Amanda and I are traveling back to June 1997 to discuss: Touring inside author’s homes and whether we think it’s kinda intrusive and uncomfortable Neverending reader hate for “the F word” The fans used to blow back cover models’ hair And speaking of, what’s on the Cover Model Pageant contestant’s heads? And more! We DO have a video episode for this one with images – you can find it on our YouTube channel. And you … Continue reading 707. RT Rewind: June 1997 Ads & Features→
Kate Quinn’s new book, The Astral Library, is out this week and I was so excited to not only get an advanced copy but an opportunity to interview Kate Quinn. We talk about the inspiration for this very magical book, and about books that are sanctuaries. We also talk about library advocacy, book banning, and the deadly threat of bureaucracy. My favorite thing that Kate says: “When you love a book, it also loves you.”
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 Tell Me What Old Skool Romance to Read and Review→
Earlier (I have to look up when because time is a mystery to me) in December 2025 I covered the announcement of JQ Editions and the upcoming Kickstarter. Well, the Kickstarter has launched and if you were envisioning rocket fuel powering the pledge total, you were right. Currently the pledge total stands at $251,216, which more than covers a pledge goal of $10,000. That will change by the time I hit publish on this post, I … Continue reading JQ Editions Kickstarter Has Launched→
So remember when I was trying to identify the color of the year for contemporary romance? That began because I was constantly noticing the repeated color schemes on book covers in NetGalley. My brain loves a pattern, and it loves to collect things. I’ve got another collection for you. It’s from my folder named Hanging Off a Horse. Have you noticed how many old skool romance covers there are with one or more people just hanging … Continue reading Hanging Off a Horse on Old Skool Vintage Romance Covers→
Last year I started a list of book conventions and fan gatherings that went completely sideways or didn’t happen because they fell apart during the planning. The title: WTF Cons? I realized in about mid-May that keeping track would be a full time job and I couldn’t keep up with it. There were that many. Sometimes it’s lack of organization. Sometimes the follow through is so bad the City of Baltimore files civil contract claims against … Continue reading Folks are Dropping Getting Witchy With It After Organizer Posts Video about Minneapolis→
I really, really love spelunking in the depths of vintage YouTube, and this clip dates back to somewhere between 1999 and 2003, from a sketch comedy show called Smack the Pony. You can tell because it says “Smack the Pony” at the top, but mostly because of the exceptionally good resolution on screen here. Woof. It’s Valentine’s Day weekend, and I hope your pink Halloween candy is delicious, and that you are treating yourselves and the … Continue reading Friday Videos Clean the Windows→
Amanda and I are back, deep diving into romance and pop culture history with issue 1997 of Romantic Times Magazine. The cover reads Love, Lust, Laugh, and we’ve got some vintage books to talk about. Then we talk about what books we’re most looking forward to right now, and what we’re currently reading. In two weeks we will be back with the ads & features, and you know a magazine from the 90s has the … Continue reading 705. RT Rewind: June 1997 Reviews→
IT SUCKS when great shows are on the platforms of fuckass companies, but here we are. The Muppet Show reboot was a direct hit of nostalgia, dopamine, and earnest joy that I needed and I was more and more charmed the longer I watched. I’m old enough (ahem) to remember the original Muppet Show, and this reboot is faithful to the format while updating with jokes, references, and the presence of Sabrina Carpenter, whose resemblance to … Continue reading Yes, The Muppet Show Reboot is Terrific→
