Reviews, Quotes and Press
Love Romance Passion Review
“English/Lit grad students working with romance novels: Smart Bitches just pwned your thesis. Scrap what you got and start over. Think I’m kidding? Ignore my advice and you will Not Pass Go and Collect $200 you’ll just go straight to FAIL…..
My second thought another two chapters down the road was… SBTB has written the ultimate end all be all guide for romances. You won’t be able to talk about romance again without using this book because they’ve covered it all: lead types, plot tropes, standard clichés, wtf moments, sex, and HEAs. “
Read the full review on Love, Romance, Passion!
Double bonus awesome points for use of “pwnd” and “FAIL” in a review that was positive! Five stars? We are most flattered - thank you!
“I now must rain curses down upon your heads, for I not only put aside the perfectly decent book I was reading to dive right in to your delightfully wicked tome, I stayed up way past my bedtime because I couldn’t bear to put it down until I had finished. It’s everything I love about your site, all in one convenient, portable package.”
Billie Bloebaum, Powell's, Portland Airport
“A high-octane, hilarious and revelatory look at the romance genre… Sarah and Candy are the undisputed experts on a subject they treat with affection, honesty, and scorching wit even as they skewer pretensions and prejudices. If you want to understand romance and why women love it, this sparkling book is required reading. It’s too much fun to be missed!”
New York Times bestselling author Lisa Kleypas
“Funny, irreverent, insightful and thorough, this guide zeros in on the joys and the woes of the Romance genre. Like a pair of strong heroines, Sarah and Lay Ping celebrate the virtues of their beloved, and recognize the flaws. They give the genre a passionate kiss and a kick in the ass, delivering both in delightful, readable style.”
New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts
Book a Week with Jen
“Imagine how lucky I got with Beyond Heaving Bosoms: The Smart Bitches' Guide to Romance Novels (pub date April 14) by Sarah Wendell and Candy Tan — luckier still because the book is everything I hoped it would be. It's a history and overview of the romance novel industry written by the women behind www.smartbitchestrashybooks.com.
The book covers e v e r y t h i n g from the old stereotypes of readers that no longer apply (the cat lady/fanny pack drawings are priceless) to genres within the genre to what the heck is up with all those Fabio covers. It's also incredibly funny…”
Read the full review on Book a Week with Jen!
Our first review. And verily we say unto Jen and unto thee: SQUEEEEEE! Thanks, Jen!
“I love the Smart Bitches. They look at romance with clear but loving eyes, they point out all that’s ridiculous and annoying while showcasing all that’s good and valuable, and they do it with wit, style, intelligence, and snark.”
New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Crusie
“I read your book, and I’m cussing a lot more. And saying ‘Dude’ all the time.”
Kelly Bowen, Publicity Department, Simon and Schuster
“A guide to the most popular—and maligned—fiction genre, this hilariously sarcastic but always affectionate study of romance novels is perfect for hardcore fans and dabblers alike.”
Back Cover Copy Written by Someone Who Is Awesome
