Reader Recommendations

The Rec League: Fish Out of Water Heroes

The Rec League - heart shaped chocolate resting on the edge of a very old book

Big thanks to Reader Shimonishi for sending in this Rec League request, with a particular twist on the “fish out of water” trope: I would love some help finding contemporary romances that are set in the U.S. but feature a non-American hero. I can’t figure how to search for these. There seems to be many romances with an American heroine in foreign countries. I really enjoyed : Kristan Higgins – The Perfect Match; and Christina Lauren … Continue reading The Rec League: Fish Out of Water Heroes

The Rec League: Neurodivergent Romance

The Rec League - heart shaped chocolate resting on the edge of a very old book

This Rec League request was spawned by a comment from Dread Pirate Rachel. Here’s the request: Is there a Rec League for romances with neurodivergent heroines? There aren’t many that I can think of. A Desperate Fortune, by Susanna Kearsley, comes to mind, as the contemporary storyline features a heroine with Asperger’s. It was nice to see the representation, but unfortunately I felt like all the conflict and tension of her plot was due to … Continue reading The Rec League: Neurodivergent Romance

Whatcha Reading? March 2017 Edition

Cup of coffee and yarn for knitting on plaid with books close-up

Whatcha Reading always seems to sneak up on us! You think your TBR is safe and then – BAM! – Whatcha Reading comes out! We all hope you’ve been enjoying some good books this month; definitely give us your recommendations in the comments. But if not, you’re always welcome to vent here about your latest frustrating read! And if you’re in a slump, fingers cross that something in this post or in the comments will … Continue reading Whatcha Reading? March 2017 Edition

The Rec League: Tall Heroines

The Rec League - heart shaped chocolate resting on the edge of a very old book

This Rec League request comes from Reader Kate, who is in search for heroines who aren’t always described as petite. Here’s her email: I’m 6’1″ tall and I often feel underrepresented by the tall ladies in romances, so I’m putting out a request for romances with very tall heroines. I’m also genuinely curious about the number of romances out there where the heroine is taller than the hero. I can only think of one which is … Continue reading The Rec League: Tall Heroines

Whatcha Reading? February 2017 Edition

Illustration of magic opened book covered with grass trees and waterfall surround by ocean. Fantasy world, imaginary view. Book, tree of life concept. Original beautiful screen saver

It’s February! And it’s also time for the post that often does some major damage to our TBR pile and our wallets. We hope all of you have been enjoying some good books. If you’re in a slump, though, maybe something in the comments will be able to pique your curiosity! And of course, tell us in the comments what you’ve been loving or hating this month. Carrie: The Burning World by Issac Marion Elyse: I’m … Continue reading Whatcha Reading? February 2017 Edition

The Rec League: Language Barriers

The Rec League - heart shaped chocolate resting on the edge of a very old book

It’s time for another Rec League! We have another request from a reader. Here’s what Reader LauraLou is looking for: I love, love, love stories where there is a language/communication barrier that is REAL and not magically poofed away! Here are a few I can think of where this theme has worked really well: Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale, Wild at Heart by Patricia Gaffney, The Last Hour of Gann by R. Lee … Continue reading The Rec League: Language Barriers

The Rec League: Transgender Romances

The Rec League - heart shaped chocolate resting on the edge of a very old book

NB: Welcome to Flashback Friday! Carrie reviewed Dreadnought, a superhero story with a transgender teen that was a bit disappointing. If you’re looking for more transgender characters, especially in romance, check out our previous Rec League! This post was originally published December 22, 2016. Last month, we had a Rec League with a focus on lesbian romances and there were some amazing recommendations. Hopefully, we can repeat that success with transgender romances! I recently did a post … Continue reading The Rec League: Transgender Romances

The Rec League: Single Moms Finding Love

The Rec League - heart shaped chocolate resting on the edge of a very old book

Ahoy, Bitchery! We have a very special request from Reader Leanne, who really want to put together a super thoughtful care package for a friend. Here’s her request: Background: I have this friend and colleague, let’s call her Mary, whom I really love and respect. Mary is about to turn 40. She’s a hardworking woman who has dedicated her life to her job. In this case, real life really imitates (some) romance fiction, because Mary … Continue reading The Rec League: Single Moms Finding Love

Whatcha Reading? January 2017 Edition

Featured image for Whatcha Reading? January 2017 Edition

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

The Rec League: Inclement Weather & Forced Proximity

The Rec League - heart shaped chocolate resting on the edge of a very old book

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

Whatcha Reading? December 2016 Edition

Cozy winter still life: cup of hot coffee and book with warm plaid on windowsill against snow landscape from outside.

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

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