In this episode, I’m talking about my reading goals for 2025! As a devotee of SMART goals for many years, my reading goals are really more intentions than milestones I’m looking to achieve. This year, I’m really trying to find the joy in reading again, without the pressure that super defined goals can bring.

This year is about me reinforcing reading’s role in my downtime and escape, and it really came down to the question “What kind of reader do I want to be?”

If you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email!

Where else to find me:

IG: @inbedwithbookspod

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod

EM: [email protected]

In episode 82, I’m giving a review of the latest book from The Hollows series by Kim Harrison, “Demon’s Bluff,” an urban fantasy novel set in an alternate world where magic and modern sensibilities coexist. As always, I was so excited to talk about this book and this series, since I’ve been such a big fan of Rachel Morgan and her adventures as a witch in Cincinnati for so long. Join me as discussing Harrison’s grasp on each of her characters, falling back into reading about [SPOILER], and the care that Rachel uses in proving (once again) that she is That Witch.

As with all of my book reviews, there are spoilers!

If you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email!

Where else to find me:

IG: @inbedwithbookspod

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod

EM: [email protected]

In this episode of In Bed With Books, I sit down with J.K. Kennedy, author of Clumsy Beauty, a beautifully illustrated collection of bite-sized poems filled with warmth, wit, and a dash of irreverence. Clumsy Beauty is a celebration of life’s imperfections, offering inspiration for embracing our quirks, stumbles, and unique journeys. J.K. and I discuss the joy of self-acceptance and finding beauty in everyday moments, even when they’re messy.

Tune in to hear her insights on vulnerability, creativity, and what it means to live authentically in a world obsessed with perfection.

Clumsy Beauty is available now! So run to your nearest bookstore or library and grab your copy!

Jodie can be found on instagram @/jkkennedywrites

Cover Artist for Clumsy Beauty: Jessica Benhar @/harkenback

If you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email!

Where else to find me:

IG: @inbedwithbookspod

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod

EM: [email protected]

In episode 80 of In Bed With Books, I dive into What the River Knows by Isabel Ibanez, a captivating historical fantasy romance. Join me as I explore Inez’s thrilling adventure to uncover the truth behind her parents' deaths and the mysterious gifts they left behind, including the dreamy but closed-off Whitford Hayes. With book two, Where the Library Hides, coming soon, this is the perfect time to revisit or discover this awesome tale.

If you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email!

Where else to find me:

IG: @inbedwithbookspod

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod

EM: [email protected]

Join me and author Lyndsay Rush in conversation about her new book, A Bit Much. Her book is a collection of poems that explore all of the big feelings that we experience as women today - from love and rage, to impassioned or doubtful. Rush’s poems are a confident look at how life could feel if we let ourselves take up more space than we’ve been allowed.

A Bit Much is available now! So run to your nearest bookstore or library and grab your copy!

You can find Lyndsay on Instagram @maryoliversdrunkcousin or at thebread.net

If you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email!

Where else to find me:

IG: @inbedwithbookspod

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod

EM: [email protected]

Join me and my long-time friend, Kristin, for the final part of our bookish chat! We start off with some pretty strong opinions on Pride and Prejudice, before moving onto a conversation about audiobooks. We are pro-audiobook, of course, but whether we actually know what's going on in the books is a different story.

We end the episode talking about DNFing books vs pushing through, and expectations between readers and authors. We wanna know: what are books that booktok or bookstagram suggested to you that really let you down? What about books that were better than you expected?

If you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email!

Where else to find me:

IG: @inbedwithbookspod

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod

EM: [email protected]

Join me for episode 77 of In Bed With Books, where I’ll be reviewing the books I’ve read over the past Spring! Please be warned, there are spoilers ahead.

If you want more reviews from me, you can find me on Goodreads or Storygraph!

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/86407489-melissa

Storygraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/melissa_rose

Books Discussed:

• On Silver Winds by Ava Smiddy
• Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland
• Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
• Morgan Is My Name by Sophie Ketch
• Book Lovers by Emily Henry
• What the River Knows by Isabel Ibanez

If you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email!

Where else to find me:

IG: @inbedwithbookspod

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod

EM: [email protected]

And we’re back! This time with another (longer) installment of my earlier conversation with Kristin. This time around, we’re getting a little more critical of books we’ve read - some recent and some not so recent.

We talked about our terrible tolerance for horror, gave some book recommendations, and some books we recommended never picking up. Once again, Kristin proves that she doesn’t know a single actor’s name, but she makes up for it by being a blast to have on the podcast.

If you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email!

Where else to find me:

IG: @inbedwithbookspod

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod

EM: [email protected]

In this episode of In Bed With Books, I’m joined by author Mai Corland to talk about her upcoming book release, Five Broken Blades, transitioning from Children’s lit to adult fantasy, and the craft behind creating the world in her book. Please note: This is a spoiler free discussion, as the book has not been released at the time of this episode’s premiere.

We discuss Mai’s early introduction to books before diving into a behind-the-scenes look at her writing process, revealing how she defined distinct voices for each character and navigated the complexities of multiple points of view. We explore the themes of power, identity, and sacrifice present in Five Broken Blades, as well as the influences of real history and cultural diversity on the fictional world she has created.

From childhood memories of sneaking forbidden books to advice for writers, Mai was a stellar guest to have on the podcast. You can find Five Broken Blades on bookshelves May 7th, 2024.

If you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email!

Where else to find me:

IG: @inbedwithbookspod

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod

EM: [email protected]

Join me and my long-time friend Kristin for the second part of our chat! We grabbed some cheese and wine, and caught up on our TBR's.

We're talking about why I haven't read Fourth Wing yet (while Kristin continues to try and convince me), the issue with series that go on for too long, and some of our broader requirements for really enjoying fantasy reads.

This is part of a longer conversation. You can catch the rest of it in the coming weeks.

If you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email!

Where else to find me:

IG: @inbedwithbookspod

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod

EM: [email protected]