Ep. 184: Hot & Steamy Summer Reads w/ Sweetpea Flaherty
EQ: How do the themes of summer and romance intertwine to create compelling stories, and what makes these books perfect for the season?
In this episode, we explore the enchanting blend of summer and romance in literature with Sweetpea Flaherty, the owner of King's Books in Tacoma. Sweetpea, a veteran bookseller since 2000 and recipient of the 2019 Stella Cameron Bookseller of the Year Award, shares insights on how these themes create perfect seasonal reads. We delve into changes in publishing over the last five years, highlighting increased representation. Sweetpea also discusses "Rules for Readers," emphasizing the importance of enjoying your reading journey, whether that means not finishing unenjoyable books or reading non-linearly. Tune in for an engaging conversation on summer romance novels and practical reading tips. Visit kingsbookstore.com for more information.
Recommended Titles:
Bold Strokes Books subscription; Rebecca Weatherspoon–Zeni; Beverly Jenkins–Auntie Bev
Radcyffe (pen name)--queer romance; lesbian trauma alert for ER & Scrubs lovers
Sara Waters–Fingersmith
Olivia Waite Care and Feeding of Waspish Widows
Katy Hofman, the Prospects
Ashley Herring Blake Bright Falls Series
Jonny Garza Villa Canto Contigo (teen)
Casey McQuiston, One Last Stop
Emily Hamilton, The Stars Too Fondly
Micaiah Johnson, The Space Between Worlds
Horror
Someone you can build a nest in, John Wiswell
Cuckoo, Gretchen Felker Martin
I was a Teenage Slasher, Stephen Graham Jones
Lane Fargo
A Lesson in Vengeance, Victoria Lee
Mystery
Scorched Grace & Blessed Water, Margot Douaihy
Trouble in Queenstown, Delia Pitts
Do Your Fudging Homework:
Annie: Bright Falls Series by Ashley Herring Blake - queer female romance, clever and funny, quick and easy reads with relatable, well-developed, and lovable characters. All stories center around the same small Oregon town and it’s got the You-Can-Go-Home-Again trope written all over it. Most anticipated LGBTQ Romances of 2024
Hope: Try a new book this summer–push yourself out of your reading comfort zone
Sweet Pea: Considering what is happening in the world, seek out and read trans authors in every genre! sweetpea@kingsbooks.com; books@kingsbooks.com