The flip side of asking for the good stuff to read? I also need some average to oh-man-that’s-horrid recommendations, too. BUT, if you are not thrilled with the idea of wielding the hammer of “Holy Crap This Stank” against a fellow author, please feel free to email me (sarah @ smartbitchestrashybooks.com). But please, hook me up with some truly average to holy-crapdamn-bad category recommendations, too? Please? Hello? Anyone? Bueller?  UPDATED: Category! I meant Category! Categorically … Continue reading Build Sarah’s Reading List, Part Deux →

As I’ve been working on The Book, I’ve realized that there are woefully large holes in my romance reading education. Never mind that every day is “Help a Bitch Out” day in my brain as I try to remember which plot goes with which title and author name. I am one of those people who remembers the cover image and color scheme more than the names. It’s truly a flaw, but it’s not as bad … Continue reading Build Sarah’s Reading List →

It’s time for a Very Special Good Shit vs. Shit to Avoid, which is also partly a “Help a Bitch Out” request as well. Bitchery Reader L is on bedrest going through hellacious chemotherapy. The drugs have weakened her legs to the point where walking is painful, and so she’s staring at her bedroom walls for way, WAY too much time while she attempts to Kick Cancer’s Ass. So! She has a request of the … Continue reading GS vs. STA: Happy, Funny, Escape Romance →

Bitchery reader Amy asks for romances set in Canada – the Definitive List. A friend and I were discussing the usual settings for romance novels and we suddenly wondered if there are any romance novels set in Canada (most particularly in Nova Scotia). I would love to see a book about the Canadian Mounty’s Secret Baby. Does anyone know of anything like that? Personally, I want to know when will there be erotica about the … Continue reading GS vs. STA: Oh, Canada! →

Bitchery reader Liz has a seasonal request: As you know it’s Christmas time here in the U.S. which means there’s an abundance of Christmas themed romance novels. I, for one, am a sucker for the Christmas romance. Unfortunately, I can’t remember the last time I read one I enjoyed. There are new releases, new releases of old releases, and anthologies (last year I bought one because it had Jenny Crusie’s name attached. Boy that was … Continue reading GS vs. STA: Holly Jolly Christmas Romances →

Here’s an odd request, but it occurred to me following our discussion as to why the BDB books are like the crack: what romances do you know and love that focus mostly on the hero’s story? On one hand, it can often make for weak heroines, or heroines that don’t live up to the worth and depth of the hero, but on the other hand, when it’s done right, a hero-centered romance with a well-written … Continue reading GS vs. STA: Hero-Centered Romance →

Bitchery reader Jen writes in with a question I hadn’t thought to ask, and I’m as big a fan of historical erotica as she is: I just finished Lisa Valdez’s Passion. I loved it. Problem is, I can’t get a hold of her ONE other book, yet. Furthermore, because I’m such a dork, I’ve just discovered there’s a NAME for the type of books I love…heretofore thought of as plain, ‘ol “historical romance.” Well, I’ve … Continue reading GS vs. STA: Historical Erotica →

Bitchery reader Yvonne asked a really good question: I know you both have your hands full but I was thinking about some of the recent discussions and I had an idea for something else to touch on (HA!). Specifically, there doesn’t seem to be much masturbation in romance, although I have seen it here and there. Much more common in erotica, of course. Examples that come to mind were the heroine in, I believe, one … Continue reading GS vs. STA: These Books Feature…Wanking! →

Bitchery reader Amy asks for recommendations, oh well-read Bitchery: [T]he reason for my bothering you is to ask you and all other sisters and brothers of SB for help. I am a great lover of Laura Kinsale, esp. Seize the Fire. Yes, I am a fangirl of the” angsty”, “gut-wrenching” intense romance school, and I would appreciate it very much if you could help me to find more treasures in this particular school of romance. … Continue reading GS vs. STA: Angsty Romance →

Bitchery reader Jessica has a rather odd request in her search for romances to read. In fact, when she first emailed me, I said that I didn’t think what she was looking for was precisely a romance. I’m as much curious about your opinion on that as much as on whether there’s a book that might meet her criteria. Jessica wrote: I just get a little bored with the predictability of most romances.  Boy and … Continue reading GS vs. STA: Surprise Romance →