Vanilla sex has been shrunk down into this seemingly small thing that has little variation between partners. One of the beautiful things about a healthy kink dynamic is that you are not only allowed, but encouraged to get as specific when in comes to what you like.

As I've learned and explored kink, there have been moments when I've thought "I wish something like this existed in the vanilla world." Well, I'm here to share the knowledge.

It's not as simple as handing your book to a partner and getting exactly what you expected. There are a ton of pitfalls and missteps that can occur. We talk through a strategy to help you communicate with the person you plan to explore with.

This was a rough reading month for me. I was in a slump and had a few books that weren’t for me. That’s okay. Not all books are for all people.

**CW/TC: We talk about depression, self harm, and dark thoughts. Please only listen if you have the mental space to do so. Take care of yourself.

A common theme that has come up during reader interviews is the shift that happened during COVID. How reading romance became a new strategy to help with people's mental state. I share some of my own mental health journey, how reading has brought me comfort for decades.

For full show notes, head to: www.jaycereadsromance.com/podcast/mentalhealth

This started off as such a light and fluffy episode. And that’s mainly what romance is, but right now it’s under threat. It can feel like we have no power, but we do.

There will be spoilers!

I bring my friend Caitlin on the podcast to talk about That Prince is Mine by Jayci Lee. It's a stand-alone book with secret prince. That's the plot point that sold me.

**This is my spoiler alert.**

Check the notes for all the books I read in case you don’t want one of them spoiled.

Thanks!

We chat with indie bookstore employee and avid romance reader, Addy. What is it like working in the indie bookstore space. What are they seeing in regards to romance from both the retail side and publishing side. We also mention A LOT of books.

A we grow as a community, we need spaces we can come together as a community. I am so thrilled to bring some extra podcast love to Substack. Instead of a blog on my website, I’m creating a newsletter. I’m also building a membership space for listers who want a little bit extra.

I can’t wait to see you there!

This was my first year tracking the number of books that I read. It was surprising to say the least. I finished a few series I had started earlier in the year. I had to pivot when I realized I wasn't on track for my diversity goals. Gotta love a holiday novella to up the number count.

Loved getting to interview Bookishly Haley. We met via Instagram, but live close enough that we have gotten to meet and hug in person. This bookish space is growing and changing, it’s exciting and thrilling to be here, and it can also bring up a lot of pressure. We chat about championing indie authors and finding your crew.

What a year it has been! I read WAY more books than expected. Found a TON of new to me authors. And some new favorites!

I also hit my diversity reading goals and have decided to change some things in 2025.

We finish our conversation about the New Camelot series. This episode leans heavily into the kink in this story. There are MASSIVE spoilers. I am warning you! You will also hear me cry.

This series is so much more than romance. The depth of these characters shocked and devastated me. I was completely wrecked after reading this series.

And I think everyone who wants to should read this IMMEDIATELY.

Time to share all the books I read in November. I’m low key entering my ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) era, so I talk about some books that weren’t out when we recorded OR are coming out in 2025! So exciting!

Are you ready for some emotional agony? I wasn't either. I got Hailey back on the podcast to share one of her favorite series with me.

Amidst the many laughs we had, we got to talk about some of our hopes and dreams for the romance world and communities in the future.

The power of book events is evident in this interview. I get to talk to Terreece M. Clarke and Devyn Sinclair. Two authors I got to know at the Smut Lovers conference. They also met at a conference JUST in April. I loved getting to know them in person and feel so lucky to have them share with you all.

This month was a doozy, Only 4 books and yet still 17 quotes about forearms. You'll just have to listen to figure out how.