Go Ahead and INDULGE! (With Angelina M. Lopez)

Vibe Check

This week, Gwen is feeling good about moving around more throughout the day and getting settled in her new city!

Danielle has been reading a TON lately. She’s working her way through the Y: The Last Man graphic novel series by Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra, and she read a magical Ethiopian Jane Eyre retelling (yes, you read that right) called Within These Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood (Sorry, it doesn’t come out until November, but you should totally preorder it!).

INDULGENCES

When D thinks of indulgences in pop culture she thinks of shows in the early Aughts, like Gossip Girl and Revenge. Also, the Harlequin Desire line of category romances, which are described as being about the “American elite.” Back in the Texan’s Bed by Naima Simione and Waking Up Married by Reese Ryan (future podcast guest!) are two recent releases she enjoyed. Of course, watching any of the Real Housewives franchises or even the Kardashians—but it’s interesting when the people on these shows are “messy” like everyone else, and watching them mess up is very entertaining.

Gwen really loved the English translation and Netflix adaptation of 365 Days by Blanka Lipinska! Also, she enjoys aspirational life-style reality TV like Million Dollar Listing, Selling Sunset, and The Big Day. Also, remember how sumptuous and vibrant old technicolor moves were? Like Sunset Boulevard and Imitation of Life.

What do our indulgences say about us? You tell us!

Gwen: Taking a long shower, putting on lotion, and getting in fresh sheets, Midnight Cookie runs, Rachel’s Ginger Beer, Seattle donuts, and Omakase sushi menus

Danielle: Ipsy subscription, ordering lunch at least once a week, Starbucks at least once a week (under normal circumstances, it’s definitely more than that), ALL the streaming services, and buying books! Recent buys: Why She Wrote by the Bonnets at Dawn hosts, Wild Women and the Blues by Denny S. Bryce, and a Kindle Oasis

Recs from Angelina!

Looking for great sex scenes in romance? Look to early Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Theresa Medeiros, Laura Kinsale, Sierra Simone

Angelina, Danielle, and Melonie Johnson host the Boozy Book Broads chat every 3rd Friday of the Month on Love’s Sweet Arrow’s YouTube channel. Some of her favorite chats have been with Rosie Danan, Diana Biller, and Naima Simone.

Coming soon: a new series by Angelina with Carina Press about 3 Mexican American sisters set in a small-town Kansas bar.

Check out http://www.angelinamlopez.com/ for her blog, short stories, and much more! You can follow her on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and sign up for her newsletter.

You can read her books: LUSH MONEY, HATE CRUSH, and SERVING SIN (our pals at Love’s Sweet Arrow have SIGNED copies of all of Angelina’s books right now!!)

 

Goals/Comfort & Joy

 Gwen has been unpacking like crazy and is so close to getting everything done in her new place that she is going to carry this one over for another couple of weeks!

Danielle has been working on her patience and that has been helped by some much-needed distance—plus she is planning on taking a trip to see family soon! This week, Danielle wants to stop drinking coffee and see what happens. Wish her luck!

Gwen’s new couch, the Lovesac Sactional, is bringing her immense joy!

Danielle has simplified her skincare routine and loves the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant.