the ask@AAR: How are you feeling about historical romance?

June 18, 2021

In October of 2019, we asked you whether you thought historical romance had a quality problem. That column is still the most commented upon Ask column and it made many…

Read Article

Pick the next AAR Good Time Book Club read!

June 14, 2021

It’s time to pick the next AAR Good Time Book Club read! In this first round, pick as many as you’re interested in! Here are the choices. You must use…

Read Article

the ask@AAR: What was the first romance novel you read?

June 11, 2021

While the first romance that ever really registered with me is Sweet, Savage Love (and I attribute that to it being the first book in which the sex was varied…

Read Article

Desperately Seeking Non-Fiction Written by Women

June 7, 2021

Confession: I don’t read non-fiction. BUT. Everyone in my family are fanatical nonfiction readers and, as I look at the books they’re reading, I realize almost all the authors are…

Read Article

the ask@AAR: Can romance include abortion?

June 4, 2021

Almost 50% of pregnancies in the United States are unintended and, in 40% of those, women chose to end their pregnancies. Whether you’re pro-life or pro-choice, the fact is many…

Read Article

What are you watching?

June 1, 2021

I’ve been in a TV slump lately. The only thing I’ve watched in weeks has been My Octopus Teacher which, while very good, required so little attention I was able…

Read Article

the ask@AAR: What’s your favorite queer romance?

May 28, 2021

This week, the New York Times has a lovely column by Olivia Waite in which she recommends six romances with queer protagonists. Waite writes: Time was I could have covered…

Read Article

What would you take to a Desert Island. NO CHEATING!

May 26, 2021

OK, the ship you were on sank and you and the island partner of your dreams managed to make it safely to a remote island with no hope of immediate…

Read Article

the ask@AAR: What’s the most romantic season?

May 21, 2021

Here in the American Southeast, summer is closing in. When Sophie and I walk in my neighborhood, people are out in shorts and slides, and the sound of air-conditioning hums…

Read Article

the ask@AAR: What famous couple would you like to inspire a romance novel?

May 14, 2021

One of my favorite country love songs of the past few years is Johnny Cash Heart by Caleb Lee Hutchison. The chorus is: You wrap me up in some kind of…

Read Article

Best Moms in Romance?

May 10, 2021

I was fortunate enough to spend yesterday, Mother’s Day, with my mom–truly the best mom and grandmother I could imagine. Until she retired at 79, she was a children’s librarian….

Read Article

A Tribute to Heather Rash

May 8, 2021

Heather Rash (listed in the AAR annals as Heather Stanton) died suddenly last week at the age of 45. Heather wrote prolifically at AAR from 2011 to 2017. Her reviews…

Read Article