Once upon a time, long, long ago, on an internet both similar and different from the web we browse today, Smart Bitches was born. The site launched on 31 January 2005 with a review for Angel-Seeker by Sharon Shinn and for The Unsung Hero by Suzanne Brockmann, and here we are.
FOURTEEN YEARS LATER.
FOURTEEN! That is a lot.
And yet we have so many books on the TBR, so many thoughts to share about the genre, and so many things to talk about. And so very much absurdly-waxed quiescent man-titty. Can’t forget that.
Thank you for being here, for keeping the site going, and for being part of the Smart Bitches community. We wouldn’t be here without you. It’s no small thing to keep a site thriving for fourteen years, and I try never to take your presence and our existence for granted. Each anniversary is bittersweet, with so many websites shuttering, and the fact that we are still here, and still growing, is a wonderful and deeply affirming thing.
Seriously. Thank you. Thank you for every HaBO email, every request for recommendations, every piece of fan email, and every moment you spend here. I can’t tell you how much it means that you’re with us each day.
So, let’s celebrate!
Each year I try to find items that you might like which fit the traditional or modern anniversary gifts. But the 14th is gold, and ivory. Ivory?! Oh, hecketh no. So I’m mixing it up a little. Literary jewelry!
I have five different bookish, wordy, or otherwise Smart-Bitchy necklaces and a pair of earrings here, and I’m so excited to give them away!
A kate spade gold plated enamel necklace with a miniature pair of glasses!
How cute is that? The chain is 16″/40.6cm, and the necklace weighs 3.61g.
A book terrarium necklace (with an owl because owls are nifty) from Bijoux Malou
A paper rose necklace made from a page of Pride and Prejudice from Artsy Heartsy Boutique
Book End earrings from JezebelCharms
A bar necklace that reads “She is too fond of books and it has turned her brain,” from Jezebel Charms. I have one of these necklaces and I love wearing it – and it receives a lot of compliments, too.
To enter:
Leave a comment and tell us your favorite discovery from here at Smart Bitches. A book? A cover? A story you’d thought you’d imagined but no, it was real? A series? An author to glom and auto-buy? We want to know! Tell us your favorite thing you discovered through SBTB in the comments and you’re entered to win.
Standard disclaimers apply: We are not being compensated for this giveaway. Void where prohibited. Open to international residents where permitted by applicable law. Must be over 18 and ready to help us get our learner’s permit next year. We’ll take it easy on the brakes. You’ll also need to celebrate with us in style by (of course) reading something great. Comments will close at noon ET on Monday 4 February and winners will be announced shortly afterward.
Thank you for being part of Smart Bitches, and thank you for celebrating with us. Happy Anniversary!!
Update: Before we get to the winners, all of us at SBTB just want to say thank you to all of you. Whether you comment or just lurk, we so appreciate your presence and we love being able to give back to everyone.
Now, onto the prizes!
- Kate Spade necklace: flchen1
- Book terrarium: Janiec
- Paper rose necklace: Amanda Carter
- Book End earrings: Susan
- Bar necklace: Jen McKernan
We hope to see you all again to celebrate our 15th year!
It’s so hard to pick just ONE thing that is my favorite–Over the past years (I think I’ve been following for at least 10) I’ve found so many new authors, series and even sub-genres that I don’t think I could even begin to list them.
However, the feature that keeps me coming back, day after day after day, is Books on Sale. Not only do you feature books that are currently on sale, but frequently there are reviews on them as well, from a source that I actually trust. I’ve also been following along long enough that I now know who’s tastes align most closely with my own, and may frequently add something to my TBR based solely on who else has read it.
Thank you for what you do, and I look forward to stalking along for another 14 years.
My favorite discovery is the podcast. The guests are always so interesting, even if the description isn’t something that immediately grabs my attention.
The main thing I’ve found here is a wonderful sense of community. In my late teens, I used to buy paperback romances translated into Norwegian, most of which were absolute rubbish, but some which I fondly remember as very good.
Back in 2008, this was one of the sites I found that proudly recommended romance and I rediscovered the genre, thanks in part to enthusiastic reviews. Now romance probably accounts for about half of what I read every year (probably more if you also include YA, fantasy and sci-fi with strong romantic elements) and I check your site most days. Thank you so much for reintroducing me to a genre that has brought me so much joy over the years
I have introduced so many people to this website through the glory that is Cover Snark.
Also some of the more sarcastic reviews have really made my days. But my current favorite thing is Elyse blogging The Bachelor and Bachelorette. I have to be careful reading it at work because I frequently laugh or snort out loud.
