Ep 261: The Second Gen Romance Book Boom

July 20, 2025July 21, 2025 Becky

This week on Buzzing About Romance, we’re diving into the world of second-generation romances and the wild, wonderful trope we call “soap opera aging.” You know the one—where toddlers in book two are suddenly swoony heroes or heroines by book five. We’re talking about time jumps, legacy love stories, and what happens when the next generation takes center stage. Do we love it? Do we cringe a little? Let’s unpack the drama, the tropes, and the romantic payoffs of growing up fast in the romance world.

Discussion Points:

When does a second-generation romance feel too much like a rerun of the parents’ story?
Soap Opera Effect
Can you just jump into Second Gen
What are the biggest challenges authors face when writing second-gen romances?
What makes a second-gen romance work?

Book of the Week:

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Books Mentioned in this Episode:

Adair Legacy Series by KL Donn
Linear Tactical: Oak Creek by Janie Crouch
Masters and Mercenaries Reloaded by Lexi Blake
Until Him/Her by ARR
Triple Canopy by Riley Edwards
SWAT 2.0 by Lani Lynn Vale
The Wolves (next generation)/Ward Sisters by Karla Sorensen
Dickson University #1 by Max Monroe

Cora Reilly –> Sins of the Father’s

Eva Winners