🚨This episode contains FULL SPOILERS for Story of My Life by Lucy Score. If you don't want the ENTIRE story spoiled, please return once you've read the book.🚨

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Allyson and Becca of the Reading After Bedtime Podcast give a spoiler-filled discussion of Lucy Score’s Story of My Life (published March 11, 2025), following romance author Hazel Hart as she escapes writer’s block and a painful divorce by buying a run-down historic home in Story Lake, Pennsylvania, where she’s pulled into town council chaos, small-town sabotage, and a fake-date/friends-with-benefits romance with grouchy contractor Campbell Bishop. They rate the book 3 stars, spice 3, and romance 4, praise the found-family Bishop clan and side characters (especially Zoe, Laura, and Cam’s parents), and criticize Hazel’s “try-hard” quirkiness, word choice in spice scenes, and the third-act miscommunication breakup. They also share content warnings, favorite quotes, and standout moments like Bertha the raccoon, town bingo, and a chaotic proposal scene.

_____________________________________________________________

Referenced videos:

Variation by Rebecca Yarros

Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune

Nine Month Contract by Amy Daws

Moms of Mayhem by Aimee Vance

Brimstone by Callie Hart

_____________________________________________________________

🎉LET'S PARTY!🎉

Let's celebrate the release of ACOTAR 6 together! Reading After Bedtime has teamed up with Bibliobar in Plano, Texas to bring you an unforgettable evening counting down to the release of ACOTAR 6! The ACOTAR 6 release party is TICKETED, so make sure to grab yours before they sell out!

Your ticket includes:

- 📚 Gift bag + your copy of ACOTAR 6

- 🎤 Trivia & costume contest🎙️

- 🔮 Conspiracy theories & fandom fun

- 🎯 Games, archery & sword fighting

- 📸 Photo ops

- 🍸 Snacks & drinks (cash bar available)

- ✨ Flash tattoos*

- 🛍️ Shopping & more!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy your ticket here!⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

Let's be friends on socials!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join our monthly newsletter to get a peek at our book chat schedule before anyone else 👀

_____________________________________________________________

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🛍️ Shop our Merch!🛍️⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Still looking for something? 👀 (Find Goodreads, Book of the Month, a tip jar and so much more here!)

_____________________________________________________________

🎶 Intro music by the talented Sean Lavrisa!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Spotify⁠:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________00:00 Cold Open Side Characters00:37 Podcast Welcome Intro02:03 Book Blurb Overview04:08 Ratings First Impressions07:26 Spice and Romance Ratings12:22 Spoiler Warning Setup13:27 Tropes Content Warnings15:16 Mom Brain17:03 Initial Thoughts Goodreads19:47 Hazel Critique Satire25:35 Side Characters Shine27:42 The Romance37:18 The Reckoning42:58 Final Thoughts44:50 Favorite Quotes52:52 Favorite Moments59:24 Wrap Up And Next Episode

#storyofmylife #romcom #romcombook #grumpysunshine #booktok #bookdiscussion #bookreview

