In this conversation, Mistie and Jenn discuss the book 'Untamed' by Luna Mason, exploring its themes of romance, character dynamics, and the complexities of relationships intertwined with mafia intrigue. They delve into the characters' motivations, the conflicts that arise, and the resolution of the story, all while sharing their personal insights and reflections on the narrative. In this engaging conversation, Mistie and Jenn delve into the intricacies of romance novels, particularly focusing on character relationships, tropes, and the dynamics of family. They explore the appeal of the single dad trope, the challenges of character development, and the nuances of instant love. The discussion also highlights the interconnected worlds created by authors like Luna Mason, culminating in their final thoughts and ratings of the book 'Untamed.'

00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts

03:08 Setting the Scene: Untamed by Luna Mason

05:50 Character Dynamics and Relationships

09:08 Conflict and Tension: The Dark Side of Romance

11:53 Mafia Intrigue and Family Dynamics

15:00 Climactic Moments and Resolutions

17:53 Final Thoughts and Reflections

20:47 The Importance of Character Relationships

24:06 Exploring Tropes in Romance

28:10 Character Development and Family Dynamics

32:10 The Nature of Instant Love

34:55 Interconnected Worlds in Romance

39:48 Final Thoughts and Ratings

Jenn - Darkness 2, Spicy 3 , Content 4, Overall 4

Mistie - Darkness 2, Spicy 3 , Content 4, Overall 4

In this conversation, Mistie and Jenn discusses the book 'Sovereign' by Rhea Morris Edwards, expressing their frustrations with the character dynamics, plot, and themes. They critiques the portrayal of the characters, particularly the protagonist's lack of agency and the problematic relationship dynamics. The discussion highlights the disconnect between the expectations of a dark cowboy romance and the execution in the book, leading to a disappointing reading experience.

00:00 Introduction to Sovereign

05:05 Critique of Character Dynamics

10:11 Frustrations with Plot and Themes

13:29 Concluding Thoughts on the Series

Jenn - Darkness 2, Spicy 4, Content 2, Overall 1

Mistie - Darkness 2, Spicy 4, Content 2, Overall 1

In this conversation, Mistie and Jenn delve into the Bonded by Beast Duology by Hazel McBride, exploring the intricate world of elemental powers, matriarchy, and the struggles of the protagonist, Amira. They discuss the themes of feminine rage, the complexities of royal family dynamics, and the evolution of Amira's character as she navigates her destiny amidst betrayal and the quest for power. The conversation covers both books in the duology, highlighting key plot points, character relationships, and the pacing of the narrative. In this conversation, Jenn and Mistie delve into the themes of trauma, healing, and character development in fantasy literature, specifically focusing on the complexities of female relationships and the impact of religion and power dynamics within the narrative. They reflect on their reading experiences, discussing the emotional depth of the characters and the unique portrayal of healing journeys, while also considering the book's pacing and overall enjoyment.

00:00 Introduction to the Bonded by Beast Duology

12:00 Exploring Book One: A Fate Forged in Fire

23:03 Delving into Book Two: The Journey Continues

31:30 Exploring Trauma and Healing in Fantasy

34:40 The Role of Female Relationships in Overcoming Adversity

36:46 Religion and Power Dynamics in the Narrative

39:10 Character Development and Family Dynamics

40:40 Ratings and Reflections on the Reading Experience

Jenn - Darkness 2, Spicy 2, Content 4, Overall 4

Mistie - Darkness 2, Spicy 2, Content 4, Overall 3

That's a wrap on Season 8 of Bones of the Storie, please enjoy all the giggles and unplanned snippets of conversations that didn't make into our episodes.

Make sure you subscribe and be on the look out for Season 9 to drop August 4, 2026. We've got some great things to look forward too.

Wrapping up our eighth chapter of Bones of the Storie, where Mistie and Jenn rank the books of Season 8 and talk about some of the new changes that were made and still some to come.

Content Highlights

• Discussing DNF's
• Ranking order of S8
• Hitting 100 books

In this episode, Mistie and Jenn dive into a critical discussion, and most definitely not a rant, of the book Untamed by Ariel Hendrix. Or is it MJ Hendrix.

• Ranch vs farm
• She did what?
• Beef

Jenn's Rating: Darkness 2, Spicy 2, Content 2, Overall 2

Mistie's Rating: Darkness 2, Spicy 2, Content 2, Overall 1

Other books mentioned: Carter Reed, Unholy Vows

Jenn and Mistie are trying something new. No agenda, no theme ... just a spontaneous chat about book and reading vibes and seeing where the conversation flows.

Content Highlights

• We've got mood readers
• Who loves a good, completed, series?
• Mistie panicking from the first line in the blurb for Archangel's Eternity

Other books mentioned: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, Under Her Scars, Pen Pal, Plated Prisoners Series, Bridge Kingdom Series, Edge of Darkness Trilogy, Feathers So Vicious, Luna Mason, SJM, Rebecca Yarros, Maya Banks, Nalini Singh

Mistie and Jenn are in sync in this episode. They share their thoughts on the "Quicksilver and Brimstone" by Callie Hart. Don't take the synopsis too seriously, you can jump right into the audio of this series.

Content highlights

• if Mistie remembers correctly
• Tree or not, that is the question
• A true morally grey character

Jenn's Rating: Darkness 2, Spicy 3, Content 5, Overall 5

Mistie's Rating: Darkness 2, Spicy 3, Content 5, Overall 5

Other books mentioned in this episode: bridge kingdom, bonds that tie, Plated Prisoner Series

Dive into the conversation with Jenn and Mistie on Pen Pal by JT Gessinger. They discuss the twists question the boundaries between reality and the supernatural within this book.

Content Highlights:

• Shocker to not be shocked
• 80/20 rule
• emotional damage and not in a good way

Jenn's Rating: Darkness 2, Spicy 3, Content 5, Overall 3

Mistie's Rating: Darkness 2, Spicy 3, Content 4, Overall 4/1

Other books mentioned in this episode: JT Geissinger books, Dead Soldiers vs Tailors

Do character deaths make the story better? Ever disagree with a character death? Well on today's episode, Jenn and Mistie unravel some character deaths in storytelling and how these pivotal moments can transform a narrative, leaving readers either deeply moved or questioning the plot's direction.

Content Highlights:

• Fascinating stuff
• Didn't see her arguing that way
• Def need a reread to better counterargue

Other books mentioned in this episode: ACOTAR, Fourth Wing, Emerald Lakes, Divergent, High Mountain Court, Bonds That Tie, Pen Pal, Bridge Kingdom