We Read This Terrible Book So You Don’t Have To: A Review of Pen Pal by J.T. Geissinger

Rarely do books leave you feeling this bewildered. Pen Pal by J.T. Geissinger tries to be an edgy, dark romance but ends up being a chaotic blend of clichés, forced angst, and questionable plot twists. Right from the start, it’s clear that something doesn’t quite add up — and unfortunately, that vibe never improves.

The premise is interesting enough: a grieving widow starts receiving letters from an anonymous admirer, and their correspondence quickly becomes intense. But rather than diving into a suspenseful, engaging story, the book takes wild turns that feel more like attempts to shock than to develop a coherent plot. The romance itself lacks depth, and instead of chemistry, we’re served a strange mix of over-the-top declarations and contrived drama that often leaves you rolling your eyes.

Character motivations are poorly developed, and the plot holes are glaring. The writing occasionally shows promise, but even Geissinger’s usual knack for emotional depth feels muddled here. The twist, which should have been a major reveal, feels less like a revelation and more like a desperate attempt to salvage the story’s lack of structure.

If you’re looking for a dark romance with intensity and genuine suspense, Pen Pal might just leave you disappointed. Save yourself the frustration — we read this one so you don’t have to.

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A lot of additional listening on Patreon!

Welcome to Romance at a Glance, a podcast that uses romance novels to dive into candid conversations about life, relationship dynamics, and sexual desires.

As hosts Bridget and Shani review books and interview some of romance's biggest authors, they explore the breadth of the genre, openly embracing the sex, diverse couplings, and taboos to create a safe space for listeners to be exposed to different lifestyles, fantasies, and to pique their naughty curiosity.

Expect 100% honest reviews, spontaneous singing, life lessons, indecent anecdotes, and bawdy humor.

Check out www.romanceataglance.com

Chat with us on Instagram at instagram.com/romanceataglance

Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/romanceataglance

In a super fun chat with romance author Rosie Danan, she shared a bit about her writing journey, and honestly, it was like catching up with a friend over coffee! Rosie talked about how living in England sparked some new ideas for her stories, but also how the pandemic really shaped her latest book. She said there's a big theme of losing control in it, which totally reflects how she felt during that time—relatable, right?

We also got into how she’s always trying to up the "sexy" in her books by adding fresh, unexpected elements. She's all about blending the magic and real world in a way that just clicks, like it’s totally normal for wild, magical things to happen.

Rosie’s working on setting goals and finding a routine that lets her really focus on writing, and she’s even debating whether or not she wants to go full-time as an author. It was so cool to hear how she's balancing everything while still figuring out her next steps!

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Affiliates! Get a discount and we get an affiliate commission!

• That sweet sweet juice, Magic Mind, that's helping us stress less and be WAY more productive, use our code ROMANCEATAGLANCE20. For 20% off a one-time order or 48% off a subscription!
• Get 30 days free on Kindle Unlimited just for our listeners!
• Or listen on Audible like Shani and get up to two free ebooks when you try Audible Premium Plus.

******

Leave us a rating and review on Itunes

A lot of additional listening on Patreon!

Welcome to Romance at a Glance, a podcast that uses romance novels to dive into candid conversations about life, relationship dynamics, and sexual desires.

As hosts Bridget and Shani review books and interview some of romance's biggest authors, they explore the breadth of the genre, openly embracing the sex, diverse couplings, and taboos to create a safe space for listeners to be exposed to different lifestyles, fantasies, and to pique their naughty curiosity.

Expect 100% honest reviews, spontaneous singing, life lessons, indecent anecdotes, and bawdy humor.

Check out www.romanceataglance.com

Chat with us on Instagram at instagram.com/romanceataglance

Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/romanceataglance

It's time to RAAG on Romance my friends and see what we have been watching, reading, and loving this month!

Movie and TV news we chatted about!

• Black Dagger Brotherhood casting news.
• My Fault 2 movie, Your Fault, teaser trailer dropped and is coming soon!
• Maxton Hall season 2 coming soon!

