SPOILERS SPOILERS & MORE SPOILERS

The room is sweltering, the vibes are chaotic, and the margarita is cold—perfect conditions to pull apart a dark romance that thrives on tension, not shock. We jump straight into KV Rose’s The Monster of Hotel Number Seven with full spoilers, tracing how the book dodges the obvious trap of confinement-and-violation and instead builds a slow-burn that feels earned, human, and dangerously tender. If you read for the ache—the almost, the pause, the swallow—this one hits where it counts.

Come for the spoilers, stay for the craft talk, and leave with a sharper lens for tension, consent, and narrative control in dark romance. If you’re as hyped for The Scientist as we are, hit play, then tell us your boldest theory. Subscribe, share with your favorite book friend, and leave a quick review—it helps more readers find the show.

Cover Art by: Fabienne and Jordan
Contact email: [email protected]
Intro/Outro music: Season Two: Ramaramaray by Aiyo via Epidemic Sound Season One: Sweet Psycho via TikTok’s Offical Sound Studio on Capcut
Follow Us:
Podcast: @thebookishhourpod
Fabienne: @oxonheart
Jordan: @sipsoffiction

We’re catching up for the first time in months and trading the curated feed for the full picture—Sicily’s stunning balconies and overflowing bins, the bliss of a 10-person dinner over a dance floor, and the $400 logo lesson that pushed us to own our brand instead of renting one.

Then we go inside the platforms: shifting Instagram aesthetics, making your own handwriting into a font, and choosing to treat the grid like a scrapbook instead of a scoreboard. On TikTok, the plan is simple and hard—post three times a day through year’s end, lead with value (recs, “if you like this show, read this”), and let small wins stack. The theme underneath it all is fit: smaller weddings, tighter formats, clearer promises, warmer colors, and a voice that sounds like you even when you’re nervous. That’s how you build something you can keep.

If this resonates, follow along for more romance chats, book-to-screen breakdowns, and creator behind-the-scenes. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves spicy books, and leave a quick review to help more readers find us.

Cover Art by: Fabienne and Jordan
Contact email: [email protected]
Intro/Outro music: Season Two: Ramaramaray by Aiyo via Epidemic Sound Season One: Sweet Psycho via TikTok’s Offical Sound Studio on Capcut
Follow Us:
Podcast: @thebookishhourpod
Fabienne: @oxonheart
Jordan: @sipsoffiction

Have you ever noticed how silence can be the most powerful form of communication? In our deep dive into "Enigma" by RuNyx, we explore exactly how this plays out through the introspective protagonist Salem, whose quiet observation becomes her greatest weapon at mysterious Mortimer University.

This episode takes you on a journey through the misty corridors and secret societies of RuNyx's latest dark academia masterpiece. We unpack her distinctive literary style—how her background in English literature manifests in carefully crafted triplets of description and strategic alliteration that elevates the atmospheric "mist core" aesthetic permeating every page. What truly sets "Enigma" apart is its portrayal of obsession and desire. Salem and Caz's relationship begins with instant attraction but evolves into something far more complex—a mutual obsession where both characters exhibit jealousy and possessiveness, creating a refreshingly balanced dynamic rarely seen in the genre. By the epilogue, we witness how their dark beginning transforms into something that might actually resemble love.

Whether you're already a RuNyx devotee or considering diving into her atmospheric world for the first time, this episode offers valuable insights into what makes her writing so compelling. Join us as we celebrate the power of introspection, the allure of mystery, and the gothic charm that only Runix can deliver.

Cover Art by: Fabienne and Jordan
Contact email: [email protected]
Intro/Outro music: Season Two: Ramaramaray by Aiyo via Epidemic Sound Season One: Sweet Psycho via TikTok’s Offical Sound Studio on Capcut
Follow Us:
Podcast: @thebookishhourpod
Fabienne: @oxonheart
Jordan: @sipsoffiction

Welcome to the dark side, we have cookies!

Remember when dark romance was about authentic storytelling rather than shock value? In this candid conversation, we examine how a genre we once loved has transformed into what we're calling "fast fashion fiction" – books written primarily to go viral rather than to tell meaningful stories with genuine emotional impact.

The marketing of dark romance has undergone a troubling shift, with trigger warnings now functioning as selling points rather than reader protection tools. "Look how extreme my book is!" has replaced "Here's the compelling story I've crafted." We discuss why this approach reduces complex narratives to mere shock value and why we've become increasingly selective about which dark romances deserve our time.

