SBTB is more independent, and probably 48% more silly
RECOMMENDED: The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang is $1.99! I’m jealous of those who get to read this for the first time. We had a wonderful guest squee of this and it was my favorite read of 2018:
I truly loved this book. Loved. It made me feel like a champagne bubble – all fizzy and light. When I think of all the magical feelings romance gives its readers, I will forever think of this book.
This week, Amanda and I catch up on a whole bunch of things, including college visits, airboats, and dating! We also have listener email, including recommendation requests and compliments galore! I know some of y’all love the episodes where Amanda and I hang out and talk books and everything, so if you like this one, let me know? Email, comment, tweet at me, whatever – if you’re into these episodes, let me know! CW/TW: discussion … Continue reading 509. Catching Up and Looking Ahead at Book Recs with Amanda
The Business of Blood by Kerrigan Byrne is $1.99! This is book one in the Fiona Mahoney historical mystery series. It was recommended by Renee Ahdieh on the podcast and she mentions that it takes place during the time when Jake the Ripper was active.
When the opening pages of a book demonstrate the writer’s deep fluency and familiarity with romance tropes, even by being extremely meta about it, it’s a signal for me that I can trust the book I’m reading to fulfill the expectations I have. If Book Lovers were a person, it would probably be wearing a t-shirt that read, “I am your catnip, Sarah,” and would politely ask if it could hug me. Because this narrative simultaneously … Continue reading Book Lovers by Emily Henry
This Rec League comes from Kayla. Thanks, Kayla! I’m dying for some BIPOC vampires I can really sink my teeth into. Ideally wise cracking and leather pants wearing but I’m not that picky. I just want more diversity in my night life. Shana: Well, there’s classics that I love, like Jewelle Gomez’s The Gilda Stories , Tananarive Due’s My Soul to Keep , and Octavia Butler’s Fledgling , but that doesn’t get you the lighthearted … Continue reading The Rec League: BIPOC Vampires
Welcome back to Links! Given the recent news regarding Roe V. Wade, I just want to reiterate that SBTB hopes you’ll find a safe, positive place here. Sarah posted some resources to help local abortion funds and I’ll be reposting those below. Try to find a moment to take some joy for yourself. Drop things in the comments that give you hope or silly things to make you smile. … Sarah posted this list yesterday … Continue reading Links: Reproductive Rights, Music, & More
A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark is $2.99! I hope this isn’t a leftover deal that’s about to expire. I picked this one for a previous Hide Your Wallet. Historical fantasy mystery with a badass main character and a supportive girlfriend.
The Mad Girls of New York is a fictionalized retelling of the real-life reporter Nellie Bly’s breakthrough investigation into The Women’s Insane Asylum on Blackwell’s Island. The novel is at its best when it sticks to the facts and when it keeps its focus on Nellie and women that she meets. It suffers when the attention shifts to a rival reporter, the fictional Sam Colton. In both this book and in real life, Nellie Bly … Continue reading The Mad Girls of New York by Maya Rodale
Count Your Lucky Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur is $2.99! Tara was excited about this one, but ultimately gave it a C:
Thankfully the epilogue is so far past the main events of the book that I can actually entertain the idea of their HEA, because whoooo, do Margot and Olivia ever need time to work on their communication skills.
This HaBO is from Lia who wants to find this historical romance: I really hope someone can remember this book! Here’s what I can recall: –Basically, the book takes place in California before it becomes a state (1800s) –Female Lead was really sick at the start of the book (consumption or something similar) and she survived but was super weak –Male Lead loves Female Lead from the start but because of her weakened condition he’s … Continue reading HaBO: American Historical with Sick Heroine
Thank you to everyone who emailed me that things were weird in the hot pink palace HQ. I’m not sure why the comment post button has disappeared, but I’m working on it! In the meantime, take care of yourself, read a soothing book, and if you want to help the existential dread in the US, here is a list of abortion funds across the country. You can also Google your local providers, and see how … Continue reading Yeah, Something’s Weird
