In this episode, we're coming at you like a defibrillator for your reading habit, to revive your passion for stories, in case you're in a reading slump! It can happen. Sometimes we read too much of the same thing, and it all starts to run together. That's when switching up genres, or reading something in your favorite genre that breaks the mold, is perfect! We've got ten book recommendations for you today, across genres. These books were able to subvert our expectations, do something fresh, and hook us! If you're headed toward a slump or want something to have on hand when it comes, we hope this list helps you out.Timestamps0:00 - Intro0:53 - Why we need Slump-busters3:41 - 11/22/63 by Stephen King10:45 - The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie17:03 - The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower23:54 - The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin30:55 - I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harper37:15 - Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild40:39 - The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig44:56 - Ghosts by Dolly Alderton48:16 - Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wong51:33 - Ascension by Nicholas Binge54:13 - Wrap-upLet’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club:   / krisandmadssisterhood  Have a business inquiry? Email our manager: [email protected]:   / kris.and.mads  Instagram:   / krisandmads  All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music, which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:   / @seerayhardly  #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books

It's time to talk about spicy books...and more mild ones too. We're finally broaching the romance genre. What do we like? What do we hate? Which ones actually do it for us? And why!In this episode of the Kris and Mads Podcast, we’re talking about the love stories that go far beyond meet-cutes and tropes. Yes, we joke about sex (because obviously), but at the heart of this episode are powerful, unconventional romance book recommendations that explore enduring love, self-discovery, sacrifice, healing, and second chances.These are love stories that linger. Stories about choosing each other again and again. About intimacy, vulnerability, and connection — emotional and physical. Whether you love romance, literary fiction, fantasy with romantic elements, or books that blur genres, these recommendations are for readers who want big feelings and meaningful love stories.If you’re looking for romance books with depth, unconventional love stories, or book recommendations about healing, longing, and transformative relationships, this episode is for you.Books Mentioned by Category:SELF DISCOVERYAlone With You in the Ether by Olivia Blake Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid TRANSCENDENT LOVEThe Invisible Life of Addie Laure By V.E. Schwab Masters of Death by Olivie Blake The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon JimenezSECOND CHANCE HEALINGSeven Days in June by Tia WilliamsHappy Place by Emily Henry SACRIFICIAL LOVESense and Sensibility by Jane Austen The Wolf Den by Elodie HarperMORE THAN ONE LOVEThe Lost Queen by Signe Pike Outlander by Diana GabaldonCONTEMPORARY ROMANCE First Time Caller by B.K. Borison Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club:   / krisandmadssisterhood  Have a business inquiry? Email our manager: [email protected]:   / kris.and.mads  Instagram:   / krisandmads  All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music, which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:   / @seerayhardly  #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books

We started reading some chunky sci-fi and fantasy series in January, and had such a good time! We're embracing the "quality over quantity" mantra this year, and that means fewer books, but hopefully bangers only! Off to an amazing start with these series: A Song of Ice and Fire, The Expanse, Stormlight Archive, Malazan, and Hierarchy! And we had time for a couple stand-alones too.BOOKS MENTIONEDThe Midnight Feast By Lucy FoleyLeviathan Wakes, Caliban’s War, and Abaddon’s Gate(Books 1-3 of the Expanse Series)By James S. A. CoreyThe Way of KingsBy Brandon SandersonGardens of the MoonBy Steven EricksonStrength of the FewBy James IslingtonStonerBy John WilliamsGame of ThronesBy George R. R. MartinTimestamps0:00 - Intro2:00 - Getting into our January reads!3:10 - Our new Patreon Spreadsheet4:03 - The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley12:20 - The Expanse Series by James S.A. Corey25:27 - The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson37:02 - Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erickson43:41 - The Strength of the Few by James Islington49:29 - Stoner by John Williams54:26 - A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin1:05:30 - Wrap up!Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club this month for Wuthering Heights:   / krisandmadssisterhood  Have a business inquiry? Email our manager: [email protected]:   / kris.and.mads  Instagram:   / krisandmads  All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:   / @seerayhardly  #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books #stormlightarchive #malazan #theexpanse #asongoficeandfire #gameofthrones