I live for the cover snark. I look forward to seeing what wonders you dig up. I also love the community here. Everyone helps when someone has a question and is super nice.
My two favorite things about SBTB are the cover snark and “Elyse watches the Bachelor”. But I stick around because of the respect & love that the Smart Bitches crew shows romance fans all the time. I can’t remember all the authors that y’all have introduced me to because when y’all say something is good (or crazysauce) that’s good enough for me!
I live for the cover snark. I love seeing what you dig up. I also love the community here. When someone has a question everyone jumps in to help.
This site totally made me change my mind about romance novels, so I suppose my discovery is that I truly love the genre. Tessa Dare’s writing is probably the best thing to happen to me in 2018. I’m excited to dive in more–I’ve got a list a mile long of Dare, Joanna Shupe, Sophie Jordan, Eloisa James, Sarah McLean, Lisa Kleypas, and Kerrigan Byrne (can you say YES! to the crazysauce?!) to read for 2019. Also, I would be remiss to not mention The Orca King. I’ve legit read or shared that review with dozens of friends because it’s a gift to humanity. And seeing as it’s the whole reason I started visiting this site (I feel it prudent to mention here that I didn’t go looking for that review specifically; a friend shared it with me.), I guess you could say that The Orca King is the reason I love romance novels. Wow. Didn’t see that one coming. Anyway, weird orca erotica aside, thank you for existing. I love you guys!
I discovered that cleaning my house seems to go much faster when I listen to the SBTB podcast.
Book wise – introductions to Ruthie Knox, Sarina Bowen and Lindsey Kelk, who have become my favorites. But overall, I’m so grateful for the community you’ve built that is so inviting and brilliant – I learn something new all the time, I feel understood in so many ways, and derive a type of shared security in owning ones passion for romance and reading. It’s like a snarky, feminist, loving, book-toting tribe!
My favorite discovery is Beyond Heaving Bosoms. It gave me a good amount to consider as a writer
It is too difficult to choose one favorite…. Bachelor recap and Cover Snark are tied. I don’t know what would happen without Elyse’s Bachelor recap in my life. I have to be wary of where I read lest I get stares for my constant giggling. Sometimes to the point of tears.
This site is also responsible for heavily adding to my TBR pile. I love that it’s not all romance. Anne Bishop is one author I specifically remember finding via SBTB… The Themis Files… I believe the Illuminae Files as well. I love that it’s not necessarily just romance that is recommended. Books on Sale roundup….I am constantly and repeatedly urging my friends to come to the website. In sum, I heart you gals, Hard!
I have found many, many book recommendations here and a community of fellow romance lovers.
It was discussions on this site and a reply to a reader request I emailed in once (about awesome worldbuilding) that convinced me to give Anne Bishop’s The Others series a shot. It’s now among my top 5 all-time favorite series, one I re-read at least once a year now.
Fourteen years! Congratulations!
I’ve been around for most of those years (not the very beginning, tho), and a regular (daily) reader for about a decade. It took me a long time to go from lurker to commenter since I’m usually not comfortable putting myself out there on the Internet. Now you can’t shut me up! But that speaks to the community that’s been created here.
I’ve learned/discovered so many things here, but one of my favorite features is HABO. It’s just so satisfying when that book that’s been so annoyingly elusive is finally identified. Even when the HABO isn’t solved, some of “wrong” guesses invariably end up in my TBR pile. LOL.
I’ll go with what’s been making my days lately, because there’s just so much to be grateful to SBTB for. I LOVE the bachelor recaps. I don’t watch the show so I’m not sure if I’d get more out of them if I watched, but regardless, they are amazing and I am thankful that the seemingly atrocious show exists, so that I may have my recaps.
I also dearly love cover snark, and most recently discovered author Amanda Bouchet and her Nightchaser book. Gobbled that one up like a parched flower. Thank you THANK YOU for everything.
I discovered Sarah Maclean through your website! And aelixabeth Hoyt! Also, the lady Sherlock series…I could literally go in! I love your Friday emails that tell me what’s on sale!! And Cover Snark is always good for a laugh
I came because of the Smart Bitches name and stayed because of the recommendations and the community. But discovering great deals and A PODCAST(!) has made my year so much better! Happy Anniversary!
I came because of the Smart Bitches name and stayed because of the recommendations and the community. But discovering great deals and A PODCAST(!) has made my year so much better! Happy Anniversary!
Thanks for existing! My favorite discovery is new authors! So many that I don’t think I would otherwise have found. Sarina Bowen? Courtney Milan?
Happy Anniversary!
I’ve been reading since the site’s first year of operation – I’d always been out looking for new romance sites, and I’ve been hanging out here ever since!
Happy Anniversary! I found SBTB by accident in 2006, and rediscovered romance novels! I had not read a romance novel for over 15 years, and this site was a revelation of how much had changed in the romance genre in that time. Since then, SBTB has introduced me to so many great authors and fabulous books. Thank you!!
My most favorite thing about SmartBitches, after the GREAT reviews, is Cover Snark! It is a great confidence booster. After all, there is someone (actually probably several someones–the artist, the author, the editor, and the publisher) out there that makes more stupid, lame-brained choices than me. And that’s saying something!
I have discovered SO MUCH through this site! Podcasts – SBTP was my first and introduced me to so many more. Diverse voices like Beverly Jenkins and Sonali Dev, whose books I might not otherwise have picked up but who show how much we have in common with others of all races and places. That romance contains SO MANY GENRES and that it’s OK to like some things and not others. Reviews that are thoughtful and detailed, that explain why the reviewer felt this way and that YMMV, and are considerate of things that might offend or trigger others. And equally thoughtful comments from a community that cares about each other and can engage in intelligent discussion without judging or throwing tantrums. This is truly a unique space; long may it thrive! Mazel tov!
I eagerly await the podcast on Friday. And I have found so many new to me authors here!
I stumbled on this site looking for new and exciting books to read. I got so much more! I have to say, I laugh my ass off every week when Elyse Watches The Bachelor – it is truly the highlight of my Tuesday morning. I love the community, the cover snark is A+, and everyone here is just awesome. Happy Anniversary!
I have two favorites..SBTB introduced me to Kate Noble’s writing, and Cover Snark, which never fails to make me LOL!
This website is how I discovered Anne Calhoun (I think it was a Liberating Lacey review?), and from there I discovered a whole circle of amazing romance writers.
Because of SBTB and this community, I’m no longer hesitant or embarrassed to say that I love romance novels. Way back when, I could read the words of Candy Tan, the queen of snark, taker of no prisoners.
Because of CarrieS, I found SAGA; thank you, Carrie, for my joy-filled broken heart. Thanks to Elyse, I don’t have to watch OUTLANDER or BACHELOR/ETTE, and have a new appreciation for the life-saving benefits of rum.
And ALL OF YOU, the many familiar names in this community, so many voices, so much respect.
Happy Anniversary, SBTB. Will never forget that I discovered Lucy Parker and her books here. Act Like It is one of my all time favorites list.
I love the recs. I can’t tell you how often I pop on the link over to Amazon. I haven’t been disappointed yet.
I don’t have a particular favorite discovery. I just like discussions about books and reading. I like to hear what books other people are squeeing about, get warnings about books masquerading as Romances, and listen to casual book discussions that might point me to new favorite books.
I discovered the wonderful Courtney Milan’s books through SBTB and I am forever grateful because her books are the best!!!
I bought your book for my friend, sort of as a joke, figured I’d check out the website, and the rest is history filled with an absurd number of new favorite authors, and, of course, Elyse’s Bachelor recaps
Happy Anniversary! There are so many amazing things I’ve found through SBTB. Courtney Milan & Tessa Dare. Amazing gift guides. Cry laughing at Elyse’s Bachelor recaps (I’m no longer allowed to have beverages at the same time as reading them.) The combined joy and fear of reading Hide Hour Wallet. But most of all, a wonderful community & a place where I’m never afraid to read the comments.
Finding out about “Devil in Winter”…and oh heck….the one where he’s awful and she’s come to rescue her brother….and there’s the scene in the shop where they’re looking at the indecent watch. “Lord of Scoundrels”!!
Like minded community would have to be the number one thing. The respect, positivity, and genuine nature of the people brought together here make this an almost daily stop for me. Thanks for creating, currating, and evolving a great space for all of us. (signed primarily lurker of a painfully introverted variety)
Happy Birthday I absolutely adore your Cover Snark series. One always seems to arrive when I am in the need for something funny. I know over the years I have read more than one book that has been recommended, and I trust everyones’ opinion who writes reviews.
I initially came to this site for the book reviews, and of course, that is one reason I keep coming back. Almost all of the new authors I’ve read in the last few years were discovered on this site.
But truly my favorite content here are The Bachelor reviews. They are extremely amusing, and somehow manage to make this atrocious television show seem fascinating.
Last year, I dove back into romancelandia for the first time and found y’all to be the clever, funny, fun tour guides to this awesome genre. I read 290 books last year and probably half of them, at least, were recommendations from this site. Thank you!