The Duke of Shadows by Meredith Duran is $1.99! We always get lots of comments when we feature a Duran title; many are hoping she’ll return to writing someday. If you need hope, I found a Reddit thread that mentioned Duran had updated her “About” page in the last couple years and makes references to finishing a manuscript. Sarah reviewed it back in 2008 and gave it a B-:
Julian was tortured and noble, and though he didn’t change so much as come to own himself and the power at his disposal in both of the cultures that shaped him, his journey was fascinating. Julian was marvelous, and did things I wished heroes in other historical novels would do, including beating the ever living shit out of someone who truly deserved it, and being vindicated for doing so. YUM.
Every time I remember an old video I’d like to add to my list of potential Friday Videos, I look at how long ago it was posted and I feel truly ancient. So this one is from 16 years ago. I would have sworn it was less than 10. But no, I’m wrong. This is a song I think about constantly, especially the piano cascade in the middle of the chorus: “Symphony of Science” by … Continue reading Friday Videos Remember We Are All Connected→
New month, new collection of queer romances, and this month we’re going heavy on historicals! Treat yourself to love throughout the ages with these sweet new reads.
You’ve been hearing me talk about this book for awhile, and I am so excited to share with you my conversation with Fortesa Latifi, author of Like, Follow, Subscribe: The Cost of a Childhood Online. Her research into family vloggers and influencers is superb and I’m still thinking about some of the revelations in this book. We discuss the origins of influencing and family vlogging, the benefits and the harms that arise from becoming popular, … Continue reading 712. Like, Follow, Subscribe: The Cost of A Childhood Online with Fortesa Latifi→
In Bed with a Highlander by Maya Banks is $1.99! This is the first book in the McCabe Trilogy and features a forced/arranged marriage. Some felt the historical romance seemed a little too modern, but others recommend it for a quick, fun read.
This Bookstore Trip Report is from Elizabeth! Although Elizabeth learned the joys of escaping into books in grammar school, she is only a recent convert to the romance genre, mostly thanks to SB Amanda’s introductions to Alice Clayton, Katee Robert, Sierra Simone, and the like. She delights in watching seemingly impossible conflicts resolve themselves into happily ever after endings, especially if there’s no deus ex machina required. It’s literally a dream come true for her … Continue reading Bookstore Trip Report: Montgomery & Taggert, The Spice Cabinet, and Blush Book Lounge→
RECOMMENDED: Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier is $2.99! I have such incredibly fond memories of this book. My best friend and I read this together in high school, but my school library only had one copy, so I had to wait my turn. It’s a lovely fantasy novel with some romance, but be warned that it’s a slow, slow burn. Definitely trigger warnings for rape/sexual assault.
Happy Wednesday! Thank you to Sarah for the lovely wedding post and for all the sweet comments and advice. We had a lovely evening, drinking champagne and eating cheesecake in bed while we watched National Treasure. In other news, our youngest cat, Fig Newton, just turned two and has become a monster. She wants attention in the middle of a Zoom meeting. She wants to eat trash. She wants to use your chest as a springboard … Continue reading Links: Harlequin Nonsense, Interiors, & More→
Yup, that’s right: after a few years of recapping issues of Romantic Times magazine, we have pretty much discovered all there is to know about periodical publication, so we’re starting our own print magazine! Introducing Smart Bitch Magazine! Didn’t Amanda do a great job on the cover??! I particularly like the part where we are reviewing all “5 million books coming out this month.” Also – Y2K, is it a historical romance? Genius! If you’re … Continue reading April Fool’s 2026: Smart Bitch Magazine!→
The Keeper of Magical Things by Julie Leong is $1.99! This is a cozy fantasy novel. I don’t think this one is a romance, per se, and has more of a focus on platonic relationships. But please sound off in the comments with your thoughts!
