Jae's Blog, page 25

F/F Romance Novel Glossary

If you’ve been part of a community for a while, it’s easy to forget that you’re using special terms, abbreviations, and acronyms that not everyone is familiar with. I’ve recently been reminded of that when a reader asked me what a “toaster oven” romance is, and another wanted to know what WLW stands for.

So I put together this handy glossary of f/f romance terms that you might find helpful.

 

Altfic: A story that features a romantic and/or sexual relationship between women. Mostly used in Xena fanfiction.
Angst: In an angsty book, the main characters are put through the wringer emotionally. They might be dealing with painful issues, and if it’s a romance, it might be a tumultuous relationship with a lot of back-and-forth and heartache, but still have a happy end.
AO3: Archive of Our Own. The largest fanfiction archive on the Internet.
AOC: Author of color.
ARC: Advanced review copy (also: advanced reader copy). A copy of a book that is given to reviewers before publication so they can post the review as soon as the book is out.
AU: Alternative universe. Mostly a fanfiction term for stories that are set in a different setting than the original work.
Auto-buy: An author whose book you buy without reading the reviews or an excerpt because you know it’ll be good.
Backlist: All of an author’s books that were published before the current year.
Backstory: A character’s life before the opening scene of the book, including their childhood and relationship history.
BBW: Big beautiful woman. The story features a plus-sized female protagonist in a positive way.
BDSM: Bondage, discipline, sadism, masochism.
Beta; beta reader: A test reader who reads an early draft of a manuscript and provides feedback to help the author revise it before publication.
Big mis: The big misunderstanding. A cliché in romance novels that is based on a big misunderstanding that could have been resolved if only the characters didn’t refuse to talk to each other (“Oh, the woman I saw you kiss is your sister!”).
Binge-read: Reading all the books in a series or books by one author in a row.
BIPOC: Black, indigenous, and people of color.
Blurb: The description of a book that you’ll find on the back of the paperback or on a retailer’s book page.
B&N: Barnes and Noble.
Book birthday: The release/publication day of a book.
Book hangover: What you feel after finishing a book that was so great that you find it hard to move on to the next.
Bookstagram: The community of book bloggers, reviewers, and readers on Instagram who post book-related pictures.
BookTube: The YouTube community of vloggers, reviewers, and readers who create book-related videos such as book reviews, recommendations, book hauls, etc.
Book Twitter: The community of vloggers, reviewers, readers, authors, and other bookish people on Twitter.
Buddy read: Two (or more) people read the same book at the same time so they can talk about it.
Cliffhanger: The book ends at a dramatic moment, and you are left hanging until you read the next book in the series.
COC: Character of color.
Con: Gathering of readers and (often) authors.
Contemporary romance: Romance novel that is set in the present or not further back than 25 years. There are no fantastical elements.
CP: Critique partner. A fellow writer who exchange critiques of each other’s manuscript to help each other revise their work before publication.
CR: Currently reading.
CW: Content warning. Warns people that the story contains something that might elicit a strong—and potentially harmful—emotional response, e.g., sexual assault, cruelty to animals, suicide. Usually, “content warning” means that the story discusses sensitive content, while “trigger warning” means that there are graphic descriptions of it.
DNF: Did not finish.
Enemies to lovers: A romance trope that describes a novel in which two enemies or rivals fall in love with each other.
Epilogue: A section at the end of a novel. It’s set off from the rest of the book, usually by taking place some time after the previous chapter, so it gives us a glimpse into the characters’ future.
Fade-to-black: A story in which the characters have sex, but the writer chooses not to show it on the page.
Fandom: A community of fans of a certain book, TV show, video game, or movie.
FB: Facebook.
Femslash (or femmeslash): The female version of slash. Stories about a romantic and/or sexual relationship between two (or more) women. Mostly used for fanfiction.
f/f: Female/female. A story that contains a romantic and/or sexual relationship between women.
FF = fanfic = fanfiction: Stories written by fans of an existing TV show, movie, video game, or book. Fanfic authors base their stories on another author’s characters, so there are legal issues surrounding fanfiction. Some authors allow and even encourage fanfiction based on their work (provided they aren’t published for profit), while others don’t tolerate it.
First person: The story is told using “I” pronouns.
Forced proximity: A romance trope with a plot that forced the main characters to spend time together, e.g., the characters are snowed in or have to work on a project together.
FWB: Friends with benefits.
F2L: Friends to lovers. A romance trope in which the characters start out as friends before falling in love and becoming a couple. In my opinion, it’s only a real friends-to-lovers romance if the characters are already friends when the novel starts. If they meet, become friends, and then fall in love, it might be better classified as a slow-burn romance.
GCLS: Golden Crown Literary Society. A nonprofit literary organization that aims to increase the visibility and quality of WLW fiction.
GR: Goodreads.
H/C = hurt/comfort: One character is sick, hurt, or going through emotional pain, and the other character is there to comfort them.
HEA: Happily ever after. An ending in which the main characters are a couple and happy together, without any major trouble on the horizon.
Head hopping: The point of view bounces from one character to another within a scene. It’s considered a craft problem that can confuse readers.
HFN: Happy For Now. The romance ends with the main characters as a couple, but not all issues are resolved.
Hybrid author: Author who self-publishes some books while publishing others with a publishing house.
Ice queen: A romance trope that is popular in f/f romance. It features a main character who is prickly, cold, and standoffish, at least on the outside. She might thaw as the story progresses and the characters fall in love.
Indie: Independent or self-published author. Sometimes also refers to indie publishers, small, independent publishing houses.
Insta-love: Romance in which the two main characters fall in love at first sight or very fast.
IR: Interracial romance.
KU: Kindle Unlimited. Amazon’s ebook subscription service.
Lesfic: Short for “lesbian fiction.” Despite the name, the protagonist can be any women-loving woman, including, of course, a lesbian. Not all lesfic are romances (though many are), but if there is a relationship, it’s between women.
LI: Love interest.
