M. Nelson and Nerdy Romantics guests Marcie, Staci, Pam, Jen and Mary recommend interracial and multicultural romance reads as part of the “Who Gets An HEA?” miniseries. The mini-series showcases romances with marginalized heroes and heroines, and in episode 23, we feature romance novels by Tracey Livesay, Farah Heron, Twyla Turner, Eliana West, Angelina M. Lopez, Rebekah Weatherspoon and D. A. Young. All of these are worthy of everyone’s TBR list. Mine is sure to fill up after finding out about these great reads.
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In this episode, we recommend:
Accidentally Engaged by Farah Heron:
Reena’s into baking — so much so she has 14 sourdough starters around her apartment. She’s not into her parents meddling in her love life — which is not doing well at the moment — or her boring job in Finance. Enter Nadim, a new neighbor in her building that’s got the body of Captain America. On one hand, he’s been tapped by her parents as marriage potential. Yuck. But on the other; she needs him so she can enter a couple’s baking reality competition that could change her life. Hear what Y. M. learned about while reading this rom-com.
The Way Forward by Eliana West (Heart of Colton #1):
Dax is a long way from the argumentative boy he was when he left his Colton, MS hometown. He’s travelled the world and grown up a lot, and now he’s back to help revitalize the town. Callie used to spend such wonderful childhood summers in Colton, despite being antagonized by Dax, that she decided to move there and become the librarian. Hear why Jen dislikes the bully trope … EXCEPT in this book!
Also mentioned: After Hours on Milagro Street by Angelina M. Lopez (Book 1): A white college professor and a Latina bartender butt heads in this enemies-to-lovers romance. But then, they come together to battle a neighborhood enemy — and find love in the process. What do we think about alphaheroines? Listen to find out.
Sweet Obsession by DA Young (The Men of Whiskey Row, Book 1):
The Sullivan brothers in Tennessee are fiercely loyal alphas who will do anything to protect their
family and their loves. But then again, their loves can stand just fine on their own. When Noelle Kramer finds herself and her family in the middle of a possible scandal cooked up by her ex, she turns to her crush Jack Sullivan to help. After all he’s been through something like this before. Marcie tells us why the men of Whisky Row will keep readers hooked until the last of the series.
American Royalty by Tracey Livesay:
In this romance loosely inspired by real life couple Meghan and Prince Harry, rapper Dani, known to her fans as Duchess, is currently in a tiff with another pop star and needs to clean up her image. Reclusive Prince Jameson is tasked with putting on a concert to help the royal family with their image. Jameson signs Dani to the bill, not knowing her. It’s bad for the concert’s goal, but good for their love lives. Find out why Pam almost didn’t read this book, but now why she’s glad she did.
Xeni by Rebekah Weatherspoon (Loose Ends, Book 2):
Xeni has just lost her aunt Sable Everly … and gained a sizable fortune. The only way she can claim it is by marrying this big Scot named Mason. Mason was also willed a significant amount: enough to clear debts that have been hanging over him ever since he met Ms. Sable. Hear why Mary loves this one not just for the interracial rep, but for ALL the rep in this one!
Trigger warnings: homophobia. Content warnings: 1 graphic sex scene of an alternative lifestyle
Also mentioned: Rafe by Rebekah Weatherspoon (LooseEnds, Book 1)
The Red Scot by Twyla Turner (Curvy Girls Club #1):
Once a fat unpopular kid, Bradyn is now an alpha beast MMA fighter. When Payton Bailey walks into his gym, he’s smitten. Payton however is having none of that. She’d rather be gaming or reading comic books instead of hanging out with this muscly beast of a man. Listen to why Staci loves this fast read and what it has to do with our next “Who Gets an HEA?” episode.
Trigger Warning: scene of sexual assault
LISTEN TO THE EPISODE HERE
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