Movie Review: KPop Demon Hunters

Jul. 16th, 2025 06:00 am
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Posted by Guest Reviewer

This guest squee is from Jeevani Charika! Jeevani Charika (also known as Rhoda Baxter) writes romantic comfort reads with a dash of fun. Her books have been shortlisted for multiple awards. Jeevani is British-Sri Lankan. She loves all things science geeky. She also loves cake, Lego and playing with Canva. You can find out more about her (and get a free book!) on her website. Her next book, How Can I Resist You? is available for pre-order.

When Netflix suggested K-Pop Demon Hunters to me, I added it to my list immediately, based solely on the title. I know very little about K-Pop, but I love fantasy K-dramas. This show is a 100 minute animated film and the title is brilliant.

The setup is exactly what you’d expect from the title. The film is about a K-pop girl band who are…secretly demon hunters. In a world where demons prey on human souls in order to bring life force to their leader in the underworld (Gwi-Ma), every generation has a trio of female hunters whose voices can ignite a force in the hearts of their human listeners and generate a protective force field called the Hunmoon. Right now, the trio takes the form of the super popular girl band Huntr/x.

Rumi (voiced by Arden Cho) is the lead singer, whose voice feeds the Hunmoon, Mira is the main dancer and choreographer while Zoey raps and writes lyrics. They all work hard balancing performing and demon slaying. When they turn the Hunmoon golden, the demons will be trapped in the underworld forever.

Rumi has an extra reason to want to turn the Hunmoon golden. She has a secret that not even her bandmates know about – she is part demon, as evidenced by the symbolic patterns on her arms. Her mentor has told her that when the Hunmoon is golden, she will banish her demon side and become fully human. So, despite her voice sometimes failing, she pushes the band to release their next new single.

Meanwhile, Gwi-Ma is annoyed that his minions have failed once again. The Hunmoon is getting stronger and they need to do something. A demon called Jinu suggests a way to steal the fans away from Huntri/x and weaken the Hunmoon. His suggestion – a demon boy band.

Let’s just sit with that a minute. Demon. Boyband.

 

Suddenly, Huntri/x’s chart domination has some competition for the mysterious boyband The Saja Boys. The girls quickly work out that the boys are demons. If The Saja Boys win the International Idol Competition, it’s game over for Huntr/x and for the Hunmoon.

This is a kids’ animated film (rated PG). There is a hint of a romantic thread, though there’s no real romance in it, but don’t let that stop you. It’s still awesome. There is an uplifting ending (but, again, it is definitely not a romance ending). There is some violence and mild horror elements because of the demons, but it’s very cartoonish. In general it is bright and jaunty.

First of all, the girls. Rumi, Mira and Zoey are accomplished performers on stage, but messy and real in private. The scenes where the girls are relaxing are some of my favourites – all they want to do is eat a huge amount of food, take long baths and lie around on the couch.

https://youtube.com/shorts/wpCMWWdIqnw?si=xGWz5x4wf1nUoCEd

They are messy, chaotic and affectionate. The movie captures the divide between their ‘perfect’ external personas and the messy reality of being human really well. There is a lovely scene where, post-battle, the girls are bruised and scratched, but when they hear their manager coming up in the lift, there’s a flurry of activity, so that by the time the lift doors open, they’ve done their makeup and hair and are looking flawless again.

Next, the boys: The Saja boys are hot (how can animated characters be so hot?!). Jinu is voiced by the Canadian-Korean actor Ahn Hyeo-Seop, who K-drama fans will recognise as the male lead in Business Proposal. The rest of the Saja boys don’t get much air time, but they form a stereotypical boy band – the hearthrob (Jinu), the bad boy, the cute one, the mysterious one and the funny one.

Jinu has real depth. He is racked with guilt about his past, specifically about the people he betrayed when he took his deal with the devil, and if he succeeds in destroying the Hunmoon, his reward will be to have his memories wiped. Being in the real world (and spending time with Rumi) changes him subtly, but even at the end, he still has moments when he looks unsettling. He has a goofy magical tiger and a creepy black bird in a hat as companions.

The tiger is adorable. There’s a lovely scene where Mira asks about the hat the bird wears and Jinu mutters that he made the hat for the tiger, but the bird keeps stealing it. This is a lovely way to humanise a guy who is, essentially, still a demon.

The animation is mostly representations of the real world, but sometimes it veers towards anime and some of it is genuinely funny

Show Spoiler

…like how, whenever Zoey sees the abs of ‘Abby’, her eyes start making popcorn (this made me laugh every time it happened).

A lot of the K-drama tropes pop up at various times – the wrist grab, the nosy ahjummas, the moment when the hero helps the heroine when she least expects it. I don’t know enough about K-pop to spot the references, but I gather there are K-pop easter eggs in there too. If you spot any, post in the comments! There are a lot of Korean cultural elements incorporated into the visuals,

Show Spoiler

…most notably, for the final performance, when the Saja Boys wear modified hanboks and hats that make them look like mythical grim reapers.

Given that it’s a story about two rival bands battling it out for the hearts and minds of the fans, there’s a lot of music in this film. The songs are surprisingly catchy. It’s been a few days since I watched it and I still catch myself humming ‘Takedown’.

The messaging in the story is great for younger viewers: eat all the snacks, take long baths, trust your besties to have your back.

For me, it was 90+ minutes of pure, uplifting fun.

KPop Demon Hunters is available on Netflix.

After Dark at the Movies: The Damned

Jul. 16th, 2025 06:00 am
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Posted by Carrie S

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 with exclusive content and events.

Everything you’re used to seeing at the Hot Pink Palace that is Smart Bitches Trashy Books will remain free as always, because we remain committed to fostering community among brilliant readers who love romance.

Figure Skating, Eloisa James, & More

Jul. 15th, 2025 03:30 pm
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Posted by Amanda

Wild and Wrangled

Wild and Wrangled by Lyla Sage is $2.99! This is book four, which is the latest installment in the Rebel Blue Ranch series. It released in April, so it’s a pretty new release.

She’s the one that got away. He’s the one that never let her go.

From the bestselling author of Done and Dusted and Swift and Saddled, the next book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series, a small town romance in which past lovers get a second chance to rediscover what they lost.

Camille Ashwood had always loved a plan. Her latest was her best yet. She was going to get married so she could secure her daughter’s future, get her overbearing parents off her back, and finally start building her own life in small town Meadowlark, Wyoming. Easy, right?

But when her groom doesn’t show up to the wedding, Cam’s life is turned upside down—she doesn’t even have a place to live. That is, until she finds out the house she’s loved since high school is available to rent. There’s only one the neighbor.

Dusty Tucker has spent nearly all of his adult life running. Running from what, though? More like Cam Ashwood. But ever since he returned home last year, the girl who was his first, well, everything has become a woman seemingly determined to keep him at arm’s length. And he was okay with that—at least, that’s what he kept telling himself. She was getting married, after all. But now she’s single and living next door. Dusty wants to show her that they can be friends, and that he can stay put.

Despite her best attempts to stay far away from Dusty Tucker, Cam realizes that being close to him is like slipping on her favorite jeans. Easy. Comfortable. That is until past wounds start to open and feelings—both old and new—wreak havoc. Nearly ten years after they first met, Dusty and Cam begin to wonder if their first love can also be their last. And this time, will it be forever?

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

 

 

 

From Lukov with Love

From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata is $2.49 at Amazon and a KDD! It’s available elsewhere, but not on sale. This romance was recommended in our Winter Olympics Rec League. Have you read this yet?

If someone were to ask Jasmine Santos to describe the last few years of her life with a single word, it would definitely be a four-letter one.

After seventeen years—and countless broken bones and broken promises—she knows her window to compete in figure skating is coming to a close.

But when the offer of a lifetime comes in from an arrogant idiot she’s spent the last decade dreaming about pushing in the way of a moving bus, Jasmine might have to reconsider everything.

Including Ivan Lukov.

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

 

 

 

Hate Mail

Hate Mail by Donna Marchetti is 99c! This looks like a rivals to friends to lovers romance with an epistolary element. I’m definitely curious about this one.

Naomi and Luca have been pen-pals since fifth-grade. Well, more like bitter rivals caught in an epic battle of insults and verbal jousting…

But what starts as a hilarious chain of hate filled letters, slowly develops into a friendship spanning coasts and years. That is until one day, years later, when the letters suddenly stop.

It’s been two years since Naomi last heard from Luca. Two years since the letter that changed everything.

But when a new envelope turns up out of the blue at her desk at the local news station, Naomi is determined not to let Luca have the final word.

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

 

 

 

Viscount in Love

Viscount in Love by Eloisa James is $1.99! This is book one in the Accidental Brides series, which I haven’t heard much about. This came out last summer.

Two eccentric orphans bring together a grumpy viscount and the free-spirited heroine who steals his heart in the first novel in Eloisa James’s new Accidental Brides series, in which haughty aristocrats find themselves married to the wrong women.

