Noted as of interest a day or so ago, ‘I don’t want anyone to suffer like I did’: the intersex campaigners fighting to limit surgery on children - am a bit gloomed to think that this is Still An Issue because I look back and surely this was brought to wider attention, oh, at least twenty or years ago?

Ah. A little delving shows me that the person I remember as doing pioneering research on the subject, published around the late 90s, and also involved in intersex activism, has become A Figure of Controversy and I think we probably do not mention them.

But quite coincidentally this emerged today: who, according to work done by A Very Reputable Scientist sequencing DNA which does appear to be his, had a Disorder of Sexual Development (as intersex conditions are sometimes termed)? Did Hitler really have a ‘micropenis’? The dubious documentary analysing the dictator’s DNA.

Here is a thoughtful and nuanced piece by an actual scientist taking issue with some of the more tabloidy accounts A slightly different take on the news that Hitler’s DNA reveals some genetic anomalies. The most interesting thing to me is that history has a profound capability for irony.

That Hitler himself had a condition that was discovered and named by a Jewish man who also held some responsibility for the scientifically misguided murderous policies of the Nazis is at least a reflection that history is often imbued with a sense of complex and confusing irony.

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My crow story is out today in Beneath Ceaseless Skies! The Crow's Second Tale is what happens when you mull over crow-related song and story a bit too long, or maybe just long enough. If you need or prefer a podcast version, that's available too, narrated by the amazing Tina Connolly. Hope you enjoy either way.

(I had originally written "a murder for" a particular abstract noun, but you know what, I don't want to spoil what abstract noun it was, go read if you want to know!)

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I feel a bit embarrassed to mention this balcony, because it's named after me.

However, it is a perennially favorite visiting spot for Emorian visitors. You may see it, at a distance, as you are leaving the palace grounds; it is the balcony festooned with the Emorian royal colors.

It was here, in 976, that the Chara of Emor resided during the final days of the Emorian occupation. (I often visited his chamber during his stay - hence the name of the balcony.) It appeared at that time that the Koretians and Emorians would engage in bitter warfare with each other over Emor's lengthy occupation of Koretia. Instead, through the combined wisdom of the Jackal and the Chara, the Koretians and Emorians were able to reach a peace settlement. Since that time, this chamber has served as the residence for any visiting ambassadors from Emor.

On that peaceful note, we will leave behind the capital of Koretia.

[Translator's note: Once again, the Ambassador demonstrates his modesty, this time by failing to mention his own role in the peace settlement between Emor and Koretia. The full details are conveyed in Blood Vow. A somewhat different perspective on the peace settlement occurs in Law of Vengeance.]

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D and I were walking home from an errand when we ran into Pickle, a little French bulldog, and her human (whose name of course I have no idea of). We were near one of our old dog-walking destinations, and she recognized D and I right away -- she called out "where's your dog?"

We stopped and chatted, shared the sad news about Gary, and she was really sweet about how you alway miss them and them and the company they provide. She said her mum's birthday is soon -- or has just been, recently? -- "and even though she's been gone six years I still miss her."

It was really nice to run in to her, and I'm impressed that she recognized us without the dog; I don't know that I'd recognize her without Pickle!

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Some screens I watched recently, in alphabetical order, all on Netflix:

Abstract: Each hour-long episode features a different artist in a different medium and examines their approach to making art. Totally fascinating. Highly recommended.

Another Life: Bad SF. I watched twenty minutes of this, but the writing was terrible, the world building vacuous, and my beloved Katee Sackhoff completely devoid of charisma. Does star that beardy Teen Wolf guy, though, if you're in the market.

Archer: I used to randomly watch this on FX, and so I sat down and started over at the beginning so I could see the whole thing. The comedy style is more insulting than I enjoy now, but I could listen to H. Jon Benjamin talk all day. This was also how I learned Jessica Walter died in 2021 and it hit me unexpectedly hard.

Diplomat: Watched season three, and it was so good I regretted not rewatching season one and two before the new season. Though how Kate hasn't figured out she's exactly like her husband is a hilarious mystery. Like the moment one of them isn't getting enough attention they do something completely fucked up. Highly recommended. Contains (in part): suicide.

Four Seasons: I felt pretty sure I wasn't going to be into these middle-age married people's problems (two white straight couples, and a mixed race gay couple), but it's Tina Fey so I had to try. I liked it more than I thought I would! It was a pleasant diversion and I liked the set up of two episodes per season (Earth seasons, not TV seasons) as these old friends get together for visits and vacations. Contains: divorce, grief.

