The handyman is here! And so is a new episode of TSTL! Phoebe Neidhardt (‘Scandal’, ‘Silicon Valley’) joins Becky to review the Halloween-themed romance “Her Halloween Treat” by Tiffany Reisz ($3.49) No joke--one character actually utters the line, “It’s cocksucking time.” Listen on SoundCloud, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
New Episode! Gamma Raiders: The Space Pirate Prince with Aysha Wax
GET THOSE COLD SHOWERS READY! Comedian/writer/director Aysha Wax (Inside Versailles) joins Becky to review the NO-SEX-AT-ALL sci-fi romance, Gamma Raiders: The Space Pirate Prince by Calista Skye ($0.99.)
I found the print copy over at the Ripped Bodice. If you’re interested in the paperback, I highly encourage you to support this independent bookstore and order from there!
And listen to the new episode on iTunes, SoundCloud, Google Play, Stitcher, and now on Spotify!
New Episode! Wanted and Wired with Jason Sheridan!
FUCK YEAH!!!!! Jason Sheridan (Podcast: the Ride) joins me to review the lengthy sci-fi romance Wanted and Wired (currently $0.99.) Written by Vivien Jackson, this episode is dedicated to the all the horny nerds out there. Check it out on iTunes or below!
New Episode! The Spymaster's Lady with Ryan Perez
Why the lady isn’t on the cover of this book? Doesn’t matter. LOOK AT THAT HUNK!!
Writer, director, and knife cane fan Ryan Perez joins Becky to review the historical romance ‘The Spymaster’s Lady’ by Joanna Bourne ($2.99). Ryan chooses a pretty unique sexy excerpt, so this episode is not to be missed.
Listen on:
New Episode! Fournicopia with Chris Farah
Actress/writer/comedian/pop culture professional and beauty junkie Chris Farah (Modern Family, Superstore, Chelsea Lately) joins me to review the erotic novella Fournicopia by Delilah Devlin. It's the second book the naughty Delta Blue series and has the incredibly expensive price of 99 cents.
Let me just say that this book has one of the most unforgettable sex scenes and you should do yourself a favor and listen to Chris and I discuss it at length. Listen below or on iTunes, Google Play, or Stitcher.
New Episode! "Maid for Love" with Robin Reed
It’s summer and I figured it’s time to review a resort-town summer romance. Today’s book is "Maid for Love", the first in the Gansett Island series, by Marie Force ($2.99). My guest is voiceover artist Robin Reed, AKA the voice that launched a thousand ferries to a Block Island-inspired locale, where love is as abundant as its oysters. Enjoy on itunes, Stitcher, Google Play and SoundCloud below!
New Episode! "Operation: Midnight Tango" with Jordan Morris
I know, I know! It’s been TOO LONG since there’s been a new episode of Too Stupid to Live. I took some time off to be super busy with work and then go on my very first solo vacation. But I am so excited to be back with a fantastic new episode with both a fantastic guest and book. Jordan Morris, a comedy writer and podcaster (from Jordan, Jesse Go!) joined me to review "Operation: Midnight Tango" by Linda Castillo.
Published by Harlequin Intrigue, I found this gem at the Ripped Bodice, an exclusively romance bookstore here in Los Angeles.
Listen and enjoy this latest episode on:
ALSO! Jordan just put out a new podcast from MaximumFun.org called Bubble, which I highly recommend you check out. It’s a scripted comedy series about monster hunters who, among other things, are low on funds. And as someone who won’t spend more than five dollars on pretty much anything, I both related and laughed out loud.
Author Shout-outs!
Need a new read? Check out some of these books!
Clutch
Author Lisa Becker re-released her romantic comedy "Clutch" with five bonus chapters!
Clutch: a novel is the laugh-out-loud, chick lit romance chronicling the dating misadventures of Caroline Johnson, a single purse designer who compares her unsuccessful romantic relationships to styles of handbags – the “Hobo” starving artist, the “Diaper Bag” single dad, the “Briefcase” intense businessman, etc. With her best friend, bar owner Mike by her side, the overly-accommodating Caroline drinks a lot of Chardonnay, puts her heart on the line, endures her share of unworthy suitors and finds the courage to discover the “Clutch” or someone she wants to hold onto. $3.99
Short Stories by BlueFramedGirl
Interested in reading a short story as part of your daily procrastination process? Head to blueframedgirl.com. I just read a free version of "King and I" instead of getting some work done, and, frankly I’m down for more. Most of her stories are .99!
