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Liz and Ashley are back from their holiday hibernation, ready to talk about everything Broken Bounty Series by Ember Nicole. Today’s episode is the spoiler-y follow up to our spoiler FREE author interview that dropped in December. 

We discuss the major differences between the first two books and book three, Live For Me, the newest release in this dark romance rollercoaster of a series. We talk about what makes this storyline so unique, why it ripped our hearts and souls out, and the expert character development we just cannot get enough of. We also give mini summaries of each book, drop some favorite quotes, and discuss our favorite and least favorite plot points and characters. 

And, as per usual, we’ve got a holiday faves and fails edition to catch y’all up on what we’ve been doing, with a special section to shout out spicy Christmas novellas! And a smash or pass animated dad / Skarsgard monster edition. 

Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes, Friday!)

Other Books Mentioned:

A Very Stalker Christmas by @laylafaeauthor

A Perfect Gift by @clioevansauthor

Dance, Sugarplum: A Dark Nutcracker Christmas Extravaganza by @aureliaknightauthor and @amyoliveira.author

Whiteout by @graciewilliamsauthor

Watch our Author Interview with Ember Nicole here | https://youtu.be/tHV9rXSTBpY?si=OwxdMVfPmtFkcYu6

Check out Ember Nicole’s Broken Bounty Series, available now on Kindle and Amazon! | * https://amzn.to/3ZVrLPj

Want MORE author interviews? ⬇️

Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKM

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Ashley is Wearing: “Support Your Local Book Dealer” tee from @ShopWildeshadows | https://www.wildeshadows.com

Liz is Wearing: “Good Girls Love Smut” Crewneck, Discontinued.

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Merry Christmas Book Besties! Today Liz and Ashley are here to discuss all things even remotely related to this glorious holiday… and we do it in special light up Christmas Tree hats. You’re welcome. 

First, we’ll ask each other a series of Christmas related questions like what our best and worst gifts have been, our family traditions, favorite music, and what we like to eat and watch. 

Next, we bring the DRAMA with AITA Reddit threads dedicated to Christmas family issues with things like a new family member initiation with lots of coal, a husband who sleeps through everything… including Christmas? And a family who puts all their undies in a bowl.

Last, we rapid fire a list of “smash or passes” related to Christmas. Like who’s the hottest Santa? Are you into… Christmas cookies? Matching PJs? Christmas lights? Oh and… do you keep butter in the cupboard? 😂😭

Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes, Friday!)

Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKM

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@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast 

Besties and the Book Club on Fable!
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Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!

Tree Hats on Amazon | * https://amzn.to/3ZKqvgO

What We Are Wearing: Coordinated Christmas Vacations T Shirts from Etsy | * https://go.magik.ly/ml/28m07/

Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

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Today we have a very special interview* with dark romance indie author and the queen of heartbreaking cliffhangers herself, Ember Nicole. We chat all things Broken Bounty series to celebrate the release of Live For Me, book three in this emotional rollercoaster which is the bounty hunter romance she created.

*Author interviews will always be spoiler free so everyone can enjoy them and determine whether or not we want to add these books to our never-ending TBR. So, proceed with absolutely NO caution!*

Pick up your paperback copy or kindle download of Live For Me (And the rest of the Broken Bounty Series) now @ Amazon! | * https://amzn.to/3ZVrLPj

We discuss everything from what inspired Ember to write a completely unique dark romance series about bounty hunters, how she remains completely anonymous even though she’s constantly in the public eye, which of the MMCs Ember herself would choose, and what’s it like to write a book that takes you to your emotional brink. What are the themes and major takeaways of the book? How do books 1 and 2 differ from book 3? And are there more sequels to come? 

And because Ember gets us, we also include a fave or fail book writing edition, and put her on the spot for her own character smash or pass.

Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)

_____

Ember Nicole’s Books:

Break For Me

Survie For Me

Live For Me

My Brother’s Problem

My Sister’s Solution

• * https://amzn.to/3ZTN1Fk

Check Out the Other Authors Mentioned:

Elle Mitchell @ellemitchellbooks (Small Town “sadness”)

Rose Cedar @rosecedarwrites (College Hockey)

Emily Catlow @catlow_books (Motorcycle Romance)

____

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Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!

Ashley is Wearing: “Undead Readers Book Club tee from @bookbabedesigns | https://bookbabedesigns.com

Liz is wearing: “I like My Fictional Men Tall, Dark, and Stabby” Crew Neck Pullover by @readbyerin_

Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

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We’re nearing the end of 2024. So naturally, Liz and Ashley are reflecting on the important things in life. Our goals, our hopes, our dreams… and of course, the most important thing of 2024: WICKED, Part 1 (and Jonathan Bailey).