He wants a nanny, not a bride…

Suddenly guardian to twins, Viscount Dominic Kelbourne is luckily betrothed to a suitable lady—until she elopes. With no time to woo, Dominic decides to marry his fiancée’s unconventional sister. Torie isn’t perfect, but their kisses are so passionate that society thinks he’s actually chosen her.

She wants to marry for love…

Torie has never been able to make sense of words on a page, so she has turned her talents to art. She longs for a man who values her as she is… but marries for the sake of the twins. She doubts Dominic is capable of love, let alone respect, but as their heated debates turn into something more, Torie begins to imagine a life as a wife, not a nanny.

But when the arrogant viscount finds that his viscountess has stolen his heart, he’ll have to give all he has to win her love.

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

 

 

 

HaBO: Pink and Gold Carriage

Jul. 15th, 2025 02:00 pm
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Posted by Amanda

This HaBO is from Nicola, who wants to find this series:

I’ve been trying to find this book for about ten years since our library updated their internal system and cleared my access to loan history before 2016.

There are for sure two books in this series, and I think only two.

The first one has the heroine move next door to an Earl (possibly other nobleman). As part of the opening he wakes up hungover, with a splitting headache, and hears a massive renovation racket next door. He goes over and starts an argument with the newly arrived heroine (newly wealthy, but I don’t think noble) which ends up in the gossip rags. To save her reputation they pretend to court, and of course fall in love.

He is a libertine who is charming, funny, and of course actually a good guy on the inside- she is funny, smart, and strong.

A key detail I remember is she at some point rides in a bright pink and gold carriage wearing a dress to match. That said, I think they get stuck somewhere and she gets covered in mud and ruins the whole thing.

The earl has a Scottish friend (also noble?) who is leads the second book. The woman he falls in love with has some shady friends and there’s a scene in that one where she has to save him from being murdered by criminal elements.

I’m fairly confident this was published sometime around 2013/2014, as it was a recommendation in the comments sections of a Jezebel article about romance novels (before Jezebel imploded thanks to VC takeover).

The internet has not saved me yet, hoping the bitches have ideas!

Let’s HaBO!

CLEAN UP ON AISLE 4

Jul. 15th, 2025 01:00 pm
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Posted by Jen

Too often I've been accused of making you readers hungry with my steady parade of candy-coated misspellings and butchered bakery goods.

Well, NO MORE!

Or at least not for today.

Here, I'll ease you in slowly, in case you're mid coffee-sip:

This is your spleen...or possibly a giant tumor...on cupcakes.

 Any questions?

 

I've been told there are no accidents in life; only learning experiences.  If that's true, then we're all about to learn something very important:

Some bakers get sick if you feed them too many mini-marshmallows.

Also, we're not hungry. No, none of us. Now go away. Shoo.

 

Before you ask, this "cake" was being served at a buffet restaurant, and no, that's not mold:

It just looks like mold. Thereby saving the establishment literally dozens of dollars in their dessert budget, I'm sure. (Reminds me of the restaurant with candy sprinkles on their sushi rolls. Hey... do you think it's the same place?)

 

I'm not really sure what's happening in there, but it's a safe bet you're not getting your little plastic purse back.

 

The tag on this next one says, "Freshly made in store by our bakers."

And thank goodness for that! There's just nothing worse than stale vomit from some factory, am I right?

Also...are those...olives?  (Deep breaths, Jen...deep...breaths...)

 

Baker by day, retirement-center barber by night?

EWWWWWWW.

Ok, I just made MYSELF gag. Urg. And no, I don't know what the "hair" is really. Let's just try not to think about it too hard, okay?

Hey, now, WHAT DID I JUST SAY?

 Ah, well, don't worry. Someone'll just stick that on the clearance rack later.

You know, once it cools.

 

Thanks to  Rob A., Emily F., Dani S., Andrea & Anne Marie, Mim & Vince, Lisa D., & Regina G. for the uplifting chucking experience. Who's hungry now, bee-yotches? HUH?

*****

For some reason this post is just calling out for butt-themed home decor, don't you agree?

2-Sided Bathroom Decor Box

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

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Posted by Amanda

Happy Tuesday!

This is quite a busy week for new releases; we have a dozen on our radar. Things do calm down as we get closer to the end of the month.

Which releases are you excited for this week? Let us know in the comments!

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

Author: Sangu Mandanna
Released: July 15, 2025
Genre: , , ,

An enchanting novel about a witch who has a second chance to get her magical powers—and her life—back on track, from the national bestselling author of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.

Sera Swan was once one of the most powerful witches in Britain. Then she resurrected her great-aunt Jasmine from the (very recently) dead, lost most of her magic, befriended a semi-villainous talking fox, and was exiled from her magical Guild. Now she (slightly reluctantly and just a bit grumpily) helps Aunt Jasmine run an inn in Lancashire, where she deals with her quirky guests’ shenanigans, tries to keep the talking fox in check, and longs for the magical future she lost.

When she learns about an old spellbook that holds the secret to restoring her power, she turns to Luke Larsen, a gorgeous historian who might just be able to help her unlock the book’s mysteries. Luke, who has his own reasons for staying at the inn, never planned on getting involved in the madcap goings-on around him and definitely had no intention of letting certain grumpy innkeepers past his icy walls, so no one is more surprised than he is when he not only agrees to help, but also finds himself thawing.

Running an inn, reclaiming lost magic, and staying one step ahead of the watchful Guild is a lot for anyone, but Sera is about to discover that she doesn’t have to do it alone… and that the weird, wonderful family she’s made might be the best magic of all.

Amanda: Is this a Grumpy/Grumpy romance?!

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

Atonement Sky

Atonement Sky by Nalini Singh

Author: Nalini Singh
Released: July 15, 2025 by Berkley
Genre: ,
Series: Psy-Changeling #9

The hunt for a stealthy predator takes a damaged J-Psy to the heart of falcon territory in this new Psy-Changeling Trinity novel from New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh…

Justice-Psy Eleri Dias knows the end is near for her, her mind one step away from fatal psychic exposure. In the short time that remains, she is determined to atone for an act of omission that has haunted her for a long, cruel decade. But that decision not only means facing a powerful changeling wing leader, but also putting herself in the path of a serial killer.

Falcon wing leader Adam Garrett is fiercely protective of his family and his clan. After losing his parents as a teenager in a shocking act of malice, Adam has no forgiveness in him for the J-Psy who betrayed him, betrayed them, at the most painful moment of his life. But the evil that stalks his territory will allow him no respite, forcing him once more into contact with the J he has never been able to forget.

Everything that could’ve been between Eleri and Adam was lost years ago, a shimmering promise crushed. As they work to uncover a monster, the moment of reckoning looms ever closer. Soon, there may be no more time left for either atonement…or love…

Sarah: The whole world is based on understanding empathy, which, yes please – AND the hero does a lot of emotional heavy lifting in this one!

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

The Bewitching

The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Author: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Released: July 15, 2025 by Del Rey
Genre: , ,

Three women in three different eras encounter danger and witchcraft in this eerie multigenerational horror saga from the New York Times bestselling author of Mexican Gothic.

“Back then, when I was a young woman, there were still witches”: That was how Nana Alba always began the stories she told her great-granddaughter Minerva—stories that have stayed with Minerva all her life. Perhaps that’s why Minerva has become a graduate student focused on the history of horror literature and is researching the life of Beatrice Tremblay, an obscure author of macabre tales.

In the course of assembling her thesis, Minerva uncovers information that reveals that Tremblay’s most famous novel, The Vanishing, was inspired by a true story: Decades earlier, during the Great Depression, Tremblay attended the same university where Minerva is now studying and became obsessed with her beautiful and otherworldly roommate, who then disappeared under mysterious circumstances.

As Minerva descends ever deeper into Tremblay’s manuscript, she begins to sense that the malign force that stalked Tremblay and the missing girl might still walk the halls of the campus. These disturbing events also echo the stories Nana Alba told about her girlhood in 1900s Mexico, where she had a terrifying encounter with a witch.

Minerva suspects that the same shadow that darkened the lives of her great-grandmother and Beatrice Tremblay is now threatening her own in 1990s Massachusetts. An academic career can be a punishing pursuit, but it might turn outright deadly when witchcraft is involved.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia is back with some more Gothic spookiness. 

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

The Enchanted Greenhouse

The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst

Author: Sarah Beth Durst
Released: July 15, 2025 by Bramble
Genre:
Series: Spellshop #2

New York Times bestselling author Sarah Beth Durst invites you to her new standalone novel set in the world of The Spellshop! Follow her to The Enchanted Greenhouse, a cozy fantasy nestled on a far-away island brimming with singing flowers, honey cakes, and honeyed love.

Terlu Perna broke the law because she was lonely. She cast a spell and created a magically sentient spider plant. As punishment, she was turned into a wooden statue and tucked away into an alcove in the North Reading Room of the Great Library of Alyssium.

