CW: Religious trauma, internalized homophobia I don’t typically read romantasy. I haven’t jumped on any of the big titles, even though friends and family, including my husband, have read at least one. And yet, I had to read this one, because the author wrote my favourite book. I don’t make the rules in my brain, I just have to abide by them. I didn’t really know much going into this book except that there’s a … Continue reading The Woman From the Waves by Roslyn Sinclair →
This month’s Kickass Woman is Claudia Jones. Wielding a pen instead of a sword did not make this woman any less of a warrior, one who did battle in three countries in her short life and shared not only Black anger but also Black joy. Born in 1915, Claudia Vera Cumberbatch was born in Trinidad and Tobago, which was, at the time, a colony of Britain (it is now the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, … Continue reading Kickass Women in History: Claudia Jones →
RECOMMENDED: The Secret Lives of Country Gentleman by KJ Charles is $1.99 and a KDD! Carrie gave this one a B+:
The strengths of this book are in the balancing of conflict with humor and optimism, the rich characterizations, and the portrayal of life on the marsh, as well as a romance between two opposites. It’s entertaining, exciting, and immersive. While I wanted a little more from the ending, I enjoyed this book overall!
Continue reading →
Happy Pride Month, party people! You know the best way to celebrate (outside of fighting for basic civil rights)? You guessed it — buying and reading queer books! Here are some great places to start with new June reads!
One of Chelsea Devantez’s listeners connected her to my show after my interview with Joanna Shupe. Meanwhile I’d been working up the nerve to ask her onto my show, and then the universe intervened through this lovely person. Thank you! I recapped Danielle Steel’s dog memoir on her show, and now, she’s in the guest chair on mine. We talk about her memoir, I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This (But I’m Going to Anyway), which … Continue reading 670. It’s Trash-ception with Chelsea Devantez of Glamourous Trash →
This piece of literary mayhem is exclusive to Smart Bitches After Dark, but fret not. If you’d like to join, we’d love to have you! Have a look at our membership options, and come join the fun! If you want to have a little extra fun, be a little more yourself, and be part of keeping the site open for everyone in the future, we can’t wait to see you in our new subscription-based section … Continue reading Wednesday June 18: A Crafty Zoom, or a Zoomy Craft! →
RECOMMENDED: The Rakess by Scarlett Peckham is $1.99! Carrie read this one and have it an A-:
The combination of personal catnip with descriptive language and complex characterization is spot on. I recommend this for fans of vocal feminism, found family, angst, and explicit sex in their historicals. I plan to read my copy many, many times!
Continue reading →
This dreamy book is so much fun! The God and the Gumiho features Korean mythology, grumpy/sunshine, secrets, and of course Only One Bed. While I did I find this book to be somewhat slow going, I also found it to be deeply imaginative and delightful. It’s the first in a series, so the HEA is more of a Happy Ever Eventually Probably. The second book, The God and the Gwisin, came out on June 3, … Continue reading The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim →
Happy Wednesday, everyone! Thank you all for the lovely comments on my dress. Now begins the waiting game until it arrives, while I hem and haw over shoe choices. I’m thankful we’re eloping, so I don’t have to factor in the many hours I’ll need to be on my feet. I mentioned this in the Hide Your Wallet comments yesterday, but SBTB Summer Romance Bingo will be returning this year. The bingo card will be … Continue reading Links: Bookshelf Decor, Tea, & More →
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern is $1.99! This fantasy novel was everywhere when it came out and does seem to have romantic elements. While the setting captured readers’ attentions, some wished it had more emotional depth.
Continue reading →
