Illicit Liaisons

Illicit Liaisons: Fantastical Foes Enemies to Lovers Romantasy Celebration

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 16:00:00 -0400

This week, we're celebrating Fantastical Foes, an enemies-to-lovers romantasy zine. We're chatting with the editor, Parrish Baker, and contributing authors Marissa Marinello, Lynne Solisse, and Tara Leederman.

Parrish Baker/Urna Semper
Urna Semper is a romance author from Argoshaan, known for her books depicting passionate tales of forbidden love between clones and born-humans. Born to a family of scriveners, she learned the art of writing at her mother's side. Her breakthrough came with Olava: Fallen into Bondage, followed by Kyrie: Betrayed into Bondage, and Kingdom of Maids. Her most recent projects, The Pearl Crucible and Where All Past Years Are, are out on Amazon. She can be found at https://urnasemper.substack.com.

Marissa Marinello
Marissa Marinello is a SoCal native who writes urban, high fantasy, and cozy-romantasy. A TTRPG nerd who grew up on Tolkien, musical theater & comics, she's always been inspired by finding the fantastical in the mundane and building amazing worlds to tell rich stories in. Much of her work is inspired by real life moments that spark something more. Her work can be found in several anthologies, and she is an active participant in fandom and her writing group in Southern California. In Fantastical Foes, she did something new with Tender and Tempting Tales and wrote an epic romantasy story.
https://marissamarinello.com/

Lynne Solisse
Writing found Lynne Solisse later in life, and never let go. She writes romance that doesn’t flinch, centering on women who are fierce, loyal, and unafraid to demand more out of life. Women who want to reclaim passion on their own terms. Whether contemporary, fantasy, or even proving that love can still burn bright in a gritty post-apocalyptic world, her stories are raw but sweet, fun and emotionally charged, threaded with just enough tension to keep your heart racing. She lives in the Southern US with her three boys and two spoiled cats, and she believes it’s never too late for a second chance. Or a plot twist. https://lynnesolisse.com/

Tara Leederman
Tara Leederman is the Social Media Manager here at Tender and Tempting Tales, and Lore Maven and main fiction writer for Starship Valkyrie, a science-fiction game and story universe. She writes science fiction stories, including romance, and you can often find her in our anthologies, including our upcoming zine, Fantastical Foes! https://taleederman.com/

CURRENTLY READING & RECOMMENDATIONS

Fantastical Foes: A Steamy Romance (Print, ebook, KU) Zine https://amzn.to/3QWEe3S

Princess Bride by William Goldman https://amzn.to/3QWEe3S

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas https://amzn.to/4gneFmR

Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson https://amzn.to/44NG8a7

A Heroine of the World by Tanith Lee https://amzn.to/44NG8a7

Dresden Files by Jim Butcher https://amzn.to/4h1b0LD
(TV Show: https://amzn.to/4aJ6Ynf)

October Daye Series by Seanan McQuire https://amzn.to/4psgIZr

Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlaine Harris https://amzn.to/4eOYZYn

In Death Series by JR Robb https://amzn.to/3RnMhGY

The Book Witch by Meg Shaffer https://amzn.to/4vsyqgM

TENDER & TEMPTING TALES

Tender and Tempting Tales Substack Subscribe and get a FREE story! https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/

Tender and Tempting Tales on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tendertemptingtales/

Tender and Tempting Tales ARC Team https://booksprout.co/reviewer/team/56782/tender-and-tempting-tales

Calls for Submissions https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/p/write-for-tender-and-tempting-tales

ILLICIT LIAISONS PRODUCED & HOSTED BY

Tara Leederman Substack: https://taleederman.substack.com/

Jenna Harte: https://jennaharte.com/

Outline and Show Notes: T.A. Leederman
Editing: Jenna Harte

Illicit Liaisons: Contemporary Fantasy Romance with Author Mara Heath

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400

This week, we're joined by author Mara Heath to talk about romance books, bookish drama and hot takes, romance categories, and more.

Mara fell in love with the romance genre when she first started reading the Sweet Valley High and Sweet Dreams series as a teen. Decades later, after working as an English teacher and taking time to be a mother, she's finally become the romance writer she always wanted to be. She's the author of the New Adult Contemporary Romance series The Secrets of Brownhill, with book one, Caged in Silver, releasing last year, and book two, Harnessed in Gold, coming out in August. In her stories, there's nothing Mara enjoys more than matching a soul-searching young woman with the man who truly "sees" her, especially in a setting where the supernatural collides with the real world. Mara lives in Maryland with her husband, son, and elderly cat. When she isn't writing, she enjoys reading, sipping hot drinks, and binge-watching shows from the early 2000s.

Mara's website https://maraheathauthor.com/
Mara's Substack https://maraheathauthor.substack.com/
Mara's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/maraheathauthor/

CURRENTLY READING & RECOMMENDATIONS

Redeeming 6 by Chloe Walsh https://amzn.to/3QHCxXT

Filthy Rich Fae by Genva Lee https://amzn.to/4oVEyMw

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas https://amzn.to/4ecqR6Z

Valentine Mysteries by Jenna Harte https://amzn.to/4ff6wif

Lion in the Garden https://urnasemper.substack.com/

TENDER & TEMPTING TALES

Tender and Tempting Tales Substack: Subscribe and get a FREE story! https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/

Tender and Tempting Tales on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tendertemptingtales/

Tender and Tempting Tales ARC Team: https://booksprout.co/reviewer/team/56782/tender-and-tempting-tales

Calls for Submissions: https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/p/write-for-tender-and-tempting-tales

ILLICIT LIAISONS PRODUCED & HOSTED BY

Tara Leederman Substack: https://taleederman.substack.com/

Jenna Harte: https://jennaharte.com/

Outline and Show Notes: T.A. Leederman
Editing: Jenna Harte

Illicit Liaisons: Bookish News, Drama, and Hot Takes

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 19:00:00 -0400

This week, we discuss bookish news, hot takes, drama and more. Join us and let us know your hot takes.

BOOKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW

The Pearl Crucible by Urna Semper https://amzn.to/4waBkHK

Serialized stories by Urna Semper Substack https://urnasemper.substack.com/

Dead but Not Forgotten by Jenna Harte https://amzn.to/4eEltKh

Back to Us by Jenna Harte free at https://jennaharte.com/

Shadow of Betrayal by Eva LeClerc https://evaleclercauthor.substack.com/

TENDER & TEMPTING TALES

Tender and Tempting Tales Substack: Subscribe and get a FREE story! https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/

Tender and Tempting Tales on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tendertemptingtales/

Tender and Tempting Tales ARC Team: https://booksprout.co/reviewer/team/56782/tender-and-tempting-tales

Calls for Submissions: https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/p/write-for-tender-and-tempting-tales

ILLICIT LIAISONS PRODUCED & HOSTED BY

Tara Leederman Substack: https://taleederman.substack.com/

Jenna Harte: https://jennaharte.com/

Outline and Show Notes: T.A. Leederman
Editing: Jenna Harte

Illicit Liaisons: Sports romance with Allie Lasky

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400

This week, we're joined by author Allie Lasky to talk about romance books, including what it means to be well-read, sports romance, and more.

