You need a bit of positivity in your life so here's a Normal Gossip episode. First, it means they've started a new season. Second, they somehow got Malala Yousafzai to be on the show. WTF. Ahahahah. "Love Is Blind" tells the story of Kayla, who goes on a one-month European odyssey with her husband-finding-obsessed friend Barbara, Kayla's friend Seth, and Seth's roommate Joe, who is addicted to his mango vape. Things go badly, obviously, but the real delight is Malala's responses. Just a delight.

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Posted by Lara

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/reviews/an-academic-affair-by-jodi-mcalister/

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?post_type=reviews&p=155668

B+

An Academic Affair

by Jodi McAlister
November 11, 2025 · Atria Books

What is this book about? Let’s give the blurb its moment to shine as it is one of the good ones (i.e. it matches the content of the book well)

Sadie Shaw and Jonah Fisher have been academic rivals since they first crossed paths as undergraduates in the literature department thirteen years ago. Now that a highly coveted teaching opportunity has come up, their rivalry hits epic proportions. Jonah needs the job to move closer to his recently divorced sister and her children, while Sadie needs the financial security and freedom of a full-time teaching position.

When Sadie notices that the job offers partner hire, however, she hatches a plot to get them both the job. All they must do is get legally married. It’s a simple win-win solution but when sparks begin to fly, it becomes clear that despite their education, these two may not have thought this whole thing through.

Right from the jump, we learn that Jonah has long had a crush on Sadie. Over the years, he’s tried to bury it, but he’s never quite vanquished it. Sadie sees in Jonah a symbol of everything that is wrong in academia. She’s learning, however, that there are two Jonahs: the symbol version (Tweed Jonah) and the real Jonah (Cardigan Jonah) and she’s got a lot more time for the latter than the former.

Sadie describes herself as all fists and all teeth and it’s pretty accurate, although there is a soft underbelly there with some trauma around being abandoned. The Jonah we get in the book is solidly Cardigan Jonah – kind, smart and enjoys a good argument (provided it comes from a place of respect).

Their love, as it is revealed, is really sweet. The particular plot beats of a romance novel are there, but they’re richer because in their narration of their love (it’s dual POV), especially with Sadie, we get a lot of literary theory. I know that might sound like a turn off, but it is explained clearly and simply so it’s accessible to someone with absolutely no relevant background. It makes the emotions that much more rich and engaging. I particularly enjoyed the use of eucatastrophe.

On that topic, the setting of Australian academia was completely foreign to me which I also loved. It sounds like a brutal, unfeeling place and the best you can hope for in terms of good outcomes is permanent employment and no more than that. So as for the traditional markers of success, temper your expectations.

I would characterise this book as women’s fiction with a romantic plot. There are two central relationships: Sadie and her sister Francesca, and Sadie and Jonah. Sadie and Jonah is a standard romance plot with a HEA. The stuff with her sister though is a lot more complicated and Sadie spends a large chunk of the book sad. It’s hard to be swept away by a romance when one of the protagonists is sad for a huge stretch of it.

For this reason, the book felt unfinished or rather, like it ended too soon. From Jonah and Sadie’s perspective, they have their HEA. But with Francesca being such a big part of the book, the persistent sadness taints the experience of that HEA. In the author’s note there is a hint about ‘something to come’, which I assumed meant that there would be a book about Francesca, but the next one (thanks to some Instagram digging) is actually Jonah’s sister’s book. I do really hope that Francesca gets her own book so that the story can feel resolved for me.

Overall, this is enemies-to-lovers done right with the best reason for a marriage of convenience that I’ve ever read. The sadness, though, is still sitting with me the next day. For me, that type of emotion in a book really lingers while the sharp emotional high of an HEA is over pretty quickly. So do take that into account when considering this book. Mileage might vary.

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/reviews/an-academic-affair-by-jodi-mcalister/

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?post_type=reviews&p=155668

smartbitches_feed

Posted by SB Sarah

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/podcast/692-soap-opera-nostalgia-with-amye-archer-from-little-miss-recap/

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?post_type=podcast&p=162618

Days of our Lives logo - the words in white against a cloud striped sky with an hourglass midway through resting on a blue surface Amye Archer, host of Little Miss Recap, was a guest on a recent paywalled episode of Fixing Famous People talking about soap operas. I was entranced. Amye is a fan of soaps, going way back, and I was very eager to have her as a guest to talk about soaps, the romances within soaps, and some of the overlap between soap fans and romance readers.

