Beyond Heaving Bosoms: The Smart Bitches' Guide to Romance Novels [Paperback]

The Love That Dare Not Speak Its Name...

We do it in the dark. Under the sheets. With a penlight. We wear sunglasses and a baseball hat at the bookstore. We have a special place where we store them. Let's face it: Not many folks are willing to publicly admit they love romance novels. Meanwhile, romance continues to be the bestselling fiction genre. Ever. So what's with all the shame?

Sarah Wendell and Candy Tan—the creators of the wildly popular blog Smart Bitches, Trashy Books—have no shame! They look at the good, the bad, and the ugly in the world of romance novels and tackle the hard issues and questions:

-The heroine's irresistible Magic Hoo Hoo and the hero's untamable Wang of Mighty Lovin'

-Sexual trends. Simultaneous orgasms. Hymens. And is anal really the new oral?

-Romance novel cover requirements: man titty, camel toe, flowers, long hair, animals, and the O-face

-Are romance novels really candy-coated porn or vehicles by which we understand our sexual and gender politics?

With insider advice for writing romances, fun games to discover your inner Viking warrior, and interviews with famous romance authors,Beyond Heaving Bosomsshows that while some romance novels are silly—maybe even tawdry—they can also be intelligent, savvy, feminist, and fabulous, just like their readers! Funny, irreverent, and insightful, this guide zeros in on the joys and woes of the romance genre... delivering both in delightful, readable style. -- Nora Roberts,New York Timesbestselling author A high-octane, hilarious and revelatory look at the romance genre...It's too much fun to be missed! -- Lisa Kleypas,New York Timesbestselling author Sarah and Candy point out all that's ridiculous and annoying in the genre, while showcasing all that's good and valuable, with wit, style, intelligence, and snark. -- Jennifer Crusie,New York Timesbestselling author ofWelcome to TemptationlS.