🚨This episode contains FULL SPOILERS for Bloody Black by Rhiannon Hargadon. If you don't want the ENTIRE story spoiled, please return once you've read the stories.🚨_____________________________________________________________In this episode of the Reading After Bedtime podcast, Allyson and Becca discuss Bloody Black by Rhiannon Hargadon, a feminine Blackbeard retelling they classify as fantasy romance. They share ratings (4 and 5 stars), plus spice, romance, fantasy, and emotional-damage scores, and repeatedly emphasize major content warnings including on-page rape/gang rape, violence, torture, slavery, and PTSD. After a spoiler warning, they recap the plot: Princess Anne is betrayed on her wedding night, makes a demon bargain with Rokur, becomes Blackbeard, and hunts the men who ruined her while developing a relationship with captive lieutenant Robb. They debate Robb’s secrecy and culpability, highlight found-family dynamics, loss and healing, and favorite quotes and moments, then preview their next episode on A Story of My Life by Lucy Score._________________________________________________________________________________🎉LET'S PARTY!🎉Let's celebrate the release of ACOTAR 6 together! Reading After Bedtime has teamed up with Bibliobar in Plano, Texas to bring you an unforgettable evening counting down to the release of ACOTAR 6! The ACOTAR 6 release party is TICKETED, so make sure to grab yours before they sell out! Your ticket includes:- 📚 Gift bag + your copy of ACOTAR 6- 🎤 Trivia & costume contest🎙️- 🔮 Conspiracy theories & fandom fun- 🎯 Games, archery & sword fighting- 📸 Photo ops- 🍸 Snacks & drinks (cash bar available)- ✨ Flash tattoos*- 🛍️ Shopping & more!⁠Buy your ticket here!: https://bibliobartx.com/events/2026/10/26/the-cauldron-amp-the-quill-acotar-book-6-midnight-release-party_________________________________________________________________________________Let's be friends on socials!⁠Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadingAfterBedtimePodcast⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/readingafterbedtimepodcast/⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@readingafterbedtimepod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc⁠Join our monthly newsletter to get a peek at our book chat schedule before anyone else 👀: https://reading-after-bedtime-podcast.kit.com/b1121f3780_________________________________________________________________________________🛍️ Shop our Merch!🛍️ https://reading-after-bedtime-pod.printify.meStill looking for something? 👀 https://linktr.ee/readingafterbedtimepodcast (Find Goodreads, Book of the Month, a tip jar and so much more here!)_________________________________________________________________________________🎶 Intro music by the talented Sean Lavrisa!⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Spotify⁠:⁠⁠⁠ https://open.spotify.com/artist/7kUiSx4GkzTD4ng3IuYOKD?si=-PdNhjEwSG2LaYGtmEB_1Q⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Instagram:⁠⁠⁠ www.instagram.com/foxcraft/_____________________________________________________________00:00 Nitpicking Cold Open01:14 Podcast Welcome03:25 Book Blurb Overview04:33 Ratings Breakdown07:17 Spice And Triggers08:28 New Rating Scales17:05 Spoiler Warning Setup18:59 Tropes And Content Warnings22:36 Mom Brain Recap25:05 Initial Thoughts28:06 Revenge Plot Pacing Debate34:27 Found Family And Characters37:09 Romance Discussion Begins38:17 Tournament And William Setup40:28 Choosing William to Duel42:18 Naivety and Revenge Spiral44:47 Red Flags Wedding Night46:34 Robb Versus William48:15 Teach and Holly Healing50:26 Crew Losses and Sacrifice52:36 Fantasy Bargains and Demons54:44 Spice and Slow Burn58:12 Robb on Trial Debate01:06:02 Final Thoughts and Quotes01:22:27 Wrap Up and Next Episode#BloodyBlack #fantasy #darkromance #revenge #bookchat #bookdiscussion #bookreview #booktube #booktok #bookstagram

🚨This episode contains FULL SPOILERS for Red Runs the Blood by Angelina J Steffort AND Bright Burns the Flame. If you don't want the ENTIRE story spoiled, please return once you've read the stories.🚨_____________________________________________________________Looking for the rest of our Bright Burns the Flame coverage?⁠Bright Burns the Flame by Angelina J Steffort [Book Chat] ⁠ https://youtu.be/ykNh_DBY4ic?si=UxLvjcuBqFgqGUA-⁠Angelina J Steffort Bright Burns the Flame [Author Interview] ⁠ https://youtu.be/WbZ6bSkOH6Y?si=CGEOD1YYt9RAGkkz ⁠Red Runs the Blood by Angelina J Steffort [Book Chat] ⁠ https://youtu.be/WuYiEi0FTds?si=GgHmNGeCOxssQvXWAngelina J Steffort Red Runs the Blood [Author Interview] COMING SOON_____________________________________________________________Allyson and Becca reconnect with Angelina J. Steffort to discuss her Bright Burns the Flame series and its newest release Red Runs the Blood, published July 31, 2026. They begin with introductions and a quick bio of Angelina. They then go into a new segment known as Rapid Fire where Angelina has to pick between two bookish options. Spoilers ahead for both Red Runs the Blood and Bright Burns the Flame. They then dive into deeper questions surrounding Angelina’s books, characters, and the other all plot of her newest story. They break down Frost’s journey that isn’t quite as over as they thought. Misunderstood characters, unhinged book research and spotify playlist are also discussed during this entertaining and lively interview. Through some technology issues Becca and Allyson got to interact with the intelligent and multifaceted author Angelina J. Steffort. The hosts ended the episode with a quick thank you to Angelina and their listeners before announcing their next book chat, Bloody Black by Rhiannon Hargadon, on September 21._____________________________________________________________________🎉LET'S PARTY!🎉Let's celebrate the release of ACOTAR 6 together! Reading After Bedtime has teamed up with Bibliobar in Plano, Texas to bring you an unforgettable evening counting down to the release of ACOTAR 6! The ACOTAR 6 release party is TICKETED, so make sure to grab yours before they sell out! Your ticket includes:- 📚 Gift bag + your copy of ACOTAR 6- 🎤 Trivia & costume contest🎙️- 🔮 Conspiracy theories & fandom fun- 🎯 Games, archery & sword fighting- 📸 Photo ops- 🍸 Snacks & drinks (cash bar available)- ✨ Flash tattoos*- 🛍️ Shopping & more!⁠Buy your ticket here!: https://bibliobartx.com/events/2026/10/26/the-cauldron-amp-the-quill-acotar-book-6-midnight-release-party_________________________________________________________________________________Let's be friends on socials!⁠Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadingAfterBedtimePodcast⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/readingafterbedtimepodcast/⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@readingafterbedtimepod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc⁠Join our monthly newsletter to get a peek at our book chat schedule before anyone else 👀: https://reading-after-bedtime-podcast.kit.com/b1121f3780_________________________________________________________________________________🛍️ Shop our Merch!🛍️ https://reading-after-bedtime-pod.printify.meStill looking for something? 👀 https://linktr.ee/readingafterbedtimepodcast (Find Goodreads, Book of the Month, a tip jar and so much more here!)_________________________________________________________________________________🎶 Intro music by the talented Sean Lavrisa!⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Spotify⁠:⁠⁠⁠ https://open.spotify.com/artist/7kUiSx4GkzTD4ng3IuYOKD?si=-PdNhjEwSG2LaYGtmEB_1Q⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Instagram:⁠⁠⁠ www.instagram.com/foxcraft/#redrunstheblood #brightburnstheflame #alcunaire #fantasy #magicwielding #booktok #authorinterview #authorchat

