This week on Read Between the Wines, Mandy and Deb dive into Just for the Cameras by Meghan Quinn — a spicy sports romance filled with banter, tension, and unexpected heart. 🌶️🏈

From a grumpy pro football player to a flamingo-loving zookeeper, this PR stunt romance quickly turns into something much deeper. We’re breaking down the characters, the emotional twists, the laugh-out-loud moments, and yes… the spice that had us blushing.

In this episode, we discuss: ✨ Graydon St. John and his complicated family dynamics ✨ Maple’s passion, resilience, and growth ✨ The fake dating trope done right ✨ Plot twists and emotional depth ✨ Our favorite scenes (funny, heartfelt, and heated)

If you love rom-com energy, sports romance tension, and stories that balance humor with real emotional stakes, this Meghan Quinn novel is one you don’t want to miss.

Pour a glass and join the conversation. 🍷

⚠️ Spoilers ahead.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back and Chat! 

08:00 Spoiler and SPICE Alert!!

09:24 Just For The Cameras - Intro to the story

17:17 Pink Feathered Dipshits on Stilts

22:01 Flock and Tackle

24:39 Start of the PR Relationship

34:27 Meghan Made Mandy Cry

39:40 The Gladdy Daddies Have Entered the Chat

41:15 Maple, Graydon and that Yellow Dress

44:26 Graydon's Emotional Damage

46:57 Let's Talk about SPICE Baby! 

56:14 Back to the Plot

58:39 The Third Act Breakup

01:03:35 Resolution

01:07:19 Final Thoughts and Future Expectations

#JustForTheCameras #MeghanQuinn #SportsRomance #SpicyBooks #RomanceBooks #booktok #fyp #BookPodcast #BookTube #RomanceReaders #FakeDatingTrope #GrumpySunshine #BookDiscussion #OpenDoorRomance #Bookish #ReadBetweenTheWines #RomComBooks #BookRecommendations

⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/5f25tAVPlu7GRBZ2TQu3qc?si=cQvieQDqTuqAOHNDULq8nQ

⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/read-between-the-wines-with-mandy-and-deb/id1825017240

TikTok: @rbtwines

Instagram: @rbtwines2

YouTube: @rbtwines

Let us know how we're doing or what you want to hear more of!  www.readbtw.com or email us at [email protected] 

In the finale of our ACOTAR mini series, we wrap up A Court of Silver Flames and close out our full journey through the ACOTAR world.

This episode dives into the emotional, action-packed conclusion of Silver Flames — exploring friendship, resilience, loyalty, love, and the powerful evolution of Nesta’s character. From hard-won healing to epic moments of strength, we break down the biggest scenes, character growth, and what this all means for the future of Prythian.

We also share our final thoughts on the series as a whole — what surprised us, what wrecked us, and what we’re hoping to see next.

And a huge thank you to Ashley for joining us on this entire mini-series journey. We loved having you. 🍷✨

⚠️ Full ACOSF spoilers ahead. 🔥 The ACOTAR mini series may be ending… but our obsession is not.

00:00 Welcome Back!  Spoilers and What We're Currently Reading (and drinking)

08:53 ACOSF Part 2 - The Dynamic Trio

21:30 The Blood Rite Begins

24:58 Emerie's Rescue and Finding Gwyn

30:31 Determination and Quest to Ramiel

33:16 Nesta Makes an Executive Decision

35:07 Cassian's Mission

40:57 Queen B is a real B**

43:59 Nesta goes Nuclear

46:30 Feyre's Almost Out of Time

50:43 Nesta's Plea To The Cauldron 

52:57 All Roads Lead to Cassian

55:33 Real Housewives of Velaris?

58:27 Our ACOSF Thoughts and Ratings

01:00:43 Theories and Speculations for Future Books

01:22:51 Mini Series Conclusion and What's to Come

#ACOTAR #ACOSF #SarahJMaas #NestaArcheron #Cassian #Nessian #Romantasy #FantasyRomance #BookTok #BookPodcast #BookTube #BookDiscussion #Prythian #Valkyrie #SilverFlames #ReadBetweenTheWines #Spoilers

⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/5f25tAVPlu7GRBZ2TQu3qc?si=cQvieQDqTuqAOHNDULq8nQ

⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/read-between-the-wines-with-mandy-and-deb/id1825017240

TikTok: @rbtwines

Instagram: @rbtwines2

YouTube: @rbtwines

Let us know how we're doing or what you want to hear more of!  ⁠www.readbtw.com⁠ or email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠ 

This week on Read Between the Wines, we dive back into Prythian with a recap of A Court of Frost and Starlight before jumping deep into Part 1 of our A Court of Silver Flames discussion.