Allie Lasky is a queer and AuDHD writer with a hyper-fixation on inclusivity and representation. She loves the color purple, Michigan football, the Detroit Lions, and the Boston Bruins. When she’s not absorbed by a book, she likes to watch sports and spend time with her nephews. A San Diego, CA native now residing in South Carolina, she’s allergic to the cold, rain, snow, and mosquitos. When you read Allie, you’re guaranteed a few things: He falls first… but she comes first, as well as found family, mental health and neurodivergent rep, and body positivity in all shapes and sizes.

Allie's Website https://www.allielasky.com/

Allie on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allielasky/

BOOKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW

Fourth and Falling by Susan Renee https://amzn.to/4gnx8Q2

Color His World by Taryn Quinn https://amzn.to/4vXgXxD

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas https://amzn.to/4ecqR6Z

The Book Witch by Meg Shaffer https://amzn.to/4uH83Do

TENDER & TEMPTING TALES

Tender and Tempting Tales Substack: Subscribe and get a FREE story! https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/

Tender and Tempting Tales on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tendertemptingtales/

Tender and Tempting Tales ARC Team: https://booksprout.co/reviewer/team/56782/tender-and-tempting-tales

Calls for Submissions: https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/p/write-for-tender-and-tempting-tales

ILLICIT LIAISONS PRODUCED & HOSTED BY

Tara Leederman Substack: https://taleederman.substack.com/

Jenna Harte: https://jennaharte.com/

Outline and Show Notes: T.A. Leederman
Editing: Jenna Harte

Illicit Liaisons: Sci-Fi Romance with Urna Semper & Tara Leederman

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 18:00:00 -0400

This week, we're still celebrating the release of Fireworks & Flirtation by chatting with Tara Leederman and Urna Semper, where we discuss:

- Anti-intellectualism in reading

- Follow-up from Romanstasy-gates

- Plus, we learn about Tara and Urna's stories in Fireworks & Flirtation, other books they have coming up, and more!

Urna Semper is a romance author from Argoshaan, known for her books depicting passionate tales of forbidden love between clones and born-humans. Born to a family of scriveners, she learned the art of writing at her mother's side. Her breakthrough came with Olava: Fallen into Bondage, followed by Kyrie: Betrayed into Bondage, and Kingdom of Maids. Her most recent projects, The Pearl Crucible and Where All Past Years Are, are out on Amazon. She can be found at https://urnasemper.substack.com.

Tara is the Social Media Manager here at Tender and Tempting Tales, and Lore Maven and main fiction writer for Starship Valkyrie, a science-fiction game and story universe. She writes science-fiction stories, including romance, and you can often find her in our anthologies, including in our upcoming new summer anthology, Fireworks and Flirtation! Learn more at Tara's Substack: https://taleederman.substack.com/

BOOKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW

Fireworks & Flirtation https://amzn.to/4uacLtQ

CURRENTLY READING & RECOMMENDATIONS

A Heroine of the World by Tanith Lee https://amzn.to/4fwLYDu

Shards of Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold https://amzn.to/4fACE1x

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas https://amzn.to/4ecqR6Z

In Death Series by J.D. Robb https://amzn.to/43Zcaj2

TENDER & TEMPTING TALES

Tender and Tempting Tales Substack: Subscribe and get a FREE story! https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/

Tender and Tempting Tales on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tendertemptingtales/

Tender and Tempting Tales ARC Team: https://booksprout.co/reviewer/team/56782/tender-and-tempting-tales

Calls for Submissions: https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/p/write-for-tender-and-tempting-tales

ILLICIT LIAISONS PRODUCED & HOSTED BY

Tara Leederman Substack: https://taleederman.substack.com/

Jenna Harte: https://jennaharte.com/

Outline and Show Notes: T.A. Leederman
Editing: Jenna Harte

Illicit Liaisons: Fireworks & Spice Levels with Lynne Solisse and Miranda Tamrakar

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:00:00 -0400

This week, we're still celebrating the release of Fireworks & Flirtation by chatting with Lynne Solisse and Miranda Tamrakar, where we discuss:

- Spice levels in romance and what each chili pepper means

- Plus we learn about Lynn and Miranda's stories in Fireworks & Flirtation, other books they have coming up, and more!

Lynne Intro: Writing found Lynne Solisse later in life, and never let go. She writes romance that doesn’t flinch, centering on women who are fierce, loyal, and unafraid to demand more out of life. Women who want to reclaim passion on their own terms. Whether contemporary, fantasy, or even proving that love can still burn bright in a gritty post-apocalyptic world, her stories are raw but sweet, fun and emotionally charged, threaded with just enough tension to keep your heart racing. She lives in the Southern US with her three boys and two spoiled cats, and she believes it’s never too late for a second chance. Or a plot twist.

Links to Lynne

Lynne's website https://lynnesolisse.com/

Lynne's Substack https://lynnesolisse.substack.com/

Miranda Intro: Miranda Tamrakar was raised in SoCal on a steady diet of books and musicals. She finds joy in creating worlds that chase the same sense of sweeping romance and wonder, sometimes with dragons and sometimes with spies, but always telling a tale of how the right people can change a life. She is inspired by looking at relationships in real life and asking herself, "what if?" When she's not writing, she is winning at cards, losing at elaborate board games, or finding inspiration out in the wild with her husband and two daughters, all of whom are delightfully weird.

Links to Miranda:
Miranda Instagram https://www.instagram.com/miranda_writes_author/

BOOKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW

Fireworks & Flirtation https://amzn.to/4uacLtQ

CURRENTLY READING & RECOMMENDATIONS

McRae Bodyguards by Jolie Vines https://amzn.to/4dY9l6C
Green Rider Series by Kristen Britain https://amzn.to/4a8VNUx
Lane Sanders Mysteries (Art Deco) by L.A. Chandlar https://amzn.to/4aq5Zbk
Dark and Shallow Lies by Ginny Myers Sain https://amzn.to/43vxBrL
The Book Witch by Meg Shaffer https://amzn.to/4uH2Lsd
Our Perfect Storm by Carly Fortune https://amzn.to/4x5wXyP
The Shippers by Katherine Center https://amzn.to/4o6YwDQ
Urna Semper at Substack https://urnasemper.substack.com/

The Book Witch, Our Perfect Storm, and The Shippers, Jenna picked up through Book of the Month (BOM). BOM is a fun way to get great new books at great prices. Don't see a book you like for a month? That's okay, you can skip that month. Get your first book for only $5 here. https://www.mybotm.com/yoljbhec8pc

TENDER & TEMPTING TALES

Tender and Tempting Tales Substack: Subscribe and get a FREE story! https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/

Tender and Tempting Tales on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tendertemptingtales/

Tender and Tempting Tales ARC Team: https://booksprout.co/reviewer/team/56782/tender-and-tempting-tales

Calls for Submissions: https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/p/write-for-tender-and-tempting-tales

ILLICIT LIAISONS PRODUCED & HOSTED BY

Tara Leederman Substack: https://taleederman.substack.com/

Jenna Harte: https://jennaharte.com/

Outline and Show Notes: T.A. Leederman
Editing: Jenna Harte

Illicit Liaisons: Fireworks & Flirtation with Aline Francoure and Jenna Harte

Tue, 26 May 2026 14:00:00 -0400

This week, we're celebrating the upcoming release of Fireworks & Flirtation by chatting with Aline Francoure and Jenna Harte. We discuss:

- The Romancestasy controversy

- What inspired Aline's story, Back to Us, a second chance romance with a singing telegram

- Factoids about the mafia and New Orleans, and Blackbeard folklore, and a whole lot more!

