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Saturday, October 18th, 2025 01:21 pm
Saturday, October 18th, 2025 02:40 pm
Saturday, October 18th, 2025 01:33 pm
Saturday, October 18th, 2025 11:29 am
Comics Curmudgeon readers! Do you love this blog and yearn for a novel written by its creator? Well, good news: Josh Fruhlinger's The Enthusiast is that novel! It's even about newspaper comic strips, partly. Check it out!
Blondie, 10/18/25
God, I love how genuinely sad Dagwood looks in panel two. Sure, he loves his wife more than anything, but he also made some big promises and sweeping declarations to that sandwich when they were alone together. He’s sorry it had to hear this now, in its last moments before it slides unchewed down his gullet. He hopes it will still remember the good times they’ve had together, and the genuine affection in which he’s always held it.
Mary Worth, 10/18/25
I know that Mary and Olive billed this visit as a “mini-vacation” but I have to say “all I had time to do on my cross-country trip is briefly meet some dogs in a condo parking lot and then almost die in a hot air balloon mishap” is truly mini indeed. I guess it’s possible that Olive’s parents heard about the accident on the news, or, given that this is the year 2025, saw a clip of it in a “CRAZY HOT AIR BALLOON MISHAPS” YouTube compilation, and decided that was a little much even by their notoriously lax parenting standards, so they summoned her home early because “we think she has to start going to school or whatever soon.”
Pluggers, 10/18/25
I know pluggers are tired of being told they could learn a thing or two from young people today, but: hey, pluggers! The young people today aren’t answering their phones at all, at any time of day! You too could be that free!
Saturday, October 18th, 2025 07:00 am
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.
Galloway’s Gospel
Author: Sam Rebelein
Released: September 16, 2025 by William Morrow
Genre: Horror
In this shockingly fun wild ride of horrors, Sam Rebelein takes readers back to Renfield County and tells the story of two Rachels—one who mistakenly starts a cult at her local high school and one who tries to dismantle it ten years later.
2009: Rachel Galloway is bored in class. She spends the dreary fall days sketching in her notebook—adorable pigs munching on her boring teachers—and imagining a utopia where all the horrors of Burnskidde High School disappear. But when her classmates start to believe this utopia could be real, Galloway finds herself at the center of an elaborate, and quickly spreading, new religion. Before long, the town is split between believers and nonbelievers. As tensions rise and the rituals become more dangerous, Galloway can’t be sure what’s real and what’s not, or who she can trust.
CULTWATCH
2019: This is the cryptic message that Renfield County Guard Rachel Durwood receives from her colleague Mark, mere days after he’s disappeared. Mark’s note leads Durwood to the town of Burnskidde, famously sealed off from the rest of the county ten years ago. Now, she discovers a small, insulated community preparing for the rapture and, seemingly, their collective demise. In order to save Burnskidde from itself, she must piece together the fallout from 2009 and avoid being swept up into the monstrous cult herself.
As Rachel Galloway watches her life spiral out of control, Rachel Durwood navigates a world where history, horror, and faith collide. Despite being separated by a decade, Galloway and Durwood may be closer to each other than they realize. But even together, will they be able to stop Burnskidde’s impending doom?
I love the “oops, I accidentally started a cult” aspect of this book description.
How to Be a Better Adult
Author: Jacque Aye
Released: January 29, 2023 by Jacque Aye
Genre: LGBTQIA, Science Fiction/Fantasy
Series: How to Be a Better Adult #1
“Another day of corporate drudgery”
Hope Obiako, disillusioned by her mundane existence as a lowly account specialist, discovers a mysterious handbook that drastically changes her life.
Hope is a master performer, making a show of her competence and compliance. And while she really is both competent and compliant, no one at William Hensley & Associates seems to see it. But what they never saw coming, behind her quiet and agreeable personality, is Hope’s drive to “make it” by any magical means necessary.
