Not Another Heroine

Readers, We never want books to feel like a chore or for our episodes to be an endless nitpicking critique, but we've found ourselves drifting closer to that reality. We want to return to why we started Not Another Heroine in the first place: love of reading and the desire to share that excitement with another reader. Our first episodes on Sherwood Smith's "Crown Duel," while entirely too long, were exactly that.On that note, we're taking a hiatus. All of our episodes will still be available on all platforms (except Patreon), and we'll start posting some of our back catalog that wasn't originally available on all the sites. We'll still be reading in the meantime, and when the book feels rights, we'll turn the mics back on for a new Monday episode. Thank you for sticking with us through four seasons of readings. The book recs, the encouragement, and every like, subscribe, or follow gave us so much joy. To know that we're not alone in the library, that our shelf may look like your shelf, and that our silly episode titles made you giggle too, well, that's why we're still going.Goodbye for now Readers, but we'll see you on the next page.Katie & Jordan.Books Mentioned In This EpisodeWicked, Ugly, Bad by Cassandra Gannonhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201821045-wicked-ugly-bad?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_15Divergent by Veronica Rothegoodreads.com/search?q=divergent&ref=nav_sb_noss_l_9The Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarroshttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61431922-fourth-wing?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=8xcgHt8JZT&rank=1Weavingshaw by Heba al-Wasityhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/234943536-weavingshaw?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=6bShtRni2g&rank=1

While it looks fluffy and silly, Boyfriend on Demand offers a surprisingly dark commentary on modern dating. Jisoo from Blackpink and Seo In-guk (Doom At Your Service) star as almost enemy coworkers who each harbor secret feelings for the other. And if you like an extra helping of eye candy, there are many other recognizable actors who make appearances as Jisoo's virtual boyfriends.https://www.netflix.com/title/82007623?source=35&fromWatch=true Similar ShowsBusiness Proposal https://www.netflix.com/title/81509440Doom At Your Servicehttps://www.netflix.com/title/81488912Her Private Lifehttps://www.netflix.com/title/81205812Marry My Husbandhttps://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CPYQKXW5/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

This book is over 40 years old and a product of its time, but we enjoyed the accurate (but digestible) historic setting, character development, and well-paced romantic tension. Warning for romance readers who like their side of spice...there is none in this book.Similar Books and ShowsThe Illusionisthttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443543/?ref_=fn_i_1The Sound of Musichttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059742/?ref_=fn_t_1Rebecca by Daphne du Maurierhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17899948-rebecca?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=IjmyceMHkz&rank=2Under the Stars of Paris by Mary Burchellhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3343881-under-the-stars-of-paris?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=hOEz8dLmNT&rank=1https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5711852-the-reluctant-heiress?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=2SZizHV5TF&rank=1

If you liked The Reluctant Heiress, just make this one your next read. Same tropes, same characters, just new names and a South America setting. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/963274.A_Company_of_Swans?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=2ulW7hj6nx&rank=1Similar BooksEdenbrooke Julianne Donaldsonhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12820360-edenbrooke?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=NaZfzrZPRr&rank=1Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldsonhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15795628-blackmoore?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=9pmrBB61fe&rank=1The Reluctant Heiress by Eva Ibbotsonhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5711852-the-reluctant-heiress?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_22

This book is over 40 years old and a product of its time, but we enjoyed the accurate (but digestible) historic setting, character development, and well-paced romantic tension. Warning for romance readers who like their side of spice...there is none in this book.Similar Books and ShowsThe Illusionist https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443543/?ref_=fn_i_1The Sound of Music https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059742/?ref_=fn_t_1Rebecca by Daphne du Maurierhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17899948-rebecca?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=IjmyceMHkz&rank=2Under the Stars of Paris by Mary Burchellhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3343881-under-the-stars-of-paris?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=hOEz8dLmNT&rank=1https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5711852-the-reluctant-heiress?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=2SZizHV5TF&rank=1

Once Upon a Time (the TV show) get a spicy, modern setting where all the traditional fairy tale characters are flipped on their heads. What makes a Good or Bad person? How do you get sent the to WUB Club? Is Cinderella really doing that with her mice?This is the first in a seven book series, but each can be read as a standalone (the characters are interconnected a la Bridgerton style).https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201821045-wicked-ugly-bad?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=RrPVWFhPmg&rank=1Similar BooksThrone in the Dark by A.K. Caggianohttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62232755-throne-in-the-dark?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=dgldHUSRNK&rank=1Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrerhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123257687-assistant-to-the-villain?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=9gUlIRiQNF&rank=1The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannenhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58510253-the-undertaking-of-hart-and-mercy?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=j8K91zwf3X&rank=1