After we talk about the matrilineal cultural inheritance of soaps and romance, we have a challenge. Amye brought some of her most memorably unhinged story lines from soaps, and I have brought some of my most memorably unhinged story lines from romance, and we’re going to swap.

Please note that in this section we mention sexual assault, faked deaths, transphobic language and quicksand. During the recommendations, Amye mentions her memoir, which is about weight loss and addiction, so we discuss antifat bias and shame.

This is a long one, so we’re going to keep you company.

Did you have a favorite soap or soaps? Which ones?

Listen to the podcast →

Read the transcript →

Here are the books we discuss in this podcast:

You can find Amye Archer at her website, AmyeArcher.com. Her podcasts are:

We also mentioned:

Northern Disclosure
Pump Up the Volume, which you can watch at this streaming locations:

Source

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.

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/podcast/692-soap-opera-nostalgia-with-amye-archer-from-little-miss-recap/

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?post_type=podcast&p=162618

silver_chipmunk

Spending the night at MASHfanficchick's place. All well, will update tomorrow.

Current Mood: cheerful

cornerofmadness

I am....beyond frustrated.

I head to the BMV because they've cheaped out on the plastic and my handicap tag shattered like a porcelain tea cup kissing the floor. Getting a new one was easy. I went to the coffee shop but had so much b.s. to deal with I don't even get much writing done. At least CVS hasn't fucked up for once and as I'm getting my needles and pills, the BMV calls me to tell me they didn't give me all the paperwork and I need to come back.

They are SO lucky that they caught me before I was 25 miles away back at the school. I go back and the same woman waits on me. She blinks at me and seems unable to comprehend why I'm there (or that I was there before to the point I wonder what she's high on) Someone else walks over to save her and gives me the paperwork.

Now I'm nearly late racing to the university because the student who has stood me up FOUR times already with no explanation is supposed to be there on my day off to make up the lab exam. She shows and then I go into my meeting.

I haven't mentioned that there has been so much shit at work with fucked up schedules. This meeting is on fire. A couple of us got yelled at (me included) to calm down. But dudes you put two of my classes at the same time and you have 30 students (not including the 24 in my class) we can't even find a time for and you're telling me you haven't changed your major so it's OUR fault. Dudes this is the first time in SIX years you've taken both sections of A&P so don't give me that shit. You didn't look at the schedules we've given you. And please remember that we have to work around all the OTHER biology classes because we have two labs that can hold this many people and oh by the way the last time we had nursing, rad tech, ultrasound and resp therapy, sports and exercise ALL taking both sections of A&P we had a THIRD instructor. Me and DM are the only two left (and one of us is 72) you are killing us.

So in this one of the academic coaches is at my door. I put him off and he returns at the end with my research student who is 1 class short of graduation. We sit down with the biology coordinator and try to figure this out. The only solution? Me offering my online class so now I have two online classes, three face to face classes and two separate research students.

RIP my sanity and my free time (If you think I'm slow commenting now....)

I was SO looking forward to my youtooz monitor buddies of my boys (points down to top pairing) They took forever to ship and they're here Look they're cute here. ANNNNNDDDDD, they don't fit on my desk top monitor. They don't fit on my lap top monitor. WTF are they supposed to fit on? They're so top heavy. At this point I'm wondering can I make a little bar for them and sit them on stools? Way to piss away your money. I should have bought that sticker at the Monster Mash with a possum saying Breadwinner? Ha, I'm the bread loser.

This is everywhere right not. From your AO3 Works page, look at the tags and find the answers to these questions. (I think I saw this on

shipperslist first)

Current number of works on AO3: 887

1.Under what rating do you write most?
teen and up

2. What are your top 3 fandoms?
1. Prodigal Son
2. Fullmetal Alchemist
3. Buffy the Vampire Slayer & Hazbin Hotel tied

3. Which character do you write about most?
Malcolm Bright (Prodigal Son)

4. What are the 3 top pairings you've written?
Now THIS was a surprise to me.

1.Angel Dust/Husk (I go from no anthropomorphic characters because it’s so not my thing to this)
2.Roy Mustang/Riza Hawkeye (Fullmetal Alchemist)
3.Gil Arroyo/Jessica Whitly (Prodigal Son)

Wait, no one from Buffy or The Owl House?!?

