Happy 18th Anniversary, Smart Bitches!

The Ladies, including the newest lady, who has a blue polka dot dress and glasses and is blackEighteen years ago, on 31 January 2005, Smart Bitches began.

The site launched with a review for Angel-Seeker by Sharon Shinn and for The Unsung Hero by Suzanne Brockmann.

Zero plans and strategy beyond, “Let’s talk about romance fiction critically and enthusiastically,” and holy cow.

We’re still here.

Literally, every year when I file the annual reports and taxes and all that business business, I look around my office and think, “Yup, still here.” Still talking about romance, still enthusiastic, still interacting with readers around the world.

Thank you. The site wouldn’t be here without you. Our community is welcoming new readers, helping people find the books they want to read, and thriving as a warm and wonderful collection of humans from all over the globe.

In a time when media is contracting, when sites are folding or having their entire staff laid off by the conglomerate that bought them, that we are chugging along is astonishing and I don’t take that for granted.

Thank you for hanging out with us, for telling us about all the books you’ve read and liked, and about the books you’ve read and didn’t like. Thank you for supporting our work and telling us jokes, for emailing us exquisite cover art, and for being part of our community.

As I always do, I took a look at the traditional and modern anniversary gifts for the 18th year, and this year, both modern and traditional gifts are porcelain

NO PROBLEM. I don’t know who or what source provides these anniversary gift lists, but porcelain is no problem, because it’s January, and Hot Beverages like tea, hot chocolate, and coffee are often served in porcelain.

We’re giving away gorgeous teacups and saucers to celebrate! 

There’s this gorgeous hibiscus set with a cup, saucer, and spoon:

A pink teacup shaped to look like a hibiscus flower with a green leaf saucer and a tiny green leaf shaped spoon

and this adorable set that looks like a HANDBAG, omgosh:

A red porcelain mug shaped like a red handbag with gold detail and handles, on top of a rectangular saucer that looks like a bag, with a gold spoon

And this set includes an infuser for loose tea, and the infuser can rest on the lid while you sip – so clever and beautiful:

A black teacup with a gold filigree pattern on the outside, with a lid, an infuser that sits inside the teacup, and a saucer beneath

Plus, Amanda sent me a link to this absolutely incredible shop, Miss Havisham’s Curiosities, and I was doomed, I tell you. Doomed.

How about a Villainess teacup and saucer?

A deep red teacup and saucer with gold filigree accents and the word VILLAINESS written on the inside edge of the teacup

So, want to win one?

Just comment below and share one of your favorite Smart Bitches memories.

A book you discovered here that you adore?
A cover snark that you re-read and then snort-laugh?
A HaBO you solved or a HaBO you sought?

What post or moment do you think of when you think of Smart Bitches? Tell us one of your favorite Smart Bitches moments 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 sip beverages and read books. Not responsible for increased consumption of tea or hot chocolate, or the increased collection of teas, chocolates, and coffees. Comments will close at noon ET on Sunday 5 February 2022 and winners will be announced shortly afterward.

Thank you for being part of Smart Bitches, and thank you for celebrating with us. Happy Anniversary!! 

Winner update: Congratulations to the following commenters:

Be sure to check your inboxes! As always, thank you all for another year of SBTB shenanigans.

 

Comments are Closed

  1. Holly says:

    SBTB became my friend when I was stationed overseas, deployed or located near posts with few book resources. I’ve been reading since about 2006/7. I found my tribe through this site and felt less alone in my reading tastes. I remember one post where the questions was – read Nalini Singh or Ilona Andreas when they had books releasing at the same time – now they are autobuys for me. I discovered M/M books through the site and many other sub-genres. My love of romance has only expanded over the years. I have over 4K ebooks and a couple hundred paperbacks and at least 1/3 of them are due to recommendations from SBTB.

  2. MangoPudding says:

    A friend read me an F+ review over decade ago, and just sent the review for “Blitzen’s Fated Mate” to a friend this weekend. This site gave me the push to try romance of the non-crazypants variety, and am so grateful for you all introducing me to T. Kingfisher and Cat Sebastian (and I’m going to be picking up some KJ Charles based on these comments!). I’m sure I’ll remember ten others as soon as I post this. I pull up Cover Snark and Elyse roasting Bachelors when I’m having a bad day.

