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herhandsmyhands

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Reads (mostly genre romance). Crafts. Rabble rouses. Rants. She/her. Doesn't look like Rita Hayworth. Sweary. Blocks with abandon.

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wendypalmer , to Romancelandia group
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Queer Romance Club book choice for July

I’ve got the tiebreaker, so let’s go for the indie author, AJ Demas.

The official pick is Sword Dance.

Technically the first in a trilogy, but stand-alone with a HFN ending. Damiskos is an absolute cinnamon roll of a lead character, and the book itself is down the cosy end of the spectrum (with more plot than some cosies I’ve encountered 😊), though there is discussion of severe injuries including castration (Varazda is a eunuch).

However, Honey and Pepper is currently free on various sites, and The House of the Red Balconies just released a few days ago.

So, officially we’re chatting about Sword Dance in July, but perhaps we can also have a general AJ Demas appreciation month, whichever of her books you happen to pick up. They’re all set in the same fictional classical Mediterranean-inspired ancient world (which does include era-appropriate slavery), and they all feature rather sweet and comforting relationships. You’ll find them on Kobo Plus, your library if it’s better than mine (mine only has Sword Dance), or they’re all reasonably priced.

https://www.kobo.com/au/en/search?query=aj+demas

QRC is open to all, read at your own pace over the month and post about it under and @queerromanceclub — CW for spoilers if you’re posting early and going into details. No rules: let’s hear reactions, theories, reviews, favourite quotes etc.

Follow the hashtag , add @queerromanceclub to a list/notifications.

@romancelandia @gayromance

herhandsmyhands ,
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@wendypalmer

::squeeing incoherently over what an excellent author this is:: And boy, oh boy, Damiskos! Varazda! ::happy sigh::

The treatment of consent in all the novels is just...oh man. So good.

@queerromanceclub @romancelandia @gayromance @bookstodon

herhandsmyhands , to Romancelandia group
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

I was seduced by the murder yellow in the cover: I read P.F. Ford's A Body Under the Bridge; it really didn't work for me.

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/06/26/a-body-under-the-bridge-by-p-f-ford/

herhandsmyhands OP ,
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

I was seduced by the murder yellow on the cover: I read P.F. Ford's A Body Under the Bridge. Sadly, it really didn't work for me.

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/06/26/a-body-under-the-bridge-by-p-f-ford/

herhandsmyhands , to Romancelandia group
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

After two years, A.J. Demas is back with another book set in her Ancient Mediterranean world. Here's my review of The House of the Red Balconies

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/06/24/the-house-of-the-red-balconies-by-a-j-demas/

herhandsmyhands , to Romancelandia group
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

I read Jade Lee's Vixen; it's the first in a series set in 1850s China. I am sorry I didn't like it more.

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/06/23/vixen-by-jade-lee/

herhandsmyhands OP ,
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

I read Jade Lee's Vixen, the first in a series set in 1850s China; I wish I had enjoyed it more.

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/06/23/vixen-by-jade-lee/

herhandsmyhands , to Romancelandia group
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

I read Robert Thorogood's Murder Comes to Marlow, second in the Marlow Murder Club series.

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/06/22/death-comes-to-marlow-by-robert-thorogood/

herhandsmyhands OP ,
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

ICYMI: I read Robert Thorogood's Murder Comes to Marlow, the second in the Marlow Murder Club mystery series.

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/06/22/death-comes-to-marlow-by-robert-thorogood/

herhandsmyhands , to Romancelandia group
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

I have a question: is it just me, or is the blurb for her 2022 book Nightwork eerily reminiscent to her 1992 book Honest Illusions?

Anyone who has read both care to comment without overtly spoiling the more recent book? (I'm on still the fence about reading it)

herhandsmyhands , to Romancelandia group
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

It's stuff your e-reader day!

Over a thousand books, free, no subscription necessary--choose your retailer and shop your free titles:

https://www.romancebookworms.com/

herhandsmyhands , to Romancelandia group
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

Because @NathanBurgoine made me (and I'm grateful): I read Hudson Lin's "Take Me Home"

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/06/20/take-me-home-by-hudson-lin/

herhandsmyhands , to Romancelandia group
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

For this month's , I finally read Sonali Dev's A Bollywood Affair

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/06/19/a-bollywood-affair-by-sonali-dev/

herhandsmyhands , to Romancelandia group
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

I read Robert Thorogood's The Marlow Murder Club, and it is a delight!

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/06/17/the-marlow-murder-club-by-robert-thorogood/

herhandsmyhands OP ,
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

ICYMI: I read Robert Thorogood's The Marlow Murder Club, and it's a delight! (Also, the cover!)

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/06/17/the-marlow-murder-club-by-robert-thorogood/

herhandsmyhands , to Romancelandia group
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

ICYMI: The new eidtion of K.J. Charles' The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting, with an exclusive epilogue, is on sale at amazon right now for only 99C

h/t @willaful

https://www.amazon.com/Gentle-Fortune-Hunting-Gentlemen-Uncertain-ebook/dp/B0CVGSN827/

herhandsmyhands , to Romancelandia group
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

I read Jodi McAlister's Not Here to Make Friends, third in her Marry Me, Juliet series.

