Reading After Bedtime: Booktok Romantasy, Fantasy, and Romance Book Reviews

🚨This episode contains FULL SPOILERS for The Shepherd King Duology including One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gilig. If you don't want the ENTIRE story spoiled, please return once you've read the stories.🚨

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Reap and Sow [Book Chat]

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On the Reading After Bedtime podcast, Allyson and Becca welcome guest Erica B. (@ThatOneBookishBrunette) to discuss Rachel Gillig’s Shepherd King duology—One Dark Window (2022) and Two Twisted Crowns (2023). They share back-of-book overviews, give ratings (including spice, romance, fantasy, and emotional damage), and argue the series is better labeled gothic fantasy rather than romantasy. After a spoiler warning, they break down major plot events, character arcs (especially the Nightmare/Taxus), themes of magic having a cost, tropes, and content warnings, plus debate which romance worked better (Elspeth/Ravyn vs. Ione/Elm). They note a lingering question about why only 12 Providence cards are needed, do a humorous “reckoning” segment about Taxus, share favorite quotes, recommend reading the books back-to-back for spooky season, and preview their next episode on Grim Tidings by B.K. Borison.

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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!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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? 👀 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:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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00:00 Subtle Themes Tease

00:38 Podcast Welcome Intro

01:25 Meet Guest Erica

02:27 Follow Review Request

03:46 Back Cover Overview

05:18 Overall Ratings Roundup

06:52 Spice Romance Scales

12:50 Fantasy Depth Debate

17:38 Uniqueness Market Context

18:37 Emotional Damage Check

21:17 Spoiler Warning Trigger

22:14 Romantasy Label Debate

26:46 Defining Gothic Vibes

32:12 Tropes Content Warnings

34:45 Mom Brain Recap

40:14 Initial Thoughts Vibes

44:12 Character Spotlight Nightmare

48:00 Themes Cost Greed

52:25 Healthy Men In Fiction

55:43 Elm Growth Trauma

57:14 Flawed Characters Shine

59:47 Parents Power And Protection

01:02:11 Romance Pairing Debate

01:04:43 Maiden Card And POV

01:12:23 Deck Of Twelve Plot Hole

01:16:41 The Reckoning Mock Trial

01:20:46 Final Thoughts And Recs

01:25:09 Favorite Quotes Roundup

01:39:09 Wrap Up Guest Thanks

01:41:35 Next Read And Farewell

#theshepherdkingduology #onedarkwindow #twotwistedcrowns #gothicfantasy #booktok #bookdiscussion #bookreview

Allyson and Becca share a spoiler-filled “everything you need to know” recap and theory roundup across the Maasverse to prep listeners for ACOTAR 6 (A Court of Splintered Harmony), including key Throne of Glass lore (Stygian spiders and silk, wyrdmarks/wyrdgates, Nothung, Vaughan’s disappearance, and the Valg as Daglan/Asteri) and major ACOTAR threads (Beron and the Eris alliance, Koschei and Vassa’s curse, Mor’s hidden story, Bryaxis still missing, Nesta reviving the Valkyries, and the Azriel bonus chapter). They also connect Crescent City elements like the Dusk Court, Gwydion/Starsword, Truth-Teller, the knife-and-sword prophecy, and shared bloodlines linking Theia, Seline, Helene, Rhys, Ruhn, and Lydia.00:00 Episode Setup01:31 Socials Reviews Party02:49 Spoiler Warning03:23 Host Catch Up07:29 Recap Format Plan09:24 Stygian Spiders11:19 Nothung Wyrdmarks13:13 Vaughan Mystery18:00 Valg Connections19:37 Valg Bloodline Debate20:55 Beron and Autumn King Links23:01 Koschei Vassa and Eris25:52 Valkyries and Azriel Drama31:14 Pegasus and Starborn Lineage33:33 Witches Swords and Dusk Court38:06 Wrap Up and Next Episodes

One-Year Anniversary Special: Top Reads, Community Highlights, and a Spoiler-Filled Threshing Day Chat🚨This episode contains FULL SPOILERS for Threshing Day AND the full Empyrean Series (Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm) by Rebecca Yarros. If you don't want the ENTIRE series spoiled, please return once you've read the books.🚨_____________________________________________________________Allyson and Becca celebrate the Reading After Bedtime Podcast’s one-year anniversary with a topic-and-book-chat episode, sharing where to follow them, requesting reviews, and promoting a ticketed ACOTAR 6 release party with Bibliobar Books and Gifts in Plano, Texas. They rank their top reads covered on the show, highlight favorite moments from the year (including multiple author interviews, receiving physical ARCs like The Lion and the Deathless Dark and Reap and Sow, growing their social community, husbands joining the Dungeon Crawler Carl episode, and Maasverse conspiracy theories), and preview upcoming events and anticipated releases. In the spoiler section, they review Rebecca Yarros’s novella Threshing Day as a five-star collection of 13 character POVs, discuss key revelations and theories about dragon loyalties, lineages, and character mysteries, and end with favorite quotes, moments, and a teaser for a Shepherd King Duet episode._____________________________________________________________