May/December: A romance with a large age gap between the characters, with one character being in the “spring” of her life and the other in the “winter” of hers.
MC: Main character.
Meet-cute: The two main characters of a romance novel meet in a way that is humorous or “cute.”
m/f: male/female. A story that contains a romantic and/or sexual relationship between a man and a woman.
m/m: Male/male. A story that contains a romantic and/or sexual relationship between men.
MS: Manuscript.
NA: New adult. A category of books in which the protagonist is between 18 and 24. It often revolves around going to college, starting their first job, or the first relationship.
NaNoWriMo: National Novel Writing Month. An annual event in November, in which participating authors try to write a 50,000-word novel in one month.
Novella: A story with a word count of 20,000-50,000 words—so longer than a short story, but not quite novel length.
NSFW: Not safe for work. Story contains elements—often explicit sex—that makes it not safe to read at work.
Omegaverse: A fictional universe in which society is divided into a hierarchy of alphas, betas, and omegas. Alphas can impregnate their partners and omegas can get pregnant, no matter their sex or gender. Most Omegaverse stories are sexually explicit m/m, but there are also f/f Omegaverse stories.
OOC: Out of character. A character behaves in a way that’s not consistent with their personality and backstory.
OTP: One true pairing. The couple you are rooting for.
Own voices: The author belongs to the marginalized group as the book’s main character, so they are writing from their own experience.
Pantser: A writer who writes by the seat of their pants, without outlining the story beforehand.
PB: Paperback.
Plotter: Writer who outlines the story before writing the first draft.
PNR: Paranormal romance. Similar to urban fantasy (à UF), but with a stronger focus on the romance.
POC: Person of color.
Poly; polyam: Being in or being open to relationships with multiple people at the same time.
POV: Point of view. The perspective from which a story (or a section of the story) is told. It’s like a lens through which readers view the events.
Prequel: A story that is set before a previously published story. It usually shows us scenes from a character’s life before the events of the original book.
Purple prose: A description that uses an over-the-top, flowery language, e.g., using “crimson droplets” instead of “blood.”
PWP: Plot? What Plot? An erotic story without much of a plot.
Q&A: Questions and answers. An author event in which either a host or readers ask questions, and the author answers them.
Reading slump: When you just can’t read, even though you want to—maybe you’re just too stressed, unfocused, or getting over a book hangover. It’s the reader’s equivalent of writer’s block.
Rec: Recommendation.
Rep: The book features a character of a certain identity.
Romantic suspense: A novel with a romance subplot and a mystery/thriller subplot that are equally important.
Rom-com: Romantic comedy.
RTC: Review to come.
SA: A book that isn’t part of a series or that can at least be read and enjoyed on its own, without having to have read the other books in the series.
Saffic: A portmanteau of “sapphic” and “fiction.”
Sapphic: The main character is a woman who’s attracted to women. Doesn’t necessarily mean the book is a romance novel.
Second chance romance: The main characters were together in the past but broke up for some reason, and now they are getting a second chance at a relationship with each other.
Sequel: A continuation of a previously published book, usually with the same main characters.
SF: Science fiction.
SF/F: Science fiction & fantasy.
Shelfie: A photo of your bookcase.
Ship (verb): Rooting for two people to get together.
Slash: Fan fiction portraying a romantic and/or sexual relationship between same-sex characters. Often used only for m/m fan fiction. The name originated from the slash between the names of a couple, e.g., Spock/Kirk.
Slow burn: A romance in which the characters get to know each other before ending up in bed.
Smut: Stories that are sexually explicit without much of a plot. Synonym with PWP.
Spin-off: A story that is connected to a previously published book but has different main characters. Usually, the protagonist of the spin-off was a supporting character in the previous book.
Spoiler: Information that reveals crucial elements of a book, e.g., a plot twist, and might “spoil” the reading experience.
Street team: Readers who review a book and help the author promote it.
Swag: Fun book-related goodies, e.g., bookmarks, book postcards, tote bags, etc.
TBB: To be bought. The list of books you intend to buy.
TBC: To be continued…
TBR: To be read. The pile of books waiting on your bedside table or reading device that you haven’t gotten around to reading.
Third person: A story told using “she” (or “he”) pronouns.
TL;DR: Too long, didn’t read. A section of a lengthy blog post in which the author summarizes it for readers who don’t have the time or patience to read the entire text.
TLR: The Lesbian Review. The most extensive site for WLW fiction reviews and recommendations.
Toaster oven romance: A romance in which one of the main characters discovers she’s not as straight as she previously thought. The toaster oven is a reference to an Ellen episode in which a character is jokingly awarded a toaster oven by Lesbian HQ for “converting” a certain quota of straight women. Note: A toaster oven romance isn’t actually about converting anyone since that’s not how sexual orientation works!
Trope: A scenario or basic plot that is common in romance novels, e.g., fake relationship.
TSTL: Too stupid to live. A character behaves in an immature way that makes no sense throughout the entire book.
TW: Trigger warning. Warns people that the story contains something that might elicit a strong—and potentially harmful—emotional response, e.g., sexual assault, cruelty to animals, suicide. Usually, “content warning” means that the story discusses sensitive content, while “trigger warning” means that there are graphic descriptions of it.
Uber: A term from Xena fanfiction that refers to stories transferring the characters to another setting and/or time period. Tropical Storm by Melissa Good was one of the first commercially published Uber fanfics. However, not all romance novels with a tall, dark, and brooding and a blonde, shorter, and upbeat character are Uber.
UF: Urban fantasy. Books that are set in our modern world, but with a magical or fantastical element or non-human races such as vampires or shape-shifters.
UST: Unresolved sexual tension. The characters haven’t acted on their sizzling sexual attraction yet.
WIP: Work in progress. The story a writer is currently working on.
WLW: Women-loving woman. Unlike f/f, the term doesn’t necessarily mean the book is a romance novel, just that it features a female main character who’s attracted to women.
YA: Young adult. A category of books in which the protagonist is a teenager, usually 15-18 years old.
Yuri: Anime, manga, or other Japanese literature that involves romantic and/or sexual relationships between women.

