We're back with something a little different this month! 💫 In this May Favorites video, we're sharing all the non-bookish things we're loving right now — from our Nuuly fashion picks 👗 and colorful home decor 🖼️ to our current TBRs 📚, skincare routines 🧴, new go-to meals 🥗, and even a new car 🚗!If you're usually here for the book talk (BookTube fam, we see you! 👋), we think you’ll love this peek into the other cozy, creative, and inspiring things that bring us joy outside of reading.Maddie’s Chicken nuggets of choice https://www.target.com/p/just-bare-li...Metal meal meal prep containers https://a.co/d/imTCa39Maddie’s Airfryer https://fromourplace.com/products/won... ⁨@fromourplace⁩  Hatch https://www.hatch.co/restore/putty ⁨@hatchforsleep⁩  Website for Skincare Pore Clogging Ingredients https://acneclinicnyc.com/pore-cloggi... Celimax Ji.Woo.Gae Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad  https://a.co/d/bQGGfPbAnua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serumhttps://a.co/d/843186uPURITO Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Creamhttps://a.co/d/jiauISmNuuly  ⁨@nuuly⁩  Maddie’s Link https://share.nuuly.com/maddie6445Kristen’s Link https://share.nuuly.com/kristen2485Record Player https://a.co/d/ecBeaJeKristen’s decor account recs  / steffy    / flashesofstyle  TBR wheel inspiration from our friend Dylan Books MentionedOnyx StormBy Rebecca YarrosHer Majesty’s Royal CovenBy Juno Dawson Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email us: [email protected] TikTok:   / kris.and.mads  Instagam:   / 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  Time Stamps00:00 Intro00:56 Meal prepping 03:20 Air Fryer 06:16 Macha obsession 09:27 Kristen’s Meals 10:48 Maddie’s favorite meal 12:38 Hatch 18:52 Nail Art 21:15 Accutane 22:51 Maddie’s Skincare27:46 Nuuly 33:27 Maddie’s Bronco 36:28 Record Player 38:20 Colorful Decor 42:10 To be read list #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books

Creating a book collection you truly love sometimes means getting rid of books—and yes, even the unread ones. In this episode, we’re doing the unexpected as book influencers: we’re decluttering our home libraries.We talk through how we decide which books to keep, which ones to donate, and how to let go of guilt in the process. Whether your shelves are your TBR, your trophy case, or your lending library, this conversation will help you curate a collection that reflects you—not just everything you've ever owned.Perfect for overwhelmed readers, recovering book hoarders, or anyone dreaming of a more intentional reading space. Let’s make your bookshelves a place of joy—not stress.Timestamps:00:00 Intro03:53 How to get rid of books you have read without guilt12:59 How to get rid of books you haven't read, TBRs are too long!22:10 How do you want your book collection to feel?30:21 Practical tips and mental shifts to help with declutteringLet’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email us: [email protected] TikTok:   / 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 #booksofinstagram #BookDeclutter#BookshelfOrganization#BookUnhaul#MinimalistBookshelf#HomeLibraryGoals#TBRDeclutter#BookishLife#IntentionalReading#ReadingCommunity#BookLoverProblems#BookshelfMakeover#BookishContent#BookishPodcast#BooktokUnhaul#DeclutteringTips

Is it time to stop forcing yourself to finish mediocre series? In this fiery, bookish episode, we’re diving into over 20 book series where the first book is the best one—and yes, we're naming names 👀. Whether you're a fantasy fan, romance reader, or sci-fi binge addict, we're here to save you time, money, and reading energy by spilling the truth about series that peak at book one.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro

01:54 – Series we’ve read where Book One is the strongest (but the rest is still good!)