This should have been the end of her story . . . Yet one day, Terlu wakes in the cold of winter on a nearly-deserted island full of hundreds of magical greenhouses. She’s starving and freezing, and the only other human on the island is a grumpy gardener. To her surprise, he offers Terlu a place to sleep, clean clothes, and freshly baked honey cakes—at least until she’s ready to sail home.

But Terlu can’t return home and doesn’t want to—the greenhouses are a dream come true, each more wondrous than the next. When she learns that the magic that sustains them is failing—causing the death of everything within them—Terlu knows she must help. Even if that means breaking the law again.

This time, though, she isn’t alone. Assisted by the gardener and a sentient rose, Terlu must unravel the secrets of a long-dead sorcerer if she wants to save the island—and have a fresh chance at happiness and love.

Funny, kind, and forgiving, The Enchanted Greenhouse is a story about giving second chances—to others and to yourself.

More cozy fantasy from Sarah Beth Durst. 

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

Everyone is Lying to You

Everyone is Lying to You by Jo Piazza

Author: Jo Piazza
Released: July 15, 2025 by Dutton
Genre:

The #tradwife murder mystery we’ve all been waiting for. From the bestselling author of The Sicilian Inheritance and the creator of the Under the Influence podcast comes an explosive thriller about two estranged friends, a grisly murder, a sudden disappearance, and the truly shocking revelation that everyone is lying to you about something . . .

Lizzie and Bex were best friends in college. After graduation, Bex vanished, leaving Lizzie confused and devastated.

Fifteen years later, Bex is now Rebecca Sommers, a “traditional” Instagram influencer with millions of followers who salivate over her perfect life on her ranch with her five children and handsome husband, Gray. Lizzie is a struggling magazine writer, watching reels while her young children demand her attention.

One night out of the blue, Bex calls Lizzie with a career-making proposition—an exclusive interview with her about her multimillion-dollar business venture and an invitation to MomBomb, the high-profile influencing conference.

At the conference, Bex goes missing and Gray is found brutally murdered on their ranch. Lizzie finds herself plunged into the dark side of the cutthroat world of social media that includes jealousy, sordid affairs, swingers, and backstabbing. She must learn who her old friend has become and who she has double-crossed to try to find her, clear her name, and maybe even save her life.

Piazza’s master storytelling and razor-sharp insight into the world of social media brings us a pulpy, juicy, and cleverly plotted read that will have you guessing all the way through and leave you gasping for more.

Sarah: Trad wife murder mystery – and if you’re familiar with mommy bloggers and/or influencers, this is a JUICY fun book.

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Hit Me with Your Best Charm

Hit Me with Your Best Charm by Lillie Vale

Author: Lillie Vale
Released: July 15, 2025 by Viking Books for Young Readers
Genre: , , ,

“Enchanting, flirty, and crafted from pure practical magic!”—Julian Winters, award-winning author of Right Where I Left You

The occasionally magic, always superstitious town of Prior’s End is famous for three whimsical charm at the annual Fall Festival, the legend of the wishing well hidden in a forest bristling with secrets, and Nova Marwood’s missing hiker father.

Every year without him, it gets easier to pretend Nova doesn’t believe in myth and magic. Easier to pretend she’s doing okay. Easier to pretend she doesn’t have a secret crush on the girl she fake-hates.

Kiara Mistry is the luckiest girl in town and the thief of every crush Nova had her heart set on first. In theory, Nova should resent Kiara. But it’s getting harder to deny her feelings.

When Nova lays an unintended hex on Kiara at the Fall Festival, and one misfortune after another swiftly follows, soon Kiara’s very survival is at stake. To reverse the bad luck, Kiara’s exes turned BFFs commence a quest for the miraculous wishing well. There’s only one person who can get them there . . . Nova.

But to save Kiara—and maybe find her dad, too—she’ll have to believe in something much stronger than magic. Nova will need to believe in herself.

Tara: I think it sounds really cute.

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How to Sell a Romance

How to Sell a Romance by Alexa Martin

Author: Alexa Martin
Released: July 15, 2025 by Berkley
Genre: ,

Romance is the biggest scheme of them all in this laugh-out-loud romantic comedy from beloved author Alexa Martin.

Emerson Pierce loves everything about being a kindergarten teacher except the painfully low salary. It isn’t until she hears about Petunia Lemon—an opportunity to sell makeup products, make some extra money, and meet a group of skin-care aficionados—that she begins to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sure, it sounds a little too good to be true, but what’s the worst that could happen?

Investigative reporter Lucas Miller didn’t always have a chip on his shoulder…until his wife joined Petunia Lemon, drained their savings, and filed for divorce. Now he’s a little bitter, a lot single, and determined to expose the company. After infiltrating their largest convention yet, the last thing he expects is to lose sight of his mission for one night with the gorgeous woman at the bar.

When Emerson and Lucas learn that she’s his daughter’s teacher, they decide to ignore their scorching chemistry. Until things with Petunia Lemon turn downright diabolical and Emerson turns to Lucas for help. They work together to bring the company down but can the two come out on top in this pyramid scheme of love?

Dahlia: I’m already a Martin fan from The Playbook series, but even if I weren’t, everything about this book looks hilarious and utterly cathartic for anyone who’s ever wanted to see multi-level marketing schemes taken on.

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In the Veins of the Drowning

In the Veins of the Drowning by Kalie Cassidy

Author: Kalie Cassidy
Released: July 15, 2025 by Little, Brown and Company
Genre: , ,
Series: The Siren Mage #1

An “atmospheric and evocative” (Rachel Gillig) romantasy debut about a threatened Siren who forges a bond with a brooding, self-righteous king in order to flee the king who raised her, for fans of One Dark Window and For the Wolf. 

The monster is always slain…

Imogen Nel is in hiding. Hiding from a cruel kingdom that believes Sirens are monstrous, blood-hungry creatures. Hiding from a king and his captain who viciously hunt her kind. Hiding from her own alluring abilities. By keeping herself from the sea, Imogen’s bloodlust is dulled, and her black wings remain hidden beneath her skin.

When a neighboring king comes to visit, Imogen can no longer hide. He knows precisely what she is, and he believes she can save both their kingdoms from an even greater monster. But Imogen’s power threatens to violently reveal itself, and the two form a blood bond that protects them both. They flee the kingdom together, traversing waters teeming with the undead. As the lines between duty to their people and desire for each other begin to blur, Imogen worries her own ancestral powers may not be enough to kill what hunts her—the only way to defeat a monster may be to become one herself.

Amanda: I’m clicking buy because of the siren heroine.

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Maid for Each Other

Maid for Each Other by Lynn Painter

Author: Lynn Painter
Released: July 15, 2025 by Berkley
Genre: ,

A millionaire and a house cleaner are a match maid in heaven in this sparkling new romantic comedy by Lynn Painter, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Happily Never After.

As a professional cleaner, Abi Mariano never thought her apartment would have any sort of infestation, but because of a building-wide outbreak, she now needs somewhere to stay for a week. As a part-time student with two jobs, she doesn’t have many options. Then the solution presents itself: the owner of the penthouse she cleans is out of town for the week. She normally wouldn’t consider it, but he’s literally never around (she hasn’t even met him). It goes great…until one morning she finds two strangers in the kitchen. They’re the parents of the penthouse owner and they seem to think they’ve heard all about Abi—not as their son’s maid, but as his girlfriend.

Declan Powell has always put his career first, working his way up to become an executive at his company, but he still has his sights set on the next level. When his parents mention that they met his girlfriend, “Abby,” he all but chokes on his escargot. As wonderful as it sounds that she was just darling, he doesn’t actually have a girlfriend—he made her up to get everyone off his back. When Dex finds out who Abi really is, he makes her a proposition: pretend to date him, and he’ll provide everything she needs during their little arrangement. What harm would it do? It’s purely business, no pleasure…right?

Lara: This is a romance with an old-school vibe with none of the cringe/offense that comes with reading an actually old romance. Review incoming!

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The Odds of Getting Even

The Odds of Getting Even by Amanda Sellet

Author: Amanda Sellet
Released: July 15, 2025 by St. Martin's Griffin
Genre: ,

A fling with a mysterious stranger leads to a rollicking adventure in the wilds of South Dakota in this madcap and romantic follow-up to Amanda Sellet’s Hate to Fake it to You.

The last thing reluctant resort employee Jean Harrington expected to find on a middle-of-the-night towel run was a bashful scientist in desperate need of company . . . and clothes. Charmed by his awkwardness and endearing tangents about reptiles, she returns the next day to give the handsome mystery guest she knows only as “Charlie” lessons in poker.

He’s reserved and she’s chaotic, but together, the two of them just click. It’s like a honeymoon without the hassle of a wedding, until Jean discovers there’s a lot more to Charlie’s story than shyness and snakes—and she isn’t the only person with a pressing interest in his whereabouts, not to mention his secretly scandalous dating history.

