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lois_mcmaster_bujold_feedpennyarcade_feedJust another reminder that the 22nd annual Child’s Play Auction and dinner is coming up on December 5th. After a long break, Jerry and I are back as hosts. Come hang out with us and help us raise money for kids in Children’s hospitals all over the world! You can get your tickets right here.
oursinNoted as of interest a day or so ago, ‘I don’t want anyone to suffer like I did’: the intersex campaigners fighting to limit surgery on children - am a bit gloomed to think that this is Still An Issue because I look back and surely this was brought to wider attention, oh, at least twenty or years ago?
Ah. A little delving shows me that the person I remember as doing pioneering research on the subject, published around the late 90s, and also involved in intersex activism, has become A Figure of Controversy and I think we probably do not mention them.
But quite coincidentally this emerged today: who, according to work done by A Very Reputable Scientist sequencing DNA which does appear to be his, had a Disorder of Sexual Development (as intersex conditions are sometimes termed)? Did Hitler really have a ‘micropenis’? The dubious documentary analysing the dictator’s DNA.
Here is a thoughtful and nuanced piece by an actual scientist taking issue with some of the more tabloidy accounts A slightly different take on the news that Hitler’s DNA reveals some genetic anomalies. The most interesting thing to me is that history has a profound capability for irony.
That Hitler himself had a condition that was discovered and named by a Jewish man who also held some responsibility for the scientifically misguided murderous policies of the Nazis is at least a reflection that history is often imbued with a sense of complex and confusing irony.
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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?
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.
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…
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?
spikedluvsmartbitches_feedThis 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!
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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!
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?
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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
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.
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.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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-.
merrileemakes posting in booknook
kareila posting in kareila_bookspennyarcade_feedGabe has been pushing this new Frankenstein shit pretty hard, but I don't have to be nudged with any intensity into seeing a Guillermo Del Toro movie. I can close my eyes and see one, I love his shit. Apparently this new one balls out of control, and a wisp of a scene at the very end of the runtime hints at the kind of structures in play.
case in fandomsecrets - [ SECRET POST #6887 ]kaberett - [embodiment] still a terrible hobbylois_mcmaster_bujold_feed - Testimony of Mute Things licensed to Blackstone Audiopennyarcade_feed - Child's Playoursin - A certain concurrence here....minoanmiss - Stuff and Nonsenserunpunkrun - Watching the screen: Netflix editionsmartbitches_feed - Books by Jill Shalvis, Elizabeth Hoyt, & Moreminoanmiss - From the "How to Deal when ICE comes to your workplace" discussionsuperfangirl1 in scans_daily - DC-Marvel: Captain Marvel/Thorminoanmiss - "We'll Throw Him In the Sea"spikedluv - Fandom Trees 2025spikedluv - The Day in Spikedluv (Wednesday, Nov 12)smartbitches_feed - Kobo Plus: Indie and Self Published Historicals, Please!smartbitches_feed - Going Hunting: Self-Published and Indie-Pubbed Historical Romancemerrileemakes in booknook - Review: Buzzing by Samuel Sattin with Rye Hickmandine - today was a very stupid day but I have faith tomorrow will be stupiderkareila in kareila_books - #49: G. Willow Wilson, Alif the Unseen [JRI]pennyarcade_feed - Manifold Delightskaberett - some good things make a post
