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Happy Tuesday!

It’s a short and sweet release week for us. Only three books that are on our radar: one fantasy romance and two contemporaries. Next week is looking a bit more promising.

How’s your TBR pile doing this week? Let us know in the comments!

Arcana Academy

Author: Elise Kova
Released: July 22, 2025 by Del Rey
Genre: Fantasy/Fairy Tale Romance, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
Series: Arcana Academy #1

A woman who wields magical tarot cards lands herself in a false engagement with the headmaster of a mysterious academy in this first installment of an enthralling fantasy romance series from the bestselling author of A Deal with the Elf King.

Clara Graysword has survived the underworld of Eclipse City through thievery, luck, and a whole lot of illegal magic. After a job gone awry, Clara is sentenced to a lifetime in prison for inking tarot cards-a rare power reserved for practitioners at the elite Arcana Academy.

Just when it seems her luck has run dry, the academy’s enigmatic headmaster, Prince Kaelis, offers her an escape-for a price. Kaelis believes that Clara is the perfect tool to help him steal a tarot card from the king and use it to re-create an all-powerful card long lost to time.

In order to conceal her identity and keep her close, Kaelis brings Clara to Arcana Academy, introducing her as the newest first-year student and his bride-to-be.

Thrust into a world of arcane magic and royal intrigue, where one misstep will send her back to prison or worse, Clara finds that the prince she swore to hate may not be what he seems. But can she risk giving him power over the world-and her heart? Or will she take it for herself?

Dark academia with some fake dating!

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Want this book? Here are helpful buy links..

Heart Marks the Spot

Author: Libby Hubscher
Released: July 22, 2025 by Berkley
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romance

A treasure hunter and the bestselling adventure novelist who broke her heart after one successful expedition reunite for a summer to search for lost riches.

Treasure hunter Stella Moore dreams of having it all—wealth, love, and a flourishing career—but knows she’ll never be that lucky. Every summer she and her childhood friends travel to search for hidden treasure, but she can barely manage her bills, let alone a relationship. Then, a chance encounter with alluring novelist Huck Sullivan during an expedition in Iceland has Stella thinking maybe her fortune has changed.

After his last book bombed, Huck hasn’t written a word. Joining Stella and her crew on an adventure seems like the perfect distraction from his problems, and when the crew finally uncovers hidden treasure, he is certain that he’s found more than just inspiration for his next novel. Huck and Stella’s undeniable connection gives way to an unforgettable night on a black sand beach.

After Huck disappears without a goodbye, Stella vows to put the heartbreak behind her—but that’s easier said than done when, a year later, every bookstore has a life-size cutout of her ex-lover next to stacks of his latest record-breaking bestseller. Good thing it’s time for another summer treasure hunt. Stella throws herself into mapping the path to a shipwreck off Key West, but the last thing she expects is an extra crew member showing up in search of material for a sequel and a second chance.

Stella and Huck are prepared for storms, sharks, sea sickness, even a tentative truce. But facing the feelings they buried and confronting the devastating truth about why Huck left is the only way to find what their hearts have been searching for all along.

Amanda: Treasure hunting is having a moment in romance.

Lara: I’ve had some good luck with second chance romances lately, so I’m keen to give this one a go.

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Want to order this one? We’ve got the links you need!.

Love is a War Song

Author: Danica Nava
Released: July 22, 2025 by Berkley
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romance

A Muscogee pop star and a cowboy who couldn’t be more different come together to strike a deal in this new romantic comedy by Danica Nava, USA Today bestselling author of The Truth According to Ember.

Pop singer Avery Fox has become a national joke after posing scantily clad on the cover of Rolling Stone in a feather warbonnet. What was meant to be a statement of her success as a Native American singer has turned her into a social pariah and dubbed her a fake. With threats coming from every direction and her career at a standstill, she escapes to her estranged grandmother Lottie’s ranch in Oklahoma. Living on the rez is new to Avery—not only does she have to work in the blazing summer heat to earn her keep, but the man who runs Lottie’s horse ranch despises her and wants her gone.

Red Fox Ranch has been home to Lucas Iron Eyes since he was sixteen years old. He has lived by three rules to keep himself out of 1) preserve the culture, 2) respect the horses, and 3) stick to himself. When he is tasked with picking up Lottie’s granddaughter at the bus station, the last person he expected to see is the Avery Fox. Lucas can’t stand what she represents, but when he’s forced to work with her on the ranch, he can’t get her out of his sight—or his head. He reminds himself to keep to his rules, especially after he finds out the ranch is under threat of being shut down.

It’s clear Avery doesn’t belong here, but they form a tentative truce and make a Avery will help raise funds to save the ranch, and in exchange, Lucas will show her what it really means to be an Indian. It’s purely transactional, absolutely no horsing around…but where’s the fun in that?

Shana: Apparently this has a Only One Horse scene and I’m here for it.

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Want this book? Here are helpful buy links..