When Charlie has the audacity to abandon her without a word, Jean has a score to settle. She’ll do whatever it takes to get him back—no, get back at him—even if it means chasing him across an ocean to brave the wild west of his remote hometown, and the famous family business he neglected to mention. With flames from their pasts raising the stakes, Jean is gambling she can get the upper hand before Charlie calls her bluff.

The real trick will be remembering what they’re playing for, when the biggest risk is putting all their cards on the table.

Dahlia: Sellet is one of the wittiest writers out there, and after the clever romp that was Hate to Fake it to You, I am totally ready for this follow-up. (Plus, reserved guy/chaotic girl is my favorite hetero pairing.)

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

Roll for Romance

Roll for Romance by Lenora Woods

Author: Lenora Woods
Released: July 15, 2025
Genre: ,

Two fledgling tabletop gamers find themselves falling for each other—both in and out of their weekly D&D sessions—in this charming, fantasy-tinged romance.

“Sweet, charming, and wonderful!”—Sarah Beth Durst, author of The Spellshop

When Sadie Brooks unexpectedly loses her marketing job, she flees New York City to spend the summer with her best friend in small-town Texas, where joining his Dungeons & Dragons campaign is the perfect distraction while she plans her next steps.

In the game, she becomes Jaylie, a powerful human cleric blessed by the Goddess of Luck. But in real life, Sadie believes her luck has run out—until she meets Noah Walker, the outgoing bartender roped into joining their party as Loren, an adventurous and charismatic lute-strumming elf. Just as Jaylie finds herself succumbing to the bard’s charms over the course of their party’s travels, Sadie also begins to fall under Noah’s spell.

As their relationship progresses in both worlds, Sadie wonders if what they have might last beyond the game. But like his traveling bard character, Noah never stays in one place for long. When a new opportunity arises in New York, Sadie must face the truth about why she lost her job in the first place—and whether she and Noah have found something in Texas worth staying for. Torn between her career dreams in the city and the exciting uncertainty of a new adventure, she will have no choice but to roll the dice.

Elyse: I’ve never read a D&D romance before but I am here for it!

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

Taste the Love

Taste the Love by Karelia Stetz-Waters

Author: Karelia Stetz-Waters
Released: July 15, 2025 by Forever
Genre: , ,

A delicious, heartwarming romantic comedy about big dreams, life-changing friendships, and the people who bring out your best.

Six years ago, eco-chef Alice Sullivan and her culinary-school rival almost gave into the burning tension between them. But those kisses? Just the heat of competition boiling over. Sullivan never expected to see Kia after graduation . . . until Kia crashes back into her life with a plan to buy Sullivan’s beloved Portland greenspace.

Kia has worked hard building her social media empire as the big-hearted glitter-bomb queen of the food-truck scene. Now she’s one step away from opening a foodie utopia for underrepresented culinary talents. But Kia’s plans catch the attention of a bulldozer-happy food conglomerate, and now both Kia and Sullivan’s dreams are on the line. When a legal loophole turns out to be the only way to save what they each love most, they’re left with one pull off a very public fake marriage to obtain the deed to the land and keep their old rivalry under control.

As the line between fake and real love blurs, can Kia and Sullivan set aside their differences and find the perfect recipe for happily ever after?

Tara: I love fake relationship romances, so I’m looking forward to this one.

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Fae, Bookish Romances, & More

Jul. 14th, 2025 03:30 pm
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Posted by Amanda

By the Book

By the Book by Jasmine Guillory is $3.99! This is a Beauty and the Beast inspired contemporary romance and we’ve had the cover on Cover Awe before. Have you read this one?

A tale as old as time—for a new generation…

Isabelle is completely lost. When she first began her career in publishing right out of college, she did not expect to be twenty-five, living at home, still an editorial assistant, and the only Black employee at her publishing house. Overworked and underpaid, constantly torn between speaking up or stifling herself, Izzy thinks there must be more to this publishing life. So when she overhears her boss complaining about a beastly high-profile author who has failed to deliver his long-awaited manuscript, Isabelle sees an opportunity to finally get the promotion she deserves.

All she has to do is go to the author’s Santa Barbara mansion and give him a quick pep talk or three. How hard could it be?

But Izzy quickly finds out she is in over her head. Beau Towers is not some celebrity lightweight writing a tell-all memoir. He is jaded and withdrawn and—it turns out—just as lost as Izzy. But despite his standoffishness, Izzy needs Beau to deliver, and with her encouragement, his story begins to spill onto the page. They soon discover they have more in common than either of them expected, and as their deadline nears, Izzy and Beau begin to realize there may be something there that wasn’t there before.

Best-selling author Jasmine Guillory’s reimagining of a beloved fairy tale is a romantic triumph of love and acceptance and learning that sometimes to truly know a person you have to read between the lines.

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

 

 

 

The Jasad Heir

The Jasad Heir by Sara Hashem is $2.99! This is book one in The Scorched Throne series. I heard about this one through a reading newsletter one of my friends sends out. She isn’t a big romance reader, but had great things to say about this fantasy romance.

Ten years ago, the kingdom of Jasad burned. Its magic outlawed; its royal family murdered down to the last child. At least, that’s what Sylvia wants people to believe.

The lost Heir of Jasad, Sylvia never wants to be found. She can’t think about how Nizahl’s armies laid waste to her kingdom and continue to hunt its people—not if she wants to stay alive. But when Arin, the Nizahl Heir, tracks a group of Jasadi rebels to her village, staying one step ahead of death gets trickier.

In a moment of anger Sylvia’s magic is exposed, capturing Arin’s attention. Now, to save her life, Sylvia will have to make a deal with her greatest enemy. If she helps him lure the rebels, she’ll escape persecution.

A deadly game begins. Sylvia can’t let Arin discover her identity even as hatred shifts into something more. Soon, Sylvia will have to choose between the life she wants and the one she left behind. The scorched kingdom is rising, and it needs a queen.

In this Egyptian-inspired debut fantasy, a fugitive queen strikes a deadly bargain with her greatest enemy and finds herself embroiled in a complex game that could resurrect her scorched kingdom or leave it in ashes forever.

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

 

 

 

My Feral Romance

My Feral Romance by Tessonja Odette is $2.49 on Amazon! Book one in the series was on sale for Prime Day. If you picked that one up and want to have book two queued up and read, now’s your change.

A painter in need of a model.
A matchmaker seeking a subject.
An arrangement that will tangle their hearts.

Fae shifter Daphne has landed the opportunity of a illustrating her favorite author’s steamy romance novels. If only she could master male physiques…and other essential anatomy. What she needs is a model. Yet how does the socially awkward fae with a tendency to bite find a man she can comfortably paint in the nude?

Self-proclaimed matchmaker Monty Phillips is a hopeless romantic, but only when it comes to others. Meddling in the love lives of strangers via his popular advice column keeps romance a safe distance away. Yet when he’s tasked with proving his tips on modern courtship work, he’ll need to step out from behind the pen and into someone’s love life.

And he knows just the perfect plaything.

The last time Daphne saw Monty, he broke her heart and discarded their friendship. Now he wants to drag her into one of his idiotic matchmaking games—where she’s the subject! But when he promises to pose as her model in exchange, she can’t refuse. At least it’s only temporary. If he’s the expert he claims to be, she can replace him with a lover in no time.

Painting sessions and flirting lessons commence, rekindling their friendship. But when instructional seduction turns their platonic spark into burning desire, will either have the courage to fan the flames?

Bridgerton meets My Fair Lady and a dash of He’s Just Not That Into You in My Feral Romance , a spicy standalone fantasy romcom in the Fae Flings and Corset Strings series. If you like fae bargains, friends-to-lovers romance, and cozy fantasy worlds, you’ll love this sizzling tale.

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

 

 

 

Book People

Book People by Jackie Ashenden is 99c! This contemporary romance came out at the end of January and we mentioned it on Hide Your Wallet. Did any of you add this to your TBR pile?

Don’t miss this utterly charming, spicy, enemies-to-lovers rom-com from Jackie Ashenden!

When Kate, a fledgling bookseller, decides to open a bookshop that celebrates the kinds of genre fiction she loves to read (popular and fun!), she’s surprised to find that not everyone in the town is as excited as she is.

Least excited of all? Sebastian, owner of the highbrow bookshop across the road, who has rules for everything: the kind of books he sells, the clothes he wears, and the people he dates (no-one local).

When the pair find themselves working together on the town’s literary festival, their growing attraction becomes harder and harder to ignore. Professional rivalry aside, just one steamy kiss can’t mean anything, can it?

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

 

 

 

BEWARE THE CON RATS

Jul. 14th, 2025 01:00 pm
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Posted by Jen

Summer is the reward students get for successfully completing another year of educational excellence. Or for partying all year and flunking out. (Nobody said life was fair, kids.)

So while graduation season may be over, I think it's time our bakers had a little summer schoolin'.

 

Bakers? Welcome to "How-To-Spell-'Congratulations'-101."

I can see it's going to be a long day.

