We use a bit of jargon, some inside jokes we may or may not admit to the age of, and other terms which may not be familiar to all. If you find something we’ve missed that needs to be added, please contact us.

Adams – also The Adams, My Adam, etc.  Ashley and Nikki are both married to men named Adam.  It happened.  It’s slightly awkward at times, and we roll with it.  When we refer to Adam (unless it’s a character in a book, which we will call out), we are referring to one of our husbands, and we’ll make it clear whose.  While they are similar, they’re also very different, but both bearded.

Dead Tree – Nikki’s Adam lovingly coined the term “Dead Tree” to refer to a physical/print book rather than an e-book.  You’ll see us use this term instead of paper back, hard back, or print version quite frequently.  

Types of Romance Novels

Romance Novel – Romance is a specific genre.  While there is a wide range within the genre (see below), each novel within this genre focuses on the characters falling in love and beginning their happily ever after (HEA).  

Chaste Romance Novel – In a Chaste Romance Novel, there will be kissing and little to no more.  While this isn’t romance, I’ll use Tamora Pierce’s Song of the Lioness Quartet to give an example.  There were some kissing scenes in the later books of the quartet.  Each kiss has a one sentence lead in (usually action – leaning in, etc.), a kiss, and a one sentence wrap up (generally related to feelings).  Characters did have intimate relationships described by them “going to bed together” or “being lovers,” but nothing more.  

Closed-Door Romance Novel – Closed-Door Romance Novels include most of the action happening behind a closed door.  There may be an intimate scene or two, but it will be minimal.  

Open-Door Romance Novel – See also TRN (Trashy Romance Novel) – Open-Door Romance Novels include descriptions of intimate “bedroom” scenes.

TRN – Trashy Romance Novel – This is a Romance novel which is “open door” meaning intimate scenes are more explicit, more detailed, and more numerous (at least that’s our hope for a TRN).  If you’re looking for “closed door” or “chaste”, then it’s not a TRN, but may still find its way here. Generally a TRN has a specific kind of cover, which Nikki’s Adam calls a “Fabio Cover.”  He may also sometimes ask if a book has an alternative Fabio Cover (is that even a thing?).  

Erotica – Allow us to clear up some confusion on this label.  Erotica is not a romance genre because it does not focus on the falling in love process of two main characters with a happily ever after at the end. This genre of book follows one character’s sexual journey, includes detailed descriptions of sexual acts, and does not necessarily include a happily ever after for the main character – but can include a hopeful ending or acceptace of themselves/their journey.

Bookish Acronyms and Terms of Note

DNF – Did Not Finish – This may or may not be a judgement call on a book (we’ll be clear).  It could mean the story was not to our taste, the editing was bad, or it was just the wrong time for one (or both) of us to pick up that book.  We’ve DNFed books because we couldn’t do another book on that topic right now and because we didn’t like any of the characters and were only in it for the scenery.  There are too many amazing books to keep going with a book that isn’t for you, so DNF it if that’s the case! And don’t feel guilty about it! (We both DNFed A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole sometime in college and has never regretted it for one minute. Ashley has regretted the time wasted trying to slog through a book that has been hyped as a quintessential New Orleans novel that did not remotely resemble the New Orleans she loves.)

TBR – To Be Read – In reference to the ever-growing, inevitable list of books all bookish persons create, either physically, digitally, or mentally (or all 3, in multiple iterations!). It includes books we intend to read soon, want to read at some point in the future, and ‘should’ read because of its cultural significance. Ashley and Nikki have digital TBRs on Amazon, Goodreads, and Overdrive filled with good intentions. It makes Nikki happy to have a list that is ever-growing, whereas Ashley views it as an insurmountable challenge that creates no little bit of anxiety at times.

HEA – Happily Ever After – Yes, just like when your favorite Disney princess rides off into the sunset at the end of the movie.  

Websites/Apps

Overdrive – Overdrive is a website and app used by some libraries.  Some libraries combine with others to have access to a larger selection of e-books, audiobooks, and videos.  It is Nikki’s favorite library app (both in a web browser and on kindle) and most (not all) of the e-books are available in Kindle and ePub (Overdrive’s reader) versions.

Libby – Libby is a newer library app that is connected with Overdrive.  The collections, limits, and accounts are the same and are linked but the user experience is very different.  

Hoopla – Hoopla is a website and app used by some libraries.  The collection is separate from Overdrive/Libby so a reader may have access to some titles on one app or the other (or both), and some titles may have holds on one app and be ready to borrow on another.