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/07/hide-your-wallet-june-22nd-release-week/

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I interrupt my travel series to share some photos from the last months of birds. This barn swallow was caught almost by accident as it headed off, coming towards us in the parking lot.

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Posted by SB Sarah

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/07/podcast-676-your-transcript-is-ready/

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?p=148401

The transcript for Podcast 676. Exploring Atonement Sky with Nalini Singh has been posted!

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

❤ Click here to subscribe to The Podcast →

The transcript for my interview with Nalini Singh is ready and appended to the podcast entry- woo hoo!

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/07/podcast-676-your-transcript-is-ready/

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Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Vol. 5 by Kanehito Yamada

Spoilers ahead for the earlier works.

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Posted by Amanda

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/07/f-f-romance-kennedy-ryan-more/

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?p=148335

Consort of Fire

Consort of Fire by Kit Rocha is $1.99! This is book one in Bound to Fire and Steel fantasy romance series. Book two is also on sale. Have you read either book? What did you think?

From cult-favorite writing duo Kit Rocha comes a fiery novel set in a lush fantasy world brimming with ancient magic, dangerous secrets, and erotic connections.

For three thousand years, an ancient dragon god has protected the borders of the Sheltered Lands. In return, he makes only one demand: every one hundred years, the mortal ruler must send their heir to serve as his consort…for as long as they can survive.

Sachielle of House Roquebarre is the thirty-first consort to be sacrificed to the monster who guards the mountain passes. She is young, beautiful—and she has three secrets.

First: she’s a disposable orphan trained in seduction.

Second: her handmaid, Zanya, is an assassin and the only person she has ever loved.

Third—and most dangerous: she’s cursed. Sachi and Zanya have five weeks to murder the Dragon in his bed. If they fail, the mortal king’s curse will steal not just Sachi’s life, but her very soul.

The Dragon has only one secret: he is nothing like what they have been told. And he will do whatever it takes to possess them both.

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You can find ordering info for this book here.

Until I’m Yours

Until I’m Yours by Kennedy Ryan is $1.99! This is book four in the The Bennet series, which is has been re-released with new covers. Have you read any of the books in this series?

The world knows her face . . .

Mean girl. Goddess. Bitch. Supermodel Sofie Baston has earned those labels . . . yet they don’t scratch the surface of who she really is. Before she can follow her own dreams, Sophie must do her daughterly duty and reel in a “fish” for her father’s business-a tall, brown-eyed entrepreneur who immediately hooks her. He’s a big guy with an even bigger heart . . . but will that heart be open to Sofie once her darkest secret is revealed?

. . . but only one man knows her heart

To Trevor Bishop, Sofie is a beautiful mystery he would gladly spend his life solving. He figures her tough demeanor is armor against a world that’s hurt her too many times. Then Sofie’s deepest wounds are reopened by the powerful, ruthless man who made them. When she musters the courage to take him down, her world shatters. Now Trevor is determined to help Sofie pick up the pieces so they can build a future together. The challenge will be convincing his ice princess that it’s safe to melt in his arms . . .

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You can find ordering info for this book here.

Cover Story

Cover Story by Rachel Lacey is $2.49 at Amazon! Both Elyse and Dahlia were excited for this one when it was released in March. Lacey also has a few celebrity romances if that happens to be your catnip.

Natalie Keane is one of Hollywood’s top leading ladies, but she’s paid a steep price for her fame. After she was stalked eight years ago, the ensuing media frenzy almost broke her. So when a new threat arises, Natalie agrees to extra security, but she wants to keep it under wraps. The last thing she needs is another tabloid spectacle, especially during awards season.

Taylor Vaughn has made a career as a bodyguard to the stars, but an injury has kept her sidelined for the past three months, jeopardizing her future in the job she loves. When an opportunity arises to work for Natalie Keane, Taylor jumps at the chance—even before knowing the details of the assignment.

From the moment they meet, Natalie knows this could Taylor, the bodyguard, masquerading as her girlfriend. The perfect cover story. But as circumstances push the two women closer, the lines between fantasy and reality begin to blur.

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You can find ordering info for this book here.

Pomona Afton Can So Solve a Murder

Pomona Afton Can So Solve a Murder by Bellamy Rose is $2.99! This is a mix of mystery and romance with some class differences and forced proximity. It looks like a second Pomona Afton mystery will be coming out next April.

A spoiled heiress must investigate her grandmother’s death in order to gain back her trust fund, all while discovering how to be her own person and maybe even falling in love in this “enormously fun, witty, and warm” (Kristen Perrin, nationally bestselling author) rom-com meets murder mystery that is perfect for fans of Only Murders in the Building.

When Pomona Afton, Upper East Side hotel heiress, stumbles out of a gala and upon the scene of her grandmother’s murder, her first thought is that the society queen won’t be missed for her kind, cookie-baking ways. In fact, she was mean, greedy, and paranoid—so paranoid that she secretly slipped a clause into her will mandating that, should she die an unnatural death, all the family assets get frozen. And if the “unnatural death” isn’t explained? Those accounts stay frozen.

