From One Smart Bitch — take two
February 6, 2009 | Filed under: Stuff
Have you ever been to Smartbitchestrashybooks.com? If you haven’t, you are missing out. It’s one of my daily Must stops, along with the sister site Dearauthor.com. Bad news for you, the Smart Bitches site is down for maintenance for a day. Good news for me, Sarah is bored so she over came to play. Love it when that happens. Take it away, Sarah!
Why I really really really like Jill Shalvis’ books, and think you should read them.
And boy am I posting this in the wrong place because if you’re reading this blog, you probably already DO read them. Preaching to the wrong kettle or something, aren’t I? Tough – you’re stuck with me – though I am a nice houseguest and totally pick up after myself.
1. Dialogue: when characters say things that no human with even 1% social skills would ever, ever say, I’m done. It’s a book killer for me, and it makes me a cranky judge of contemporary romance. All sorts of stuff crap can come out of a historical character’s mouth and I’m fine with it. Hell, you can put your character in a Porsche and drive him to Almack’s in a Regency and I won’t even blink. (Although I’ll think he’s a bit of a poser for driving a Porsche). But stilted unrealistic dialogue in a contemporary? Put a fork in me. I’ll use it to catapult that book outta my hands right now.
So Jill’s dialogue is fab, particularly between men. The men talk like real men talking to other men who don’t think a woman is listening. SO Funny. And so real. And so charming. Love it.
2. Corollary to #1: FUNNY FUNNY HA HA. Some of her characters are funny and tender and sweet and can be SO irritating but still funny and tender. Her funny is way funny.
3. Settings: I mentioned this in my review of “Instant Attraction,” but the setting description was so realistic, I googled skiing lessons. No lie. Yes, I am that much of a complete dork. The place is as real as the people – which makes the reading supremely fun.
Reasons you should not read Shalvis’ books:
If it’s the last one in the bookstore, and you buy it while I’m looking for it, I’ll hunt you down.
Seriously – there’s a shortage of character-driven contemporary romance that doesn’t rely on extra-normal influences to get the couple together – hence our Save the Contemporary, Save the World campaign at SB and DA. I was so pleased to find Shalvis’ books.
Now I’m sure she kinda wishes I hadn’t, now that I’m squeeing like a rabid fangirl.
:thumbsup: And I didn’t even have to pay her to say that. Oh, and if you need a laugh, don’t forget to arrow down and check out my earlier post. In fact, if you looked at the pics on that post, especially the second one, and tell me you didn’t at least crack a smile, I won’t believe you. 
Posted by Jill @ 1:16 pm | Make a Comment
Sara T. says:
I’ve never been to Smart Bitches, but I’ll check it out. I like her name. :yes:
Posted on February 6th, 2009 at 1:29 pmNancy B. says:
Sarah, you’re right, Jill’s dialogue is where it’s at. So are her sexy as all heck men.
Oh, and it’s very nice to see her getting notice from some of the big reviewers this time around! Fun having you here.
Posted on February 6th, 2009 at 1:32 pmGail says:
I’ve never been to your site, Sarah, but I’m going now on the title of it alone.
And you have good taste. We love Jill here.
Oh and Jill, just finished an old one of yours. Seeing Red. I think it’s my favorite. Anyone else read that? I loved that the hero had been a fat kid and was still scarred by that in spite of the fact that he is now a sexy fire investigator. Sigh . . .
Posted on February 6th, 2009 at 1:39 pmDonna says:
Sarah, I’d fight you for that last book. I saw at Dear Author that you’re not afraid of jello. Bring it on. :rotfl:
Posted on February 6th, 2009 at 1:48 pmSteph says:
I just recently found Jill Shalvis through Smart Bitches. I’m sad the site’s down for now, but it’s great to still hear from you!
Posted on February 6th, 2009 at 2:00 pmKarin says:
She is so right about you, Jill. I’ve popped over to Smart Bitches a few times and I like it.
Posted on February 6th, 2009 at 2:02 pmBrandy says:
I like SBTN! It’s a fun site! As for Jill’s books? THE BEST! Absolute best reads!
Posted on February 6th, 2009 at 2:33 pmMental P Mama says:
Every single word is true. You are the intelligent woman’s romance writer;)
Posted on February 6th, 2009 at 6:20 pmAllie says:
I’ve been hooked on your writing since I found it in some anthology somewhere.
I read everything you write, and lately I’ve discovered I need more bookshelves. You and Jayne Ann Krentz and Janet Evanovich have your own shelves. 
I think bookstores should offer a bookshelf program… buy so many books, get a free shelf…
Posted on February 6th, 2009 at 9:29 pmMo says:
You have voiced all my reasons for reading and loving Jill’s books.For years now she has been at the top of my must buy list and I am at the book store on release day. Absolutely the best contemporary romance writer out there.
Posted on February 7th, 2009 at 5:37 amJudy F says:
I will have to check out this site.
Jill’s books are awesome.
Posted on February 7th, 2009 at 6:40 amStacy ~ says:
Yep, been to SB many times and admit that I love it. I think it’s cool you’re doing “Save the Contemporary” – I think a lot of readers are picking up books by great writers like Jill because of it, and that’s awesome.
Not only do I love Jill’s books, but she’s really good to us – generous and caring. Funny as hell. What’s not to like?
Posted on February 7th, 2009 at 8:21 amDonna M says:
I can’t imagine anyone reading Jill’s books then not loving them!
She is right at the top of my Favorite Authors list. :thumbsup: I’ve never visited either of the websites mentioned but I will check them out. I can’t imagine that Contemporary romances will disappear- -seriously! 
If they did, what will we read? 
Enjoy the rest of the weekend. Sarah, thanks for visiting us here.
Posted on February 7th, 2009 at 1:29 pmMaureen Child says:
LOVE Smart Bitches!! And good to know they really ARE SB’s since they love Jill!
Dialogue’s a big one for me, too….when it’s bad, you gotta toss the book!
Posted on February 7th, 2009 at 3:39 pmapril says:
I agree! I love the yummy heroes and spunky heroines. Is it bad that the more of a potty mouth the hero is, the more I like him? I don’t even like bad boys in real life.
I haven’t gotten far yet in Instant Attraction, but I love what I’ve read. I intend to finish it soon… as soon as the baby is sleeping.
Posted on February 8th, 2009 at 6:16 pmsls-rainey says:
Allie – HA HA on the shelf! I so need that.
Do you think if they give you like 20 free shelves they would build you a room to put them in?
Doesn’t work that way huh? I have mentioned before, that I’m going thru and paring down my keep books.
Sarah the very things you mentioned (and the fact that they make me laugh out loud) are why all of Jill’s books are on the keep pile.
Haven’t read one of hers yet I didn’t like.
Posted on February 9th, 2009 at 8:25 am