    Thanks for the laughs and the recommendations, and happy anniversary!

  3. Karin says:

    I don’t remember how long I’ve been, but I’m thinking over a decade? I discovered Loretta Chase, Beverly Jenkins, Rose Lerner, C.S. Harris, and dozens more. The book(s) I’ve recommended the most since finding out about it here: Murderbot.

  4. Happy 18th anniversary!! I think I found you guys through a cover snark post and stayed for all the other good stuff 😀 I think the most recent book I picked up because of SBTB was an Olivia Dade and I finally picked up Bet Me 😀 Also love listening to the podcast while I’m cleaning! It’s the only way I get housework done LOL

  5. lisa says:

    My fave is discovering Lucy Parker!

  6. Nancy C says:

    I have no clue how long I’ve been hanging out here, but I’m sure it’s been over a decade. I’ve found so many books and authors because of SBTB: Lucy Parker, Cate C. Wells, Lisa Kleypas, and many, many more. Thank you for all that you have done and will do for the romance community!

  7. Janine says:

    Act Like It by Lucy Parker is my absolute favorite book I have found on this site. I don’t reread much and I have gone back to it many times.

    Speaking more broadly, I am so impressed that SBTB has continued so long at such high quality. Although specific features and voices have come and gone, the spirit of SBTB persists. What a rarity, on the Internet and overall!

  8. Karen H near Tampa says:

    I just want to say “Happy Anniversary!” While I wasn’t here at the very beginning, I found found you pretty quickly (Candy was still very much involved and I think still in school) and went back and read all of the posts I’d missed so I think that kind of counts as being at the beginning.
    It’s always interesting and usually (except when the news is sad or you’re exposing another asshole move) a joy to read the posts and I also adore the comments section. I feel like we’re all good acquaintances, if not friends.

    Again, Happy Anniversary and here’s to many more (if you’re up for it, that is). (And I don’t need a prize but thanks for the offer.)

  9. Dreamingintrees says:

    So many wonderful authors found through this site! KJ Charles, Lucy Parker, Courtney Milan, and more. This site is a treasure.

  10. Kareni says:

    But wasn’t it your 13th anniversary just a minute ago?! Happy 18th anniversary, Sarah, and many thanks to you, all the reviewers, and the many commenters who make this such a wonderfully vibrant community.

    I did once solve a HABO which made me very happy.

    And best wishes, FashionablyEvil, to you and your baby!

  11. Varian Ross says:

    I no longer remember how I found SBTB over a decade ago, but I’ve found so many new books and authors through you all.

    The podcast helped me through many shifts at my awful factory job, and now you’re helping me through daily walks and a baby blanket that feels like it will never end.

  12. Malin says:

    Happy Anniversary! I’ve been visiting this site for so many years, I don’t even remember when I first started. I think it may have been as far back as 2007-2008. Authors I’ve discovered through this site, many of whom are now auto-buy and even pre-order authors for me – Courtney Milan, Lucy Parker, Cat Sebastian, KJ Charles and probably many more I don’t remember right now.

  13. Megan says:

    I cannot even try to name all the authors and titles I have discovered through this site and the podcast! THANK YOU SO MUCH for helping me rediscover my love of romance and inspiring me to not be ashamed of it!

  14. BookFrog says:

    I found you through a FB post, and it was eye opening to find a group of like minded people. I had worked for years in brick and morter bookshops and it was exhausting being one of the only people who enjoyed romance novels on staff, so I tended not to discuss it. You helped me discover that I didn’t have to apologize for it, and could continue to love it so much. I love cover snark, and am a dedicated follower of the Bachelor/Bachelorette recaps, because I can’t handle the shows, but I love Elyse’s recaps. You have made a huge difference in my life, making me feel much more seen and accepted.