High Town: Set in Provincetown, Massachusetts, and filled with drug use, drug dealers, party queers, depressed fishermen, and cops. High production value and a hot gay woman of color as a lead (Monica Raymund as Jack), but after an episode and a half I didn't care about any of the characters. It's no The Wire.

Wayward: Starring Mae Martin. Also created, written, and executive produced by Martin, so me with my Mae Martin problem spent the entire time very distracted. But, my love for Martin's beautiful pointy face aside, this drama/thriller about a small town and its cult-like reform school lead by a chillingly maternalistic Toni Collette is very watchable. Pointlessly set in the early 2000s. Also gory, violent, and upsetting, but the dog makes it. Recommended. Contains: drug use, shitty parents, child harm/death.

Wick is Pain: I've never seen a single John Wick movie, but I enjoyed this behind the scenes look at how action films get made, particularly this series with its signature gun fu style and, of course, Keanu Reeves, who does the majority of his own stunts and fighting and who is interviewed along with the directors, producers, and stunt personnel involved with the films. Contains: violence, guns, cinematic death of a dog.

The Woman in Cabin 10: Started this solely on the strength of Keira Knightley's presence, but even she couldn't rescue this glossy but limp woman-sees-something-alarming-but-literally-no-one-believes-her thriller. I watched this in twenty minute increments over three nights, swearing I was done with it every night until, on the third night, Keira Knightley did something so unforgivably stupid I immediately deleted it from my continue watching list.

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Current Music: Want You Back Again

(I have a large backlog of "things I have read" to post, but I'm doing this one out of order as a did a full review of it.)

Aimée’s Raised for the Sword immerses the reader in the religious wars of 16th century France, when people at all levels of society were split between the majority Catholics and the protestant Huguenots. The story follows three central characters between the courts of France, Navarre, and England as their lives are buffeted by politics and violence. This is something of a slice-of-life tale, where the plot is supplied by the tide of history. The historical details are meticulously accurate, as are the varied depictions of how same-sex romances could find a place in the era and the logistics of long-term gender disguise. The several plot-threads are braided together tightly and resolve in as happy an ending as the times allow. The title, perhaps, implies more swashbuckling than the book delivers. The martial action is more gritty and realistic than picturesquely heroic, as is the depiction of gender politics. This book will appeal to those who want an emphasis on the “historical” side of historical fiction.

(Disclaimer: The author of Raised for the Sword was the French translator for one of my novels. I was provided with an advance review copy at no obligation.)

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reviews: books

Posted by Amanda

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/11/books-by-jill-shalvis-elizabeth-hoyt-more/

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?p=162724

Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe

Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe by C.B. Lee is $2.99! I believe this was mentioned on one of Dahlia’s queer romance columns. According to Goodreads, this is skewed more to YA or teens.

A geeky overachiever determined to save the world through science and a troublemaking chosen one lashing out against her destiny meet and fall in love in a magical coffeeshop as their two very different universes begin to collide in Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe, C.B. Lee’s fun, sapphic, cozy fantasy YA romance.

When Brenda’s internet goes out right before an important scholarship deadline, she stumbles right into Kat’s family’s coffeeshop. Brenda is swept away by cool, confident Kat, who actually cares about Brenda’s 19-step plan to save the world through science. Meanwhile, Kat can’t stop thinking about Brenda, who is smart, passionate, and doesn’t seem to care that Kat is the prophesized Chosen One.

The only problem? Kat and Brenda are from different universes. Like need-to-find-a-portal-to-go-on-a-second-date different universes.

As their universes collide and things spiral out of control, can a girl who is determined to save the world find love with a girl determined to outrun her destiny?

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

The Love Fix

The Love Fix by Jill Shalvis is $1.99! This is a contemporary romance and a part of the Sunrise Cove series. Shalvis writes some great small town romances, if that’s your catnip.

Welcome back to Sunrise Cove for this heartwarming enemies-to-lovers tale where found family, forgiveness, and love may just be the key to finding yourself, from New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis.

Lexi Clark’s life is falling apart around her, so when she’s summoned home to Sunrise Cove, the last thing she wants to do is face all the complications she left behind. Her past, her stepsister Ashley, and especially her infuriatingly gorgeous childhood nemesis-turned-crush Heath Bowman.