🚨This episode contains FULL SPOILERS for Red Runs the Blood by Angelina J Steffort AND Bright Burns the Flame. If you don't want the ENTIRE story spoiled, please return once you've read the stories.🚨

_____________________________________________________________

Looking for the rest of our Bright Burns the Flame coverage?

Bright Burns the Flame by Angelina J Steffort [Book Chat]

Angelina J Steffort Bright Burns the Flame [Author Interview]

Red Runs the Blood by Angelina J Steffort [Book Chat]

Angelina J Steffort Red Runs the Blood [Author Interview] COMING SOON

_____________________________________________________________

Allyson and Becca dive back into Angelina J. Steffort’s Bright Burns the Flame series to discuss Red Runs the Blood, published July 31, 2026. They rate the book 5/5 and 4/5, calling it a twisty, action-packed sequel that sets up the next installment without ever feeling slow. They discuss the spice level, tropes including morally gray characters, a deadly academy, found family, prophecy, and chosen one, plus content warnings. Spoilers ahead for both Red Runs the Blood and Bright Burns the Flame. After a quick “mom brain” recap of everything that happened, they break down Lory’s growing moral grayness, Khay’s struggle with trust & vulnerability, Elina’s expanded role & mysterious powers, the growing rebellion within Ashthorn Ward, and the question of who can actually be trusted. They discuss Aiden’s shocking survival, his mysterious unmaking power, the Ebon Fang, the secrets surrounding King Ulder and his bloodline, and what the “Blood Fae Portal” note could mean for Angelina J. Steffort’s interconnected worlds. They also dive into Lory and Khay’s fated-mates relationship, Anees and Hadrian’s unexpected romance, the possibility that multiple magical powers are connected to fairy bloodlines, the mysterious Great Purge, and whether Ulder is hiding magic of his own. Then it’s time for their predictions for Black Bleeds the Night, including the identity of the trustworthy Triad member, Aiden’s role in Elina’s vision, Aiden potentially being ordered to kill Lory, Aiden’s possible connection to the throne, Khay secretly being the Flame from the prophecy, Elina’s potential escape, and Lory officially joining the rebellion. They finish with their favorite moments and quotes before announcing their special bonus episode: an interview with Angelina J. Steffort on September 16, followed by their next book chat, Bloody Black by Rhiannon Hargadon, on September 21.

____________________________________________________________

🎉LET'S PARTY!🎉

Let's celebrate the release of ACOTAR 6 together! Reading After Bedtime has teamed up with Bibliobar in Plano, Texas to bring you an unforgettable evening counting down to the release of ACOTAR 6! The ACOTAR 6 release party is TICKETED, so make sure to grab yours before they sell out!