Originally, we planned to cover the entire book in one episode… but after recording, we realized there was way too much to unpack. So this is officially Part One, with the finale coming next week.

We’re breaking down: ✨ Nesta’s trauma, healing, and personal growth ✨ Her complicated dynamic with Cassian ✨ The magic (and personality) of the House of Wind ✨ Female friendship, leadership, and training the priestesses ✨ Power struggles, emotional breakthroughs, and identity ✨ The Dread Trove, weapon forging, and rising strength ✨ Winter Solstice moments of love, vulnerability, and acceptance

This episode explores resilience, transformation, and what it really means to rebuild yourself from the ground up.

🍷 Pour a glass and join us. ⚠️ Spoilers ahead. 🔥 Part 2 drops next week.

#ACOSF #ACOTAR #SarahJMaas #NestaArcheron #Cassian #BookPodcast #BookTok 

#ReadBetweenTheWines #Romantasy #FantasyRomance #BookDiscussion #BookTube #Prythian #DreadTrove #SilverFlames #Spoilers #Bookish

⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/5f25tAVPlu7GRBZ2TQu3qc?si=cQvieQDqTuqAOHNDULq8nQ

⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/read-between-the-wines-with-mandy-and-deb/id1825017240

TikTok: @rbtwines

Instagram: @rbtwines2

YouTube: @rbtwines

Let us know how we're doing or what you want to hear more of!  www.readbtw.com or email us at [email protected] 

In Episode 3 of our ACOTAR Mini Series, Mandy, Deb, and Ashley dive deep into A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas, and honestly… chaos reigns.

This episode follows the story in order, reacting in real time as Feyre infiltrates the Spring Court, dismantles Tamlin and Ianthe from the inside, and embraces her power as High Lady of the Night Court. We break down Feyre’s calculated manipulation, her iconic Summer Solstice petty revenge, and one of the most satisfying confrontations in the entire series.

We also unpack the complicated dynamics of the Archeron sisters — Nesta’s rage, Elain’s fragility, and the weight both carry after the Cauldron. From the Bone Carver and the mysteries of the library to shifting alliances, High Lord politics, and the looming threat of Hybern, this episode covers it all.

As tensions explode and the wall finally falls, we react to the emotional gut punches, the shocking betrayals, and the moments of bravery that change Prythian forever. It’s funny, passionate, occasionally feral, and packed with opinions.

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This is a full spoiler discussion for A Court of Wings and Ruin and the ACOTAR series up to this point.

Grab a glass of wine and settle in — this one’s a ride.

00:00 Welcome Back! Episode 3, ACOWAR (Spoiler Warnings)

04:55 Rhysand's Flashback and Back to the Spring Court (EW)

16:02 Summer Solstice and Feyre's Mind Games

26:08 Ianthe's Karma and Feyre's Escape

31:42 Altercations with Lucien's Bros, Enter our favorite Bat Boys

35:25 Back Home to Velaris

38:21 Nesta and Elain Check In

44:12 Nesta and Amren, Training and the Library

52:17 Trip to the Bone Carver

56:45 Meeting at the Court of Nightmares

01:02:09 Elaine's Visions, Bryaxis, Search for the 6th Queen

01:11:33 Battle in the Summer Court and Aftermath

01:15:02 The High Lords (and Lady) Convene... And Tamlin is still a Bitch

01:21:52 Threesomes, Daddy Issues and the Wall is gone

01:24:55 Trip to the Human Lands and Jurian is Playing Both Sides

01:28:31 Where For Art Thou Suriel?

01:30:55 Feyre's Mean Girl Moment

01:33:25 Nesta Does Some VooDoo and the Cauldron Comes to Collect

01:36:42 Battle Planning

01:38:22 This Scene Put the WAR is ACOWAR

01:45:49 Amren's Alternate Plans and Rhys' Sacrifice

01:50:33 New Beginnings, Rhys and Feyre Make One More Bargain

01:51:35 Rating ACOWAR and Looking Forward To The Finale With ACOSF

#ACOTAR #ACOWAR #ACOTARSeries #SarahJMaas #BookTube #BookTok #FantasyRomance #Romantasy #NightCourt #FeyreArcheron #Rhysand #NestaArcheron #ElainArcheron #Tamlin #BookPodcast #BookDiscussion #FantasyBooks #ReadingVlog #ACOTARMiniSeries

⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/5f25tAVPlu7GRBZ2TQu3qc?si=cQvieQDqTuqAOHNDULq8nQ

⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/read-between-the-wines-with-mandy-and-deb/id1825017240

TikTok: @read.between.the.wines2

Instagram: @rbtwines2

YouTube: @ReadBetweenTheWines2

Let us know how we're doing or what you want to hear more of!  www.readbtw.com or email us at [email protected] 

In Episode 2 of our ACOTAR mini series, Mandy, Deb, and Ashley dive into A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas, this time breaking the book down in chronological order and reacting to each major moment as it unfolds.

