The Bookish Hour

Dark Romance and Author Journeys

Join us on this episode of the Bookish Hour as we welcome the delightful dark romance author J. ROSE, who shares her recent escapades in finding the perfect, flowy, princess-like gown. We not only get the inside scoop on her emotional journey but also chuckle at the wild card dresses she tried on. This lively conversation sets a warm tone, emphasizing the importance of confidence and being true to oneself.

Our chat with J. Rose covers everything from awkward bookstore encounters to workplace blunders, injecting humor and relatability into wedding and engagement discussions. We also delve into the resilience required in the writing world, with J. Rose sharing her experiences and aspirations for bringing the "why choose" genre into mainstream media. J. Rose's discusses her unexpected path to full-time authorship, including her fascination with dark romance influenced by her psychology background. 

We wrap up with insights into navigating pen names, genre shifts, and her latest writing projects, offering a rich tapestry of stories and valuable advice for aspiring authors. This episode is packed with heartfelt moments, laughter, and inspiring takeaways you won't want to miss!

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

Big Dreams and Fairy Tale Moments are the themes for this week's episode on The Bookish Hour with Jor & Fab

BOOKCLUB TIME!!

This episode is centered around discussing the second half and the whole book of Lauren Ashers' Love Redesigned. We also share our mixed thoughts on the contemporary romance novel, weighing in on its pacing, character dynamics, and overall enjoyment. 

Also, get ready for some enchanting moments as we recount whimsical encounters with friendly animals that made us feel straight out of a fairy tale. With weekend plans in flux and a light-hearted debate about whether Discord can capture a sneeze, this episode is full of delightful surprises. Possible concert going attire with cowboy boots and hat and all.

Tune in for a delightful blend of personal stories, weekend plans, and bookish discussions that promise to leave you smiling.

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

Romantic Reads and Relaxation Routines is this week's theme on The Bookish Hour

BOOKCLUB TIME!!

We dive into our latest obsession, "Love Redesigned" by Lauren Asher. With insights up to chapter 28 (read 28 and stop at chapter 29), we're breaking down the book's themes and characters and setting the stage for a lively discussion that will have you laughing and thinking in equal measure.

To wrap things up, we delve into the joy of overcoming a reading slump with a book that reignited our passion for reading. We share our mixed feelings about "Love Redesigned," from its delightful character dynamics to the sometimes frustrating microtropes. Plus, we speculate on exciting crossover possibilities between Lauren Asher's F1 series and Dreamland Billionaires series, touching on emotional themes like adoption and inclusivity. 

Join us for a heartwarming and insightful episode filled with personal anecdotes, bookish banter, and practical wellness tips!

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

On this episode of The Bookish Hour, we chat about the perfect beach reads to take on your summer getaway. From light romances by Lynn Painter and Emily Henry to edge-of-your-seat thrillers by Dan Brown and Jeneva Rose, we've got your vacation reading list covered. We wrap up with our summer plans and book recommendations—including "Beautiful Graves" by LJ Shen and "The Blonde Identity" by Ally Carter. Excitement builds as we look forward to Ellen Hildebrand's summer Nantucket novels as well as many others. So if you need the perfect beach read for this summer then look no further (or is it listen?)

Join us for a blend of laughter, bookish joy, and sunny escapism!

One of us might also have some BIG news (and we mean BIG NEWS) one of us is adulting at its finest. And she is here to share her exhilarating journey with all the nerve-wracking and thrilling moments. While the other one of us had a very stressful experience at an airbnb with a clogged toilet, you can only guess what went wrong...

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

BOOKCLUBS ARE BACK BABY!!!

Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver (Book Two) in The Ruinous Love Trilogy

SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS

Get ready for a passionate discussion about  Leather and Lark -- in this episode, we discuss the FULL book with all the spoilers for this one and some spoilers for Butcher & Blackbird as well. 

BE WARNED!!

Initially drawn in by the book's witty banter, we soon find ourselves puzzled by time jumps and complex character relationships. We'll share our candid critiques and compare it to its predecessor, Butcher and Blackbird.The audiobook version also gets its share of the spotlight, as we debate the effectiveness of duet-style narration and how it influenced our overall enjoyment. 

Don't miss this heat-filled, fashion-forward, book-loving episode!

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 wondered what it's like to transition from retail store management to becoming a full-time audiobook narrator? Join us as we chat with Victoria, our special guest who made that exact journey and has since built a cozy, soundproof studio in her home. We dive into the joys and challenges of setting up a home studio, managing time with kids, and celebrating the little victories in everyday life. From book shopping sprees to the thrill of personal milestones, this episode is full of lively and relatable moments that will resonate with anyone balancing a passion project with family life.

In our 30s, we're finally learning how to set meaningful boundaries and prioritize self-care. Victoria and us discuss how maturity helps in identifying whose opinions truly matter, leading to less people-pleasing and more self-protection. We reflect on the challenges of balancing adult responsibilities with self-care, highlighting the importance of a supportive family environment and the evolving societal understanding of mental health. Listen as we share our personal experiences and insights, making this conversation a must for anyone navigating the complexities of adulthood.