Your ticket includes:

- 📚 Gift bag + your copy of ACOTAR 6

- 🎤 Trivia & costume contest🎙️

- 🔮 Conspiracy theories & fandom fun

- 🎯 Games, archery & sword fighting

- 📸 Photo ops

- 🍸 Snacks & drinks (cash bar available)

- ✨ Flash tattoos*

- 🛍️ Shopping & more!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy your ticket here!⁠⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

Let's be friends on socials!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join our monthly newsletter to get a peek at our book chat schedule before anyone else 👀

_____________________________________________________________

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🛍️ Shop our Merch!🛍️⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠Still looking for something?⁠ 👀 (Find Goodreads, Book of the Month, a tip jar and so much more here!)

_____________________________________________________________

🎶 Intro music by the talented Sean Lavrisa!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Spotify⁠:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

#redrunstheblood #brightburnstheflame #alcunaire #fantasy #magicwielding #booktok #bookdiscussion #bookreview

🚨This episode contains FULL SPOILERS for the ENTIRE Maas-verse INCLUDING the entire Throne of Glass (TOG) series, the entire A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series, and the entire Crescent City (CC) series. If you don't want the entire universe spoiled, please return once you've read the books.🚨_________________________________________________________________________________

Hosts Allyson and Becca (Reading After Bedtime) share spoiler-filled Maasverse lore, conspiracy theories, and predictions for Sarah J. Maas’ upcoming ACOTAR books, prompted by the ACOTAR 6 cover/title reveal and its “Valkyrie Movement” framing. They dive into Stygian spider lore across Throne of Glass, compare northern Stygian spiders to southern kharankui from Tower of Dawn, and connect spider silk’s wing-repair potential to ACOTAR stakes (including Elain’s prophecy about Cassian). They discuss a theory that a Prythian weaver and her iridescent silver thread “Hope” could relate to spider silk. Using Richard Wagner’s Ring Cycle summaries, they map possible ACOTAR plot beats (renouncing love, betrayal/greed, broken sword themes, fires, and “Twilight of the Gods”) to characters like Elain, Lucien, Eris, Beron, and Koschei, including the idea Elain might make a deal with a Stygian spider to alter her bond or magic.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Special thanks to the San Francisco Opera for summarizing the 4 parts of The Ring Cycle Opera on their website! _________________________________________________________________________________

Looking for the rest of the Maas-Termind files? Check out our full coverage here!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sarah J Maas x Call Her Daddy Reaction⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prythian Mountains x Where is Vaughan?⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bargains x Queen Mor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wyrdgates x Crossover Opportunities⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Swords x Pegasus⁠⁠

⁠Vassa, Amren x Koschei & The Pool of Starlight⁠

Stygian Spiders x The Ring Cycle Opera | ACOTAR 6, 7, & 8

_________________________________________________________________________________

🎉LET'S PARTY!🎉

Let's celebrate the release of ACOTAR 6 together! Reading After Bedtime has teamed up with Bibliobar in Plano, Texas to bring you an unforgettable evening counting down to the release of ACOTAR 6! The ACOTAR 6 release party is TICKETED, so make sure to grab yours before they sell out! Your ticket includes:

- 📚 Gift bag + your copy of ACOTAR 6

- 🎤 Trivia & costume contest🎙️

- 🔮 Conspiracy theories & fandom fun

- 🎯 Games, archery & sword fighting

- 📸 Photo ops

- 🍸 Snacks & drinks (cash bar available)

- ✨ Flash tattoos*

- 🛍️ Shopping & more!⁠

Buy your ticket here!

_________________________________________________________________________________

Let's be friends on socials!⁠

Youtube

Instagram

TikTok

Join our monthly newsletter to get a peek at our book chat schedule before anyone else 👀

_________________________________________________________________________________

🛍️ Shop our Merch!🛍️

Still looking for something? 👀 (Find Goodreads, Book of the Month, a tip jar and so much more here!)

_________________________________________________________________________________

🎶 Intro music by the talented Sean Lavrisa!⁠⁠⁠

- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Spotify⁠

⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Instagram

_________________________________________________________________________________

00:00 Maasverse Mysteries Intro

01:21 Socials Reviews Events

02:37 Spoiler Warning Setup

03:14 Cover Reveal Chaos

03:56 Audiobook Pronunciation Tangent

09:32 Stygian Spiders Lore

27:28 Conspiracy Theory begins

29:37 Ring Cycle Prologue

34:10 Elain Renounces Love

36:52 Opera Part Two Parallels

39:38 Eris Behind Fire

41:22 Siegfried and Remade Sword

44:58 Twilight of the Gods Endgame

47:33 Mapping Books to Movements

50:01 Final Thoughts and Signoff

#maastermindfiles #acotar6 #acourtofsplinteredharmony #booktok #acotar #acotarseries #maasverse #popularromantasybooks