08:36 – Series we’ve read where Book One is the best (and the rest gets worse)

16:16 – Series where we only read Book One and it works as a standalone

18:11 – Our theories on why series often peak with Book One

25:18 – Series we haven’t read, but we’ve heard you should stop after Book One

27:25 – A wild card: Dune by Frank Herbert—whether to continue depends on what you want

Books Mentioned:

📚 Book One is the strongest, but the rest is still good:

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

Pines by Blake Crouch

📉 Book One is the best—skip the rest:

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

🛑 We only read Book One—it works as a standalone:

Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco

Silver Under Nightfall by Rin Chupeco

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Dune by Frank Herbert

Vicious by V.E. Schwab

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

👂 Haven’t read, but heard you should stop after Book One:

Eragon by Christopher Paolini

Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry

Scythe by Neal Shusterman

Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli

Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email us: [email protected] TikTok: 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

Are you a new or aspiring book content creator wondering how to stand out online? In this episode, we sit down with our friend and fellow creator ‪@zoranne_‬ to talk about how she built her community, started a publishing imprint, avoided burnout, and became a recognized tastemaker in the book world.Whether you're dreaming of BookTok success, building a YouTube channel, or launching your first brand collab, this conversation is full of real, actionable advice—plus encouragement for the hard days.⏳Timestamps included so you can skip to the good stuff!💬 Leave a comment with your favorite takeaway or advice you wish you had when you started.💡Made for small, new, or aspiring bookish creators ready to grow their platforms and connect deeper with their audience.Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:26 Meet Zoranne – Two Truths and a Lie04:48 How Zoranne Started Creating & Took Off07:16 Growing Beyond Regular Posting08:22 Business vs. Community Building09:47 Nurturing vs. Growing an Audience11:27 Luck, Manifesting, or Grit?13:54 Starting a Publishing Imprint with Bindery19:58 Becoming a Tastemaker with Bindery21:00 Avoiding Burnout as a Creator24:09 Connecting Through Books & Intentionality26:27 Why Content Creation Can Be Life-Giving28:44 Networking = Talking to People33:08 Prepping for Rejection36:07 Defining Success as a Creator42:07 How to Fill Your Cup Creatively46:22 What Zoranne's Excited About Next50:06 Zoranne’s Top 3 Tips for Bookish CreatorsSubscribe for more conversations like this every week! 🧡Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email us: [email protected] TikTok:   / 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 #BookTok #BookCreator #ContentCreatorTips #BookInfluencer #AuthorTube #ReadingCommunity #SmallCreatorSupport #Zoranne #BehindTheScenes #CreatorAdvice #HowToGrowOnline #BookishContent #PublishingTips #BookNerd #Bindery #BurnoutPrevention #ManifestingSuccess #BookTalkInterview #GrowYourPlatform

✈️ Come with us as our online book club takes on the Italian Riviera — a week of adventure, laughter, and unexpected twists! From the sun-soaked shores of Alassio to the colorful villages of the Cinque Terre, from the magical bridges of Dolceacqua to the glamour of Portofino, we journeyed through Italy with open hearts (and a few plot twists we definitely didn’t plan for!).

In this episode, you’ll see how we embrace the adventure of group travel, stay flexible through the surprises, and create deep, meaningful connections with fellow book lovers at every stage of life. This isn’t just about travel — it’s about growth, friendship, and the magic of stepping outside your comfort zone.

Whether you’re an aspiring traveler, a woman looking for real community, or a bookworm dreaming of meeting kindred spirits around the world, this episode will inspire you to say yes to something new.

Timestamps:00:00 Intro

03:04 Alassio

14:29 Sanremo

17:01 Dolceacqua

28:42 Camogli

29:48 Larici

33:23 Cinque Terre

38:31 Fruttuoso

40:12 Portofino

🌍 Ready to join us on our next bookish adventure? Find out more on Patreon this week patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhood and join women who are ready to grow, connect, and explore!

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more travel vlogs, book recommendations, reviews, and more!

All thumbnail photos courtesy of Kailee Welp: https://www.kaileealsens.com/

Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email us: [email protected] TikTok: 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

#ItalianRiviera #TravelVlog #BookClubTravel #WomenTravelers #ItalyTravelVlog #BookishTravel #GroupTravelForWomen #PlotTwistTravel #FriendshipThroughTravel #CinqueTerreVlog #PortofinoTravel #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books