The conversation extends to practical considerations around trigger warnings: Should they appear at the front of books, potentially spoiling plot points? Or at the back, where readers can actively choose whether to view them? We advocate for a thoughtful middle path that respects both reader safety and storytelling integrity.

Whether you're a longtime dark romance reader frustrated with recent trends or simply curious about how publishing and social media virality intersect, this episode offers an unfiltered look at the state of a complex, evolving genre. Share your thoughts with us – do you agree the genre has become oversaturated, or are you finding hidden gems among the trend-chasers?

Cover Art by: Fabienne and Jordan
Contact email: [email protected]
Intro/Outro music: Season Two: Ramaramaray by Aiyo via Epidemic Sound Season One: Sweet Psycho via TikTok’s Offical Sound Studio on Capcut
Follow Us:
Podcast: @thebookishhourpod
Fabienne: @oxonheart
Jordan: @sipsoffiction

Ever picked up a highly anticipated book only to find yourself desperately fighting the urge to check your phone after two pages? You're not alone. 

We dive deep into the surprisingly complex world of DNFing (Did Not Finish) books this week. From legitimate dealbreakers to admittedly petty reasons, we share our complete list of reading turn-offs that make us close a book for good. Why struggle through a supposed slow-burn romance where characters are intimate by chapter three? What about those books where you find yourself skimming entire pages without really reading?

Whether you religiously finish every book you start or have a stack of half-read novels gathering dust, this conversation celebrates the reader's ultimate power: the freedom to close a book that isn't serving you. Life's too short for boring books! Join us for this candid, laughter-filled exploration of when and why to walk away from a reading experience.

Have your own DNF criteria? We'd love to hear your reading deal-breakers! Rate, review and let us know what makes you put a book down for good.

Cover Art by: Fabienne and Jordan
Contact email: [email protected]
Intro/Outro music: Season Two: Ramaramaray by Aiyo via Epidemic Sound Season One: Sweet Psycho via TikTok’s Offical Sound Studio on Capcut
Follow Us:
Podcast: @thebookishhourpod
Fabienne: @oxonheart
Jordan: @sipsoffiction

Suzanne Collins has done it again, masterfully filling in the blanks of the Hunger Games universe while breaking our hearts in the process. We dive deep into how this prequel transforms our understanding of the alcoholic mentor from District 12, exploring his journey from a non-drinker to the broken man who could barely function without liquor in the original trilogy. 

What makes this exploration particularly fascinating is how it reveals that resistance against the Capitol didn't begin with Katniss. From Lucy Gray Baird to Haymitch to finally Katniss Everdeen, there's been a continuous thread of rebellion stretching across generations of Panem citizens. We examine the unexpected connections between characters across books, including the revelation that Katniss' father had Covey heritage, creating a subtle lineage that runs throughout the saga.

We also can't help but speculate about the upcoming film adaptation slated for November 2026, debating potential casting choices and reminiscing about our teenage obsessions with the original Hunger Games movies (including Jordan's confession about owning a Mockingjay pin!).

Whether you've just finished the book or are deciding if it's worth reading, join us for this spoiler-filled conversation about trauma, resilience, and how the most unexpected characters can become essential threads in the tapestry of revolution. May the odds be ever in your favor!

Cover Art by: Fabienne and Jordan
Contact email: [email protected]
Intro/Outro music: Season Two: Ramaramaray by Aiyo via Epidemic Sound Season One: Sweet Psycho via TikTok’s Offical Sound Studio on Capcut
Follow Us:
Podcast: @thebookishhourpod
Fabienne: @oxonheart
Jordan: @sipsoffiction

Have you ever found a romance novel so captivating that you physically couldn't put it down? That's exactly what happened with Ali Hazelwood's "Problematic Summer Romance." Set against the stunning backdrop of Sicily, this age gap romance brilliantly balances summer vibes with genuine emotional depth.

What makes this book stand out from countless other contemporary romances is how Hazelwood handles the age difference between Maya, a remarkably mature 23-year-old, and Conor (with one N), a man wrestling with his attraction to someone he believes is "too young." 

We're both giving this book five enthusiastic stars, and we'd love to hear your thoughts if you've read it! Have you fallen for Conor with one N yet? Or are you planning to pick up this perfect summer read? Let us know in the reviews or reach out on social media – we can't wait to hear your take on this delightful romance.

