Hey HBs! It's part 2 of BARED TO YOU by Sylvia Day! These two are stubbornly committed to this courtship and we're all along for the ride. Wheeeeeeee! Content Warning for discussions of stalking, childhood sexual abuse, miscarriage, tricky parental relationships, and vulgar showings of wealth (lol). Lady Loves Sabrina: greek yogurt with maple syrup for a tasty, healthy treat! Melody: This post on social media ! Tell us all your whimsical little habits that entertain and delight you! This week's ...
Mar 11, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 430
Hey HBs! This week Mel has a thesis statement and she's not afraid to use it! But also, it's so tired in here as the pals recap BARED TO YOU by Sylvia Day. It's the first of FIVE books following the same couple and it's very reminiscent of the 50 Shades franchise. This book is BONKERS and we had a reluctant good time. Content Warning for discussions of stalking, childhood sexual abuse, miscarriage, tricky parental relationships, and vulgar displays of wealth (lol). Episode Sponsors The Happily E...
Mar 10, 2025•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 429
We're back with part 2, recapping Egotistical Puckboy by Eden Finley and Saxon James! Lady Loves: Sabrina: not writing something down and then REMEMBERING IT!!!! What a revelation. Mel: the Valentine's Day card Michael got for her from Pale Fox Designs ! Also, having a family love you with all of your quirks. And taking credit for remembering a holiday when it was your BFF who originally remembered it. Want to support the show? Rate and review us on your favorite podcast app! It super helps the ...
Mar 04, 2025•51 min•Ep. 428
Hey HBs! It's enthusiastic gremlin hour over here at HBHQ because we're recapping Egotistical Puckboy by Eden Finley and Saxon James! It's book one in a series both pals INHALED with glee. They're basically honorary members of the Queer Collective (don't believe Tripp, it's a thing). Bonus Content: Mel is ON ONE this episode. It's all gremlin all the time. Want to support the show? Rate and review us on your favorite podcast app! It super helps the algorithm connect us to new listeners. Want mor...
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 427
Hey HBs! It's part 2 of DARKFEVER by Karen Marie Moning with bff of the pod Rebecca! Bonus Content: double bucket syndrome, no sneaky leakage, why has no one gotten Mel a Conservatory?, MAYBE a forehead kiss, being muzzled about glitter dragons, and so much more! Don't miss Rebecca's cozy, steamy contemporary romances! She writes as Lynn Camden and she's not to be missed! Want to support the show? Rate and review us on your favorite podcast app! It super helps the algorithm connect us to new lis...
Feb 25, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 426
Hey HBs! We're here with bff of the pod Rebecca to recap DARKFEVER by Karen Marie Moning! Bonus Content: Sabrina doesn't know how to feel about Mac, Rebecca will NOT share with the class (until she does!), fashion times with the pals, and so much more! SPOILER WARNING: Rebecca shares a BIG spoiler about the series starting at 56:54 and ending at 1:00:49. Don't miss Rebecca's cozy, steamy contemporary romances! She writes as Lynn Camden and she's not to be missed! Want to support the show? Rate a...
Feb 24, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 425
Here's part 2 of THE DUKE by Gaelen Foley! Our Duke and reluctant courtesan are getting so much closer! Content Warning: we talk fairly in-depth about a sexual assault and the character's journey to healing and regaining her power. Lady Loves: Sabrina: the game Fog of Love! So fun! Mel: her first snapdragon seedling just sprouted! Want to support the show? Rate and review us on your favorite podcast app! It super helps the algorithm connect us to new listeners. Want more of us? Check out our PAT...
Feb 19, 2025•57 min•Ep. 424
Hey HBs! We're recapping THE DUKE by Gaelen Foley! It's a Duke and an unlikely courtesan teaming up to do some psychological warfare on a creep! What's a better foundation for an HEA?! Content Warning: we talk fairly in-depth about a sexual assault and the character's journey to healing and regaining her power. Want to support the show? Rate and review us on your favorite podcast app! It super helps the algorithm connect us to new listeners. Want more of us? Check out our PATREON ! This Friday, ...
