Read a Romance Blog: Captivated Reading

Happy Wednesday, Wormies! Welcome to another Read a Romance Blog feature! Today, we’re featuring Christine @ Captivated Reading!

Read a Romance Blog series is a feature on this blog showcasing book bloggers that primarily review romance.

About the Romance Blogger

I’m Christine. I’m a thirty-something wife, mom, reader, and blogger. I have four amazing, beautiful children (a boy-13, twin girls-10, and another boy-8) and a wonderful husband whom I’ve been married to for sixteen years. I spend a lot of my time homeschooling my children, so that keeps me pretty busy throughout my day. But, I wouldn’t trade all the time I get with my loves for ANYTHING! I have an unhealthy love of tea and sugar (not always together).

Right now, my book obsessions tend toward YA fantasy and any and all of Deborah Harkness’ books. But, I’m a mood reader, so that could change in a week from now! Also, I love Jesus.

Ezrah: OMG twins! That must be fun!

My Blog

https://www.captivatedreading.com

Where You Can Find Me

First Romance Book I Read

I think I was fourteen or fifteen when I first got ahold of a Harlequin Historical romance. And back then, we had a bookstore in town so I would go every month and see what new ones were out. I don’t remember the title, but I know it was delicious! And it was a secret baby, medieval romance… I wish I could find it!

Ezrah: I also can’t remember the first romance book I read and it was also a Harlequin Historical. I have narrowed it down to 3 books, though!

Favorite Romance Genre/s

Oh, gosh… Honestly, I love most genres of romance. So, as I’m a Christian, I SHOULD really enjoy Christian romances but, I have a difficult time with a lot of them. But, there are really a few great authors (Lisa T. Bergren, Amanda Cabot). But, I think contemporary romance, paranormal, and fantasy are probably my top picks at the moment.

Ezrah: I also can’t get into inspirational romance or Christian romances. And I do love contemporary romance, PNR, and fantasy!

Favorite Romance Trope/s

Secret baby every day!! I just LOVE it! It’s so soap opera, though, right? Friends-to-lovers is also a big favorite.

Ezrah: I love friends-to-lovers, but I don’t really like the secret baby trope. But I absolutely love that there is a trope for everyone!

Top Auto-buy Authors

Top Romance Books You Highly Recommend

Ezrah: I have Samantha Young on my TBR! I really loved On Dublin Street!

Top Romance Series You Recommend

• The All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness – Paranormal, Fantasy – My favorite is probably The Book of Life
• The Tiger Saga by Colleen Houck – YA, There are five in the series, my favorite is Tiger’s Curse
• The River of Time Series by Lisa T. Bergren – Christian, Time-travel, six books in the series, my favorite is Deluge
• The Rain Trilogy by BB Easton – Dystopian, my favorite is Dying for Rain

Favorite Quote from a Romance Book

“I am no bird, and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.”

– – JANE EYRE, CHARLOTTE BRONTE

Favorite Thing About the Romance Community

I LOVE how I have people to turn to that understand my love for this genre. And I honestly love how diverse it is. There are so many different types of romance that I feel like it can feed any kind of reader. And romance readers understand that. We tend to be very supportive of others’ likes and dislikes.

Ezrah: Yes, there is definitely room for everyone in romance!

Romance Myth That You Hate

I hate that when people think “romance” they think ripped bodices and shirtless men. I mean, there’s room for that too! But, romance is so diverse and there’s so much to it. Romance can be slow-burn, fade-to-black, closed-door, open-door, and everything in between!

Ezrah: I agree! Romance has really gone a long way from the old-school bodice rippers (not that those are bad, I love them, but some are problematic).

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