. Today’s topic is that authors of color write paranormal romances….

9 interracial paranormal romances

9 Interracial Paranormal Romances You Should Read

9 Interracial Paranormal Romances You Should Read A reader and fan commented the other day that it’s hard to find interracial paranormal romance books to read. “Nonsense,” said I, quite airily. And as it turns out, quite wrongly. Therefore, this is me, making amends with recommendations for 9 interracial paranormal romances you should read. I…

Evolution of Space Opera

The Evolution of Space Opera I still get questions from time to time about what space opera is, and whether it involves singing*. This is my take on it, and a brief discussion of the evolution of space opera. Science fiction, romance, and mystery all are big enough genres in terms of writers and readers…

More Pet Peeves about Romances

More Pet Peeves about Romances

More Pet Peeves about Romances Because I include romances in my Central Galactic Concordance space opera series, and because I’m working on three new secret projects that all involve romance, I read a lot of them to make sure I’m meeting reader expectations. I love romances in my favorite space opera, fantasy, and paranormal genres,…

More Pet Peeves about Romances

More Pet Peeves about Romances

More Pet Peeves about Romances Because I include romances in my Central Galactic Concordance space opera series, and because I’m working on three new secret projects that all involve romance, I read a lot of them to make sure I’m meeting reader expectations. I love romances in my favorite space opera, fantasy, and paranormal genres,…

Romance Is the Hope of Life

Romance is the Hope of Life If you read (or write) romance, chances are, you’ve received subtle or overt negative commentary on your choice of genre. You’ve probably hidden the cover, or felt embarrassed, or made excuses, just to keep the peace. Been there, done that, got the T-shirt. The reasons for discounting, sneering at,…

Romances Are Subversive

No respect for romances Romance authors, even really prolific, best-selling authors, don’t get noticed for major awards, or mentioned in articles about the publishing industry. I’ve seen more than one listing of “most important books” that goes out of its way to snub romance. But, while romances are being dismissed as unimportant, their readers are being…