Bad Mother’s Diary by Suzy K. Quinn
This hilarious romance, BAD MOTHER'S DIARY, is the first in a series about the exploits of new mother, Juliette Duffy, her horrible boyfriend who jilts her at the altar, and the handsome hotelier who always seems to be around when she's at her worst.
Upcoming Books
Everyone GET EXCITED because I’m BACK with some awesome upcoming episodes. Should you be interested in the upcoming books we’ll be reviewing, I got you covered.
Operation: Midnight Tango by Linda Castillo
Published by Harlequin Intrigue, this is your classic romantic suspense about a sexy CIA agent and the sexy woman the sexy CIA agent is protecting from danger. Also available on Amazon, I found this in the used book section of the Ripped Bodice for $3.
Maid for Love (Gansett Island Series Book 1) by Marie Force
Not sure what I love more — the title, the author’s name, or the relatively cheap price of $2.99. Look, it’s summer. So I figured why not read a summer romance that takes place in a beautiful New England resort town. This contemporary romance is about a housekeeping attendant (the “maid” part of the title) who fulfills the love part of the title by falling for the son of her super rich boss.
New Episode! "Craving Flight" with Jennie Pierson
My lovely friend and hilarious actress/comedian Jennie Pierson ("Blackish", "Powerless", "Valley Girl") joins me to discuss one of the most original erotic romances I’ve ever read -- "Craving Flight" by Tamsen Parker.
"Craving Flight" is a bdsm romance that takes place in an orthodox Jewish community. I’m so thrilled about this episode because Jennie was the PERFECT guest to have on the show. Her insight was phenomenal and of course her laugh-out-loud commentary was delightful.
The book was recommended to me by one of the owners of the Ripped Bodice, a feminist-friendly romance novel bookstore in LA. So if you’re interested in purchasing, I highly recommend ordering the paperback from this wonderful independent bookstore.
Listen on SoundCloud or on iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play.
New Episode! Royal Ruin with Jessie Gaskell
HOW FANTASTIC WAS THAT ROYAL WEDDING?!?!? I’ve been watching this GIF again and again and again and therefore agonizing over the specifics of my dream wedding.
If you still have that wedding fever, listen to the latest episode where the always funny Jessie Gaskell (Conan) joins me to to review the sexy royal romance, Royal Ruin by Jessica Peterson ($3.99).
God Save the Queen!
New Episode! 'Taken by the CEO' with Marisa Pinson
It’s funny. I wasn’t expecting this latest episode of TSTL to be as topical as it is. Of course it’s about women in the workplace, but with DJ Khaled’s recent commentary on his refusal to perform oral sex, I’m astounded as to how timely this episode is.
There are certainly quite a few HOT “oral presentations” in 'Taken by the CEO'. Out of all people who could do themselves a favor by reading this book, it’s DJ Khaled and definitely a few Tinder randos who probably keep you scratching your head to this day. There are a lot of things society should acknowledge, and one of them is that THIRD BASE GOES BOTH WAYS!
(And a few deep breaths later…)
'Taken by the CEO' is written by USA Today bestselling author Stefanie London and is currently $2.99. It’s a sexy story about Emmaline, a lady who works in a cubicle and has a hot affair with her CEO who works in a nicer office with a view.
Joining me to review this contemporary romance is my lovely friend, Marisa Pinson. She’s a TV writer on TBS’ 'Angie Tribeca' and a hilarious and insightful lady. You're going to love her -- hope you enjoy! Listen now on SoundCloud, iTunes, and Google Play.
Upcoming Books
May is going to be a romantic month. There’s the royal wedding (and an early morning for me on that day) and some awesome episodes with amazing guests coming your way.
So, here are some books I’ve got lined up to review. (Keep in mind this may be subject to change.)
