When In Romance

Book Riot

4.7 (130)
BOOKS
UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

When In Romance is a biweekly show dedicated to romance novel news, gushing, and book recommendations!

OCT 27

Still No Beverly Jenkins Cinematic Universe…

Jess and Trisha share adaptation news, highlight books by Native and Indigenous romance authors, and remind listeners to send in their recommendation requests. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter! Ready for a cozy, bookish autumn? Let Tailored Book Recommendations help you find your next favorite read with handpicked suggestions from professional book nerds. Get started today from just $18! News: Send your requests for romance recs to wheninromance@bookriot.com ASAP - ideally before the end of October…or close to it. ;-) If you can, bid on something at the Steamy Lit Foundation auction - and/or share the auction before November 2. Here are a lot of adaptations that are coming. We are excited about some! Not so much about others! You’ll be able to tell who we think is missing: Red, White & Royal Wedding [Deadline] Adventures in Love and Birding (Here’s a video of Sarah listening to the Wait Wait audio.) Reminders of Him [Vulture] People We Meet on Vacation [YouTube Trailer] The Love Hypothesis [Marie Claire] The Bodyguard [The Viewer’s Perspective] Savvy Sheldon Feels Good as Hell [The Wrap] Books Discussed: Zomromcom by Olivia Dade The Crownless King by Dria Andersen Yours for the Season by Uzma Jalaluddin The Truth According to Ember and Love is a War Song by Danica Nava Pivot by Anna Pulley Shoot Your Shot by Lexi LaFleur Brown The Road Home by Christina Berry His Convenient Husband by Robin Covington Winning the Neonatal Doc’s Heart by Amy Ruttan This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address (wheninromance@bookriot.com). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 3m
OCT 13

Suspending Disbelief: When In Romance Fall Book Club

Jess and Trisha talk about fall, The Enchanted Hacienda, and some magicky romance appropriate for this (or any) season. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter! Ready for a cozy, bookish autumn? Let Tailored Book Recommendations help you find your next favorite read with handpicked suggestions from professional book nerds. Get started today from just $18! News: Send your requests for romance recs to wheninromance@bookriot.com ASAP (or at least this month)! Books Discussed: Under a Strawberry Moon by Tasha L. Harrison His Small-Town Challenge by Kelli Storm My Boyfriends Are All Monsters by Kimberly Lemming A Gentleman’s Gentleman by TJ Alexander Her Knight at the Museum by Bryn Donovan The Brightest Star in Paris by Diana Biller Looking for Love in All The Haunted Places by Claire Kann The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches and A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna The Redemption of Philip Thane by Lisa Berne Payback’s a Witch by Lana Harper Losing Sight by Tati Richardson Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address (wheninromance@bookriot.com). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading). This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr
SEP 29

Grumpy to Happy Ratio: Recommendations for New Romance Readers

Jess and Trisha talk about your recommendations for first time romance readers before digging into theirs - from historical to contemporary, dramatic to comedic, and low heat to...The Dragon’s Bride. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter! Ready for a cozy, bookish autumn? Let Tailored Book Recommendations help you find your next favorite read with handpicked suggestions from professional book nerds. Get started today from just $18! News: Book club is coming!! Read The Enchanted Hacienda by J.C. Cervantes with us for our Oct 13 episode. Books Discussed: Pucking Strong by Emily Rath Ride With Me by Simone Soltani Ready or Not and Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone The Enchanted Hacienda by J.C. Cervantes His Perfect Partner by Priscilla Oliveras Check, Please! By Ngozi Ukazu We Could Be So Good by Cat Sebastian Indigo by Beverly Jenkins The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren Role Playing by Cathy Yardley The Duke Who Didn’t by Courtney Milan The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna The Dragon’s Bride by Katee Robert Take a Hint Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address (wheninromance@bookriot.com). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading). This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

57 min
SEP 15

A Trifecta of Kellys

Jess and Trisha talk about the success of the Kickstarter model for book publishing and celebrate Sapphic September with some recs. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter! Ready for a cozy, bookish autumn? Let Tailored Book Recommendations help you find your next favorite read with handpicked suggestions from professional book nerds. Get started today from just $18! News: Book club is coming!! Read The Enchanted Hacienda by J.C. Cervantes with us for our Oct 13 episode. You can still join the After the End Kickstarter party! You can also play Sapphic September Bingo! Books Discussed: The Enchanted Hacienda by J.C. Cervantes Chocolate Chip City by Be Steadwell Along Came Amor by Alexis Daria How to Sell a Romance by Alexa Martin One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date by Ashley Herring Blake An Unexpected Turn by Meka James Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory Even Though I Knew the End by C.L. Polk Secret Spark by Kelly Farmer Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address (wheninromance@bookriot.com). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading). This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 5m
AUG 18

Inserting Joy Into Your Day

Jess and Trisha talk through some updates (book club is back!!) and then turn the conversation to vacation/getaway-themed romances. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter! Book Riot is hiring a digital content specialist! If you love books and know the ins and outs of social media strategy, and especially social video, consider joining the team. Find details and apply by August 22, 2025, at riotnewmedia.com/careers. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. News: Did someone say WIR Book Club? Trisha and Jess did! Read The Enchanted Hacienda by J.C. Cervantes with us for our October 13 episode. It’s not too late to experience Bookstore Romance Day (not Romance Bookstore Day)! Check out the BRD YouTube channel for a bunch of fun conversations. Books Discussed: The Enchanted Hacienda by J.C. Cervantes Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Because Fat Girl by Lauren Marie Fleming Fumbled by Alexa Martin Adam and Evie’s Matchmaking Tour by Nora Nguyen Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez It Had to be Him by Adib Khorram Island Affair by Priscilla Oliveras Never Been Shipped by Alicia Thompson The Romantic Agenda by Claire Kann 10 Things That Never Happened by Alexis Hall Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address (wheninromance@bookriot.com). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