Unlike Episode 1, this discussion follows the timeline of the story, starting with Feyre’s unraveling in the Spring Court and moving through her healing, growth, and transformation in the Night Court. The hosts unpack Feyre’s emotional struggles, her increasingly unhealthy relationship with Tamlin (yes… the Tamlin hate is STRONG), and the stark contrast between the Spring Court and the freedom she finds with Rhysand and the Inner Circle.

The conversation covers pivotal moments including Feyre’s training with Cassian, her growing powers, the looming threat of Hybern, and her encounters with the Bone Carver and the Weaver. Mandy, Deb, and Ashley also explore themes of friendship, loyalty, self-worth, and personal growth, all while delivering plenty of humor, side commentary, and strong opinions.

Of course, the episode wouldn’t be complete without diving into the slow-burn tension between Feyre and Rhysand, the emotional payoff of Starfall, and the shocking events that lead to the attack on Velaris and the ambush involving Hybern — setting the stage for the war to come.

This episode is full of spoilers, chaotic reactions, and laugh-out-loud moments, making it a must-listen for ACOTAR fans who love deep dives, character debates, and unapologetic commentary.

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This episode contains full spoilers for A Court of Mist and Fury and references to later books in the ACOTAR series.

00:00 Welcome Back and Book Community Drama

10:23 ACOMAF Full Spoiler Discussion - Opening Chapters

29:58 Feyre is Over Tamlin's Crap

36:35 Finally Leaving the Spring Court (for now) and Going to Velaris!

41:51 Training, Preparing for War and The Bone Carver

50:17 The F*ing Weaver

55:15 Returning to the Human World and Warning of War

01:00:14 We're Mad at Rhys for This

01:04:55 To The Summer Court!

01:10:12 Feyre is a Flirt, and Rhys is Here for it

01:16:15 Spring Court Ambush and ONE BED! 

01:21:53 Another Attack and Feyre Gets an Info Dump

01:28:26 Rhys Lays It All Out For Feyre (In more ways than one)

01:31:36 Meeting with the Queens and the Orb

01:34:12 The Attack on Velaris 

01:36:54 The King, The Cauldron and the Choas

01:46:30 ACOMAF Wrap Up and Looking Ahead to ACOWAR

#ACOTAR #ACOMAF #CourtOfMistAndFury #SarahJMaas #Booktok #FantasyRomance #Romantasy #BookPodcast #ReadBetweenTheWines #BookTube #ACOTARSeries

⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/5f25tAVPlu7GRBZ2TQu3qc?si=cQvieQDqTuqAOHNDULq8nQ

⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/read-between-the-wines-with-mandy-and-deb/id1825017240

TikTok: @read.between.the.wines2

Instagram: @rbtwines2

YouTube: @ReadBetweenTheWines2

Let us know how we're doing or what you want to hear more of!  www.readbtw.com or email us at [email protected] 

In this episode of Read Between the Wines, Mandy, Deb, and guest Ashley kick off their ACOTAR mini series with a deep dive into A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, the first book in the beloved fantasy romance series.

The trio shares their initial reactions to the book, discussing first-time vs reread perspectives, the slower pacing of Book 1, and why this installment often feels different from the rest of the series. They break down the early worldbuilding, the Archeron sisters’ family dynamics, and Feyre’s journey from survival to transformation.

The conversation explores the evolving relationships between Feyre, Tamlin, and Rhysand, how reader perceptions shift as the story unfolds, and the tension between protection and control. Mandy, Deb, and Ashley also dive into the themes of rebellion, sacrifice, and power, including the impact of the trials under Amarantha and Feyre’s ultimate fate at the end of the book.

This episode sets the foundation for the rest of the ACOTAR series, highlighting what Book 1 introduces, what it withholds, and why many readers are encouraged to keep going into A Court of Mist and Fury.

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This episode primarily focuses on Book 1, but includes light discussion and context related to the rest of the ACOTAR series.

00:00 Welcome Back Ashley and Intro to our ACOTAR Series!

08:02 Full ACOTAR (Book One) Discussion (Spoilers for full series)

01:10:25 Wrap Up and Ratings - ACOMAF Next Week!