This book is “Sorry to Bother You” meets the surrealism of “Atlanta”, plus some “Awkward Black Girl” mixed in for good measure! An afro-surrealist tale with magical undertones. If you like the themes in the work of Sayaka Murata and the magical realism of Haruki Murakami you’ll enjoy this read.
I love both Sorry to Bother You and Haruki Murakami, plus I really like the illustration. It promises a trippy mix of inspiration.
The In Death Cookbook
Author: Theresa Carle-Sanders
Released: October 7, 2025 by St. Martin's Griffin
Genre: Cookbook
Discover seventy-four to-die-for recipes inspired by the world of J.D. Robb’s #1 best-selling series—with a Foreword by J.D. Robb herself!
With more than seventy amazing photographs, and story excerpts that connect the recipes to the novels that inspired them, The In Death Cookbook will transport fans from the bustling streets of futuristic New York City to Lieutenant Eve Dallas and Roarke’s luxurious Manhattan mansion, where they’ll learn to prepare the most delectable dishes. From Autochef favorites to Summerset’s mouth-watering desserts, readers will find professionally developed, easy-to-prepare selections ranging from breakfast entrees to sides, main courses and everything in between. Contributions from the whole In Death cast of characters, including the beloved snack—Feeney’s Candied Nuts!
A must for every J.D. Robb fan and a great holiday gift.
“I can still wish for an AutoChef, but until technology grants that wish, please enjoy these fun, adventurous, comforting, fancy, and basic recipes—inspired by the In Death series and its characters. I hope you find pleasure in the preparation and in the sharing of these dishes with friends, family, and lovers.” — J. D. Robb a.k.a. Nora Roberts
Sarah and I were discussing this! I read a few of the In Death books, but I don’t remember a ton of food content. Granted, it’s been ages since I read any.
The Macabre
Author: Kosoko Jackson
Released: September 9, 2025 by Harper Voyager
Genre: Horror, LGBTQIA, Mystery/Thriller
From award-winning and USA Today bestselling author Kosoko Jackson comes his adult speculative debut, a stand-alone novel blending time travel and globe-hopping adventure, art history, and dark fantasy about magical paintings and the lengths people will go to collect them, destroy them…or be destroyed.
A picture is worth a thousand nightmares.
Art has always been an escape for struggling painter Lewis Dixon. But other than his mom, who has recently passed away, no one has ever praised his work. If he is being honest, there’s really no one in his life. So he is shocked when the British Museum shows an unusual interest in his art. This is his chance to show the world what he’s capable of…he just has no idea that he might also be saving the world at the same time.
As Lewis soon learns, he has not been invited to participate in a curated show, but rather a test: to see if the fugue-like exhilaration he experiences when painting is actually magic, a power that allows him to enter nine very special paintings—paintings made by his great-grandfather. Spread across the globe, these paintings have unbelievable eldritch abilities…and not necessarily beneficial ones. In terms of power, these are the most valuable works of art in the world, and there are those out there who would do anything to possess just one.
And Lewis, upon passing the test, has been asked to destroy them all.
Partnered with an alluring agent in museum’s employ, Noah Rao, Lewis must travel to Japan, Australia, Nigeria—and the past—plunging himself into a world of black markets, gothic magic, ancient history, and cursed objects to save those unlucky enough to call any of the paintings their own—or to free the world from those who would misuse the power of the paintings. In doing so, he will need to discover if he has what it takes to truly be an artist, the confidence to finally open himself up to someone who could give his lonely life meaning, and the strength to enter and navigate a reality where magic is everywhere.
The magical paintings sound so creepy and interesting. A great option for October!
Friday, October 17th, 2025 09:00 pm
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Friday, October 17th, 2025 11:31 pm
Friday, October 17th, 2025 04:43 pm
Comics Curmudgeon readers! Do you love this blog and yearn for a novel written by its creator? Well, good news: Josh Fruhlinger's The Enthusiast is that novel! It's even about newspaper comic strips, partly. Check it out!
Mmm, it’s a delicious comment of the week!
