Why Sports Romance Is Booming: Bella North on Oakwood Ranch, Spice Levels and Pen Names

In this episode of Quick Book Reviews, Philippa is joined by Bella North to talk about her Oakwood Ranch series, beginning with Score to Settle.

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 sports romance, writing under multiple pen names, the rise of spicy fiction, and why readers are falling in love with the Oakwood Ranch books.

Philippa also shares reviews and first impressions of several recent reads, including a brilliant new crime novel from Simon Mason, thoughts on The 10:12 by Anna Maloney, and an early look at The Heir Apparent by Rebecca Armitage.

In this episode:

• Bella North on the inspiration behind the Oakwood Ranch series
• Why sports romance is having such a major moment
• Writing romance after psychological thrillers
• The pros and cons of publishing under different pen names
• How much sport is really in a sports romance novel
• Spice levels in fiction and why they are so subjective
• Why romance readers are such a passionate and supportive community
• Bella’s ideal writing retreat — and her nightmare writing scenario
• The reality of balancing events, deadlines and creative energy

Books discussed as reviews and in the interview:

• Score to Settle – Bella North
• Game Over – Bella North
• Playing for Keeps – Bella North
• The Dangerous Stranger – Simon Mason
• The 10:12 – Anna Maloney
• The Heir Apparent – Rebecca Armitage
• The Nanny – Heather Burnside
• The Bridge Kingdom series – Danielle L. Jensen

What to expect

This is a conversation about:

• romance tropes
• enemies-to-lovers
• friends-to-lovers
• escapist fiction
• commercial fiction
• writing fast-paced books
• author events
• and, of course, biscuits

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.

Biscuit chat alert

Bella reveals her writing biscuit of choice — the chocolate Hobnob — and there is serious debate about whether the Marks & Spencer version might be even better.

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Get in touch

Philippa loves hearing from listeners. Contact details:

Email: quickbookreviews@outlook.com

Instagram & Threads: @quick_book_reviews

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