**CW/TC: We talk about depression, self harm, and dark thoughts. Please only listen if you have the mental space to do so. Take care of yourself.

A common theme that has come up during reader interviews is the shift that happened during COVID. How reading romance became a new strategy to help with people's mental state. I share some of my own mental health journey, how reading has brought me comfort for decades.

For full show notes, head to: www.jaycereadsromance.com/podcast/mentalhealth

This started off as such a light and fluffy episode. And that’s mainly what romance is, but right now it’s under threat. It can feel like we have no power, but we do.

There will be spoilers!

I bring my friend Caitlin on the podcast to talk about That Prince is Mine by Jayci Lee. It's a stand-alone book with secret prince. That's the plot point that sold me.

**This is my spoiler alert.**

Check the notes for all the books I read in case you don’t want one of them spoiled.

Thanks!

We chat with indie bookstore employee and avid romance reader, Addy. What is it like working in the indie bookstore space. What are they seeing in regards to romance from both the retail side and publishing side. We also mention A LOT of books.

A we grow as a community, we need spaces we can come together as a community. I am so thrilled to bring some extra podcast love to Substack. Instead of a blog on my website, I’m creating a newsletter. I’m also building a membership space for listers who want a little bit extra.

I can’t wait to see you there!

Loved getting to interview Bookishly Haley. We met via Instagram, but live close enough that we have gotten to meet and hug in person. This bookish space is growing and changing, it’s exciting and thrilling to be here, and it can also bring up a lot of pressure. We chat about championing indie authors and finding your crew.