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/06/15/not-here-to-make-friends-by-jodi-mcalister/

herhandsmyhands OP ,
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

ICYMI: I read Jodi McAlister's Not Here to Make Friends, the last in her Marry Me, Juliet trilogy.

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/06/15/not-here-to-make-friends-by-jodi-mcalister/

herhandsmyhands , to Romancelandia group
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

The most lovely @VaVeros is back on the Shallows, posting six months worth of notes!

https://shallowreader.com/2024/06/15/6-months-of-tbrs-reading-notes-72-77/

herhandsmyhands , to Romancelandia group
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I read Pauline Rowson's Death on Board, the 5th book in her Inspectur Alun Ryga series.

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/06/13/death-on-board-by-pauline-rowson/

herhandsmyhands OP ,
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

ICYMI: I read Pauline Rowson's Death on Board, the 5th book in her Inspector Alun Ryga series.

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/06/13/death-on-board-by-pauline-rowson/

herhandsmyhands , to Romancelandia group
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

This post was supposed to go up this morning, but June has been a year already, so here it is, in the "better late than never" side of things.

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/06/12/let-them-eat-cereal-whats-next/

herhandsmyhands OP ,
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

ICYMI: a post about boycotts, collective action, and you.

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/06/12/let-them-eat-cereal-whats-next/

herhandsmyhands , to Romancelandia group
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

I read Matilda Madison's historical romance A Duke Makes a Deal

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/06/11/a-duke-makes-a-deal-by-matilda-madison/

herhandsmyhands OP ,
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

ICYMI: I read A Duke Makes a Deal, a historical romance by Matilda Madison; despite it's problems, it tackles some interesting issues.

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/06/11/a-duke-makes-a-deal-by-matilda-madison/

herhandsmyhands , to Romancelandia group
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I read Rachel Howzell Hall's What Fire Brings (comes out tomorrow), and boy, was that intense!

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/06/10/what-fire-brings-by-rachel-howzell-hall/

herhandsmyhands OP ,
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

ICYMI: I read Rachel Howzell Hall's What Fire Brings (which comes out tomorrow). It's a very intense read!

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/06/10/what-fire-brings-by-rachel-howzell-hall/

herhandsmyhands , to Romancelandia group
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Author Manda Collins needs our help to deal with a medical emergency. As someone without health insurance, she's facing staggering bills.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-manda-bounce-back-from-unexpected-cardiac-arrest

herhandsmyhands OP ,
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

Long time romancelandia citizen and author Amanda Collins is finally out of hospital, but facing large medical bills. Can we help?

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-manda-bounce-back-from-unexpected-cardiac-arrest

herhandsmyhands OP ,
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

Hey, fellow romance readers! Longtime romancelandia denize and author of historical romances Manda Collins is facing a mountain of medical bills after spending almost two weeks in hospital at the beginning of the month.

Anything you can do to help (donate, share, both), is much appreciated.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-manda-bounce-back-from-unexpected-cardiac-arrest

herhandsmyhands OP ,
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

Historical romance author Manda Collins spent ten days in hospital earlier this month, and needs help paying bills.

Anything you can give helps. Please boost and share.

Thank you.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-manda-bounce-back-from-unexpected-cardiac-arrest

herhandsmyhands , to Romancelandia group
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I reviewed The Noh Mask Murder by Akimitsu Takagi; it is fantastic!

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/06/08/the-noh-mask-murder-by-akimitsu-takagi/

herhandsmyhands , to Romancelandia group
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

Olivia Dade's At First Spite is on sale for only $1.99! Her books very rarely go on sale, so, if you've been waiting for a chance to try it, GO NOW!

herhandsmyhands , to Romancelandia group
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I read Virginia Heath's All's Fair in Love and War.

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/06/01/alls-fair-in-love-and-war-by-virginia-heath/

herhandsmyhands OP ,
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

ICYMI: I read Virginia Heath's All's Fair in Love and War

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/06/01/alls-fair-in-love-and-war-by-virginia-heath/

herhandsmyhands , to Romancelandia group
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I read Kelley Armstrong's Disturbing the Dead, the latest in her Rip Through Time series--and now I have to wait a year for the next book!

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/05/31/disturbing-the-dead-by-kelley-armstrong/

herhandsmyhands OP ,
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

ICYMI: I read Kelley Armstrong's Disturbing the Dead, the latest in her Rip Through Time series--and now I have to wait a year for the next book!

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/05/31/disturbing-the-dead-by-kelley-armstrong/

herhandsmyhands , to Romancelandia group
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So the RWA has filed for bankruptcy, and chooses to blame it on Courtney Milan and the "woke push" for DEI.

You knew I would rant about that, yes?