Yep, Lexi’s pretty sure being home again just might kill her. She’s an overachieving art appraiser who doesn’t believe in trust, love, or Happily Ever Afters. Free spirit Ashley, on the other hand, is so full of life it hurts to look at her. But Lexi can’t refuse Ashley’s plea to honor their late mother’s final wish to make amends with the people she’d wronged. So, on behalf of her estranged mother’s estate—and with Heath in tow as the executor—Lexi embarks on a road trip to repay all the people her gambling addicted mother owed money to.

Complicating everything are the feelings that well up for for her mom, for Ashley, and most of all, for Heath. And for the record, she doesn’t like it, or the way he has of scaling the walls she’s built around her heart. The road trip shenanigans that ensue are both funny and heartbreaking, but Lexi finds something shocking along the way. Acceptance. Family. And unbelievably—if you ask Lexi anyway—love.

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

No Ordinary Duchess

No Ordinary Duchess by Elizabeth Hoyt is $3.99! This is book three in The Greycourt series. The first two books had middling to poor reviews on the site. Have you read any of the books?

A delicious tale of forbidden romance where the mystery that ties two lovers together might also be exactly what tears them apart.

Cold and brooding, Julian Greycourt, the heir to the Windemere dukedom, has always known that his uncle the duke was responsible for his mother’s death. Now he’s determined to exact revenge against his uncle—if he can find the proof. But Julian hides a secret so explosive it will destroy him if it’s ever revealed, and the duke is watching. The last thing he needs is a distractingly sensual woman whose very presence threatens to destroy his plans.

Sunny and cheerful, Lady Elspeth de Moray doesn’t know why her brother and Julian fell out all those years ago, but she can’t let the autocratic man get in the way of her mission: to retrieve an ancient family text that she believes is in one of the Windemere libraries. Locating the tome, however, proves trickier than she anticipated, and at each turn, she’s thrown together with the maddingly mysterious Julian. And the temptation to give in to her family’s greatest enemy grows stronger with each intriguing encounter…

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

When Grumpy Met Sunshine

When Grumpy Met Sunshine by Charlotte Stein is $2.99! I know Stein has a lot of fans, especially if you like steamy romances. However, I feel like this one didn’t do as well as I thought it would with readers. Have you read it?

A steamy, opposites-attract romance with undeniable chemistry between a grumpy retired footballer and his fabulous and very sunshine-y ghostwriter.

When grumpy ex-footballer Alfie Harding gets badgered into selling his memoirs, he knows he’s never going to be able to write them. He hates revealing a single thing about himself, is allergic to most emotions, and can’t imagine doing a good job of putting pen to paper.

And so in walks curvy, cheery, cute as heck ghostwriter Mabel Willicker, who knows just how to sunshine and sass her way into getting every little detail out of Alfie. They banter and bicker their way to writing his life story, both of them sure they’ll never be anything other than at odds.

But after their business arrangement is mistaken for a budding romance, the pair have to pretend to be an item for a public who’s ravenous for more of this Cinderella story. Or at least, it feels like it’s pretend—until each slow burn step in their fake relationship sparks a heat neither can control. Now they just have to decide: is this sizzling chemistry just for show? Or something so real it might just give them their fairytale ending?

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/11/books-by-jill-shalvis-elizabeth-hoyt-more/

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?p=162724

The Amazing Mr. X (YouTube)

A 1948 horror noir from Eagle-Lion Films.

Christine (played by Lynn Bari) is a rich widow who believes that someone from the great beyond is trying to contact her. Janet, her sister (played by Cathy O'Donnell) repeatedly tells Christine that she's imagining things. They live in a big house by a cliff and the combination of the waves from the sea below and the wind results in strange noises.

However, Christine is not convinced. One night, she's walking down the beach, on her way to her boyfriend Martin's house (played by Richard Carlson) for dinner. She begins to hear the voices again. It puts her in a weird emotional moment. Just as she's starting to get a hold of herself, she runs into a guy named Alexis (played by Turhan Bey). This dude tells her that his powers led him to her and that he wants to help. He drops a few details abt her and her husband that he shouldn't know cuz he and Christine had never met before.

Afterwards, she asks Martin for a raincheck. After she calms down, he proposes to her. Once Martin leaves for his home, she begins to see and hear more stuff. She sits down with Janet and they agree to visit Alexis to see what he can do to help them.

A seance occurs…

This is an interesting movie in that it's half gothic horror and half film noir. There's the supernatural aspect including ghosts, seances, the idea of a love that goes beyond life and death, etc. Meanwhile, for the film noir, the main themes are obsession and fate. The cinematography (by John Alton) is moody AF.