Aline Francoure is a passionate romance writer hailing from the picturesque countryside of Spotsylvania County, Virginia. When she's not crafting tales of love and passion, she enjoys the company of her two loyal dogs and my supportive husband. A lover of all things Scotland, she's enchanted by the rugged beauty of the Highlands and the iconic Highland cows. She also has a passion for crime TV, and you can often find her glued to the screen, unraveling thrilling mysteries.

LINKS TO ALINE

Aline's Website: https://alinefrancoure.com/
Aline's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alinefrancoure/

Jenna Harte is a die-hard romantic who writes with heat, heart, and always an HEA. She's the author of the Southern Heat contemporary romance series and the sexy Valentine Mysteries. She's also the managing editor of Tender & Tempting Tales, a romance anthology for readers who like romantic quickies.

LINKS TO JENNA

Jenna's Website https://jennaharte.com
Jenna's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jennaharteauthor

Jenna's Page on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4x9ZweH

BOOKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW

Fireworks & Flirtation https://amzn.to/4uacLtQ
It's About Damn Time (free short story) Subscribe: https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/

CURRENTLY READING & RECOMMENDATIONS

Poison Ivy by Misty Simon https://amzn.to/4uBF1pt
Dark and Shallow Lies by Ginny Myers Sain https://amzn.to/43vxBrL
Disability in Romance (article by Mariah Ankenman) https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/p/disability-in-romance

TENDER & TEMPTING TALES

Tender and Tempting Tales Substack: Subscribe and get a FREE story! https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/

Tender and Tempting Tales on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tendertemptingtales/

Calls for Submissions: https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/p/write-for-tender-and-tempting-tales

ILLICIT LIAISONS PRODUCED & HOSTED BY

Tara Leederman Substack: https://taleederman.substack.com/

Jenna Harte: https://jennaharte.com/

Outline and Show Notes: T.A. Leederman
Editing: Jenna Harte

Illicit Liaisons: Fireworks & Guy Fawkes with Annie R McEwen

Tue, 19 May 2026 12:00:00 -0400

This week, we're celebrating the upcoming release of Fireworks & Flirtation by chatting with Annie R McEwen. We discuss:

- Publishers ending their historical romance lines

- The future of publishing

- Plus, we learn how Guy Fawkes inspired Annie's story in Fireworks & Flirtation, share book recommendations, and more.

A career historian, Annie R McEwen has lived in six countries and under every roof from a canvas tent to a Georgian Era manor house. She writes historical romantic suspense, paranormal romance, and historical fiction. Annie is published by Bloodhound Books (UK), Harbor Lane Books (US), The Wild Rose Press, and Rowan Prose Publishing. She lives in both the UK and US.

Winner of the 2022 Page Turners Writing Award (Romance Category), Annie garnered both a First and Second Place 2022 RTTA (Romance Through the Ages Award), the 2023 MAGGIE Award, and Finalist Status in the 2023 Daphne du Maurier Award. She was a Finalist for the 2024 Page Turners Writing Award and Shortlisted for a Writer’s Mentorship Award. Annie’s short fiction appears in numerous anthologies.

LINKS TO ANNIE

Annie's Website https://www.anniermcewen.com
Annie's Books https://amzn.to/4dwetyr
Annie on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/anniermcewen/

FIREWORKS & FLIRTATION

Fireworks & Flirtation https://amzn.to/4uacLtQ

Available in print, ebook, and in KU.

CURRENTLY READING & RECOMMENDATIONS

Austen at Sea by Natalie Jenner https://amzn.to/42G2gT1
Fantastical Foes...coming in July from Tender & Tempting Tales
The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow https://amzn.to/4wCQwhF
Dark and Shallow Lies by Ginny Myers Sain https://amzn.to/43mDZkU
Peculiar Crimes Unit Mystery (Bryant & May) by Christopher Fowler https://amzn.to/4v1ayB1
British Library Crime Classics https://amzn.to/4tMd8K3

TENDER & TEMPTING TALES

Tender and Tempting Tales Substack: Subscribe and get a FREE story! https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/

Tender and Tempting Tales on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tendertemptingtales/

Calls for Submissions: https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/p/write-for-tender-and-tempting-tales

ILLICIT LIAISONS PRODUCED & HOSTED BY

Tara Leederman Substack: https://taleederman.substack.com/

Jenna Harte: https://jennaharte.com/

Outline and Show Notes: T.A. Leederman
Editing: Jenna Harte

Illicit Liaisons: Celebrating Summer Romance with Suzy Langevin and Marissa Marinello

Tue, 12 May 2026 12:00:00 -0400

This week, we're celebrating the upcoming release of Fireworks & Flirtation with our authors, Suzy Langevin and Marissa Marinello. We discuss:

Bookish drama over an editor asking an author to remove similes and other metaphorical language from their story to avoid being accused of using AI
With the popularity of MM romance, where is the love for sapphic romance?
Plus a whole lot more.

Suzy Langevin writes happily ever afters where people are loved because of, not in spite of, the things they see as their flaws. She is the winner of the 2024 RWA Golden Heart Award, and her short fiction appears in anthologies and magazines. Suzy lives in Massachusetts, and does, in fact, run on Dunkin'.

Marissa Marinello writes urban, high fantasy, and cozy-romantasy. A TTRPG nerd who grew up on Tolkien, musical theater & comics, she's inspired by finding the fantastical in the mundane. Her work can be found in several anthologies, and she is an active participant in fandom and her writing group in Southern California.

LINKS TO SUZY AND MARISSA

Suzy's Website https://www.suzylangevin.com/
Suzy's Books https://www.suzylangevin.com/team-3
Suzy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/suzylangevinwrites/

Marissa's Website https://marissamarinello.com/
Marissa's Books https://marissamarinello.com/books/
Marissa on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mmarinello_author/

BOOKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW

Fireworks & Flirtation https://amzn.to/4uacLtQ

BEACH READ RECOMMENDATIONS

Moonlight & Margaritas: Steamy Romance Anthology https://amzn.to/4tNokqt
Summer Sisters by Judy Blume https://amzn.to/4u7XuJO
Chesapeake Bay Series by Nora Roberts https://amzn.to/42tZksA
Persuasion by Jane Austen
It's About Damn Time (Skullhaven Bay) Free at https://tenderandtemptingtales.com/free-romance-story/ or https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/
Urna Semper on Substack https://urnasemper.substack.com/
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson https://amzn.to/49GJsGQ
Paws & Peril: Steamy Romantic Suspense Stories with a Dog (Tender & Tempting Tales Magazine) https://amzn.to/4nmxg3M

TENDER & TEMPTING TALES

Tender and Tempting Tales Substack: Subscribe and get a FREE story! https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/

Tender and Tempting Tales on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tendertemptingtales/

Calls for Submissions: https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/p/write-for-tender-and-tempting-tales

ILLICIT LIAISONS PRODUCED & HOSTED BY

Tara Leederman Substack: https://taleederman.substack.com/

Jenna Harte: https://jennaharte.com/

Outline and Show Notes: T.A. Leederman
Editing: Jenna Harte

Illicit Liaisons: MM Hockey Romance with Jason Wrench

Tue, 05 May 2026 12:00:00 -0400

This week, our guest host is author Jason Wrench, and we discuss:
* Face Off cover controversy
* Jason's appearance at BookCon
* Hockey romance
and more!