Let’s chat about Wicked in all of its glory! The movie, the play, and the books… and how they tie into our goals for the podcast in 2025! We discuss if bookish goals are useful and positive. Then move on to our individual and joint goals moving forward, including everything from books read, to reviews, to works in progress, book conventions and events, and upcoming mini series and author interviews. 

We’ve only been doing this for a little over nine months and it’s already a dream. 2025 is going to be such a fun year, besties! And don’t worry, we have a bookish 2024 themed fave and fail and a WICKED smash or pass. 

Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes, Friday!)

Check out these Indie Authors Mentioned:

A Clash of Tides by Alivia R Maar @livsbookshelf

Priestess by Kara Reynolds @karaneedstoread

Beyond the Fallen Realm by T J Lundin @tjlundinbooks

Seeking the Fallen Realm by T J Lundin @tjlundinbooks

The Deer and the Dragon by Piper CJ @piper_cj

A Touch of Gold and Madness by K L Devore @authrokldevore

The Embrace of Steel and Sorrow by K L Devore @authrokldevore

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Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!

Ashley is  wearing: Green “Women of Maas” Tee by @caffeineandcurses | https://caffeineandcurses.com/products/maasverse-throne-of-glass-merch

Liz is wearing: “I Still Read Fairytales. Just For the Villians Now” Pullover by @shadowboundspines | https://shadowboundspines.com/products/i-still-read-fairytales-just-for-the-villains-now-crewneck?_pos=2&_sid=5621c721a&_ss=r

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It’s officially Christmas season over here on the BATB Pod and Ashley and Liz are kicking off December with two “cringy” Christmas novellas that double as unhinged!

This go-around we dive into Mr. Jingle, a Christmas-themed paranormal monster romance by Layla Fae that (not unlike Full Sack) has unforeseen twists, turns, tentacles, and surprises around every corner!

Then we dive into a dark romance Christmas treasure, Hunted in Holly by Leann Belle. Think: primal play and dubious consent with hot Santa Claus and a badass FMC with Elsa powers.

In addition to these amazing holiday reads, we also have a fave and fail of the week featuring Christmas decorating, Lindsay Straube’s Split or Swallow being picked up by trad publishing as Kiss of the Basilisk, and a shout out to the Lights Out audiobook version. Oh, and a holiday smash or pass with an extra dose of hot Santa.

Ho ho ho!

Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes, Friday!)

Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKM

YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms
@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast

Besties and the Book Club on Fable!
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Liz
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Ashley
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Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!
Ashley is  wearing:  “Starborn Fae Crescent City” Hoodie by @lionheartthreads | * https://go.magik.ly/ml/27ucw/  | Use Code: LIZ15 to save!
Liz is wearing: “Happy Horror Days” Pullover by @darkanddisturbedshop  | https://darkanddisturbedshop.com/products/horror-days-crewneck | Use Code: VEGAN10 to save! 

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Happy Thanksgiving Book Besties! Today Liz and Ashley are here to discuss all things even remotely related to Turkey Day, in all its glory… and we do it in special hats. You’re welcome. 

First, we’ll ask each other a series of Thanksgiving related questions like what our favorite memory is, our Thanksgiving family traditions, and what we like to eat and watch. 

Next, we bring the DRAMA with AITA Reddit threads dedicated to Thanksgiving family issues with things like  ex-girlfriends stealing your seat at the table, kicking all the unhelpful men out, and not wanting to eat your mother in law’s food. 

Last, we rapid fire a list of “smash or passes” related to Thanksgiving. Do YOU like stuffing? What about Patrick Dempsey as a villain? And… what… are… giblets?! 😂😭

Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes, Friday!)

Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKM

YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms
@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast

Besties and the Book Club on Fable!
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Liz 
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Ashley
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Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!

Turkey Hats on Amazon | * https://amzn.to/3OocgZP

Ashley is  wearing:  “Pumpkin Book Sweater” by @bookbabedesigns | https://bookbabedesigns.com/

Liz is wearing: Scream Tee from Spirit Halloween 

Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

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Besties and the Book Club on Fable!
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It’s truly the end of an era. Our Twilight virgin era. We read all the books for the very first time, and rewatched all the movies since our original jump scare years ago, and now we’re here. We’re Ashley and Liz, new Twilight fans and just girls, ready to talk to you all about our innermost thoughts in regards to this fandom. 

We rate the book series as a whole, and then we choose which movie was our most loved and most hated, and which book we liked least and most. We go through each movie and book and choose which is better. And then we discuss the fandom in its entirety. Did you all welcome us with open arms? Or were we shunned for our critiques? 