Katie makes an attempt at extroversion during a Heated Rivalry event and runs a marathon instead of a turkey trot. The list of DNFs continues to grow and the reading slump persists.Please leave a comment and help us narrow down our future reads, some options:Wild Reverence by Rebecca Rosshttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222376906-wild-reverenceDivergent by Veronica Rothhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13335037-divergent?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=u1NAVWLnkk&rank=1The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collinshttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2767052-the-hunger-games?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=7ooMmIhHUc&rank=1Legend by Marie Luhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29863662-legend?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_6This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafihttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56554281-this-woven-kingdom?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=10pQnM14d3&rank=1The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carsonhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10429092-the-girl-of-fire-and-thorns?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_17Other Books Mentioned This Episode:The Moon Raven by Grace Dravenhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/241601258-the-moon-raven?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=sL9FLvZVOy&rank=1Gods of Jade and Shadow by Sylvia Moreno-Garciahttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36510722-gods-of-jade-and-shadow?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=kj5pdzLePE&rank=1How to Find a Nameless Fae by A.J. Lancasterhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/215760963-how-to-find-a-nameless-fae?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=1XYOGGPUqN&rank=1Binding 13 by Chloe Walshhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/146943294-binding-13?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=HAA7zLGXmS&rank=1Sight Unseen by Alexis Mariehttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/238750605-sight-unseen?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=uLRoWT0GwW&rank=2The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgsongoodreads.com/search?q=The+raven+scholar&ref=nav_sb_noss_l_17Teach Me How to Forget by Scullymurphyhttps://archive.transformativeworks.org/works/41597901/chapters/104337864Creep by Cr0ftisprocrastinghttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/157237417-creep

A slow start (Katie had to persevere through the first 50 to 60 percent), but thorough world-building and a rewarding friends-to-lovers romance make this worth the effort. Not quite as emotionally immersive as others in the genre, but this does tend to lean more traditional fantasy.https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220137908-the-second-death-of-locke?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Ap0AyVJDDV&rank=1Similar BooksThe Familiar by Leigh Bardugohttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/133286777-the-familiar?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=liEHuV2Lof&rank=1 One Dark Window by Rachel Gillighttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58340706-one-dark-window?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=IZmg5nlTcO&rank=1Realm Breaker by Victoria Aveyardhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54513688-realm-breaker?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=mPD3Fcq83j&rank=1

So many walls and the weirdest love confession we've read yet.https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218333744-traitor-son?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=cYvC4cviR5&rank=1Similar BooksThe Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carsonhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10429092-the-girl-of-fire-and-thorns?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=w6brDLeNax&rank=1The Emperor's Edge by Lindsay Burokerhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10031259-the-emperor-s-edge?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=6mmf4MaaUj&rank=1Reign and Ruin by J.D. Evanshttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50607309-reign-ruin?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=YebYk90Mvv&rank=1Master of Crows by Grace Dravenhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6811150-master-of-crows?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=XzcHPTJfqT&rank=1

There was too much going on for any one aspect of this book to be particularly good. An interesting start with a novel setting led to shoved in tropes and a romance that felt flat and forced. This would've been better as a pure fantasy.https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/219268963-this-monster-of-mine?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=eUgEEnIeQ8&rank=1Similar BooksOne Dark Window by Rachel Gillighttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58340706-one-dark-window?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=tcW2yC2HbZ&rank=1The Songbird and The Heart of Stone by Carissa Broadbenthttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210134467-the-songbird-the-heart-of-stone?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Dfrbj2pdVF&rank=1Poison Study by Marissa Snyderhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60510.Poison_Study?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=09kDm3n6pN&rank=1

It's not too often that a Pick of the Week turns into a Monday episode but given the similarities to Grace Draven and J.D. Evans, we should've known better.Traitor Son is a bit of a sleeper hit, equal parts intricate world-building and romance. The heroine is not your typical romantasy lead. She's a bit mousy, submissive, and sometimes innocent to an eyeroll level, but she undergoes massive character growth throughout the novel and you can see her potential in future books.We won't say too much about Remin, but if sheer brute strength is your thing you won't be disappointed, although we were both rooting for Miche the entire time.https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218333744-traitor-son?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=cYvC4cviR5&rank=1Similar BooksThe Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carsonhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10429092-the-girl-of-fire-and-thorns?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=w6brDLeNax&rank=1The Emperor's Edge by Lindsay Burokerhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10031259-the-emperor-s-edge?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=6mmf4MaaUj&rank=1Reign and Ruin by J.D. Evanshttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50607309-reign-ruin?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=YebYk90Mvv&rank=1Master of Crows by Grace Dravenhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6811150-master-of-crows?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=XzcHPTJfqT&rank=1

Maybe a bit recycled on the plot but what isn't these days? This was a decent read, reminiscent of some the blockbuster romantasy hits.https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58650445-heavenly-bodies?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_15Similar BooksThe Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzonhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75668288-the-hurricane-wars?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=D4qBxLmvHn&rank=1Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maashttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/76703559-throne-of-glass?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=GwZgchMcIP&rank=1Reign and Ruin by J.D. Evanshttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50607309-reign-ruin?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=w9iFQ2ZYbq&rank=1

