As a corollary, I want to collect the recommendations from the conversation below about STDs in romance, and compile a list of romances that feature heroes or heroines with major health issues. In the comments, Darlene Marshall recommended, “a Harlequin Super Romance called A Man Like Mac by Fay Robinson.  The hero is a paraplegic and in a wheelchair.  The novel deals sensitively with sexuality, incontinence, self esteem and other issues related to the hero … Continue reading GS vs. STA: Major Health Issues in Romance →

Candy and I, we realize the one area of our romance education that is most lacking is the Inspirational category. I’ve read a secret baby – ok, it wasn’t a secret baby but it was close – and two sheikh-esque (now that is a fun word to say) and have dabbled in other genres as much as possible. But the Inspirational romance, I have not read. Part of my hesitation is that I’m not Christian, … Continue reading Inspire Us →

Bitchery reader SarahP wrote us and asked a very interesting question: Before encountering SBTB, I read a romance novel now and then—a Georgette Heyer, a few early Loretta Chase regencies… And since encountering SBTB, I’ve tried a few others.  And I’ve noticed something.  The men are big. Now, I know you’re all about the mantitties.  But all these heroes are so huge, so tall, their shoulders broad and their hips lean, the muscles of their … Continue reading GS v. STA: Non-Mantitty Manhunks - In Search of the non-beefcake hero. →

Bitchery Reader Diving Belle has requested a rather broad area for a reading request, but it’s still worth exploring since, hey, she’s got a point. Women of Age in Romance can be hard to find sometimes: Are there any authors/series that feature heroines who aren’t 18, or even 28?  (Perhaps these woman could even be *gasp* in their 40s?  I know, I know, but it is called fiction!) As much as I love any juicy … Continue reading GS v. STA: Hot Older Women →

Hello my frisky little kittens, I got an e-mail from a reader who wants to know if there are any good romance novels featuring Black women and Asian men. Franky, I could only remember reading a couple of romances with Asian protagonists, period, and they were always paired with white people, so I thought I’d put the question to the very well-read and impeccably-groomed bitchery. Any titles come to mind?

Reader Nifty sent along this request: Would you consider doing a little blurb on the Bitchery’s favorite erotica titles.  And by “erotica” I don’t necessarily mean a really hot romance by XYZ author, but books that are practically porn, but written for women.  You know the ones I mean.  I’d love to add some titles to my porno box so I’m looking for recommendations.  I’ve got no inhibitions when it comes to content. I gotta … Continue reading Erotica recommendations →

Cayrle wrote: Maybe the Bitchery should compile our own “official” list of the greatest love stories of all time.  I can guarantee my list wouldn’t include as many books with less than happy endings. Darn right. So – bring it. Leave your suggestions in the comments or, if you’re a happy lurker,  email candy @ smartbitchestrashybooks.com or sarah @ smartbitchestrashybooks.com your suggestions, and we’ll use Excel or something better to compile our own list. I’m … Continue reading Romance News: You Submit, We Compile →

Bitchery reader Maya sent me a very smart idea: we need recommendations for the funny-funny romance novels. She wrote: As an aspiring writer myself, I’m interested to study what works in comedic writing (I’m plenty capable of finding what doesn’t work in comedic writing myself).  Has the bitchery every compiled such a list ?  If not – dare I hope the question might be thrown out there ? If someone asked me, for example, I’d … Continue reading Funny Romance Recommendations →

I’ve reviewed gay romance twice, and we certainly have snarked our share of gay romance covers, but it has been brought to my attention that we have not asked the Bitchery for Lesbian Romance Recommendations. So – what lesbian romances burn your carpet? Personally, I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t read any. It’s not a deliberate slight; I just haven’t come across any romances wherein the protagonists were women. Back when I was a member … Continue reading Lesbian Romance →