#ACOTAR #ACOTARSeries #CourtOfThornsAndRoses #SarahJMaas #FantasyRomance #Romantasy #BookPodcast #ReadBetweenTheWines #BookTube #BookDiscussion

⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/5f25tAVPlu7GRBZ2TQu3qc?si=cQvieQDqTuqAOHNDULq8nQ

⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/read-between-the-wines-with-mandy-and-deb/id1825017240

TikTok: @read.between.the.wines2

Instagram: @rbtwines2

YouTube: @ReadBetweenTheWines2

Let us know how we're doing or what you want to hear more of!  www.readbtw.com

In this episode of Read Between the Wines, Mandy and Deb dive into the King of Sin series by Ana Huang, a contemporary billionaire romance series inspired by the seven deadly sins. This is a full spoiler discussion, covering the series as a whole while spending extra time on King of Wrath, the first book in the series.

Deb, who has read the entire series, breaks down how each book follows a different couple while remaining interconnected through shared characters, power dynamics, and emotional arcs. She explains why the series stands out within billionaire romance, balancing serious emotional themes, personal growth, and high-stakes relationships without crossing into dark romance territory.

Mandy, who hasn’t read the series yet, reacts in real time as Deb walks through the major plot points, character journeys, and relationship dynamics — especially the arranged marriage storyline in King of Wrath featuring Dante Russo and Vivian Lau. Together, they discuss themes of ambition, control, love, redemption, and what makes these characters compelling (or frustrating).

The conversation also explores the tonal variety across the series, from emotionally heavy, second-chance–style conflicts to lighter, more humorous dynamics in later books. Along the way, there’s plenty of banter, honest opinions, and debate over which couples work best and which books hit the hardest.

This episode is perfect for listeners who enjoy billionaire romance, interconnected standalone series, or are curious whether the King of Sin books are worth the emotional investment.

⚠️ This episode contains full spoilers for the King of Sin series.

00:00 Intro to King of Sin and Chat

12:35 Book 1 - King of Wrath

26:24 Book 2 - King of Pride

39:44 Book 3 - King of Greed

51:51 Book 4 - King of Sloth

01:02:58 Book 5 - King on Envy

01:16:16 Deb's Ranking and Final Thoughts on the Series

01:19:34 Coming Up Next Week...ACOTAR with Ashley!

#KingOfSin #AnaHuang #KingOfWrath #BillionaireRomance #RomanceBooks #BookPodcast #ReadBetweenTheWines #BookTube #RomanceReaders #BookDiscussion #SpicyRomance

⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/5f25tAVPlu7GRBZ2TQu3qc?si=cQvieQDqTuqAOHNDULq8nQ

⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/read-between-the-wines-with-mandy-and-deb/id1825017240

TikTok: @read.between.the.wines2

Instagram: @rbtwines2

YouTube: @ReadBetweenTheWines2

Let us know how we're doing or what you want to hear more of!  www.readbtw.com

In this episode of Read Between the Wines, Mandy and Deb share their 2026 hopeful reads — a flexible, no-pressure list of books they’re excited about but refuse to call a TBR. 📚🍷 These are wish-list reads, not promises.

They discuss a mix of fantasy, romantasy, and romance, including backlist titles, highly anticipated 2026 releases, and series they’re hoping to finally start or continue. Along the way, Mandy and Deb dive into their mood-reading habits, how hype and timing influence what they pick up

00:00 Welcome Back and Chat

07:51 2026 Hopefuls Intro

08:13 The Boys of Tommen - Chloe Walsh (Deb's Pick)

13:02 We Who Will Die - Stacia Stark (Mandy's Pick)

15:52 Empire of Flame and Thorns - Marion Blackwood (Deb's Pick)

21:14 The Will of The Many - James Islington (Mandy's Pick)

22:57 When the Moon Hatched/Ballad of the Falling Dragons - Sarah A. Parker *light spoilers* (Deb/Mandy)

30:07 Fallen Gods - Rachel Van Dyken (Deb's Pick)

33:32 The Night We Met - Abby Jimenez (Mandy's Pick)

37:23 The Wolf King - Lauren Palphreyman (Deb's Pick)

40:39 Daughter of No Worlds - Carissa Broadbent (Mandy's Pick)

42:31 Zodiac Academy Series - Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti (Deb's Pick)

47:51 Rites of the Starling - Devney Perry (Mandy's Pick)

50:08 Spark of the Everflame - Penn Cole (Deb's Pick)

53:16 Red Rising - Pierce Brown (Mandy's Pick)

55:38 The Book of Azreal - Amber V. Nicole (Deb's Pick)

58:21 Rings of Fate - Melissa De La Cruz (Mandy's Pick)

01:02:27 Upcoming Releases for Meghan Quinn

01:07:18 Honorable Mentions and Current Reads

01:11:02 Upcoming on RBTW.. ACOTAR with Ashley!

