Does Rachel Gillig’s new standalone live up to the hype of One Dark Window? Today on the Always Booked Podcast, we are stepping into the atmospheric world of The Knight and the Moth.

In this episode, we dive deep into Rachel Gillig’s latest gothic romance. We’re breaking down the prose that makes her writing so addictive, asking the questions we wish we could ask the author, and debating the big question: How does this compare to The Shepherd King duology?
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💬 LET'S TALK: Have you read The Knight and the Moth yet? Do you prefer this or the duology? Let us know in the comments!

We’re sharing 10 books that genuinely changed the way we see the world. Not just favorites, but books that stuck with us long after we finished reading. From nonfiction books like Everything is Tuberculosis to the Hunger Games series, these stories are impactful and important. If you’re looking for books that make you think, that stay with you, or your next meaningful five star recommendation, this list is a good place to start.📲 Follow us on Instagram → @always.bookd🌐 Visit our website → https://www.alwaysbooked.netFollow Always Booked for weekly bookish conversations, deep dives, and thoughtful convos!

Did Two Twisted Crowns stick the landing, or did we just want more vibes from One Dark Window?

We’re breaking down the entire Shepherd King duology conclusion, the possession tropes, the magic system, and that romance subplot we didn't know we needed until now. It’s gothic, it’s moody, and we have some THOUGHTS about it all.

Come hang out and let us know if you think this duology is worth the hype!

Subscribe to the Always Booked Podcast for weekly bookish conversations, deep dives, and thoughtful discussions about reading culture.

f you’ve read Two Twisted Crowns, we want to hear from you. Did you love the sequel as much as we did?

Reading is supposed to be FUN but for so many readers it’s turned into pressure, performance, and constant comparison.

In this episode of the Always Booked Podcast, we’re breaking down the unspoken reading rules we’re officially leaving in 2025 and the *healthier* reading habits we’re taking into 2026.

From DNF guilt to book count obsession to algorithm driven TBRs, we talk honestly about how modern reading culture can steal the fun and how to get it back.

This episode is for anyone who wants reading to feel fun again.

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We’re diving into the viral BookTok sensation Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber on this week's episode of the Always Booked podcast. It’s trending everywhere as a must-read, but do we agree?We’re breaking down the plot, the characters, and exactly why this popular book sparked a massive debate at the table.Is it a masterpiece or a total mess? Whether you loved it or DNF'd it, come hang out with us and talk books!📲 Follow us on Instagram → @always.bookd🌐 Visit our website → https://www.alwaysbooked.netJoin our community in the comments! Did you love or hate this book? ✨ Subscribe for more honest book reviews

Our 2025 Reading Wrapped is finally here and we are breaking down the best books of the year, the worst books of the year, and everything in between in this full reading wrap up episode.

From five star reads we could not stop thinking about to the books that fully betrayed us and ended up as one star ratings, nothing is safe. This is our most honest reading recap yet as we rank our top reads of 2025, call out the biggest disappointments, and relive the stories that completely wrecked us emotionally.We also look ahead to 2026 and share what we are most excited to read next. New releases, anticipated sequels, and the reading goals we are manifesting for the year ahead. Whether you are here for reading inspiration, validation for your unpopular opinions, or just to watch us argue about books, this episode has it all.

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We’re talking about the romantasy book boyfriends who have absolutely RUINED us.In this episode of Always Booked, we’re breaking down the most well-written romantasy men... the ones with emotional depth, vulnerability, and actual communication skills. Not just “he’s hot and broody,” but:- Men who actively listen- Men who are emotionally available (most of the time 😌)- Men who create safe, soft spaces - Men who prove that strength and softness can exist togetherWe’ll talk about why these characters feel so real, how their trauma is handled on the page, and why their love stories hit harder than anything happening in real life. Let us know in the comments:- Which romantasy book boyfriend lives in your head rent-free, and WHY? Name names. We’re taking notes for our TBR. 👇📲 Follow us on Instagram → @always.bookd🌐 Visit our website → https://www.alwaysbooked.netJoin our community in the comments and share your current romantasy obsession.Subscribe so you never miss an episode!

We ADORED Rachel Gillig's One Dark Window and we're diving deep into why this gothic fantasy stole our hearts. From the haunting magic system to the dynamic between Elspeth and the Nightmare, we're breaking down everything that made this book 5 stars. If you loved the dark atmosphere, morally gray characters, and magic of One Dark Window, this episode is for you.⚠️ SPOILER WARNING: We discuss major plot points and character arcs throughout this episode. Read the book first if you want to go in blind!ABOUT ONE DARK WINDOW:One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig is a gothic fantasy romantasy featuring a kingdom cursed by mist, a heroine with a dark secret, and a dangerous quest for magical Providence Cards. Perfect for fans of dark fairy tales, morally complex characters, and atmospheric world-building.CONNECT WITH US:🖤 Subscribe for weekly book deep dives every Thursday📲 Follow us on Instagram💬 Join the conversation in the comments - what did YOU think of One Dark Window?

We're ranking EVERY Sarah J Maas book in the entire SJM universe! From Throne of Glass to ACOTAR to Crescent City, we're placing all the books in our tier list: God Tier, Elite, Love, Good, and Just Okay. Watch us debate Tower of Dawn, agree on Kingdom of Ash, and get into heated arguments about House of Flame and Shadow and A Court of Silver Flames. Plus, find out which controversial ranking almost gets someone kicked off the podcast!If you love Sarah J Maas books, BookTok discussions, or just want to see three friends passionately debate fantasy rankings, this episode is for you. Drop your own SJM tier list in the comments - we want to see your controversial takes!Subscribe for more deep dives on fantasy books, romantasy reviews, and honest book discussions from three friends who feel way too much about books!CONNECT WITH US:📲 Follow us on Instagram → / always.bookd 🌐 Visit our website → https://www.alwaysbooked.netComment "you're so smart and pretty" if you agree with our rankings, or "you're stupid" if you disagree 😂

November is STACKED with incredible book releases and we're breaking down the 5 we're most excited to get our hands on. From fantasy to literary fiction, these are the books about to take over our lives (and our TBRs).BOOKS MENTIONED:- The Strength of the Few by James Islington- The Burning Library by Gilly Macmillan- Hollow by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti- Brimstone by Callie Hart- The Moorwitch by Jessica Khoury📚 Subscribe for more bookish deep dives every Thursday📲 Follow us on Instagram → / always.bookd 🌐 Visit our website → https://www.alwaysbooked.netGet booked 🖤