 

There are also individual terms and abbreviations. For example, many authors use acronyms to refer to their books, e.g., BTO for Backwards to Oregon.

 

Am I missing any romance/book-related terms? Let me know in the comments, and I’ll add them to the list.

The post F/F Romance Novel Glossary appeared first on Jae.

WLW & Lesbian Books with Characters Who Are Artists (F/F Fiction Crossword Challenge #30)

 

This week’s F/F Fiction Crossword Puzzle features WLW & lesbian books with characters who are artists.

Some of these books feature painters or sculptors; others are writers or musicians, and we even have a couple of tattoo artists.

 

So, here’s the WLW & lesbian books with characters who are artists puzzle:

You can either download the crossword grid by right-clicking on the picture below or download the PDF with the crossword grid and the clues. You don’t necessarily need a printer to play. You don’t need to send in the filled-out puzzle; all you need to do is email me the solution phrase.

 

Here are the clues for the “WLW & lesbian books with characters who are artists” puzzle:

The Romance Bet by Jae: What newspaper does Abby work for in “The Romance Bet” by Jae, which you can download for free here ?
Falling Colours by R J Samuel: What does Kiran compare her eye color to?
Create a Life to Love by Erin Zak: What’s the name of Jackie’s best friend?
Dal Segno by Jax Meyer: What instrument did Laura play?
Heart Failure by Chris Zett: What’s the name of Jess’s daughter?
Lost for Words by Andrea Bramhall: What is the name of Fleur’s cat?
Artist’s Dream by Gerri Hill: What kind of carved animal does Luke buy from Cassie?
New Ink on Life by Jennie Davids: At the beginning of the book, Cassie approaches MJ to be her what?
Prairie Heart by Marian Snowe: What movie do Eleanor and Morgan rent for Girls’ Day?
Body of Work by Charlotte Mills: What’s the title of Noa’s exhibition?
Vacation People by Cheri Ritz: What’s Penny’s role in her family’s casino?
Get At Me by by K.A. Smith: What is Fatima painting at the community center?
Pas de Deux by MJ Duncan: How old was Addison when she moved to London?
Good Spin by Monica McCallan: In which state does the wedding Emery and Jordan attend take place?
Playing With Fire (The Neon Fishnets Book 1) by Scarlett Knight: What kind of animal does Jackie stop to rescue on her way to her audition?
Forever Woman by B.L. Wilson: What job does Florence apply for?
Dare to Love by A.L. Brooks: Who is Carmen’s most famous client?
Knit One, Girl Two by Shira Glassman: By what nickname does the public know Danielle’s celebrity uncle?
Healing Hearts by Donna K. Ford: What’s the name of the all-women retreat where Christian and Elaine meet?
Like Lovers Do by Lori L. Lake: What’s the only kind of tea Lily dislikes?

 

Check back for hints

If you are struggling to solve the puzzle, check back this weekend. I’ll invite the authors to post hints in the comments section of this blog that will help you solve the puzzle. Some authors will also drop by my Facebook Reader Group to give you some hints.

 

Send me the solution to be entered into the drawing for the WLW & lesbian books with characters who are artists puzzle

Once you solved the “WLW & lesbian artists” puzzle, send me the solution phrase, and you’ll be entered into the drawing for an ebook copy of:

Playing With Fire by Scarlett Knight
Pas de Deux by MJ Duncan
Good Spin by Monica McCallan

To be entered into the drawing, send me the solution by November 15, 10 a.m. CET. I’ll draw the winners using a random numbers generator.

You’ll also be entered into the drawing for the grand prize at the end of the year, with a chance to win a book package, plus an autograph book full of autographs of popular WLW & lesbian fiction authors.

You’ll find my email address on my contact page.

 

You can still solve previous puzzles & win ebooks!

If you haven’t solved all the previous puzzles yet, you can still do so! For every solution you send in, you get an entry into the drawing for the grand prize.

 

Happy reading and crossword-puzzling!

Jae

 

The post WLW & Lesbian Books with Characters Who Are Artists (F/F Fiction Crossword Challenge #30) appeared first on Jae.

WLW & Lesbian Contemporary Romance Novels (F/F Fiction Crossword Challenge #29)

 

This week’s F/F Fiction Crossword Puzzle covers WLW & lesbian contemporary romance novels, which means modern romances that more or less take place during the time frame the book was written and published. Other definitions include romances that are set within the past 25 years.

 

Read up on the rules

If you are discovering the F/F Fiction Crossword Challenge only now, read up on the rules and prizes, then come back here and try to solve the WLW & lesbian contemporary romance puzzle. You can also still send in the solutions for the previous puzzles.

 

So, here’s the WLW & lesbian contemporary romance puzzle:

You can either download the crossword grid by right-clicking on the picture below or download the PDF with the crossword grid and the clues. You don’t necessarily need a printer to play. You don’t need to send in the filled-out puzzle; all you need to do is email me the solution phrase.

 

Here are the clues for the WLW & lesbian contemporary romance puzzle:

Just Physical by Jae: In the stunt scene Crash shows Jill how to do, what’s the “weapon” they use?
30 Dates in 30 Days by Elle Spencer: Who convinces Veronica to go on 30 dates in 30 days?
Starting from Scratch by Georgia Beers: What is Elena’s job?
This Foreign Affair by Harper Bliss: What’s the name of Zoya’s ex?
Homecoming by Celeste Castro: What’s the title of the book that put Dusty on the map as a serious writer?
Grace Falls by HP Munro: What’s Alex’s nickname?
By Design by J.A. Armstrong: What’s J.D.’s first name?
True Colors by Yolanda Wallace: What item is responsible for Robby and Taylor’s first meeting?
And Playing the Role of Herself by K.E. Lane: What’s the first name of the defense attorney Robyn plays on the TV show they are shooting?
Because I Said So by Karin Kallmaker: Who is Kesa’s latest big-name client?
Thirteen Hours by Meghan O’Brien: Where do Dana and Laurel first have sex?
How Sweet It Is by Melissa Brayden: What’s the name of the town where the book takes place?
Pitifully Ugly by Robin Alexander: What name did Hailey use on the dating site?
Breaking Character by Lee Winter: What is the first name of Elizabeth’s onscreen doctor in Choosing Hope?
Turn Back Time by Radclyffe: Which part of Pearce’s body is harmed when she first meets Wynter?
Turbulence by E.J. Noyes: Isabelle and Audrey have a one night stand on which floor of the hotel they’re both staying at?
Love Trauma by Ruby Scott: What’s the name of the hospital where Tara works?
A Heart to Call Home by Jeannie Levig: What’s the name of Jessie’s hometown, where she now teaches?
So Well As You by Lynn Galli: What is Damisi wearing the first time Nora meets her?
Reasons to Heal by Jenn Matthews: In which city is the book set?