Feb 18, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 423
Hey HBs! We're back with part 2 of THE OPPOSITE OF YOU by Rachel Higginson! Content warning for discussions of domestic abuse, coercion, grooming, cancer diagnosis of a parent, and the death of a parent in one character's past. Lady Loves: Sabrina: Just a spoonful of powdered sugar will make a Sabrina super happy... aaaaaaand cement your mouth shut for half an hour #shrugemoji #worthit #joy Melody: Visualize the thing that you're super excited about! Either in your brain or on paper! Mel can't w...
Feb 11, 2025•43 min•Ep. 422
Hey HBs! I hope you're ready to whet your appetites (on so many levels) because we're recapping THE OPPOSITE OF YOU by Rachel Higginson! It's enemies-to-lovers between two hot chefs and we loved it so much that we immediately read the rest of the series!! That's on our Patreon and Apple Subscription this Friday! We also have a really meaningful discussion about experiencing domestic abuse and the healing journey afterwards. Content warning for discussions of domestic abuse, coercion, grooming, c...
Feb 10, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 421
Hey HBs! It's part 2 of THE DEVIL'S LUCK by Eris Adderly! In which the heroine comes into her own? Just like part 1, we'll be discussing slavery, non-con, dub-con, coercion, sexual assault, straight up on-page R words, the captive/captor trope, general violence against women, other miscellaneous violence, and more. Want to support the show? Rate and review us on your favorite podcast app! It super helps the algorithm connect us to new listeners. Want more of us? Check out our PATREON ! This Frid...
Feb 04, 2025•55 min•Ep. 420
Hey HBs! We've got a dark MFM historical pirate romance for you! THE DEVIL'S LUCK by Eris Adderly is a certified bodice ripper, so get ready for discussions of slavery, non-con, dub-con, coercion, sexual assault, straight up on-page R words, the captive/captor trope, general violence against women, other miscellaneous violence, and more. But, you know, it's also hot... and an HEA? Mel didn't love it and Sabrina whimsied hard in the name of enjoying book. You know, the usual! This is part 1; you ...
Feb 03, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 418
We're finishing up THE CORNERSTONE by Kate Canterbary! Turns out, Mel liked it way more than she thought at first. Vibrations are set on weird!! Want to support the show? Rate and review us on your favorite podcast app! It super helps the algorithm connect us to new listeners. Want more of us? Check out our PATREON ! This Friday, we're doing a Quickie on the first 5 book in the Fated Mates of the Sea Sand Warrior series!! Credits: Theme Music: Brittany Pfantz Art: Author Kate Prior Want to tell ...
Jan 28, 2025•54 min•Ep. 417
Hey HBs! We're here with part 1 of THE CORNERSTONE by Kate Canterbary! She's a type A control freak, he's a gregarious Navy SEAL, and their banter is VICIOUS. Delish! Want to support the show? Rate and review us on your favorite podcast app! It super helps the algorithm connect us to new listeners. Want more of us? Check out our PATREON ! This Friday, we're doing a Quickie on the first 5 book in the Fated Mates of the Sea Sand Warrior series!! Credits: Theme Music: Brittany Pfantz Art: Author Ka...
Jan 27, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 416
Kimberly Lemming and Alexis, Keeper of the Lore, are the LOTHAIRE lovers we need in these dark times! Read Kim's new book I GOT ABDUCTED BY ALIENS AND NOW I'M TRAPPED IN A ROM COM now! Want to support the show? Rate and review us on your favorite podcast app! It super helps the algorithm connect us to new listeners. Want more of us? Check out our PATREON ! This Friday, we're doing a January 2025 Reading Roundup! Credits: Theme Music: Brittany Pfantz Art: Author Kate Prior Want to tell us a story...
