Books are being recast as luxury items, which I believe reveals a larger cultural anxiety about reading.
Catch Her If You Can by Tessa Bailey is $4.99! This is book five in the Big Shots series. It came out in January. Bailey’s romances are always a big release, so if you’re still in line for a library hold, this may be worth the sale price.
This HaBO comes from Chioma, who wants to find this romance: I read this African-American romance novel as a kid, and I am trying to find the title and author. It was likely published between 1995 and 2005. It is a standalone book set in the USA, and the cover was definitely an illustrated style—not a real photo. I vaguely remember it having a rose on it, but I could be wrong about that part. … Continue reading HaBO: Her Parents Were Activists in the 70s
Don’t miss Enemies to Lovers by Alisha Rai, out now wherever books are sold! And special thanks to the sponsor for episode 713, Sotto Voce Scents, fine purveyors of candles inspired by romance novels. My favorite: Scoundrelwood, with notes of sandalwood, tobacco, vanilla and leather conjure the dark and luxurious gaming hells and gentlemen’s clubs where you can find your favourite scoundrels Sotto Voce is offering listeners 15% off their order with the code SMART15 … Continue reading The Transcript for Episode 713 with Alisha Rai is Ready!
A Rogue of My Own by Johanna Lindsey is $1.99! This is book three in the Reid Family series. The hero is a spy who seemingly believes the heroine trapped him into a marriage of convenience.
I love the podcast Mess World, which is a collaboration between Emily Kirkpatrick, who writes I Heart Mess, a newsletter about the worst of celebrity fashion, and Jessica DeFino, who writes Flesh World, which is about the beauty industry. Both take very close and critical looks at fashion and beauty, two subjects that are typically dismissed as unimportant – similar to romance fiction, so you can see why their work is my jam, my coulis, … Continue reading Books as Luxury Items
Welcome back to Cover Snark! From M: Another cut and paste disaster. This guy’s head is not only too small for the rest of him, but someone removed his neck. And what the heck are those red circles? Leftover Christmas ornaments? Sarah: I need the Harley community to weigh in on giant red jingleballs on your handlebars. Seems…unwise. And I cannot stop laughing at this poor man’s pasted on head. My God the indignity. His … Continue reading Cover Snark: Burger King and Bobbleheads
Welcome back! Surprisingly, there’s only one non-fiction title in today’s bunch. There’s also some horror, a retelling, and a new release that harkens back to some animated movie nostalgia. Want to share any good recommendations? Let us know in the comments!
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!
Hey there! It’s April! Here’s what we’re reading right now: Carrie: I’m reading Call Me Traitor by Everina Maxwell – it is SO GOOD. Lara: I’m reading Thistlemarsh by Moorea Corrigan. There is a teeny tiny niche of ‘Fae’ books that I enjoy and I think this book might fall into that niche! So far the writing is just excellent. There’ll be a full review around publication date. Elyse: I’m reading Thistlemarch too! Amanda: I’m … Continue reading Whatcha Reading? April 2026, Part One
Son of the Morning by Akwaeke Emezi is $1.99! This is a paranormal romance with angels and demons. It was mentioned in both Hide Your Wallet and Dahlia’s post on monthly queer romance releases.