We hate it every year, but the time has come to find out what our best book of 2025 was, bracket style! Prepare to experience us highly stressed and sweating as we go through our year of reading and choose one book to rule them all!Timestamps0:00 - Intro1:03 - How the Bracket is set up3:56 - Maddie: This Is How You Lose The Time War by Max Gladstone and Amal El-MohtarVS. The Shadow of What Was Lost by James Islington7:20 - Kristen: The Duke and I by Julia Quinn VS. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo 9:59 - Maddie: The Light of All That Falls by James Islington VS. The Fires of Vengeance by Evan Winer12:39 - Kristen: Our Infinite Fates by Lauren Steven VS. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen 19:00 - Maddie: Assassin’s Fate by Robin Hobb VS. The Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson22:00 - Kristen: Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb VS. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir 25:57 - Maddie: Pachinko by Min Jin Lee VS. Wellness by Nathan Hill31:19 - Kristen: Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb VS. Mad Ship by Robin Hobb35:00 - Maddie: My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante VS. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley 39:20 - Kristen: Jade City by Fonda Lee VS. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley 46:55 - Maddie: Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrel VS. Speaking Bones by Ken Liu50:31 - Kristen: Piranesi by Suzanna Clarke VS. The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower 53:53 - Lightning Round56:35 - Elimination Round58:44 - Final Round & Winning Books!Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club:   / krisandmadssisterhood  Have a business inquiry? Email our manager: [email protected]:   / kris.and.mads  Instagram:   / krisandmads  All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music, which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:   / @seerayhardly  This episode was edited by Daniel Pena: https://danielpena.carrd.co#BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books #bestbookof2025 #bookrecommendations #readingbracket #readingchallenge

There's nothing like a screen adaptation that brings our favorite stories to life in a whole new way! It seems the screen gods have seen fit to bless us this year, because there are so many amazing stories coming to the screen this year. We can't wait to watch some of these while reading the books they're adapted from this year with our Page-to-Screen Book Club on Patreon! Here are the titles we're chatting about in this episode:Timestamps0:00 - Intro1:45 - People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry5:40 - The Seven Dials by Agatha Christie9:24 - Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë16:03 - The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas21:05 - Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir24:08 - East of Eden by John Steinbeck29:14 - The Odyssey by Homer36:27 - Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen39:54 - Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins44:50 - Dune: Messiah by Frank Herbert50:17 - The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood55:28 - The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis1:00:51 - Wrap-upSo grateful these studios are taking on these adaptations!‪@Netflix‬ ‪@LionsgateMovies‬ ‪@PrimeVideo‬ ‪@AmazonMGMStudios‬ ‪@WarnerBros‬ ‪@PBS‬   Masterpiece‪@FocusFeatures‬   ‪@UniversalPictures‬   Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club:   / krisandmadssisterhood  Have a business inquiry? Email our manager: [email protected]:   / kris.and.mads  Instagram:   / krisandmads  All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music, which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:   / @seerayhardly  #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books

It's ambitious and full of variety this year! We can't wait to reread some books we love, start some chunky new fantasy series, read even more classics, and pair some amazing stories with screen adaptations with our Patreon bookclub!We've never been so excited to share a list like this with you. There's something about knowing our taste, trusting the recommendations, and feeling like at the end of the year we will have read so many different kinds of books from different voices and different times, across genres. We're so stoked.We'll report back every month on what we've read and whether we recommend it! Stay tuned for weekly episodes in between featuring genre discussions, thematic topics, and more amazing book recommendations.Thanks so much for watching!Timestamps:0:00 - Intro1:29 - How we built our TBR5:14 - What counts as an automatic TBR7:52 - Book Recommendations12:12 - Why we have a TBR18:25 - 2026 rules for The Wheel24:09 - Series TBR for 202636:24 - Classics TBR for 202641:39 - 5 books we’re super excited for44:58 - Re-reads for 202648:43 - What we want to read with our Patreon Book Club51:23 - What could disrupt the TBRLet’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club:   / krisandmadssisterhood  Have a business inquiry? Email our manager: [email protected]:   / kris.and.mads  Instagram:   / krisandmads  All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:   / @seerayhardly  #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books #2026tbr #tbr