All of the actors were fine (tho no one stood out for me.)

Do I have any criticisms?

Yeppers. I do feel that the story has uneven pacing after Christine and Alexis meet. Sometimes things take forever to happen, others things seem to speed up.

Even though this is mostly built as a film noir, IMO, it's more a gothic suspense movie. So I'm v. ??? as to why ppl keep bringing this movie up whenever someone asks for film noir recs. YMMV.

SPOILERS FOR THE ENDING

Perhaps I'm overthinking this, but I was disappointed by some aspects of the ending.

So the first half of the movie is abt Christine. But then, the plot jumps lanes and the focus shifts to another character all the way to the end. Which is odd. I wish the movie had been abt the other character to begin with.

Especially cuz I wanted some more info on Christine as the movie came into a close. She's been put thru the wringer psychologically speaking AND survives a truly dark moment. It's also hinted at (some 15-20 mins before the movie ends) that she's having suicidal ideations too. The rest of the characters don't seem concerned abt that? Given everything that happens to her, I don't see Christine having a happy ending.

IDK. It was unnerving cuz there's no closure to her character one way or another.

Do I recommend it?

#Unsure. It's not a bad movie, but I can't rec it as a full noir. So, I'm giving it a 2.1 out of 5.

Queerness level:

*Shakes head no*

Le trailer

Watch on YouTube

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They're not kidding when they say this loom folds up easily (a few seconds) and can be wheeled WITH A PARTIALLY WOVEN WIP STILL ON THE LOOM, ditto unfolding and your project's ready again. (The wheels are extra, but worth it to me.)

Note that this loom is lightweight, my preference (~30 lbs) but that means it will "travel" if you treadle hard. Likewise, by default it's only two harnesses. I unironically love plainweave so this is fine for my use case but if you have more complex weaving in mind, maybe not so much. (You can buy a spendy attachment to convert it to four harnesses, but...)

( Read more... )

I haven't yet tested it, but the design of the "ready-made warp" tabletop system is fiendishly clever. Frankly, warping is potentially so annoying that it was worth the cost. I am considering a Frankenstein's monster modification that MIGHT make warping easier as well but I haven't yet tested it.

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crafts: weaving

Experience the trip of a lifetime — without having to deal with planes, passports, or other tourists...

RPG Tourism: Five Games To Help You Travel Vicariously

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Every Thursday, we have a community post, just like this one, where you can drop a rec or five in the comments.

This works great if you only have one rec and don't want to make a whole post for it, or if you don't have a DW account, or if you're shy. ;)

(But don't forget: you can deffo make posts of your own seven days a week. ;D!)

So what cool fanvids/fics/fancrafts/fanart/podfics/other kinds of fanworks have we discovered this week? Drop it in the comments below. Anon comment is enabled.

BTW, AI fanworks are not eligible for reccing at recthething. If you aware that a fanwork is AI-generated, please do not rec it here

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bts

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Bold conspirators conceal a serious crime by committing a far more serious one.

Testimony of Mute Things (Penric & Desdemona, volume 15) by Lois McMaster Bujold

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review

Possum blend from Ixchel, two-ply!

I still love the wallaby blend best, but this is great too.

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crafts: spinning

It has been some time since I’ve given a hobby update! In the months since my previous post, you will be glad to know that I’ve kept cross-stitching.

In fact, I’ve been enjoying cross-stitching so much that I’ve finally managed to set up a morning tea routine: get up around 6:30, make tea, put one (1) chocolate-covered hobnob on my favorite little plate, and then cross-stitch till 7:15 when it’s time to get ready for work. Life is so much better when I get up in time for a gentle on-ramp to the morning, and yet until now I haven’t been able to convince myself to actually get out of bed in time.

I finished my Halloween cross-stitch in time for Halloween (want to find a better frame for it though), stitched a tremendously round little red Christmas bird as a break (amazing how fast you can cross stitch when the whole thing is just one color!), and am now working on a little Victorian Christmas tree which is for my ornament exchange with my friend Caitlin.

This little Christmas tree is WAY more involved than I expected, so I probably won’t finish my little cornucopia in time for Thanksgiving. But I have acquired the cornucopia pattern and will at any rate have it ready for NEXT year.

Other patterns on deck:

The absolutely adorable Puss in Boots from Veronique Enginger’s book of fairy tale cross stitch.

