It’s the first Whatcha Reading of 2017! And I’m sure we’re all diving into books for a variety of reasons – self-care, comfort, getting cozy in the winter weather, or maybe even using it to relax on a warm beach somewhere. We hope you’ve been reading something great, but if not, feel free to rant about it in the comments! Sarah: I’m listening to Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach , which was an audible deal … Continue reading Whatcha Reading? January 2017 Edition→
This particular Rec League request came to use from not one, but two readers who wanted some forced proximity romances on account of bad weather. Bonus points for snowed in plots with cozy cabins. Here are the requests: From Reader Emily: This is quite a specific request, but could you recommend some books that involve scenes where the two main characters are stuck in a cabin or inn together, either due to inclement weather or … Continue reading The Rec League: Inclement Weather & Forced Proximity→
It’s December and, for many, it’s the craziest time of the year! But we here at the Bitchery hope you all have a great holiday, whatever you celebrate, and that you find some time to treat yourself with a good book and some quiet reading time. And sorry not sorry if your TBR gets a few more additions before 2016 is over! Sarah: I am reading Essentialism by Greg Mckeown , which I’ve seen recommended … Continue reading Whatcha Reading? December 2016 Edition→
Inspired by Sarah and Elyse’s podcast episode on rage and romance heroines, we want some recommendations from the Bitchery. What we’re looking for are complicated and even angry heroines, ones who aren’t passive and may even embrace their angry side. I’m sure you’re all tired of hearing me recommend A Promise of Fire, but reading the book made me look at the romance genre and how it can often be progressive, but also still rather stifling … Continue reading The Rec League: Angry Heroines→
We’re back with another Rec League and this one is rather specific! Katie C. has a request for romances where the conflict is primarily driven by the hero’s internal issues. Here’s her email, along with books she’s read that fit the bill: I would like to request a Rec League for a specific type of internal conflict. Books where the hero’s main problem is that he thinks/worries he is not good enough for the heroine. … Continue reading The Rec League: He’s Not Worthy→
For this Rec League we have a couple of personal requests. The first is from Reader Jennifer: I’m a young widow and the idea of reading about a hero who had lost his wife was interesting to me, as there’s a dearth of that available in fiction in general. I’d love to have some suggestions for books about younger people moving on after the death of a spouse. By younger, I mean under 50, I … Continue reading The Rec League: Young Widows & Widowers→
We get this request pretty often, as good lesbian romances can be harder to find than good gay romances. So we’ve compiled some romance recommendations that feature heroines falling in love with each other! Redheadedgirl: First Position by Melissa Brayden Sarah: Have you read her books? Redheadedgirl: I’ve read that one. I liked it! Sarah: Please stand by. I reviewed The Butch and the Beautiful by Kris Ripper , which is part of zir Queers of La Vista series. … Continue reading The Rec League: Lesbian Romances→
This Rec League request from Reader Patricia. She’s do for surgery next month and is looking to load up on some good books to keep her occupied during recovery time. Here’s her request: Okay, I’m seeking a lot of book recommendations. I’m headed in for my third major abdominal surgery next month (damn you, endometriosis), and I’m looking to stock up on book recs from the Bitchery for what appears to be a 4-6 week … Continue reading The Rec League: Fantasy & Paranormal Historicals→
Rather than receiving a request for this, the concept of awesome female friendships in romance came up while Sarah and I were talking about god knows what. But it spawned an idea of doing a Rec League on romances or books with strong romantic elements that have strong, healthy female friendships. I know, personally, I’ll grade a book lower if the heroine is the only “good” woman in the book and the rest of the … Continue reading The Rec League: Female Friendships→
It’s October and time for one of the best and worst posts of the month. Best because it’s always fun to see what everyone else is reading. Worst because it often does some hefty damage to our book budget and sometimes skyrockets our TBR piles. And colder weather (at least for me) means more time spent under some blankets with a book! Sarah: I am reading Camp Rewind by Meghan O’Brien , which is a lesbian … Continue reading Whatcha Reading? October 2016 Edition→
Oh, buddy. I have a feeling this request is going to generate a lot of opinions and double some TBRs. Reader Arielibra was inspired by our Heyer birthday sale post to find some alpha heroes in historical. Here is her email: Could we have a Rec League on alphas? The comments from the Heyer-birthday post have been haunting me, especially Pam Shropshire’s point that Avon is “the definitive alpha.” *sighs, fans self* Yes, yes he … Continue reading The Rec League: Historical Alphas→