56 min
AUG 4

Breaking the Podcast Timing Rules

Jess and Trisha talk about a TON of adaptations (or possible adaptations) and then get into the books they’re excited about for the second half of 2025. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter! Book Riot is hiring a digital content specialist! If you love books and know the ins and outs of social media strategy, and especially social video, consider joining the team. Find details and apply by August 22, 2025, at riotnewmedia.com/careers. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. News: My oh my there are a lot of adaptations (yay!?). Here’s a round up: Hana Khan Carries On [The Hollywood Reporter] People We Meet on Vacation [Deadline] Funny You Should Ask [Deadline] Before I Let Go [Deadline] Rifts and Refrains [Deadline] The New Haven novels [The Hollywood Reporter] The Harlequin/CW deal [Variety] Birding With Benefits [The Cinemaholic] The Rose Hill series [Variety] Books Discussed: August Lane by Regina Black Cross the Line by Simone Soltani When Javi Dumped Mari by Mia Sosa You’ve Got a Place Here, Too edited by Ebony LaDelle (08/12/2025) How to Sell a Romance by Alexa Martin Faster by Andie J. Christopher (9/9/25) Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz (11/18/25) Not You Again by Erin La Rosa (11/11/25) Ladies in Hating by Alexandra Vasti (9/23/25) Isn’t It Obvious by Rachel Runya Katz (10/21/25) Every Step She Takes by Alison Cochrun (9/2/25) The Re-Write by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn (08/12/25) Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address (wheninromance@bookriot.com). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

58 min
JUL 21

Lowercase “N” Nemesis

Jess and Trisha do a tiny bit of fun news and then get into the Dramione of it all before talking about favorite 2025 romance releases so far. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter! Looking to elevate your reading life? Tailored Book Recommendations is here to help! TBR delivers reading recommendations hand-picked just for you by real human book nerds. You can get your recommendations via email, or receive hardcovers or paperbacks in the mail. And with quarterly or annual plans available, TBR has something for every budget. Plans start at just $18! This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. News: Book Riot’s list of the Best of 2025 so far is here!! Here’s the Emily Rath video we discussed about commericalizing fanfic and the new Dramione books - and why they’re a problem. Here’s the Romance Con statement we referenced. Books Discussed: The Broposal by Sonora Reyes Futbolista by Jonny Garza Villa A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic by J. Penner Left of Forever by Tarah DeWitt Along Came Amor by Alexis Daria Can’t Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan Secret Spark by Kelly Farmer I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I’m Trapped in a Rom-Com by Kimberly Lemming Love Letters from the Trail by Tif Marcelo A Gentleman’s Gentleman by TJ Alexander Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address (wheninromance@bookriot.com). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 5m
JUL 7

A Bibliotherapy Session

Jess and Trisha do a little self-examination of their reading habits and then talk about their favorite backlist romance reads of the year so far. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter! Looking to elevate your reading life? Tailored Book Recommendations is here to help! TBR delivers reading recommendations hand-picked just for you by real human book nerds. You can get your recommendations via email, or receive hardcovers or paperbacks in the mail. And with quarterly or annual plans available, TBR has something for every budget. Plans start at just $18! This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. News: Not live yet, but Book Riot’s list of the Best of 2025 so far is coming on July 9!! Also not live yet, but sign up to get notified to be alerted of the After the End Kickstarter! Books Discussed: Shadowed Obsession by Evelyn Leigh Her Night with the Duke by Diana Quincy Whenever You’re Ready by Rachel Runya Katz Murder Most Actual by Alexis Hall Big Boy by Ruthie Knox Hana Khan Carries On and Much Ado About Nada by Uzma Jalaluddin Marriage and Masti by Nisha Sharma Talk Me Down by Victoria Dahl Let us know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address (wheninromance@bookriot.com). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

58 min

See All (189)

TRAILER

Welcome To When In Romance

When In Romance is a biweekly romance podcast dedicated to romance novel news, enthusiasm, and romance book recommendations from Book Riot! Join hosts Jess and Trisha every other Monday as they dig into the joys and complexities of the genre. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10/29/2020

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3 min

4.7

out of 5

130 Ratings

Book recs galore!

04/06/2021

PhxNestJess

Love to listen for the book recommendations (thanks Trisha for The Widow of Rose House!) and romance news.
Lots of book knowledge here...on their TBR

07/10/2023

jkr7977

The hosts clearly have a TON of book knowledge about romance (and other genres), and will help fill out your to-be-read list without spoilers. The podcasts needs better show notes to help me find the titles and authors they talk about (sometimes I miss the details until after I realize the book sounds good). Also, they talk A LOT about not being able to read all the books they want to. I absolve you of your reading sins, just give me the recommendations for the books you like!
A great way to spend some time.

12/01/2020

Tuesday Reads

Two very personable young women discussing romance books. If you enjoy romance, listening to this podcast is well worth your time.
Decent podcast

03/08/2021

stenellalong

This is generally a decent podcast. I appreciate how they talk about topics related to Romancelandia in general (both good and problematic). My biggest quibble is that they ramble rather than having a concise message.