Jordan and Devonnie are joined by the always witty stars of Paperback Pleasures Podcast, Romy and Annabel. With a combined total of 481 new books read this year there was a lot to unpack and recommend. This episode covers not only their favorite book of the year (yes peer pressure did ensure choices were made), but also favorite scenes, new authors, hottest reads, biggest plot twists, and more! It's a lengthy episode so buckle in because it's well worth the ride. And don't forget those chapter markers if you're looking for something specific.

"Paperback Pleasures is an award-winning podcast dedicated to de-stigmatizing romance literature and female sexuality. In each episode, lifelong best friends Romy and Annabel take turns highlighting romance novels, unpacking a genre historically underestimated due mainly to its link with female pleasure."

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If you love listening to your romance books or you've been interested in trying out audiobooks and don't know where to start this is the episode for you! Jordan and Devonnie share their favorite listens and discuss their favorite voice actors.

*There were some technical difficulties while recording so our audio in this episode sounds a bit different than all our others. We apologize for the lower quality and will be back to our clear sounding selves soon.

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Jordan and Devonnie interview with the #1 New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author, Rachel Van Dyken. Rachel has almost two HUNDRED books published already. From regency to thrillers she has an extensive catalog to choose from.

Her latest release, Fallen Gods, comes out December 2nd! Fallen Gods is dark academia meets Norse mythology all set in our current world. Listen to learn how Rachel took these legends and put her own unique twist on them.

More about Rachel Van Dyken: https://rachelvandykenauthor.com/

Pre-order Fallen Gods: https://www.entangledpublishing.com/books/fallen-gods

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This week's episode is full of tension, forced proximity, and secret pining. Jordan and Devonnie have their top 5 marriage of convenience romance recommendations for you, plus bonus recs if you still haven't had enough!

Marriage of convenience in romance is when two characters (usually two who can't stand each other) agree to get married for a previously agreed upon amount of time to fulfill some kind of requirement. These can range from keeping citizenship, meeting a stipulation to receive an inheritance, or improving their public image. The agreements create forced proximity and a whole lot of sexual tension! And who doesn't love a good "My Wife" moment?!

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This one is for fans of Amber V. Nicole's Gods and Monsters series. In part two of a three part deep dive, Jordan and Devonnie recap the entirety of "The Thorne of Broken Gods" in preparation for the latest installment- The Wrath of the Fallen (out October 28th, 2025).

*This episode is FULL of spoilers for The Throne of Broken Gods and some spoilers through book 3.

**Part 1 is already out and be sure to subscribe to the substack for access to part 3.

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For fans of Amber V. Nicole's Gods and Monsters series. In part one of a three part deep dive, Jordan and Devonnie recap the entire The Book of Azrael in preparation for the latest installment- The Wrath of the Fallen (out October 28th, 2025).

*This episode is FULL of spoilers for The Book of Azrael and some spoilers through book 3.

**Part 2 will be out later this week and be sure to subscribe to the substack for access to part 3.

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Jordan and Devonnie are back to bring you their most anticipated trope: Shadow Daddies. These are morally grey, brooding, possesive, weidlers of shadow magic who usually are only soft for the women they love. You've probably heard the term "shadow daddy" when readers describe popular characters like Xaden from Fourth Wing, Dorian Havilliard from Throne of Glass and Azriel from ACOTAR. But these MMC's are only the beginning to what a fictional man can do with their shadows.

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Grab a cozy blanket, light your candles, pour yourself some tea, and get ready for these recs! Devonnie and Jordan give your their top dark academia romance. Full of mysteries, broody MMCs, in the most moody atmospheric settings. From traditionally published titles to new indie releases you're sure to add something new to your TBR.

To stay up to date and get bonus content make sure to subsribe to our substack.

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