“Boy, did I score today, Mary! This extra sandwich was going to be Stanley’s until they hauled him away for criminal negligence!” –Bob Tice
And some very tasty runners up!
“It’s kind of fascinating how Shoe is so ripe for the furries to take it and run with it, except every character, even extras, looks like three divorces and two packs a day.” –kumquats, on BlueSky
“The table and chairs are from the Dagwood Bumstead ‘Furniture for People with Short Weird Legs’ collection.” –Baja Gaijin
“I love how all the animals are completely invested in this mystery with wide-eyed stares except for the duck on the right who’s thinking, ‘I don’t have time for this shit. I’ve got to attend to my laundry so it doesn’t get incinerated.’” –Weaselboy
“Luann and Bernice are taken to another realm, to become heroic and save the new planet from — that WAS the plot of John Carter, right? I feel stupid for asking, because absolutely nobody saw John Carter. It’s my own fault for shooting for a John Carter reference, really. Anyway, hopefully Luann and Bernice are dead now.” –A Grave Mind
“Bernice just solved the Lament Configuration from Hellraiser, and she and Luann have been transported to the Cenobite realm, a hell of infinite sadomasochistic pain. Compared to the usual level of agonized fumbling youthful sexuality on display in this strip, this will be a sweet relief for them.” –Schroduck
“I’m used to Jamaal’s bald head, no problem. But I’m not sure I will ever get used to his [peers at it again] moustache and beard configuration.” –Poteet
“I’ve learned, Mary, that you can go for a balloon ride, get stranded in a forest, get rescued by the fire department, and go straight to a diner to eat without stopping at home for a shower and nap … and dogs are great.” –Hibbleton
“‘Unexpected things happen. Things we never imagined.’ ‘I can’t even imagine this hot air balloon deflating and crashing,’ thought no one in a hot air balloon.” –Kirk Out
“Kudos to the Pluggers art team! Man-Dog the Dog-Man looks like he’s discovered a new kind of incredibly satisfying full-body fatigue, and he’ll be dozing off to the familiar strains of confused dialogue between Eva Gabor and Pat Butram in no time. Even his chair is patterned like a pair of button-down pajamas. Stellar work, y’all.” –Victor Von
“It really looks like Olive is eating a standard diner sandwich, like tuna or chicken salad or something, and look. After you learn, conclusively, that animals are intelligent sentient creatures capable of language and advanced problem solving, maybe at least consider going vegetarian. Maybe fish are stupider than dogs, I dunno.” –Dan
“I can’t wait til they go on their first Mundane Couples Cruise.” –MKay
“Evidence that the mop is intended to be coded ‘female’: Long, flowing ‘hair’; drinking wine, something men are usually not depicted doing unless it’s a fancy dinner or a pre-20th century setting. Evidence that the mop is intended to be coded ‘male’: Refers to the broom as ‘buddy,’ indicating that this is one guy straight talking another, no attempt to give the mop boobs.” –TheDiva
“I’m loving how much Mary’s recent dialog sounds like ‘I fervently believe that you are gaining control over strong mental powers that would change the world if we understood them, and I’m going to speak about them with the kinds of platitudes that people give when they want to end the conversation.’” –Nevin, on Patreon
“I like how happy Bitsy looks. He’s not in any intestinal distress, he’s going back out for the love of the game (the game being feces).” –pugfuggly
“LOLing at Archie and Veronica’s reaction in the last panel. ‘Wait, removing someone’s glasses can reduce their ability to SEE?! What strange witchcraft is this?’” –Roscoe
“I’d like to know the thought process behind the extra in the first panel. ‘Wait, we can’t actually be promoting glasses-shaming. Let’s include a cute girl with glasses somewhere in the comic. We need to make clear that people with glasses can be attractive, and it’s just Dilton who’s the uggo.’” –Westing1992
“This Wizard of Id becomes really sad when you consider that the people in this land have almost nothing, yet they’re so angry at the king, they’re willing to sacrifice what few possessions they have just to express their displeasure with him. See that brick in panel one? That was someone’s retirement fund. And that pitchfork in panel two? Well, now that farmer has nothing left to leave his children when he dies of cholera.” –Joe Blevins
“Three million dollars! I’m rich! Me, Edgar Grant, right! Let me just move my thumb … What? Edgar Allan Poe? Who the hell is that? And what’s a Zimbabwean dollar worth? Jesus, maybe … if I move my other thumb … it’s unsigned? Nooooo!” –Voshkod
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Friday, October 17th, 2025 02:00 pm
Friday, October 17th, 2025 03:30 pm
Be Mine Forever
Be Mine Forever by Kennedy Ryan is $1.99 This is book three in the Bennet series. Ryan’s books are superb, with strong emotions and complex characters. Did any of you pick this up last time it was on sale?
