There are many reasons that I choose not to finish a book and then subsequently am compelled to write about the experience in a review. Sometimes it is irritation or anger or frustration. Sometimes, like now, it’s because I’ve stumbled across a book that will be someone’s catnip; it’s just not my catnip. I can’t force myself through the rest of the story, but I’m desperate for Thistlemarsh to find its readers. So much so … Continue reading Thistlemarsh by Moorea Corrigan →

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Dreadful by Caitlin Rozakis Amazon | B&N | Kobo
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Carrie: Fellow Smart Bitch Shana has been trying to get me to go with her on the JoCo Cruise for years, and she finally succeeded. I joined Shana and two other roommates (Heather and John) on JoCo Cruise 2026 and I honestly don’t think I’ve ever experienced anything quite like it. JoCo Cruise is named after its founder, Jonathan Coulton. Coulton is a singer-songwriter who is best known for his songs that are science fiction/fantasy … Continue reading We Miss Boat: Reading and Connecting on the JoCo Cruise →
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! →

Book Beat aims to highlight other books that we may hear about through friends, social media, or other sources. We could see a gorgeous ad! Or find a new-to-us author on a list of underrated romances! Think of Book Beat as Teen Beat or Tiger Beat, but for books. And no staples to open to get the fold-out poster.

A Conspiracy in Belgravia by Sherry Thomas is $1.99! This is book two in the Lady Sherlock series, so if you’re looking to collect the series digitally, grab this one while you can.
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Some of you may remember this video, but back in 2010, I made a video at RWA National trying to capture the size and scope of the giant literacy signing. It was massive, y’all. Thousands of people in a giant ballroom, tables in lines stretching into the distance, balloons and prize baskets and swag, and so many books. This was the first video I made. You’ll notice that my cell phone footage is terrible but, well, … Continue reading Friday Videos Miss the Literacy Signing at RWA →

When you subscribed to this podcast, I bet you thought, “When is Sarah going to interview an expert on theoretical physics ?” Today is your day! My guest is Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein author of the book The Edge of Space-Time: Particles, Poetry, and the Cosmic Dream Boogie. And if you’re thinking, I was really bad at physics – don’t worry, so was I. I found this book to be both incredibly engaging and just the … Continue reading 714. The Edge of Space-Time with Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein →

Totally and Completely Fine by Elissa Sussman is $1.99! This released over the summer. Sussman’s books have been recommended in the comments. Do you have a favorite?
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This Rec League request is brought to you, selfishly, by me! I want mafia romances but in a fantasy or sci-fi setting. GET ME OFF THIS PLANET. Elyse: Oh. Now I want that too. Shana: Taken to Kor by Elizabeth Stephens has space pirates. I’m not sure if that counts. It’s a dark romance. I’m not sure how well it would work as a standalone. Susan: Hana Maruko’s Love Gamble With the Mafia is sort-of … Continue reading The Rec League: Fantasy and Sci-Fi Mafia Romances →

TW/CW: The following post contains discussion of medical procedure, medical anxiety, and chronic illness. I just finished Private Arrangements by Sherry Thomas and it is easily an A+ book. The book took me by the hand and led me through some of the scariest days in my recent life. For the moments that I was reading that book, my external world, hell, even my internal world, was reshaped and replaced by a book so all-consuming … Continue reading This Started as a Review and Turned into Something Else… →