In this episode of Reading Materials, we’re joined by bestselling romance author Amy Lea for a warm and candid conversation about life as a writer. Amy's newest book, The Bodyguard Affair, will be released on the 26th of February, 2026!

We chat about the importance of finding and nurturing an author community, her favourite (and least favourite!) romance tropes, and her ambition to branch out into new genres in the future.

It’s a fun, honest discussion about creativity, connection, and what comes next.

In this special wrap-up episode of the Reading Materials Podcast, we look back on our 2025 in books and podcasting.

We break down our reading stats, revisit our favorite books, characters, and standout podcast moments, and chat about what surprised us most along the way.

Plus, we look ahead to what 2026 has in store for our TBRs, the podcast, and the stories we can’t wait to dive into next.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:30 - Life Updates

04:20 - 2025 Podcast Stats

06:30 - Our Author Interviews

11:00 - 2025 Reading Goals

14:50 - Favourite Podcast Book

17:15 - Top 3 Non-Podcast Books

27:05 - Least Favourite Podcast Book

29:50 - The Most Disappointing Podcast Book

34:05 - The Biggest Surprise

36:00 - Least Favourite Non-Podcast Books

40:55 - Favourite Characters

42:00 - Favourite Podcast Moments

43:15 - Favourite Podcast Season

43:50 - New Favourite Author

45:35 - 2026 Reading Goals

47:20 - Most Anticipated New Releases in 2025

48:20 - Coming Up on Reading Materials in 2025

52:00 - Outro

In this week's episode of Reading Materials, we dive into Kill the Beast by Serra Swift and talk about how refreshing it was to read a fairy-tale retelling with no romance in sight.

We discuss the role of trusty companion Brandy, unpack the mechanics of curse-breaking, and explore why this story works so well without leaning on romantic love as a solution.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:20 - Brief Life Updates

05:10 - Introduction to the Author

06:40 - Spoiler Warning

07:15 - The Blurb

08:55 - Our Discussion of 'Kill the Beast'

55:10 - Next Time on Reading Materials

57:40 - Outro

In this episode of the Reading Materials Podcast, we step into Cinder House by Freya Marske and unpack what makes this a genuinely enjoyable Cinderella retelling.

We talk about how impressively well-developed the characters are for such a short book, and we dig into a bigger conversation about queerness in publishing — where representation feels authentic, and where it risks being used as a marketing hook.

Cozy, clever, and more layered than it first appears, this one gave us plenty to discuss.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:15 - Brief Life Updates

03:00 - An Introduction to Freya Marske

05:15 - Spoiler Warning

06:00 - The Blurb

06:55 - Our Discussion of 'Cinder House'

49:20 - Next Time on Reading Materials

50:05 - Outro

In this episode of Reading Materials, we dive into The Treasures by Harriet Evans (released June 12, 2025), exploring its richly drawn dual settings in 1950s London and 1960s New York.

We unpack our love/hate relationship with cliffhangers, chat about how surprisingly dark the story becomes, and reflect on how these layered timelines reshape the family drama at its core.

Thank you for Viking for sending us ARCs of the book.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:20 - Life Updates

02:30 - An Introduction to Harriet Evans

05:10 - Spolier Warning

05:40 - The Blurb

06:30 - Our Discussion of the Book

01:09:45 - Outro

In this episode of Reading Materials, we’re joined by author H. R. Cole to discuss her debut adult fantasy novel Daughter of the Void, published in August 2025.

H. R. shares her thoughts on the bias women face in the fantasy genre, what it takes to craft a truly captivating enemies-to-lovers romance, and how her background in medical journalism shaped her approach to writing.

It’s an engaging and insightful conversation about resilience, romance, and breaking boundaries in fantasy fiction.

In this episode of Reading Materials, we’re joined by author Ross Montgomery to talk about his latest release, The Murder at World’s End, published on October 30, 2025.

Ross shares insights into his career as a beloved children’s author, what it was like transitioning to writing murder mysteries for adults, and the books he read as a child that completely blew his mind. It’s a fun and fascinating conversation about creative evolution, storytelling across genres, and the stories that shape us.

In this episode of Reading Materials, we dive into To Love a Liar by L. V. Matthews, released on September 11, 2025.

We chat about the joy of exploring different genres, our feelings about Jackson the dog, and which characters had us second-guessing their every move. It’s a lively discussion full of twists, suspicions, and the thrill of a well-crafted mystery.

Thank you to Penguin for sending us advanced reader copies of To Love a Liar.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:20 - Brief Life Updates

02:00 - Introduction to L. V. Matthews

05:05 - Spoiler Warning

05:40 - The Blurb

06:00 - Our Discussion of To Love a Liar

01:03:55 - Next Time on Reading Materials

01:05:00 - Outro

In this episode of Reading Materials, we’re joined by author Serra Swift to talk about her upcoming fantasy novel Kill the Beast, out October 14, 2025.

Serra shares her thoughts on navigating the pitfalls of professional jealousy, the differences between YA and adult fantasy from the author's perspective, and how to strike the balance between being a great writer and a great storyteller. It’s a candid and inspiring conversation about creativity, perseverance, and the craft of writing fantasy.

Thank you to Tor Books for sending us advanced copies of Kill the Beast!

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:20 - Interview with Serra Swift

01:04:50 - Outro

In this episode of Reading Materials, we’re joined by author Nuala Ellwood, also known as Iris Costello, to talk about her newest novel The Paris Bookshop Secret, released in July 2025.

Nuala shares how a haunted Georgian mansion inspired her current project, the power of books to help readers process grief, and the rituals she uses to get into the writing zone.

It’s a rich and reflective conversation about creativity, emotion, and the healing power of storytelling.

Thank you to Penguin to sending us proofs of The Paris Bookshop Secret.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:20 - Our interview with Nuala Ellwood

01:05:00 - Outro