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]

Join my friend Michael and me for a conversation about the necessity of fantasy, fiction, and the simple act of play, whether that's through fantasy and romance books or tabletop games, like D&D.

This conversation started in response to his recent academic paper where Michael defends play, and fantasy, as a way to create meaning, reflect, and to simply take the edge off. Through the episode, we use books, games, and community to defend the human need to simply have fun.

WARNING: The episode starts in the middle of us talking about the recent documentary, Quiet on Set. If you're sensitive to the subject matter of that documentary, then I recommend skipping to the 3 minute, 8 second mark.

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 72, I'm reviewing some of my recent reads over the last few months! If you want to read more fleshed out versions of these reviews, then 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:

• The Scarlet Veil by Shelby Mahurin
• Chalice of the Gods by Rick Riordan
• Sanctuary of the Shadow by Aurora Ascher
• The Ex Hex & The Kiss Curse by Erin Sterling
• Every Which Way but Dead by Kim Harrison
• House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J Maas
• Fragile Threads of Power by VE Schwab

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 in my living room for a bookish chat! We grabbed some cheese and wine, and caught up on what we're currently reading.

We talked about Kristin's (not-so) scathing GoodReads reviews, her love of Emily Henry, and whether she actually knows who Jessica Biel is. And the episode wouldn't be complete without me bringing up vampires! Thank you, Shelby Mahurin and The Scarlet Veil.

This is just 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]

Join me for another episode of In Bed With Books! Today we're chatting with the author of Sanctuary of the Shadow, Aurora Ascher. We talk about different inspirations for the book, her writing rituals, the women-led reimagining of the publishing process, and a little hint about the sequel. (shh!)

Sanctuary of the Shadow was release on January 9th, 2024 through Red Tower Books. You can find out more about the books and Ascher on her website: https://auroraascher.com/

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 69, we're looking at the second half of the FBAA/ALITF saga for any theories or guesses to get our hopes up for the next book, A Soul of Ash and Blood.

Armed with our insatiable curiosity and sharp analytical skills (re: occasionally being right), we retraced our steps through each of the FBAA and AFITF episodes.

From questions of loyalty to heartbreaking betrayals, we try to unravel the threads of our own thoughts, seeking answers where possible and more questions where necessary. This week's part includes The War of Two Queens, A Shadow in the Ember, and A Light in the Flame.

Join us in preparing for this month's new release!

Got something to say? Feel free to email us at [email protected], shoot us a dm on IG @inbedwithbookspod, or reach out to us on our Discord. Stay up to date on the latest news by checking out our website and joining our email list!

In episode 68, we're taking a retrospective journey through our From Blood and Ash episodes in anticipation of next month's new release!

Armed with our insatiable curiosity and sharp analytical skills (re: occasionally being right), we retraced our steps through each of the FBAA and AFITF episodes. From intricate character arcs to enigmatic plot twists, we unravel the threads of our own conjectures, seeking answers where possible and more questions where necessary.

This week includes the first three books of the FBAA series, so tune in next week to to catch up on Poppy's story and start Sera's!

Got something to say? Feel free to email us at [email protected], shoot us a dm on IG @inbedwithbookspod, or reach out to us on our Discord. Stay up to date on the latest news by checking out our website and joining our email list!

In episode 67, we're talking about James Baldwin's If Beale Street Could Talk, a novel that explores the love story between Tish and Fonny, two young African Americans living in 1970s New York City.

Between Fonny's wrongful imprisonment and Tish's preparation for their child, it seems as though they have every reason to lose hope, but Baldwin's frank writing style blends together the hope and fear throughout the book. The result is a beautiful and heart-wrenching portrayal of love in the face of adversity.

Got something to say? Feel free to email us at [email protected], shoot us a dm on IG @inbedwithbookspod, or reach out to us on our Discord. Stay up to date on the latest news by checking out our website and joining our email list!