Get Rec’d with Amanda – Volume 102
Welcome back! This time around, we have a romance and three non-fiction options. All of the non-fiction titles are quite different too! Get any good recommendations lately? Drop them in the comments!
Featured
Holiday Gift Guide 2025: White Elephant, Secret Santa, and Yankee Trader Gifts
You know those $10- or $20-or-less gift exchanges? We've got suggestions. So does Elvis.
Sunday Sale Digest!
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 Sunday Sale Digest!
Whatcha Reading? November 2025, Part One
Welcome back to Whatcha Reading! Here’s what we’re reading right now: Sarah: I’m reading the end of Mate and I am both engaged with the story and infuriated by it. I’m also reading a book about magic and writing. Pam Grossman’s Magic Maker: The Enchanted Path to Creativity. I dislike the cover but the writing is warm and supportive in a way I appreciate. I love books about writing that are informative and unique but … Continue reading Whatcha Reading? November 2025, Part One
Oh, Hey, Server Upgrade
The server got a whole makeover and I need to test some things, including new posts. Hi!!! So, uh, what was for dinner? We had Korean takeout and my cat has now discovered that bulgogi is the only thing he wants to eat for the rest of his furry life. oh no..
Books On Sale
Romantic Suspense, Caroline Linden, & More
The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson is $1.99! I mentioned this on Hide Your Wallet when it released earlier this year. I’ve heard nothing but good things from those who have read it. Did you pick this one up?
Podcast
691. Romantic Times Memories with Heather Graham
After mentioning Heather Graham, one of the Grande Dames of RT, so many times while recapping issues of Romantic Times, I got to sit down with her to talk about her career, the way the industry has changed, and of course, her memories of Romantic Times, both the magazine and the convention. We talk about… Her memories of meeting Kathryn Falk The earliest Romantic Times Conventions Her incredible RT parties The work of hosting conferences. … Continue reading 691. Romantic Times Memories with Heather Graham
Books On Sale
Historical Romance, Fantasy Romance, & More
Ready or Not by Cara Bastone is $1.99! Bastone’s contemporaries come highly recommended by those who have read them. I loved her newest one, Promise Me Sunshine. Thanks to everyone who let us know about this sale.
Book Review
Gold Coast Dilemma by Nana Malone
Gold Coast Dilemma is at its best when unpacking the culture, food, and family dynamics of a well-to-do Ghanaian-American family and the life of the central character, Ofosua. It is at its most infuriating when the characters face macro and micro-aggressions regarding race, gender, and mental health. And it’s least convincing when selling the actual romance between Ofosua and Cole. This romance is told from both Ofosua’s and Cole’s point of view, but Ofosua’s is … Continue reading Gold Coast Dilemma by Nana Malone
Links: House Tours, Teen Vogue, & More
Happy Wednesday! We’ve reached November. How did we get here? Did October blink by for anyone else? The approach to the holiday seasons always put me into a kind of funk. I’m trying to focus on coziness, reading, soups – all good self-care things to fight against the fact that it gets so dark, so early now in New England. Truly the worst part of the winter seasons for me. Do you have any saving … Continue reading Links: House Tours, Teen Vogue, & More
Books On Sale
Some KDDs, Julie Anne Long, & More
The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce is $1.99 and a Kindle Daily Deal! This is a standalone romance and was mentioned on a previous Hide Your Wallet. Have you read it?