🚨This episode contains FULL SPOILERS for Between Tides and Thunder by Leena Kazak. If you don't want the ENTIRE story spoiled, please return once you've read the stories.🚨

_____________________________________________________________

Allyson and Becca introduce the Reading After Bedtime podcast and discuss Lena Kazak’s romantasy Between Tides and Thunder (published March 31, 2026), joking about difficult fantasy name pronunciations and asking for social follows and reviews. They read the back-of-book blurb, rate the book 4/5 each (slow start and an early twist they predicted), and debate a “weird” spice level around 2 with pepper words and near-interruptions. After a spoiler warning, they list tropes (elemental powers, arranged marriage, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, one tent, he falls first) and content warnings (attempted SA, past SA reference, PTSD/trauma, torture, character death, child injury). They explain it’s a standalone with an optional Zev POV book and tandem guide, give a detailed plot recap, share critiques on twists/powers and Mayah’s neediness, highlight favorite moments/quotes, praise included art, and preview the next episode on Red Runs the Blood plus an author interview.

____________________________________________________________

🎉LET'S PARTY!🎉

Let's celebrate the release of ACOTAR 6 together! Reading After Bedtime has teamed up with Bibliobar in Plano, Texas to bring you an unforgettable evening counting down to the release of ACOTAR 6! The ACOTAR 6 release party is TICKETED, so make sure to grab yours before they sell out!

Your ticket includes:

- 📚 Gift bag + your copy of ACOTAR 6

- 🎤 Trivia & costume contest🎙️

- 🔮 Conspiracy theories & fandom fun

- 🎯 Games, archery & sword fighting

- 📸 Photo ops

- 🍸 Snacks & drinks (cash bar available)

- ✨ Flash tattoos*

- 🛍️ Shopping & more!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy your ticket here!⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

Let's be friends on socials!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join our monthly newsletter to get a peek at our book chat schedule before anyone else 👀: https://reading-after-bedtime-podcast.kit.com/b1121f3780

_____________________________________________________________

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🛍️ Shop our Merch!🛍️⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Still looking for something? 👀 (Find Goodreads, Book of the Month, a tip jar and so much more here!)

_____________________________________________________________

🎶 Intro music by the talented Sean Lavrisa!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Spotify⁠:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

00:00 Fantasy Names Struggle

00:53 Podcast Welcome

02:05 Book Blurb Setup

02:36 Back Cover Summary

03:55 Ratings Breakdown

07:22 Spice Scale Debate

10:37 Spoiler Warning

11:17 Tropes And Triggers

12:53 Reading Order Notes

13:38 Mom Brain Recap Begins

18:05 Recap Marriage Twist

20:42 Recap Betrayal And Escape

22:31 Recap Rebels Reveal

23:23 Crowning and Forgiveness

24:19 Standalone Hopes and Mermaid Mislead

25:01 Mayah Desperation Debate

28:10 Truth Wielder Twist Issues

29:36 Blood Wielding Confusion

30:44 Hair Plucking and Zev Falls First

32:39 Purity Talk and Daak Ick

33:22 Rebellion and Friendship Forgiveness

36:15 Final Thoughts and Book Art Praise

38:13 Favorite Quotes Rapid Fire

39:58 Power Sharing and Control

46:23 Favorite Moments and Wrap Up

#BetweenTidesandThunder #fantasy #magicwielding #booktok #bookdiscussion #bookreview

🚨This episode contains FULL SPOILERS for Mile High (Book 1 of the Windy City Series) by Liz Tomforde. If you don't want the ENTIRE story spoiled, hit that pause button, and we'll see you once you've read the story.🚨_________________________________________________________________________________

Allyson and Becca welcome listeners to the Reading After Bedtime Podcast and share where to follow them on social media, ask for five-star reviews, and announce a ticketed ACOTAR 6 release party with Bibliobar Books and Gifts in Plano, Texas. They dive into Mile High by Liz Tomforde, reading the back-of-book overview and giving their ratings (4 and 5 stars) plus a spice rating of 4 (explicit scenes, multiple scenes, and light kink without overtaking the plot). After a spoiler warning, they cover genre and tropes (workplace/forbidden, forced proximity, he falls first, curvy FMC, found family, third-act breakup) and content warnings. They recap the plot of Stevie and NHL player Evan Zanders’ secret relationship, discuss themes like insecurity, mental health and therapy, power imbalance, friendships, and favorite quotes and moments, including the senior dog shelter and Stanley Cup ending.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Mile High by Liz Tomforde [Book Chat]