Books Bridget read this month and loved:

• Broken by Daylight by Elizabeth Helen
  • Fantasy, why choose, retelling of Beauty and the Beast -- this is book 4 and the series is not wrapped up yet!
• A Not So Meet Cute by Meghan Quinn
  • Hilariously cute rom-com about a woman in need of a billionaire to make her nemesis jealous, and the billionaire who needs a fake fiance to save face in his business.
• My Vampire Plus-One by Jenna Levine
  • Sequel to My Roommate is a Vampire finds Reginald Cleaves meeting Amelia and pretending to be her fake date.
• The Rural Diaries by Hilarie Burton Morgan
  • I love this book so much. Definitely worth a read.
• Bitter Medicine by Mia Tsai
  • My next read!

We also dipped into our thoughts on kink and relationship dynamics once you have children, how to whine / play with your partner, and still teach kids not to whine.

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Affiliates! Get a discount and we get an affiliate commission!

• That sweet sweet juice, Magic Mind, that's helping us stress less and be WAY more productive, use our code ROMANCEATAGLANCE20. For 20% off a one-time order or 48% off a subscription!
• Get 30 days free on Kindle Unlimited just for our listeners!
• Or listen on Audible like Shani and get up to two free ebooks when you try Audible Premium Plus.

******

Leave us a rating and review on Itunes

A lot of additional listening on Patreon!

Welcome to Romance at a Glance, a podcast that uses romance novels to dive into candid conversations about life, relationship dynamics, and sexual desires.

As hosts Bridget and Shani review books and interview some of romance's biggest authors, they explore the breadth of the genre, openly embracing the sex, diverse couplings, and taboos to create a safe space for listeners to be exposed to different lifestyles, fantasies, and to pique their naughty curiosity.

Expect 100% honest reviews, spontaneous singing, life lessons, indecent anecdotes, and bawdy humor.

Check out www.romanceataglance.com

Chat with us on Instagram at instagram.com/romanceataglance

Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/romanceataglance

Try a FREE 3 sample pack of Magic Mind here:https://magicmind.com/romanceataglancetrial

We're dipping into the dark to start this fall and we couldn't be happier to be dabbling in the dark again! We're reviewing Depraved by Trilina Lucci and the cover and description had us ready for some delicious dark mobster romance. What we got... was not that!

As per usual Bridget has some thoughts and feelings about the book, Shani tells a funny story about renovating a house out of state, we debate what makes it a dark romance, and why this book didn't quite work for us!

If you feel like we missed the mark, hit us up on IG, or email us :)

If you want a dark romance we love, check out Avril Ashton! We interviewed her and it was one of our favorite interviews of all time (listen here), and we reviewed Love the Sinner on the podcast! ALSO, Bridget read a bunch, and if you want dark Call the Coroner is DARK and currently on Kindle Unlimited.

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Affiliates! Get a discount and we get an affiliate commission!

• That sweet sweet juice, Magic Mind, that's helping us stress less and be WAY more productive, use our code ROMANCEATAGLANCE20. For 20% off a one-time order or 48% off a subscription!
• Get 30 days free on Kindle Unlimited just for our listeners!
• Or listen on Audible like Shani and get up to two free ebooks when you try Audible Premium Plus.

******

Leave us a rating and review on Itunes

A lot of additional listening on Patreon!

Welcome to Romance at a Glance, a podcast that uses romance novels to dive into candid conversations about life, relationship dynamics, and sexual desires.

As hosts Bridget and Shani review books and interview some of romance's biggest authors, they explore the breadth of the genre, openly embracing the sex, diverse couplings, and taboos to create a safe space for listeners to be exposed to different lifestyles, fantasies, and to pique their naughty curiosity.

Expect 100% honest reviews, spontaneous singing, life lessons, indecent anecdotes, and bawdy humor.

Check out www.romanceataglance.com

Chat with us on Instagram at instagram.com/romanceataglance

Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/romanceataglance

Book Review: Spices & Demons - A Quirky Rom-Com Fantasy You Can't Miss

That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon ⁠- By: Kimberly Lemming ⁠

If you're a fan of quirky rom-com fantasy novels, you won't want to miss Spices & Demons. This new release is perfect for readers who loved Legends & Lattes and The Dragon's Bride.