From the bestselling author of Queen Move, a mysterious artist’s dark past stands in the way of a second chance at love in this sizzling suburban romance.
Can a secret crush . . .
Jo Walsh has loved Cameron Mitchell for as long as she can remember. Whether front and center in her life or on the periphery, the tall, brooding artist has made his presence seductively and irresistibly known. But whenever they start to get close, Cam pulls away. Jo’s tired of keeping her feelings in a box Cam is afraid to open. If he wants her, he’ll have to prove it. And if he doesn’t, Jo will need to know the real reason why . . .
. . . become the love of a lifetime?
How do you walk away from your soul mate? Cam wishes he knew. No matter how far he runs from Jo, he can’t resist looking back at the silver eyes that seem to see right through him. But as well as Jo thinks she understands Cam, the dark truth about his past is something she shouldn’t have to handle. Cam’s sure that setting Jo free is the right thing to do. Too bad his heart has other ideas . . .
Baking Me Crazy
Baking Me Crazy by Karla Sorensen is $2.49 at Amazon! This is book one in the Love at First Sight series and it features a friends to lovers romance. Have you read this one?
I’m Levi Buchanan, and until five years ago, I thought the legend of my family’s curse was a load of crazy, Southern nonsense.
No curse can make you fall in love at first sight. No curse can force a true, deep, passionate, all-consuming love that will haunt you all the days of your life.
Then I met Jocelyn Abernathy and I realized how completely wrong I was.
The problem is, Jocelyn guards her feelings like well-armed soldier. She’s the most beautiful, stubborn, infuriating woman I’ve ever met. Every time she talks, I want to kiss the living daylights out of her. But I can’t.
Because when we met, she didn’t need true love. She needed a best friend. And that’s what I’ve been to her… for five years.
But when Jocelyn meets a handsome stranger her first day working at Donner Bakery and she lets him buy her a dill pickle cupcake, I realize with ominous regret that I may have missed my window with my best friend.
If I can’t get her to see past our friendship, my new curse may be to watch the love of my life move on with someone else.
Wake Up, Nat & Darcy
Wake Up, Nat & Darcy by Kate Cochrane is 99c! This is a f/f romance and came out last November. Shana picked this one for Hide Your Wallet.
Ex-lovers. Ex-rivals. New cohosts. Oh, puck.
Cut from the US women’s hockey team right before her third chance at gold, Natalie Carpenter is scrambling for a plan that’ll help her avoid moving back home. The answer: a guest-hosting gig on Wake Up, USA’s winter games coverage. Her cohost: Darcy LaCroix, Nat’s ex-girlfriend, one-time college teammate turned adversary.
Since leaving Team Canada, Darcy has worked hard to make a name in broadcasting. If her big break requires sharing screen time with the former cocky freshman who turned her world upside down, so be it. At this point, there’s nothing between them except history.
But audiences disagree. #PuckingHotties is trending hard, and Nat and Darcy agree to lean into it—for ratings, obviously. It’s not like Nat can forget the way Darcy broke her heart or their bitter team rivalry.
Between working, traveling together and that irresistible spark, it’s getting hard to separate what’s real and what’s for the camera. Because somewhere underneath everything that went wrong is the sneaking suspicion that nothing will ever feel quite this right again.
