Today brings a vulnerable and honest conversation about the prevalence of penetrative sex in romance, and what happens if a writer decides to create a character with pelvic floor pain, for whom that kind of sex isn’t possible? Let’s find out! Jane Buehler’s new book, The Fire Apprentice, is out this week, and we’re going to talk about the book, and the series. But we’re also talking about the asexual spectrum, body changes from menopause, … Continue reading 658. Romance and Penetrative Sex: A Conversation With Jane Buehler →
My guest today is Jane Buehler, author of The Forest Bride and The Village Maid. I have several favorite parts of this conversation, including our discussion of cozy fantasy, addressing and undoing misconceptions about sex in romance, and sourdough starters and bread making. So fantasy, writing, sex, and bread. Several excellent topics! What about you? What have you learned or unlearned from sex in romance? Do you have a sourdough starter? What’s its name? Do … Continue reading 503. Bread, Cozy Fantasy, Sex, and Romance with Jane Buehler →
Welcome back to Cover Snark! These covers were all sent in by the community! From Jane Buehler: At first glance (small thumbnail) I thought he was shooting out a laser beam from his chest! Sarah: That’s an interesting place for a stigmata. Amanda: Why is he so grainy, like his skin is the texture of a basketball. Sarah: Wait. WAIT. Whatever this cheetah-print thing is, it is both above and below his pec. What IS … Continue reading Cover Snark: Community Submissions →
We’re recapping all kinds of stuff this week, and today: our top five podcast episodes from 2025! Looking at the year overall, these are the top five most listened to Smart Podcast, Trashy Books episodes of the year – and thank you to everyone who listened, recommended, shared, and posted about the show. Special thanks to all our Patreon community members, who helped shape this season and keep the show going each week! Honorable Mentions … Continue reading Smart Podcast, Trashy Books: Best of 2025 →
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 What Have You Learned About Yourself from Romance? →
Welcome back to Cover Snark! From PamG: Is her top tattooed on? Are his tattoos decals? Amanda: That wolf is about to eat that bird for sure and the motorcycle feels like a hidden eye image. Sarah: I made that same face when I attended a bralette like that with similar, endowments and was just as disappointed. From Emily Jane Buehler: This one has it all. My favorite part is that the “alien” is depicted … Continue reading Cover Snark: Scared Cats & Celebrity Look-A-Likes →
