Smart Podcast, Trashy Books Podcast

382. Our Favorite Books of the Year, Part Two: Shana, Sneezy, and Aarya

We’re looking back at our favorite books of the year with the SBTB team with reviewers from around the globe.

Shana talks about the books she thought were perfection this year, the pop culture discoveries in romance fiction that she wishes were real, and our appreciation of sewing, embroidery, and other art forms that are often coded as feminine. Sneezy shares the books that she loved most this year, especially those that caused a high grade of catharsis and taught her how to human more. Aarya breaks down all the elements that worked for her inside a book coming out on the 31st (no spoilers!) and narrows her list of 22 books down to 5, all of which explore themes of family and identity.

TW/CW – at 27:19 mention of beating up an assaulter and of violence, and at 52:25, there’s a discussion of character with hella-Islamophobia (there’s a spoken warning for this one, so skip 30 seconds or so)

I hope you enjoy this reading recap, and that you share with us your favorite books that you read in the past year, too!


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Here are the books we discuss in this podcast:

During the episode we also mentioned:

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This Episode's Music

Adeste Fiddles Album Cover IT’S TIME AGAIN!

It’s time to feature my favorite holiday album from Deviations Project, Adeste Fiddles.

The track in the intro and between interviews is is Three Ships You can find this album at Amazon.


Podcast Sponsor

The Viscount’s Tempting Minx

Today’s podcast is sponsored by The Viscount’s Tempting Minx, a FREE e-book from New York Times bestselling author Erica Ridley. Yes, free, so you can find out why The Viscount’s Tempting Minx is a fan favorite in the bestselling Dukes of War series!

Certain individuals might consider Lady Amelia Pembroke a managing sort of female, but truly, most people would be lost without her help. Why, the latest on-dit is that rakish Viscount Sheffield is canceling the event of the year because he hasn’t time for silly soirees. He doesn’t need time—he needs her!

The Viscount’s Tempting Minx is yours for free, wherever ebooks are sold – and stay tuned after the episode, where you’ll receive an exclusive sneak peek of the audiobook! Find out more at EricaRidley.com.

Transcript

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This podcast transcript was handcrafted with meticulous skill by Garlic Knitter. Many thanks.

Transcript Sponsor

Once Upon a Duke

Today’s transcript is sponsored by Once Upon a Duke, a FREE e-book by New York Times bestselling author Erica Ridley. Fans of Tessa Dare, Christi Caldwell, and Julia Quinn will love the laugh-out-loud Regency romps in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series.

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  1. Adularia16 says:

    Lots of books I need to read on this list. One book I was surprise to see on this list was Wolf Rain by Nalini Singh. I’ve found her last few books in the Psy/Changeling series to be very disappointing and this one was no different. I’m curious as to what the team liked about it as it wasn’t delved into that much. Cheers and Happy Holidays!

  2. HeatherS says:

    Favorite book this year: “Red, White & Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston. No contest. I’ve read it three times and I can’t remember the last book I read 3 times in a single year.

    Other favorites: “The Queen of Blood” by Sarah Beth Durst (fabulous feminist fantasy), “The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics” by Olivia Waite (wlw historical with science + discussion of art vs handicrafts and how women’s domestic art is looked down upon as a lesser form of art), “A Delicate Deception”, “A Little Light Mischief”, and “A Duke in Disguise” by Cat Sebastian (queer historicals featuring cranky queer people and I’m here for it), “They Called Us Enemy” by George Takei (about his childhood in Japanese internment camps in the US during WWII), “All-American Muslim Girl” by Nadine Jolie Courtney (about a Muslim girl from a non-practicing family who begins to embrace her faith and figure out how to be a Muslim and an American), and “Ayesha At Last” by Uzma Jalaluddin (a contemporary Muslim version of P&P).

    Looking back, my reading has largely been highly feminist, queer, and populated with people of color. I’m going to try and read even more next year and really be intentional with reading books by authors of color that center POC characters.

  3. Escapeologist says:

    “Can’t Escape Love” is $1.99 on kindle right now. One clicked so fast.

  4. Adularia16 says:

    I guess I should mention my favourites of 2019 too! Not all of them I liked 100% mostly 2019 releases – I’m not sure – vs books I’ve reread (which has been more the norm) but it’s a mix.

    – Things We Never Said, Samantha Young
    – Waiting for Her, Alisha Rai
    – Top Secret, Sarin Bowen and Elle Kennedy
    – Consumed, J.R. Ward
    – Block Shot, Kennedy Ryan (loved this)
    – Good Girl, Jana Aston

    I need to look at Heather S’s list above to start reading those! Especially Ayesha at Last! I need to hunt for more diversity books. They’re everywhere now it seems but I’m struggling to find engaging stories. Thanks for the share Heather S!.

  5. Vivi12 says:

    I just discovered the wolf novels by Charlie Adhara too, and am loving them! It’s worth reading all of them, and now I’m waiting on the next one. As well as being a different take on packs, there don’t seem to be fated mates, my least favorite trope.
    I also loved
    -the Ladies Guide to Celestial Mechanics
    -In the Middle of Somewhere by Roan Parrish
    -Any Old Diamonds by KJ Charles
    -What the Parrot Saw by Darlene Marshall.

  6. Kareni says:

    What a fun post! I always enjoy seeing lists of favorites.

  7. Sharon says:

    Such interesting choices! I haven’t read all of these, but of the ones I have read, I too really enjoyed Courtney Milan’s Mrs. Martin’s Incomparable Adventure. I also loved The Chai Factor and The Bride Test. However, I read an arc of Love Lettering and just flat out adored it for so many reasons. I appreciate the discussion of the complexity of female friendships. This is such an important part of the novel and does not at all detract from the very romantic romance here. I hope many people find their way to this book. Great podcast!

  8. Julia says:

    The Transcript Sponsor text says Erica Ridley, but the book cover says Eva Devon. Wrong pic, I think!

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