Practically overnight, Pomona is locked out of her penthouse with no other option than to move in with a Gabe, the irritable (yet handsome) son of her former nanny. Not only is his apartment cramped, but it doesn’t even have a doorman. Or a chef! Pom needs someone to solve this murder, like, yesterday, so she can get her trust fund back.

And Gabe? He needs this murder solved because that’s the only way his mother, who toiled for the Afton family for years, will ever get the retirement money she deserves. As Pom’s family clams up, blocking the police at every turn, Pom quickly realizes that if she wants her glamorous life back, she’s going to have to put on her big-girl Manolos and do it herself…with the help of Gabe, who she’s falling for more and more by the day.

Can Pomona Afton (who previously couldn’t solve a crossword in the bath on a hungover Sunday) actually solve this murder? And if she does return to her former life of luxury, will it be worth the possibility of losing Gabe?

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You can find ordering info for this book here.

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/07/f-f-romance-kennedy-ryan-more/

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https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/reviews/six-wild-crowns-by-holly-race/

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?post_type=reviews&p=147750

B

Six Wild Crowns

by Holly Race
June 10, 2025 · Orbit
Science Fiction/Fantasy

Back in the early aughts I had a minor obsession with the Tudors. The Other Boleyn Girl was in theatres, The Tudors was on Showtime, and Phillippa Gregory and Alison Weir were having literary moments.

Six Wild Crowns pulled me right back into my fascination with that moment in time (in fact, I’m rewatching The Tudors). This is a high magic fantasy based loosely on Henry VIII and his six wives, but with a feminist twist. It is not, however, a romance.

First of all, this novel is the beginning of a series (or duology, I’m not sure) so if you don’t want to start a series that isn’t finished yet, be aware that this is the only book published so far.

Six Wild Crowns takes place in a fantasy version of England called Elben. Henry is king and he is married, simultaneously, to six queens. The magic system in this novel involves a magical force called the bordweal that forms an invisible barrier around the island Elben that potential invaders or enemies cannot cross. The king also has some magical abilities himself.

In order for Henry to access his magic and for the bordweal to be maintained, he must have six queens, each of whom occupies a coastal castle, and through a ritual during their wedding ceremony, strengthens Henry’s bond with his own magic.

This part was a little confusing. The average person in this book does not have magical abilities, and the queens do not have them until they marry Henry and take occupancy of his castle. Initially it’s pretty unclear where that magic comes from.

When the book opens Henry has just married Queen Boleyn. Boleyn is similar to her historical counterpart in her looks and intelligence, and she is in love with Henry and he with her. It’s tradition for each of the queens to gift a new queen a present on her wedding day, and rather than jewels or or a pet dragon (there are dragons in this book and they are cool), Queen Aragon gives her a servant–Seymour. Seymour is actually there as a spy (of course) and her assignment is to assassinate Boleyn on Aragon’s orders.

The book is told through Boleyn and Seymour’s alternating viewpoints. Boleyn is a strategist, determined to become the most powerful and favorite queen among Henry’s five other established wives. She’s also researching why, despite Henry now having his six queens, the bordweal has been consistently weakening.

Seymour is an unwilling spy and assassin. She comes from a noble family who groomed her to help her family’s fortunes rise, but she mostly just wants to be left alone. She cannot lie convincingly, she doesn’t want to kill anyone, and she doesn’t want to be involved in royal political games. So of course she does the most inconvenient thing possible and falls in love with Boleyn.

Boleyn meanwhile begins to see Henry’s true colors and her love for him changes to disgust. She meets Queen Howard, who she realizes was married to Henry at just thirteen and is still very much a child. She sees Henry’s selfishness and vanity.

Her research into ancient texts about the bordweal leads her to information that stuns her.

Realizing that Henry remaining in power will be disastrous not only to her personally, but also the kingdom, she tries to unite the other five queens against Henry.

While this is going on, Henry’s wife Queen Blount dies, and much to everyone’s surprise, he marries Seymour. She can’t stand Henry, is afraid of him, and loathes sexual encounters with him. Even though Boleyn doesn’t return Seymour’s romantic love, they form a close friendship and unifying force.

The main theme of this book is power being stolen from women, and women being pitted against each other for the benefit of the patriarchy. The six queens are supposed to be jealous and conniving against one another in order to be most beloved in Henry’s eyes. They are never meant to be friends or allies.

I always like the theme of women discovering their power, and women coming together to be stronger as a group. This is definitely a “fuck the patriarchy” fantasy. I also liked the courtly machinations and political plots. It’s a little bit House of the Dragon that way. The color of clothing, the type of gift given, all have important subtle but symbolic meanings and every gesture from a queen means something significant beneath its face value.

The only thing I thought Six Wild Crowns could have improved on was the relationship between Boleyn and Seymour.

