Nerdiness of Nic

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/07/sbtb-bestsellers-june-28-july-11/

Sunday, July 13th, 2025 07:00 am

Posted by Amanda

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?p=148032

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

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

I hope your weekend reading was scrumptious!

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/07/sbtb-bestsellers-june-28-july-11/

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?p=148032

Sunday Sale Digest!

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/07/sunday-sale-digest-39/

Sunday, July 13th, 2025 06:00 am

Posted by Amanda

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?p=147999

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.

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/07/sunday-sale-digest-39/

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?p=147999

Sunday Secrets

post_secret_feed

Sunday, July 13th, 2025 12:08 am

Posted by Frank

https://postsecret.com/2025/07/13/sunday-secrets-562/

https://postsecret.com/?p=49664

Sunday Secrets began 20 years ago. This week I did not receive enough postcards to share back. Free your secrets today.

The post Sunday Secrets appeared first on PostSecret.

https://postsecret.com/2025/07/13/sunday-secrets-562/

https://postsecret.com/?p=49664

Classic Secrets

post_secret_feed

Sunday, July 13th, 2025 12:05 am

Posted by Frank

https://postsecret.com/2025/07/13/classic-secrets-568/

https://postsecret.com/?p=49669

The post Classic Secrets appeared first on PostSecret.

https://postsecret.com/2025/07/13/classic-secrets-568/

https://postsecret.com/?p=49669

PostSecret TED Talk

post_secret_feed

Sunday, July 13th, 2025 12:02 am

Posted by Frank

https://postsecret.com/2025/07/13/postsecrete-ted-talk/

https://postsecret.com/?p=46167

The post PostSecret TED Talk appeared first on PostSecret.

https://postsecret.com/2025/07/13/postsecrete-ted-talk/

https://postsecret.com/?p=46167

[ SECRET POST #6763 ]

https://fandomsecrets.livejournal.com/2282918.html

Saturday, July 12th, 2025 06:40 pm

Posted by Fandom!Secrets

[ SECRET SUBMISSIONS POST #969 ]

https://fandomsecrets.livejournal.com/2282658.html

Saturday, July 12th, 2025 06:39 pm

Posted by Fandom!Secrets

[ SECRET SUBMISSIONS POST #969 ]

(Read more ...)

https://fandomsecrets.livejournal.com/2282658.html

Yet more teen action

https://joshreads.com/2025/07/yet-more-teen-action/

Saturday, July 12th, 2025 11:22 am

Posted by Josh

https://joshreads.com/?p=46946

Gil Thorp, 7/12/25

Hey, remember when Keri was in horse therapy, for their eating disorder? Well, big news: they took their horse therapist Britney to prom! Is that … ethical? Like, I’m pretty sure you shouldn’t take your therapist to your prom, but is horse therapy really therapy, like in a professional ethics sense? I guess maybe it is, since Britney was accurately able to diagnose Keri as “sad,” even with no horse present. In the end, maybe this is the real reason why you shouldn’t take your therapist to prom: you will end up having to talk about, like, feelings and stuff, right there in your dad’s minivan, when you should be figuring out how to surreptitiously cop a feel.

Archie, 7/12/25

Ha ha, laugh it up if you will, Archie and Betty, but you have probably gotten Jughead into quite a bit of professional trouble, as all the dogs he’s being paid to care for have escaped, possibly running into traffic! Though I guess Jughead should have anticipated this possibility and not have allowed the dogs to gather at the unlocked front door. Frankly, given how crazed this pack seems, they may have devoured him hours ago.

Mary Worth, 7/12/25

Mary looks positively deranged with excitement in this second panel, proving that for her, there’s no more powerful drug than an opportunity to tell her boyfriend that they won’t be spending any time together for a while.

https://joshreads.com/2025/07/yet-more-teen-action/

https://joshreads.com/?p=46946

Whatcha Reading? July 2025, Part One

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/07/whatcha-reading-july-2025-part-one/

Saturday, July 12th, 2025 07:00 am

Posted by Amanda

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?p=147980

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

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

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

Sarah: Four books? And historicals?!

What have you done with Amanda?

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

A | BN

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

Sarah: “Not here. Not now.”

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

Sarah: Oh, for sure.

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

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

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

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

A | BN | K | AB

Claudia: I’m slogging through one historical right now that shall remain nameless because it’s not the book, it’s ME.