All of Us Villains
All of Us Villains by Amanda Foody and C.L. Herman is $2.99! This was mentioned in a previous Get Rec’d. Foody and Herman make a great writing duo and I believe they have a new or upcoming fantasy romance release.
After the publication of a salacious tell-all book, the remote city of Ilvernath is thrust into worldwide spotlight. Tourists, protesters, and reporters flock to its spellshops and ruins to witness an ancient curse unfold: every generation, seven families name a champion among them to compete in a tournament to the death. The winner awards their family exclusive control over the city’s high magick supply, the most powerful resource in the world.
In the past, the villainous Lowes have won nearly every tournament, and their champion is prepared to continue his family’s reign. But this year, thanks to the influence of their newfound notoriety, each of the champions has a means to win. Or better yet–a chance to rewrite their story.
But this is a story that must be penned in blood.
Friday, October 17th, 2025 01:00 pm
My cupcakes have a sperm theme
Just look, see, there they are!
My sheet cake teems with swimmers
They're leaving mental scars.
Oh we see these wrecks here every day
And if you ask me why I'll saaaaayyy...
'Cause Wreckerators have a way
with piping human DNA.
Thanks to Valerie A., Angel K., Stacey, Suzy W., and Caitlin W. for sowing the seeds of this post.
******
P.S. I don't know who needs to know that this exists, but...
Oscar Meyers Monster Truck Hot Wheels
... you're welcome.
*****
And from my other blog, Epbot:
Friday, October 17th, 2025 11:21 am
Comics Curmudgeon readers! Do you love this blog and yearn for a novel written by its creator? Well, good news: Josh Fruhlinger's The Enthusiast is that novel! It's even about newspaper comic strips, partly. Check it out!
Dick Tracy, 10/17/25
So Dick Tracy wrapped up the case of the lady scientist with the glowing green zap gun by merely arresting her, not shooting her in the back while she was “resisting arrest.” And this turned out to be a terrible idea, because mysterious, powerful forces, possibly related to Diet Smith’s company’s desire to own the intellectual property behind said zap gun, have gotten the charges against her dropped! Mostly I’m showing you today’s strip because I think the thumb placement in panel three is very funny. How much hush money exactly is Edgar being illegally given via an easily traceable paper check? Three million and how many dollars? I guess that’s a mystery we’re not meant to know the answer to.
Wizard of Id, 10/17/25
A thing that always bugged me as a young comics-obsessed child was that the Perfesser, not Shoe, clearly seemed like the main character in Shoe, just based on how often the two of them were in the strip, and that Les Moore, not Funky Winkerbean, was clearly the main character in Funky Winkerbean, and that the King, not the Wizard, was clearly the main character in Wizard of Id. Now that I’m older and wiser, I realize how the interest of comics creators in their own various characters can wax and wane over the years, but unless you’re Snuffy Smith, it’s unlikely you’ll completely overturn the order of your reality and get your name added to the strip’s title. Still, since I’ve started reading the Wizard of Id more often lately, I feel like the Wiz is in it much more than he once was, and today it appears that he’s trying to violently ensure that his return to glory is permanent.
Rex Morgan, M.D., 10/17/25
“A teacher and an author? How many non-lucrative jobs can one guy have? Is he in an improv group too?”
Friday, October 17th, 2025 06:00 am
We’re going back to May 2016 to look at the Ads & Features in Romantic Times magazine. The kilts are kilting and the abs are ab-ing, and we’ve got some questions.
- How do we feel about the terms “book boyfriend” and “pre-con”?
- How much of the 2016 conference depended on Twitter to announce pop up signings and special limited time events?
- And do you remember how important Twitter was to a conference?
- How many different ways are there to photograph a very muscled shirtless man? I think we’re going to see all of them.
So hop into the time machine, we’ve got the snacks, and we’re off to May 2016.
Patreon folks, you have an extended cut of this episode, available through the app or through your private feed.
Listen to the podcast →Read the transcript →
Here are the books we discuss in this podcast:
We also mentioned Elyse’s review of Imagines, complete with Amanda’s specialty Photoshop.