Cover Art by: Fabienne and Jordan
Contact email: [email protected]
Intro/Outro music: Season Two: Ramaramaray by Aiyo via Epidemic Sound Season One: Sweet Psycho via TikTok’s Offical Sound Studio on Capcut
Follow Us:
Podcast: @thebookishhourpod
Fabienne: @oxonheart
Jordan: @sipsoffiction

Two booklovers reunite for a heartfelt conversation spanning European adventures and the surprising power of community reading. 

CATCH UP WITH US: it's been a minute and we are sorry!! (but also not really because life)

Budapest emerges as the unexpected star of the travel segment, with gorgeous thermal baths housed in Art Nouveau buildings and unlimited prosecco cruises along the Danube proving worthy of any travel bucket list. While the city's vast scale might seem intimidating, its walkable streets and convenient electric scooters make three days the perfect timeframe for soaking up its culture, architecture, and surprisingly safe nightlife.

The conversation shifts to a deeper exploration of how physical book clubs are creating meaningful connections in our increasingly digital world. As one host discovers the joy of a local "Beach Read and Bubbly" gathering, we're reminded of what sociologists call "third places" - those vital community spaces beyond home and work that foster authentic human connection. After years of pandemic isolation and virtual interaction, these in-person literary gatherings represent something profoundly important about our fundamental need for community.

Ready to find your own bookish community or add some page-turning summer reads to your collection? Join the conversation by rating, reviewing, and sharing your own book club experiences with us!

Cover Art by: Fabienne and Jordan
Contact email: [email protected]
Intro/Outro music: Season Two: Ramaramaray by Aiyo via Epidemic Sound Season One: Sweet Psycho via TikTok’s Offical Sound Studio on Capcut
Follow Us:
Podcast: @thebookishhourpod
Fabienne: @oxonheart
Jordan: @sipsoffiction

After a successful career in blogging and screenwriting—selling projects to networks like ABC, NBC, and Netflix—Jessie Rosen found her voice in novel writing through a personal family belief: that rings carry the energy of everyone who's worn them before.

"The Heirloom," her breakout novel, explores what happens when a woman insists on knowing the complete history of her engagement ring before accepting it. Jessie reveals how this wasn't mere fictional invention but a deeply held family truth that sparked debate among her own friends when she refused heirloom jewelry for her own engagement. 

Her newest release, "All the Signs," continues this exploration of how beliefs shape our lives, drawing from her real-life experiment of tracking down people with her exact birth chart "star twins" to test the validity of astrology. 

The conversation reveals fascinating insights about her creative process, including how she plots extensively yet allows herself flexibility within that structure, and how morning hours are reserved for fresh writing while afternoons focus on structure and planning. For aspiring writers, Jessie emphasizes the importance of building a consistent body of work that publishers can trust, whether through blogs, newsletters, or social media.

Follow Jessie's journey through her books and her newest project, a Substack newsletter called "Bravery," where she connects with readers between book releases.

Cover Art by: Fabienne and Jordan
Contact email: [email protected]
Intro/Outro music: Season Two: Ramaramaray by Aiyo via Epidemic Sound Season One: Sweet Psycho via TikTok’s Offical Sound Studio on Capcut
Follow Us:
Podcast: @thebookishhourpod
Fabienne: @oxonheart
Jordan: @sipsoffiction

The Art of Bookstagram

Meet Liz, the creative force behind The Boho Book Blogger, whose stunning flat lays and authentic approach to book content has captivated over 33k followers. In this warm and insightful conversation, Liz takes us behind the scenes of her bookstagram journey, sharing how a pandemic reading revival in 2020 blossomed into a thriving creative outlet and community.

You'll discover the secrets behind those enviable flat lays and hear Liz's perspective on what makes the book community so special compared to other social media spaces. "The community aspect of Bookstagram is so cool," she explains. "Being able to talk to literal strangers on the internet about books - there's something so special about that."

Whether you're a devoted bookstagrammer looking for inspiration or simply curious about the digital reading revolution, this episode provides an intimate look at how books continue to bring people together in new and unexpected ways. 

Follow Liz at @thebohobookblogger on Instagram and TikTok to join her community of passionate readers and see those gorgeous flatlays.

Cover Art by: Fabienne and Jordan
Contact email: [email protected]
Intro/Outro music: Season Two: Ramaramaray by Aiyo via Epidemic Sound Season One: Sweet Psycho via TikTok’s Offical Sound Studio on Capcut
Follow Us:
Podcast: @thebookishhourpod
Fabienne: @oxonheart
Jordan: @sipsoffiction