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/05/30/rwa-goes-bankrupt-its-not-dei-its-the-bigotry-and-racism/

herhandsmyhands OP ,
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

ICYMI: the RWA is filing for bankruptcy, and because nice white ladies (TM) can't help themselves, they're implying it's Courtney Milan (and the push for progress and inclusivity in the organization) that ruined the organization.

Racism? bigotry? don't know them.

Context and rant:

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/05/30/rwa-goes-bankrupt-its-not-dei-its-the-bigotry-and-racism/

herhandsmyhands , to Romancelandia group
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

I read Vanessa Riley's A Gamble at Sunset, first in a new historical romance series. Alas, I think this author's writing voice may not be for me.

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/05/21/a-gamble-at-sunset-by-vanessa-riley/

herhandsmyhands OP ,
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

ICYMI: I read Vanessa Riley's A Gamble At Sunset, first in a new historical romance series. Alas, the author's writing voice may not be for me.

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/05/21/a-gamble-at-sunset-by-vanessa-riley/

herhandsmyhands , to Romancelandia group
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I positively inhaled David S. Pederson's Puzzles Can Be Deatly, a most excellent fairplay historical quozy mystery. Here's hoping the author writes more books with these protagonists.

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/05/18/puzzles-can-be-deadly-by-david-s-pederson/

herhandsmyhands OP ,
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

ICYMI: I thoroughly enjoyed David S Pederson's Puzzles Can Be Deadly, and I hope hit's the beginning of a series with the two protagonists.

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/05/18/puzzles-can-be-deadly-by-david-s-pederson/

herhandsmyhands , to Romancelandia group
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

Felicia Davin's NOWHERE trilogy is on ! right now. The first book is here: https://books2read.com/edgeofnowhere

(my review: https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2022/01/21/edge-of-nowhere-by-felicia-davin/)

Second book is 99c here: https://books2read.com/nowhere2

(my review: https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2022/06/22/out-of-nowhere-by-felicia-davin/)

Third book is $1.99 here: https://books2read.com/nowhere3

(my review: https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2022/07/11/nowhere-else-by-felicia-davin/)

herhandsmyhands , to Romancelandia group
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

For this month's , I attempted to read Kelly Oliver's Wolf (first in her Jessica James's series) Spoiler: DNF review.

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/05/15/wolf-by-kelly-oliver/

herhandsmyhands OP ,
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@romancelandia @bookstodon

Because I didn't feel right with my DNF review for this months' , I dug up another ancient ARC from the digital shelves: Nalini Singh's Rock Wedding

Amazingly, it worked quite well!

https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/05/15/rock-wedding-by-nalini-singh/

herhandsmyhands , to Romancelandia group
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@romancelandia

By Kelly Jensen at Book Riot:

Common Myths about Book Bans.

https://bookriot.com/common-myths-about-book-bans

herhandsmyhands OP ,
@herhandsmyhands@romancelandia.club avatar

@romancelandia @bookstodon

Public libraries must remain public cultura infrastructure if they're to fulfill their mission at all, let alone survive.

Worth noting how little it costs to keep them functioning compared to what cities everywhere pay cops--who, lest we forget, have no constitutional obligation to save, serve, or protect the public; to know the laws they're "applying", or not to commit crimes themselves.

https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/2-petitions-look-to-overturn-controversial-changes-at-huntington-beach-libraries/3426268/

herhandsmyhands OP ,
@herhandsmyhands@romancelandia.club avatar

@romancelandia @bookstodon

Via @tuphlos, I just found out that Oklahoma's Supreme Court blocked the right wing state from banning books from public schools and penalizing schools who refused to comply with the fascists.

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/libraries/article/95271-oklahoma-supreme-court-blocks-state-effort-to-ban-books-from-school-libraries.html

herhandsmyhands , to Romancelandia group
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Hey, @romancelandia, please boost and share!

, a genre romance authors-led effort that raised over US$750,000 for the 2020 and 2022 elections, mostly through silent auctions and funneling donations to Democratic candidates.

They're ramping up their efforts again, but since Xitter is, well, shitty, you can sign up for email notices here:
https://forms.gle/h4yHf8VKQmsGaNQS8

For more context, here's a write up of the group from 2022:
https://www.themarysue.com/romancing-the-vote-stacey-abrams-fair-fight-midterms/

herhandsmyhands OP ,
@herhandsmyhands@romancelandia.club avatar

@romancelandia @bookstodon

ICYMI: is back!

The donation form will be open from the second week of June, so donors can send the final pictures and descriptions in. The auction will run from July 1st through July 5th.

Context:
https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/01/08/romancing-the-vote-2024-edition/

Sign up for updates:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScKJol1hZsq-4GfyKHbALii5X4K06byHffIGRFAgmBEmsv5lA/viewform

herhandsmyhands OP ,
@herhandsmyhands@romancelandia.club avatar

@romancelandia @bookstodon

The donation form for the silent auction is open until this Friday, June 28; the auction takes place between July 1st and July 5th.

All context and links:
https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/01/08/romancing-the-vote-2024-edition/

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