Show Spoiler

Boleyn knows Seymour is in love with her, but doesn’t return the feeling (she’s not queer), so they just sort of become friends. Seymour’s romantic feelings for Boleyn aren’t really addressed again after that and I guess we’re just supposed to assume she’s just dealing with them? The tension of “I love her but she doesn’t love me” isn’t really addressed.

Aside from that, this book is a wonderful reading experience. The setting, clothes and manners are all from a familiar enough place in time that it didn’t require a ton of world building, but Elben was still unique as a fantasy world. The action and the conflict were paced very well so the book grows in momentum. There’s also the “Earl has to die” plotline that I always appreciate.

Six Wild Crowns is a fun, historical fantasy and I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series.

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Outlaw of the Outer Stars by John C. Wright

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Posted by Amanda

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/07/get-recd-with-amanda-volume-94/

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?p=148316

Happy Sunday!

We have two different non-fiction options, some fun sci-fi, and even a romance novel. I rarely pick romances for this feature, so it always feels like a big deal to me when I do.

Do you have any recommendations you’d like to share? Leave ’em in the comments!

Black in Blues

M from the podcast discord recommended this one (and it’s on sale!). Their recommendation was quickly followed up by a couple comments of agreement.

A surprising and beautiful meditation on the color blue—and its fascinating role in Black history and culture—from National Book Award winner Imani Perry

Throughout history, the concept of Blackness has been remarkably intertwined with another blue. In daily life, it is evoked in countless ways. Blue skies and blue water offer hope for that which lies beyond the current conditions. But blue is also the color of deep melancholy and heartache, echoing Louis Armstrong’s question, “What did I do to be so Black and blue?” In this book, celebrated author Imani Perry uses the world’s favorite color as a springboard for a riveting emotional, cultural, and spiritual journey—an examination of race and Blackness that transcends politics or ideology.

Perry traces both blue and Blackness from their earliest roots to their many embodiments of contemporary culture, drawing deeply from her own life as well as art and The dyed indigo cloths of West Africa that were traded for human life in the 16th century. The mixture of awe and aversion in the old-fashioned characterization of dark-skinned people as “Blue Black.” The fundamentally American art form of blues music, sitting at the crossroads of pain and pleasure. The blue flowers Perry plants to honor a loved one gone too soon.

Poignant, spellbinding, and utterly original, Black in Blues is a brilliant new work that could only have come from the mind of one of our greatest writers and thinkers. Attuned to the harrowing and the sublime aspects of the human experience, it is every bit as vivid, rich, and striking as blue itself.

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

He’s to Die For

I’m really surprised this m/m sort of flew under the radar. This is an opposites attract romance with a hint of mystery. I think the comparison to The Charm Offensive is a fair one.

Brooklyn 99 meets The Charm Offensive in this sparkling romantic murder mystery: it’s murder cute in the first degree when a detective finds himself falling for the lead suspect in a career-making case.

At 29, Detective Rav Trivedi is the youngest member of the NYPD’s homicide squad, and his future looks bright. He may be a bit of an outsider in the department – an ivy-league educated gay Brit with a weakness for designer suits – but his meteoric rise and solve rate prove he belongs.

So when his CO assigns him lead on the high-profile murder of a record executive, Rav is ready for action. He won’t be distracted by TV crews, tabloids, or what’s trending on social media, nor by the ridiculously hot rock star with a clear motive and no alibi.

This is it, his shot, and he is not going to screw it up—certainly not by falling in love with his number one suspect…

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You can find ordering info for this book here.

I’m Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom

Do you like quirky, weird, and funny sci-fi? Pargin has a lot of series. If that feels a little too overwhelming to start something that may require a bigger commitment, I believe this one is a standalone.

A standalone darkly humorous thriller set in modern America’s age of anxiety, by New York Times bestselling author Jason Pargin.

Outside Los Angeles, a driver pulls up to find a young woman sitting on a large black box. She offers him $200,000 cash to transport her and that box across the country, to Washington, DC.

But there are rules:

He cannot look inside the box.
He cannot ask questions.
He cannot tell anyone.
They must leave immediately.
He must leave all trackable devices behind.

As these eccentric misfits hit the road, rumors spread on social media that the box is part of a carefully orchestrated terror attack intended to plunge the USA into civil war.

The truth promises to be even stranger, and may change how you see the world.

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

Takeaway

This one popped onto my radar after seeing it recommended by an IG food account where a British woman makes recipes from other cultures from scratch. It looks like only used copies are the only kinds available. Fingers crossed your library has some!

An eye-opening memoir revealing the stories behind living in and running a Chinese takeaway.

Growing up in a Chinese takeaway in rural Wales, Angela Hui was made aware at a very young age of just how different she and her family were seen by her local community. From attacks on the shopfront (in other words, their home), to verbal abuse from customers, and confrontations that ended with her dad wielding the meat cleaver; life growing up in a takeaway was far from peaceful.

But alongside the strife, there was also beauty and joy in the rhythm of life in the takeaway and in being surrounded by the food of her home culture. Family dinners before service, research trips to Hong Kong, preparing for the weekend rush with her brothers – the takeaway is a hive of activity before a customer even places their order of ‘egg-friend rice and chop suey’.

Bringing readers along on the journey from Angela’s earliest memories in the takeaway to her family closing the shop after 30 years in business, this is a brilliantly warm and immersive memoir from someone on the other side of the counter.

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/07/get-recd-with-amanda-volume-94/

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?p=148316

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I first read The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison last year, but I never got around to reviewing it, in part because I didn't know what to say about it. My friends had loved it, and while I'd found it enjoyable, I was still percolating on what I liked (or didn't!) about it. Listening to The Witness for the Dead, a book in the same universe, got me thinking about TGE again, so this month I gave it a re-read. This time, it all clicked.

This book is truly such an enjoyable read. The basics of Maia's tale are not unfamiliar—a seeming nobody is thrust into a position of power no one ever expected them to have—but Addison puts her own fascinating spin on it. It has the same feeling I got from The Witness for the Dead, where the story prioritizes doing the right thing and many if not most of the characters in it are striving to be good people (whatever that means for them). It makes a nice contrast to the very selfish, dark fantasy where you know from the start every character is just in it for themselves (and I do enjoy those too, not to say one is better than other!) The protagonist Maia in particular is put in any number of positions where he could misuse his power for personal gratification—such as imprisoning or executing his abusive former guardian, Setheris—but he, with conscious effort, chooses differently. That is not the kind of person—not the kind of emperor—Maia wants to be. And honestly—there is very gratifying fantasy, particularly today, in the idea of someone obtaining power and being committed to some kind of principles of proper governance, of having some code of honor above their own personal enrichment.

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Posted by Amanda

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/07/sunday-sale-digest-40/

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?p=148283

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.

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Posted by Amanda

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/07/book-beat-jane-austen-pugs-more/

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?p=148262

Book Beat aims to highlight other books that we may hear about through friends, social media, or other sources. We could see a gorgeous ad! Or find a new-to-us author on a list of underrated romances! Think of Book Beat as Teen Beat or Tiger Beat, but for books. And no staples to open to get the fold-out poster.

The Grimoire Grammar School Parent Teacher Association

Author: Caitlin Roazkis
Released: May 27, 2025 by Titan Books
Genre: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

From the NYT-bestselling author of Dreadful, Big Little Lies goes to magic school, cozy fantasy perfect for fans of T. Kingfisher, Olivia Atwater and Heather Fawcett. Featuring orange sprayed and stencilled edges, with magic symbols, unicorns and baked goods from the book.

Two parents and their recently-bitten-werewolf daughter try to fit into a privileged New England society of magic aristocracy. But deadly terrors await them – ancient prophecies, remorseless magical trials, hidden conspiracies and the PTA bake sale.

When Vivian’s kindergartner, Aria, gets bitten by a werewolf, she is rapidly inducted into the hidden community of magical schools. Reeling from their sudden move, Vivian finds herself having to pick the right sacrificial dagger for Aria, keep stocked up on chew toys, and play PTA politics with sirens and chthonic nymphs and people who literally can set her hair on fire.

As Vivian careens from hellhounds in the school corridors to demons at the talent show, she races to keep up with all the arcane secrets of her new society—shops only accessible by magic portal, the brutal Trials to enter high school, and the eternal inferno that is the parents’ WhatsApp group.

And looming over everything is a prophecy of doom that sounds suspiciously like it’s about Aria. Vivian might be facing the end of days, just as soon as she can get her daughter dressed and out of the door…

This author’s debut, Dreadful, was recommended in the comments when we featured it on sale. I’m very curious how her follow-up will do!

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Want this book? Here are helpful buy links..

Pugs and Kisses

Author: Farrah Rochon
Released: July 15, 2025 by Forever
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romance
Series: Doggone Delightful #2

From the New York Times bestselling author of Almost There, a second chance romance between two dog lovers, perfect for readers of Abby Jimenez and Jasmine Guillory.

From the outside, veterinarian Evie Williams appears to have the perfect but boring life. She is desperate to figure out a way to shake it up, but gets more than she bargained for when she finds her fiancé in bed with another woman. Suddenly, Evie is without a fiancé or a job, and isn’t sure what her next steps should be. That is, until her college crush, Bryson Mitchell, returns to town.

Now, a nationally recognized veterinary surgeon, Bryson is stunned when he encounters Evie Williams for the first time in half a decade. When they learn the animal shelter where they used to volunteer is in danger of closing, the two must work together to save it. It has Bryson wondering, can he and Evie also save the friendship they once shared and finally bring it to the next level?

Crushes, forced proximity, and some very cute dogs.

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Simple Pleasures

Author: Emma Fontanella
Released: October 24, 2023 by DK
Genre: Cookbook

Rediscover the joy of cooking simple food using fresh, everyday ingredients.