In this episode of The Sisterhood Podcast, we’re checking in on our 2025 reading goals after Q1—what’s working, what’s not, and the tweaks we’re making for Q2! 📚We also share 10-20 book titles we’re excited to dive into this spring, perfect for anyone looking to build their Q2 TBR or stay motivated on their own reading journey.Whether you're someone who made New Year reading resolutions, loves a good wrap-up and reset, or just wants a peek behind the scenes at how we approach reading as content creators, this one’s for you.✨ We talk accountability, routines, and keeping things fun and flexible—and yes, we mention some seriously exciting 2025 book releases too.💬 Drop your Q2 reading plans in the comments—we love hearing from fellow book lovers and helping you stay inspired.Timestamps & book list in the description below!Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:27 Checkin: Maddie’s 2025 Reading Goals02:03 Checkin: Kristen’s 2025 Reading Goals04:41 2025 Releases Maddie’s Excited to Read06:49 Kristen’s Slower More Intentional Approach to Her TBR 09:59 2025 Releases Kristen’s Excited About10:51 Series Maddie is Continuing14:54 Series for Kristen19:58 Books We Won’t Read on Audiobook20:57 Starting Our First Stephen King Book23:03 Romance Books on Kristen’s TBR25:19 New Series Maddie Is Anticipating27:14 Kristen is Tackling Liveship Traders Trilogy31:52 Resolutions Can Shift! Let’s Have A Great Q2!BOOKS MENTIONEDGifted and TalentedBy Olivie BlakeKatabasisBy R.F. KuangBury Our Bones In the Midnight SoilBy V.E. SchwabFirst-Time CallerBy B.K. BorisonFlawlessBy Elsie SilverSunrise on the ReapingBy Suzanne CollinsThe Burning SeriesThe Rage of Dragons and Fires of VengeanceBy Evan WintersAudiobook Narrator: Prentice OnayemiThe Lost Queen seriesBy Signe PikeThe Bound and the Broken SeriesBy Ryan CahillVilest ThingsBy Chloe GongAn Ember in the Ashes SeriesBy Sabaa TahirInfernal DevicesBy Cassandra ClareLegendborn CycleBy Tracy DeonnDungeon Crawler CarlBy Matt DinnimanA Sea of Unspoken ThingsBy Adrienne YoungDeath of the Author By Nnedi OkoraforMurderbotBy Martha Wells11/22/63Stephen KingChestnut SpringsBy Elsie SilverAge of Madness Trilogy By Joe AbercrombieThe Fitz and the Fool TrilogyBy Robin HobbWheel of TimeBy Robert JordanDaughter of the EmpireBy Raymond E. Feist and Jenny WurstDandelion DynastyBy Ken LiuThe ExpanseBy James S.A. CoreyA Song of Ice and FireBy George R.R. MartinLiveship Traders By Robin Hobb

Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email us: [email protected] TikTok: 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 #readinggoals #TBR2025 #bookpodcast #ReadingGoals2025 #Quarter2TBR #TBRUpdate #BookPodcast #ReadingWrapUp #ReadersOfYouTube #ContentCreatorLife #BehindTheScenes #ReadingAccountability #BookishCommunity #BooksToRead2025 #MidYearCheckIn #BookLoversUnite #ReadingMotivation #GoalSettingForReaders

Join us for an exclusive interview with Adalyn Grace, the bestselling author of the Belladonna series! We dive into the gothic romance, haunting mysteries, and swoon-worthy characters that make this series a must-read. Adalyn shares behind-the-scenes insights into Signa and Death’s dynamic relationship, her inspiration for the lush, eerie world of Thorn Grove, and what fans can expect next.If you love dark fantasy, romantic gothic fiction, and books like The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, this episode is for you! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more author interviews, book discussions, and fantasy recommendations!Here's Adalyn's website: https://adalyngraceauthor.com/You can follow Adalyn Grace on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authoradalyngrace/📚 Get Belladonna here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Belladonna-by-Adalyn-Grace/9781399736961🔔 Subscribe for more bookish content!Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email us: [email protected] TikTok: 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 #Belladonna #AdalynGrace #FantasyBooks #GothicRomance #BookTok #DarkFantasy #Romantasy #AuthorInterview

What really defines a Young Adult (YA) book versus a New Adult (NA) or Adult Fantasy? And why do these distinctions feel more confusing than ever? In this episode, we explore the blurred lines between YA, NA, and Adult books, particularly in the fantasy genre.

