I don’t want to write this review because I absolutely adored Danan’s first two novels. They were fresh and original and lovely. This novel is…well, it’s okay. That’s it. That’s the highest praise I can give it: okay. Riley Rhodes is a cursebreaker. It’s a family thing that her grandma started (but initially the impression is given that it’s much older than that). Her mom didn’t take up the mantle and now, in her 30s, … Continue reading Do Your Worst by Rosie Danan →
I’ve said this on the site before, but during the pandemic, I’ve gotten more into contemporary romance, mostly because people getting to do things like attend in-person gatherings, see movies and plays, and eat at restaurants seems sexy and novel. My latest contemporary read was The Intimacy Experiment by Rosie Danan, a companion novel to The Roommate. I have a lot to say on this one! Prepare yourself for a long review. (As a note, … Continue reading The Intimacy Experiment by Rosie Danan →
The Roommate is a sex-positive, contemporary romance debut that has given me something I’ve been searching for : romantic leads who are involved in sex work (minus all of the shame and slut-shaming). I’m happy to say that The Roommate delivered on that front, and the romance was rather cute, too, despite being slightly different than what I was expecting. Clara is having a late-stage rebellious phase. She’s a socialite from a wealthy, conservative family … Continue reading The Roommate by Rosie Danan →
Welcome back to Cover Awe! This is where we discuss cover designs that we like. Cover art by Radiante Mozzarelle Amanda: Border designs! I love how the people were incorporated into the border. Sarah: I really like that cover. Every time I see it, I take a long look. Amanda: The bubblegum pink is also super eyecatching. Lara: I am enamored of this cover. I just want to fall deep into its pink and teal … Continue reading Cover Awe: Foreign Editions, Fonts, & More →
Good morning, everyone! It’s a slow content day today so you all get to enjoy Wednesday Links a little early. It’ll pair just as well with your morning coffee or tea, as it does with your mid-afternoon snack break. Calling all gamers! I’m all the Baldur’s Gate 3 train for now. Is anyone else joining me? I have my eyes on the posh elf rogue for my romance character. Trying to avoid mentioning any spoilers! However, … Continue reading Links: Sloths, Book Clubs, & More →
The first openly nonbinary contestant on America’s favorite cooking show falls for their clumsy competitor in this delicious romantic comedy debut “that is both fantastically fun and crack your heart wide open vulnerable.” (Rosie Danan, author of The Roommate) Recently divorced and on the verge of bankruptcy, Dahlia Woodson is ready to reinvent herself on the popular reality competition show Chef’s Special. Too bad the first memorable move she makes is falling flat on her … Continue reading Love & Other Diasters →
We’re approaching the end of the year and there’s only one more Whatcha Reading left after this one in 2021! Lara: I’ve hit a rough patch emotionally so I’ve turned to a series that Sarah has recommended: the Cadfael books by Ellis Peters. They’re a marvel and a balm for the soul! Sarah: Aren’t they lovely? I am so glad they are giving you the mellow reading feels. Lara: They’re just the best! I’m trying … Continue reading Whatcha Reading? December 2021, Part One →
We’re getting to close out October and that means it’s time for our second Whatcha Reading of the month! It’s tattoo day for me and I’m bringing a book. Will I be able to concentrate? We’re going to find out. Now let’s talk about what we’ve been reading! Carrie: My current bathroom book is Metazoa by Peter Godfrey-Smith . I also just finished Volume One of Something is Killing the Children which was WHOOOAAAA overwhelming … Continue reading Whatcha Reading? October 2021, Part Two →
Hey hey! It’s time for the first Whatcha Reading of August! Let’s get into it! Claudia: I just finished At Summer’s End and taking a bit of time choosing my next one… Currently browsing a barbecue book I got from the library. Catherine: I’m on a T. Kingfisher binge! Minor Mage which is set in the same universe as her Paladin romances. This is raising certain expectations which may or may not be met by … Continue reading Whatcha Reading? August 2021, Part One →
Welcome back to Wednesday Links! I feel like this week is just flying by, but it may just be me. Obviously the Meghan and Harry interview has been a topic of conversation on Slack. Did you watch it? Oprah is certainly a master at the art of the interview. Let’s get into some links, shall we? … I love photography contests, especially when nature is involved. Here are the 2020 winners of the Ocean Art … Continue reading Links: Science, Brendan Fraser, & More →
It’s time for Whatcha Reading! This is where we try to make sense of our reading lately. Clearly there’s one standout that a majority of SBTB has been staying up late to finish. Aarya: I just finished He’s Come Undone, an anthology about starchy, buttoned-up heroes with contributions from Emma Barry, Olivia Dade, Adriana Herrera, Ruby Lang, and Cat Sebastian. They’re all authors I’ve enjoyed before and it’s a rock-solid collection. My favorite story is … Continue reading Whatcha Reading? May 2020 Edition, Part Two →