A Tiffany window inspired pattern of birds and bamboo and flowers from a book of Art Nouveau cross stitch. (I have the floss for this one but have been momentarily stymied in finding the right color fabric.)

And I’ve promised

troisoiseaux a Nevermore, garnished with ravens…

I’m also taking a two-part embroidery class. On Monday I started my jellyfish, and next Monday I will hopefully finish the jellyfish. The backing fabric is a dark navy blue so the tentacles are pink floss, and the top is going to be gold and turquoise and dark royal blue beads.

Book projects: since the previous post, I finished the Newbery project, and then just this weekend finished the Postcard Book project! (Jules Verne was the last Famous Author postcard from the set.) Which means that I COULD start the E. M. Forster readthrough...

But I’ve decided to hold off until after Christmas, because I just had a brilliant idea for a Christmas project: a picture book Advent calendar! I have MANY Christmas picture books on my list this year, so I’ll get them from the library, wrap them up in brown paper (or newspaper or whatever paper I have available), and then select a surprise book each night to read.

I probably won’t end up posting about most of them because I often don’t have a lot to say about picture books. Although maybe a weekly round-up with a line or two about each book?

At the moment I’m actually a bit short of books (I thought the list was AMPLY long, but some of the books are only available in the archives etc.), so I may have to poke around to find a few more. We shall see!

And of course I AM planning some December archive visits to enjoy those Christmas books! In fact, I believe I can schedule an archive visit next week (not for Christmas books of course; a firm believer in saving Christmas season till after Thanksgiving), as registration is at long last winding up. Perhaps it’s time to begin A. A. Milne’s The Princess and the Apple Tree.

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House has been one of my favourite shows for a very long time; it's strange that I've never written more fanfiction for it! Here is my first attempt at House fanfiction in, er, nineteen years.

It's really struck me, on my current House rewatch, that Wilson and Cameron seem to be friends. They get along well; they have some good conversations. In the episode 'The Right Stuff', House doesn't question the idea that Cameron would call Wilson socially. I've always found the interactions between Wilson and Cameron interesting, but somehow I've only just registered that there seems to be a real friendship there; it's endearing!

Anyway, I made them sleep together.

Title: The Unseen Third
Fandom: House MD
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Wilson/Cameron, unrequited Wilson/House and Cameron/House
Wordcount: 1,900
Summary: Wilson and Cameron spend a night together. It’s no secret that they’re both thinking about House.
Warnings: Infidelity, by which I mean Wilson cheating on his wife as per usual.

( The Unseen Third )

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Posted by SB Sarah

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/11/kobo-plus-indie-and-self-published-historicals-please/

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?p=162668

This post is sponsored by Kobo Plus, and contains affiliate links which bring a portion of your purchase to us at no extra charge to you. If you use them, thanks, and if not, no worries. Thanks, y’all!

…

I know y’all have heard about Kobo Plus, I am presuming, but in case not: Kobo Plus is nifty. And if you’re looking at Lara’s quest for indie/self pub historicals and wondering where you can find some tasty books to read, Kobo Plus can definitely help.

It’s nice to have options, isn’t it? Feels like there are fewer and fewer now.

Kobo Plus is a subscription service that allows you unlimited access to ebooks, audiobooks, or, depending on the plan, ebooks and audiobooks.

If the graphic isn’t legible for you, Kobo Plus Listen is $7.99US per month, and there are over 150,000 audiobooks in their catalog.

Kobo Plus Read is also $7.99US per month, and has over 1.5 million ebooks in their catalog, including some exclusives, and entire series bundles, too.

And Kobo Plus Read & Listen is $9.99 per month – both listening and ebooks, for $10. That’s a really good deal.

Plus, if you’re a new subscriber, you can try Kobo Plus for 30 days for free, and cancel any time.

I love a cancel any time – and if you’re someone who worries that you won’t remember to, here’s a tip. When you sign up for a free trial, set a reminder or calendar appointment for just under the free trial length, with a link to where you can unsubscribe. So if it’s a 14 day free trial, sign up, and IMMEDIATELY afterward, set a reminder or calendar item for 12 or 13 days from now that your trial is about to end, and do you want to renew? Helps me out immensely.

Today, Lara’s sharing the initial progress in exploring indie and self-published historicals, so let’s take a look at what historicals are awaiting you in Kobo Plus?

Lara’s list starts off with The Duke Who Knew Too Much by Grace Callaway. The ebook is Free at Kobo – but the audiobook is included in Kobo Plus!

And, much of Grace Callaway’s backlist is included in Kobo Plus as well.