 

Alright, let's practice: C-O-N-G-R-A-T-U-L-A-T-I-O-N-S. See? Now you try.

I dare you to read that aloud.

("Comgratatum?")

 

Try again.

G, you shouldn't have.

No, really.
 

And don't think I'm not on to your latest scheme, bakers. You know, the one where you just pipe a heap of scribbles halfway through the word and hope no one notices?

Cheater.

The best part is how you can still clearly see those last two are misspelled. Next time just chuck some High School Musical flotsam on there.

 

At this point, even I have forgotten how to spell it. I would "COHGRADULITTE" you, bakers, but I don't think I can handle that level of irony.

 

Let's try a new approach: just shorten it to "Congrats!" That's easy enough, right?

*sigh*

What is wrong with you people?

 

For a wild, hopeful second there I thought this had something to do with comic conventions starting up week:

"Watch out for those Con Rats!"

...but then I realized I it was a different kind of "con." Rats.

Well, you've all failed the course, bakers. So, hey, get out there and continue collecting a paycheck for brutalizing the English language! Woo! Yeah!

Oh, and kids? Stay in school. Or don't.
Honestly, your bakery manager probably won't give a con rat's @ss.

 

Thanks to Nancy H., Jessica E., Julia L., Michelle W., Meghan H., Amanda N., Julie D., Elizabeth B., & Bailey for the pep talk!

*****

P.S. Here's a (hilarious) reminder that English is almost as confusing as these cakes:

P Is for Pterodactyl: The Worst Alphabet Book Ever

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

Cover Snark: Juicy Pickle

Jul. 14th, 2025 07:00 am
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Posted by Amanda

Welcome back to Cover Snark!

A Duke Never Tells by Suzanne Enoch. A smarmy duke on a hot pink background and a lime green title.

Sarah: What the hell.

Kiki: No, thank you.

I don’t want it.

Sarah: Who is designing these covers. Like what the ever loving crap

Are they trying to be like Indies? Single dude on the cover? They’ve got it all wrong. He needs to be bald, grimy, dehydrated, and looking at his junk.

Elyse: Is that a Jonas brother?

Betrayed by the Alpha by Blue Thorne. A shirtless man with long brown hair tossed over his right shoulder. His arms are covered in dark tattoos and he has on a pair of jeans. He's standing in forest of dead trees. At the top of the cover is a pair of wolf eyes.

From Karen: His left forearm is really creepy. It looks to me as if he has a growth of some kind that he really should have looked at. The tattoo (is that feathers?) seems to emphasize the lumpiness. I can’t not notice it though I wish I could.

Sarah: Definitely has some swelling that should be looked at. That is what I look like after any encounter with greenhead flies.

Elyse: That tattoo is for sure infected.

Juicy Pickle by JJ Knight. A nondescript white dude in a white button down leans against a palm tree.

Amanda: It’s part of the “Top 100 bestselling Pickleverse”

Sarah: This is a weird timeline.

Elyse: So it’s him and the pickle on a deserted island?

Claudia: Pass!

Freed by the Marquess by Stevie Sparks. Lots of muddied colors! A man in a suite with a pink pocket square and baby blue tie wraps his arm around a curvy blonde woman. She has on a short pink corseted dress, a baby blue silk scarf, and is holding a yellow feather fan. The sky is orange and pink with the Statue of Liberty in the background. The ground is weirdly very purple and flowers are blooming everywhere.

Kiki: Hey, here’s a question: why doesn’t this woman have eyes?

Also is that man Bryan from Rachel Lindsay’s season of the bachelor?

Also why does it, ya know, look like that?

Sarah: What is happening? Some kind of pollen apocalypse? How bad would your allergies be if you were in this picture, Amanda?

Amanda: Very bad.

Claudia: I fear that the feather fan is also bad news!

Elyse: This feels like an image where you’re supposed to find hidden objects in the picture.

 

Sunday Sweets: C'est Bon!

Jul. 13th, 2025 01:00 pm
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Posted by Lindsey

Bonjour, mon amis! Today's sweets are mostly inspired by Marie Antoinette, so you know what that means: Prepare your eyeballs for an over-the-top feast of excessiveness!

(And no, we won't be having any gruesome headless sweets commemorating Marie's rather gruesome end. Sheesh. Get your mind out of the guillotine.)

Yep, it's all decadence and girliness from here on out! And yay for that, because have I mentioned I've been helping my husband Matt at football camp all week? Yes, I've been sharing a house with 25 teenage boys for the last five days. I could use a little girliness up in here.

 

Fortunately this first beauty is a sight for my pink-deprived eyes:

By Cakes By Tess

And how appropriate that it includes a fabulous fondant fan, because I'm already feeling the need to fan myself!

[Swoon!] Such loveliness!

 

And here's the lady of the hour herself...

By CakeCentral member Lindasuus

...sweetly putting to shame every Barbie-torso-stuffed-in-a-cake ever made.

 

This one is so absolutely flawless and stunning, I'm convinced it doesn't really exist.

By Cake Coquette (More detail shots at the link)

We've all just collectively dreamed it or something. (We have excellent imaginary taste, you and I!)

 

Now here's a solution to that pesky problem of how to hide plastic cake pillars: Simply pipe a decorative cage of icing between the tiers for an elaborate camouflaging exoskeleton of awesomeness!

By Edible Art by Kate

Er, on second thought, you might want to just leave that to the pros.

 

I thought this Fabergé Egg cake was a winner on its own ... (Seriously, doesn't it look like a 1st place trophy to you? Or is that the football camp talking?)

...but then I scrolled down and realized the egg was only one quarter of the whole cake!

By Fire and Icing

Wow. The layers look like carved marble or porcelain, and I love those unique shapes, too. It's hard to believe the tiers wouldn't shatter when you went to cut a slice!

 

I think more food should be adorned with edible pink tassels, don't you?

By Deborah Hwang Cakes

I love this color scheme so much; fun, flirty, and fit for a queen. I bet ol' M.A. would lose her head over it!

 

Oooh, sorry Marie. Too soon?

Submitted by Anne Marie B. and made by Rosey Confectionary Sugar Art

Oh, don't stare at me with that doleful expression. Turn your attention instead to the amazing miniature dessert table in your boudoir. And hey, is that rug edible too? Incredible.

 

Here comes another amazing egg cake. I'm not really sure if fancy eggs are a Marie Antoinette thing, but they're both similarly lavish, so it works for me.

By Cakes Du Soleil

Just gorgeous. If I was serving this cake, I don't think I'd let them eat it, youknowwhatI'msayin?
(Like "Let them eat cake?" Marie's famous line? You know? Yes? Never mind.)

 

This is probably my favorite cake today:

Submitted by Devon C; by Cake Opera Co.

I thought it was Marie masquerading as a... um... masquerader, while holding a kangaroo for fun, but the website informs me that this is actually an 18th century French figurine, masked to conceal her illicit rendezvous, and juxtaposed by the fawn in her arms meant to represent birth and innocence.

So, I was close.

 

All of these fanciful confections make me want to host a Marie Antoinette party! How about you? Here's a checklist of everything we need:

By Cakes by Erin

Powdered wigs, macarons, frilly shoes, masks, more fancy eggs (I guess they really are a thing) tiny top hats, (pretty sure that's NOT a thing, but I'll go with it), and of course, cake!

 

Does this cake remind you of a hot-air balloon, too?

Submitted by Promise W. and made by Ganache Patisserie

And did you know that the first manned hot-air balloon ride took place in front of Marie Antoinette and the French court? And that it was "manned" by a sheep, a rooster, and a duck?

True story.

Here's another one: this cake is fantastic! Do you see the little movie-scene applique? Too cool.

 

I'm not sure how inspired by Marie Antoinette this final cake is, but it's incredible. At over three feet tall and almost two feet wide, I'm pretty sure this is the cake they serve you when you die and go to heaven:

By Sweet Thing Black Orchid

Oh, wait. Actually this is the signature cake for the Hilton Hotel in Silver Spring. Which, after a week at football camp, sounds enough like heaven to me.

Happy Sunday!

*****

If today's Sweets are right up your style alley, then I have JUST the tea for you:

Nina's Marie Antoinette Tea


This blend is made in France using the roses and apples grown in the Versailles palace garden. Omigosh! If that's not tea fit for royal-tea, I don't know what is. Plus it comes in that gorgeous pink tin. Talk about a perfect gift for any tea-lover.
******

And from my other blog, Epbot:

SBTB Bestsellers: June 28 – July 11

Jul. 13th, 2025 07:00 am
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Posted by Amanda

The latest bestseller list is brought to you by warm cookies, ice cream, and our affiliate sales data.bestse

  1. Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood Amazon | B&N | Kobo
  2. A Bride for the Prizefighter by Alice Coldbreath Amazon | B&N | Kobo
  3. Hell for Hire by Rachel Aaron Amazon | B&N
  4. Temple of Swoon by Jo Segura Amazon | B&N | Kobo
  5. Change of Heart by Kate Canterbary Amazon | B&N
  6. A Rivalry of Hearts by Tessonja Odette Amazon | B&N
  7. The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren Amazon | B&N | Kobo
  8. Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley Amazon | B&N | Kobo
  9. Molly Molloy & the Angel of Death by Maria Vale Amazon | B&N | Kobo
  10. Give Me Butterflies by Jillian Meadows Amazon | B&N | Kobo

I hope your weekend reading was scrumptious!

