Sometimes you need to laugh so hard you pee a little. I’ve been evangelizing about the Johannes Cabal series by Jonathan L. Howard to all my friends for awhile now. Howard does for Gothic romance and steampunk what Pratchett did for epic fantasy. I’m just finishing up the fourth book, The Brothers Cabal, now and I’ve been pee-laughing while I read (I might need to do some kegels). Johannes Cabal is a necromancer of some … Continue reading Johannes Cabal the Necromancer by Jonathan L. Howard→
Prophecy by Ellen Oh is $1.99! This is the first book in a YA fantasy trilogy based on dragons, which reminds me Shana Abe’s Drakon series. Some people felt this was more Middle Grade high fantasy rather than Young Adult. Maybe someone can comment on that because I haven’t read it. However, the heroine, Kira, was a big high point for the series, given her badassery. Any takers?
It’s time for the Second Chance Tournament! Is your bracket destroyed? Did your picks go awry? Do you find yourself tied for 500th place and full of despair? Weep no more, bracketeers, because our 2nd Chance Tourney is created just for you. We start with 16 books instead of 64, so the stakes aren’t as high but the prizes are just as fine. Go forth and pick new brackets and be hopeful once again. Please … Continue reading DABWAHA Second Chance Tournament 2015 – Now Open!→
When Bertrice Small died a few weeks ago, Courtney Milan said on twitter that she’d never read any of Small’s books, and asked for which one to start with. In about 30 seconds, there were 8 people who suggested Skye O’Malley. I have read some Small before- one for this very website, and I did not like them very much. Adora was not good. But in honor of the giants we stand on, and because … Continue reading Skye O’Malley by Bertrice Small→
by SB Sarah · Mar 22, 2015 at 11:00 am ·
Comments Off on Contemporary Comedy from Shannon Stacey, Jill Shalvis, and Kimberly Kincaid
RECOMMENDED: Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey is .99 until tomorrow! This is book 1 in the Kowalskis series, and it’s just terrific. I reviewed this book when it came out in 2010 and wrote, “I had such a good old time reading this book. There were some flaws to the plot but while reading it, I was charmed and giggly and totally absorbed. This book made me happy. That’s probably the best way to put it: it made me smile. A lot. Books like this are why I read romance.” It was a Sizzling Book Club selection as well. If you like contemporary comedy, this is a great deal.
by SB Sarah · Mar 21, 2015 at 11:00 am ·
Comments Off on Contemporary and Erotic, Including a Sylvia Day Duology
Afterburn & Aftershock by Sylvia Day are part of today’s Kindle Daily Deal, and are $1.99 for both. These are both novellas in the same series, and are contemporary erotic romances. Both books have a combined 4+-star average. Have you read this series?
It’s time for the most expensive, tempting comment thread, where we ask what you’re reading, talk about what we’re enjoying, and then we all buy a book or six because temptation. Ready? Ok, we’ll wait. Ready now? Ok! Sarah: I’m speaking at Duke University (inside Sarah: OMGSNORTWHEEZE) on Monday at the Unsuitable Event Series about female sexuality in romance, and the students who will be there will have recently read Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale. … Continue reading Whatcha Reading? March 2015 Edition→
I think there are two types of journalism pieces about romance. Type 1 is the one that makes many of us cranky. You know it well. It’s framed in derision and condescension, and while it appears to be focusing on romance, it serves more to highlight the writer’s own conflict with the genre: Example A: They didn’t realize it was so popular, LOL PORN is POPULAR! Example B: Here is an article about those books … Continue reading Kelly Faircloth and the History of Harlequin, and Other Excellent Links→
I don’t know about you, but it’s cold here–like the kind of cold that makes you question your sanity. “I could go to the store for groceries or I could lie here and slowly die of hunger because starvation is less painful than the windchill.” Also the thermostat in my office has two settings: Oh, Hey That’s What Menopause Feels Like or Everyone Can See My Nipples. To fend off the cold, I decided to … Continue reading Knitting Patterns: Colorblock Scarf→
This week, we talk about the DABWAHA tournament, what books we wanted to be in the tournament that didn’t make it, and the origins of the tournament long long ago. And in a shocking turn of events, Jane and Sarah disagree about NA, YA, and Contemporary romance. We also talk a little bit about ARCs, and what Jane’s read recently. FYI, trigger warning for a discussion of rape fantasies starting at about minute 36:00.