Jan 22, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 415
Kimberly Lemming and Alexis the Sword are here to recap LOTHAIRE by Kresley Cole with us!! Our morally gray king with questionable mental health is here!!!!!!! Read Kim's new book I GOT ABDUCTED BY ALIENS AND NOW I'M TRAPPED IN A ROM COM now! Want to support the show? Rate and review us on your favorite podcast app! It super helps the algorithm connect us to new listeners. Want more of us? Check out our PATREON ! This Friday, we're doing a January 2025 Reading Roundup! Credits: Theme Music: Brit...
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 414
Hey HBs! If you WANT an explanation for the 2025 Reading Embrace Categories, this is the episode for you! Want to support the show? Rate and review us on your favorite podcast app! It super helps the algorithm connect us to new listeners. Want more of us? Check out our PATREON ! This Friday, we're doing a Quickie on the last 4 books in the Necessary Evils series by Onley James! Credits: Theme Music: Brittany Pfantz Art: Author Kate Prior Want to tell us a story, ask about advertising, or anythin...
Jan 14, 2025•43 min•Ep. 413
Hey HBs! It's finally time to celebrate everyone who did our 2024 Reading Embrace! Come into our bosoms and BE ENSCONCED IN LOVE AND LIGHT AND BLANKET BURRITOS AND RICE BEAN BAGS!!!!!!!!!! Want to support the show? Rate and review us on your favorite podcast app! It super helps the algorithm connect us to new listeners. Want more of us? Check out our PATREON ! This Friday, we're doing a Quickie on the last 4 books in the Necessary Evils series by Onley James! Credits: Theme Music: Brittany Pfant...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 45 min•Ep. 412
Hey HBs! We're back with ANY DUCHESS WILL DO by Tessa Dare! We restart our tale right after the library finger-b*ng, and these two are convinced that they only have until the end of the week. Will he gut his BFF for this woman?? Content warning: discussions of infant death and mentions of miscarriage. Bonus Content: Mel just dropped her family off at the airport, Mel and Sabrina "haven't even been railed yet" (or ever?), Sabrina found the ultimate tax-deductible ass, and we love every blue-blood...
Jan 07, 2025•1 hr 52 min•Ep. 411
Hey HBs! We're here to recap ANY DUCHESS WILL DO by Tessa Dare! It's an Englandtimes book featuring a sad, broken Duke, his desperate mother, and the serving girl who will change them all forever. Bonus Content: Mel's got a mesakkah dick on her phone screen now, Sabrina learned about screenshots a long time ago, Sabrina has special feelings about stickers, and so much more! Lady Loves: Sabrina: Wear the silly costume! Be a shrimp! Do it!! Mel: Call an audible! The sportsball kind, that is. If so...
Jan 06, 2025•1 hr 53 min•Ep. 410
Hey HBs! It's time for part 2! Jacob has decided to put his juvenile pranks behind him and make things right. Maybe he'll even do a little bit of a woo on her! Throw in a secret identity reveal, a hotel breach worthy of a cat burglar, and a pubic declaration of love and you've got an excellent second act! Bonus Content: Mel can't get over hotel event logistics, and so much more! Lady Loves: Mel: Rearrange your space! It'll give you a whole new perspective. Sabrina: Instead of doing New Year's re...
Dec 31, 2024•45 min•Ep. 409
Hey HBs! We're here recapping THE MATZAH BALL by Jean Meltzer! From the summer camp backstory, to the grown-up pranks, the hijinks abound in this Hanukkah romance! Bonus Content: Mel's friends know how to treat her bum, Sabrina's vendetta against poo-pourri, only ONE of these pals needs to be better about using the mail system, there's a LOT of horny internal monologue for a closed-door romance, and so much more! Remember to send in your READING EMBRACES! Want to support the show? Rate and revie...
Dec 30, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 408
Y'all. It's Navy SEAL Times this Christmas with THE NAVY SEAL'S CHRISTMAS BRIDE by Cora Seton! We've lovingly renamed it THE NAVY SEAL'S GENDER ESSENTIALIST CAMPAIGN OF HARRASSMENT TO GET A CHRISTMAS BRIDE. Get ready for gender essentialism to the max, competing for HONOR, and acrobatic schmexy times that BLEW OUR MINDS. We call this book Bonus Content: we thought we had seen it all, salmon ladders, Sabrina's delusional thoughts about her physical capabilities, American Ninja Warrior courses, me...
