The Rec League: Women’s Leagues and National Teams

Thursday, 26 February 2026 08:00 am
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Posted by Amanda

The Rec League - heart shaped chocolate resting on the edge of a very old bookThis Rec League was suggested by Sarahwasme in the SBTB Podcast Patreon Discord:

I am so mad at US men’s hockey team I could spit. (Not really, I hate when dudes do that.) I want to buy all the sports romances featuring women’s team players and gift them to random people on the street. Maybe with a whistle.

Anyone have recs for romances featuring women’s league/national team? My first thought is FMC/Soccer player in Mariana Zapata’s Kulti – already planning on a reread.

JoVE in the podcast discord: Wake Up Nat and Darcy. ( A | BN | K | AB ) 2 former Olympians doing broadcast at the Olympics. 2nd chance. Forced proximity. It’s good.

Jfhobbit in the podcast discord: Cleat Cute by Meryl Wilsner features two professional soccer players who also play for the USWNT.

Josephine in the podcast discord: If Only You by Chloe Liese ( A | BN | K ) is a female soccer star and queer disaster of a man in a fake friends to lovers. Yes, he’s a hockey player, but Seb (and Ren, his captain and Ziggy’s brother) would never.

There’s a sapphic Cricket series ( A ) that’s not bad too. The first one is members of the Australian national team.

Amanda: We had an Olympics Rec League from 2024 that may have some recommendations.

What books would you recommend? Drop them in the comments!

(no subject)

Thursday, 26 February 2026 05:13 am
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Ever wonder what it would look like to crack open the Sun? Ever wonder what it would look like to crack open the Sun?


Links: Adaptations, Data, & More

Wednesday, 25 February 2026 07:00 pm
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Posted by Amanda

Workspace with computer, journal, books, coffee, and glasses.Welcome back!

For all my friends in the Northeast, how did you fare with the blizzard? We lost power briefly overnight and had to do two shoveling passes. Of course, it’s now a sunny, cloudless day and all the snow looks so fluffy and pristine.

I love seeing all the animal tracks that have shown up in the night. I keep nudging my partner for a wildlife cam.

Also, if you’re in the Boston area, I’ll be in conversation with author Amy Spalding TONIGHT at All She Wrote Books. Please say hi if you’ll be there!

Suggested by PamG, we have a How To for site spoiler tags!

EC Spurlock shared this link on fantasy romance titles slated for a TV or film adaptation. Does anyone want to take bets on how many actually get made?

Lady Jane at Romancing the Data examined Amazon Kindle Store Top 100 Best Sellers in Romance (Paid) list from 2025. Here’s what she found! 

My friends and I have been playing this color matching game for the last week. We’re addicted!

Don’t forget to share what cool or interesting things you’ve seen, read, or listened to this week! And if you have anything you think we’d like to post on a future Wednesday Links, send it my way!

Books by Lynsay Sands, Megan Frampton, & More

Wednesday, 25 February 2026 04:30 pm
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Posted by Amanda

Home Ice Advantage

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Home Ice Advantage by Ari Baran is $2.99! This is book three in the m/m hockey series, Penalty Box. Books one and four are also on sale!

Two former hockey pros. One struggling team. And a battle of wills that might just turn two headstrong coaches from rivals into lovers…

Ryan “Sully” Sullivan is a winner. So when the former hockey great accepts a job coaching the bottom rung Boston Beacons, he’s ready to win it all—even if his new assistant coach isn’t exactly his #1 fan.

Eric Aronson’s wins have always come with a well-earned reputation for trouble—and were never quite enough to bring home championships. When the new guy skates in and takes the job he’s worked so hard for, he’s not about to fall short again.

Tensions rise as, no matter what they do, the Beacons can’t pull a W, and a heated argument between Sully and Eric over coaching tactics turns physical—only, not in any way they could have ever imagined.

That kiss changes everything. And suddenly, being able to find the back of the net isn’t Sully and Eric’s only challenge. It’s figuring out who and what they are to each other. And what winning it all might actually mean.

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

 

 

 

Highland Wolf

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Highland Wolf by Lynsay Sands is $1.99! Her romance covers always deliver on fan service. This is book ten in the Highland Brides series, and I’m a sucker for an “I thought you were dead” trope. Maybe an idea for a future Rec League?