 

Check back for hints

If you are struggling to solve the puzzle, check back this weekend. I’ll invite the authors to post hints in the comments section of this blog that will help you solve the puzzle. Some authors will also drop by my Facebook Reader Group to give you some hints.

 

Send me the solution to be entered into the drawing for the WLW & lesbian contemporary romance puzzle

Once you solved the WLW & lesbian contemporary romance puzzle, send me the solution phrase, and you’ll be entered into the drawing for:

Just Physical by Jae
Turbulence by E.J. Noyes

To be entered into the drawing, send me the solution by November 8, 10 a.m. CET. I’ll draw the winners using a random numbers generator.

You’ll also be entered into the drawing for the grand prize at the end of the year, with a chance to win a book package, plus an autograph book full of autographs of popular WLW & lesbian fiction authors.

You’ll find my email address on my contact page.

 

Happy reading and crossword-puzzling!

Jae

 

The post WLW & Lesbian Contemporary Romance Novels (F/F Fiction Crossword Challenge #29) appeared first on Jae.

WLW & Lesbian Books Set in a Small Town (F/F Fiction Crossword Challenge #28)

This week’s F/F Fiction Crossword Puzzle covers WLW & lesbian books set in a small town.

Escaping to a place where life is slower-paced, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, has its own charm, even though being LGBT+ in a town where everyone knows everyone else’s business comes with its own challenges.

 

Read up on the rules

If you are discovering the F/F Fiction Crossword Challenge only now, read up on the rules and prizes, then come back here and try to solve the WLW & lesbian small-town romance puzzle. You can also still send in the solutions for the previous puzzles.

 

So, here’s the WLW & lesbian small-town romance puzzle:

You can either download the crossword grid by right-clicking on the picture below or download the PDF with the crossword grid and the clues. You don’t necessarily need a printer to play. You don’t need to send in the filled-out puzzle; all you need to do is email me the solution phrase.

 

Here are the clues for the WLW & lesbian small-town romance puzzle:

Not the Marrying Kind by Jae: What does Sasha say when she finds out Ashley is gay?
Chickenshit: Or How a City Girl Does Country All Wrong by Amy Stinnett: Where is Billie’s father’s farm located?
Safe Haven by Ellen Hoil: What is the name of Brigid’s store?
Melt My Heart by Anna Cove: Over what terrain is Laura driving in the first chapter?
The Inn at Netherfield Green by Aurora Rey: What is the name of Cam’s line of gin?
Destiny’s Bridge by Carrie L. Carr: What kind of car does Amanda drive?
Hearts of Emerald Bay by D.G. Barnes: Where do Ellie’s parents rest?
Hart & Stocker by Max Ellendale: What was the name of Dax’s horse?
Back to the Start by Monica McCallan: What town does Remy return to?
Finding Gracie’s Glory by Patty Schramm: What’s the name of Grace’s beloved grandfather whom she calls by the Japanese name of ojjichan?
Kellen’s Moment by Robin Alexander: What is in Kellen’s hall closet?
Small Town Secrets by Katrina Jackson: What’s the last name of WAKC’s only male member?
A Shot at Love by TB Markinson: What’s the name of Josie’s uncle?
Anyone But Her by Erica Lee: What is the name of Reagan’s fake boyfriend?
The Weight of Living by M.A. Hinkle: Where do Trisha and Gabi meet?
Coming Home by Teresa Purkis: Why does Jocelyn return to Bristol?

 

Check back for hints

If you are struggling to solve the puzzle, check back this weekend. I’ll invite the authors to post hints in the comments section of this blog that will help you solve the puzzle. Some authors will also drop by my Facebook Reader Group to give you some hints.

 

Send me the solution to be entered into the drawing for the WLW & lesbian small-town romance puzzle

Once you solved the WLW & lesbian small-town romance puzzle, send me the solution phrase, and you’ll be entered into the drawing for:

Hearts of Emerald Bay by D.G. Barnes
Destiny’s Bridge by Carrie L. Carr
A Shot at Love by TB Markinson

To be entered into the drawing, send me the solution by November 1, 10 a.m. CET. I’ll draw the winners using a random numbers generator.

You’ll also be entered into the drawing for the grand prize at the end of the year, with a chance to win a book package, plus an autograph book full of autographs of popular WLW & lesbian fiction authors.

You’ll find my email address on my contact page.

 

Happy reading and crossword-puzzling!

Jae

 

The post WLW & Lesbian Books Set in a Small Town (F/F Fiction Crossword Challenge #28) appeared first on Jae.

“Wrong Number, Right Woman” Crossword Puzzle

To celebrate the publication of my latest romance, Wrong Number, Right Woman earlier this month, I thought I’d put together a crossword puzzle with clues from the book.

Even if you haven’t read it yet, I think you have a chance to solve the puzzle because the answers to the first five clues are hidden in the first four chapters of the book, which you can read for free on Amazon and other online bookstores.

To find the answers to clues number 6 and 7, read the excerpt, then take a look at my other contemporary romances.

 

The prize: Name a character in my next book!

I’ll draw one winner among everyone who solves the puzzle and emails me the solution phrase. The winner gets the opportunity to name a character in my next book!

All you have to do to be entered into the drawing is to send me the solution by October 24, 10 a.m. CET. I’ll draw the winner using a random numbers generator.

You’ll find my email address on my contact page.

 

The Wrong Number, Right Woman crossword puzzle

And here’s the crossword puzzle. If you’d like to print it out, you can download the PDF here. You don’t necessarily need a printer to play. You don’t need to send in the filled-out puzzle; all you need to do is email me the solution phrase.

 

Here are the clues for the Wrong Number, Right Woman crossword puzzle:

What is Denny’s nickname for Eliza?
What color are Eliza’s favorite shoes?
What’s the name of the online-dating service Heather talks Eliza into using?
What’s the name of the grocery store where Denny works?
What vegetable does Denny’s niece Bella hate?
In which book do Eliza’s bosses meet and fall in love?
Denny is a fan of the crime show Central Precinct. In which of Jae’s books does the actress who plays the lead detective find love?
What’s the name of the fried-egg sandwich Heather eats?
Where was Denny’s sister born?
What’s the name of the company Eliza works for?
According to Eliza, she’s less than blessed in the…?
What does her sister call Denny’s battered old Subaru?
What did Eliza name the family dog when she was a child?
What is Denny’s real first name?
When Denny fakes an emergency to get Eliza out of her date, what hospital does she say she is giving birth at? St. ___
What does Denny’s niece Bella name her budgie?
What is Denny’s favorite hobby?
What’s the name of the cocktail Eliza orders when she meets Heather for after-work drinks?
Other than coffee and beer, what popular Portland beverage does Eliza dislike?
What’s the name of the stuffed dragon Eliza wins Denny? Ms. __

 

Happy reading and crossword-puzzling!

