SBTB is more independent, and probably 48% more silly
While the Duke Was Sleeping by Sophie Jordan is $3.99! This is a historical romance retelling of the movie While You Were Sleeping. Some readers thought the story worked better as a contemporary romcom. Others loved the animosity and banter between the hero and heroine early on in the book.
Content warning: attempted sexual assault of the heroine Heiress in Red Silk is a book that hooked right into my emotions and gave me what I wanted and needed from a story right now. While it was by no means a flawless romance, I adored the heroine, and there was one scene that hit me straight in the heart. This is the second book in the Duke’s Heiress series, but you really don’t need to … Continue reading Heiress in Red Silk by Madeline Hunter
it’s the last Wednesday in April! It really flew by, didn’t it? Now we enter the weird in-between face of spring and summer. Not particularly a fan, but I also have bad allergies and hate the heat. How about you? Are you excited for the next month? … Anyone you know looking for an internship? This dragon is looking for an intern (unpaid, of course) to help manage his hoard! … Obsessed with this story … Continue reading Links: Long Reads & Deep Dives
I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella is $2.99! I feel like Kinsella’s books are hit or miss, or you’re either a fan or you’re not. The description describes a pretty adorable meet cute. Have you read this one? Are you a Kinsella fan?
I like heists and capers, and I really like art theft stories in particular because sometimes the art itself becomes a massive McGuffin. In a really satisfying art heist story, the interpersonal relationships become more interesting than the priceless whatsit being stolen, and the people and their reasons for heisting provide the narrative momentum. That shift from “steal the thing” to “why are we stealing the thing” can make for a terrific story. With It … Continue reading It Takes a Thief by Sloane Steele
Not the Duke’s Darling by Elizabeth Hoyt is $1.99! We ran a guest review from Ellen before they became a regular reviewer. Ellen gave it a B-:
Overall, I think if you are sufficiently intrigued by the premise of a secret order of Wise Women, you’ll enjoy the book. And if you don’t typically crave a lot of angst and emotional torment in your romance you might enjoy it more than I did!
This HaBO comes from Alison who wants to find this romance: So, years back (2000s maybe) I came across a paperback my mom had around the house. It was a historical romance and took place in Italy. This young black-haired woman somehow ends up in this lord’s castle. I felt there were Beauty and the Beast parallels between them, though I think it was more that the lord had an intimidating reputation (and I think … Continue reading HaBO: Beauty & the Beast Inspired Italian Historical
I have barely ever mentioned the Murderbot series in the past year, so it may have escaped your notice. I definitely cannot adequately transcribe the noise I made when I received an ARC of Fugitive Telemetry, the newest in the Murderbot Diaries. I was in the midst of yet another re-read of the series, and having a brand-new Murderbot story was a delight. And now everyone gets brand new Murderbot to read! In October 2020, … Continue reading Fugitive Telemetry by Martha Wells
The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Steward is $1.99! This fantasy novel was mentioned on a previous Hide Your Wallet, though I’ve heard it can be a little bit of a dark read. I think both Elyse and Carrie read it and have shared mostly favorable thoughts.
Y’all, we have yet another gross, moldy beard today. Is this a new theme? From Alex: A lovely design in most ways, but rather undone as a romance by the combination of her expression and stance. Sarah: I agree. Gorgeous color scheme and interesting pose but she looks she’s…bored? Annoyed? Both? Tara: “Excuse me, can someone please get this man off my neck?” Claudia: MAN: I’m sorry I left the toilet seat up. Sneezy: “Are … Continue reading Cover Snark: For the Love of God, Clean Your Beards
RECOMMENDED: Pretty Little Wife by Darby Kane is $2.99! Elyse reviewed this one and gave it an A:
The story is really a cat-and-mouse game between Lila and Aaron (or whoever moved him), Lila and the police, and Lila and Aaron’s friends and family. It’s layers upon layers of deception, plots, counter-plots, and moments where I thought I figured out what was happening and was wrong.
That’s all I can really say without spoiling this wonderful, twisty thriller. Just trust me. You’ll love it.