5. What are the top 3 additional tags?
1 found family
2 emotional hurt/comfort
3 whump (okay it’s technically Malcolm Bright needs a hug but that is so fandom specific so I picked up number 4)

Current Mood: bitchy
Current Music: Maigret

senmut

[Podfic] Beginning, Middle, and Continuing (18 words) by peasina
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Star Trek: The Next Generation
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Deanna Troi/Tasha Yar
Characters: Deanna Troi, Tasha Yar
Additional Tags: Developing Relationship, Slice of Life, Podfic, Podfic Length: 10-20 Minutes
Summary:

Deanna has an encounter with Tasha that sets in motion a slow slide to more.

jenab

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musesfool

Today at work, they announced that we will be getting a COLA, retro back to July 1! My boss also floated a potential promotion for me (really, the work would mostly stay the same, but the title and money would be better) for after the new CEO is in place. We'll see if that ever happens. It would be cool if it did, but I won't hold my breath.

I thought I had other things to say, but I fell asleep on the couch after I logged off work and now I'm all fuzzy-headed.

*

Current Mood: sleepy
Current Music: We've Got You (i - Spark) - Vienna Teng

lois_mcmaster_bujold_feed

https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/26175872-testimony-of-mute-things-licensed-to-blackstone-audio

I'm very pleased to report that the most recent Penric & Desdemona novella, "Testimony of Mute Things", has just been licensed to Blackstone Audiobooks for its usual production. Narrator is again expected to be Grover Gardner.

No, I don't know when it will emerge from the other end of the production pipeline; prior experience suggests 2 to 6 months, probabilities leaning to the shorter end.

Re-using Ron Miller's art, which they've been doing for a while, should help speed things up on their vendor-page assembly. I've no idea what arcana is involved in recording, except I'm glad it's them and not me.

Subterranean Press has also offered for the novella. They'll have a much longer lead-time, probably into 2027, so breath-holding is contraindicated. I did get a look at Lauren Saint-Onge's final art for their upcoming "The Adventure of the Demonic Ox", which is particularly lovely this round. Publication sometime in the first half of 2026, I don't have a date yet. (Or the 1300 tip sheets to be signed, another necessary precursor. That will be a nice brainless task for this winter.)

Ta, L.

posted by Lois McMaster Bujold on November, 13

https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/26175872-testimony-of-mute-things-licensed-to-blackstone-audio

minoanmiss

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runpunkrun

Some screens I watched recently, in alphabetical order, all on Netflix:

Abstract: Each hour-long episode features a different artist in a different medium and examines their approach to making art. Totally fascinating. Highly recommended.

Another Life: Bad SF. I watched twenty minutes of this, but the writing was terrible, the world building vacuous, and my beloved Katee Sackhoff completely devoid of charisma. Does star that beardy Teen Wolf guy, though, if you're in the market.

Archer: I used to randomly watch this on FX, and so I sat down and started over at the beginning so I could see the whole thing. The comedy style is more insulting than I enjoy now, but I could listen to H. Jon Benjamin talk all day. This was also how I learned Jessica Walter died in 2021 and it hit me unexpectedly hard.

Diplomat: Watched season three, and it was so good I regretted not rewatching season one and two before the new season. Though how Kate hasn't figured out she's exactly like her husband is a hilarious mystery. Like the moment one of them isn't getting enough attention they do something completely fucked up. Highly recommended. Contains (in part): suicide.

Four Seasons: I felt pretty sure I wasn't going to be into these middle-age married people's problems (two white straight couples, and a mixed race gay couple), but it's Tina Fey so I had to try. I liked it more than I thought I would! It was a pleasant diversion and I liked the set up of two episodes per season (Earth seasons, not TV seasons) as these old friends get together for visits and vacations. Contains: divorce, grief.

High Town: Set in Provincetown, Massachusetts, and filled with drug use, drug dealers, party queers, depressed fishermen, and cops. High production value and a hot gay woman of color as a lead (Monica Raymund as Jack), but after an episode and a half I didn't care about any of the characters. It's no The Wire.