🎉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 Fandom Swoon00:58 Podcast Intro Anniversary02:11 Socials Reviews Events03:30 Top Reads Countdown09:48 Top Moments Highlights21:21 Next Year Plans27:53 Threshing Day Setup28:11 Overview Ratings Spoilers35:04 Liam Heartbreak Talk36:37 Genre Tropes Debate41:26 Content Warnings and Read Order42:13 Tandem Read Spoiler Stops44:40 Mom Brain Recap Setup45:02 Who Can Be Trusted46:16 Character Rundown Highlights48:49 Liam and Glane Theories50:36 Dragon Bonding Clues54:05 Aaric and Empyrean Divide54:26 Ranking the POV Chapters55:45 Spiraling New Lore58:23 Xaden Family Tree Twist01:04:54 Sloane Gift and Runes01:07:47 Dragon Records and Names01:14:30 Dain Alliance and Aetos01:17:07 Predictions for Book Four01:22:35 Final Thoughts and Favorites01:23:55 Quotes Moments and Signets01:30:49 Wrap Up and Next Episode

#threshingday #empyreanseries #fourthwing #ironflame #onyxstorm #xaden #booktok #bookdiscussion #bookreview #romantasybook #romantasy

🚨This episode contains FULL SPOILERS for Reap and Sow by Charlotte B. Plumb. If you don't want the ENTIRE story spoiled, please return once you've read the stories.🚨

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Charlotte B. Plumb Author Interview

Tides and Thunder Book Chat

The Shepherd King Series

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Allyson and Becca of the Reading After Bedtime podcast review Charlotte B. Plumb’s debut novel Reap and Sow (published Oct 6, 2026), calling it a gothic, spooky-season read that “sneaks up on you” as the plot snowballs. They rate it 4 stars, with low spice (2/5) and a romance that feels more like a subplot (2–3/5) within a fantasy-driven story (about 3/5), noting the author’s voice strengthens in the second half and appreciating the shorter length (~360–375 pages). After sharing tropes and content warnings, they give a spoiler-filled recap: Eda Shaw makes demon pacts to pay a debt to Mr. Night, teams with the demon Kit’rath to save her brothers, and uncovers corruption tied to Bishop Florian Fain, leading to Mr. Night’s death, Robin’s demon reveal and sacrifice, and an ominous closing tease setting up book two. They debate whether Mr. Night is purely evil, share predictions for the duology, and highlight favorite quotes and moments.

____________________________________________________________

🎉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? 👀 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:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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00:00 Cold Open Chaos

00:53 Podcast Intro

03:06 Book Overview

04:15 Overall Rating

07:01 Spice And Romance

13:34 Worldbuilding Vibes

17:30 Spoiler Warning

18:12 Genre Debate

22:47 Tropes And Warnings

24:39 Spoiler Summary

28:16 Ending Reactions

29:30 First Impressions

30:46 Character Talk Eda

34:28 Eda and Brothers

35:58 Kit Playful Depth

37:39 Mr Night and Fane

40:48 Romance Breakdown

43:03 Worldbuilding Magic

47:43 Trip and Infernus

49:42 Spice and Chemistry

51:56 The Reckoning Debate

56:46 Next Book Predictions

59:08 Final Thoughts Wrap

01:00:22 Favorite Quotes

01:12:42 Closing and Farewell

#reapandsow #darkromanticfantasy #gothic #booktok #bookdiscussion #bookreview

On the Reading After Bedtime podcast, hosts Allyson and Becca interview UK fantasy author Charlotte B. Plumb about her gothic romantasy Reap & Sow, a story set in Blackbridge where desperate people trade years of their life to demons for their deepest desires. Charlotte shares her background as a lifelong reader, discusses rapid-fire preferences (physical books, third person, forced proximity, slow burn, happy endings), and explains how the book’s concept began with a family making Faustian bargains and evolved into a tangible “years-as-currency” magic system. They talk about the detailed cover art by Kristen Engelbert and special editions, Charlotte’s plotting process, songs tied to the book, themes of corruption and morality, and a duology-ending twist that sets up book two exploring the demons’ world.

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Reap and Sow Book Chat

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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!: https://bibliobartx.com/events/2026/10/26/the-cauldron-amp-the-quill-acotar-book-6-midnight-release-party

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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/

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00:00 Welcome to the Podcast

00:52 Meet Charlotte B Plumb

01:36 Charlotte’s Origin Story

03:01 Follow and Spoiler Warning

03:52 Rapid Fire Tropes

07:28 ARC and Cover Praise

11:08 Kit and Character Layers

15:04 Plotter vs Pantser

18:08 Reap and Sow Playlist

19:48 Gothic Pitch and Vibes

22:34 Worldbuilding Inspirations

23:13 Gothic Corruption Themes

24:02 Demons as a Species

25:22 Hypocrisy and Morality

27:17 Trading Years Not Souls

28:18 Building the Magic System

30:57 Fall Reading Recs

33:16 Tropes and Fresh Takes

37:42 Spoilers and Vibes

39:21 That Final Twist

41:22 Book Two Tease

43:17 Wrap Up and Farewell

#authorinterview #charlottebplumb #gothicromance #darkfantasy #debutauthor #berkleyxobooks

🚨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.

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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.🚨

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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

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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.

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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!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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.

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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