The Nightborn Duet and Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent [Book Chat]

The Shadowborn Duet & Slaying the Vampire Conqueror by Carissa Broadbent [Book Chat]

The Lion and the Deathless Dark by Carissa Broadbent [Book Chat]Lights out by Navessa Allen [Book Chat]Thea Claire [Author Interview] - Go Find Less: _________________________________________________________________________________

🎉LET'S PARTY!🎉

Let's celebrate the release of ACOTAR 6 together! Reading After Bedtime has teamed up with Bibliobar in Plano, Texas to bring you an unforgettable evening counting down to the release of ACOTAR 6! The ACOTAR 6 release party is TICKETED, so make sure to grab yours before they sell out! Your ticket includes:

- 📚 Gift bag + your copy of ACOTAR 6

- 🎤 Trivia & costume contest🎙️

- 🔮 Conspiracy theories & fandom fun

- 🎯 Games, archery & sword fighting

- 📸 Photo ops

- 🍸 Snacks & drinks (cash bar available)

- ✨ Flash tattoos*

- 🛍️ Shopping & more!⁠

Buy your ticket here!

_________________________________________________________________________________

Let's be friends on socials!⁠

Youtube

Instagram ⁠

TikTok

_________________________________________________________________________________

🛍️ Shop our Merch!🛍️

Still looking for something? 👀

(Find Goodreads, Book of the Month, a tip jar and so much more here!)

_________________________________________________________________________________

🎶 Intro music by the talented Sean Lavrisa!⁠⁠⁠

- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠

- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Instagram_________________________________________________________________________________

00:00 Intro

00:23 Podcast Welcome

01:10 Socials Reviews And Events

02:28 Mile High Blurb

03:52 Ratings And Vibes

07:48 Spice Scale Breakdown

09:25 Spoiler Warning

10:21 Tropes And Content Warnings

12:02 Mom Brain Recap

15:42 Curvy Rep And Insecurities

21:18 Family Drama And Ryan

25:28 Friendships Power And Money

30:13 Rings Sensory And Rio

33:54 More Rio Please

34:33 Selfish Series Explained

35:40 Final Thoughts Wrap

37:07 Therapy And Emotions

41:20 Favorite Quotes Roundup

53:07 Best Moments Highlights

01:02:54 Closing And Next Read

#milehigh #windycityseries #liztomforde #contemporaryromance #forbiddenromance #booktok #booktube #bookrecommendations #bookreview

🚨This episode contains FULL SPOILERS for The Lion and the Deathless Dark by Carissa Broadbent. If you don't want the ENTIRE story spoiled, please return once you've read the stories.🚨

_____________________________________________________________

The Lion and the Deathless Dark by Carissa Broadbent [Book Chat]

Crowns of Nyaxia Part 1: The Nightborn Duet [Book Chat]

Crowns of Nyaxia Part 2: The Shadowborn Duet [Book Chat]

_____________________________________________________________

Allyson and Becca introduce the Reading After Bedtime podcast and review Carissa Broadbent’s romantasy The Lion and the Deathless Dark (published August 4, 2026), giving it five stars for being unputdownable, emotionally intense, and plot-forward, though they note the series can feel repetitive when binged and they still want Septimus’s POV and more layers to Kyrene. After a spoiler warning, they cover the back-of-book premise (a war-torn human-vampire world where bounty hunter Kyrene teams with vampire prince Septimus to hunt gods), discuss spice (notably a club scene with voyeurism/exhibitionism and trauma-related drug/alcohol use), list tropes and extensive content warnings (including pregnancy loss and child loss), provide recommended series reading order, and deliver a detailed plot recap ending with Nyaxia imprisoned, Acaeja revealed as a manipulator seeking to remove free will, Kyrene turned Bloodborn, and Septimus captured while cursed.

____________________________________________________________

🎉LET'S PARTY!🎉

Let's celebrate the release of ACOTAR 6 together! Reading After Bedtime has teamed up with Bibliobar in Plano, Texas to bring you an unforgettable evening counting down to the release of ACOTAR 6! The ACOTAR 6 release party is TICKETED, so make sure to grab yours before they sell out!

Your ticket includes:

- 📚 Gift bag + your copy of ACOTAR 6

- 🎤 Trivia & costume contest🎙️

- 🔮 Conspiracy theories & fandom fun

- 🎯 Games, archery & sword fighting

- 📸 Photo ops

- 🍸 Snacks & drinks (cash bar available)

- ✨ Flash tattoos*

- 🛍️ Shopping & more!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy your ticket here!⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

Let's be friends on socials!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🛍️ Shop our Merch!🛍️⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Still looking for something? 👀 https://linktr.ee/readingafterbedtimepodcast (Find Goodreads, Book of the Month, a tip jar and so much more here!)