Visual aids? But of course!
“His job is chin.”
The 2016 Men of Romance.
We were particularly charmed by Michael Foster, bottom right, who is wearing a big black puffy blouse unbuttoned but still tucked in (YEAH), and holding a big sword while standing in front of a major wind machine. Also, Vikkas Bhardwaj’s picture looks like his head was added afterward and it’s uncanny.
She’s ripping his clothes off! That’s pretty cool.
This is the centerfold image, or part of it. We spent a lot of time with this image: the hat. The jeans. The striped socks (is this Anita Blake!?). The giant rifle with scope and the even more giant bullets around her waist. Look, she’s even got a flask in her back pocket for when she’s done.
WTF?
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Thursday, October 16th, 2025 11:31 pm
Thursday, October 16th, 2025 01:20 pm
Thursday, October 16th, 2025 03:30 pm
When We Chased the Light
When We Chased The Light by Emily Bleeker is $2.49! We had a guest review of this one by Lisa that ran over the summer. She gave it a B grade, where she notes that while a solid piece of fiction, it’s actually a continuation of a character introduced in a separate book. To me, this is so bizarre of the publisher, because there’s no mention that it’s part of a connected series on Goodreads or on retail sites.
A Hollywood legend. A legacy of secrets. An epic and emotional novel about forgiveness, fame, family, and truly unconditional love by the bestselling author of When We Were Enemies.
Christie’s auction house, Beverly Hills. The effects of Hollywood icon Vivian Snow are up for bid. In the collection is a set of hand-drawn postcards spanning six decades. The sender is Antonio Trombello, a soldier, POW, priest, and Vivian’s confidant. Each postcard sheds new light on a deeply private woman the public only thinks it knows.
It’s World War II. Vivian is a USO showgirl traveling the world when her husband goes AWOL, disappears, and is presumed dead. Facing increasing suspicion, she leans on her dear friend Father Trombello for support. He’s her confessor, her savior, the elusive love of her life, and when it comes to her husband’s death, the keeper of Vivian’s secrets.
As Vivian rises from canteen dream girl to starlet to bona fide legend, she navigates the highs and lows of Hollywood, new romances, and tumultuous family relationships—all in the shadow of her past and the guilt, unmet longing, and buried truths that could still upend the lives of everyone she loves.
The Golden Age of Magic
The Golden Age of Magic by Luanne G. Smith is $2.49 at Amazon! This is book one in a series that blends 1920 Hollywood, magic, and mystery. I’m super curious about a secret sisterhood of fairy godmothers.
Against the backdrop of 1920s Hollywood, a young fairy godmother on a mission is embroiled in malicious magic, mystery, and murder in a thrilling historical fantasy by the bestselling author of The Vine Witch.
Celeste is about to become one of the thirteen Fées Gardiennes, a centuries-old sisterhood of fairy godmothers. To be granted full status, she must usher her first protégé onto their path of destiny. Where better to find a starry-eyed ward than in the land of magic and illusion called Hollywood?
It’s 1927. The moviemaking business is booming when Celeste befriends a young studio seamstress whose dreams outshine everyone else’s. Rose is talented and underappreciated and could use some enchanted intervention in her life. Plans proceed swimmingly, and Celeste even catches the eye of a handsome producer. But after a series of unexplained accidents on the studio lot stir up rumors of a curse, Celeste fears the trouble is more personal―the spiteful meddling of a fellow Gardienne out to thwart Celeste’s success.
But the sabotage turns sinister when a starlet is murdered and it’s Rose who stands accused. As vengeance, dark magic, and betrayal wreak havoc, Celeste must come into her full power to save her innocent protégé and secure her own future in a cherished, ancient, and now threatened sisterhood.
Bourbon Harmony
Bourbon Harmony by Walker Rose is $2.99 at Amazon! This is the fourth book in the small town Boubon Canyon series. We’ve featured other books in the series on sale, in case you were hoping to collect them all.
