Fiction Fanatics

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Welcome back, Nerds! In this week's episode of Fiction Fanatics, hosts Ashley, Chanel, and Stacy are joined by a very special guest, Josh Brown, who is back for his second episode with us. Josh has recently delved into the magical world of Harry Potter, having read the first four books, and he's here to share his thoughts, favorite moments, and character insights.

Join us as we dive deep into the wonders of Hogwarts, discuss the intricacies of the wizarding world, and relive some of the most iconic scenes from the series. Whether you're a longtime Potterhead or new to the series, this discussion is sure to spark your imagination and reignite your love for these classic tales.

But that's not all! We'll also be catching up on our latest adventures and sharing some exciting new book and TV show recommendations to add to your must-watch and must-read lists.

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram at @fictionfanaticspod for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and more. Tune in and join the conversation!

***Produced by Jen Hardin***

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Hey Nerds! Welcome back to another thrilling episode of Fiction Fanatics! This week, hosts Stacy, Chanel, and Ashley continue their deep dive into Brynne Weaver's Butcher and Blackbird with part two of our discussion. This dark romantic comedy about serial killers has us hooked with its unique blend of macabre humor and unexpected romance.

Join us as we explore the complexities of the main characters, dissect the intricate plot twists, and laugh out loud at the darkly comedic moments that make this book a must-read. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the story, our lively conversation will have you eagerly turning the pages alongside us.

Don't miss out on our theories, favorite scenes, and predictions for what’s to come. Tune in for a thrilling and entertaining episode of Fiction Fanatics!

Follow us on Instagram @fictionfanaticspod for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more!

***Produced by the amazing Jen Hardin***

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Join Chanel, Ashley, and Stacy on this week's episode of Fiction Fanatics as they dive into the darkly comedic world of "Butcher and Blackbird" by Brynne Weaver. In this first installment, they unravel the twisted tale of two serial killers in a genre-bending romantic comedy. Brace yourselves, Nerds, because this book discussion comes with a hefty dose of laughter and love for all things literature.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of dark themes related to serial killers. Listener discretion is advised.

Tune in as the hosts dissect the first half of this gripping novel, sharing their favorite moments, hilarious insights, and why they can't put it down. Whether you're a bookworm or just curious about this unique blend of genres, Fiction Fanatics promises an entertaining ride filled with witty banter and unabashed book nerdery.

Summary:
When a chance encounter sparks an unlikely bond between rival murderers Sloane and Rowan, the two find something elusive—the friendship of a like-minded, pitch-black soul. From small town West Virginia to upscale California, from downtown Boston to rural Texas, the two hunters collide in an annual game of blood and suffering, one that pits them against the most dangerous monsters in the country. But as their friendship develops into something more, the restless ghosts left in their wake are only a few steps behind, ready to claim more than just their newfound love. Can Rowan and Sloane dig themselves out of a game of graves? Or have they finally met their match?

*Summary from Goodreads*

***Produced by Jen Hardin***

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What if your favorite quirky vampire from "What We Do in the Shadows" could join us in celebrating Pride? We kick off our latest episode with a laugh-filled tribute to Laszlo and his hilariously iconic co-stars. The excitement doesn't stop there—Suzanne Collins' upcoming "Hunger Games" prequel has us buzzing! We're thrilled to speculate on casting choices for Haymitch's quarter quell adventure and revisit our love for Haymitch, Effie, and Gale.

Are you ready for some heart-pounding romance recommendations? We dive into C.S. Pacat's intricate and riveting "The Captive Prince" trilogy, where a prince's betrayal leads to an unforgettable slow-burn romance. For those who love a good audiobook, "Legends and Lattes" by Travis Baldree offers exceptional narration and storytelling. Switching gears, we explore dark academia with captivating novels and fanfics, including a Marauders-era tale that mixes historical accuracy with wizarding world drama.

Our literary journey continues as we discuss the representation of LGBTQ characters in books, spotlighting the significant impact of "The Song of Achilles." We share our favorite Marauders moments and humorous Harry Potter fan encounters. Wrapping up, we celebrate our new YouTube page launch, share laughs over "Friends" trivia, and express heartfelt gratitude for the support of friends and family. This episode is packed with enthusiasm, laughter, and a treasure trove of book recommendations!

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Ever wondered why blank pages can make you cry? Join Chanel, Stacey, and Ashley from Fiction Fanatics as we walk down memory lane, revisiting the emotional chaos of Edward leaving Bella in "New Moon." Stacy shares the joy and chaos of her return from maternity leave, complete with her baby’s adorable podcast debut. The laughs keep coming with Chanel’s late-night binge-texting escapades and our collective need to lighten the mood after watching Zac Efron’s intense performance in "The Iron Claw."

