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 In today's episode ,LaShawn dives headfirst into the world of Romantasy – you know, that magical blend of romance and fantasy. We'll chat about how this genre evolved, what makes it so special, and how romance and fantasy come together to create something truly unique. LaShawn  also shares some of her absolute favorite reads for newbies, including popular series and what makes them so special.

 

00:00 Introduction to Romantasy
02:32 Defining Romantasy and Its Evolution
03:55 Sub-genres and Trends in Romantasy
04:48 Recommended Romantasy Reads: Throne of Glass
08:31 Recommended Romantasy Reads: Legend-Born Cycle
09:25 Recommended Romantasy Reads: The Serpent and the Wings of Night
10:13 Recommended Romantasy Reads: Blood and Ash Series
12:12 Recommended Romantasy Reads: Fourth Wing Series
 
 Books Mentioned in this Episode:

The Circle Trilogy By Nora Roberts

Arcane Series Jayne Ann Krentz ( this is the second book in the series)

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

A Court of Thornes and Roses By Sara J Maas

Throne of Glass By Sara J Maas

Legendborn By Tracey Deonn

The Serpent and the Wings of Night By Carissa Broadbent

From Blood and Ash By Jennifer L Armentrout

The Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros 

Iron Flame

Onyx Storm 

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 In this episode, LaShawn dives into the world of Kindle Unlimited, discussing its features, benefits, and a variety of book recommendations across different genres that are currently available with a Kindle Unlimited description


00:00 Introduction to Kindle Unlimited and Personal Reflections
06:30 Exploring Kindle Unlimited: Features and Benefits
10:19 Top Book Recommendations on Kindle Unlimited
15:07 Community Engagement and Personal Updates

Books Talked about in this episode 

Fourth Wing

Iron Flame

The Boyfriend By Frieda McFadden

The WIndy City Series by Liz Tomforde

All The Sinners Bleed by SA Crosby

The Handmaid's Tale By Margaret Atwood 

The Perfect marriage by Jeneva Rose

The Fifth Season By N.K. Jemisin

The Silent Patient By Alex Michaelides

Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan

Part of Your World by Abby Jimemez

Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor

Get Kindle Unlimited Here 

Donate to the The World Kitchen for the California Fires.

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In this episode of Pouring Over Books, LaShawn  reflects on her holiday break, discusses her reading goals for 2025, and shares her most anticipated book releases for the year. 

Audiobooks or Reading? To Our Brains, It Doesn’t Matter

04:27: Flyy Girl By Omar Tyree

4:45: Most Anticipated Books of 2025

5:25: Death of the Author By Nnedi Okorafor

07:28: Can't Get Enough By Kennedy Ryan

08:54: Say You'll Remember Me By Abby Jimenez 

11:00: Matriarch Tina Knowles 

12:30: Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

Emily's Instagram: 

Pouring Over Books Bookclub 

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LaShawn reflects on and shares her favorite books from 2024. We also get into the her thoughts on the new Kindle Colorsoft, something she is currently side eyeing, and plans for the podcast next year including the Book Club.

Books and Links Mentioned in this episode:

 The Blackbird Oracle By Deborah Harkness
If it Makes You Happy Julie Olivia
The Wedding People Allison Espach 

This Could Be Us By Kennedy Ryan
James By Percival Everett 

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
The First Lie Wins By Ashley Elston

A Love Song For Ricki Wilde By Tia Williams

Forget Me Not Karissa Kinwood

 
The Death of the Author By Nnedi Okorafor
A Sea of Unspoken Things By Adrienne Young
Flyy Girl By Omar Tyree
The Pouring Over Books Bookclub

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Guess what? Audiobooks can be just as good as reading a regular book! In this episode, I'm sharing all you need to know about Audiobooks. From why you should start listening to audio books, where to find them and a few of my favorites to get you started.   

Books and Links from the Episode

Get an Audible Membership

Join Libro FM with code SWITCH for 2 free audio books

https://www.discovermagazine.com/mind/audiobooks-or-reading-to-our-brains-it-doesnt-matter

Books Mentioned in this episode

Born a Crime By Trevor Noah Get on Audible 

Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid Get on Libro FM or Get on Audible 

Their Eyes Were Watching God By Zora Neale Hurston Get on Libro FM or Get on Audible 

Fourth Wing By Rebecca Yarros : The Graphic Audio Edition  Get on Graphic Audio or Get on Audible 

Will By Will Smith Get on Libro FM or Audible.com

House of Dragons KA Linde Get on Libro FM or Get on Audible 

This Motherless Land By Nikki May Get on Libro FM or Get on Audible 

Mansfield Park 

Join our bookclub

Fly Girl Omar Tyree Get on Bookshop.org or Amazon.com

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Hey bookworms! In this episode of Pouring Over Books, LaShawn spills the tea on her latest adventures t  including her first and last marathon. She dives into her favorite books read last month and what she is currently reading. 
Today's theme is Christmas Romance novels with LaShawn highlighting her top Christmas romance picks. Plus, she's super excited to announce a new book club focusing on Black Girl Chick Lit – you should totally join!