Wayward: Starring Mae Martin. Also created, written, and executive produced by Martin, so me with my Mae Martin problem spent the entire time very distracted. But, my love for Martin's beautiful pointy face aside, this drama/thriller about a small town and its cult-like reform school lead by a chillingly maternalistic Toni Collette is very watchable. Pointlessly set in the early 2000s. Also gory, violent, and upsetting, but the dog makes it. Recommended. Contains: drug use, shitty parents, child harm/death.

Wick is Pain: I've never seen a single John Wick movie, but I enjoyed this behind the scenes look at how action films get made, particularly this series with its signature gun fu style and, of course, Keanu Reeves, who does the majority of his own stunts and fighting and who is interviewed along with the directors, producers, and stunt personnel involved with the films. Contains: violence, guns, cinematic death of a dog.

The Woman in Cabin 10: Started this solely on the strength of Keira Knightley's presence, but even she couldn't rescue this glossy but limp woman-sees-something-alarming-but-literally-no-one-believes-her thriller. I watched this in twenty minute increments over three nights, swearing I was done with it every night until, on the third night, Keira Knightley did something so unforgivably stupid I immediately deleted it from my continue watching list.

smartbitches_feed

Posted by Amanda

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/11/books-by-jill-shalvis-elizabeth-hoyt-more/

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?p=162724

Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe

Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe by C.B. Lee is $2.99! I believe this was mentioned on one of Dahlia’s queer romance columns. According to Goodreads, this is skewed more to YA or teens.

A geeky overachiever determined to save the world through science and a troublemaking chosen one lashing out against her destiny meet and fall in love in a magical coffeeshop as their two very different universes begin to collide in Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe, C.B. Lee’s fun, sapphic, cozy fantasy YA romance.

When Brenda’s internet goes out right before an important scholarship deadline, she stumbles right into Kat’s family’s coffeeshop. Brenda is swept away by cool, confident Kat, who actually cares about Brenda’s 19-step plan to save the world through science. Meanwhile, Kat can’t stop thinking about Brenda, who is smart, passionate, and doesn’t seem to care that Kat is the prophesized Chosen One.

The only problem? Kat and Brenda are from different universes. Like need-to-find-a-portal-to-go-on-a-second-date different universes.

As their universes collide and things spiral out of control, can a girl who is determined to save the world find love with a girl determined to outrun her destiny?

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

The Love Fix

The Love Fix by Jill Shalvis is $1.99! This is a contemporary romance and a part of the Sunrise Cove series. Shalvis writes some great small town romances, if that’s your catnip.

Welcome back to Sunrise Cove for this heartwarming enemies-to-lovers tale where found family, forgiveness, and love may just be the key to finding yourself, from New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis.

Lexi Clark’s life is falling apart around her, so when she’s summoned home to Sunrise Cove, the last thing she wants to do is face all the complications she left behind. Her past, her stepsister Ashley, and especially her infuriatingly gorgeous childhood nemesis-turned-crush Heath Bowman.

Yep, Lexi’s pretty sure being home again just might kill her. She’s an overachieving art appraiser who doesn’t believe in trust, love, or Happily Ever Afters. Free spirit Ashley, on the other hand, is so full of life it hurts to look at her. But Lexi can’t refuse Ashley’s plea to honor their late mother’s final wish to make amends with the people she’d wronged. So, on behalf of her estranged mother’s estate—and with Heath in tow as the executor—Lexi embarks on a road trip to repay all the people her gambling addicted mother owed money to.

Complicating everything are the feelings that well up for for her mom, for Ashley, and most of all, for Heath. And for the record, she doesn’t like it, or the way he has of scaling the walls she’s built around her heart. The road trip shenanigans that ensue are both funny and heartbreaking, but Lexi finds something shocking along the way. Acceptance. Family. And unbelievably—if you ask Lexi anyway—love.

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

No Ordinary Duchess

No Ordinary Duchess by Elizabeth Hoyt is $3.99! This is book three in The Greycourt series. The first two books had middling to poor reviews on the site. Have you read any of the books?

A delicious tale of forbidden romance where the mystery that ties two lovers together might also be exactly what tears them apart.