Jae

 

The post “Wrong Number, Right Woman” Crossword Puzzle appeared first on Jae.

WLW & Lesbian Books Set Outside of the US (F/F Fiction Crossword Challenge #27)

Most lesbian books and novels featuring women-loving women are set in the US, so today’s puzzle features books that take place outside of the US.

The puzzle includes books set in South America, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Canada, and various countries in continental Europe and the United Kingdom.

 

So, here’s the “WLW & lesbian books set outside the US” puzzle:

You can either download the crossword grid by right-clicking on the picture below or download the PDF with the crossword grid and the clues. You don’t necessarily need a printer to play. You don’t need to send in the filled-out puzzle; all you need to do is email me the solution phrase.

Here are the clues for the “WLW & lesbian books set outside of the US” puzzle:

Paper Love by Jae (set in Germany): What is Susanne having for dinner on her first day working at Paper Love?
If You Could Be Mine by Sara Farizan (set in Iran): What does Sahar want to study?
All at Sea by Cheyenne Blue (set in Australia): What is the name of Kaz’s yacht?
Falling into Place by Sheryn Munir (set in India): Which character dressed up as Priyanka Chopra at the New Year Eve party?
Rock and a Hard Place by Andrea Bramhall (set in South America): What’s the name of the mountainous region in South America where Jayden and Rhian meet?
Once in Sweden (set in Sweden & England) by Emma Sterner-Radley: What’s the name of the town where Elina lives?
Write Your Own Script by A. L. Brooks (set in England & Italy): Tamsyn is on a break on which Mediterranean island when she reads Maddie Jones’s celebrity romance?
Slammed by Lola Keeley (set in Europe): What is the first Grand Slam tournament we see Elin win?
Worth Every Step by KG MacGregor (set in Tanzania): What mountain do Mary Kate and Addison climb?
Spanish Surrender by Rachel Spangler (set in Spain): What’s the name of Loreto’s boss?
Defensive Mindset by Wendy Temple (set in Scotland): What’s the name of Jessie’s football team? ___ Thistle.
Bunny Finds a Friend by Hazel Yeats (set in the Netherlands): Who is Cara’s first client?
Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta (set in Nigeria): What’s the name of the town where Ijeoma lives?
Lily’s Fire by Lise Gold (set in Bali): What is the name of Lily’s mother?
Betting on Love by Alyssa Linn Palmer (set in Canada): What’s the name of Alex’s best friend?
Comrade Cowgirl by Yolanda Wallace (set in Russia): What’s the name of the ranch hand who travels to Russia with Laramie?
You’re My Kind by Clare Lydon (set in England): In the first chapter, Justine attends a life event. What is it?
The World Unseen by Shamim Sarif (set in South Africa): What is Miriam’s native language?
Uncharted by Robyn Nyx (set in South America & Syria): Whose tomb does Chase discover in Syria?
Pas de Deux by MJ Duncan (set in England): How old was Addison when she moved to London?
Ticket to Love by Donna Jay (set in New Zealand): What’s the name of Tara’s aunt?
High Rise by Harper Bliss (set in Hong Kong): Whose number is the first on Maddie’s speed dial?

 

Check back for hints

If you are struggling to solve the puzzle, check back this weekend. I’ll invite the authors to post hints in the comments section of this blog that will help you solve the puzzle. Some authors will also drop by my Facebook Reader Group to give you some hints.

 

Send me the solution to be entered into the drawing for the “WLW & lesbian books set outside the US” puzzle

Once you solved the puzzle, send me the solution phrase, and you’ll be entered into the drawing for an ebook copy of:

Falling into Place by Sheryn Munir
Lily’s Fire by Lise Gold
Betting on Love by Alyssa Linn Palmer

To be entered into the drawing, send me the solution by October 17, 10 a.m. CET. I’ll draw the winners using a random numbers generator.

You’ll also be entered into the drawing for the grand prize at the end of the year, with a chance to win a book package, plus an autograph book full of autographs of popular WLW & lesbian fiction authors.

You’ll find my email address on my contact page.

Happy reading and crossword-puzzling!

Jae

The post WLW & Lesbian Books Set Outside of the US (F/F Fiction Crossword Challenge #27) appeared first on Jae.

12 WLW & Lesbian Phone or Online Romance Novels

 

I realized there aren’t that many WLW & lesbian romance novels around in which the characters meet online—maybe via a dating app—or start communicating via emails, texts, or phone calls and meet face-to-face only a little later in the book.

Which is a little strange, since so many of us find love—or great friends—online, right?

So I thought I’d put together a list of 12 f/f romances that start out on the Internet or via the phone. Make sure you scroll all the way down for a free bonus story.

 

Wrong Number, Right Woman by Jae

Flirting has never been Denny’s strong suit, but so what if she’s too shy to ask women out? She’s content with her simple life, working as a cashier and helping her sister raise her niece.

But then she gets a wrong-number text message from a stranger named Eliza, asking her of all people for dating advice!

Eliza is Denny’s total opposite: witty, outgoing—and straight. Despite their differences, the accidental text sparks an unlikely friendship. Soon, Eliza—self-proclaimed queen of disastrous first dates—would rather banter back and forth with Denny than to keep trying her luck at online dating.

When they meet in person, there’s an instant connection. But what Eliza is feeling can’t be attraction, right? It doesn’t mean a thing that she’s starting to wish the guys she dates would be more like Denny. Or does it?

Can the wrong number lead to the right woman after all?

 

Rules of the Road by K. Aten

Jamie is an engineer who keeps humor close to her heart and people at arm’s length. Kelsey is a dental assistant who deals with everything from the hilarious to the disgusting on a daily basis. What happens when a driving app brings them together as friends? The nerd car and the rainbow car both know a thing or two about hazard avoidance.