Rose Lerner is also in Kobo Plus! Lara started the Lively St. Lemeston series, and while it wasn’t a good fit for her personally, I know this series is beloved by many people.

And if you’re curious: there’s a boxed set omnibus in Kobo Plus!

Rose Lerner's Lively St. Lemeston series with the four heroines of the four books on the cover. They're wearing blue, green, burgundy and white and black gowns, and are all photographs of models

Alice Coldbreath is also in Kobo Plus – the entire Brides of Karadok series, which many, many people have recommended.

Erica Ridley also has many, many books in Kobo Plus, and listen, if you wanted to hide out and read an entire series, the entire (ENTIRE) Twelve Dukes of Christmas series is available in two boxed sets:

Seriously, that will keep you going for the entirety of winter break. NICE.

Holly Bush’s Browns of Butcher’s Hill mystery series, which is set in Baltimore in the 1860s:

Emily Larkin has several books inside Kobo Plus:

…as does Celia Lake – a favorite of reviewer Catherine Heloise, of blessed memory, who reviewed Eclipse and loved it.

Point being, if you’re looking for historicals to read while you make a blanket fort in the northern hemisphere, or turn on the fan if you’re in the southern, you’ve got options in your subscription services.

What historical have you found inside Kobo Plus? If you’re a Kobo Plus subscriber, what titles do you recommend?

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/11/kobo-plus-indie-and-self-published-historicals-please/

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?p=162668

Do you know any poems about November? Here are two well known to me.

---

November Night by Adelaide Crapsey

Listen…
With faint dry sound,
Like steps of passing ghosts,
The leaves, frost-crisp’d, break from the trees
And fall.

---

November for Beginners

Snow would be the easy
way out—that softening
sky like a sigh of relief
at finally being allowed
to yield. No dice.
We stack twigs for burning
in glistening patches
but the rain won’t give.

So we wait, breeding
mood, making music
of decline. We sit down
in the smell of the past
and rise in a light
that is already leaving.
We ache in secret,
memorizing

a gloomy line
or two of German.
When spring comes
we promise to act
the fool. Pour,
rain! Sail, wind,
with your cargo of zithers!

---

'Sail, wind, with your cargo of zithers' should be entered into the vernacular.

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Posted by Lara

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/11/going-hunting-self-published-and-indie-pubbed-historical-romance/

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?p=162120

With fewer and fewer historical romances being traditionally published, I’m finding it harder to find arcs of books that scratch that itch for me and I’ve pretty much exhausted my small town library’s supply of historical romance. Where I was going wrong was letting myself be intimidated by the self-pubbed and indie-pubbed world. It seemed vast to me and I had no idea where to start. Who could I trust to deliver the kinds of stories I need in my life?

The bitchery, of course! I submitted a Rec League request and I was overwhelmed by the responses! The books available are thoughtful, plentiful and, for the most part, cheap! Heaven! Thank you so much for sharing your recommendations with me!

I started with three books which I’ve briefly discussed below. But I’ve enjoyed myself so much that there will definitely be additional installments of this series as my reading in this world expands.

Disclaimer: I haven’t done a deep dive on these authors. I know some have some traditionally published books or their books were traditionally published then they got the rights back and decided to self publish. The books listed below either have no publisher listed on Amazon or the author has a self titled company that published them.

I’ll be continuing my quest and would love any suggestions you have.

Here is the full list of recommended historical romance authors who are self-pubbed or indie-pubbed according to the Bitchery:

AJ Demas
Alice Coldbreath
Alissa Johnson
Anna Campbell
Annick Trent
Aster Glenn Gray
Aydra Richards
Bliss Bennet
Celia Lake
Christi Caldwell
Constance Hussey
Courtney Milan
E.E. Ottoman
EH Lupton
Elisa Braden
Elizabeth Briars
Elizabeth Cole
Emily Larkin
Emily Windsor
Erica Ridley
Gail Carriger
Grace Burrowes
Grace Callaway
J Winifred Butterworth
Jess Michaels
Jessie Clever
Joanna Chambers
Joy Demorra
Joyce Harmon
Jude Knight
Kathleen Buckley
KJ Charles
Liana De la Rosa
Lucinda Brant
Madeleine Robins
Martha Keyes
Mary Kingswood
Mary Lancaster
Meara Platt
Mia Vincy
Mimi Matthews
Minerva Spencer
Nichole Van
Paullett Golden
Rose Lerner
S.M. Laviolette
Stella Riley
Tammara Allen

The Duke Who Knew Too Much

Author: Grace Callaway
Released: January 15, 2015 by Grace Callaway
Genre: Regency, Romance
Series: Heart of Enquiry #1

A Stranger to Love

Alaric McLeod, Duke of Strathaven, is known as the Devil Duke for his wicked ways. Tormented by his past, Alaric knows better than to trust a woman yet finds himself ensnared by a spirited, virtuous virgin—who accuses him of a crime he didn’t commit. Is she his foe… or his salvation?