Jason Wrench writes. He writes a lot. With his publisher, Pride Publishing (now Totally Entwined) he’s the author of three different series: 12 Days of Murder & Till Death Do Us Wed, Up on the Farm (Finding a Farmer, Bewitched by the Barista, Sanctuary for the Surgeon, & Catching the Composer), and the Love and Liquidation Series (Boy Bands and Bullets, A Choreographed Coup, & Rhythmic Reclamation), and the standalone novella Wolf Island. As an Indy author, he’s published Life on the Naughty List, or What the Elf!, Jekyll/Hyde, and The Veil. His latest book, Shattering Securities, came out in Spring 2025. His day job is a college professor at SUNY New Paltz where he teaches in the Department of Communication. He’s a member of the Romance Writers of America, Rainbow Romance Writers, Text and Academic Authors Association, and The Authors Guild.

Jason appears in our first summer anthology, Moonlight and Margaritas, with his gay enemies-to-lovers romance, “Ship Happens,” a contemporary story set on a cruise ship.

LINKS TO JASON WRENCH

Jason's Website: https://jasonwrench.com/

Jason's Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/42T2ZQw

BOOKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW

Goalie and the Geek by Jason Wrench https://amzn.to/4tgOnoW
Moonlight & Margaritas https://amzn.to/4tNokqt
Face Off by Chelsea Curto https://amzn.to/4eoTuzN
Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid https://amzn.to/3QP9Jwo

READING OR RECOMMENDED

Playing Dirty by CE Ricci https://amzn.to/4d78f8c
The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow https://amzn.to/42ffc20
Shadow of Betrayal by Eva LeClerc https://evaleclercauthor.substack.com/
Urna Semper on Substack https://urnasemper.substack.com/

TENDER & TEMPTING TALES

Tender and Tempting Tales Substack: Subscribe and get a FREE story! https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/

Tender and Tempting Tales on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tendertemptingtales/

Calls for Submissions: https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/p/write-for-tender-and-tempting-tales

ILLICIT LIAISONS PRODUCED & HOSTED BY

Tara Leederman Substack: https://taleederman.substack.com/

Jenna Harte: https://jennaharte.com/

Outline and Show Notes: T.A. Leederman
Editing: Jenna Harte

Illicit Liaisons: Sports Romance with Sierra Hill

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

This week, our guest host is Sierra Hill, with whom we discuss the controversial attempt by Ivory Chapters to trademark "Blind Date with a Book," the impact of AI in publishing, sports romance, and more!

Sierra Hill is a RONE Award-winning romance author of Game Changer and the award-winning college sports series Courting Love. She writes steamy new adult and sports romances, including the Vancouver Vikings hockey series, the Puget Sound Pilots, and the Clearview Falls University football series with her co-writing partner, S.E. Rose. She also writes award-winning LGBTQ+ romance under the pen name, K.C. Kassidy.

SIERRA'S LINKS

Website: https://www.sierrahillbooks.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sierrahillbooks
Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/4twzU9o

READING & RECOMMENDED

We All Live Here by JoJo Moyes https://amzn.to/4cDPoma
The Other Bennett Sister by Janice Hadlow https://amzn.to/4tqPiUD
Shadow of Betrayal by Eva LeClerc https://evaleclercauthor.substack.com/
Urna Semper on Substack https://urnasemper.substack.com/

TENDER & TEMPTING TALES

Tender and Tempting Tales Substack: Subscribe and get a FREE story! https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/

Tender and Tempting Tales on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tendertemptingtales/

Calls for Submissions: https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/p/write-for-tender-and-tempting-tales

ILLICIT LIAISONS PRODUCED & HOSTED BY

Tara Leederman Substack: https://taleederman.substack.com/

Jenna Harte: https://jennaharte.com/

Outline and Show Notes: T.A. Leederman
Editing: Jenna Harte

Illicit Liaisons: Mariah Ankeman & Disability Representation in Romance

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400

This week, our guest host is author Mariah Ankenman. We discuss hot takes around the author ARCs, disability representation in romance fiction, #authorapril, and book adaptations we'd love to watch.

Mariah Ankeman is a bestselling romance author living in the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her two rambunctious children and loving spouse, who is her own personal spell checker when her dyslexia gets the best of her. Mariah loves to lose herself in a world of words. Her favorite thing about writing is when she can make someone’s day a little brighter with one of her books.

MARIAH'S LINKS

Website: https://mariahankenman.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariahankenman/
Mariah's Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/4t84Rjr

Backstage Night with the Billionaire by Mariah Ankenman https://amzn.to/3OIyk50

AUTHORS & BOOKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW

Talia Hibbert https://amzn.to/48hKiJB
E.V. Mitchell https://amzn.to/4tX0HLN
In Death Books by J.D. Robb https://amzn.to/3Owa32f
Fox & O'Hare books by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg https://amzn.to/4mGckEw
Evelina by Frances Burney https://amzn.to/4cEfyUx

READING & RECOMMENDED

Lore Olympus Vol 9 by Rachel Smythe https://amzn.to/4tVxsZQ
The Other Bennett Sister by Janice Hadlow https://amzn.to/4tqPiUD
Jane Austen at Home by Lucy Worsley https://amzn.to/4cFOhRs
Shadow of Betrayal by Eva LeClerc https://evaleclercauthor.substack.com/

TENDER & TEMPTING TALES

Tender and Tempting Tales Substack: Subscribe and get a FREE story! https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/

Tender and Tempting Tales on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tendertemptingtales/

Calls for Submissions: https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/p/write-for-tender-and-tempting-tales

ILLICIT LIAISONS PRODUCED & HOSTED BY

Tara Leederman Substack: https://taleederman.substack.com/

Jenna Harte: https://jennaharte.com/

Outline and Show Notes: T.A. Leederman
Editing: Jenna Harte

Illicit Liaisons: Bookish Tea, Hot takes, News and More in the Romance World

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

This week, Tara and I share the tea, hot takes, and news from the romance book world, including Shy Girl drama, worst spicy writing, and more.

AUTHORS & BOOKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW

The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow
An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn
Paws & Peril from Tender & Tempting Tales

READING & RECOMMENDED

Shadow of Betrayal by Eva LeClerc
Urna Semper on Substack

TENDER & TEMPTING TALES

Tender and Tempting Tales Substack: Subscribe and get a FREE story!

Tender and Tempting Tales on Instagram

Tender and Tempting Tales Calls for Submissions:

ILLICIT LIAISONS PRODUCED & HOSTED BY

Tara Leederman Website

Jenna Harte Website

Outline and Show Notes: T.A. Leederman
Editing: Jenna Harte

Illicit Liaisons: Bea from Mama Needs to Read Romance

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:00:00 -0400

This week, we talk with book influencer Bea from Mama Needs to Read Romance about the state of historical romance, being a booktuber, and more.