When a flat tire brings them together in person, Jamie immediately realizes that Kelsey isn’t just another woman on her radar. Both of them have struggled to break free from stereotypes while they navigate the road of life. As their friendship deepens they realize that sometimes you have to break the rules to get where you need to go.

 

Hot Line by Alison Grey

Two women from different worlds.

Linda, a successful psychologist, uses her work to distance herself from her own loneliness. Christina works for a sex hotline to make ends meet.

Their worlds collide when Linda calls Christina’s sex line. Christina quickly realizes Linda is not her usual customer. Instead of wanting phone sex, Linda makes an unexpected proposition. Does Christina dare accept the offer that will change both their lives?

 

Long-Distance Coffee by Emma Sterner-Radley

New York personal trainer Erin Black lives a solitary life plagued by insomnia. Isabella Martinez, a former CEO turned writer, is stuck in a platonic relationship in Florida with her baby boy.

One sleepless night on social media, they strike up a conversation that changes their lives and makes them question everything. Over midnight cups of coffee, they try to resist the powerful chemistry that builds between them. They soon discover their connection could be the key to unlocking their personal issues.

Questions remain though. Are they more than friends? Could they be right for each other? And if they are, how will they handle a relationship a thousand miles apart?

A lesbian romance about closing the distance.

 

Those Who Wait by Haley Cass

Sutton Spencer’s ideas for her life were fairly simple: finish graduate school and fall in love. It would be a lot simpler if she could pinpoint exactly what she should do when she graduates in less than a year. Oh, and if she could figure out how to talk to a woman without feeling like a total mess, that would be great too.

Charlotte Thompson is very much the opposite. She’s always had clear steps outlining her path to success with no time or inclination for romance. Her burgeoning career in politics means everything to her and she’s not willing to compromise it for something as insignificant as love. Fleeting, casual, and discreet worked perfectly fine.

When they meet through a dating app, it’s immediately clear that they aren’t suited for anything more than friendship. Right?

 

Surgeon by Emily Hayes

World class heart surgeon, Katherine Ross meets a young woman anonymously on a dating app. When each woman realises who the other really is, can they find a way to turn their intense passion into love?

 

Once Ghosted, Twice Shy by Alyssa Cole

While her boss the prince was busy wooing his betrothed, Likotsi had her own love affair after swiping right on a dating app. But her romance had ended in heartbreak, and now, back in NYC again, she’s determined to rediscover her joy—so of course she runs into the woman who broke her heart.

When Likotsi and Fabiola meet again on a stalled subway train months later, Fab asks for just one cup of tea. Likotsi, hoping to know why she was unceremoniously dumped, agrees. Tea and food soon leads to them exploring the city together, and their past, with Fab slowly revealing why she let Likotsi go, and both of them wondering if they can turn this second chance into a happily ever after.

 

Telling Lies Online by Miranda MacLeod

Jamie Richards is a scientist who embraces reason– except when it comes to romance. Tired of her impulsive streak leaving her heartbroken, she’s determined to do everything right the next time she’s in love. But her resolve crumbles when a technical glitch matches her with perfection in Claire, a woman who lives on the opposite side of the country. Who is straight. And under the impression that Jamie’s a guy. But Jamie can’t help being smitten. Would one tiny lie be so terrible if it gets her closer to the woman of her dreams?

Claire Flores is a dreamer and a believer in signs, but she has a secret that keeps her cautious about love. All she wants is a picture-perfect family of her own, but she’s never met a man who attracts her. Until now. Throwing caution to the wind, she goes from Portland to Boston to meet Jay, her online love. Instead she meets Jamie, his work colleague, who befriends her in Jay’s unexpected absence. Claire’s heart is aflutter. Jamie stirs up feelings Claire never knew possible, but how close can she get without having to admit that she’s been lying to herself about her dreams all along?

What starts as a simple fib soon snowballs as Jamie fabricates increasingly ridiculous tales to keep her identity as Jay under wraps, until a comedy of errors threatens to topple the whole charade to the ground. Can true love prevail when it’s founded on a lie?

 

Hers to Keep by Anna Stone

Lindsey had big plans for her post-art school life—a successful art career, excitement, adventure, meeting the man of her dreams. She never expected she’d end up joining a sugar baby website to pay off her crippling debt. And she definitely didn’t expect that her first client would be a charming, vivacious woman named Camilla.

The older woman has an unusual proposal for Lindsey—move into her mansion for three months as her girlfriend and submissive, and all of Lindsey’s financial woes will disappear. It’s the perfect solution to Lindsey’s problems, and she can’t say no to three months of pleasure and luxury beyond her wildest dreams. Camilla has made it clear that she’s comfortable with the arrangement. A difficult life has left the solitary woman hesitant to let anyone get too close. And Lindsey isn’t attracted to women, anyway. It’s all just a charade.

Until it isn’t. When Lindsey can no longer deny her feelings toward her Mistress, she runs the risk of losing everything. It was all supposed to be pretend. One big lie.

What happens when the lie becomes the truth?

 

Stealing a Thief’s Heart by C.L. Cattano

After pulling off the biggest heist of her career, Benny is ready to retire from her life of thievery. She thinks she’s found the perfect way out in Evelina, who falls hard for Benny’s online persona, Darby—but when they finally meet in Italy, both may be in for a very unexpected surprise…

Opportunities to retire from life as a thief don’t come around often and Benny is determined to make this one pay. The last thing on her mind is romance. Evelina did not expect to find love when making friends online. After finding her Darby though, she is certain she has stumbled upon her soulmate. She will do whatever it takes to bring Darby to Italy so they can finally meet face to face.

Two women have very different reasons for being online. Will they both get what they want, or will putting trust in someone they have never met in person turn out to be a disaster?

 

Strangers on the Phone by Kristen Roche

Eason Rockwell lives a perfectly normal life. She has a great job at an art gallery, two best friends who also serve as her roommates and a mom she has an almost okay relationship with.

Ophelia St. Germain lives a life anything other than normal. With a half dozen Grammys, a burgeoning film career and a family that defines dysfunctional, nothing would surprise her. Until something does.

It’s a Friday night when Eason attempts to dial her best friend Lily, only to find a woman named Fia on the other end. The two hit it off almost immediately and continue to talk over text and phone calls. What Eason doesn’t realize, is that the woman on the other end is not just Fia, but rather Ophelia St. Germain, one of the most popular singers and celebrities of the day.