Cinnamon, a spice trader, dreams of a quiet life. She wants to adopt a cat and expand her family’s spice farm. But her plans are thrown into chaos when she saves a demon named Fallon in a wine-drunk stupor. Now, she’s unwillingly part of his mission to defeat an evil witch enslaving his people.

1. Irreverent Humor: The book is filled with laugh-out-loud moments.
2. Sweet and Steamy Romance: The chemistry between Cinnamon and Fallon is palpable.
3. Fantasy Adventure: Join them on a journey with magical mishaps and unexpected allies.

• Unique Plot: The blend of romance, humor, and fantasy creates a unique reading experience.
• Relatable Characters: Cinnamon’s desire for a simple life and Fallon’s determination make them relatable and engaging.
• Engaging Writing Style: The author’s witty and descriptive writing keeps you hooked.

Spices & Demons is an unforgettable rom-com fantasy that will make you laugh, swoon, and cheer for the characters. It's a perfect addition to your summer reading list.

Don't miss out on this delightful adventure!

Get your copy of Spices & Demons today and dive into a world of magic, romance, and humor.

Happy reading!

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Affiliates! Get a discount and we get an affiliate commission!

• That sweet sweet juice, Magic Mind, that's helping us stress less and be WAY more productive, use our code ROMANCEATAGLANCE20. For 20% off a one-time order or 48% off a subscription!
• Get 30 days free on Kindle Unlimited just for our listeners!
• Or listen on Audible like Shani and get up to two free ebooks when you try Audible Premium Plus.

******

Leave us a rating and review on Itunes

A lot of additional listening on Patreon!

Welcome to Romance at a Glance, a podcast that uses romance novels to dive into candid conversations about life, relationship dynamics, and sexual desires.

As hosts Bridget and Shani review books and interview some of romance's biggest authors, they explore the breadth of the genre, openly embracing the sex, diverse couplings, and taboos to create a safe space for listeners to be exposed to different lifestyles, fantasies, and to pique their naughty curiosity.

Expect 100% honest reviews, spontaneous singing, life lessons, indecent anecdotes, and bawdy humor.

Check out www.romanceataglance.com

Chat with us on Instagram at instagram.com/romanceataglance

Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/romanceataglance

Tessa Dare is a goddess of historical romances!!! This book is quirky, lusty, hilarious, and charming AF.

Trigger Warning- Grooming / child molestation in the heroine's past

Friends, this historical season is doing us right. Tessa Dare delivered and we had a great time meeting her at the panel last fall. This episode was recorded PRE Corona - so enjoy a nostalgic time when we could wander the streets of Target and in general leave the house with no fear.

Things we discuss in the book:

• The parrot - Pretty girl - Fancy a fuck, love?"
• Their meeting - her lusting after him immediately
• Her aunt/brother saying she has to get married or move into the country
• Her taking in all the lame and weird animals.
• Duke of Ruin - willing to ruin everyone’s reputation
• Their love story (OBVI!)
• Her past trauma

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Buy Like the Wind

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Affiliates! Get a discount and we get an affiliate commission!

• That sweet sweet juice, Magic Mind, that's helping us stress less and be WAY more productive, use our code ROMANCEATAGLANCE20. For 20% off a one-time order or 48% off a subscription!
• Get 30 days free on Kindle Unlimited just for our listeners!
• Or listen on Audible like Shani and get up to two free ebooks when you try Audible Premium Plus.

******

Leave us a rating and review on Itunes

A lot of additional listening on Patreon!

Welcome to Romance at a Glance, a podcast that uses romance novels to dive into candid conversations about life, relationship dynamics, and sexual desires.

As hosts Bridget and Shani review books and interview some of romance's biggest authors, they explore the breadth of the genre, openly embracing the sex, diverse couplings, and taboos to create a safe space for listeners to be exposed to different lifestyles, fantasies, and to pique their naughty curiosity.

Expect 100% honest reviews, spontaneous singing, life lessons, indecent anecdotes, and bawdy humor.

