{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/6087d3aca4a81031ba098a59/69de4b50f02f2470e928becd?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Why Sports Romance Is Booming: Bella North on Oakwood Ranch, Spice Levels and Pen Names","description":"<p>In this episode of&nbsp;<em>Quick Book Reviews</em>, Philippa is joined by&nbsp;<strong>Bella North</strong>&nbsp;to talk about her&nbsp;<strong>Oakwood Ranch series</strong>, beginning with&nbsp;<strong>Score to Settle</strong>.</p><p>Bella also reveals the story behind her different author names, having previously appeared on the podcast under her thriller-writing identities. Together, they chat about&nbsp;<strong>sports romance</strong>,&nbsp;<strong>writing under multiple pen names</strong>, the rise of&nbsp;<strong>spicy fiction</strong>, and why readers are falling in love with the Oakwood Ranch books.</p><p>Philippa also shares reviews and first impressions of several recent reads, including a brilliant new crime novel from&nbsp;<strong>Simon Mason</strong>, thoughts on&nbsp;<strong>The 10:12 by</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Anna Maloney</strong>, and an early look at&nbsp;<strong>The Heir Apparent by Rebecca Armitage</strong>.</p><h2>In this episode:</h2><ul><li>Bella North on the inspiration behind the&nbsp;<strong>Oakwood Ranch</strong>&nbsp;series</li><li>Why&nbsp;<strong>sports romance</strong>&nbsp;is having such a major moment</li><li>Writing romance after psychological thrillers</li><li>The pros and cons of publishing under&nbsp;<strong>different pen names</strong></li><li>How much sport is really in a sports romance novel</li><li>Spice levels in fiction and why they are so subjective</li><li>Why romance readers are such a passionate and supportive community</li><li>Bella’s ideal writing retreat — and her nightmare writing scenario</li><li>The reality of balancing events, deadlines and creative energy</li></ul><h2>Books discussed as reviews and in the interview:</h2><ul><li><strong>Score to Settle</strong>&nbsp;– Bella North</li><li><strong>Game Over</strong>&nbsp;– Bella North</li><li><strong>Playing for Keeps</strong>&nbsp;– Bella North</li><li><strong>The Dangerous Stranger</strong>&nbsp;– Simon Mason</li><li><strong>The 10:12</strong>&nbsp;– Anna Maloney</li><li><strong>The Heir Apparent</strong>&nbsp;– Rebecca Armitage</li><li><strong>The Nanny</strong>&nbsp;– Heather Burnside</li><li><strong>The Bridge Kingdom series</strong>&nbsp;– Danielle L. Jensen</li></ul><h2>What to expect</h2><p>This is a conversation about:</p><ul><li>romance tropes</li><li>enemies-to-lovers</li><li>friends-to-lovers</li><li>escapist fiction</li><li>commercial fiction</li><li>writing fast-paced books</li><li>author events</li><li>and, of course, biscuits</li></ul><p>There is also an important discussion about how different genres are perceived in publishing, and why commercial fiction deserves respect for doing exactly what readers want it to do: entertain.</p><h2>Biscuit chat alert</h2><p>Bella reveals her writing biscuit of choice — the&nbsp;<strong>chocolate Hobnob</strong>&nbsp;— and there is serious debate about whether the&nbsp;<strong>Marks &amp; Spencer version</strong>&nbsp;might be even better.</p><h2>If you enjoy this episode</h2><p>Please follow, rate and review&nbsp;<em>Quick Book Reviews</em>, and share the show with a fellow book lover.</p><h2>Get in touch</h2><p>Philippa loves hearing from listeners. Contact details:</p><p>Email: quickbookreviews@outlook.com</p><p>Instagram &amp; Threads: @quick_book_reviews</p><p><br></p>","author_name":"Philippa Hall"}