  15. Kate says:

    Happy Anniversary, SBTB! I found my first romance novel through this site (Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase), which cemented a love of romance that has lasted through the years. Reviews of Tessa Dare’s Castles Ever After and Spindle Cove series also brought those books into my life at exactly the moment I needed them – they truly were a bright spot in a time when I was deeply depressed, anxious, and unfocused. Cheers to many more years!

  16. Jules says:

    I found your site back in 2007 or 2008 after googling author Laura Kinsale. One of the first things that came up in my search was Candy’s lightening reviews of Kinsale’s novels. I had just found my much loved copy of Flowers from the Storm (Fabio cover and all!) in a box in my parent’s basement. For some reason I had never read any of her other books – clearly a major oversight on my part. I have been a loyal SBTB reader and very occasional commentator ever since.

    Congratulations on 18 years!

  17. Johanna McCollaum says:

    I just love the cover snark feature. Everything about it.

  18. Elizabeth-C says:

    I remember reading about Cassie Edwards and then fundraising for black footed ferrets. I started reading before then, but that is my first real memory of the site.

  19. Emily S. says:

    How to pick just one! This site is how I discovered sooooo many books, it’s hard to keep track. I think it’s where I found Charlie Adhara’s Big Bad Wolf series, Maria Vale’s unique wolf series, possibly introduced me to Kate Daniels? Oof the hours I’ve spent reading Ilona Andrews since then. I have a very specific and important memory of SBTM bringing me to the Psy-Changeling series. I’d seen the books around, wasn’t sure if I wanted to start at the beginning given how old the series is, but then I read a 2021 piece on the fundamental importance of empathy in the world of the books and in the characters’ development, and I jumped right in!

  20. Saryta says:

    Congrats on 18 glorious years. I’ve only been with you a few years, and can’t recall how I got here, but I’ve read and loved so many of your recommendations. Nalini Singh’s ‘Archangel’ and ‘Psy Changeling’ series come to mind, but I’ve been turned on to soooo many authors and books thanks to you. I’ve loved Elyse’s review of The Bachelor, a show I’d never watch, but absolutely love, and snort laugh through, the recaps. You guys bring me joy, thank you!!!

  21. Heather M says:

    When I was in my mid-twenties I had a boring night job at a very quiet school library. A friend of mine used to post your reviews on social media, and finding the site kept me busy and awake 😀 I had never been a romance reader, but like a lot of people have commented, you introduced me to Courtney Milan, who became my gateway drug.

    Honestly my favorite moments have been the times I was fortunate enough to do a few guest posts. Being able to share things I loved with one of my favorite communities will always be a highlight for me. At this point in my life I’ve pretty much stopped writing fiction…hell, there have been some times when I thought I’d end up stopping *reading* fiction, but still the wonderful, warm, funny people here make this a rare bright spot on the internet.

    Cheers, and here’s to many more.

  22. ReaderMer says:

    Happy Anniversary, SBTB! Wow, the teacup sets are stupendous. Also big Congrats to @FashionablyEvil. What a reader and fan!
    I remember distinctly that my first Vivid experience of the Bitchery was a Cover Snark at which I laughed until tears came. Seriously.
    Re authors, so many! Such happiness! I am going to shout out Celia Lake and her complicated indie universe of Albion. Comfort and enjoyment many days of the week. Also: Jasmine Guillory, T. Kingfisher, and too many others to count.
    Many Happy Returns of the day!

  23. Sue says:

    What book reminds me the most about SBTB? 100000%, it is PREGNESIA. Effing. Gold.

    I will say, other than the book reviews, the thing I love the most about SBTB is the timely journalism! I know it’s got an editorial voice, but when big news hits in Romancelandia and book publishing to a lesser extent (eg, RT conference ending! the RWA implosion! White footed ferret plagiarism!), I come to SBTB to read all about it, and get some links.

    Also: I first learned the word “mantitty” here.

    Long may she reign, SBTB!

  24. Mary Rose Valentine says:

    Bec Mcmaster’s *Kiss of Steel* was an impulse KDD buy for me—since then, I have bought and read the entire series and sequel series. My favorite part, though, is that I just got my mom (who told me about SBTB) to start. She’s only on book 1, but looking forward, we have 10 books and 2 novellas to squee over together. I can’t wait. Thanks, SBTB!