Check out www.romanceataglance.com

Chat with us on Instagram at instagram.com/romanceataglance

Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/romanceataglance

Y'all we have an excellent interview and conversation for you today on the podcast with author B.K. Borison. Her new book, Business Casual, book 4 of the Lovelight Farms series, is out now (!) and is a lovely, cozy, sweet contemporary romance.

We chatted about her journey from writing book number 1 of the series as an indie author, to completing the series as a traditional author with Berkeley.

B.K. was open with us about how bittersweet the end of this series is for her, how quickly her life as a writer changed over the last three years, and being excited for future books she's finished writing that have yet to be published.

B.K. shared the vulnerability of sharing her first novel with her husband, friends, and the world. How funny it is when her friends and family "discover" that she is an actual published author with books on the shelf at Target, Barnes and Noble, and indie bookstores. Her hilarious battle with the Target bookseller at her local Target when she's trying to sign the books.

Bridget rants yet again about how annoying it is that genres that bring joy don't win as many awards.

B.K. shares what she can about her future series, and whether she'd ever revisit the Lovelight Farms world, hint, it's cracked open and there are breadcrumbs to find!

• You can check out Business Casual here!
• Connect with B.K. on Instagram and Tiktok

***If you want a hit of that sweet Magic Mind productivity juice, you can go to magicmind.com/romanceataglance and use code Romanceataglance20

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Affiliates! Get a discount and we get an affiliate commission!

• That sweet sweet juice, Magic Mind, that's helping us stress less and be WAY more productive, use our code ROMANCEATAGLANCE20. For 20% off a one-time order or 48% off a subscription!
• Get 30 days free on Kindle Unlimited just for our listeners!
• Or listen on Audible like Shani and get up to two free ebooks when you try Audible Premium Plus.

******

Leave us a rating and review on Itunes

A lot of additional listening on Patreon!

Welcome to Romance at a Glance, a podcast that uses romance novels to dive into candid conversations about life, relationship dynamics, and sexual desires.

As hosts Bridget and Shani review books and interview some of romance's biggest authors, they explore the breadth of the genre, openly embracing the sex, diverse couplings, and taboos to create a safe space for listeners to be exposed to different lifestyles, fantasies, and to pique their naughty curiosity.

Expect 100% honest reviews, spontaneous singing, life lessons, indecent anecdotes, and bawdy humor.

Check out www.romanceataglance.com

Chat with us on Instagram at instagram.com/romanceataglance

Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/romanceataglance

Bridget's favorite book in season 3! You guys this book is everything we wanted a summer quickie to be! Fun, sexy, charming, complex yet quick to read, and with hot, hot sex scenes.

Shani took the week off (no audiobook on this one), so we had a wonderful guest host, Ann! Ann is Bridget’s older sister and was the first person to give her a romance novel. Since then they have read aloud dozens of novels on cross-country road trips and loved to squeal over the feels and the sex scenes alike. Enjoy their hilarious sisterly banter and ability to finish each other’s sentences as we talk about this excellent book!

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Buy Heat Stroke

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Affiliates! Get a discount and we get an affiliate commission!

• That sweet sweet juice, Magic Mind, that's helping us stress less and be WAY more productive, use our code ROMANCEATAGLANCE20. For 20% off a one-time order or 48% off a subscription!
• Get 30 days free on Kindle Unlimited just for our listeners!
• Or listen on Audible like Shani and get up to two free ebooks when you try Audible Premium Plus.

******

Leave us a rating and review on Itunes

A lot of additional listening on Patreon!

Welcome to Romance at a Glance, a podcast that uses romance novels to dive into candid conversations about life, relationship dynamics, and sexual desires.

As hosts Bridget and Shani review books and interview some of romance's biggest authors, they explore the breadth of the genre, openly embracing the sex, diverse couplings, and taboos to create a safe space for listeners to be exposed to different lifestyles, fantasies, and to pique their naughty curiosity.

Expect 100% honest reviews, spontaneous singing, life lessons, indecent anecdotes, and bawdy humor.

Check out www.romanceataglance.com

Chat with us on Instagram at instagram.com/romanceataglance

Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/romanceataglance