 

Online by Madeleine Taylor

I’m Valerie, a recently divorced CFO from LA. After discovering lesbian erotica, I joined an online book club and have been indulging in steamy novels ever since.

A new chapter in my life starts when Syd, a fellow member I’ve been sharing a sexy online exchange with, invites me to her house in Quebec.

It seems excessive to get on a flight for someone I don’t know, but my curiosity wins over my deeply grounded sensibilities, and soon I find myself tangled in a web of discovery and raging desire.

 

Free bonus short story:

The Romance Bet by Jae

Reporter Abby James prides herself on never having read a romance novel. She thinks they’re formulaic, shallow, easy-to-write drivel—until romance author Tamara Brennan challenges her to write one. Is it possible that Abby will find the outcome of that bet not so predictable after all?

Download your free ebook copy

 

Happy reading!

Jae

The post 12 WLW & Lesbian Phone or Online Romance Novels appeared first on Jae.

WLW & Lesbian Books with Characters Over 40 (F/F Fiction Crossword Challenge #26)

Just as we lack a lot of books with plus-sized characters, middle-aged and older characters also seem underrepresented in WLW & lesbian fiction, especially in romances.

So to prove that there’s love & life after 40, this week’s F/F Fiction Crossword Puzzle features WLW & lesbian books with characters over 40.

In some of the featured books only one of the main characters is over 40 while the other is younger, making it an age gap romance. In others, both main characters are over 40.

The age of the characters in these books ranges from their early forties—as in my new book Wrong Number, Right Woman—to late sixties as in Times of Our Lives by Jane Waterton.

 

So, here’s the “WLW & lesbian books with characters over 40” puzzle:

You can either download the crossword grid by right-clicking on the picture below or download the PDF with the crossword grid and the clues. You don’t necessarily need a printer to play. You don’t need to send in the filled-out puzzle; all you need to do is email me the solution phrase.

 
Here are the clues for the “WLW & lesbian books with characters over 40” puzzle:

Keep in mind that apostrophes take up a square of their own!

Also, this crossword puzzle uses the same answer for two of the clues.

Wrong Number, Right Woman by Jae: What’s the name of Salem’s colleague whom she starts dating?
The Long Shot by A. L. Brooks: What is Morgan’s favourite ice cream flavour?
Lost for Words by Andrea Bramhall: What is the name of Fluer’s cat?
Right Time for Love by Elizabeth Andre: What is the name of the game the main characters are playing?
Dal Segno by Jax Meyer: What instrument did Laura play?
One Golden Summer by Clare Lydon & TB Markinson: What’s the nine-letter word Kirsty’s dad is stuck on in his crossword puzzle?
Hungry for It by Fiona Zedde: What was the profession of Remi’s father?
Chain Reactions by Lynn Ames: In what town is Nora living?
Clichéd Love by Lynn Galli: What kind of boots does Iris prefer to wear?
Beautiful Accidents by Erin Zak: What is the name of the tarot card reading shop where Bernadette and Stevie meet?
After Mrs Hamilton by Clare Ashton: What’s the name of Laura’s husband?
Musings of a Madwoman by Jazzy Mitchell: Which alien race engineers a meteorite to affect humans, planning to capture them and breed with them to harness their manifested powers?
Highland Fling by Anna Larner: What’s the name of Moira Burn’s croft?
Cracking Love by Emily King: What main crop does Gail Lawrence farm?
Wavering Convictions by Erin Dutton: What is Ally’s profession?
Touchwood by Karin Kallmaker: In Louisa’s apartment, there was a reproduction of a famous painting by Edward Hopper. What was it called?
The War Within by Yolanda Wallace: What does Jordan order in the Wildcat Diner?
Mistletoe Mishap by Siri Caldwell: What beverage does Viv add a candy cane to?
Times of our Lives by Jane Waterton: What’s the name of the lesbian retirement home where the characters live?
Ferrelli’s Restaurant by B.L. Wilson: What’s Vivian’s last name?

 

Check back for hints

If you are struggling to solve the puzzle, check back this weekend. I’ll invite the authors to post hints in the comments section of this blog that will help you solve the puzzle. Some authors will also drop by my Facebook Reader Group to give you some hints.

 

Send me the solution to be entered into the drawing for the “WLW & lesbian books with characters over 40” puzzle

Once you solved the “characters over 40” puzzle, send me the solution phrase, and you’ll be entered into the drawing for an ebook copy of:

The Long Shot by A. L. Brooks
Dal Segno by Jax Meyer
Chain Reactions by Lynn Ames

To be entered into the drawing, send me the solution by October 10, 10 a.m. CET. I’ll draw the winners using a random numbers generator.

You’ll also be entered into the drawing for the grand prize at the end of the year, with a chance to win a book package, plus an autograph book full of autographs of popular WLW & lesbian fiction authors.

You’ll find my email address on my contact page.

 

Happy reading and crossword-puzzling!

Jae

The post WLW & Lesbian Books with Characters Over 40 (F/F Fiction Crossword Challenge #26) appeared first on Jae.

WLW & Lesbian Body-Positive Romance Novels (F/F Fiction Crossword Challenge #25)

This week’s F/F crossword puzzle features a really important topic: body positivity in romance novels.

The romance novel industry is especially guilty of abiding by Hollywood’s standard of beauty. It’s rare to find plus-size characters in f/f romance novels (or any romance, for that matter). Most of the main characters are portrayed as slender, with perfectly sized breasts, and if they are a bit chubby, their goal in the story is probably to lose weight.

I hope that going forward, there’ll be more body positivity in romance novels and that women of all shapes and sizes will find themselves represented in a positive way.

P.S. Most of the romance novels in this puzzle feature chubby or plus-sized main characters, but, of course, body positivity includes women who are considered skinny or flat-chested or otherwise deviate from society’s beauty standards.

 

So, here’s the “WLW & lesbian body-positive romances” puzzle:

You can either download the crossword grid by right-clicking on the picture below or download the PDF with the crossword grid and the clues. You don’t necessarily need a printer to play. You don’t need to send in the filled-out puzzle; all you need to do is email me the solution phrase.