'Taken by the CEO' by Stefanie London ($2.99)
Oh corporate culture! In this steamy contemporary romance set in Australia, Emmaline Greene is ready to focus on herself and her career after a bitter divorce. She ends up having a super hot one-night stand with a total hunk who gives her some amazing O’s. However, it turns out this O-maker is also the new CEO of her company! Talk about COMPLICATED!
'Royal Ruin' by Jessica Peterson ($3.99)
While ‘The Crown’ has your historical accuracy, this royal sex feast has your classic “let’s pretend to be engaged” premise. Prince Kit is next in line to become King. But like any royal family, his is wrought with SO MUCH SCANDAL! To offset the negative press, his royal highness announces his “engagement” to Emily Kilpatrick, an American who is down to Earth and “relatable” (i.e. middle class.) Emily is keen on the arrangement as Kit promises to help her declining business. But keeping up the appearance of being in love becomes surprisingly difficult when Kit and Emily actually DO fall in love!
Stay tuned for these fun episodes!
New Episode! ‘Ruby’ with Connie Shin
I wanted to cover a V.C. Andrews book for a while now because of the romantic elements in her stories and the fact that so many romance readers devour her books. Luckily, Connie Shin, a hilarious writer and performer at the Upright Citizen’s Brigade, is a seasoned V.C. Andrews reader. And I’m delighted that she joined me to review 'Ruby', the first book in the Landry series. It’s currently $4.99 on Amazon. (I know! It’s up there!)
In terms of providing you with a succinct synopsis, let me just say that so much happens in this book. So here’s an attempt at a pared-down summary.
Around the death of her grandmother, Ruby, a beautiful and perfect teenager, keeps uncovering dark secret after dark secret about her family. To avoid a terrible fate at the hands of her deranged grandfather, she runs away to New Orleans to meet her long lost father and twin sister. But, BOY, things do NOT go as planned. BECAUSE OF ALL THESE DARK SECRETS!
(I mean… does that work?)
I both LOVED the book and recording this episode with Connie. And I know you will love listening! Available on SoundCloud, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts and Google Play.
New Episode! ‘My Enemy, My Earl’ with Lindsay Katai
I had a fantastic guest on the newest episode of Too Stupid to Live, and that hilarious woman is none other than Lindsay Katai. Lindsay is the cohost of the popular podcast, Teen Creeps, where they review YA pulp fiction. She also began cohosting a new podcast called Public Domain Theater where they read literature aloud from the public domain while providing real-time commentary. Furthermore, Lindsay is a writer on the upcoming animated series, Infinity Train, which will premiere on Cartoon Network next year.
The hot and historical book we reviewed in the latest episode is ‘My Enemy, My Earl’ by Tammy Andresen ($3.99.) Taking place in Scotland, it’s the story of two people who are oh-so-bothered by one another but they can’t help feeling HOT and BOTHERED by one another. Despite the plot not being as engaging as it could be, the book was incredibly enjoyable and incredibly sexy. Have fun listening! Available where you get your podcasts.
Quickie Critique: 'Head Hunter' by Alexis Angel
As someone who reviews cheap romance novels, I can’t help but love a freebie. And podcast fave Alexis Angel was happy to oblige.
The Mayor of Naughtywood (Alexis, I hope you appreciate this nickname) blessed me with ‘Head Hunter: A Virgin Billionaire Reverse Romance’ ($2.99). I had fun reading it, and here’s my review.
Lights… Cameras…But sorry, folks… There’s NO ACTION!
Carter Blaine is the star of this reality show called ‘Head Hunter’. The premise is that he’s a 26-year-old virgin and if he can avoid having (p-in-v) sex until marriage, he gets two billion dollars. Now, despite Carter’s interest in having your classic p-in-v, he’s managing just fine with the other orifices that are presenting themselves to him. But still there’s that part of him (namely his p) that longs for that beautiful nurturing body part (the v.) To up the ante, a professional seductress Ashley is called in to use her feminine wiles to make Carter cave. But there’s just one complication — LOVE.