A Novice to Desire

Emma Kent is an independent country miss cast adrift in the ton. When a depraved encounter with an arrogant rake lands her in intrigue, Emma’s honor compels her to do the right thing. But desire challenges her quest for justice, and she must decide: can she trust her heart to discover the truth?

Bound by Passion and Peril

Alaric and Emma engage in a battle of wits and will. As their attraction flares, the true enemy stalks their every move. With danger looming, will they solve the mystery and find true love— before it’s too late?

Jill and Karin recommended this author to me and I think they have managed to introduce me to a new auto-buy author. I was entirely swept away by this book. Alaric, the duke in question, is a rake known as the ‘Devil’s Duke’ and Emma is a forthright, independent ‘spinster’. It’s a classic pairing and I devoured it in a day – so absorbing! It’s dual POV for the most part allowing us insight into both main characters’ thoughts and feelings.

Things start cataclysmically with Emma accusing Alaric of murder. Only what she witnessed was a little BDSM and not an assault. The book is spicy spicy but the sex scenes serve to push forward the emotional development of the characters which I appreciated. This is so easily a series that I could sink into and just read all of her books. It’s a wrench tearing myself away from her back catalogue and continuing my search for historical romances. I will be back!

⭐⭐⭐⭐

My advice: Start at the beginning of her back catalogue as all the books are connected. Doable as standalones, but more rewarding when read as a series.

Elyse reviewed this book in 2017 and gave it a B.

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Nearly a Lady

Author: Alissa Johnson
Released: May 10, 2016
Genre: Historical: European, Romance
Series: Haverston Family #1

He wanted to right his family’s wrongs—but this damsel in distress has little reason to trust high society types and no interest in joining them…

The woman makes the man…

Winnefred Blythe learned at a young age to make do with very little. After the death of her father, she taught herself to live on a pauper’s allowance—until a charming visitor promises her the funds that had been stolen from her through the years. But Freddie isn’t comfortable with the trappings of money—or the attentions of a handsome stranger from London…

But can a man make a lady?

After the war, Lord Gideon Haverston resolved to never again burden himself with the troubles of others. Still, he was expecting to be greeted as a hero by the beautiful, if eccentric, young woman his stepmother cheated out of house and home, not suspected as a conspirator. Indeed, the situation is more complicated than Gideon had expected—and the task of taming Winnefred Blythe much more alluring…

Emily C recommended this author to me. This book features a stellar heroine: Winnefred.

She’s forthright and strong and almost belligerently herself. The story opens with two brothers investigating the financial crimes of their stepmother who is now on the run. One of those crimes was to deny Winnefred (her husband’s ward) her allotted amount of money. Instead she sent Winnefred and her governess Lilly a fraction of the amount they were due.

After the prologue, one of the brothers, Gideon, travels to Scotland to talk with the women and make the situation right by giving them a lot of money. As premises go, I found it refreshingly original. The story follows Winnefred and her governess getting ready for a season in London.

This book features some intense emotions, some flashbacks to war and a few memorable kisses. This is not a restful read. It’s an immersive one that takes you on a journey. Gideon, on the surface, is a light hearted kind of guy, but that’s not the full story. He’s also tormented by memories of war, so much so that it interferes with his relationships without his realizing.

I appreciated that even though Winnefred had her London season, she didn’t change in herself. She remained forthright and pugnacious.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Listen to the Moon

Author: Rose Lerner
Released: August 15, 2017 by Rose Lerner
Genre: Historical: European, Regency, Romance
Series: Lively St. Lemeston #1

She’s a maid-of-all-work, and he’s a valet of no play…

John Toogood always prided himself on being the perfect gentleman’s gentleman: skilled, discreet, and professional. But now he finds himself laid off and blacklisted, stuck in tiny Lively St. Lemeston until he can find a new job. Any job.

His instant attraction to his happy-go-lucky maid Sukey Grimes couldn’t come at a worse time. Her manners are provincial, her respect for authority nonexistent, and her outdated cleaning methods…well, the less said about them, the better.