Get ready for a thrilling ride as we reveal our Book of the Month, "Butcher and Blackbird" by Bryn Weaver. This dark, twisted love story between two serial killers has us hooked, especially with its unique trigger warnings and captivating Irish narration in the audiobook. We’re buzzing with excitement for the sequels that promise more dark romance adventures with Rowan's brothers. Whether you’re into true crime, dark humor, or just love a good thriller, this book is a must-read, and we can’t wait to hear your thoughts!

Finally, we get real about dark romance tropes and our favorite themes in fan fiction. From the possessiveness in Hannibal and Will Graham stories to the problematic "therapist I can fix him" trope, we dive into the complexities that make these narratives so compelling. We reminisce about iconic works like "Iron Widow" and explore the allure of complex characters like Draco Malfoy. With a mix of humor and heartfelt reflections, we celebrate the intense and diverse world of dark romance literature, leaving you with plenty of recommendations to add to your reading list.

***Produced by Jen Hardin***

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Embark on a literary escapade that will weave you through the laughter, love, and lunacy of high fantasy worlds! With Josh's epic trek to join us (complete with a pitstop at Best Buy), we promise an episode packed with the charm of audiobooks and the secrets behind the draw of "A Court of Mist and Fury." Unwind with us as we compare notes on the alluring narration styles that transform mundane jogs into epic quests and the spellbinding tales that might just replace your workout playlist.

From the intricate spellwork in Brandon Sanderson's creations to the entwined destinies of Sarah J. Maas's heroines, we dissect what makes these authors' series bewitchingly resonate with readers—and listeners. Our candid banter flits from the gripping world-building to character arcs that spark debates, while social media's power in propelling these stories into the limelight gets its due spotlight. And when it comes to Feyre's artistry (or lack thereof), we spare no jests nor hold back on the sweetness of Cassian's confessions.

We wrap up with a hearty chat about the spicy scenes that set our pulses racing, the emotional rollercoasters of Nesta and Feyre's journeys, and the high stakes drama of immortality. Whether it's Feyre's fierce battles or the simmering tension between characters, we dissect it all with humor and heart. Plus, don't miss our foray into the Harry Potter realm, where we ponder how the series feels when you're coming at it fresh as an adult. Tune in, and let's navigate the laugh-out-loud moments and deep connections that define our favorite fantastical narratives.

Summary:
Feyre has undergone more trials than one human woman can carry in her heart. Though she's now been granted the powers and lifespan of the High Fae, she is haunted by her time Under the Mountain and the terrible deeds she performed to save the lives of Tamlin and his people.

As her marriage to Tamlin approaches, Feyre's hollowness and nightmares consume her. She finds herself split into two different one who upholds her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court, and one who lives out her life in the Spring Court with Tamlin. While Feyre navigates a dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms. She might just be the key to stopping it, but only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future-and the future of a world in turmoil.

Bestselling author Sarah J. Maas's masterful storytelling brings this second book in her dazzling, sexy, action-packed series to new heights.

*Summary from Goodreads*

***Produced by Jen Hardin***

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Hey Nerds! 

We have a special guest this week, Sarah! We had the best time diving into part two of A Court of Mist and Fury.  We miss you Stacy!

Have you ever found yourself so immersed in a book's world that you forget reality for a while? This episode, we bring along Sarah, a dedicated listener turned guest, who shares that very passion for getting lost in literary escapes. We revel in the nostalgia of childhood favorites like American Girl Dolls and introduce fresh loves from Sarah's recent reads, such as "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" and "Once in a Millennial." Our shared laughter and stories form the tapestry of today's conversation, weaving through the threads of fiction and non-fiction alike. 

Summary:
Feyre has undergone more trials than one human woman can carry in her heart. Though she's now been granted the powers and lifespan of the High Fae, she is haunted by her time Under the Mountain and the terrible deeds she performed to save the lives of Tamlin and his people.

As her marriage to Tamlin approaches, Feyre's hollowness and nightmares consume her. She finds herself split into two different one who upholds her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court, and one who lives out her life in the Spring Court with Tamlin. While Feyre navigates a dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms. She might just be the key to stopping it, but only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future-and the future of a world in turmoil.

Bestselling author Sarah J. Maas's masterful storytelling brings this second book in her dazzling, sexy, action-packed series to new heights.

*Summary from Goodreads*

***Produced by Jen Hardin***

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Ever found yourself arguing with friends over whether audiobooks or physical books provide the superior reading experience? That's precisely the kind of debate we ignite as Chanel, myself, and the Fiction Fanatics welcome Dannie to the fray. While Stacy's off snuggling her new bundle of joy, we dive headfirst into the lush landscapes of Sarah J. Maas's "A Court of Mist and Fury," comparing the sensory delights of ink on paper to the spoken word, and even entertain the thought of a dramatized Harry Potter series to spice up our future episodes.