Dec 24, 2024•1 hr 46 min•Ep. 407
Happy Christmas week, HBs! We're bringing you two holiday novellas this week. Today is HAVE YOURSELF A BILLIONAIRE FOR CHRISTMAS by Tracey Livesay! Bonus Content: Taylor Swift's private jet , "Come here, you stupid ducky" AKA translating nursery rhyme lyrics, pathetic blanket vulvas, and so much more! Want to support the show? Rate and review us on your favorite podcast app! It super helps the algorithm connect us to new listeners. Want more of us? Check out our PATREON ! This Friday, we're reca...
Dec 23, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 406
HBs!!!! We're back for [art 2 of THE GOVERNESS AND THE ORC by Finley Fenn, the 7th book in the Orc Sworn series . When we left off, Rathgar had just gotten Geva to be very vulnerable in front of all of his kin and then he called her easy and cheap. I still don’t think I’ve recovered. Reconciliation seems like a really big ask, but Finley Fenn has convinced us of more in the past! Lady Loves: Mel: sleeping in separate rooms on occasion! Sometimes even the daintiest of ladies snore and their partn...
Dec 17, 2024•58 min•Ep. 405
HBs!!!! We're back! Yeah, we're back at Orc (Splash) Mountain! Mel and Sabrina are recapping THE GOVERNESS AND THE ORC by Finley Fenn, the 7th book in her Orc Sworn series . Geva Okoro is a damn good governess working for terrible people. And then she's forced to help an orc pirate steal all their stuff! Instead of trying to flee and hide as a Black woman in a very white region, this orc offers to hire her for a fake relationship! Y'all. This is the book in which Finley Fenn took come play to th...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 404
Hey HBs! We're back with part 2 of GET A LIFE, CHLOE BROWN by Talia Hibbert! Bonus content: first kiss PSA, CPTSD reactions, and so much more! Lady Loves Sabrina: Pattern Keeper! It's an android app and it will change your crafting game. Mel: it's hot pot season! Having friends over for a night of good food in the cold weather is wonderful! We’ll be back next week with our recap of The GOVERNESS AND THE ORC by Finley Fenn! Want to support the show? Rate and review us on your favorite podcast app...
Dec 10, 2024•54 min•Ep. 403
Hey HBs! Mel and Sabrina are here to recap GET A LIFE, CHLOE BROWN by Talia Hibbert! It's one of their favorite contemporary romance series, so get ready for a lot of cackling and swooning! Bonus Content: is Sabrina a MapQuest person now? (down with the "fancy sky computers!"), having someone up your email game just by being incredibly clever charming, great fibromyalgia rep, being too much and not enough, and so much more! Content Warning: discussions of chronic illness and pain, discussions of...
Dec 09, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 402
The pals are here to finish up Hot Frosty! Is there a murder? Yes. Is there still an HEA? Allegedly!! Bonus Content: eggs in nog, and so much more! Lady Love The whole group: do the dumb, or low priority thing when you need to!!! Content warning for discussions of possible child predation, racial dynamics, police brutality, and immigration. Want to support the show? Rate and review us on your favorite podcast app! It super helps the algorithm connect us to new listeners. Want more of us? Check o...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 401
Hey HBs! Nic is here to chat with Mel and Sabrina about the new Netflix sensation Hot Frosty! In this heartwarming film, a very chiseled baby snowman eludes the police while teaching a local widow how to love again. Bonus Content: V saying "alright, big boy" to her swimming instructor, Nic is our Christmas movie consultant, this movie was made in the spiritual breakroom of all other Christmas movies, that's a baby snowman, defund the police, and so much more! Content warning for discussions of p...
Dec 02, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 400