Cold and brooding, Julian Greycourt, the heir to the Windemere dukedom, has always known that his uncle the duke was responsible for his mother’s death. Now he’s determined to exact revenge against his uncle—if he can find the proof. But Julian hides a secret so explosive it will destroy him if it’s ever revealed, and the duke is watching. The last thing he needs is a distractingly sensual woman whose very presence threatens to destroy his plans.

Sunny and cheerful, Lady Elspeth de Moray doesn’t know why her brother and Julian fell out all those years ago, but she can’t let the autocratic man get in the way of her mission: to retrieve an ancient family text that she believes is in one of the Windemere libraries. Locating the tome, however, proves trickier than she anticipated, and at each turn, she’s thrown together with the maddingly mysterious Julian. And the temptation to give in to her family’s greatest enemy grows stronger with each intriguing encounter…

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

When Grumpy Met Sunshine

When Grumpy Met Sunshine by Charlotte Stein is $2.99! I know Stein has a lot of fans, especially if you like steamy romances. However, I feel like this one didn’t do as well as I thought it would with readers. Have you read it?

A steamy, opposites-attract romance with undeniable chemistry between a grumpy retired footballer and his fabulous and very sunshine-y ghostwriter.

When grumpy ex-footballer Alfie Harding gets badgered into selling his memoirs, he knows he’s never going to be able to write them. He hates revealing a single thing about himself, is allergic to most emotions, and can’t imagine doing a good job of putting pen to paper.

And so in walks curvy, cheery, cute as heck ghostwriter Mabel Willicker, who knows just how to sunshine and sass her way into getting every little detail out of Alfie. They banter and bicker their way to writing his life story, both of them sure they’ll never be anything other than at odds.

But after their business arrangement is mistaken for a budding romance, the pair have to pretend to be an item for a public who’s ravenous for more of this Cinderella story. Or at least, it feels like it’s pretend—until each slow burn step in their fake relationship sparks a heat neither can control. Now they just have to decide: is this sizzling chemistry just for show? Or something so real it might just give them their fairytale ending?

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/11/books-by-jill-shalvis-elizabeth-hoyt-more/

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?p=162724

senmut

AO3 Link | Not Babysitting (100 words) by Merfilly
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) [2020]
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Renee Montoya, Dinah Laurel Lance
Additional Tags: Drabble
Summary:

With Dinah hurt, Renee keeps watch

Renee played with the beer bottle in that way she had when she really didn't know what to say.

Dinah turned her head that way, one eye still shut. "Don't have to babysit me. I'm not nine anymore."

"Ain't about that, chica," Renee rasped out. "It's about standing with my chosen family, and yeah, maybe it's about picking up the pieces I dropped then."

Dinah closed the eye that was still working. "You couldn't have protected me this time, either. I chose it."

"Maybe. Doesn't mean I'm willing to step out on you."

Dinah half-smiled. "Alright then."

"Damn straight, alright."

lassarina

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minoanmiss

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minoanmiss

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Current Mood: ecstatic

rionaleonhart

House has been one of my favourite shows for a very long time; it's strange that I've never written more fanfiction for it! Here is my first attempt at House fanfiction in, er, nineteen years.

It's really struck me, on my current House rewatch, that Wilson and Cameron seem to be friends. They get along well; they have some good conversations. In the episode 'The Right Stuff', House doesn't question the idea that Cameron would call Wilson socially. I've always found the interactions between Wilson and Cameron interesting, but somehow I've only just registered that there seems to be a real friendship there; it's endearing!

Anyway, I made them sleep together.

Title: The Unseen Third
Fandom: House MD
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Wilson/Cameron, unrequited Wilson/House and Cameron/House
Wordcount: 1,900
Summary: Wilson and Cameron spend a night together. It’s no secret that they’re both thinking about House.
Warnings: Infidelity, by which I mean Wilson cheating on his wife as per usual.

( The Unseen Third )

smartbitches_feed

Posted by SB Sarah

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/11/kobo-plus-indie-and-self-published-historicals-please/

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?p=162668

This post is sponsored by Kobo Plus, and contains affiliate links which bring a portion of your purchase to us at no extra charge to you. If you use them, thanks, and if not, no worries. Thanks, y’all!