I just can’t focus right now.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/07/whatcha-reading-july-2025-part-one/

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?p=147980

[ SECRET POST #6762 ]

https://fandomsecrets.livejournal.com/2282349.html

Friday, July 11th, 2025 11:26 pm

Posted by Fandom!Secrets

Metapost: You’re commenting. You’re commenting all week!

https://joshreads.com/2025/07/metapost-youre-commenting-youre-commenting-all-week/

Friday, July 11th, 2025 02:44 pm

Posted by Josh

https://joshreads.com/?p=46950

Your comments were all very funny this week, obviously, but only one comment can be the week’s top comment, and here it is:

“My little friend is not so little anymore, Toby! In fact, she’s quite large! Enormous, in fact! Nine foot six and getting taller by the day! It’s actually quite alarming! We’re getting into I’m a Virgo territory here! Did you watch that miniseries, by the way? It was on Amazon Prime a couple of years ago! Jharrel Jerome is a treasure! Some great performances by Elijah Wood and Walton Goggins as well, which reminds me that I need to start my Justified rewatch. Oh, Margo Martindale is another treasure, especially as a voice in BoJack Horseman. Anyway, Olive is a giant, is the point I’m trying to make.” –els

The runners up are greater in number but still a small sample of the funny. Still, I think they’re pretty good:

“Are the pickleball gear and Leroy’s madras shirt the only items they couldn’t sell, or the only items they’re selling? Either way, it has to be a pretty good yard sale if you’re attracting aging hipsters to your suburban … patio? Driveway? Paved-over lawn? I dunno … this place is weird, man.” –BigTed

“You know what? good on Dagwood for sticking with pickleball even after he found out it was just a name.” –Banana Sam

“Apartment managing has similar ethics to Vikings, in which the greatest honor is to die in battle with weapons in hand, rather than old age. In the case of apartment managers, that usually means with tools in your hand fixing plumbing or some malfunctioning HVAC system. Marvin’s grandparents, stripped of all dignity by their economic losses, have bought in fully to the ethics, if only because being able to shame the old manager gives them a feeling of no longer being on the bottom.” –Philip

“Putting periods in ‘OK’ looks weird, so I’m not surprised that’s how Alice does it.” –nescio

“Bernice is depicted as organized and responsible, especially in comparison to Luann. Today’s strip reveals that this is because Bernice is so utterly boring that her chores are the highlight of her day.” –TheDiva

“The gag would obviously work a whole lot better if Henry was looking for a tennis partner and not a golf partner. But, suburban dads in comic strips must play golf. The sacred trope must be maintained even at the expense of the joke.” –Astroboy

“I’m picturing Evy and Ed’s view of Mary’s face, up-nostril shot and all, and it’s not pretty.” –Weaselboy

“Mary begins to pack for her trip to New York. ‘Hmmm. I’ll wear what I have on now for the plane ride. However, it might get chilly in the city, even though it’s July,’ she muses, adding a purple cowl-neck long-sleeve top to her empty suitcase. ‘That should do it!’” –Charterstoned

“And, in lighter news, the comic strip Crankshaft has ceased publication after being sued into a smoking crater by Warner Bros. Discovery Inc.” –Dmsilev

“I like how these two are talking right into their coffees, as a way of being covert, I guess? You think they’re blowing bubbles? I hope so.” –pugfuggly

“One must imagine Leroy Lockhorn … happy? I don’t know if I can do it.” –matt w

“The Lockhorns usually has a pretty minimalist approach to backgrounds, so when they suddenly decide we need to see every detail of their backyard electric switch box situation, you’d better believe I take notice.” –Schroduck

“‘A couple of the cashiers are kind of cute!’ [They share a hearty chuckle.] ‘Anyway, thoughts about how to escape this quicksand patch?’” –Voshkod

“Generative AI will not destroy all artistic jobs. For example, humans will still get to draw Max, mainly because the AI could not be bothered to.” –Ettorre

“I think you mean ‘HOW TO VIOLATE COPYRIGHT Max Mouse,’ Bob. I’m surprised the syndicate keeps letting you get away with this. If the kids want a picture of Max to stick on their fridge, they can ask their grandparents what a newspaper is.” –Tabby Lavalamp

Remember: If you want an ad-free version of this site sent to you every day via email, for $3 a month you can become a Comics Curmudgeon newsletter subscriber! And if you never want to see banner ads on this site, and want to get cool comment-editing features to boot, for the same low price you can become a Comics Curmudgeon website subscriber! You can get each day’s post ad-free via Patreon if that’s your style! And if you just want to give me money directly, you can put some scratch in my tip jar! Thanks to all for your support and readership!

https://joshreads.com/2025/07/metapost-youre-commenting-youre-commenting-all-week/

https://joshreads.com/?p=46950

Mythology, Monster Romance, & More

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/07/mythology-monster-romance-more/

Friday, July 11th, 2025 03:30 pm

Posted by Amanda

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?p=147967

Rebel

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

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

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

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

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

You can find ordering info for this book here.