With easy recipes and time-saving techniques for your favorite pastries, breads, cakes, pasta, pizza, cookies, and more, you’ll find something to satisfy your sweet tooth—or your carb cravings.

Cooking and baking don’t have to be time consuming or difficult. With the right techniques, even the most daunting dishes can be simple to master. Chef Emma Fontanella is known for her ability to translate complex methods into approachable recipes that yield amazing results. Utilizing the conveniences of a modern kitchen, she has developed an indispensable collection of classic desserts, comfort food favorites, and everyday meals, all without sacrificing texture or flavor.

Indulge in the simple pleasure of comfort classics such as The Fluffiest Cinnamon Rolls and Melt-In-Your-Mouth Glazed Donuts, or curl up with a cozy bowl of One-Pot Mac and Cheese or Three-Ingredient Fettuccine Alfredo.

A section on foundational techniques provides detailed instruction on making and decorating cakes, working with yeast-raised doughs, preparing pasta, and more. Armed with Emma’s thoughtful instructions and labor-saving shortcuts, you’ll be able to execute everything from Cheater’s Artisan Croissants to a stunning fresh Strawberry Cake with confidence.

Over 100 recipes for breakfasts, breads and baked goods, pasta dishes, celebration cakes, and holiday baking.

Time-saving techniques and pastry chef shortcuts for restaurant-quality results with a fraction of the effort.

Superfast microwave snacks that cook in a minute.

Nostalgic childhood favorites, such as Instant Frozen Yogurt and Homemade Peanut Butter Cups.

Simple and indulgent? You have my attention. I’m tempted to borrow this one from the library for a test drive.

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Want this book? Here are helpful buy links..

The Unlikely Pursuit of Mary Bennet

Author: Lindz McLeod
Released: April 29, 2025 by Carina Adores
Genre: Historical: European, LGBTQIA, Romance
Series: Austentatious #1

Jane Austen meets Bridgerton in this sapphic romance between Charlotte Lucas and Mary Bennet that begins four years after the end of Pride and Prejudice.

When Mr. Collins dies after just four years of marriage, Charlotte is lost. While not exactly heartbroken, she will soon have to quit the parsonage that has become her home. In desperate need of support, she writes to her best friend, Lizzie. Unable to leave Pemberley, Lizzie sends her sister Mary Bennet in her stead.

To Charlotte’s surprise, Mary Bennet is nothing like she remembers. Mary’s discovery of academia and her interest in botany (as well as getting out from under her mother’s thumb) have caused her to flourish. Before long, Charlotte is enraptured, and with each stolen glance and whispered secret, their friendship quickly blossoms into something achingly real.

But when her time at the parsonage begins to dwindle and a potential suitor appears, Charlotte must make a choice—the safety and security of another husband, or a passionate life with Mary outside the confines of the ton’s expectations.

A f/f romance featuring Mary Bennet. I’m always on the fence about reimaginings with well-known literary characters, but I’m also not the target Austenite audience.

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Find buy links for this book here..

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/07/book-beat-jane-austen-pugs-more/

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?p=148262

mific posting in

fancake

Fandoms: Stargate: SG-1, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
Characters/Pairings: Jack O'Neill, Teal'c, Sam Carter, Daniel Jackson, Sarah Connor, Cameron, John Connor
Rating: Gen
Length: 1886
Creator Links: cofax on AO3
Themes: Working together, Action/adventure, Crossover, Time travel, Teams, Robots and Androids

Summary: SG-1 meets a very intense woman with two heavily-armed teenagers in a warehouse in Modesto.

Reccer's Notes: A short fic about Sarah Connor's team helping Jack's team while on a mission in the past, dealing with a Terminator. Gripping action - and an intriguing and worrying AU in terms of the future of this crossover Earth. As Jack says: "That's just ... great." (Need to log in to AO3 to read it)

Fanwork Links: Temporary Alliances

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common_nature

Our destination for day 2 was Hood River. We loved this spot, both because of the view and the convenience of its location, parking and our rooms over the breakfast area.

This photo was the view from one of our rooms. It was not only a pretty view but one that changed all day long, as people at the inlet end point took kayaking, paddleboard and canoeing classes. I'd never seen a motorized paddleboard before but they were in use too, along with jet skis out on the river and parasailers.

We also got to watch birds diving for food, and trains and cargo barges go by on the river. We even saw a cruise ship once!

( Read more... )

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books

Oof. Today I threw in the towel on Margaret Killjoy's The Sapling Cage because I'd rather be alone with my thoughts than sit through another three hours of this book. This is a fantasy book about a "boy," Lorel, who disguises herself as her female friend to join a witches' coven (She's a transgirl, but her journey on that understanding is part of the book, and she refers to herself as a boy for much of the story.)

First, I will say that I think Lorel is a protagonist written with love; clearly Killjoy wanted her to be relatable and sympathetic, and someone eager for a trans fantasy protag may be willing to forgive the book's many weaknesses for that. That said...

