We’re back in the world of Basgiath—and things are darker, deadlier, and dragon-ier than ever. In this episode, we dive into Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros to unpack the twists, the trauma, and THAT final reveal. Violet’s world is crumbling and Xaden’s fate hangs in the balance. So. Many. Thoughts.

Links

• Official author website (https://rebeccayarros.com/)
• Onyx Storm on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209439446-onyx-storm)
• Rebecca Yarros on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7539785.Rebecca_Yarros)

Chapters

• (02:00) - Podcast format

In this episode, we discuss The Love Haters by Katherine Center, a witty, heart-filled rom-com where a jaded producer meets her match in a real-life hero. We discuss the importance of self-love, sibling rivalries, and why George Bailey is a great name for a dog.

Links

• Official author website (https://katherinecenter.com/)
• The Love Haters on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217387810-the-love-haters)
• Katherine Center on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/409113.Katherine_Center)

Chapters

• (00:46) - Intro

In this episode, we dive into Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry—a genre-bending story of rival writers, buried secrets, and one enigmatic woman at the center of it all. We unpack parental expectations, weird endings, and why being 5'7" is apparently a plot point.

Links

• Official author website (https://www.emilyhenrybooks.com/)
• Great Big Beautiful Life (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218559595-great-big-beautiful-life)
• Emily Henry on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13905555.Emily_Henry)

Chapters

• (02:07) - Book summary

In this week’s episode, we’re talking The Trade Off by Samantha Greene Woodruff—a sharp, fast-paced historical fiction set in 1920s New York. Join us as we dig into ambition, gender roles, market chaos, and what it means to be the smartest (and most ignored) person in the room.

Links

• Official author website (https://www.samanthawoodruff.com/)
• The Trade Off (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/207644520-the-trade-off)
• Samantha Greene Woodruff on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21418696.Samantha_Greene_Woodruff)

Chapters

• (00:46) - Skip intro

In this episode, we dive into Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez—a heartfelt, emotionally layered romance that’s equal parts swoony and soul-stirring. We’re talking long-distance love, grief, family struggles, and why Abby’s stories always hit deeper than your average love story. This one gave us all the feels. Tune in for our take on one unforgettable night, an unexpected connection, and the kind of love that refuses to fade.

Links

• Official author website (https://www.authorabbyjimenez.com/)
• Say You’ll Remember Me (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216437557-say-you-ll-remember-me?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_16)
• Abby Jimenez on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18446724.Abby_Jimenez)

Chapters

• (00:46) - Skip Intro

In this episode, Kristy and Jon dive into The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune—a heartwarming tale of magical children, unlikely friendships, and finding your voice. They unpack themes of prejudice and humanity, gush over favorite characters like Chauncey and Talia, and reflect on the cozy magic of this feel-good read. Come for the laughs, stay for the tears... and maybe a surprise Rudolph reference.

Links

• Official author website (https://www.tjklunebooks.com/)
• The House in the Cerulean Sea (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45047384-the-house-in-the-cerulean-sea) 
• TJ Klune on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5073330.T_J_Klune)

Chapters

• (00:46) - Skip intro

In this episode, we dive into The Family Experiment by John Marrs, where various families volunteer for a cutting-edge virtual reality competition that pairs adults with children to form instant families. We break down the hidden agendas, the crazy tech, and the total emotional chaos.

Links

• Official author website (https://www.johnmarrsauthor.com/) 
• The Family Experiment by John Marrs (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197108968-the-family-experiment)
• John Marrs on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7264719.John_Marrs)

Chapters

• (00:46) - Skip intro

In this week’s episode, we dive into Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli — a magical tale filled with rebellion, romance, and just the right amount of witchy chaos. But the real question is… did Jon fall under its spell or was he ready to banish this book to the shadow realm?

Links

• Official author website (https://www.kristenciccarelli.com/)
• Rebel Witch (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60217777-rebel-witch)
• Kristen Ciccarelli (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15428577.Kristen_Ciccarelli)

Chapters

• (00:46) - Skip intro

In this episode, we dive into Kristin Hannah's powerful novel The Women, a gripping exploration of one woman’s journey through love, loss, and resilience during the Vietnam War. Join us as we unpack the novel’s themes, characters, and unforgettable moments. We’ll share our thoughts, reactions, and — of course — how Jon felt about reading this intense and emotional journey.

Links

• Official author website (https://kristinhannah.com/)
• Kristin Hannah on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/54493.Kristin_Hannah)
• The Women on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/127305853-the-women)
• VA Mental Health (https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/)
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (https://www.nami.org/)
• National Council for Mental Wellbeing (https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/)
• National Health America (https://mhanational.org/)

Chapters

• (01:59) - Content warning

It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for—our contest episode is LIVE! Four incredible finalists. Four passionate book pitches. One very overwhelmed Jon. Who made the most convincing case? Which book will Jon actually read? And will he survive the wrath of the book community if he makes the wrong choice? Tune in now to hear all the drama, all the passion, and the final decision!

Links

• Shared Hearts (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221108786-shared-hearts)
• Leigh Jack on IG (https://www.instagram.com/authorleighjack/)
• A Love Letter to Whiskey (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31549837-a-love-letter-to-whiskey)
• Katie on IG (https://www.instagram.com/katieflipspages/)
• Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216052784-between-the-devil-and-the-deep-blue-sea)
• Jessica Guerrieri on IG (https://www.instagram.com/jessicaguerrieriauthor/)
• A Sea of Song and Sirens (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205519553-a-sea-of-song-and-sirens)
• Maggie and Linzie on IG (https://www.instagram.com/book.clubbin.besties/)

Chapters

• (01:36) - Pitch: Shared Hearts