Reviews, Quotes and Press
The Bone Island Book Blog Defends Romance with Us
“If you’re genuinely interested in the romance genre and/or the industry behind it, I can suggest a good source of information. Beyond Heaving Bosoms, the book written by the Smart Bitches themselves, is a fun and interesting analysis that reflects what’s so cool about them. They’re appreciative fans of the genre — but also gimlet-eyed realists about its flaws and hilariously harsh critic of ridiculous narratives.”
Read the Rest at Nancy Klingener's Bone Island Book Blog!
Word up to you, Nancy. Thanks for the compliments, and the even more betterer defense of the genre. Glad you’re in our corner.
Dear Author Reviews Heaving Bosoms
“...there’s nothing stupid about this book. It’s snigger and giggle and burst out loud laughing funny, it’s perceptive, it’s enlightening, it’s incredibly well-researched, and it’s just plain fun. It will convince your readers to shout out loud from the rooftops that they’re romance readers. Or at least to raise a suggestive eyebrow at the sneering bookstore clerk when they buy their books.”
Read the rest of the review here!
Holy crap on a crapcracker with a coulis of crap. An A-?! SWOONING COMMENCES NOW. Thanks, Dr. Sarah!
Sarah says: If you haven’t read the last chapter, or the acknowledgments yet, Jane from Dear Author helped me out considerably with the final chapter, including the chart on how to evaluate an e-pub. But there is no doubt that Dear Author’s contribution to the online conversation about romance is one reason why, I hope, romance is taken more seriously. They are made of awesome.
Caty’s Miscellaneous Mumblings
An examination of the romance genre by the ladies who run the romance novel blog Smart Bitches, Trashy Books. It's irreverent, funny and sometimes crude - but it's also wide-ranging and well-informed. (Much like the blog, in fact.) ...It's probably not a book which will be enjoyed by those who are offended by explicit descriptions of sex or by copious bad language. Or by polysyllabic erudition, for that matter. Everyone else - dive on in and enjoy.
Read the rest of the review here!
Caty, you had us at “polysyllabic erudition.” Thank you!
Karmyn’s Review
“The Smart Bitches know romance. They know the good, the bad, the great, the truly horrid, and everything in between. The book never takes itself too seriously, just like the authors. A realistic guide to the world of the romance novel, this is a must read for romance lovers, anybody who is curious about romance novels, or anybody who is just wondering what all the fuss is about. Make sure you check out the Smart Bitch website. You'll be glad you did.”
One should never take oneself too seriously. However, awesome people like Karmyn should always be taken somewhat seriously. At least, we sure do like her reviews!
I should have known better than to read this damned book before I got my doctor’s approval. But I couldn’t help myself and I’ve been laughing so hard I feel like I’m about to bust my stitches.
Barbara Ferrer
Of course the Smart Bitches amuse and entertain with a sharp assessment of the romance genre—that’s a given. But about halfway through the book, I realized they’d pulled off another feat. Not only was I laughing at the snark while I learned the historical roots and some little known facts about my own business, I became truly proud to be a romance writer. They may poke fun, and indeed they do, but the subtext of real love and appreciation for books that have been traditionally belittled and dismissed came through on every page. Beyond Heaving Bosoms slays preconceptions, makes a compelling argument for respect, and shows why truly smart bitches can and do love trashy books, all in an unforgettable, inimitable voice and style. Well done!!
Roxanne St. Claire
Katie Dickson’s Review on A Little Blot
“It is when the book delves into the historical, the social, the literary context of the romance genre that things really get going. During these chapters, I had a hard time putting the book down—and my own English major brain was working overtime expounding on the fascinating ideas Wendell & Tan put forth, gathered from authors, the limited scholarship available on romance, and their own very fertile brains. Kudos to them for providing an authoritative text that will undoubtedly help many a scholar in his or her romance research in the days to come; I should dearly love to see BHB cited in an article over on GoogleScholar.”
Read the rest of the review on A Little Blot!
Thank you, Katie! Silly and academic is a tough balance, but I’m glad that the book made you think and giggle.
“Finally, an excuse to use the term “mantitty” in both my personal and professional life. Thank you, Smart Bitches.”
Secret Agent Dan
Lucinda Betts’ Review on Aphrodisia Authors’ Blog
“Remember Marty Stouffer and Wild America? In this book, Sarah Wendell and Candy Tan are like Marty, only instead of walking through herds of moose, they’re walking through gaggles of history’s heroes and heroines. They watch, they study, and they explain…. Like Marty in a forest full of birds, Sarah and Candy easily identify those characters we most like to see (the paragon we want to shake up, the less-than-perfect heroine that drives us nuts, the alpha heroine, the smart-mouthed cynic). Look, there’s the blue bosomed paragon in that book on your left! Unlike Marty, who pussyfooted (a pun, perhaps) around mating rituals, Sarah and Candy have no fear of the topic. Ever wondered about the Hero’s Wang of Mighty Loving and the heroine’s Magic Hoo Hoo? What are their glorious properties? Where can they be sighted? Wonder no longer. Sarah and Candy explain their functions and locations with perfect clarity.”
Read the rest of the review on the Aphrodisia Authors' Blog!
Thank you, Lucinda! Thank you for conquering your dislike of the word “bosoms,” and for looking at our book from both the perspective of a writer, and of a reader.
“An aggressively enjoyable exploration and celebration of the genre we love - the good, the bad and the “Oh, no you didn’t!” Inventive and funny and compulsively readable.”
Kate Duffy