I was shocked to realize this book is not categorized as Young Adult/Youth literature. Lorel is 16 at the start of the book and she's very sixteen. She makes all the sorts of stupid, immature mistakes you would expect from a teenager, which makes her a realistic character, but also deeply frustrating to read as an adult, particularly since the first-person narration puts us right in her head. The book feels young even for a sixteen-year-old; it reads more like a preteen novel about teenagers.

The book itself feels incredibly juvenile, both in prose and in narrative. The writing is simplistic, the narrative barely there, and the worldbuilding painfully thin. The book infodumps on the reader constantly, going into detail about things that are then never relevant again and don't connect into any kind of overarching picture of what this world is like. Reads very much like the author just throwing a bunch of things she thought were cool at the reader without actually thinking about how they would impact her world or the characters in them.

( Read more... )

kingstoken posting in

fancake

Fandom: Doctor Who
Pairings/Characters: Twelve/Missy/Jack
Rating: M
Length: 11,681 words
Creator Links: Trobadora
Theme: Working Together, time travel

Summary: This is what it takes to hold together what has been sheared apart.
Or: The Doctor, Jack Harkness and Missy encounter a weapon from the Time War.

Reccer's Notes: Jack visits the Doctor to berate him for releasing the Master from the vault. While he's there, something terrible is happening to time itself. The Doctor and Missy have to work together with Jack's help to stabilize their timeline. The author does such a great job showing you these little snippets of possible timelines, and giving you just enough that you want to know more. There is a sex scene between the three of them, but it makes sense in the context of story, and is about so much more than just sex. If you like Twelve and Missy and have always wanted to see what it would have been like to throw Jack into the mix, then please read this one.

Fanwork Links: Ao3

smartbitches_feed

Posted by Amanda

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/07/jane-eyre-contemporary-romance-more/

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?p=148245

The Counterfeit Scoundrel

The Counterfeit Scoundrel by Lorraine Heath is $1.99! This is book one in The Chessmen: Masters of Seduction historical romance series, which makes me laugh. I keep thinking of the chessmen butter cookies.

New York Times bestselling author Lorraine Heath begins a compelling new spin-off series, The Chessmen: Masters of Seduction, centering around three heroes–Knight, Bishop, and Rook–who play to win at any cost.

Born into an aristocratic family, yearning for a life beyond Society’s strictures, Marguerite “Daisy” Townsend is an enterprising sleuth. Hired to obtain proof of a wife’s infidelity, she secures a position in the household of the woman’s lover, never expecting to be lured into the seductive blackguard’s arms herself.

Devilishly handsome, David Blackwood, known widely as Bishop, quickly realizes the enticing maid is interested in far more than dusting. She aims to uncover his sins. Although tempted by the dangerous beauty, he can’t risk her learning the truth: his affairs are chaste. As a boy who witnessed his mother’s abusive relationship, Bishop now helps desperate wives escape unhappy marriages.

Yet when he is accused of murdering the husband of a “paramour,” he is forced to seek Daisy’s assistance in proving his innocence. As their perilous search draws them into a web of deceits, they can no longer deny their simmering desire. Once secrets are revealed, will Daisy’s counterfeit scoundrel give up the scandalous games he plays and surrender his heart into her keeping?

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You can find ordering info for this book here.

Hang the Moon

RECOMMENDED: Hang the Moon by Alexandria Bellefleur is $1.99! Tara read this one and gave it an A-:

This book is important for women like me, showing that we can absolutely have our HEA with a man and still proudly claim our queerness. Plus, it’s such a joyful celebration of love that it’s like a warm hug. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will read it again.

In a delightful follow-up to Written in the Stars, Alexandria Bellefleur delivers another #ownvoices queer rom-com about a hopeless romantic who vows to show his childhood crush that romance isn’t dead by recreating iconic dates from his favorite films…

Brendon Lowell loves love. It’s why he created a dating app to help people find their one true pairing and why he’s convinced “the one” is out there, even if he hasn’t met her yet. Or… has he? When his sister’s best friend turns up in Seattle unexpectedly, Brendon jumps at the chance to hang out with her. He’s crushed on Annie since they were kids, and the stars have finally aligned, putting them in the same city at the same time.

Annie booked a spur-of-the-moment trip to Seattle to spend time with friends before moving across the globe. She’s not looking for love, especially with her best friend’s brother. Annie remembers Brendon as a sweet, dorky kid. Except, the 6-foot-4 man who shows up at her door is a certified Hot Nerd and Annie… wants him? Oh yes.

Getting involved would be a terrible idea—her stay is temporary and he wants forever—but when Brendon learns Annie has given up on dating, he’s determined to prove that romance is real. Taking cues from his favorite rom-coms, Brendon plans to woo her with elaborate dates straight out of Nora Ephron’s playbook. The clock is ticking on Annie’s time in Seattle, and Brendon’s starting to realize romance isn’t just flowers and chocolate. But maybe real love doesn’t need to be as perfect as the movies… as long as you think your partner hung the moon.