_____________________________________________________________

🎶 Intro music by the talented Sean Lavrisa!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Spotify⁠:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

00:00 Podcast Welcome

02:59 Book Overview

04:25 Ratings Reaction

06:43 Standalone Debate

08:46 Spoiler Warning Spice

10:41 Tropes Triggers

12:40 Reading Order Guide

15:28 MomBrain Recap

19:35 Initial Thoughts

21:28 Kyrene Character

27:01 Sentient Sword Banter

30:08 Twists Ending Setup

33:52 Why He Bit Her

34:38 God War Speculation

34:48 Septimus and Ulric

35:57 Marks and Heirs

37:16 God War Predictions

38:05 Next Book Theories

40:09 Nightborn Truce Questions

42:39 Final Thoughts and Critiques

45:06 Favorite Quotes Roundup

50:28 Swear Words and Intent

57:21 Best Moments and Tropes

01:01:48 Wrap Up and Next Read

#TheLionandtheDarklessDeath #Romantasy #CrownsofNyaxia #booktok #bookdiscussion #bookreview

🚨This bonus episode contains spoilers for ALL of the A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) Series, AS WELL AS Throne of Glass and Crescent City by Sarah J Maas. If you aren't completely caught up with the Maas-verse, please press pause, and return once you are.🚨

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Looking for the rest of the Maas-Termind files? Check out our full coverage here!

⁠⁠⁠⁠Sarah J Maas x Call Her Daddy Reaction⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Prythian Mountains x Where is Vaughan?⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Bargains x Queen Mor⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Wyrdgates x Crossover Opportunities⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠Swords x Pegasus⁠

Vassa, Amren x Koschei & The Pool of Starlight

_____________________________________________________________Allyson and Becca host a spoiler-filled Maas-termind Files episode of Reading After Bedtime focused on lore, conspiracy theories, and predictions spanning Sarah J. Maas’s ACOTAR, Throne of Glass, and Crescent City worlds. They recap an SJM interview describing Amren as an Old Testament-style angel assassin with fiery wings who entered another world through a portal, then compare Amren’s traits and sacrifice to Maasverse beings like the Asteri/Daglan/Valg. They review Vassa’s curse as a queen-by-night firebird-by-day bound to Koschei, outline Koschei’s Russian folklore roots with a soul hidden in nested objects, and connect Elain’s visions to a black stone box and a feather of fire. They discuss a Reddit theory linking Koschei to Crescent City’s Astronomer and a stolen black box holding captive women, propose a map-based theory about the Pool of Starlight as a possible pathway to Koschei’s lake, and predict ACOTAR 6 will set up a larger quest involving the queens, Koschei, and future character arcs (Lucien/Elain, Eris, and Tamlin’s healing).

Referenced Reddit thread from emmyeggo

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🎉LET'S PARTY!🎉

Let's celebrate the release of ACOTAR 6 together! Reading After Bedtime has teamed up with Bibliobar in Plano, Texas to bring you an unforgettable evening counting down to the release of ACOTAR 6! The ACOTAR 6 release party is TICKETED, so make sure to grab yours before they sell out!

Your ticket includes:

- 📚 Gift bag + your copy of ACOTAR 6

- 🎤 Trivia & costume contest🎙️

- 🔮 Conspiracy theories & fandom fun

- 🎯 Games, archery & sword fighting

- 📸 Photo ops

- 🍸 Snacks & drinks (cash bar available)

- ✨ Flash tattoos*

- 🛍️ Shopping & more!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy your ticket here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

Let's be friends on socials!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reading After Bedtime Podcast Youtube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reading After Bedtime ⁠Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reading After bedtime ⁠TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🛍️ Shop our Merch!🛍️⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Still looking for something? 👀

⁠https://linktr.ee/readingafterbedtimepodcast⁠⁠ (Find Goodreads, Book of the Month, a tip jar and so much more here!)

