I've long been an admirer (in a snort your coffee out of your nose sort of a way) of the "Smart Bitches Trashy Books" blog, so I was thrilled to find Beyond Heaving Bosoms in my Christmas Stocking. If you're look for an academic examination of the romance genre this book is not it. If you're looking for a reference work written by sharp, sincere and wickedly witty fans who are both passionate champions and open-eyed critics, look no further.

Written by two romance fans for romance fans, Beyond Heaving Bosoms is a funny and affection overview of the romance genre with all its wondrousness and foibles. It looks at both the light hearted (the heroines magic hoo hoo and mullets in cover art) and the serious (depictions of rape) in a way that will have anyone who loves romance a. grateful b. thoughtful and c.rolling in the aisles.

One central point is the recognition that if romance wants to rise above its detractors and be treated as a perfectly acceptable form of literature as averse to something a girl might stuff behind the sofa when her friends come round, is that it needs to be willing to accept criticism and examination. Beyond Heaving Bosoms provides an affectionate critique touching upon aspects any avid reader will recognise with a smile. It's also peppered with funny games from a Choose Your Own Adventure (build your own romance) type exercise through to colour your own cover art.

For aspiring romance writers it's a must read, giving a clear-eyed picture of what romance fans on mass really think.

I loved it and will for sure be buying it for half my romance reading friends.