LINKS TO BEA

Mama Needs to Read Romance YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mamaneedstoreadromance
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mama.needs.to.read.romance/
Goodreads: goodreads.com/user/show/75674482-mama-needs-to-read-romance

AUTHORS & BOOKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW

Joanna Shupe https://amzn.to/4m9lOYA
Kate Bateman https://amzn.to/4mb9qHE
Teresa Medeiros https://amzn.to/4sZ264y
Lindz McLeod https://amzn.to/4txFW9n
Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon https://amzn.to/3PSOBom
Bridgerton Series by Julia Quinn https://amzn.to/41h9BHS

NOW READING & RECOMMENDED

Once Smitten, Twice Shy by Chloe Liese https://amzn.to/4c8PPDc
With This Ring I Thee Kill by Jenna Harte https://amzn.to/4vtSUa6
Thessaly Affair by Urna Semper https://urnasemper.substack.com/s/the-thessaly-affair
Shadow of Betrayal Eva LeClerc https://evaleclercauthor.substack.com/s/shadow-of-betrayal

TENDER & TEMPTING TALES

Tender and Tempting Tales Substack: Subscribe and get a FREE story! https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/

Tender and Tempting Tales on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tendertemptingtales/

ILLICIT LIAISONS PRODUCED & HOSTED BY

Tara Leederman: https://taleederman.substack.com/
Jenna Harte: https://jennaharte.com/

Outline and Show Notes: T.A. Leederman
Editing: Jenna Harte

Illicit Liaisons: Paws & Peril - Romantic suspense with a dog

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400

This week, we celebrate the release of Paws & Peril, a romance zine with stories, articles, games, and more around romantic suspense that include a dog.

We discuss romantic suspense and why dogs make a perfect side character, and more.

Hosts this week include zine editor Rachel Young; zine copyeditor, social media manager, and contributor Tara Leederman; author Marissa Marinello; and managing editor and contributor Jenna Harte.

LINKS TO PAWS & PERIL

Paws & Peril (in KU): https://amzn.to/3NYe9j8

Rachel Young: https://www.facebook.com/rachel.young.1023

Marissa Marinello: https://marissamarinello.com/

Tara Leederman: https://taleederman.substack.com/

Jenna Harte: https://jennaharte.com/

TENDER & TEMPTING TALES

Tender and Tempting Tales Substack: Subscribe and get a FREE story! https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/

Tender and Tempting Tales on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tendertemptingtales/

ILLICIT LIAISONS PRODUCED & HOSTED BY

Tara Leederman: https://taleederman.substack.com/

Jenna Harte: https://jennaharte.com/

Outline and Shownotes: T.A. Leederman
Editing: Jenna Harte

Illicit Liaisons: Wuthering Heights & Classic Romance Literature with author Annie R McEwen

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0400

This week, our guest host is romance author Annie R McEwen where we discuss the hubbub around the new adaptation of Wuthering Heights, classic romance novels, and more.

LINKS TO ANNIE R MCEWEN

Annie's Website: https://www.anniermcewen.com/

Bound Across Time https://amzn.to/4bIJ9M9

The Corset Girls Unlaced https://amzn.to/4uPC84S

Annie's Books on Amazon https://amzn.to/487lqnE

BOOKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW

The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole: https://amzn.to/4tqzdOH

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson: https://amzn.to/47VhlTx

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley: https://amzn.to/4c3ZYlS

Wuthering Heights (2009 TV Serial): Masterpiece | Wuthering Heights | PBS https://amzn.to/4bMd5XI

Carmilla by Joseph Le Fanu: https://amzn.to/4swAW4U

Villette by Charlotte Brontë: https://amzn.to/4suNYjb

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë: https://amzn.to/4t3Qdd9

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen: https://amzn.to/4t5ELxx

Cecilia by Frances Burney: https://amzn.to/4t7r0i1

Evelina by Frances Burney: https://amzn.to/4lOWmYb

A Simple Story by Elizabeth Inchbald: https://amzn.to/3PEec4c

Pamela by Samuel Richardson: https://amzn.to/4buMKhZ

Clarissa by Samuel Richardson: https://amzn.to/4bHNIpR

Persuasion by Jane Austen: https://amzn.to/4bSpVUu

Persuasion (2008) https://amzn.to/4dMEPxM

Persuasion (1996) https://amzn.to/488c3Ef

The Female Quixote by Charlotte Lennox: https://amzn.to/4dHVvqd

The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry: https://amzn.to/4v79Wuz

Castle Rackrent Maria Edgeworth: https://amzn.to/4bEE1sk

Belinda by Maria Edgeworth: https://amzn.to/4svOa1P

TENDER & TEMPTING TALES

Tender and Tempting Tales Substack: Subscribe and get a FREE story! https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/

Tender and Tempting Tales on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tendertemptingtales/

ILLICIT LIAISONS PRODUCED & HOSTED BY

Tara Leederman: https://taleederman.substack.com/

Jenna Harte: https://jennaharte.com/

Outline and Shownotes: T.A. Leederman
Editing: Jenna Harte

Illicit Liaisons: Hockey Romance & Why Choose with author Aubree Valentine

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0400

This week, our guest host is romance author Aubree Valentine where we discuss Heated Rivalry, hockey romance, the why-choose trope, and more.

LINKS TO AUBREE VALENTINE

Aubree's website: https://authoraubreevalentine.com/

Aubree's social links: https://authoraubreevalentine.com/social/

Aubree's author's page: https://amzn.to/4bglzHF

Pucking Tangled: https://amzn.to/4uwdaY0

Christmas at Mistletoe Bay: https://amzn.to/4bgBWnz

Saving Sadie (Police and Fire: Operation Alpha - Susan Stoker-verse): https://amzn.to/4dpM2nh

BOOKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW

Heated Rivalry by Rachel Ried(Game Changers Series): https://amzn.to/3NnhS9W

Moonlight & Margaritas: https://amzn.to/4cXLa9z (Aubree's story - More Than a Margarita)

Sweetest Lie (Duet) by Gwyn McNamee: https://amzn.to/47AvGVg

Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser https://amzn.to/473UrZM

With This Ring, I Thee Kill by Jenna Harte: https://amzn.to/4lC10J8

TENDER & TEMPTING TALES

Tender and Tempting Tales Substack: Subscribe and get a FREE story! https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/

Tender and Tempting Tales Submissions Information: https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/p/write-for-tender-and-tempting-tales

Tender and Tempting Tales on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tendertemptingtales/

ILLICIT LIAISONS PRODUCED & HOSTED BY

Tara Leederman: https://taleederman.substack.com/

Jenna Harte: https://jennaharte.com/

Illicit Liaisons: Sleuthing Couples, Fan Fic & Amnesia trope with Jenna Harte

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0400

This week, our guest host is romance and mystery author Jenna Harte (yes, me!), where we discuss passionate sleuthing couples, fan fiction, the amnesia trope, and more!