…

I know y’all have heard about Kobo Plus, I am presuming, but in case not: Kobo Plus is nifty. And if you’re looking at Lara’s quest for indie/self pub historicals and wondering where you can find some tasty books to read, Kobo Plus can definitely help.

It’s nice to have options, isn’t it? Feels like there are fewer and fewer now.

Kobo Plus is a subscription service that allows you unlimited access to ebooks, audiobooks, or, depending on the plan, ebooks and audiobooks.

If the graphic isn’t legible for you, Kobo Plus Listen is $7.99US per month, and there are over 150,000 audiobooks in their catalog.

Kobo Plus Read is also $7.99US per month, and has over 1.5 million ebooks in their catalog, including some exclusives, and entire series bundles, too.

And Kobo Plus Read & Listen is $9.99 per month – both listening and ebooks, for $10. That’s a really good deal.

Plus, if you’re a new subscriber, you can try Kobo Plus for 30 days for free, and cancel any time.

I love a cancel any time – and if you’re someone who worries that you won’t remember to, here’s a tip. When you sign up for a free trial, set a reminder or calendar appointment for just under the free trial length, with a link to where you can unsubscribe. So if it’s a 14 day free trial, sign up, and IMMEDIATELY afterward, set a reminder or calendar item for 12 or 13 days from now that your trial is about to end, and do you want to renew? Helps me out immensely.

Today, Lara’s sharing the initial progress in exploring indie and self-published historicals, so let’s take a look at what historicals are awaiting you in Kobo Plus?

Lara’s list starts off with The Duke Who Knew Too Much by Grace Callaway. The ebook is Free at Kobo – but the audiobook is included in Kobo Plus!

And, much of Grace Callaway’s backlist is included in Kobo Plus as well.

Rose Lerner is also in Kobo Plus! Lara started the Lively St. Lemeston series, and while it wasn’t a good fit for her personally, I know this series is beloved by many people.

And if you’re curious: there’s a boxed set omnibus in Kobo Plus!

Rose Lerner's Lively St. Lemeston series with the four heroines of the four books on the cover. They're wearing blue, green, burgundy and white and black gowns, and are all photographs of models

Alice Coldbreath is also in Kobo Plus – the entire Brides of Karadok series, which many, many people have recommended.

Erica Ridley also has many, many books in Kobo Plus, and listen, if you wanted to hide out and read an entire series, the entire (ENTIRE) Twelve Dukes of Christmas series is available in two boxed sets:

Seriously, that will keep you going for the entirety of winter break. NICE.

Holly Bush’s Browns of Butcher’s Hill mystery series, which is set in Baltimore in the 1860s:

Emily Larkin has several books inside Kobo Plus:

…as does Celia Lake – a favorite of reviewer Catherine Heloise, of blessed memory, who reviewed Eclipse and loved it.

Point being, if you’re looking for historicals to read while you make a blanket fort in the northern hemisphere, or turn on the fan if you’re in the southern, you’ve got options in your subscription services.

What historical have you found inside Kobo Plus? If you’re a Kobo Plus subscriber, what titles do you recommend?

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/11/kobo-plus-indie-and-self-published-historicals-please/

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?p=162668

fred_mouse

a follow up to my october 14th post, where I reported having forgotten all my morning meds. I have, in the interim, been prescribed a new medication that has to be taken half an hour before breakfast, and also worked out that if I put all but one medication on the bedside table, I can take them when I first wake. Which has the added advantage of meaning that the paracetamol has kicked in by the time I try and get out of bed, and lo! but it is easier to get out of bed.

Sadly, the one that can't be taken at that point -- because it has to be taken after eating -- is the anti-inflammatory. And today, I gave up and came home after lunch, because making it to 2pm when the next paracetamol was due was too much (I actually took said paracetamol at 1pm, which is the absolute earliest it was allowed, on the 6 hour interval, which meant it kicked in enough for the drive home to be possible). And found the anti-inflammatory still in its little bowl, waiting to be taken. Which might mean I also forgot my asthma preventer, which might also be associated with my chest being a little unhappy (also, I have some kind of reaction to being in a specific room in the library -- the last two times I've developed one of those biting coughs)