Sunday Sale Digest!

Jul. 13th, 2025 06:00 am
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Posted by Amanda

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 with exclusive content and events.

Everything you’re used to seeing at the Hot Pink Palace that is Smart Bitches Trashy Books will remain free as always, because we remain committed to fostering community among brilliant readers who love romance.

Whatcha Reading? July 2025, Part One

Jul. 12th, 2025 07:00 am
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Posted by Amanda

Ship or luxury white boat lay on sand beach, skyline background. After storm always return sun. Yacht on st.johns beach. Entertainment summer vacation yachting. Boat yacht landed on sand coast.It’s the first Whatcha Reading in July. Here’s how we’re kicking off the month:

Lara: I’ve just started Bald-Faced Liar by Victoria Helen Stone. ( A ) I’m only a chapter or so in, but I’m enjoying it so far. Will report back!

Amanda: I’m happy to report I read four books in a week. WHO AM I?! Most of them have been rather middling dark romances. For a change of pace, I realized I never finished the Girl Meets Duke series by Tessa Dare. I’m going to breeze through books two and three, since I think both will work for bingo categories.

Sarah: Four books? And historicals?!

What have you done with Amanda?

Elyse: I’m back into historicals as well. I think given my anxiety over current events (climate change, healthcare, human rights) I can’t read a contemporary without getting pulled out of it by my brain.

The Retired Assassin’s Guide to Country Gardening
A | BN
I was reading a contemporary where the heroine owned her own small business and my brain was like right but how does she get health insurance and will her rates soar in the next year causing her to close shop and she lives in a small town where there aren’t a lot of employment opportunities to begin with and also …

Sarah: “Not here. Not now.”

Elyse: Which isn’t to say things weren’t shitty in the past.

Sarah: Oh, for sure.

It’s sort of like the “Earl had to die” genre. Fits a lot of different types of books. “Not here. Not now” fits for fantasy, sci-fi, mysteries, etc. I also have let go entirely of the idea that historical romance is anywhere near an accurate representation of the past. To quote Melody from Heaving Bosoms, it’s “Englandtimes.”

Amanda: Actually, I read 5! And one was a re-read. Certainly I’ve been body snatched. I would also make the bad decision of starting a book at 10pm and know I can read pretty quickly, I’d be like, “Well, Kindle says if I keep up my pace, I can be done in an hour and a half.” So most of my books were finished between 10pm-1am.

Elyse: I also think I have reached a point in perimenopause where I can’t read a lot of dark romance because my tolerance for masculine bullshit is at an all time low. Oh he’s stalking you? Hit him with your car. Fuck that guy.

Amanda: Oh that’s so interesting! Because I think the ridiculous, over-the-topness of dark romance feels more like escapist fantasy to me. I noticed that I read those faster when compared to the historicals because everything is taken with a grain of salt.

A Rare Find
A | BN | K | AB
Claudia: I’m slogging through one historical right now that shall remain nameless because it’s not the book, it’s ME.

I just can’t focus right now.

Elyse: Season 2 of The Buccaneers and season 3 of The Gilded Age are out now so that’s also influencing me.

I started a historical where the heroine’s big problem is her boob falls out of her dress at a ball and that is basically the level of conflict I can emotionally handle.

Sarah: I am reading one of the Osman covered mysteries: The Assassin’s Guide to County Gardening

I wasn’t sure if it was going to work but then the assassin told a terrible man what he would do if the terrible man didn’t stop being terrible and I was ON BOARD.

Tara: I listened to The AI Con by Emily M. Bender and Alex Hanna, ( A | BN | K | AB ) which I highly recommend. The whole thing is excellent, but my favourite chapter is the one that explains why AI boosters and AI doomers are two sides of the same marketing hype coin.

I also recently finished A Rare Find by Joanna Lowell, which was very cozy and lovely.

Claudia: I have that last one in my queue. I really like Joanna Lowell’s writing.

Whatcha reading this month? Let us know in the comments!

Mythology, Monster Romance, & More

Jul. 11th, 2025 03:30 pm
[syndicated profile] smartbitches_feed

Posted by Amanda

Rebel

RECOMMENDED: Rebel by Beverly Jenkins is $1.99! Claudia wrote a guest review for this one before coming onboard. She gave it a B+:

One of the greatest joys of reading this book was seeing Val reconnecting with her inner hellion, and starting to believe she too could experience a great love.

The first novel in USA Today Bestselling Author Beverly Jenkins’ compelling new series follows a Northern woman south in the chaotic aftermath of the Civil War…

Valinda Lacey’s mission in the steamy heart of New Orleans is to help the newly emancipated community survive and flourish. But soon she discovers that here, freedom can also mean danger. When thugs destroy the school she has set up and then target her, Valinda runs for her life—and straight into the arms of Captain Drake LeVeq.

As an architect from an old New Orleans family, Drake has a deeply personal interest in rebuilding the city. Raised by strong women, he recognizes Valinda’s determination. And he can’t stop admiring—or wanting—her. But when Valinda’s father demands she return home to marry a man she doesn’t love, her daring rebellion draws Drake into an irresistible intrigue.

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

 

 

 

Electric Idol

Electric Idol by Katee Robert is $1.99! It’s book two in the Dark Olympus series and is a retelling of Psyche and Eros.

He was the most beautiful man in Olympus.
And if I wasn’t careful, he was going to be my death.

*A scorchingly hot modern retelling of Psyche and Eros that’s as sinful as it is sweet.*

In the ultra-modern city of Olympus, there’s always a price to pay. Psyche Dimitriou knew she’d have to face Aphrodite’s jealous rage eventually, but she never expected her literal heart to be at stake…or for Aphrodite’s gorgeous son to be the one ordered to strike the killing blow.

Eros has no problem shedding blood. Raised to be his mother’s knife in the dark, he’s been conditioned to accept that he’s more monster than man. But when it comes time to take out his latest target…he can’t do it. Confused by his reaction to Psyche’s unexpected kindness, he does the only thing he can think of to keep her safe: he binds her to him, body and soul.

Psyche didn’t expect to find herself married to the glittering city’s most dangerous killer, but something about Eros wakens a fire inside her she’s never felt before. As lines blur and loyalties shift, Psyche realizes Eros might take her heart after all…and she’s not sure she can survive the loss.

 

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

 

 

 

Drop Dead Sisters

Drop Dead Sisters by Amelia Diane Coombs is $2.99! I know we’ve mentioned this on the site, but I can’t remember in what capacity. Three estranged sisters reunite on a camping trip, only for the night to end in murder!

“Compulsively readable, Drop Dead Sisters is perfect for readers who love shows like Bad Sisters and Dead to Me. A mystery about three estranged sisters who accidentally kill someone? Yes, please.” —Mindy Kaling

Three sisters reunite on a family vacation and rekindle their relationship the only way they know how—by covering each other’s tracks in a real-life murder mystery not even they can figure out.

Remi Finch has spent the better part of her adult life avoiding family—especially her sisters. They just don’t click. Besides, her unconventional upbringing and major anxiety have convinced Remi that she can’t build a relationship with anyone. Period.

When her parents plan a family reunion camping trip to celebrate their anniversary, Remi’s willing to reconnect, if only because she doesn’t have a choice. But then a dead body turns up at their campsite, and their sisterly bonding kicks into high gear.

No one knows the whole story, but the Finch women are prepared to cover up the pieces before anyone tries to put them together. It’s a precautionary measure, probably unnecessary. Nobody else was there, so how could they have seen anything?

Between old grudges and new dynamics, a handsome park ranger, and a body that won’t stay hidden, Remi is about to learn that nothing strengthens family ties quite like crime.

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

 

 

 

Kiss of the Basilisk

Kiss of the Basilisk by Lindsay Straube is $2.51 at Amazon and $2.99 elsewhere! This was a wild read and I think I only stuck with it out of morbid curiosity. It’s a bit of a love triangle, which I didn’t love (since I don’t think the main character will end up with my fave) and felt she had more personality with one love interest than the other.

From internet sensation and Amazon bestseller Lindsay Straube comes the first book in the sexy, biting Split or Swallow series, featuring dangerous basilisks, competitive seduction, and a love triangle that could destroy kingdoms.

Twenty-year-old Temperance Verus has never been kissed. But that’s what the basilisk is for.

Along with thirteen other contestants, Tem must train with a basilisk to learn the power of seduction and win the prince’s hand in marriage. When Tem is matched with Caspen, the Serpent King, she realizes she might actually stand a chance.

