Smart Bitches Trashy Books is 21! Twenty-one years ago, on 31 January 2005, Smart Bitches began. As we’ve noted, the site launched with a review for Angel-Seeker by Sharon Shinn and for The Unsung Hero by Suzanne Brockmann. We’ve cover snarked, helped bitches out, talked about what we’re reading, and, as a neat coincidence, Smart Podcast Trashy Books published its 700th episode on Friday 9 January 2026. (You can watch the video of the episode on … Continue reading Cheers! Happy 21st Anniversary, Smart Bitches!→
Tonight is the first night of Hanukkah! Get ready, we’re going into the new year with candles and jelly donuts and latkes and it’s going to be a party! Like last year, I’ve put together eight care packages designed to make your winter more fun, mellow, warm, and entertaining. Just in time for the beginning of 2026! First: my Hanukkah wishes for you tonight and for the next eight: may each candle lit lead to … Continue reading Hanukkah 2025 Giveaway: Eight Fabulous Care Packages!→
Hey, guess what? I wrote (part of) a book! This one right here, Romance Reader’s Journal: A Log for Book Lovers & Lovers in Books! This is, as the title states, a prompted journal for romance readers, created by Chronicle Books. They asked me to write portions of the book, and wow, was that fun! I think the section I’m most proud of are the recommendation lists. I wanted to make sure that current and … Continue reading Giveaway: Romance Reader’s Journal→
We made a Libro.fm Audiobook Playlist of our Top Recommendations! And this graphic doesn’t contain all of them – there’s a bunch more! If you’ve got car rides, long commutes, or a list of chores to do, we’ve gathered some of our all-time-favorite audiobooks, including romance, mystery, and some nonfiction. We picked the first books from some outstanding series, some nonfiction that will truly fascinate you, and some that are just extremely fun. Not only … Continue reading Win a Free Libro.fm Audiobook From Our Playlist!→
We’ve got romances and we’d like to share them! What do you get if you win? A box full of books! And we have two boxes to give away! We can promise they are new, unread, and printed on paper. We can also promise there will be at least five books, possibly more, in the box. And there will be stickers, too, for fun and sticking. There may be a mix of formats and sub-genres, … Continue reading Hot Summer Reading Grab Bag Giveaway→
We’ve been celebrating all week, with Cover Snark, Hide Your Wallet 2005 Edition, and a look back at Iconic Reviews. But how well do you know us? I’ve got trivia, and a giveaway! Giveaways are great, but trivia? Trivia about a 20 year old weblog about romance novels? That’s pretty fun. And!! All trivia responses will be entered to win your very own, per my younger child, “Smart Bitches Chaos Emerald.” Sonic the Hedgehog had … Continue reading Happy 20th Anniversary, Smart Bitches!→
Tonight is Christmas Day and the first night of Hanukkah. Get ready, we’re going into the new year with candles and jelly donuts and latkes and it’s going to be a party! Traditionally, I do giveaways for each night of Hanukkah, but this year, I want to do something different: care packages! Yup, we’re sending you a care package just in time for the beginning of 2025. First: my Hanukkah wishes for you tonight and for … Continue reading Hanukkah 2024: Care Packages!→
Hey, y’all! We’ve got five print ARCs of Bound to the Shadow Prince by Ruby Dixon to give away today! I know many of you saw “Ruby Dixon” and said “WHERE. DO. I. CLICK,” but in case you’re not familiar, here’s a bit about the book! In order to protect her kingdom from the wrath of a vengeful goddess, Princess Candra must remain locked inside a tower for seven years. Seven long years without a friend—or a lover—by … Continue reading Giveaway: Win an ARC of Bound to the Shadow Prince by Ruby Dixon!→
Nineteen 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. We’ve had cover snark and cover awe, helping of bitches out, and, as a neat coincidence, Smart Podcast Trashy Books will publish its 600th episode on Friday 2 February 2024. Celebrations everywhere!! Thank you. The site wouldn’t still be here without you. Our community is welcoming new … Continue reading Happy 19th Anniversary, Smart Bitches!→
It’s the eighth night of Hanukkah! One year we tried to toast marshmallows over all the lit menorot on the final night, but mostly the marshmallows got sooty instead of toasty. So we toasted them over the stove burners and ate s’mores anyway. Thank you so much for celebrating with us this year! I hope you’ve had fun. So, my Hanukkah wishes for you tonight: may you bring light with you wherever you go, and … Continue reading Hanukkah 2023 Night 8: Kate Spade Pink Tote!→
It’s the seventh night of Hanukkah! We are almost done! And yeah, by this point, the foil-lined cookie sheets upon which the family menorot rest is very splattered and I’m glad I took the time to prep it. So, my Hanukkah wishes for you tonight: may your tasks be easy and your to-do list be light, and may you feel accomplishment for being a wonderful human being each and every day. For our seventh night … Continue reading Hanukkah 2023 Night 7: Kate Spade Lucy Green Glitter Wristlet!→