LINKS TO JENNA HARTE

Jenna Harte: https://jennaharte.com

Jenna's Author Page: https://amzn.to/4b39fKF

BOOKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW

Valentine Mysteries (7 books in KU): https://amzn.to/40tacWv

New Release: Dead but Not Forgotten: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKZF2HYK

Deadly Valentine by Jenna Harte: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008TGH622

Old Flames Never Die by Jenna Harte: https://amzn.to/4bkIX5C

Naked in Death by JD Robb: https://amzn.to/4lo4u1z

An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn: https://amzn.to/4lty7Po

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë: https://amzn.to/3Nh6V9C

Pamela by Samuel Richardson: https://amzn.to/46WroY9

That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon by Kimberly Lemming: https://www.amazon.com/That-Drunk-Saved-Demon-Mishaps-ebook/dp/B0BTZ2MDLL

TENDER & TEMPTING TALES

Tender and Tempting Tales Substack: Subscribe and get a FREE story! https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/

Tender and Tempting Tales on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tendertemptingtales/

Illicit Liaisons: Romantic Suspense with Stephanie R. Caffrey

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0500

This week, our guest host is romance author Stephanie R. Caffrey, where we discuss books we're afraid to read, romantic suspense, and more!

LINKS TO STEPHANIE R. CAFFREY

Stephanie R. Caffrey: https://srcaffrey.com

Stephanie's Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Stephanie-R.-Caffrey/author/B0CXNBGX1Z

Strings of Deception: https://amzn.to/3MXD85S

Profiling the Heart series: https://amzn.to/4cswIpF

London Detective Agency series: https://amzn.to/3NizZ0x

BOOKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED ON THE SHOW

Song of Achilles BY Madeline Miller: https://amzn.to/40NTCk5

Queens of 90s Romantic Suspense (articles): https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/p/queens-of-90s-romantic-suspense

Dangerous Personalities by Joe Navarro: https://amzn.to/4rOtLVb

A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang: https://amzn.to/4laKwr5

That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon by Kimberly Lemming: https://www.amazon.com/That-Drunk-Saved-Demon-Mishaps-ebook/dp/B0BTZ2MDLL

Chasing Shelter by Catherine Cowles: https://amzn.to/3N2LTvt

Deadly Valentine by Jenna Harte: https://amzn.to/4tNYtPM

Old Flames Never Die by Jenna Harte: https://amzn.to/4rL5KhH

A History of the World in 6 Glasses by Tom Standage https://amzn.to/46ggtbn

TENDER & TEMPTING TALES

Tender and Tempting Tales Substack: Subscribe and get a FREE story! https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/

Tender and Tempting Tales on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tendertemptingtales/

Illicit Liaisons: Book Bullying & Romantasy Discussion with Urna Semper

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0500

This week, our guest host is Parrish Baker writing as Urna Semper, and we discuss:
* Book Bullying
* Romantansy vs Romantic Fantasy vs Fantasy Romance
and more!

LINKS TO URNA SEMPER

Parrish Baker writing as Urna Semper on Substack: https://urnasemper.substack.com/p/copy-the-lady-of-birzeta

Urna Semper's Amazon Author page: https://amzn.to/4rn86TO

The Pearl Crucible by Urna Semper: https://amzn.to/4tRJmVy

Olava: Sold into Bondage by Urna Semper: https://www.amazon.com/Olava-Bondage-Science-Incidents-Iphigenia-ebook/dp/B0CLL1Y3Z7

"The Case of the Unnatural Sister" in Pinup Noir: Sultry Murder Jazz from Raconteur Press: https://amzn.to/40qjr9G

"The Miss" in Uncanny Valet from Raconteur Press: https://amzn.to/4cFYqPL

"Montara Sierpento Snows" in Midnight, Mischief, and Mistletoe from Tender and Tempting Tales: https://amzn.to/4tMUXVN

"Kandiers Summer" in Moonlight and Margaritas from Tender and Tempting Tales: https://amzn.to/4qJoLQx

BOOKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW

Rumors of Spring by Richard Grant https://amzn.to/3OAxfMg

Persuasion by Jane Austen https://amzn.to/4rEEhOA

Heroine of the World by Tanith Lee https://amzn.to/46mwM6C

Leucippe and Clitophon by Achilles Tatius https://amzn.to/4tRKeti

South Wind: A Mediterranean Masterpiece of Love, Lust, and Intrigue by Norman Douglas https://www.amazon.com/South-Wind-Mediterranean-Masterpiece-Intrigue/dp/B0DJ1VVBSF

Deadly Valentine by Jenna Harte: https://amzn.to/4tNYtPM

A History of the World in 6 Glasses by Tom Standage https://amzn.to/46ggtbn

That Time I got Drunk and Saved a Demon by Kimberly Lemming https://www.amazon.com/That-Drunk-Saved-Demon-Mishaps/dp/0316570273

TENDER & TEMPTING TALES

Free Romance: It's About Damn Time: https://tenderandtemptingtales.com/free-romance-story/

Tender and Tempting Tales Substack: https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/

Tender and Tempting Tales on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tendertemptingtales/

Hot Takes on Romance discussion with Suzy Langevin

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0500

Guest Host Suzy Langevin, 2024 RWA Golden Heart Award for Excellence In Pre-Published Romance, for the Plus One Pact.

We discuss hot takes on romance, including our thoughts on epilogues and bonus chapters, is cheating okay in romance, depictions of mental health in romance, and more!

Check out Suzy at https://www.suzylangevin.com/
Suzy's Books https://www.suzylangevin.com/team-3
Suzy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/suzylangevinwrites/

Books/Authors/Book Influencers Mentioned on the Show:
Peace, Love, Books XO https://www.youtube.com/@PeaceLoveBooksxo
Dead But Not Forgotten by Jenna Harte https://www.amazon.com/Dead-But-Not-Forgotten-Valentine-ebook/dp/B0GKZF2HYK
Dead to the World (Sookie Stackhouse book 4) by Charlaine Harris - https://amzn.to/4td9oCp
American Royalty by Suzy Langevin https://amzn.to/3MngFyQ
Sound of Summer Series (Martha's Vineyard) by Suzy Langevin https://www.suzylangevin.com/copy-of-christmas-in-the-city-collection-1
Reel by Kennedy Ryan https://amzn.to/4kBMalp
Score by Kennedy Ryan https://amzn.to/4bLNAr7
Can't Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan https://amzn.to/4kBLYCH
Devil Wears Tartan by Katia Rose https://amzn.to/4twV6fX
Fat Tuesday by Sandra Brown - https://amzn.to/4aewY91
Moonlight & Margaritas Steamy Romance Anthology - https://amzn.to/3ZhtfCG

Illicit Liaisons brought to you by Tender & Tempting Tales
Free ebook: It's About Damn Time - https://tenderandtemptingtales.com/free-romance-story/
Romance Talk at Tender & Tempting Tales Substack - https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/
Write for Us - https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/p/write-for-tender-and-tempting-tales

Hosts:
Jenna Harte https://jennaharte.com/
TA Leederman https://taleederman.com/

Bookish Drama, Fictional Crushes, Book Adaptations with Rachel Young/Aline Francoure

