I know a book is depressing when a) the sex scenes don’t perk things up and b) I need to comfort read Murderbot to feel okay about life again. Catriona Campbell is a suffragist and an academic. She has a belter of a start in this book as she emerges from a loch nude and there’s a man birding on the shores. Legitimately birding, and therefore utterly flummoxed by her appearance. Catriona is defiant and … Continue reading The Gentleman’s Gambit by Evie Dunmore →

Welcome to Book Beat! Book Beat aims to highlight other books that we may hear about through friends, social media, or other sources. We could see a gorgeous ad! Or find a new-to-us author on a list of underrated romances! Think of Book Beat as Teen Beat or Tiger Beat, but for books. And no staples to open to get the fold-out poster.

RECOMMENDED: Romantic Comedy by Cutis Sittenfeld is $1.99! I’m really hoping this isn’t a leftover deal from yesterday. Elyse gave this one an A:
I really recommend this book for fans of celebrity romance, but also for readers who just want a funny, witty contemporary romance.
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We are back with the June 2014 issue of RT Book Reviews, and we are taking a look at all the advertisements and features – and it’s a ride. We discuss the RT awards, the ads congratulating the winning authors, strange distorted feet, and wolf eyed vikings. No, we don’t know what that means, either. But we do have a question! Amanda, it seems, has never read a Harlequin Presents! Which one should she read … Continue reading 589. Romantic Times Rewind: June 2014 Ads & Features! →
In this week’s podcast episode, we’re looking at the advertisements and features inside the June 2014 issue of Romantic Times, aka RT Book Reviews. We’ve got So Many Small Presses that no longer exist, plus some really, really weird feet. Yup, feet! You can also find all the RTRW content at our category page for Romantic Times Rewind. And, most importantly, if you want to listen and follow along with this entry, we have more … Continue reading Romantic Times Rewind: June 2014 Ads and Features! →
I don’t want to write this review because I absolutely adored Danan’s first two novels. They were fresh and original and lovely. This novel is…well, it’s okay. That’s it. That’s the highest praise I can give it: okay. Riley Rhodes is a cursebreaker. It’s a family thing that her grandma started (but initially the impression is given that it’s much older than that). Her mom didn’t take up the mantle and now, in her 30s, … Continue reading Do Your Worst by Rosie Danan →
Hi, all! This Rec League is for me! During the RT Rewind series we’ve been doing, I mentioned to Sarah that I’ve never read a category romance. I’d love some recommendations that fit along my reading tastes, though we did do a Recommend Category Romance Rec League a few years ago. In terms of my reading tastes, I prefer sexy contemporaries and historicals, paranormal romances, and anything with fantasy elements (though I don’t think Harlequin … Continue reading The Rec League: Category Romances for Amanda →
Welcome back to Wednesday Links! I’ve definitely lost track of my days. My brother visited last week and we had a lovely time. I can’t wait to see him in April. Now we’re in the countdown to the holiday rush. I can’t believe Thanksgiving is next week. NEXT WEEK! My partner and I have decided that we’re just going to make a bunch of sides because, to be honest, that’s the best part. I also don’t … Continue reading Links: Movie Games, Public Libraries, & More →

A Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting by Sophie Irwin is $1.99! This one was mentioned in a previous Hide Your Wallet, though we don’t have a formal review. Did any of you read it? What did you think?
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by SB Sarah · Nov 15, 2023 at 2:00 am · Comments Off on Gift Guide 2023: Cozy and Sparkly (and Fizzy) Gifts!
It’s time for our annual tradition: the Smart Bitches 2023 Gift Guides! This week, I’m gathering the cozy, sparkly, and even fizzy gift ideas. Want to see? Just click that image above or click right here, and come shop with us! And if you’d like to browse some more, we have a complete Stuff We Like archive, including past Gift Guides and other posts of our favorite items.