Overall, we are so happy we went on this journey and cannot wait for our next episode miniseries dropping early next year! Listen on to find out which popular book series (and new release!) we have our sights set on for 2025! 

Join our Virtual Book Club & Buddy Read on Fable! | https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358

Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday… and sometimes Friday! 

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Liz 
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Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!

Ashley is wearing: Ashley is wearing “Will Ghost You For Books” tee from @shadowboundspines | https://shadowboundspines.com/products/i-will-ghost-you-for-books-tee?_pos=14&_sid=9e47e4d40&_ss=r

Liz is wearing: “Empty Inside” tee from @darkanddisturbedshop | Use Code: VEGAN10 to save! | https://darkanddisturbedshop.com and “Freddy” Double Pom Beanie from @charlieandlunaco | https://www.charlieandlunaco.com

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Every Friday is “Bestie Card Friday” with Ashley and Liz over on the good old Instagram. We pick some cards, we answer an unhinged “would you rather” question, and you guys vote on what YOU would rather do. We’ve been doing that for almost eight months! And you guys wanted more.

So here we are, playing “would you rather” for an entire episode. Would we rather live in Velaris or Terrasen? Would we rather only read hockey romance or watch Harry Potter movies forever? Choose between Aragorn and Rhysand, physical books or Kindle? 

The choices! Stick around for a spoiler free episode of hard choices with a Disney themed fave and fail and a smash or pass… if you were a lion! … or a dark lord! 

Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes, Friday!)

Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKM

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@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast 

Besties and the Book Club on Fable!
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Liz 
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Ashley
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Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!

Ashley is  wearing:  “Support Your Local Book Dealer” tee from @ShopWildeshadows | https://www.wildeshadows.com

Liz is wearing: “Rivendell” Sweatshirt from @chaptercatchers |
https://go.magik.ly/ml/27abl/

Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

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Besties and the Book Club on Fable!
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Here we are! Ashley and Liz discuss the epic book conclusion of the Twilight Saga. We seriously need to sort some things out with y’all. Like: why is imprinting a thing? It’s so disturbing. How is there a team Edward vs. team Jacob rivalry when CLEARLY Jacob is trash? And how do we feel about all of that buildup leading us to THAT particular ending? We’ve got unanswered questions.

Episode 4 covers book 4: Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer. The first five-ish minutes are spoiler free with our one sentence rapid star reviews. Then we jam pack this mini episode with an entire plot summary in five sentences, what our faves and fail characters and plot points are, our feelings, notable quotes, and end with a fun piece of Twilight Saga trivia featuring all the book spinoffs! 

We hope you’ve enjoyed following along with us on our maiden Twilight voyage! Check in next week for mini episode five where we rate the series overall, and chat about the movies. Because let’s be real… what in the actual heck happened there?! 

Join our Virtual Book Club & Buddy Read on Fable! | https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358

Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday… and sometimes Friday! 

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Liz 
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Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!

Ashley is wearing: Crescent City Zip Up Hoodie from @CaffeineandCurses | https://caffeineandcurses.com

Liz is wearing: “And So the Lion…” Twilight Crop Tee from @twiheartmerch | https://go.magik.ly/ml/2750r/ 

Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

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Besties and the Book Club on Fable!
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Have you ever wondered what smutty Thanksgiving themed novella books are out there on Kindle Unlimited? Are you wondering what holiday themed kinkz this very specific genre may unlock for you? Well, wonder no more. Ashley and Liz did the research for you and now we’re presenting the evidence. It’s just science. 

We read Full Sack by Layla Fae and Three Times the Fun by Blythe Reid. We’ve got a little bit of Thanksgiving magic involving a turkey, a MMC named Racoon, and expanding… sacks. And a holiday reverse harem.

Were they cringy or actually pretty good? We’ll dish out the details after a fave and fail involving a sprained jaw and Will Ferrell and before a smash or pass involving our favorite pastry mascot and a villain determined to destroy the environment. 

Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes, Friday!)

Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKM

YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms
@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast 

Besties and the Book Club on Fable!
https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358

Liz 
Instagram | TikTok
@TheRealLifeVeganWife 

Ashley
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@AshleyEllix

Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!

Ashley is wearing:  Embroidered Pumpkin Book Sweater from @BookBabeDesigns | https://bookbabedesigns.com

Liz is wearing: “Kejari” tee from @shopsecondbreakfast | https://secondbreakfast.shop

Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms
@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast

Besties and the Book Club on Fable!
https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358

Liz
Instagram | TikTok
@TheRealLifeVeganWife

Ashley
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@AshleyEllix