But with tensions rising between the basilisks and the humans, Tem is suddenly torn in two directions. As her bond with Caspen deepens, so does her connection with the prince. When she uncovers a terrible secret about the royal family, Tem finds herself caught between two worlds, neither of which she can survive without.

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

 

 

 

Bakery Math

Jul. 11th, 2025 01:00 pm
[syndicated profile] cakewrecks_feed

Posted by john (the hubby of Jen)

One ugly 8-inch round flower cake:

$6.00

Five ugly 8-inch round flower cakes:

$30.00

 

Five ugly 8-inch round flower cakes plopped on

styrofoam and cardboard stands:

$235.00

The look on the bride's face?

Priceless.

There are some things money can't buy...

but a decent wedding cake isn't one of them.

Thanks to Melinda W., Holley W., Kae B., Liz Q., Meghan F., Nikki G., and Lainey M. who thinks we should start investing in styrofoam and cardboard.

*****

P.S. I found something for the bride who wants to wear something old, something new, something borrowed, and something poo:

Unicorn Poop Earrings

Don't stop believing, y'all. Dreams do come true.

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

[syndicated profile] smartbitches_feed

Posted by SB Sarah

Plus Size Player
A | BN | K | AB
Danielle Allen is the author of 55 books, including the new release Plus Size Player, part of the Curve series alongside Curvy Girl Summer, and Big Girl Blitz. And the player, as you’ll find out, is the heroine.

The trilogy focuses on three best friends, and so we talk about friendship, loyalty, and about centering fat Black women as romance heroines. Danielle has also written contemporaries inspired by Poe stories, so of course we talk about interpreting Poe as well.

A special invitation: free samples of our bonus content!

Inspired by other Patreon folks, including Chris DeRosa at Fixing Famous People, I’ve made some of the Patreon content free so you can sample what we’ve got.

This collection of special previews is available now to all listeners, and there’s a link in the show notes to dive in. And if you like our free samples, join us in the Patreon community where there’s bonus content and more.

Listen to the podcast →
Read the transcript →

Here are the books we discuss in this podcast:

You can find Danielle Allen at her website, AuthorDanielleAllen.com, and on her Patreon, Curvy Girl Confessions. You can also follow her on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and BlueSky.

Her cover artist is Keo Majoy. 

 

 

If you like the podcast, you can subscribe to our feed, or find us at iTunes. You can also find us on Stitcher, and Spotify, too. We also have a cool page for the podcast on iTunes.

More ways to sponsor:

Sponsor us through Patreon! (What is Patreon?)

What did you think of today's episode? Got ideas? Suggestions? You can talk to us on the blog entries for the podcast or talk to us on Facebook if that's where you hang out online. You can email us at sbjpodcast@gmail.com or you can call and leave us a message at our Google voice number: 201-371-3272. Please don't forget to give us a name and where you're calling from so we can work your message into an upcoming podcast.

Thanks for listening!

Remember to subscribe to our podcast feed, find us on iTunes or on Stitcher.

Mary Balogh, Fantasy, & More

Jul. 10th, 2025 03:30 pm
[syndicated profile] smartbitches_feed

Posted by Amanda

Temple of Swoon

Temple of Swoon by Jo Segura is $1.99! I think this is a standalone, but might be related to Segura’s debut Raiders of the Lost Heart.

Her mission: find the Lost City of the Moon in the Amazon rainforest.
His mission: protect the holy temple . . . and his heart.

While her mentor may be the world’s most badass archaeologist, the only thing bad about Dr. Miriam Jacobs are her corny jokes. But when Miri is charged with leading an unmapped expedition through the Amazon for the fabled Lost City of the Moon, she finally has her chance to prove to her colleagues that she’s capable—and hopefully prove it to herself, too.

Journalist Rafael Monfils has joined the archaeological team to chronicle their search for the lost city. Or at least, that’s what they think he’s doing. Rafa’s real goal? Make sure the team does not reach the Cidade da Lua, stopping the desecration of the holy city and protecting his mother’s legacy. All he needs to do is keep them on the wrong path.

If only the endearingly quirky Dr. Jacobs wasn’t so damn tenacious—each of Rafa’s tricks and purposeful wrong turns only seem to fuel her determination. Even worse, he’s charmed by her goofy attempts to channel Lara Croft as they traverse the dangerous Brazilian rainforest. But they’re not the only crew hunting for the lost city, and soon the untamed jungle—and their untamed hearts—might be the least of their worries…

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

 

 

 

Slightly Married

Slightly Married by Mary Balogh is $2.99! This is the first book in the Bedwyn Saga, which is a favorite amongst romance readers. It also has a cover updated, which is…fine? I kind of miss the red and gold.

Meet the Bedwyns…six brothers and sisters—men and women of passion and privilege, daring and sensuality…Enter their dazzling world of high society and breathtaking seduction…where each will seek love, fight temptation, and court scandal…and where Aidan Bedwyn, the marriage-shy second son, discovers that matrimony may be the most seductive act of all.…

Like all the Bedwyn men, Aidan has a reputation for cool arrogance. But this proud nobleman also possesses a loyal, passionate heart—and it is this fierce loyalty that has brought Colonel Lord Aidan to Ringwood Manor to honor a dying soldier’s request. Having promised to comfort and protect the man’s sister, Aidan never expected to find a headstrong, fiercely independent woman who wants no part of his protection…nor did he expect the feelings this beguiling creature would ignite in his guarded heart. And when a relative threatens to turn Eve out of her home, Aidan gallantly makes her an offer she can’t refuse: marry him…if only to save her home. And now, as all of London breathlessly awaits the transformation of the new Lady Aidan Bedwyn, the strangest thing happens: With one touch, one searing embrace, Aidan and Eve’s “business arrangement” is about to be transformed…into something slightly surprising.

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

 

 

 

The Lies of Locke Lamora

RECOMMENDEDThe Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch is $1.99! New cover! This is a gritty fantasy with an anti-hero protagonist. I loved this book and it’s a lot of fun. I also believe it was recommended by Sarah’s husband on a previous podcast episode. It’s a lot of fun, but definitely is heavy on violence and some gross stuff.

The Thorn of Camorr is said to be an unbeatable swordsman, a master thief, a ghost that walks through walls. Half the city believes him to be a legendary champion of the poor. The other half believe him to be a foolish myth. Nobody has it quite right.

Slightly built, unlucky in love, and barely competent with a sword, Locke Lamora is, much to his annoyance, the fabled Thorn. He certainly didn’t invite the rumors that swirl around his exploits, which are actually confidence games of the most intricate sort. And while Locke does indeed steal from the rich (who else, pray tell, would be worth stealing from?), the poor never see a penny of it. All of Locke’s gains are strictly for himself and his tight-knit band of thieves, the Gentlemen Bastards.

Locke and company are con artists in an age where con artistry, as we understand it, is a new and unknown style of crime. The less attention anyone pays to them, the better! But a deadly mystery has begun to haunt the ancient city of Camorr, and a clandestine war is threatening to tear the city’s underworld, the only home the Gentlemen Bastards have ever known, to bloody shreds. Caught up in a murderous game, Locke and his friends will find both their loyalty and their ingenuity tested to the breaking point as they struggle to stay alive…

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

 

 

 

The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society

The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society by C.M. Wagonner is $1.99! This is a described as a cozy fantasy mystery and I know we’ve mentioned this on the site before. Have any of you read this one?

A librarian with a knack for solving murders realizes there is something decidedly supernatural afoot in her little town in this cozy fantasy mystery.

Librarian Sherry Pinkwhistle keeps finding bodies—and solving murders. But she’s concerned by just how many killers she’s had to track down in her quaint village. None of her neighbors seem surprised by the rising body count…but Sherry is becoming convinced that whatever has been causing these deaths is unnatural. But when someone close to Sherry ends up dead, and her cat, Lord Thomas Crowell, becomes possessed by what seems to be an ancient demon, Sherry begins to think she’s going to need to become an exorcist as well as an amateur sleuth. With the help of her town’s new priest, and an assortment of friends who dub themselves the “Demon-Hunting Society,” Sherry will have to solve the murder and get rid of a demon. This riotous mix of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Murder, She Wrote is a lesson for demons and murderers.

Never mess with a librarian.

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

 

 

 

Wreck-A-Bye Baby

Jul. 10th, 2025 01:00 pm
[syndicated profile] cakewrecks_feed

Posted by Jen

Sometimes I like to think this blog might have a positive influence on current baking trends. (Oh, stop laughing. A girl can dream.) So, what do you say we mosey on over to a few of our nation's baby showers and see how things are going?

Wonderful!


I mean, sure, "beby" is misspelled, and there's a giant funky headboard thing happening, and the doll is staring at me all creepy-like, but the baby itself is not edible. That's progress, people!

Hey, a lot of those letters are right.

 

In fact - and feel free to correct me here if I'm wrong - I think "cohgrautions" may be the Canadian spelling.