How did we save all of our best reads for the very end of 2025?! Finished up some amazing series, and feel all ready to jump into some amazing reads in 2026. What were your best reads of December?!Books and authors mentioned:Tell Me LiesBy Carola LoveringThe Hound of the Baskervilles and A Study in ScarletBy Sir Arthur Conan DoyleHarrow the NinthBy Tamsyn MuirThe Story of a New NameThose Who Leave and Those Who StayThe Story of the Lost ChildBy Elena FerranteTo Sir Phillip With LoveWhen He Was WickedIt’s In His KissOn the Way to the WeddingBy Julia QuinnServant of the EmpireMistress of the EmpireBy Janny Wurts and Raymond E. FeistThe Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion Vol. 3-8By Beth BrowerThe Veiled ThroneSpeaking BonesBy Ken LiuLet’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club:   / krisandmadssisterhood  Have a business inquiry? Email our manager: [email protected]:   / kris.and.mads  Instagram:   / krisandmads  All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music, which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:   / @seerayhardly  This episode was edited by Daniel Pena: [email protected]#BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books

Going to therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness. Our sponsor BetterHelp makes therapy simple, with 10% off your first month to help you get started: https://betterhelp.com/krisandmadsWelcome back, friends! ✨While visiting London, we had the absolute privilege of sitting down with Nicholas Binge, the bestselling author of speculative sci-fi thrillers that blend massive concepts with psychological horror.Nicholas Binge is the author of Ascension, a New York Times Editor’s Choice, Goodreads Choice Awards finalist, and one of the best books of 2023 according to Vulture, Goodreads, The LA Times, and The Sunday Times. His latest novel, Dissolution, was named one of the best thrillers of 2025 by The New York Times, and we dive deep into its premise, themes, and inspirations in this interview.In this conversation, we talk about Nick’s writing process, why he loves techno-thrillers, how living in Edinburgh influences his work, and his journey to becoming a full-time author. Plus, we wrap things up with book recommendations, a fun round of two truths and a lie, and where you can find him online.Whether you love sci-fi thrillers, psychological horror, or are curious about life as an author, this interview is for you.📖 Check out Nicholas Binge:👉 Website: NicholasBinge.com0:00 Intro 01:47 Nicolas Binge’s successful books04:40 Where do you get the inspiration for your books07:02 The premise of Dissolution 10:12 Premise of Acensison 16:13 Themes of Nick’s books 22:15 Why Techno-thrillers 24:00 Life as an author 27:18 Nicks’s Background 29:29 Does living Edinburgh impact your settings 33:37 What is your writing process 40:04 The perfect book give us 3 recommendations47:45 Two truths and a lie 53:25 Where to find Nicholas Binge online Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email our manager: [email protected]: https://www.tiktok.com/@kris.and.madsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/krisandmadsAll our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:https://www.youtube.com/@SeeRayHardly#BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books

Going to therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness. Our sponsor BetterHelp makes therapy simple, with 10% off your first month to help you get started: https://betterhelp.com/krisandmadsTo experience more amazing stories with us in 2026, join our Patreon read-and-watch club:   / krisandmadssisterhood  It's been an incredible year on Patreon with our 1500+ members, enhancing our reading, watching, and discussions every month! We chose a story every month and released a schedule for reading the book and watching screen adaptations. We watched amazing shows and movies adapted from these awesome books, and got to compare and contrast the two media, while fully immersing ourselves in the stories. Obviously, we've put out hours and hours of deep dive episodes on each of these stories, but now the moment has come to rank all the adaptations and books, and see what comes out on top. Is it really true that "the book is always better"? We'll find out in this episode!Huge thanks and so much love to our family on Patreon! It has been a wonderful, amazing year full of stories. We can't wait for 2026!Let’s connect!Have a business inquiry? Email our manager: [email protected]:   / kris.and.mads  Instagram:   / krisandmads  All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music, which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:   / @seerayhardly  #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books

