#personal rambligs

Hey guys I just saw this movie and discovered this website, it’s really cool, if you are learning Spanish or speak Spanish, I totally recommend, they are specialized in non-commercial films from around the world, but especially from South America, and they give you credits to rent films if you recommend and someone sees the movie. Soooo yeah that's what I am doing. 

I discovered this thanks to a Colombian politic comedian and one of my personal heroes who recommended the movie in one of his videos, and it was great. It is a documentary about three social leaders fighting against mining on the mountains and for the rights of the farmers. 

This movie has a special meaning for me because my family is from this region, I even use the term "sumercé" (like the title of the film) in my daily vocabulary, even if it is not a real word, because my grandparents used it all the time. But it also reminds me of what it is important, normally, I see about social causes here in Tumblr or Youtube, and I am like: " wow, it would be good to live in a place where the people has so little problems that this incredibly irrelevant issue is actually a thing"  (this is not about BLM, this is one of the few things I actually think it's very, very important).  

@respectingromance came up with this awesome questionnaire for readers of romance. I’m still pretty new here, this seemed like a really fun way to share a little about myself.

1. How did you get into reading romance? When have I not been into romance? I grew up watching Mexican soap operas with my mom and began to read YA romance novels when I was nine or ten years old. When I was fourteen my mom was so excited about my desire to read novels in Spanish that she dug out her box of old Mexican novels. It was full of novels by Caridad Bravo Adams, she wrote romance in the 50′s and 60′s. My aunt began to sneak me romances written in English when I was about sixteen. I continue to be entertained and amazed by the genre.

2. Preferred subgenre? It really depends on my mood. I enjoy both historical and contemporary. I haven’t read much fantasy.

3. What’s your catnip? I love slow burns and tropes done right. Marriage of convenience? Fake relationship? Secret baby? Yes, please! Also, I’m a sucker for Beauty and the Beast. Now that you know that, get this. I was lucky enough to meet Eloisa James on Saturday and she signed my copy of When Beauty Tamed the Beast. She was amazing!

4. Favorite authors and/or favorite books? Mariana Zapata, Sonali Dev, and Ellen O’Connell get me every time. As for individual books: When Beauty Tamed the Beast by Eloisa James. Because You’re Mine by Lisa Kleypas. Silver Lining by Maggie Osborne. Radiance by Grace Draven. The list could go on and on.

5. Author(s) you think deserve(s) more attention or are underrated? Hands down, Ellen O’Connell. She writes the most amazing Western historical romance. They are realistic, beautifully written, and every story is unique. She writes strong heroines, love them. All of her books are great, but if I had to pick my favorites they would be Dancing on Coals, Without Words, and Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold.

6. Favorite series (or favorite books if you don’t read series)? I’ve recently enjoyed the Wraith Kings series by Grace Draven. The Wallflowers series by Lisa Kleypas will always hold a special place in my heart. I’m sure there are a ton more, but these are the first that came to mind.

7. Do you need to read a series in order or can you dive in anywhere? I prefer to read a series in order, but sometimes pick and choose one or two to read as standalones.

8. How about things you hate in romance novels? What will make you throw a book at a wall? I hate insta-lust and insta-love. I loathe bodice rippers, as in rape disguised as smut. When the hero or heroine was previously with their significant other’s sibling. When the couple has serious issues but they never talk about it because they are too busy having sex. I hate it when the hero is a total jerk but the heroine forgives him because he’s so sexy. I rage if a romance does not have a HEA.

9. What do you want more of in romance novels? I would love to see more characters of color. Deep and well developed characters. Unfortunately, they are few and far between. Often when they do pop up, they are flat and stereotyped. (You can add that last little bit to things I hate in romance.)

10. You’re stranded on a desert island. All of your other needs are met. You can take ONE romance novel with you. Which one do you take? What? No way! It’s impossible to choose. Someone asked me this recently, I came up with a Top 5′ish list for each of my favorite genres and even then it was incomplete.

Bonus question: Romance novel covers – love them or hate them? Honestly? I love some and hate others. :)

Well, here it is. I’ve been toying with the idea of starting a blog for a long time now. Finally did it. I thought I’d get the first post out of the way.

I’m hoping to be fluid with this and just go with the flow. For now, my intention is mostly to post my book reviews. While I read from a variety of genres, I do tend to show a definite preference for romance.