_____________________________________________________________00:00 Maasverse Mysteries Intro01:06 Hosts and Social Links01:46 ACOTAR 6 Party Details02:39 Spoiler Warning Setup03:16 Episode Pivot to Amren07:05 Amren Angel Origins08:05 Amren vs Hunt Parallels10:03 Amren True Form Evidence14:56 Vassa Firebird Lore17:22 Koschei Folklore Explained18:37 Elain Vision Black Box22:38 Soul Nesting Doll Debate23:58 Reddit Theory Astronomer Link27:28 Dragons and Firebird Speculation28:24 Pool of Starlight Teaser28:58 Map Setup Check29:37 Mystery Circle Clue29:53 Pool Starlight Pathway33:43 Thin Spaces Mist Theory35:25 No Crumbs NDAs36:58 ACOTAR 6 Predictions42:32 Eris Morally Gray45:29 Tamlin Healing Debate49:38 Ships POV Hopes54:09 Title Guesses Wrap

#acotar6 #acourtofthornsandroses #maastermindfiles #maasverse #bookrecommendation #bookpodcast #romantasypodcast #booktok

🚨This episode contains FULL SPOILERS for Slaying the Vampire Conqueror, The Songbird and the Heart of Stone, and The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk AS WELL AS the previous Crowns of Nyaxia books. If you don't want the ENTIRE series spoiled, please return once you've read the stories.🚨

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The Nightborn Duet and Six Scorched Roses [Book Chat]

The Shadowborn Duet and Slaying the Vampire Conqueror [Book Chat]

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The Shadowborn Duet Deep Dive: Spoiler Recaps, Tropes, and RatingsAllyson and Becca introduce the Reading After Bedtime podcast and discuss Carissa Broadbent’s Shadowborn Duet, including the standalone Slaying the Vampire Conqueror and the novels The Songbird and the Heart of Stone and The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk, with ratings, spice levels, tropes, and extensive content warnings. They share the author’s recommended reading order across the broader series and then deliver spoiler-filled “Mom Brain” recaps: Sylina infiltrates vampire conqueror Atrius’s army, kills the Sightmother, and prepares to rule Glaea; Mische and Asar journey through Morthryn to resurrect the god of death, leading to Mische killing Atroxus and triggering eternal night; and in Fallen, Mische and Asar pursue relics for Asar’s ascension, reunite with familiar characters, and set the stage for a looming god war. They end with favorite quotes, moments, and predictions for the next duet.

____________________________________________________________

🎉LET'S PARTY!🎉

Let's celebrate the release of ACOTAR 6 together! Reading After Bedtime has teamed up with Bibliobar in Plano, Texas to bring you an unforgettable evening counting down to the release of ACOTAR 6! The ACOTAR 6 release party is TICKETED, so make sure to grab yours before they sell out!

Your ticket includes:

- 📚 Gift bag + your copy of ACOTAR 6

- 🎤 Trivia & costume contest🎙️

- 🔮 Conspiracy theories & fandom fun

- 🎯 Games, archery & sword fighting

- 📸 Photo ops

- 🍸 Snacks & drinks (cash bar available)

- ✨ Flash tattoos*

- 🛍️ Shopping & more!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy your ticket here!⁠⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

Let's be friends on socials!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🛍️ Shop our Merch!🛍️⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Still looking for something? 👀 https://linktr.ee/readingafterbedtimepodcast (Find Goodreads, Book of the Month, a tip jar and so much more here!)

_____________________________________________________________

🎶 Intro music by the talented Sean Lavrisa!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Spotify⁠:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

00:00 Cold Open Banter00:31 Podcast Welcome01:28 Socials and Reviews01:54 ACOTAR 6 Party02:47 Slaying Overview04:05 Songbird Blurb05:47 Fallen Blurb06:49 Ratings and Spice10:45 Spoiler Warning11:39 Genres Tropes Warnings13:16 Series Reading Order15:10 Mom Brain Slaying Recap18:49 Mom Brain Songbird Recap22:48 Mom Brain Fallen Recap28:15 Tangent Fly Swatters31:09 Initial Thoughts Nyaxia32:17 Religious Trauma Talk35:45 Slaying Deep Dive41:21 Sightmother Motives44:06 Is the Standalone Needed48:42 Mische and Asar Setup51:00 Asar Shadow Daddy52:21 Heir Theories53:36 Mische Chosen by Dead54:34 Underworld Map Explained55:46 Relics Quest Structure59:22 POV Style and Romance01:00:45 Luce the Ghost Dog01:01:41 Vincent and Saescha Twists01:03:06 Justice and Sentinel Lore01:10:40 Next Duet Predictions01:12:13 Final Thoughts and Gripes01:14:33 Favorite Quotes Roundup01:27:35 Favorite Moments and Wrap

#Thecrownsofnyaxia #thesongbirdandtheheartofstone #enemiestolovers #slayingthevampireconqueror #thefallenandthekissofdusk #booktok #bookdiscussion #bookreview #bookchat