Smart Bitches Trashy Books is 21! Twenty-one years ago, on 31 January 2005, Smart Bitches began. As we’ve noted, the site launched with a review for Angel-Seeker by Sharon Shinn and for The Unsung Hero by Suzanne Brockmann. We’ve cover snarked, helped bitches out, talked about what we’re reading, and, as a neat coincidence, Smart Podcast Trashy Books published its 700th episode on Friday 9 January 2026. (You can watch the video of the episode on … Continue reading Cheers! Happy 21st Anniversary, Smart Bitches!→
If you want an immersive reading experience that will absolutely result in a Bad Decisions Book Club event, then this book is for you. Please excuse me while I go read it again.
Kayleigh Donaldson is back! She is the guest on some of the most popular episodes, and I know what that is: she’s brilliant. We recorded this just before the Oscar nominations were announced, so Kayleigh is making (some pretty accurate!) predictions about Oscar nominations, and explaining what makes this year’s group of films so interesting. Along the way we also talk about vintage Hollywood gossip, character actors who go weird gremlin, and the way actors … Continue reading 703. Oscars and Gossip with Kayleigh Donaldson→
RECOMMENDED: How to Tame a Wild Rogue by Julie Anne Long is $1.99! This made our Best of Reviews 2023 list at number five. There are also many of Long’s books ons ale, including book one, Perils of Pleasure, in her Pennyroyal Green series. Lara gave this a Squee grade:
This book made me swoon IRL. Reading it was a fever dream and not just because of the sex scenes. I was so immersed in it that the real world and its troubles didn’t even occur to me for the duration of the book. (I am anxious by nature, so this is a feat.)
Shout out to the commenters in our latest Whatcha Reading post! There were some great comments about “In Case of Emergency…Break Glass” books and a request for a post. We’re always happy to run requests like these! We ran a similar post in 2020, so we did our best not to duplicate suggestions. Sarah: In 2020, I mentioned the Call of Crows series, and that I always keep them with me should I need … Continue reading The Rec League: In Case of Emergency…→
Welcome back! How have we all done with the snowfall? We got about two feet and my partner broke our shovel trying to break up some ice. And of course, all the local places are sold out of shovels. Fingers crossed our online order arrives before the next snow forecast. Also, I finally read by first Cate C. Wells. Katie, who participated in the After Dark quarterly recs, gave me some suggestions on where to … Continue reading Links: Nail Polish, Owls, & More→
Tourist Season by Brynne Weaver is $1.99! This is book one in a new series. It came out last year and I mentioned it on Hide Your Wallet. I do love Weaver’s blend of dark humor and romance, but often find the pacing to be a bit lopsided in her romances. What do you think?
Dr. Bruce Gleason forwarded me a truly enraging email. It’s allegedly from me. Spoiler: it’s not. You might have seen or perhaps received a marketing pitch filled with AI-written and deeply florid compliments to your writing and your book. I’ve received a few and have been trying to track down who actually sent it (mine was sent on behalf of a library in Charlotte which disavowed all knowledge of this person – more on that … Continue reading SCAM ALERT: There is no Smart Bitches Strategic Partnerships→
by Carrie S · Jan 28, 2026 at 4:00 am ·
Comments Off on After Dark at the Movies: Hedda
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 After Dark at the Movies: Hedda→
by Amanda · Jan 28, 2026 at 2:01 am ·
Comments Off on Stuff We Like: Crafting and Reading in the Dark
It’s time for another edition of Stuff We Like! This month: we have a request from LittyN about crafting in dark or low light environments, particularly the car! Take a look: 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.
A Gentleman’s Gentleman by TJ Alexander is $1.99! This was featured on Cover Awe. I also recommended this one a couple times during the latest round of quarterly recommendations for After Dark members.