Electric Idol

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can find ordering info for this book here.

Drop Dead Sisters

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can find ordering info for this book here.

Kiss of the Basilisk

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

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

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

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

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

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/07/mythology-monster-romance-more/

You can find ordering info for this book here.

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?p=147967

Bakery Math

cakewrecks_feed

Friday, July 11th, 2025 01:00 pm

Posted by john (the hubby of Jen)

https://www.cakewrecks.com/home/bakery-math-2025

One ugly 8-inch round flower cake:

$6.00

Five ugly 8-inch round flower cakes:

$30.00

Five ugly 8-inch round flower cakes plopped on

styrofoam and cardboard stands:

$235.00

The look on the bride's face?

Priceless.

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

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

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

*****

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

Unicorn Poop Earrings

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

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

https://www.cakewrecks.com/home/bakery-math-2025

Indignant Friday

https://joshreads.com/2025/07/indignant-friday/

Friday, July 11th, 2025 11:24 am

Posted by Josh

https://joshreads.com/?p=46942

Rhymes With Orange, 7/11/25

No, see, GoFundMe is the website you use for crowdfunding when you have an unexpected and dire financial emergency of some sort, as is the case here. Kickstarter is the website you use when you’re crowdfunding and you plan to produce something with the money you collect. Since this woman has already eaten and/or drunk whatever was in the minibar, the only possibilities are pretty dire.

Slylock Fox, 7/11/25

Wow, Max Mouse is really excited to finally be the subject of the “How To Draw” feature, huh? “Draw me, children!” he seems to be saying. “Draw me! Make thousands, nay, millions of Max Mouses, one for every home in the land! A Max army! Each Max may be small, but our numbers will overwhelm our enemies!”

Dick Tracy, 7/11/25

God damn it, Dick, that should be “If they got through the time portal, who knows when they ended up.” This is why we don’t give you more time travel stories!

https://joshreads.com/2025/07/indignant-friday/

https://joshreads.com/?p=46942

675. Celebrating Confident Fat Black Women with Danielle Allen

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/podcast/675-celebrating-confident-fat-black-women-with-danielle-allen/

Friday, July 11th, 2025 06:00 am

Posted by SB Sarah

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?post_type=podcast&p=147585

A | BN | K | AB

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

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

…

A special invitation: free samples of our bonus content!

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

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.

Listen to the podcast →

Read the transcript →

Here are the books we discuss in this podcast:

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

Her cover artist is Keo Majoy.

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

More ways to sponsor:

Sponsor us through Patreon! (What is Patreon?)

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

Thanks for listening!

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

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/podcast/675-celebrating-confident-fat-black-women-with-danielle-allen/

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?post_type=podcast&p=147585

[ SECRET POST #6761 ]

https://fandomsecrets.livejournal.com/2282074.html

Thursday, July 10th, 2025 10:27 pm

Posted by Fandom!Secrets

Mary Balogh, Fantasy, & More

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/07/mary-balogh-fantasy-more/

Thursday, July 10th, 2025 03:30 pm

Posted by Amanda

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?p=147872

Temple of Swoon

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

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

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

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

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

You can find ordering info for this book here.

Slightly Married

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

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

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

You can find ordering info for this book here.

The Lies of Locke Lamora

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

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

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

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

You can find ordering info for this book here.

The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society

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

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

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

Never mess with a librarian.

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/07/mary-balogh-fantasy-more/

You can find ordering info for this book here.

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?p=147872

Wreck-A-Bye Baby

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Thursday, July 10th, 2025 01:00 pm

Posted by Jen

https://www.cakewrecks.com/home/wreck-a-bye-baby-2025

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

Wonderful!

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

Hey, a lot of those letters are right.

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

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

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

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

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

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

AHAHAHAAAHAA!!

BAHAHAHAA...

...huh?

AAAAAUUUGGHH!!

[blink blink]

Well.

Back to business as usual, then?

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

******

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

The Buff Baby Rattle

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

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

https://www.cakewrecks.com/home/wreck-a-bye-baby-2025

Mostly teen Thursday