  25. Nancy Levine says:

    So many books recommendations on books I’ve read that are now my favorites, I lost count. I love your reviews!

  26. Nancy Levine says:

    Oh and congrats on your anniversary!

  27. Amy says:

    I love the the SBs uncovered a black-footed ferret plagiarism scandal. And I liked when the person who solved a HABO got a title.

  28. Merle says:

    Happy Anniversary Smart Bitches! Don’t remember when I found the site, but I’ve visited daily for years, enjoying the reviews, Cover Snark, and the community. I’ve recommended this site to so many people, and I always mention not only the helpful reviews, but also the thoughtful discussions and the way the community works for values of diversity and inclusion (and against racism, colonialist thinking, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, etcetera). Thanks for introducing me to Murderbot and T. Kingfisher, among many others.

  29. ReneeG says:

    Happy Anniversary Bitches!

    Gorgeous cups!

    So many authors from your and my fellow bitches fill my Kindle. I also knew one HABO and asked my own HABO (which was fun).

    I love this site and how welcoming it is. Definitely one of the best things on the internet (after Cat videos)!

  30. Moriah says:

    I discovered MacKenzie Lee’s trilogy featuring the Montague siblings

  31. DeborahT says:

    Happy anniversary and congratulations! Thanks to all the staff and contributers who keep this site fun and welcoming. It’s my first visit when I sit down to relax every night.

    The F+ reviews have always been my favourite part of the site. I’ve discovered so many authors – I couldn’t pick just one.

    Special wave to Pudding who reminds me so much of a cat I loved for 19 years.

  32. Y says:

    So thankful for SBTB! So many great recommendations and fun posts that brighten my day. I’ve lost track of how many authors I’ve discovered for the first time through this site. Such a great community.

  33. Meeting Sarah at conferences and knowing there’s a kindred spirit out there is definitely a highlight

  34. JB Hunt says:

    Gosh, you fabulous Smart Bitches have introduced me to so many wonderful writers, including Lucy Parker, Alyssa Cole, Alisha Rai, Penny Reid, Talia Hibbert, Cat Sebastian, Amanda Bouchet, Casey McQuiston, Ilona Andrews, Freya Marske, Rachel Reid, GA Aiken … the list goes on.

    Thank you for many hours of joyful reading.

    Also, I love the Rec League!

  35. Kirsten says:

    I started reading SBTB before I started reading romance novels! I started reading the site sometime in college (so…2010?), before it had dawned on me that there were entire books dedicated to romance rather than me having to just search out the romantic elements in fantasy. Once I finally got a clue, the reviews led me to some of my favorite authors. And I’ll never forget the amazing book suggestions that I got from Sarah when I was working at an English for Speakers of Other Languages school for adults and noticed that many of our students would probably like to read romance too!

  36. Kristina says:

    I was new to romance when I found Smart Bitches – I’ve discovered too many books to list but some of my favorites are from Christina Lauren. I also love listening to the podcast each week. Thank you!

  37. ET says:

    Happy anniversary!!! This community got me started with romance in 2020 and has brought me so much happiness! Some of my now favorite reads and authors have been found here – the T Kingfisher Paladin books, the Penric and Desdemona series, Alexis Hall, Cat Sebastian. The list is long! This is probably my favorite place in the whole wide web.

  38. Melanie says:

    A colleague pointed me to SBTB early in 2008, very soon after I started reading romance. I’ve been a daily visitor ever since. I don’t even know how many authors I first learned about here, because there are so many. Happy anniversary!

  39. Melissa says:

    Came for the cover snark, but stayed for the wonderful, welcoming community. As others have said, I have found many new authors here,( Martha Wells, T. Kingfisher, etc) and I look forward to finding many more! Happy Anniversary!

  40. TaraR says:

    I think I discovered both Julie James and Courtney Milan’s books through the blog, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg really. I remember reading Lois McMaster Bujold for the first time due to recommendations in the comments here. More recently I read and loved Talia Hibbert’s books. If I keep thinking, the list grows prodigious. I cannot imagine what the last decade would have looked like for me if not for this community!

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