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0500

Illicit Liaisons reboot! Join for a discussion about:

book goals drama
gateway books into romance reading
book crushes
current book adaptations
and more

On this show:

Guest Rachel Young/Aline Francoure - https://alinefrancoure.com/

Books/Authors:

Moonlight & Margaritas Steamy Romance Anthology - https://amzn.to/3ZhtfCG
Julie Garwood Books - https://amzn.to/3LQuWE3
The Duchess by Jude Deveraux - https://amzn.to/4qideav
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon - https://amzn.to/4a8GuKJ
The Return of Rafe MacKade by Nora Roberts - https://amzn.to/4qfqU5W
The Reef by Nora Roberts - https://amzn.to/4qmR3QD
Naked in Death by J.D. Robb - https://www.amazon.com/Naked-Death-Book-1-ebook/dp/B000P2A47M
Lucky's Lady by Tami Hoag - https://amzn.to/4qUs2x5
Dead to the World (Sookie Stackhouse book 4) by Charlaine Harris - https://amzn.to/4td9oCp
Midnight, Mischief & Mistletoe - https://amzn.to/3NY1nkv
The Pearl Crucible by Urna Semper - https://amzn.to/4acw1y1
Fat Tuesday by Sandra Brown - https://amzn.to/4aewY91
An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn - https://amzn.to/4qZWypv
Chasing Shelter by Catherine Cowless - https://amzn.to/4c9BesW
The Heist (Fox & O'Hare book 1) by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg - https://amzn.to/4a8IuCM
The Lion's Lady by Julie Garwood - https://amzn.to/4awCYv1

What are your thoughts on bookish drama?

Who is your book crush?

Join us to talk about romance fiction at Substack: https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/

Illicit Liaisons now brought to you by Tender & Tempting Tales

Free story: It's About Damn Time - https://tenderandtemptingtales.com/free-romance-story/
Romance Talk at Tender & Tempting Tales Substack -https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/
Write for Us - https://tenderandtemptingtales.substack.com/p/write-for-tender-and-tempting-tales

Interview with Jackie Mojica author of Rockstar Romances

Thu, 13 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

This week I interview Jackie Mojica author of contemporary romances feature rockstars.

Visit the Illicit Liaison page at SwoonworthyHEA to learn more about Jackie and her books, as well as other books mentioned on the show.

Interview with Lisa Becker Author of Starfish Series

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 23:00:00 -0400

In this week's episode, I interview Lisa Becker, author of the Starfish Series. We talk about the author duo she admires most, her all-time favorite book boyfriend, and how she got started writing.

You can learn more about Lisa at her website

Check out more Illicit Liaison's shows and join the romance fiction conversation at SwoonworthyHea.com.

Interview with Maggie Blackbird Author of When We Were Young Series

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Maggie Blackbird is on Ojibway from Northwestern Ontario who writes contemporary, YA, historical and LBGTQ romances involving Canada's indigenous people. Her latest book is Knight Moves, book three in her When We Were Young Series. Maggie and I talk about the romance authors she loved (and still loves), her start in romance writing, and how she incorporates the lives of indigenous people into her romances.

Visit the Illicit Liaisons page at SwoonworthyHEA to learn more about Maggie and her books.

Bridgerton vs The Duke and I

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 08:00:00 -0500

This week I discuss my thoughts on The Duke and I by Julia Quinn and the TV adaptation of it, Bridgerton.

For Black History Month, I have a list of black romance authors to check out as well.

To leave a comment or to read show notes, visit the Illicit Liaisons page at SwoonworthyHEA.

Join the online community for romance readers to discuss your favorite authors and books, win fun stuff, start a blog and more at SwoonworthyHEA.

What would you like to see or do in a romance fiction community? Take the 2 question survey here.

Modern Day Mr. Darcy: Darcy Traits that Live on in Popular Romance Fiction

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 23:00:00 -0500

Mr. Darcy has become synonymous with the romantic leading man. Even though he "lived" over two-hundred years ago, many traits that make Darcy an endearing romantic lead live on today's romances. In this episode, I discuss Darcy's traits and share a few modern romances that I feel have Darcy-esque leading men.

Do you have other thoughts about Darcy or modern-day romance heroes similar to Darcy? Let me know on the Illicit Liaison podcast page at SwoonworthyHEA.com

Favorite (and Not So Favorite) Romance Tropes

Sat, 30 Jan 2021 11:00:00 -0500

We love romance fiction. But we may not all agree on which types of stories we prefer. In this episode of Illicit Liaisons, I share some of my favorite and not so favorite romance tropes.

Which do you love? Which do you hate? Let me know by visiting the Illicit Liaisons page at SwoonworthyHEA.

Join SwoonworthyHEA, the online community for people who love to read romance fiction. Join groups, start a blog, win stuff and more! Visit Swoonworthyhea to learn more and join!

Books That Should Be Made Into Movies or TV Shows

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 15:00:00 -0500

Cable networks and streaming services are all clamboring for great books to adapt to TV and movies. Here is my list of a few romance books I'd love to see on screen.

What books would love to see adapted to a movie or show? Let me know at the Illicit Liaison page at SwoonworthyHEA.

Are you a die-hard romantic, looking to chat about romance fiction with other die-hard romantics? Join the SwoonworthyHEA community where you can talk books, win fun stuff, and even start your own fan, book, or author blog.

Romance Books Coming to the Screen in 2021

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 16:00:00 -0500

Discover what romance books will be returning or debuting on the big and small screen in 2021.

Are you looking forward to watching any of these books come to life? Let me know by visiting the Illicit Liaisons page at SwoonworthyHEA.com

Join me and other hopeless romantics at SwoonworthyHEA to talk about your favorite romance books, authors and more.

Old School Romance: Sandra Brown

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 07:00:00 -0500

This week I do another old-school romance episode discussing Sandra Brown. I cover her career, what makes her books stand out, and five of my favorite books of hers.

Are you a fan of Sandra Brown? Let us know at the Illicit Liaisons page at SwoonworthyHEA.com.

Join SwoonworthyHEA, the free online community for people who love to read and write romance fiction!

Best Romance Reads of 2020

Tue, 29 Dec 2020 13:00:00 -0500

Jenna shares her top 5 favorite romance reads of 2020.

Are any of these your favorite? If not, what are your favorites? Visit the Illicit Liaisons page at SwoonworthyHEA to let me know!

If you're a hopeless romantic, stop by SwoonworthyHEA.com, the online community for people who love to read and write romance fiction. Join in the groups, start a blog, enter monthly contests and more!

Favorite and Not So Favorite Grand Gestures

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 12:00:00 -0500

This week I talk about one of my favorite parts of a romance...the grand gesture. I share a few that left me flat and several that I've always enjoyed.

Do you have a favorite grand gesture from a romance? Let us know on Illicit Liaisons page at SwoonworthyHea.com.

If you're a hopeless romantic, stop by SwoonworthyHEA.com, the online community for people who love to read and write romance fiction. Join in the groups, start a blog, enter monthly contests and more!