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You can find ordering info for this book here.

Salt & Broom

Salt & Broom by Sharon Lynn Fisher is $2.49 at Amazon! The Jane Eyre inspo is obvious here. Carrie said this one would get an A for concept, but the execution was more of B-/C+ territory.

A gifted healer unravels the mysteries of a cursed estate—and its enigmatic owner—in a witchy retelling of Jane Eyre.

Salt and broom, make this room

Safe and tight, against the night.

Trunks packed with potions and cures, Jane Aire sets out on a crisp, clear morning in October to face the greatest challenge of her sheltered girls’-school existence. A shadow lies over Thornfield Hall and its reclusive master, Edward Rochester. And he’s hired her only as a last resort.

Jane stumbles again and again as she tries to establish a rapport with her prickly new employer, but he becomes the least of her worries as a mysterious force seems to work against her. The threats mount around both Jane and Rochester—who’s becoming more intriguing and appealing to her by the day. Jane begins to fear her herb healing and protective charms may not be enough to save the man she’s growing to love from a threat darker and more dangerous than either of them imagined.

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You can find ordering info for this book here.

Voyage of the Damned

Voyage of the Damned by Frances White is $2.99! This is a fantasy mystery set on a ship and has been mentioned before on the site. Have you read it?

A mind-blowing murder mystery on a ship full of magical passengers. If Agatha Christie wrote fantasy, this would be it!

For a thousand years, Concordia has maintained peace between its provinces. To mark this incredible feat, the emperor’s ship embarks upon a twelve-day voyage to the sacred Goddess’s Mountain. Aboard are the twelve heirs of the provinces of Concordia, each graced with a unique and secret magical ability known as a Blessing.

All except one: Ganymedes Piscero—class clown, slacker and all-around disappointment.

When a beloved heir is murdered, everyone is a suspect. Stuck at sea and surrounded by powerful people and without a Blessing to protect him, Ganymedes’s odds of survival are slim.

But as the bodies pile higher, Ganymedes must become the hero he was not born to be. Can he unmask the killer and their secret Blessing before this bloody crusade reaches the shores of Concordia?

Or will the empire as he knows it fall?

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/07/jane-eyre-contemporary-romance-more/

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?p=148245

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fancake

smartbitches_feed

Posted by SB Sarah

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/podcast/676-exploring-atonement-sky-with-nalini-singh/

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?post_type=podcast&p=147708

A | BN | K | AB

When I record with Nalini Singh, since she’s in New Zealand and I’m on the east coast of the US, it’s weird hours for both of us – so thank you to Nalini for speaking to me bright and early in the morning. We talk about Atonement Sky, about writing and worldbuilding, and saying goodbye to characters. I also mix up my animal pluralities but I fix it, don’t worry.

NOT thanks to Wilbur, my cat, who was vocally put out with my choices, and ends up with Nalini representing him in feline court.

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.

Do you want to do a crossword puzzle from the May 1995 issue of RT? The crossword puzzle is available for free on Patreon right now!
Would you like to read an issue of RT Magazine? The December 1997 issue is now available for your perusal.
Or would you like to try one of our bonus episodes? Join Amanda and me as we look back at our 2024 predictions about romance and publishing.

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.

Music: purple-planet.com

Listen to the podcast →

Read the transcript →

Here are the books we discuss in this podcast:

You can find Nalini Singh at her website, NaliniSingh.com, and you can sign up for her newsletter to receive periodic short fiction! You can also join her on Facebook and Instagram.

We also mentioned:

And of course, the Nutella picture:

Nalini Singh is hugging a giant food service bottle of Nutella. Her hair is to her shoulders with bangs, and she's smiling wistfully — Nalini Singh hugging a giant Nutella, June 2013

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/676-exploring-atonement-sky-with-nalini-singh/

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?post_type=podcast&p=147708

marycatelli posting in

books

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Vol. 4 by Kanehito Yamada

Spoilers for the earlier books.

( Read more... )

There's logic in here somewhere ...

Arcana Academy

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Heart Marks the Spot

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Love is a War Song

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The transcript for Podcast 676. Exploring Atonement Sky with Nalini Singh has been posted!

Consort of Fire

You can find ordering info for this book here.

Until I’m Yours

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Cover Story

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Pomona Afton Can So Solve a Murder

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B

Six Wild Crowns

Black in Blues

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He’s to Die For

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I’m Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom

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Takeaway

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The Grimoire Grammar School Parent Teacher Association

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Pugs and Kisses

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Simple Pleasures

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The Unlikely Pursuit of Mary Bennet

Find buy links for this book here..

The Counterfeit Scoundrel

You can find ordering info for this book here.

Hang the Moon

You can find ordering info for this book here.

Salt & Broom

You can find ordering info for this book here.

Voyage of the Damned

You can find ordering info for this book here.

Here are the books we discuss in this podcast:

More ways to sponsor:

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

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