Sukey can tell that John’s impeccably impassive facade hides a lonely man with a gift for laughter—and kissing. But she also knows he’ll leave her sleepy little town behind the moment he gets the chance, and she has no intention of giving him her heart to take with him.

John learns that the town vicar needs a butler—but the job is only for a respectable married man. Against both their better judgments, John and Sukey tie the knot. The ring isn’t on her finger long before Sukey realizes she underestimated just how vexing being married to the boss can be…

Rose Lerner was recommended by Emily C, kkw, Amanda Valentine. I tried this book but didn’t get far. Not because of anything wrong with the book but rather it was me.

For me, financial struggle is a sore spot. Some of my earliest childhood memories are of my parents trying to hide our financial struggles as a family. I tell you this only to explain why reading about people who have financial stress (in this case a valet who has been unjustly fired and then blacklisted by his former employer) is a no-go for me.

So with this book, it’s really me, not the book that’s the issue. I’m including Rose Lerner’s book here because aside from the financial stress, it had me intrigued and I want you to know about it because I think it’s a book that other people will really enjoy. In fact, Carrie reviewed this book back in 2018 and gave it an A-.

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https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/11/going-hunting-self-published-and-indie-pubbed-historical-romance/

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/?p=162120

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Buzzing
Written by Samuel Sattin with art by Rye Hickman

Description
A moving middle grade graphic novel about friendship, belonging, and learning to love yourself despite the voices in your head.

Isaac Itkin can't get away from his thoughts.

As a lonely twelve-year-old kid with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), everything from studying to looking in the mirror becomes a battle between him and a swarm of unhelpful thoughts.

The strict therapy his mother insists on doesn't seem to be working, but when a group of friends invites him to join their after-school role-playing game, the thoughts feel a little less loud, and the world feels a little brighter.

But Isaac's therapist says that exposure to games can have negative effects on kids with OCD, and when his grades slip, his helicopter mother won't let him play anymore. Now Isaac needs to find a way to prove to himself, to his mother, and to the world that the way to quiet the noise in his head may have been inside him all along.

Review
This book has the best depiction of intrusive thoughts I've ever seen. Issac's OCD is represented by cartoon bees that swarm his head, saying awful (and often repetitive things). The bees can become fewer in number when Isaac is interested in something and if something (or someone!) is really engaging they can disappear completely. Or if things are going badly, they can swarm Isaac and drown out almost everything else.

Isaac's friends are a great comfort to him and he's most animated and engaged when he's with them. In contrast, he shuts down when he's with his overbearing mother and hateful sister. The art does an amazing job of reflecting it, with the colour literally leeching from the panels when Isaac's family are present. As someone who grew up with a mental illness in a shitful Family of Origin, this all feels so real and believeable. The mother especially is a hall-mark 'doing my best' but actually ignores the emotional needs of both her children, constantly criticises them and has a sour comment for every interaction.

Unfortunately its this strong identify I have with Isaac that makes the ending fall really flat for me.

Spoilers here

After spending half the book despising Isaac, his sister suddenly decides to help him connect with his friends after his mother bans him from hanging out with them. And then at the end the mother puts aside her over-bearing self-absorbtion and starts taking an interest in Isaac and his hobbies, letting him hang out with his friends again and is generally a totally different person.

If you've ever dealt with schemas in Family of Origin you'll know that those roles don't just get thrown aside on a whim. So... I didn't like the ending. But it's a middle grade book. Isaac growing up, moving out, finally getting therapy and going no contact was not an option. Shame though, because I would read the hell out of that.

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In news of the day that was not technological balls,

spatch let me know that despite the best efforts of the American federal government, the tradition of the Christmas tree gifted by the province of Nova Scotia to the city of Boston in recognition of its aid after the Halifax Explosion continues. We had worried. Apparently so had Mayor Wu, who made a point of traveling for the first time in the tradition's history to the tree-cutting ceremony and taking part in it herself. Fingers crossed for the tree-lighting, whose centenary we wandered into in 2017 and wandered out again wondering why no one was singing Stan Rogers. Today was also the fifty-fifth anniversary of the exploding whale.

Current Music: Stan Rogers, "Watching the Apples Grow"

Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe

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The Love Fix

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No Ordinary Duchess

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When Grumpy Met Sunshine

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The Duke Who Knew Too Much

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Nearly a Lady

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Listen to the Moon

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