#HopefulReads #2026Reads #FYP #BookPodcast #ReadBetweenTheWines #BookTube #BookTok #RomanceBooks #FantasyBooks #Romantasy #MoodReading #BookRecommendations #UpcomingBooks #ReadersOfYouTube

⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/5f25tAVPlu7GRBZ2TQu3qc?si=cQvieQDqTuqAOHNDULq8nQ

⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/read-between-the-wines-with-mandy-and-deb/id1825017240

TikTok: @read.between.the.wines2

Instagram: @rbtwines2

YouTube: @ReadBetweenTheWines2

Let us know how we're doing or what you want to hear more of!  www.readbtw.com

In this special episode of Read Between the Wines, Mandy and Deb are joined by their dad, John, for a full spoiler discussion of Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir — a sci-fi novel that surprised all three of them and quickly became a favorite, despite not being their usual genre.

The trio breaks down the story’s biggest moments, from Ryland Grace’s mission to save Earth from a dying sun to the unforgettable friendship between Ryland and Rocky. They discuss the book’s blend of science, humor, and heart, exploring how Andy Weir makes complex scientific concepts accessible and emotionally impactful.

The conversation dives into major themes including sacrifice, ethical responsibility, climate change, isolation, and friendship, while also highlighting favorite scenes, emotional turning points, and the high stakes of a one-way mission. Along the way, there’s plenty of family banter, lighthearted humor, and debate over just how funny Dad actually is.

This episode is perfect for listeners who love science fiction with heart, fans of Andy Weir, or readers who typically avoid sci-fi but are curious about why Project Hail Mary resonates with so many people.

⚠️ This episode contains full spoilers.

00:00 Welcome to 2026 and Our DAD!!

06:58 Overview of 'Project Hail Mary'

09:37 Initial Impressions of the Book

12:23 Full Discussion - SPOILERS!

58:50 Rating the Book: Perspectives and Opinions

01:00:53 Anticipating the Movie Adaptation

01:02:49 Who Should Read This Book?

01:05:25 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

#ProjectHailMary #AndyWeir #SciFiBooks #BookTok #BookPodcast #ReadBetweenTheWines #BookTube #ScienceFictionBooks #BookDiscussion #RockyAndRyland #AudiobookRecommendations #ReadersOfYouTube

⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/5f25tAVPlu7GRBZ2TQu3qc?si=cQvieQDqTuqAOHNDULq8nQ

⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/read-between-the-wines-with-mandy-and-deb/id1825017240

TikTok: @read.between.the.wines2

Instagram: @rbtwines2

YouTube: @ReadBetweenTheWines2

Let us know how we're doing or what you want to hear more of!  www.readbtw.com

In this special end-of-year episode of Read Between the Wines, Mandy and Deb look back on their 2025 reading journey, breaking down their best and worst books of the year, favorite genres, and the reads that surprised (or disappointed) them the most.

They talk through standout categories including romance, fantasy, thrillers, horror, and emotionally devastating reads, sharing honest opinions, differing takes, and plenty of sisterly banter along the way. The episode also explores how starting a podcast changed their reading habits, pushed them to try new genres, and introduced them to new favorite authors.

Beyond books, Mandy and Deb reflect on personal growth throughout the year, memorable podcast moments, favorite episodes, and what they hope to bring into 2026 — including new reading goals, future podcast ideas, and possible family guest appearances.

Whether you’re looking for book recommendations, a relatable reading recap, or a cozy year-in-review conversation, this episode is the perfect way to close out 2025 with wine, books, and laughs.

#BestBooks2025 #WorstBooks2025 #BookPodcast #ReadingWrapUp #BookRecommendations #ReadBetweenTheWines #RomanceBooks #FantasyBooks #ThrillerBooks #HorrorReads #BookTube #BookTok #ReadersOfYouTube

⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/5f25tAVPlu7GRBZ2TQu3qc?si=cQvieQDqTuqAOHNDULq8nQ

⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/read-between-the-wines-with-mandy-and-deb/id1825017240

TikTok: @read.between.the.wines2

Instagram: @rbtwines2

YouTube: @ReadBetweenTheWines2

Let us know how we're doing or what you want to hear more of!  www.readbtw.com