How to Start a Book Blog for Fun and Profit

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 08:00:00 -0500

Turn your love of reading into a fun way to meet authors, connect with other readers, and make money through a book blog. The show talks about how to set up a blog, what to blog about, and ways to make money by blogging about books. Get more resources and a book blog start up checklist in the show notes at Illicit Liaisons page at SwoonworthyHea.com

Do you have a book blog or have questions about starting a book blog? Let us know on Illicit Liaisons page at SwoonworthyHea.com.

If you're a hopeless romantic, stop by SwoonworthyHEA.com, the online community for people who love to read and write romance fiction. Join in the groups, start a blog, enter monthly contests and more!

Holiday Gift Ideas for Romance Readers

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 19:00:00 -0500

Have you waited to the last minute (like me) to shop for holiday gifts or give your "Wish List" to your family and friends? Here are a number of fun and useful gifts for the book-lover in your life.

Do you have other great gift ideas for avid readers? Let us know on Illicit Liaisons page at SwoonworthyHea.com.

If you're a hopeless romantic, stop by SwoonworthyHEA.com, the online community for people who love to read and write romance fiction. Join in the groups, start a blog, enter monthly contests and more!

Old School Romance: Nora Roberts

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 16:00:00 -0500

This week we look back on romances by Nora Roberts written 20 to 25 years ago that ignited my interest in romance fiction.

Do you have other Nora Roberts' old school romances you love? Let us know on Illicit Liaisons page at SwoonworthyHea.com.

If you're a hopeless romantic, stop by SwoonworthyHEA.com, the online community for people who love to read and write romance fiction. Join in the groups, start a blog, enter monthly contests and more!

Political Romances

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Jenna Harte shares some of the political romances she's read over the years in response to the recent election in the United States. She includes a few old school romances, and a couple of royal books.

Do you have political romances you've enjoyed? Let us know on Illicit Liaisons page at SwoonworthyHea.com.

If you're a hopeless romantic, stop by SwoonworthyHEA.com, the online community for people who love to read and write romance fiction. Join in the groups, start a blog, enter monthly contests and more!

Pet Peeves in Romance

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 12:00:00 -0500

Jenna Harte and Ellen Butler share their pet peeves in romance stories.

What are your romance novel pet peeves? Let us know on Illicit Liaisons page at SwoonworthyHea.com.

If you're a hopeless romantic, stop by SwoonworthyHEA.com, the online community for people who love to read and write romance fiction. Join in the groups, start a blog, enter monthly contests and more!

Paranormal Romance with Chloe Balkin and Sionna Trenz

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 03:00:00 -0400

Just in time for Halloween, Illicit Liaisons talks with avid paranormal readers and authors, Chloe Balkin and Sionna Trenz. We cover topics such as, what makes a paranormal romance, what is the fascination with paranormal romance, great starter paranormal romance books, and much more.

You can learn more about Chloe at her website or Amazon page.
Visit Sionna's website and Amazon page

For links to book mentioned on the show, visit the Illicit Liaisons page at SwoonworthyHea.com.

While you're there, let us know about your favorite paranormal book, series, or author?

If you're a hopeless romantic, stop by SwoonworthyHEA.com, the online community for people who love to read and write romance fiction. Join in the groups, start a blog, enter monthly contests and more!

Classic Romances of Tomorrow

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Do you have classic romance books you love or ideas for current day romances that will be considered classics in a hundred years? Let us know on Illicit Liaisons page at SwoonworthyHea.com.

If you're a hopeless romantic, stop by SwoonworthyHEA.com, the online community for people who love to read and write romance fiction. Join in the groups, start a blog, enter monthly contests and more!

8 Ways to Get Free Romance Books

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 18:00:00 -0400

If your book budget is bust, check out these 8 options for getting free romance books!

Do you have more free romance book resources? Let us know on the Illicit Liaisons page at SwoonworthyHea.com.

If you're a hopeless romantic, stop by SwoonworthyHEA.com, the online community for people who love to read and write romance fiction. Join in the groups, start a blog, enter monthly contests and more!

Stigma of Romance Fiction

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 18:00:00 -0400

Romance and mystery author Ellen Butler and Jenna Harte discuss the stigma of reading and writing romance. Where it comes from. Why it continues. And whether or not it's waning.

What are your thoughts on the stigma of romance? Join in the conversation at the Illicit Liaisons page at SwoonworthyHEA.com.

If you love romance fiction, stop by SwoonworthyHEA.com, the free online community for hopeless romantics to discuss the romance books they love. Join groups, start a book blog and more. Romance authors come by to mingle with romance readers and start your own author blog.

Illicit Liaisons

Illicit Liaisons: Fantastical Foes Enemies to Lovers Romantasy Celebration

Illicit Liaisons: Contemporary Fantasy Romance with Author Mara Heath

Illicit Liaisons: Bookish News, Drama, and Hot Takes

Illicit Liaisons: Sports romance with Allie Lasky

Illicit Liaisons: Sci-Fi Romance with Urna Semper & Tara Leederman

Illicit Liaisons: Fireworks & Spice Levels with Lynne Solisse and Miranda Tamrakar

Illicit Liaisons: Fireworks & Flirtation with Aline Francoure and Jenna Harte

Illicit Liaisons: Fireworks & Guy Fawkes with Annie R McEwen

Illicit Liaisons: Celebrating Summer Romance with Suzy Langevin and Marissa Marinello

Illicit Liaisons: MM Hockey Romance with Jason Wrench

Illicit Liaisons: Sports Romance with Sierra Hill

Illicit Liaisons: Mariah Ankeman & Disability Representation in Romance

Illicit Liaisons: Bookish Tea, Hot takes, News and More in the Romance World

Illicit Liaisons: Bea from Mama Needs to Read Romance

Illicit Liaisons: Paws & Peril - Romantic suspense with a dog

Illicit Liaisons: Wuthering Heights & Classic Romance Literature with author Annie R McEwen

Illicit Liaisons: Hockey Romance & Why Choose with author Aubree Valentine

Illicit Liaisons: Sleuthing Couples, Fan Fic & Amnesia trope with Jenna Harte

Illicit Liaisons: Romantic Suspense with Stephanie R. Caffrey

Illicit Liaisons: Book Bullying & Romantasy Discussion with Urna Semper

Hot Takes on Romance discussion with Suzy Langevin

Bookish Drama, Fictional Crushes, Book Adaptations with Rachel Young/Aline Francoure

Interview with Jackie Mojica author of Rockstar Romances

Interview with Lisa Becker Author of Starfish Series

Interview with Maggie Blackbird Author of When We Were Young Series

Recommended Romances for New Romance Readers

Bridgerton vs The Duke and I

Modern Day Mr. Darcy: Darcy Traits that Live on in Popular Romance Fiction

Favorite (and Not So Favorite) Romance Tropes

Books That Should Be Made Into Movies or TV Shows

Romance Books Coming to the Screen in 2021

Old School Romance: Sandra Brown

Best Romance Reads of 2020

Favorite and Not So Favorite Grand Gestures

How to Start a Book Blog for Fun and Profit

Holiday Gift Ideas for Romance Readers

Old School Romance: Nora Roberts

Political Romances

Pet Peeves in Romance

Paranormal Romance with Chloe Balkin and Sionna Trenz

Classic Romances of Tomorrow

8 Ways to Get Free Romance Books

Stigma of Romance Fiction