The book cover works. The stock photo model DEFINITELY looks like a reality star so that’s a plus. His tattoo is very intense, but again, maybe that adds to the reality star charm.
Look, I will say that the premise is the least outrageous part of this book. With the warped ‘Black Mirror’ reality that our world is headed toward, the idea of a reality show about a virgin avoiding vaginal intercourse is conceivable and probably in development.
But I will say what really amused me is how unbelievably confident the characters are. Carter literally refers to himself as “alpha” and Ashley doesn’t hesitate to refer to her chest as her “large perky breasts.”
(I guess if you ever want to have a confrontation with someone and really throw them off, start the convo by saying, “I have something I need to get off my large perky breasts.”)
But again, the sophomoric writing style of Alexis Angel really hits the spot if you’re into that thing. And boy did she get clever with the restrictions that the premise itself presents. I could’ve done without a long scene involving inanimate sex toys, but there were hot parts that some of you would get a kick out of. And for the rest of you? Pick up something else. And whatever that something else is, it’s literally the Bible compared to 'Head Hunter'.
My rating: Hard B
Upcoming Books
Inspired by other podcasts, I decided to post a list of upcoming books that we’ll be reviewing in case you’re interested in reading for the full listening experience.
There’s a few episodes I’ve already recorded and let me tell you they are going to be GREAT. I love the guests and the books, and I’m sure you will, too!
First up is ‘My Enemy, My Earl (A Laird to Love book 1, $3.99). Kilts, kilts, and more kilts! This is your classic love tale about an English woman and a Scottish earl who don’t want to love each other but, God almighty, THEY DO!
Next, I was inspired to do an episode with a V.C. Andrews book. So many people I’ve talked to align her books with the romance genre—and there are certainly romantic elements to her stories. Who am I to say? So, 'Ruby' (book 1 of the Landry series, $4.99) will be featured. It’s about a teenager raised in the bayou who learns dark secrets about her family that lead her on a journey to New Orleans.
Stay tuned and turned on!
New Episode! "Broken Justice" with Josh and Travis Wyman
TSTL has a fantastic new episode premiering today, and I couldn’t be more excited about my TWO guests. Josh and Travis Wyman are two comedy guys and hosts of the hilarious podcast Stacking Wood. The Wyman Brothers and I reviewed the first book in the Justice Brothers series, “Broken Justice”. And, boy, was this a HOT one.
“Broken Justice” is written by Suzanne Halliday and is currently $3.99 on Amazon. It’s the story of Cameron, a hardened veteran who rescues the troubled-but-innocent Lacey. He decides to help this damsel get on her feet by taking a road trip to his hometown. He promises her an assistant job at his private security firm he owns with his fellow sexy alpha comrades, aka the Justice Brothers.
But along the way, the flames ignite and they give into their passionate desires.
So please enjoy the latest episode of Too Stupid to Live! Available where you get your podcasts.
Well, This is Fun...
Very excited that TSTL was listed on the Smart Bitches Trashy Books’ romance-focused podcast roundup. And welcome to all the new listeners who’ve come this way. You’re in a for a treat.
New Episode! The Experiment with Amanda Sitko
UGH! I know you probably waited FOREVER for a new episode. But finally here it is! I had been traveling, but, as many of you know, that means I had plenty of time to read some awesome books on the plane. And my first episode since returning to the States is super fun. My good friend Amanda Sitko (writer for IFC’s Brockmire) is my special guest and I had the best time recording this episode.
Today we review ‘The Experiment’ by HelenKay Dimon. It’s currently $2.99 on Amazon. The book is published through James Patterson’s BookShots Flames. They publish books specifically to be a quick read for your various commuting experiences or waiting room escapades. Here’s the synopsis on Amazon, which I will say doesn’t entirely represent what the book is actually about. That being said the actual plot of the book is something I’ve never read before. Though not perfect, it’s original and will stick with you.
Annie Sullivan has spent her life running from her past, until she meets her soul mate, Jasper Monroe. But she isn't willing to settle down with him yet, because there's just one thing missing--one last erotic experience--that may define her relationship... or destroy it.
So please enjoy the episode! You can listen on SoundCloud, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, or Stitcher.