Going to therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness. Our sponsor BetterHelp makes therapy simple, with 10% off your first month to help you get started: https://betterhelp.com/krisandmadsIn this episode, we’re reflecting on the reading goals we set for 2025, and looking to change some things up for 2026! Maddie is focusing on WISDOM in the new year, and Kristen is focusing on being TRUE. From book series to rating systems to new TBR wheels, we’re breaking down how we plan to approach our reading, reviewing, buying, and sharing next year. Timestamps00:00 Intro01:58 Did we read the book series we committed to in 2025?08:05 What genres did we read in 2025?11:31 What series/genres are we prioritizing in 2026?23:09 Did Maddie keep her promise to read less than 100 books in 2025?27:35 Thoughts on reading less audiobooks in 2025 and 202633:22 Thoughts on rating books — will it change in 2026?48:49 Kristen’s values for 202652:04 Looking back on rereads in 202553:30 How we’re using TBR wheels in 2026!01:03:43 Our intentions for 2026Series Maddie Committed to Read in 2025:Of Blood and Bone by John GwynneThe Age of Madness by Joe AbercrombieLicanius by James IslingtonThe Dandelion Dynasty by Ken LiuSeries Maddie Actually Read in 2025:The Wheel of Time by Robert JordanLicanius by James IslingtonThe Fitz and the Fool by Robin HobbLiveship Traders by Robin HobbThe Dandelion Dynasty by Ken LiuThe Neapolitan Quartet by The Empire Trilogy by Raymond E. Fesit and Janny WurtsThe Devoured Worlds by Megan E. O'KeefePines by Blake CrouchThe Lost Queen by Signe PikeLord of the Rings by J.R.R. TolkienThe Series Kristen Actually Read in 2025:Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. TolkienPines by Blake CrouchBridgerton by Julia QuinnAn Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa TahirRavenhood by Kate StewartInfernal Devices by Cassandra ClareGreen Bone Saga by Fonda LeeFarseer by Robin HobbLiveship Traders by Robin HobbWhat the River Knows by Isabel IbañezSix of Crows by Leigh BardugoRuthless Boys of the Zodiac by Caroline Peckham and Susanne ValentiSeries Kristen DNFd in 2025:The Red Queen by Victoria AveyardPriority Series on Kristen’s TBR for 2026:Tawny Man by Robin HobbThe Rain Wild Chronicles by Robin HobbThe Fitz and the Fool by Robin HobbSeries Maddie DNFd in 2025:The Book That Wouldn’t Burn by Mark LawrenceThe Locked Tomb by Tamsyn Muir (??? TBD)Priority Series on Maddie’s TBR for 2026:A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. MartinThe Expanse by James S. A. CoreyMalazan (At Least Gardens of the Moon) by Steven EricksonFinish Sun Eater by Christopher RuocchioOf Blood and Bone by John GwynneThe Age of Madness By Joe AbercrombieClassics Mentioned:Sense and Sensibility by Jane AustenFrankenstein by Mary ShelleyEmma by Jane AustenLittle Women by Louisa May AlcottDune by Frank HerbertLord of the Rings by J.R.R. TolkienThe Outsiders by S. E. HintonRebecca by Daphne Du MaurierSherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan DoyleA Book That Could Become a Classic:Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne CollinsBooks Maddie Rated Low, But Still Found Valuable:A Short Stay in Hell by Steven L. PeckOnyx Storm by Rebecca YarrosThe Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick RothfussBooks Kristen Read to Connect:Chestnut Springs by Elsie SilverThis Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El Mohtar and Max GladstoneBooks We Reread (that haven’t already been mentioned):Ender’s Game by Orsen Scott CardThe Will of the Many by James IslingtonBooks We’re Excited About:Anything by Stephen King!!!The Everlasting by Alex E. HarrowLet’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club:   / krisandmadssisterhood  Have a business inquiry? Email our manager: [email protected]:   / kris.and.mads  Instagram:   / krisandmads  All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music, which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:   / @seerayhardly