Our perspectives on YA fantasy have shifted. Kristen now gravitates toward YA fantasy series because they tend to be shorter, more efficient in storytelling, and plot-driven. Plus, when romance is included, it can have more depth and emotional substance instead of relying on spice or smut. Maddie, on the other hand, champions Adult Fantasy but also investigates the publishing industry’s role in categorizing and marketing books.

We dive into:

📖 Why YA books often earn their page count

📖 How the presence of “spice” is (or isn’t) a defining factor

📖 The challenges booksellers face in shelving YA vs. NA vs. Adult books

📖 How the publishing industry influences these categories

📖 Why marketing books appropriately is crucial for the right audience

If you’ve ever wondered why some books feel miscategorized or why you love (or avoid) YA books as an adult, this discussion is for you! Let us know your thoughts: Should “Young Adult” still be a genre, or is it just confusing readers?

Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email us: [email protected] TikTok: 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 #YoungAdultBooks #NewAdult #AdultFantasy #BookishPodcast #BookCommunity #FantasyReaders #BookDiscussion #PublishingIndustry #YAbooks #NAbooks #BookMarketing #SpicyBooks #FantasyBookSeries #BookTok #Bookstagram

🚨 STOP rushing through your TBR! 🚨 Books don’t expire, and there’s NO reason to stress about reading books while they’re trending. In this episode, we break down our mantra: Good Books Will Be Good Forever and prove our point with 10 books that have stood the test of time 📖✨We’re talking about:✔️ Why the pressure to read new releases is unnecessary✔️ The problem with hype-driven reading✔️ 10 books over 10 years old that still SLAP 🔥Timestamps:00:00 Intro03:40 The Lord of the Rings – J.R.R. Tolkien07:57 Dune – Frank Herbert11:33 Ender’s Game – Orson Scott Card14:26 Man’s Search for Meaning – Viktor E. Frankl17:05 Sense and Sensibility – Jane Austen19:41 The Infernal Devices Trilogy – Cassandra Clare21:26 Mistborn Trilogy – Brandon Sanderson23:01 And Then There Were None – Agatha Christie24:42 Wayward Pines Trilogy – Blake Crouch26:59 The Realm of the Elderlings – Robin Hobb🔔 Subscribe for more bookish deep dives and hot takes! Let’s savor our reading and stop letting hype dictate our TBRs.Would love to hear your thoughts! Do you feel pressure to read books ASAP before they fade from popularity? Drop a comment! 👇Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email us: [email protected] TikTok: 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 #BookPodcast #TimelessBooks #MustReadBooks #BacklistBooks #TBRProblems #GoodBooksWillBeGoodForever #ReadingFOMO #NoRushReading #ClassicReads

As the 20th best reviewer on Goodreads (out of 150 million users!), Maddie shares the truth about book ratings, how reviews impact our reading experiences, and why they might not be as objective as we think. Kristen, on the other hand, is overcoming her doubts about whether reviewing books is worth the effort. We break down how we rate books, the difference between popularity and quality, and whether our ratings actually change over time. Whether you're a dedicated reviewer or just want to know if that viral book is actually good, this episode is for you!

Mentioned in this Episode

Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

Realm of the Elderlings by Robin Hobb

Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson

A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen

When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker

Artificial Wisdom by Thomas Weaver

The Grace Year by Kim Liggett

The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang

Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang

Brandon Sanderson’s lectures: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEUh_y1IFZY

Timestamps00:00 – Intro

00:13 – Maddie is the 20th top reviewer on Goodreads!

01:56 – Kristen’s reluctance to write book reviews

02:40 – How writing reviews helps Maddie think critically & guide readers

06:07 – Why good reviews include both strengths & weaknesses

08:58 – Maddie’s reading tracking spreadsheet: why she made it

10:16 – Maddie’s rubric for rating & reviewing books

14:25 – How reviewing books helps you learn your taste

16:30 – What earns 5 stars in the character category?

21:20 – Are popular books actually good? Does hype = quality?

25:04 – How we rate plot differently

28:36 – Can ratings change over time? Are reviews even objective?

33:08 – How we analyze themes in books

41:18 – Final thoughts on rating & reviewing

Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email us: [email protected] TikTok: 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 #BookReview #Goodreads #BookTok #BookPodcast #BookRatings #ReadingCommunity #BookLover #Bookish