TAKE COVER. THE SQUEE CANNON IS SET TO KNOCK OUT LEVEL 7.8, WHICH IS JUST ABOVE LEVEL 7 WHEREIN LL COOL J’S MAMA DEMANDS THAT YOU BE KNOCKED OUT. Seriously, I could not have enjoyed this book more, and the first book as well. I heard about it when several readers and reviewers I follow on Twitter were exclaiming about it (and of course I can’t find that conversation now, dang it, so apologies that I can’t … Continue reading The Undoing by Shelly Laurenston →
I have a serious weakness for Laurenston’s books. They’re not the most succinct things, and this book had a few flaws that drove me batshit, but there were times I laughed out loud, and a few spare moments where I had to put the book down and guffaw. Laurenston writes some funny shit. Ahoy, ye summary, the hardest part of writing a review. Dee Ann Smith is a, by her own admission, redneck she-wolf assassin, … Continue reading Big Bad Beast by Shelly Laurenston →
Laugh-out-loud humor, a feminist outlook, and one-of-a-kind shape-shifting romance come together with the continuation of the fan-favorite Honey Badger Chronicles from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelly Laurenston. Nelle Zhao is a social media maven who knows what matters. And the only thing that matters right now is survival. Not easy, though, when her honey badger teammates attract trouble the way she attracts attention. She didn’t know when it became her job … Continue reading To Kill a Badger →
It appears that several of our SBTB Podcast Patreon Discord are planning for a vacay. In preparation, we’d like to compile some great vacation reading suggestions for the occasion. Sarah: On one memorable vacation, this book gave me an absurd good time: The Very Virile Viking by Sandra Hill Carrie: If you haven’t read The Windflower by Laura London on the beach then you haven’t lived. Lara: During my last holiday, my best friend introduced … Continue reading The Rec League: Vacation Reading →
This Rec League came from Elle. Thanks, Elle! I feel like I struggle to find what I think of as feminist romances. I would love urban fantasy, paranormal or fantasy romances where the women are powerful and shine just as much as the guy characters. I love a good devoted guy MC too. Shelley Laurenston is the best fit for what I am thinking but I’m sure there are others with interesting takes and characters … Continue reading The Rec League: Feminist Fantasy →
This Rec League comes from Nicole. Thanks, Nicole! I’ve been eyeing shifter romances after not reading them for a while, and I’m not quite sure where to begin! I’ve read the Kate Daniels series and both series by Patricia Briggs, and am looking for some non-wolf shifter romances that SBTB enjoyed? Sarah: Dragon shifters? DRAGON SHIFTERS. If you want bloody, violent, burn it all down stories with dragon shifters, Dragon Actually by GA Aiken (aka … Continue reading The Rec League: Non-Wolf Shifters →
This timely request comes from Tara: A few years ago I gave my father Angels’ Blood by Nalini Singh as a retirement gift, not mentioning that it’s considered a romance. He loved it and has read all of the Guild Hunter and Psy/Changeling series. I’ve also introduced him to Sarah J Maas, Thea Harrison, and he’s currently hooked on Shelly Laurenston. I’m looking to introduce him to another romance author this Father’s Day, any suggestions? … Continue reading The Rec League: A Father’s Day Request →
Thanks to PamG for sending in this Rec League: I have a slightly weird and persnickety request for the Rec League, but I’m having trouble framing it clearly. Let’s call it sex adjacent hilarity. Every so often I come across a romance in which the love scenes may have variable heat levels, but are both engaging and funny. The result is a hybrid of giggle and sigh, with an occasional side of energetic face fanning. … Continue reading The Rec League: Silly & Sexy →
Hey, y’all! A special treat bonus episode for your American holiday week needs. Yup, there will be a regularly-scheduled episode on Friday, but here’s an extra treat! I was a guest on Talking Simulator discussing…romance in video games. Isn’t it weird when a topic puts itself in front of you so many times? Here’s the description and transcript from host Jordan Webber. Enjoy! … Sarah Wendell is the co-founder of Smart Bitches, Trashy Books, a website … Continue reading 485. BONUS! Romance in Games at Talking Simulator →
Hey hey! It’s time for the first Whatcha Reading of August! Let’s get into it! Claudia: I just finished At Summer’s End and taking a bit of time choosing my next one… Currently browsing a barbecue book I got from the library. Catherine: I’m on a T. Kingfisher binge! Minor Mage which is set in the same universe as her Paladin romances. This is raising certain expectations which may or may not be met by … Continue reading Whatcha Reading? August 2021, Part One →
Whenever I sense a whiff of a new historical romance with fantasy, paranormal, or steampunk elements, my ears perk up and I’m on alert. And yes, this is a call to send me your recommendations if you have any. Be aware that it will take some deep cuts, though, to suggest a book I haven’t heard of or read. Set in an alternate version of Victorian-era London, the Wisteria Society is made up of a … Continue reading The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton →
