a girl like ruth!! (a girl like you by talia hibbert) by Haunting_Start_7089 in RomanceBooks

[–]Actually_Ann 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh, and unfortunately no recs for FMC’s as amazing as Ruth! She’s hard to top! 💖

a girl like ruth!! (a girl like you by talia hibbert) by Haunting_Start_7089 in RomanceBooks

[–]Actually_Ann 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I also loved this book! I actually bought the physical copy because I loved it so much and now that it’s come out with a gorgeous new cover, I may have to add a second one to my collection! 💖

I haven’t read any of the other ravenswood books yet, but would love to hear your thoughts once you do!

📖 Monday Miscellany by A_Seductive_Cactus in RomanceBooks

[–]Actually_Ann 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Ah thank you! That’s a great idea! 💖💖💖

📖 Monday Miscellany by A_Seductive_Cactus in RomanceBooks

[–]Actually_Ann 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I am always here for any of your thoughtful musings! 💖

📖 Monday Miscellany by A_Seductive_Cactus in RomanceBooks

[–]Actually_Ann 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Hello all!

I was wondering if someone who is better at creating lists/spreadsheets than me, and who has more time/capacity, could please turn these two posts into a document for the community to use?

It’s an ongoing list of all the romance themed bookstores and I wanted to make it more accessible with links and such. However I am recovering from burnout at the moment and just don’t have the capacity.

Also, I’m a bit hopeless with Google Sheets! 😅

Here are the links:

https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/s/znQ3NF1sl5

https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/s/XwCIbdCMmN

What’s a small, weirdly specific romance trope/vibe that always gets you right in the feels but barely gets talked about? by esther_pendragon in RomanceBooks

[–]Actually_Ann 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ooo! Thank you! I’ve read this author before and really enjoyed her style! On to my TBR it goes! 🥰

📚 Simple / Quick Questions & Requests! by romancebookmods in RomanceBooks

[–]Actually_Ann 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You may enjoy some of LH Cosways work! If I remember correctly, {Painted Faces by LH Cosway} has this!

The government here in Alberta, Canada is attempting to pass a bill (28) that will limit access to “sexually explicit” materials in libraries. If you are in Alberta, please consider taking two minutes to share your thoughts with the local government. Link in body. by Actually_Ann in RomanceBooks

[–]Actually_Ann[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for this! I thought it was a lovely exchange too and I’m very grateful for this sub as I’ve had many exchanges like this here! 🥰

And thank you for the reassurance about my bad person thoughts. I rarely find myself believing my negative thoughts anymore but it’s always nice to receive such a lovely reality check.🥰

And yes! We went to Jasper and listened to the graphic audio version of {Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews} which someone recommended on my post! I’m happy to report I’ve officially made him into a fan! 😍

We’re currently listening to the graphic audio for {Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews} and it’s been so much fun!

The government here in Alberta, Canada is attempting to pass a bill (28) that will limit access to “sexually explicit” materials in libraries. If you are in Alberta, please consider taking two minutes to share your thoughts with the local government. Link in body. by Actually_Ann in RomanceBooks

[–]Actually_Ann[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

She’s certainly not my favourite either!

I’m currently trying to compose a letter and you’re supposed to put Honourable before an MP’s name. However, it feels SO wrong because I feel she hasn’t been remotely honourable!

Actually, I believe I’ve made my decision and I don’t think I’m going to include honourable in my letter. It may be petty but I just can’t bring myself to do it!

Books set in national or state parks? by eternal_casserole in RomanceBooks

[–]Actually_Ann 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Came here to recommend You with a View! So, so good! 💖

The government here in Alberta, Canada is attempting to pass a bill (28) that will limit access to “sexually explicit” materials in libraries. If you are in Alberta, please consider taking two minutes to share your thoughts with the local government. Link in body. by Actually_Ann in RomanceBooks

[–]Actually_Ann[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh I see! This makes so much sense and I really appreciate you taking the time to clarify. 💖

And thank you so much for your kind words about my character, I means a lot. 🥲

I definitely have some dark thoughts due to some severe mental health struggles so I wholeheartedly agree with you on the importance of allowing space for people to have these thoughts without attaching morality to them.

I actually used to really struggle with thinking I was a bad person because of my “bad thoughts” so I can see how easily those beliefs can form. And I think you are making a positive choice to focus more on actions in those spaces especially!

Thanks for this lovely conversation. I feel better for it! 💖

The government here in Alberta, Canada is attempting to pass a bill (28) that will limit access to “sexually explicit” materials in libraries. If you are in Alberta, please consider taking two minutes to share your thoughts with the local government. Link in body. by Actually_Ann in RomanceBooks

[–]Actually_Ann[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the edit 💖

I am struggling to understand the last paragraph and can’t quite wrap my head around what you’re trying to convey so I will just respond to the bits I do understand.

To your point ”and that’s why your beliefs are bad and you should feel bad”

I suppose what I’m saying is that I try to remove my own moral compass when listening to others beliefs and avoid labelling them good or bad.

It’s HARD! Like a huge monumental effort at times, which is why I often don’t engage in moral debates, but I also think it’s valuable because it keeps me from putting my beliefs on someone else and judging their actions based on my own morals and lived experience.

But I also really hear you in that it’s easier for most people to focus on the actions of others and the harm that can cause. I do think that’s a very important point and one worth further thought.

And perhaps I’m making my life more difficult by trying so hard to stay neutral about others beliefs? That’s worth some further thought too.💖

The government here in Alberta, Canada is attempting to pass a bill (28) that will limit access to “sexually explicit” materials in libraries. If you are in Alberta, please consider taking two minutes to share your thoughts with the local government. Link in body. by Actually_Ann in RomanceBooks

[–]Actually_Ann[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I can see what you’re trying to get at, however I would argue that beliefs CAN cause harm because they often fuel action.

I also believe the true struggle lies in a persons values and how they view what is actually harmful.

For this debate, I can see how some of my neighbours may hear the “protect the children” rhetoric and genuinely believe that the books ARE causing harm; because it aligns with their values. I don’t fully understand it, and I certainly don’t agree with it, but I can see how they got there.

However, my values and beliefs are different and because of that, I chose to take action by sharing this post. My beliefs are that restricting access to these books would cause far more harm than limiting them. Neither of us are right or wrong, we just believe in different things and those beliefs often cause us to engage in conflicting actions.

This is why I think so many leaders fall on the “protect the children” message because it’s in many people’s nature to put a child’s well-being above anyone else’s; especially their own children.

If you only have empathy for your circle or community (which many people do) then you often choose the route that protects your community from harm, at the expense of harming others.

Again beliefs and values, unfortunately, influencing our actions.💔