Oh golly, I need to give it a rewatch. I distinctly remember the scene where they hook up. Garafalo did some solid romcom work back in the day!!

Peak “journalism” in 2025.

Truly, what makes it worse to me is the journalist actually interviewed people who told her that none of this was new. This isn’t even about ignorance and a lack of research: it’s blatantly choosing to “report” a distorted, ahistorical narrative.

Thank you to @stegan.bsky.social, a dad, for liking this post, hopefully in appreciation of my dad joke.

It’s not like they’re paying cover artists, so that’s a cost savings. I guess they have lots of money left over to pay for swanky parties with baskets of baguettes. At least bakers are making some dough. 🥖

Don’t worry, you’re not crazy: this emperor wears no clothes.

Yeah, I haven’t seen any organic interest in these books. They shouldn’t have to explain their “concept” as hard as they are. Stop trying to make non-romance romance happen!

On expensive bikes. Exclusive, waiting list type bikes. The ones that look good in photos but are no fun to ride.

“Experts” also noted that 831’s books (& covers) are intentionally not appealing to existing romance readers. Experts also shared that nothing they’re doing is new, as a marketing concept or within romance publishing.

But why report on experts when you can fawn over the insane basket of baguettes?!

This is about the 831 Stories puff piece in the NYT. (I should have known better.) Several romance scholars were interviewed (myself included)…not that you could tell, given the complete lack of substance.

Hrm, wonder why this was left out? Maybe because it doesn’t align with 831’s narrative?

You’re the podcast we need, giving us what we’re too afraid to want.

…quick question: is he her high school / college bully as well?

There’s a big difference between a book that is forgettable but enjoyable and one that is mind-numbingly confoundingly bad. I don’t care about artistry or markers of cultural value - entertain me!

LoveStoned.

I will look it up! Thanks for the rec. I may need to stop reading this book as I feel like I’m reading the same scene over and over and nothing will ever happen.

Noooope. They’re all fully formed and uber confident. They know what they like and can’t love. They’re broken - you know that because they’re into BDSM. Once they fall in love with the right woman and mend their kinky, promiscuous ways, the sex gets even more vanilla - but somehow better!