Which says that the anti-inflammatory is doing amazing things, and I'm going to keep taking it. Sadly, the new med is because it is possible that some of the other symptoms are a side effect of taking it daily, rather than the 'max 5 days in 7' I was allowed with the stronger dose (that was once daily, the lower dose is twice daily).

smartbitches_feed

Posted by Lara

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/11/going-hunting-self-published-and-indie-pubbed-historical-romance/

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With fewer and fewer historical romances being traditionally published, I’m finding it harder to find arcs of books that scratch that itch for me and I’ve pretty much exhausted my small town library’s supply of historical romance. Where I was going wrong was letting myself be intimidated by the self-pubbed and indie-pubbed world. It seemed vast to me and I had no idea where to start. Who could I trust to deliver the kinds of stories I need in my life?

The bitchery, of course! I submitted a Rec League request and I was overwhelmed by the responses! The books available are thoughtful, plentiful and, for the most part, cheap! Heaven! Thank you so much for sharing your recommendations with me!

I started with three books which I’ve briefly discussed below. But I’ve enjoyed myself so much that there will definitely be additional installments of this series as my reading in this world expands.

Disclaimer: I haven’t done a deep dive on these authors. I know some have some traditionally published books or their books were traditionally published then they got the rights back and decided to self publish. The books listed below either have no publisher listed on Amazon or the author has a self titled company that published them.

I’ll be continuing my quest and would love any suggestions you have.

Here is the full list of recommended historical romance authors who are self-pubbed or indie-pubbed according to the Bitchery:

AJ Demas
Alice Coldbreath
Alissa Johnson
Anna Campbell
Annick Trent
Aster Glenn Gray
Aydra Richards
Bliss Bennet
Celia Lake
Christi Caldwell
Constance Hussey
Courtney Milan
E.E. Ottoman
EH Lupton
Elisa Braden
Elizabeth Briars
Elizabeth Cole
Emily Larkin
Emily Windsor
Erica Ridley
Gail Carriger
Grace Burrowes
Grace Callaway
J Winifred Butterworth
Jess Michaels
Jessie Clever
Joanna Chambers
Joy Demorra
Joyce Harmon
Jude Knight
Kathleen Buckley
KJ Charles
Liana De la Rosa
Lucinda Brant
Madeleine Robins
Martha Keyes
Mary Kingswood
Mary Lancaster
Meara Platt
Mia Vincy
Mimi Matthews
Minerva Spencer
Nichole Van
Paullett Golden
Rose Lerner
S.M. Laviolette
Stella Riley
Tammara Allen

The Duke Who Knew Too Much

Author: Grace Callaway
Released: January 15, 2015 by Grace Callaway
Genre: Regency, Romance
Series: Heart of Enquiry #1

A Stranger to Love

Alaric McLeod, Duke of Strathaven, is known as the Devil Duke for his wicked ways. Tormented by his past, Alaric knows better than to trust a woman yet finds himself ensnared by a spirited, virtuous virgin—who accuses him of a crime he didn’t commit. Is she his foe… or his salvation?

A Novice to Desire

Emma Kent is an independent country miss cast adrift in the ton. When a depraved encounter with an arrogant rake lands her in intrigue, Emma’s honor compels her to do the right thing. But desire challenges her quest for justice, and she must decide: can she trust her heart to discover the truth?

Bound by Passion and Peril

Alaric and Emma engage in a battle of wits and will. As their attraction flares, the true enemy stalks their every move. With danger looming, will they solve the mystery and find true love— before it’s too late?

Jill and Karin recommended this author to me and I think they have managed to introduce me to a new auto-buy author. I was entirely swept away by this book. Alaric, the duke in question, is a rake known as the ‘Devil’s Duke’ and Emma is a forthright, independent ‘spinster’. It’s a classic pairing and I devoured it in a day – so absorbing! It’s dual POV for the most part allowing us insight into both main characters’ thoughts and feelings.

Things start cataclysmically with Emma accusing Alaric of murder. Only what she witnessed was a little BDSM and not an assault. The book is spicy spicy but the sex scenes serve to push forward the emotional development of the characters which I appreciated. This is so easily a series that I could sink into and just read all of her books. It’s a wrench tearing myself away from her back catalogue and continuing my search for historical romances. I will be back!