In all her daydreams about her wedding day, Lady Claray MacFarlane never once imagined being dragged to the altar by her greedy uncle and forced to marry a man she didn’t know. But that’s what happened, or would have, had a Highland warrior not snatched her up at the last minute and ridden off with her in his arms. . .

They call him the Wolf. The mercenary’s courage and prowess in battle are known throughout the Highlands, and with his handsome face and black-as-sin hair, he is as intelligent and deadly as the wolf he was named for…

But the Wolf is also Claray’s betrothed. Thought to have been killed as a child, he’s been in hiding all these years. Now he’s determined to earn enough coin to rebuild his home, reclaim his birthright, and honor his marriage contract to Claray. For he’s fallen for the tender-hearted lass…and he will do anything to protect her and their future together.

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

 

 

 

The Scot’s Seduction

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The Scot’s Seduction by Megan Frampton is $1.99! This is book two in the Heirs & Spares series. The heroine is asked to help the hero’s niece through her Season debut.

A deliciously fun romance blossoms between a fiercely independent woman and a reserved Scotsman, in the latest installment of Megan Frampton’s Heirs and Spares series.

She’ll never say yes…

Lady Drusilla Courtenay has sworn off marriage, though she still dabbles in romance, much to Society’s shock. She’s determined to help other women remain independent, but she lacks the means to see her vision through. When Murdoch, Earl of Cragmore, arrives on her doorstep with his niece, he makes her an offer she can’t refuse; if she assists with his niece’s debut, he’ll turn her dreams into reality. But accepting this bargain doesn’t mean she can’t also have some fun with the burly, handsome Scot—as long as they both keep their stronger emotions in check.

He can’t say no…

Murdoch has never met a woman like Drusilla. Proud, opinionated, intelligent, and fiercely independent, she is also the most passionate woman he’s ever encountered. When she proposes they extend their bargain into something more intimate, he agrees, even though he knows it will end at the conclusion of the Season. As he gets to know her, he falls deeply in love. He knows it is hopeless, since the Drusilla he’s desperately in love with would never agree to upend her life to be with him.

Will the two most stubborn people finally compromise, or will they deny their hearts?

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

 

 

 

Plot Twist

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Plot Twist by Erin La Rosa is $1.99! I mentioned this on a previous Hide Your Wallet. However, it seems like other readers feel like La Rosa’s books don’t quite stick the landing of all the trope-filled goodness promised.

She’s written off more than she can chew…

Romance author Sophie Lyon’s ironic secret just went viral: she’s never been in love. Though her debut novel made readers swoon, Sophie’s having trouble getting her new characters to happily-ever-after, and she blames it on her own uninspired love life. With a manuscript deadline looming, Sophie makes an ambitious plan to overcome her writer’s block: reunite with her exes to learn why she’s never fallen in love—and document it all for her millions of new online followers. Which also means facing her ex-girlfriend Carla, the one person Sophie  could  have loved.

Luckily, Sophie’s reclusive landlord, Dash Montrose—a former teen heartthrob—has social media all figured out and offers to help. But he doesn’t mention that he’s an anonymous online crafter, a hobby that helps him maintain his sobriety. No one knows about his complicated relationship with alcohol and he intends to keep it that way. His family is Hollywood royalty, so Dash has to steer clear of scandal.

As Sophie and Dash grow closer, they discover a heat between them that rivals Dash’s pottery kiln. But Sophie needs to figure out who she is outside her relationships, and Dash isn’t sure he’s stable enough for the commitment she deserves. So Sophie suggests what any good romance author would: a friends-with-benefits arrangement. Surely a casual relationship won’t cause any trouble…

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

 

 

 

After Dark at the Movies: Mr Malcolm’s List

Wednesday, 25 February 2026 09:00 am
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Posted by Carrie S

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.

SBTB 2025 Unhinged Romance Bingo Check-In

Wednesday, 25 February 2026 08:00 am
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Posted by Amanda

Hey all! We’re a little over halfway through our first ever SBTB Unhinged Bingo!

By now, you might have knocked out a few easier spaces, but if you’re having trouble, we’re here to help!

Here’s a card refresher:

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This rendition of bingo is definitely a bit trickier and up for interpretation.

Are there any categories you’re struggling with? Let’s brainstorm in the comments!

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