This iteration is more faithful to the book than past seasons, perhaps that's why we enjoyed it more? Or maybe it's the acting chops of Katie Leung (Araminta) and Yerin Ha (Sophie), who absolutely kill it in both of their roles.We do have some gripes with the show in general, namely the constant jumping around to different couples who already had a whole damn season for their story. Netflix also seems to miss the mark on the subtle romance of period dramas in favor of HBO-style sex scenes.https://www.netflix.com/title/80232398Based on the novel "An Offer From A Gentleman" by Julia Quinnhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9408584-an-offer-from-a-gentleman?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=HM6dWVoWfn&rank=1

A Lilo and Stitch meet-cute on a Wall-E style Earth featuring Cinderella and a Ken doll?This week's pick is a little unhinged, and while it might not be a good book, it was definitely an enjoyable one. Stick around if you like monster romance, are intrigued by sci-fi, or just need some cute fluff to get you through a reading slump.https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50337348-homebound?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=hHAXyY4HGm&rank=3Similar BooksIce Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixonhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25128811-ice-planet-barbarians?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=J8dZ94pNTo&rank=1Scout's Progress by Sharon Lee and Steve Millerhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/288768.Scout_s_Progress?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=MRIKveOHei&rank=1Wed to the Lich by Layla Faehttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/157541817-wed-to-the-lich?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=hc9HoukKYp&rank=1Author - Linnea Sinclair https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/202269.Linnea_Sinclair Author - S.L. Viehlhttps://www.goodreads.com/author/show/121557.S_L_Viehl?from_search=true&from_srp=true

Is Benedict the most believable rake of all the Bridgerton brothers? Maybe that's what makes his insta-love with the Lady in Silver so convincing.https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9408584-an-offer-from-a-gentleman?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_23 Similar BooksStranger In My Arms by Lisa Kleypashttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/243206.Stranger_in_My_ArmsHow the Marquess Was Won by Julie Anne Longhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11388053-how-the-marquess-was-wonCinder by Marissa Meyerhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36381037-cinder?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=dk3GNqSb4V&rank=1The Sweetest Oblivion by Danielle Lorihttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39083635-the-sweetest-oblivion?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=z8SdN5n2PC&rank=1Rose in Chains by Julie Sotohttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221179254-rose-in-chains?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Y4KtfYlxz7&rank=1Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levinehttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218038285-ella-enchanted?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=m2sxMzF7ZQ&rank=1Check us out on Youtube @notanotherheroine

It's taken years, but Katie FINALLY read The Hating Game, and the result? 5 stars, immediate re-read shelf. It's a Dramione-level enemies to lovers but in a contemporary business setting. Banter, tension, and humor that doesn't feel cheesy or forced.https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27213238-the-hating-game?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Ju29076QRy&rank=1Similar BooksThe Bodyguard by Katherine Centerhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58724801-the-bodyguard?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_33The Politician's Wife by pir8fancierCheck us out Youtube and Patreon @notanotherheroinehttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26890767-the-politician-s-wife?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Rsp8pK9I0v&rank=1Potions, Poisons, and Policies by Courtney Thornehttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/219922931-potions-poisons-and-policies?ref=nav_sb_noss_l_15

Julia Quinn can be relied upon to provide a safe, hallmark-worthy intro to historical romance. Just enough background and history to keep you immersed in the world without drowning you in the minutiae of how day-to-day life in the 1800s. Sophie and Benedict's story is our favorite of the Bridgerton novels for it's pacing but we're missing the angst of Lisa Kelypas' couples. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9408584-an-offer-from-a-gentleman?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_23 Similar BooksStranger In My Arms by Lisa Kleypashttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/243206.Stranger_in_My_ArmsHow the Marquess Was Won by Julie Anne Longhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11388053-how-the-marquess-was-wonCinder by Marissa Meyerhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36381037-cinder?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=dk3GNqSb4V&rank=1The Sweetest Oblivion by Danielle Lorihttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39083635-the-sweetest-oblivion?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=z8SdN5n2PC&rank=1Rose in Chains by Julie Sotohttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221179254-rose-in-chains?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Y4KtfYlxz7&rank=1Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levinehttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218038285-ella-enchanted?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=m2sxMzF7ZQ&rank=1Check us out on Youtube and Patreon @notanotherheroine

"I'm not mad, just disappointed." The writing is fine, the premise is interesting, but between the characters and the slow pacing this book transformed from a reliable romcom to a DNF. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60683957-check-mate?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=7ufhbF1VSO&rank=1Similar Books and ShowsThe Queen's Gambit (Netflix)https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10048342/?ref_=mv_closeNot in Love by Ali Hazelwoodhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198716261-not-in-love?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=yfH0kE8B0H&rank=1Cinder by Marissa Meyerhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36381037-cinder?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=cszkcZqRQA&rank=1Check us out on Youtube and Patreon @notanotherheroine