⭐⭐⭐⭐

My advice: Start at the beginning of her back catalogue as all the books are connected. Doable as standalones, but more rewarding when read as a series.

Elyse reviewed this book in 2017 and gave it a B.

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Nearly a Lady

Author: Alissa Johnson
Released: May 10, 2016
Genre: Historical: European, Romance
Series: Haverston Family #1

He wanted to right his family’s wrongs—but this damsel in distress has little reason to trust high society types and no interest in joining them…

The woman makes the man…

Winnefred Blythe learned at a young age to make do with very little. After the death of her father, she taught herself to live on a pauper’s allowance—until a charming visitor promises her the funds that had been stolen from her through the years. But Freddie isn’t comfortable with the trappings of money—or the attentions of a handsome stranger from London…

But can a man make a lady?

After the war, Lord Gideon Haverston resolved to never again burden himself with the troubles of others. Still, he was expecting to be greeted as a hero by the beautiful, if eccentric, young woman his stepmother cheated out of house and home, not suspected as a conspirator. Indeed, the situation is more complicated than Gideon had expected—and the task of taming Winnefred Blythe much more alluring…

Emily C recommended this author to me. This book features a stellar heroine: Winnefred.

She’s forthright and strong and almost belligerently herself. The story opens with two brothers investigating the financial crimes of their stepmother who is now on the run. One of those crimes was to deny Winnefred (her husband’s ward) her allotted amount of money. Instead she sent Winnefred and her governess Lilly a fraction of the amount they were due.

After the prologue, one of the brothers, Gideon, travels to Scotland to talk with the women and make the situation right by giving them a lot of money. As premises go, I found it refreshingly original. The story follows Winnefred and her governess getting ready for a season in London.

This book features some intense emotions, some flashbacks to war and a few memorable kisses. This is not a restful read. It’s an immersive one that takes you on a journey. Gideon, on the surface, is a light hearted kind of guy, but that’s not the full story. He’s also tormented by memories of war, so much so that it interferes with his relationships without his realizing.

I appreciated that even though Winnefred had her London season, she didn’t change in herself. She remained forthright and pugnacious.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Listen to the Moon

Author: Rose Lerner
Released: August 15, 2017 by Rose Lerner
Genre: Historical: European, Regency, Romance
Series: Lively St. Lemeston #1

She’s a maid-of-all-work, and he’s a valet of no play…

John Toogood always prided himself on being the perfect gentleman’s gentleman: skilled, discreet, and professional. But now he finds himself laid off and blacklisted, stuck in tiny Lively St. Lemeston until he can find a new job. Any job.

His instant attraction to his happy-go-lucky maid Sukey Grimes couldn’t come at a worse time. Her manners are provincial, her respect for authority nonexistent, and her outdated cleaning methods…well, the less said about them, the better.

Sukey can tell that John’s impeccably impassive facade hides a lonely man with a gift for laughter—and kissing. But she also knows he’ll leave her sleepy little town behind the moment he gets the chance, and she has no intention of giving him her heart to take with him.

John learns that the town vicar needs a butler—but the job is only for a respectable married man. Against both their better judgments, John and Sukey tie the knot. The ring isn’t on her finger long before Sukey realizes she underestimated just how vexing being married to the boss can be…

Rose Lerner was recommended by Emily C, kkw, Amanda Valentine. I tried this book but didn’t get far. Not because of anything wrong with the book but rather it was me.

For me, financial struggle is a sore spot. Some of my earliest childhood memories are of my parents trying to hide our financial struggles as a family. I tell you this only to explain why reading about people who have financial stress (in this case a valet who has been unjustly fired and then blacklisted by his former employer) is a no-go for me.

So with this book, it’s really me, not the book that’s the issue. I’m including Rose Lerner’s book here because aside from the financial stress, it had me intrigued and I want you to know about it because I think it’s a book that other people will really enjoy. In fact, Carrie reviewed this book back in 2018 and gave it an A-.

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https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/11/going-hunting-self-published-and-indie-pubbed-historical-romance/

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?p=162120

The random insanity of your not-entirely-typical geek

B+

An Academic Affair

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Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe

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The Love Fix

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No Ordinary Duchess

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When Grumpy Met Sunshine

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The Duke Who Knew Too Much

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Nearly a Lady

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Listen to the Moon

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