When my car breaks down miles from my cabin, I’m rescued by none other than Rhys Kinkade, the man who broke my heart years ago, and his two adorable little girls.
Fifteen years ago, I was eighteen and Nashville bound. Rhys ditched our plans to leave Bourbon Canyon together. I thought he’d follow; he knew he wouldn’t. Now, I’m one album shy of headlining my own world tour and the words have dried up. Too much betrayal. Not enough fresh mountain air. So I came home.
After Rhys plucks me off the side of the road in the middle of a thunderstorm, he takes me to his house. The now divorced single dad isn’t the boy I once loved. He’s grumpy, for one. He stress-bakes the best muffins. And he shuttles me to the cabin as soon as the weather clears.
Rhys finally relents about letting me teach his kids how to play guitar, and I end up spending more time at his house. Which leads to a kiss in his shop. Which fires up my muse and the words pour out. One more kiss and I’m four songs deep into my new album.
With Rhys as inspiration, I can live my dream. But when it’s time to go, that’ll be the end of us. He’s not leaving his home, and he’s convinced I’m better off without him. If I can’t figure why he’s set on being alone, I’m going to return to the stage by myself. The biggest love of my life will be nothing but a bourbon harmony.
Fans of Devney Perry, Elsie Silver, Melanie Harlow, and Laura Pavlov will love Bourbon Promises.
You Between the Lines
You Between the Lines by Katie Naymon is $2.99! This is a standalone contemporary romances with former crushes, poetry, and rivals to lovers. However, people seemed really mixed on the heroine and her actions.
“A brilliant, poignant love story perfect for fans of Emily Henry. With vibrant characters, You Between the Lines is a master class in the art of the romance novel.”
—Peyton Corinne, author of Unsteady
A former sorority girl starts a prestigious poetry MFA program only to discover that one of her classmates is her high school crush-turned-nemesis—and he can’t stop writing about her.
No one’s more surprised than Leigh when a prestigious MFA program in North Carolina accepts her. A former sorority girl, Leigh’s the first to admit she knows more about the lyrics of Taylor Swift than T.S. Eliot, and she’s never been able to shake the “all-style-no-substance” feedback her high school crush made in their poetry workshop. Leigh’s insecurities become all too real when Will, that same high school crush-turned-nemesis, shows up at orientation. And now, he’s William, exactly the kind of writer Leigh hates, complete with his pretentious sweater vests and tattered Moleskine. Leigh’s determined to prove herself—and William—wrong by landing the program’s highly-coveted fellowship. But Will’s dead-set on proving himself too, and in a small cohort, they can’t keep apart for long.
When Will submits an intimate poem (that’s maybe, probably, definitely about Leigh) to workshop, they’re both forced to realize there’s more to the other than what’s on the page. And what’s between the lines may be even more interesting.
Thursday, October 16th, 2025 01:00 pm
Some questions are easy to answer.
"Cake, or DEATH?"
"Uh...cake, please."
Others can be a little more tricky:
"Trick, or TROAT?"
"And this is for 'Hallowen,' so, be honest."
Here's a moving Halloween vignette:
Judging by the pile behind it, I guess we have to assume that's "Poop in Peace."
(Which, come to think of it, is probably what every parent of a two to six-year-old dreams of doing.)
Jack O' Lanterns:
YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG.
Sperm Bullies:
YOU PRETTY MUCH NAILED IT.
I can't decide if these two are hanging garland or just have massive orthodontist bills:
Boo? Boo?! YOU TAKE THAT BACK!
Thank you.
Thanks to Porter N., Rane L., Katya H., Lisa S., Laura W., & Destiny G., who think that last one is pretty yracs.
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P.S. You know how everyone is decorating with these cute wall bats for spooky season?
Well I found them on Amazon! They're re-usable PVC - so weatherproof - and cost less than $10 for a pack of 56. While you're there I highly recommend scrolling the customer image gallery, too, for cute decorating ideas like this.
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And from my other blog, Epbot:
