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SBTB 2026 Summer Romance Bingo

Grab your TBRs and get ready for Summer Solstice on June 21!

Book Review

Just a Highland Fling by Naina Kumar

Just a Highland Fling

This is not a happy book. The cover looks kind of whimsical and the title suggests a fun flirtation. You’d be wrong on both counts. This book is somber. But please, do not let that put you off. It is beautiful as well, in an aching kind of way. Neelu works on a reality TV dating series that’s set in tropical locations. She’s been based in LA since she and her mom moved there when … Continue reading Just a Highland Fling by Naina Kumar

Kickass Women in History: Bridget “Biddy” Mason

While I look for Kickass Women all over the world, I admit to being partial to stories from my home state of California. This month, I want to introduce you to Biddy Mason, a woman who fought successfully for her freedom and went on to purchase land all over Los Angeles, leaving a lasting legacy for her family and community. Bridget “Biddy” Mason was born in Mississippi in 1818. Born into slavery, she was forced … Continue reading Kickass Women in History: Bridget “Biddy” Mason

Books On Sale

Horror, Urban Fantasy, & More

Books on Sale: Anne of a Different Island by Virginia Kantra & More

Anne of  a Different Island by Virginia Kantra is $1.99! This is a standalone with a bit of a meta plot. The heroine, Anne, has always been inspired by Anne of Green Gables. I’m sure if this is a full on romance or if the romance is more of a subplot.

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Friday Videos Love Summer Songs

An image of a VHS cassette with a label that reads FRIDAY VIDEOS Smart Bitches Ep. 21 against a pink crosshatch background

It’s the weekend! Hooray! Which means it’s time for me to go spelunking in the world of vintage internet videos (or new ones, I’m not picky) to find goofy delights to share with you. Today: Summer Songs! It’s the last day of July, which often felt like the midpoint of summer, depending on when school was starting. I’m fascinated by the different start dates of schools in the US. Some don’t start until September while … Continue reading Friday Videos Love Summer Songs

Podcast

729. RT Rewind: March 2009 Ads & Features

Hey, where are you going? Get in the time machine – we want to bring you back to March 2009 to check out the ads & features from Romantic Times Magazine. We’ve got: Snippy letters to the editor! Covers that look like shaving cream ads for women Reading in a recession Folks explaining steampunk! Pop vs. Soda And you’ll find out what words are used in an acrostic of “pandemic.” TW: In the middle you’ll … Continue reading 729. RT Rewind: March 2009 Ads & Features

Book Review

The Bonnet Brigade by Christy Matheson

The Bonnet Brigade

This guest review comes from Lisa! A longtime romance aficionado and frequent commenter to SBTB, Lisa is a queer Latine critic with a sharp tongue and lots of opinions. She frequently reviews at All About Romance and Women Write About Comics, where she’s on staff, and you can catch her at @‌thatbouviergirl on Twitter. There, she shares good reviews, bracing industry opinions and thoughtful commentary when she’s not on her grind looking for the next … Continue reading The Bonnet Brigade by Christy Matheson

I am NOT Getting in the Travel Agency Van: An Oh Hell No Book Pitch

Smart Bitches in a blue typewriter font, and After Dark lit up like hot pink neon

This piece of literary mayhem is exclusive to Smart Bitches After Dark, but fret not. If you’d like to join, we’d love to have you! Have a look at our membership options, and come join the fun! If you want to have a little extra fun, be a little more yourself, and be part of keeping the site open for everyone in the future, we can’t wait to see you in our new subscription-based section … Continue reading I am NOT Getting in the Travel Agency Van: An Oh Hell No Book Pitch

Links: Cat Mail, Cover Art, & More

An illustrated image of a desk space with a computer, stack of books, reading glasses, and a mug.

Welcome back! The summer is always such a blur. It’s just like an amorphous blob of time. Is it Wednesday? It feels like a Friday? I should really answer that email. Can anyone else relate? Also I’m in my second trimester and I’ve been disappointed at the lack of weird pregnancy cravings. Lately, I just get a big burst of hunger right before bed and I creep down to the kitchen to heat up some … Continue reading Links: Cat Mail, Cover Art, & More

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