You might be wondering how many tracts of land they had to search to find these two peas in a pod, or why the baker didn't make the "peas" green. That said, it's not a pregnant torso cake.

 

Plus it makes me want to start singing "Keep Walking" by the French Peas, so that's a "win" all 'round.

This next one may cause a bit of a flap, but I'll have no truck with such negativity:

After all, nothing drives home the beauty of motherhood quite like a pregnant mudflap girl. Eh? Eh? Am I right?

 

Well, my friends, I think I've made my point: baby shower cakes are getting better! And all because of me! ME, I SAY!! BWAHAHAHAAA!!

AHAHAHAAAHAA!! 

BAHAHAHAA...

...huh?

AAAAAUUUGGHH!!

[blink blink]
 
Well.

Back to business as usual, then? 

Thanks to Sose K., Krista M., Susan M., Bob S., & Carly A. for dashing my dreams. You cruel, cruel wreckporters, you.

******

P.S. Watch me un-creepify this post by going from creepy baby cakes to baby beef cakes:

The Buff Baby Rattle

This is hilarious. And a real thing! Amazon helpfully suggested I pair it with the "Do You Even Lift?" baby onesie and now I wish I had a weightlifting friend with a baby to give this to.

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

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Posted by Carrie S

B-

I’ll Have What He’s Having

by Adib Khorram
August 27, 2024 · Forever
Contemporary RomanceRomance

I’ll Have What He’s Having is a sweet m/m romance that is cosy and chill but marred by an excess of mopiness towards the end. The worst thing I can say about this book is that it made me super hungry and that the minute I finished it I forgot all about it. It was pleasant and solidly written (barring too much repetition) but not especially memorable.

Farzan is a great cook, a skill he learned from growing up in his Iranian-American parents’ restaurant in Kansas City. However, he’s had several careers and several relationships and he feels adrift. David is an African-American sommelier in a different restaurant. He is pouring (LOL I crack myself up) all of his energy into studying for his master sommelier exam. After a brief Big Misunderstanding, they sort things out and become Friends With Benefits which we all know is not going to last because anyone who happily watches the Muppet Movie together on a date is bound to be together.

Incidentally, my Sacramento Public Library Romance Book Club, which you are all invited to join, felt strongly that we were robbed by not getting a list of Muppet Movies and their recommended wine pairings.

This book has several things that I liked, starting with characters who are just slightly older than the norm. Both protagonists are thirty-seven, which means that they are starting to think about middle age and about making some life-changing decisions with no backsies. They are young enough to be still figuring things out but old enough to feel pressure about settling into a path. It gives their career decisions a heft that wouldn’t exist if they were in their twenties.

I loved the themes of food, culture, and family, as well as the humor. I love it when people don’t take things too seriously during sex. I enjoyed Farzan bringing David soup when David gets sick and running into David’s mom who is also bringing soup. The dynamic of mutual care and support between Farzan and David was lovely. The book starts with a Big Misunderstanding but they resolve it very quickly and are able to laugh about it. As much as I loathe the Big Mis trope, I thought that the characters handled this situation with humor and maturity and that warmed me to them considerably.

One of the biggest problems I had with this book was repetition. For instance, in one of my favorite scenes, Farzan farts the first time they have sex, and they laugh about it, but not in a mean way, and then carry on. It’s a very human moment and I loved it. But then the farting or burping at awkward times became a running joke and it stopped being funny. Farzan’s parents supported his coming out! That’s great to hear – once! Hearing it over and over again was just irritating. In another structural gaffe, there are odd side details about people who never reappear or who, in the case of one side character’s dog, never appear at all. The narrative could have used some tightening over all.

Furthermore, anything the reader is told in this book will be told many, many times. For example, I also felt that Farzan spent too long whining and feeling sorry for himself. Farzan and David begin their relationship with the understanding that if and when David passes his test he will be leaving, probably for Los Angeles (the story is set in Kansas City). It’s understandable that as he becomes more and more involved with David, Farzan feels increasingly determined not to hold David back and increasingly sad about it.

Spoilers for the ending

However, this ends up with Farzan wallowing in self-pity for an annoyingly long time without communicating with David, to the point where he tries the “break up with him for his own good” approach, an approach which I absolutely despise.

I wanted him to communicate more clearly with David and stop having unrealistic expectations for himself at work.

This was a lovely read that didn’t ask too much of my emotions. It was comforting but forgettable. I could read a chapter, wander off, and not think of it again for a month…but when I did get around to picking it up, I instantly remembered how warm and fuzzy it was. One more run through the editing process might have cleaned this book up considerably. Hopefully the coming sequel will level up.

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Posted by Guest Reviewer

This guest post comes from Jen! Jen is an over-educated wonk who likes reading and writing both cool real-life stories and cool made-up stories. To her surprise, she currently lives in Denver, but will always be a Californian at heart.

If SBTB was a physical place, it might look a lot like the Spicy Librarian in Denver. It’s a store designed by people who adore the genre, have a dollop of humor, and believe in the power of romance to empower people to give up shame and organize. Also, there’s a secret door leading to a room of sex toys.

The sign on the sidewalk said, “Come Find your Fictional Boyfriend” and “Follow the Roses to the Entrance.” A trail of rose petal sidewalk decals leads you to an entrance that would be somewhat hidden except for the fact that the owners have installed a profusion of fake flowers and greenery around the door to make it an entrance.

Alt text: a sandwich sign on the sidewalk that says Come Find your Fictional Boyfriend.

Alt text: A brick building with a door that says The Spicy Librarian. Around the door is an archway of fake flowers and greenery.

The front table has another flower archway, which gives me strong Netflix Bridgerton vibes. Nestled inside of a collection of books I have definitely seen on SBTB is a sign that says “I buy my books from bookshops not billionaires.”

Alt: A display of books with a flower archway with a rainbow sign that says I buy my books form bookshops not billionaires.

Alt: A cozy bookshop with half a dozen people, a big sunny window, and fake greenery draping from the ceiling
First level of the bookshop from above

It was crowded on a Sunday morning, and taking photos without photographing other patrons was a challenge. There were mostly women, although a few uncomfortable-looking men followed partners around or hung out in one of the many cozy chairs. Some women were alone, strolling through the shelves. Others were with friends, chatting with each other about how much they loved this one book or how you could totally skip this one. One woman was sifting through the stand of “blind date with a book” packages while chatting on the phone. “Do you think Cathy would like this one?”

Each “blind date” is a wrapped mystery book with a label telling you the tropes. Included are stickers (like “this ghoul reads smut” with a ghost on it) and a tea bag.

Alt text: A book wrapped in shiny pink wrapping paper with a sticker with blind date with a book on it, a chili pepper rating system (4/5), and a description: grumpy x sunshine, friends-to-lovers, fake dating, grief and healing, Ireland setting.

Sections include an adorable kid’s section; Contemporary; Local; Historical; LGBTQ+; Dark; and Fantasy. Each section has been cheekily decorated. Above the Contemporary section is a flower-festooned bedspring; above the Historical section is a trunk spilling over with lacy old-timey underwear. The Fantasy section has a wallpaper of an enchanted-looking forest; the Dark section has a mirror with “Good Girls Read Dirty Books” scrawled on it in “lipstick.” Throughout the bookstore are lots of cozy corners with comfy armchairs and couches; the owner really took advantage of the oddly-shaped loft space. On a pink couch, a group of women were filling in a penis in a coloring book.

A room corner with red velvet chairs, empty ornate gold frames, and a wallpaper of a forest
The section of the store where the Fantasy Romance books are, awkwardly framed to avoid the cluster of patrons.
Alt: A book display against black and merlot-colored walls with a black and gold gilt chair. A mirror reads in lipstick-looking paint Good Girls Read Dirty Books.
The Dark Romance section

The owner is a former kindergarten teacher, and the bookstore site states that one of its missions is to “Empower women to feel less shame about their pleasure and their love for romance books.” As if that wasn’t cool enough, 5% of the proceeds go to the Purple Leash Project, an organization that is “dedicated to providing pet-friendly shelters and resources for survivors of domestic abuse.” The bulletin board in the store advertised book clubs (general, fantasy, and queer), a book swap and picnic, local author events, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, and reproductive healthcare access.

And of course, there is The Vault.

The door looks like a bookshelf with definitely-not-suggestive cherry and mushroom knickknacks and an “18+” sign. You pull the doorknob and ta-da! You’re in a secret sex toy section, with a small but curated collection. A sign on the wall assures you that you can ask for help from the staff without shame.

Alt: A bookshelf with a sign that says The Vault that is full of books and knickknacks.

The bookshelf has swung open to reveal a white room with giant red glittery lips on the wall and the words, Lick me, I’m delicious.

And “without shame” is what the Spicy Librarian is all about: it’s about loving this genre and yourself without shame and to build a community around it. So if you’re ever in Denver, be sure to follow the rose petals to this bookstore.

Thank you for the trip report, Jen! If you’d like to write a trip report about your visit to a romance-focused bookstore, I would LOVE to hear from you.

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