Ever wondered how audiobook narrators handle multiple characters and accents, especially in romance novels? Victoria shares her favorite projects and the techniques she uses to bring stories to life, from warm-ups to creating unique voices for characters. We also talk about the importance of finding the right narrator, handling negative reviews, and the emotional journey of audiobook listening. Whether you're a book lover, an aspiring narrator, or someone curious about the artistic journey, this episode promises to inspire and entertain.

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

Join us as we laugh about our less-than-glamorous recording setups, including the woes of unreliable internet and power outages that have sent us scrambling to the office unexpectedly. On the brighter side, you'll hear all about the joy that a fresh haircut brings and how a rainy run left one of us rocking an accidental Victorian-era hairstyle—trust us, it's a story you won't want to miss.

We can't hide our enthusiasm for K.V. Rose's novels, and this episode is packed with our thoughts on her gripping series. We tackle the bittersweet feeling of finishing her last unread book, "Break Me," and reminisce about our earlier podcast days filled with debates over "The Vengeful Duet," "The Monster of Hotel No. 7," and more. With excitement bubbling over her upcoming book, "Order of Rain," we share our favorite characters and series, setting the stage for what's next in her dark romance universe.

Our conversation doesn't stop there. We dive into the dynamics of the Unsainted series and discuss the potential for next-generation spin-offs. With mixed feelings about second-generation series, we debate whether our favorite authors can ever truly miss the mark. From our rapid reading marathons to the ideal order for new readers to tackle K.V. Rose's works, we chat about her evolution as a writer and the distinct elements that make her books unforgettable. Plus, get ready for some fun chatter about upcoming releases, music playlists, and a hilarious incident involving a growling car ride—because who doesn't love a good laugh?

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

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!!!

First, of course we talk about both of our good things that happened to us this past week. And if you want to know what they are, I guess you will have to give us a listen. 

But and most importantly, we dive deep into the world of queer literature, exploring various book perspectives and compelling themes. Discover the horror and folklore blend in "We Ate the Dark" by Melanie Pearson, the emotional impact of "A Dowry of Blood" by S.T. Gibson, and the nuanced discussions around female authors writing male-male romances. 

Join us as we celebrate inclusive language, diverse reading experiences, and the beauty of sapphic love, making this a truly engaging episode for all book enthusiasts.

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

BACK WITH ANOTHER EPISODE ON THE BOOKISH HOUR...

Switching gears can be as nerve-wracking as it is exhilarating – just ask Fab about her leap from customer service into the dental assisting world, alongside her mom. But change isn't just about career paths; it's about gracefully closing one door to open another, and she's got some tales to tell on that front. 

Ever been caught between the allure of a romantic readers' retreat and the anxiety of diving headfirst into uncharted social waters? Pull up a chair, and let's chat about the quirks of escaping to a literary paradise with strangers, where the line between relaxing vacation and reality TV drama blurs faster than a charley horse strikes during a beach volleyball game. As well as talking about how to support an author in need of some support more now then ever. Shea Ruby (@authorshearuby) all of her books are on kindle unlimited or you can get signed copies on her website or her books are available on the Zoe. Don't want to spend money you can just talk about her books, review, share and that support too.

BOOKCLUB PICK: If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio (SPOILERS & SPOILERS)

We discuss the whole book with its murky blend of love, betrayal, and the thin line that separates performance from reality. We dissect the hauntingly ambiguous ending, ponder the fate of its tormented characters, and reflect on the impact a powerful narrative can have on our five-star book reviews. Through the lens of Oliver's decade-old retelling, we debate the truth behind the characters' tangled relationships and the weighty theme of love versus illusion. 

So, whether you're here for the personal updates, the laughs, or the deep literary analysis, this episode promises a mix of relatable anecdotes and thoughtful discussion that will linger with you, just like a good book.

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 find yourself chuckling at the unexpected twists of daily life or the absurdities that come with personalizing your body with ink? Our latest episode kicks off with a bit of playful banter that soon unravels into an entertaining tale of advanced reader copies, the enigma of nondisclosure agreements, and the conundrum of tattoo placement that touches on childhood memories and cinematic passions. 

Navigating the peculiarities of relationship markers, we muse over the permanence of tattoos in the professional world and the hijinks that follow an unexpected find of an ex's inked name in a private place. The discussion takes a candid turn as we dissect the serious implications of body art, its impact on workplace dynamics, and the public hullabaloo over a notorious faux forehead tattoo. It's an episode brimming with laughter, yet thoughtfully examining the delicate lines between humor, personal expression, and societal judgment.

As we edge into the darker alleyways of social media, we uncover the bullying lurking within the bookstagram community, laying bare our own brushes with online vitriol. The atmosphere shifts as we untangle the complexities introduced when men enter female-dominated spaces, prompting a reflection on the preservation of safe havens for readers. And how we both feel that, this space is for women readers and not for men to come in and make their own. 

We wrap things up by diving into the drama that unfolded after a male audiobook narrator's missteps, and the intricate dance of sharing honest book reviews in a world where mood and media collide. Buckle up for a rollercoaster ride through the quirks and qualms of Bookstagram, body art, and beyond.

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