In this episode of Unfiltered Romance Nights, hosts Kolleen and Marjorie delve into 'Beautiful Venom' by Rina Kent, a dark enemies-to-lovers hockey romance. They discuss their reading experiences, character dynamics, and the emotional depth of the story, particularly focusing on the protagonists, Kane and Dahlia. The conversation explores themes of redemption, strong female leads, and the intricacies of plot development, while also addressing the role of secondary characters and the impact of other woman drama. The hosts share their favorite scenes and moments that evoke strong emotions, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the book's themes and character arcs. In this engaging conversation, Kolleen and Marjorie delve into the intricate dynamics of character relationships, particularly focusing on the found family concept within a book series. They share their favorite quotes and memorable moments, express their overall thoughts on the series, and discuss the expectations readers have of authors, especially in the context of receiving ARCs. The discussion also touches on hot topics within the book community, including reader entitlement and the responsibilities of authors regarding trigger warnings.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Beautiful Venom06:13 The Dynamics of Their Relationship12:19 Character Analysis: Dahlia's Strength18:20 Addressing the Other Woman Drama25:31 Character Dynamics and Gender Roles31:50 Themes of Redemption and Trauma37:29 Character Interactions and Humor50:18 Navigating Reader Expectations and Author Responsibilities01:08:37 Entitlement in ARC Requests and Author Support01:18:38 YouTube Outro.mp4Don’t forget to rate and/or review us on your preferred listening platform. Thank you!DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Our episodes will contain spoilers and potential triggers. Follow our social media pages: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unfilteredromancenights Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfilteredromancenightspodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unfilteredromancenightspod Follow your hosts: Kolleen TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookswith_kolleenirene Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolleenirene Marjorie TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marjoriematthews34 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marj_spicyreads
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1:18:43
Book Chat: Chokehold by Leigh Rivers & Harleigh Beck
In this episode, hosts Kolleen and Marjorie dive deep into the dark enemies-to-lovers M/M romance 'Chokehold' by Leigh Rivers and Harleigh Beck. They discuss their initial reactions to the book, the intricacies of M/M romance, character development, and the dynamics of power and emotion between the protagonists, Cole and Blaise. The conversation also touches on the role of supporting characters and the spicy scenes that define the narrative, culminating in their overall thoughts on the book. The conversation explores themes of possessive love, jealousy, emotional vulnerability, and the impact of parental relationships on personal growth. The speakers discuss various scenes from a narrative that highlight these themes, including spicy moments and emotional confrontations. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Chokehold03:01 Exploring M/M Romance05:56 Book Ratings and Spicy Scenes09:06 Character Development: Cole and Blaise11:56 The Dynamics of Power and Emotion15:00 The Role of Supporting Characters17:53 Concluding Thoughts on Chokehold21:28 Possessive Love and Jealousy24:42 Spicy Scenes and Emotional Vulnerability28:38 Parental Relationships and Emotional Abuse35:56 Redemption Arcs and Character Growth39:43 Critique of Dark Romance and Plot Twists42:08 Exploring Dark Romance Tropes45:01 Defining Darkness in Romance46:28 Hot Topics in Book Covers and Tropes57:56 Generalizations in Book CommunitiesYou can read/purchase Chokehold here:eBookPaperbackDon’t forget to rate and/or review us on your preferred listening platform. Thank you!DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Our episodes will contain spoilers and potential triggers.Follow our social media pages:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unfilteredromancenightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfilteredromancenightspodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unfilteredromancenightspodFollow your hosts:KolleenTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookswith_kolleenireneInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolleenireneMarjorieTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marjoriematthews34Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marj_spicyreads
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1:03:23
May Book Club Author: R.G. Angel
In this episode of Unfiltered Romance Nights, hosts Kolleen and Marjorie welcome international bestselling author R.G. Angel. They discuss her journey from being a lawyer to a successful author, her writing process, and the importance of representation in literature. R.G. shares insights into her favorite genres, the challenges of writing, and how her family supports her career. The conversation highlights the significance of research and respect for diverse communities in storytelling. In this engaging conversation, R.G. Angel discusses the intricacies of romance writing, focusing on character chemistry, the inspiration behind her latest work 'A Vows of Betrayal', and the dynamics of age gaps in relationships. She shares insights into her creative process, the development of interconnected series, and hints at future projects, including the potential for second-generation storylines. The discussion highlights the importance of character development and the unique elements that make her stories resonate with readers. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the realms of urban fantasy, the dynamics of diverse love stories, and the intricacies of MM romance. They discuss the challenges and joys of writing across genres, the importance of special editions and book signings, and the profound connection between authors and their readers. The conversation also touches on the social anxieties that can accompany public events, making it relatable for many listeners.Chapters00:00 Introduction to R.G. Angel03:04 The Journey of Writing and Balancing Careers06:06 Exploring Genres and Inspirations09:12 Family Support and Reader Engagement11:58 Writing Process and Challenges14:58 Representation in Literature18:09 Respecting Diverse Communities in Writing20:00 Exploring Chemistry in Romance22:02 Inspiration Behind A Vows of Betrayal24:00 Character Dynamics and Story Development26:00 Future Projects and Series Expansion29:51 Age Gaps and Relationship Dynamics33:56 Interconnected Series and Second Generations39:57 Exploring Urban Fantasy and Genre Shifts41:58 Diving into Diverse Love Stories44:00 The Dynamics of MM Romance45:59 Special Editions and Book Signings50:04 The Author-Reader Connection53:59 Navigating Social Anxiety in Book EventsLearn more about R.G. Angel:Website: https://www.rgangel.com/Check out her store for signed paperbacks, hardcovers, and special editions.Instagram: @author_rg_angelFacebook Page: R.G. Angel AuthorDon’t forget to rate and/or review us on your preferred listening platform. Thank you! DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Our episodes will contain spoilers and potential triggers. Follow our social media pages:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unfilteredromancenightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfilteredromancenightspodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unfilteredromancenightspodFollow your hosts:KolleenTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookswith_kolleenireneInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolleenireneMarjorieTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marjoriematthews34Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marj_spicyreads
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1:03:04
Book Chat: Close to Me by Monica Murphy
In this episode, Kolleen and Marjorie discuss 'Close to Me', the first book in Monica Murphy's The Callahan Series. They explore the dynamics of the enemies-to-lovers trope set in a high school environment, focusing on the characters Autumn and Asher. The conversation delves into themes of class disparity, character development, and the pacing of the narrative, with both hosts sharing their personal ratings and critiques of the book. They also compare the writing style to other authors and reflect on their reading preferences. In this episode, Marjorie and Kolleen delve into the intricacies of female rivalry in literature, discussing how it is portrayed and its impact on character development. They analyze memorable quotes from the book, share their thoughts on the ending, and address sensitive topics often found in dark romance. The conversation wraps up with reflections on their reading experiences and listener engagement.Chapters00:00 Introduction to 'Close to Me' and Initial Impressions03:01 Character Analysis: Autumn and Asher06:10 Themes of Class and Insecurity08:53 Plot Development and Relationship Dynamics11:58 Narrative Structure and Pacing Issues15:03 Character Growth and Immaturity18:01 Comparative Analysis with Other Authors21:02 Final Thoughts and Recommendations27:28 The Complexity of Female Rivalry in Literature29:18 Character Development and Relationship Dynamics33:00 Memorable Quotes and Their Impact35:02 Ending Analysis and Future Prospects42:57 Addressing Sensitive Topics in Dark Romance51:00 Conclusion and Listener EngagementDon’t forget to rate and/or review us on your preferred listening platform. Thank you! DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Our episodes will contain spoilers and potential triggers. Follow our social media pages:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unfilteredromancenightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfilteredromancenightspodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unfilteredromancenightspodFollow your hosts:KolleenTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookswith_kolleenireneInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolleenireneMarjorieTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marjoriematthews34Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marj_spicyreads
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52:27
Penelope Ward Interview
Buckle up for a juicy, laugh-filled ride through the world of steamy romance with none other than Penelope Ward! In this birthday special episode of Unfiltered Romance Nights, Kolleen and Marjorie dive into Penelope’s unexpected journey from TV anchor to bestselling romance author. We’re talking forbidden love, spicy scenes, illustrated covers, and even candles that smell like her leading men (yes, seriously). Whether you're a longtime fan or just romance-curious, this episode serves up laughs, behind-the-scenes tea, and heartfelt moments that’ll make you one-click her books faster than you can say “Stepbrother Dearest.”Chapters:00:00:00 - Intro birthday special with Penelope Ward 00:02:14 - How Fifty Shades kicked off indie romance's golden age 00:04:24 - Writing as a job that never feels like work 00:08:16 - Penelope’s writing routine and sprint method 00:13:23 - Stopped at two books for the Rockstar series 00:21:41 - Duet audiobook versions and how they hit differently 00:24:35 - Team Physical Book vs Team eBook debate 00:28:47 - Best starter books for new Penelope Ward readers 00:31:41 - Her favorite couple? Elec & Greta forever 00:35:12 - Behind-the-scenes of how co-writing really works 00:37:44 - Realities of publishing schedules and release pacing 00:44:50 - Tropes Penelope won’t write—00:46:48 - Special editions and upcoming book boxes 00:48:21 - Book signings, Boston roots, and fangirl energy 00:51:33 - Honest truth about the emotional cost of book signings Learn more about Penelope Ward:Website: penelopewardauthor.comCheck out her store for signed paperbacks, hardcovers, and special editions.Instagram: @penelopewardauthorFacebook Page: Penelope Ward: AuthorFacebook Group: Penelope’s PeepsX (formerly Twitter): @PenelopeAuthorDon’t forget to rate and/or review us on your preferred listening platform. Thank you! DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Our episodes will contain spoilers and potential triggers. Follow our social media pages:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unfilteredromancenightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfilteredromancenightspodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unfilteredromancenightspodFollow your hosts:KolleenTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookswith_kolleenireneInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolleenireneMarjorieTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marjoriematthews34Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marj_spicyreads
Welcome to Unfiltered Romance Nights - a podcast for readers who prefer spicy stories and twisted tropes.We're your hosts, Marjorie and Kolleen, two moms obsessed with reading and discussing dark romance. We first crossed paths as members of our favorite writers' ARC & Street Teams - and have been book besties ever since.Every Wednesday, we interview authors and share our genre recs & reviews. So if you're into taboo tales and unhinged chats, come spend the night with us.
South Africa