Fantasy worlds collide with reality as we unravel the threads of love and toxicity within Maas's narrative, holding a magnifying glass over Tamlin's controversial character arc. Mother's Day is on the horizon, so amidst our literary excavation, we pause to tip our hats to the powerhouse moms out there—including ours. Dannie steps bravely into the podcasting limelight, reminding us that the bonds of friendship and shared passions can turn workplace acquaintances into lifelong comrades.

Summary:
Feyre has undergone more trials than one human woman can carry in her heart. Though she's now been granted the powers and lifespan of the High Fae, she is haunted by her time Under the Mountain and the terrible deeds she performed to save the lives of Tamlin and his people.

As her marriage to Tamlin approaches, Feyre's hollowness and nightmares consume her. She finds herself split into two different one who upholds her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court, and one who lives out her life in the Spring Court with Tamlin. While Feyre navigates a dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms. She might just be the key to stopping it, but only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future-and the future of a world in turmoil.

Bestselling author Sarah J. Maas's masterful storytelling brings this second book in her dazzling, sexy, action-packed series to new heights.

*Summary from Goodreads*

***Produced by Jen Hardin***

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Buckle up for an episode that's as unpredictable as a car birth—which, yes, you heard right, might be a real possibility for Stacy! We're weaving through the cosmic laughter of shared astrological signs and TV series that steal our hearts, like "The Sandman" and "The Dead Boy Detectives." And if you're in search of a show that brings the house down with humor and representation, let "We Are Lady Parts" tickle your funny bone. We're chatting all things pop culture and personal milestones, with stories and suggestions that'll have you hooked from the get-go.

Turn the pages with us as we get into the meat of fantasy literature—one where humor clashes with the serious business of magic and representation. It's a landscape where "A Court of Mist and Fury" can leave us hungry for more inclusive character palettes, and books like "A Day of Fallen Night" serve up the cultural diversity we crave. Whether we're rooting for the knight in shining armor or falling for the bad boy, we're celebrating the narratives that shake up the norm and immerse us in worlds inspired by rich, varied heritages. In this chapter of our lives, the reading list is long and every title brings with it a promise of escapism and enlightenment.

As we round off with a nod to our book club picks, we're not just talking spine-tingling reads like "Butcher and Blackbird"—we're living through the real-life suspense of Stacy's pending labor. Reflecting on our podcast journey, we share giggles over the unparalleled genius of "The Office's" "Dinner Party" episode and drop hints about our deep-dive into Sarah J. Maas's work. So pull up a chair, grab your favorite beverage, and join us for an episode that promises equal parts laughter, heartfelt companionship, and a treasure trove of must-hear recommendations.

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Hey nerds, we are discussing part one of Seven Days in June by Tia Williams.  This book is an instant favorite of ours, and we know you will love it too!

Our narrative takes a sharp turn as we unwrap the complex emotions entangling Eva's past and present relationships, her quest for answers, and the tensions that surge when family secrets are on the brink of exposure. Eva's confrontation with her past love, a mystery locked away by her mother's silence, is a raw display of the heartache of unfinished business. We wade through the murky waters of jealousy, sabotage, and the redemptive power of understanding as we trace the steps of Eva and her mother, whose strained bond refracts the longing we've all felt for maternal connection and closure.

We top off this emotional rollercoaster with a glowing review of a spicy tale that's caught Reese Witherspoon's eye—a story of characters clawing their way to redemption, love, and a kiss that's been years in the making. We're not just recounting plot points; we're lauding our favorite lines, basking in the satisfaction of a tale that's every bit deserving of its silver screen buzz.

Summary:
Brooklynite Eva Mercy is a single mom and bestselling erotica writer, who is feeling pressed from all sides. Shane Hall is a reclusive, enigmatic, award-winning literary author who, to everyone's surprise, shows up in New York.

When Shane and Eva meet unexpectedly at a literary event, sparks fly, raising not only their past buried traumas, but the eyebrows of New York's Black literati. What no one knows is that twenty years earlier, teenage Eva and Shane spent one crazy, torrid week madly in love. They may be pretending that everything is fine now, but they can't deny their chemistry - or the fact that they've been secretly writing to each other in their books ever since.

Over the next seven days in the middle of a steamy Brooklyn summer, Eva and Shane reconnect, but Eva's not sure how she can trust the man who broke her heart, and she needs to get him out of New York so that her life can return to normal. But before Shane disappears again, there are a few questions she needs answered...

With its keen observations of Black life and the condition of modern motherhood, as well as the consequences of motherless-ness, Seven Days in June is by turns humorous, warm and deeply sensual.

*Summary from Goodreads*

***Produced by Jen Hardin***