00:00
Marathon Reflections and Reading Adventures

04:21
Exploring New Romance Reads

09:01
Christmas Romance Recommendations

13:24
Announcing the Book Club: Black Girl Chick Lit

17:51
Current Reads and Personal Updates

Books Mentioned in this episode

From Air By Jewel E Ann
Variation by Rebecca Yarrows
Fourth Wing By Rebecca Yarrows
A Jingle Bell Mingle By Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone
All I Want is You by Fallon Ballard
Cruel Winter with You Ali Hazelwood
A Wallflower Christmas By Lisa Kleypas
Royal Holiday By Jasmine Guillory
Lovelight Farms By B.K Borison

Lights Out Into Darkness Novel By Navessa Allen
This Motherless Land bY Nikki May

10 of the Best Christmas Romance Books

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In this episode of Pouring Over Books, LaShawn talks about the scary trend of book banning in American schools. She discussed how this affects students and points out the importance of seeing yourself in books.

LaShawn dives deep into books by Black women that have been banned, like Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye and Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and more.  She stresses how important it is for communities to fight against censorship and support the right to read diverse stories.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Book Bans in America
06:05 Highlighting Banned Books by Black Women
11:49 Exploring Specific Banned Books
17:15 The Importance of Representation in Literature
22:48 Personal Reflections and Current Interests



Books Discussed

The Bluest Eye By Toni Morrison

Monday's Not Coming By Tiffany D Jackson

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings By Maya Angelou

Hood Feminism By Mikki Kendall

A Raisin in the Sun By Lorraine Hansbury

Other links for reference

20 Banned Books by Black Women

 Banned and Challenged Books from the American Library Association

United Against Book Bans Dot Org

Show notes can be found here at Pouring Over Books

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In this episode of Pouring Over Books, LaShawn is sharing six books to distract you from the real world this week and a rant at the water cooler.  The conversation touches on the debate surrounding warning labels on romance novels and the societal perceptions of the genre. LaShawn encourages listeners to embrace their reading choices and highlights the significance of civic engagement, particularly in the context of voting.

00:00
Welcome and Introduction to the Podcast

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02:03
6 Book Recommendations for Escaping Reality

The Love Song for Ricki Wilde By Tia Williams
The Gunslinger By Stephen King
The Unmaking Of June Farrow By Adrienne Young
The Meaning Of Mariah Carey
Atomic Habits James Clear
The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon

15:08
The Watercooler: The Debate on Warning Labels for Romance Books ( ie enjoy your Smut without being judged for it) 

21:18
Current Obsessions and Thoughts This Week

You can find the show notes and a complete list of books talked about today here on Pouringoverbooks.com

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On this Episode of Pouring Over Books, LaShawn is discussing:

•  what it means to be a reader in today's online world, 
• my unconventional book rating system, emphasizing  that a book's worth isn't solely measured by a five-star rating
• literary snobbery 
• and ratings and reviews of recent reads.

Show notes are time stamped below for  your convenience. Read a full transcript of the show here.



00:00 Introduction to Pouring Over Books Podcast
02:58 Book Rating System Explained
07:14 Book Reviews: Ministry of Time
10:13 Book Reviews: God of Fury
14:59 Book Reviews: Parable of the Sower
17:24 Book Reviews: Blood and Steel
22:10 Book Reviews: The Wedding People
24:15 Book Reviews: The God of the Woods
27:08 Discussion: Who is a Real Reader?
31:17 Current Obsessions and Upcoming Reads
31:31 Kindle Colorsoft
35.39: The Blueprint

Episode Website


IG: @lashawnwiltz
@pouringoverbookspod

LaShawn's Substack

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Well, friends I'm starting a podcast to talk about my favorite thing: BOOKS.
So tune in for weekly discussions where we dive into the books we love and even the ones we don't. Every week  ( or so) we'll chat about my latest reads, share some recommendations, and even bring on a friend or two for a good old-fashioned book chat. So get comfy, grab a warm cup of something and let's chat!  

Follow the Podcast on IG @pouringoverbookspod and YouTube

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Substack: Letters From LaShawn