 
Here are the clues for the “WLW & lesbian body-positive romances” puzzle:

Wrong Number, Right Woman by Jae: What nickname does Denny give Eliza in Jae’s newly published romance?
A Roll in the Hay by Lola Keeley: What is the name of Tess’s dog?
Speak Low by Lynn Galli: What subject does Celia teach at her university?
Just My Luck by Andrea Bramhall: What’s the name of Abi Kitson’s daughter?
The Last Place You Look by Aurora Rey: Taylor reluctantly agrees to be Julia’s what?
Hooked On You by Jenn Matthews: What kind of class does Ollie run?
The Summer of Jordi Perez by Amy Spalding: What’s the name of the boutique where Abby lands an internship for the summer?
Everything Between Us by Harper Bliss: Which Germaine does Declan compare Caitlin to?
Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera: Which city does Juliet move to?
A Curious Woman by Jess Lea: What type of pets does the protagonist have?
Mind Games by Cara Malone: Who’s the resident prankster of the coroner’s office?
The Shape of You by Georgia Beers: What does Spencer lose in chapter one?
At Her Feet by Rebecca Weatherspoon: What’s the name of the website where Suzanne meets Mami-P?
The Curvy Side of Life by Suzie Carr: What’s the name of Faith’s daughter?
Menage a Trois by Cynthia Dane & Hildred Billings: What is Caitlyn’s former occupation?
Riding the Track by Kara Ripley: What is the name of the horse that Clara rides across South Australia?
Blueprint for Romance by Shannon M Harris: What’s the name of Kat’s pet ferret?
Just for Show by Jae: What does Lana have tattooed on her arm?
Set-up by Adan Ramie: What did Rachel steal on pep rally day in high school?

 

Check back for hints

If you are struggling to solve the puzzle, check back this weekend. I’ll invite the authors to post hints in the comments section of this blog that will help you solve the puzzle. Some authors will also drop by my Facebook Reader Group to give you some hints.

 

Send me the solution to be entered into the drawing for the “WLW & lesbian body-positive romances” puzzle

Once you solved the “WLW & lesbian body-positive romances” puzzle, send me the solution phrase, and you’ll be entered into the drawing for an ebook copy of:

A Roll in the Hay by Lola Keeley
Blueprint for Romance by Shannon M Harris
Just for Show by Jae

To be entered into the drawing, send me the solution by October 3, 10 a.m. CET. I’ll draw the winners using a random numbers generator.

You’ll also be entered into the drawing for the grand prize at the end of the year, with a chance to win a book package, plus an autograph book full of autographs of popular WLW & lesbian fiction authors.

You’ll find my email address on my contact page.

 

Happy reading and crossword-puzzling!

Jae

The post WLW & Lesbian Body-Positive Romance Novels (F/F Fiction Crossword Challenge #25) appeared first on Jae.

WLW & lesbian books from Desert Palm Press (F/F Fiction Crossword Challenge #24)

After Ylva Publishing, Bold Strokes Books, Bella Books & Bywater Books got puzzles of their own, it’s time for another publisher’s edition. Today’s F/F Fiction Crossword Puzzle features another publisher of WLW & lesbian fiction: Desert Palm Press.

Desert Palm Press was founded in 2014 and publishes popular authors such as AJ Adaire, Rae D. Magdon, CJ Murphy, Ellen Hoil, Jazzy Mitchell, BJ Phillips, and many more.

 

Read up on the rules

If you are discovering the F/F Fiction Crossword Challenge only now, read up on the rules and prizes, then come back here and try to solve the Desert Palm Press puzzle. You can also still send in the solutions for the previous puzzles.

 

So, here’s the Desert Palm Press crossword puzzle:

You can either download the crossword grid by right-clicking on the picture below or download the PDF with the crossword grid and the clues. You don’t necessarily need a printer to play. You don’t need to send in the filled-out puzzle; all you need to do is email me the solution phrase.

 

Here are the clues for the Desert Palm Press puzzle:

Safe Haven by Ellen Hoil: What disorder is Samantha diagnosed with?
Something Tragic by Jessica Yeh: What is Crisa’s favorite fruit?
Snowbird Season by BJ Phillips: What is Kelly’s dog’s name?
Gold Star Chance by CJ Murphy: What does Chance put on her eggs?
The Second Sister by Rae D. Magdon: Who is the talking cat Ellie befriends?
Jobyna’s Blues by Jane Alden: Where was Lily, a main character in Jobyna’s Blues, born?
A Quantum Convergence by CA Farlow: Where do Alex and Lauren sit out a blizzard in Book One of the Nexus Trilogy?
Match Me by AJ Adaire: What was it that Grams said she hadn’t dropped for any man she wasn’t married to?
Sunkissed Feathers & Severed Ties by Kellie Doherty: What is the name of Misti’s companion animal?
Dark Horizons by Rae D. Magdon & Michelle Magly: Which poisonous, aquatic alien species are Earth’s humans fighting in Dark Horizons?
Flight to Paradise by Gail Newman: What type of clothing does Sara tell Claire she doesn’t have?
Kiss Your Elbow by Susan Stocker: What is the name of Mrs. Bixler’s monkey?
You Matter by Jazzy Mitchell: How old is Chrissy’s son, Ben?
The Long Way Home by Roslyn Bane: Where is Sam taken to recover in Germany?
The Rustle of Leaves by Nat Burns: What’s the first name of the youngest Detter daughter?

Check back for hints

If you are struggling to solve the puzzle, check back this weekend. I’ll invite the authors to post hints in the comments section of this blog that will help you solve the puzzle. Some authors will also drop by my Facebook Reader Group to give you some hints.

 

Send me the solution to be entered into the drawing for the Desert Palm Press puzzle

Once you solved the Desert Palm Press crossword puzzle, send me the solution phrase, and you’ll be entered into the drawing for an ebook copy of:

Safe Haven by Ellen Hoil
Gold Star Chance by CJ Murphy
Flight to Paradise by Gail Newman

To be entered into the drawing, send me the solution by September 20, 10 a.m. CET. I’ll draw the winners using a random numbers generator.

You’ll also be entered into the drawing for the grand prize at the end of the year, with a chance to win a book package, plus an autograph book full of autographs of popular WLW & lesbian fiction authors.

You’ll find my email address on my contact page.

 

Happy reading and crossword-puzzling!

Jae

The post WLW & lesbian books from Desert Palm Press (F/F Fiction Crossword Challenge #24) appeared first on Jae.