Susie and Kylee dive deep into Nick Cutter's disturbing horror novel "The Troop," a visceral tale about a Boy Scout troop stranded on an island with a mysterious, ravenous stranger harboring a deadly parasitic infection.

• Immediate trigger warnings for horror elements, animal abuse, and graphic body horror
• Discussion of the five Boy Scouts and their distinct personalities—Kent the bully, Ephraim the troubled kid, Max the regular guy, Newt the smart one, and Shelly the sociopath
• Exploration of the military-created parasitic worms that cause insatiable hunger while breeding inside human hosts
• Analysis of Shelley's disturbing psychological development and sadistic behavior toward the other boys
• Breakdown of the Lord of the Flies-like descent as the boys struggle to survive while infection spreads
• Detailed examination of the most horrific scenes including the cave sequence and medical experiments
• Reflection on the ambiguous ending and theories about Max's final fate
• Rating of 4-4.5 stars for the novel's effectiveness as pure, old-school horror

If you're looking for a genuinely scary horror novel that will get under your skin (literally and figuratively), "The Troop" delivers—but proceed with extreme caution.

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Summer reading season brings endless possibilities for literary escape, whether you're lounging poolside or retreating to a cabin in the woods. Our latest roundup of recommendations spans across genres, proving that summer reads can be whatever your heart desires.

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Buckle up for our most brutally honest episode yet as we tackle "In the Dark I See You" by Malika Narayanan—a thriller that had us cranking our audiobook speed to maximum just to reach the finish line.

What starts as a seemingly intriguing premise—a blind woman named Audrey discovers her neighbor Sarah's dead body—quickly devolves into a labyrinth of confusing timelines, meaningless cliffhangers, and plot threads that lead absolutely nowhere. We break down why this particular thriller left us both with matching low star ratings and wondering where the actual thrills were hiding.

The story jumps between "Audrey's perspective" and "Sarah's perspective" across multiple timelines spanning from "present day" to various points in the past. We navigate through neighborhood break-ins, an elaborate embezzlement subplot, mysterious surveillance operations, and supposed romantic entanglements—all while trying to piece together what any of it has to do with the central murder mystery. 

Between Audrey's peculiar dirt-eating habit, an inexplicable listening device installed in Sarah's closet, and detectives who seem more interested in proving Audrey guilty than solving the crime, we're left increasingly baffled as the story unfolds. When the major twist finally arrives—that Audrey and Sarah are actually the same person—it's less of an "aha!" moment and more of an exasperated "really?"

Despite our disappointment, we find moments of humor in our shared confusion and even offer our fantasy casting suggestions should anyone dare to adapt this story for the screen. Join us as we demonstrate that even passionate book lovers sometimes encounter reads that just aren't their cup of tea—and that's perfectly okay.

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Ever found yourself debating whether listening to an audiobook "counts" as reading? You're not alone. Our latest Book Bites episode dives deep into the fascinating divide between audiobooks and physical reading, revealing how our brains process information in surprisingly different ways.

Susie and Kylee sit on opposite ends of the reading spectrum – one connects more deeply through audiobooks, while the other needs the physical page to truly absorb a story. This fundamental difference leads to a fascinating conversation about how we each uniquely process information.

The discussion covers everything from narrators who make or break audiobooks (with strong opinions on certain Irish accents!), to which genres work better in audio format versus text. Non-fiction and books with extensive character lists often shine as audiobooks, while complex fantasy with intricate worldbuilding might benefit from the ability to flip back pages for reference. Speed listeners will appreciate the debate on whether 1.5x or 2x is the sweet spot for audiobook consumption.

What emerges most clearly? There's no wrong way to enjoy literature. So tell us – are you Team Audiobook, Team Physical Book, or happily enjoying both worlds? Your brain might just be wired for one more than the other!

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We dive into "More Than Life" by Bethany Finger, a YA historical fantasy that follows Lady Cordelia Kimball as she loses everything after her father's death and discovers a hidden world of magic, curses, and her own mysterious origins.

• Cordelia (Delia) must adapt to life as a common worker at an inn after losing her status as a lady
• Jazz, a mysterious man with a magical ability that makes him forgettable, is secretly on a mission connected to Delia
• Their growing relationship is complicated by Jazz's curse and Delia's lack of knowledge about her own magical heritage
• The world contains magical elements including Hagens (cursed to be forgotten), Sidons (fish-like people), and demigods
• Delia discovers she has water magic and is connected to an ancient island with an elixir of immortality
• The novel reveals both characters have been living with false histories and are "soul-fated" to each other
• The story ends on a cliffhanger
If you enjoyed this discussion, don't forget to follow us on Instagram where we share more book recommendations and occasionally receive fun items from authors like the bookmark and signed page we got from Bethanie!

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What makes us turn the page or toss the book? That's the question driving our latest Book Bites mini-episode, where we're pulling back the curtain on the literary devices that either captivate or frustrate us as readers.

Kylee and Susie serve up a deliciously honest conversation about romance novel tropes, revealing their reading preferences with unfiltered enthusiasm. For every "second chance romance" that has us swooning (though we'd never give those second chances in real life), there's a frustrating miscommunication plot that makes us want to scream at fictional characters to just talk to each other already! We dissect why we're suckers for the "he falls first" dynamic, where male protagonists are secretly obsessed while heroines remain oblivious to their affections.

From arranged marriages to workplace romances, royal love stories to found families, we explore what makes these familiar patterns so satisfying when executed well. But we don't hold back on our literary pet peeves either – bully-to-lovers relationships that cross ethical boundaries, love magically "curing" infertility, uncomfortable age gaps, and books that promise romance but deliver nothing spicier than a handshake all make our hit list. And don't get us started on cliffhanger endings without proper epilogues!

Whether you're nodding along in agreement or preparing your counterarguments, this episode celebrates how reading preferences reveal what we value in storytelling. Share your own trope loves and hates with us – we promise we have thick skin (mostly)! After all, the conversation around what makes literature resonate is as fascinating as the books themselves.

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What happens when your darkest fantasy becomes reality? For trauma nurse Allie, scrolling through her favorite masked man's social media account is the perfect escape after grueling hospital shifts. His mysterious videos are the highlight of her week - until the day she discovers he's broken into her apartment and left his mask on her bed.

Most people would call the police. Allie calls it intriguing.

Behind the mask is Josh, a skilled hacker carrying the crushing weight of being the infamous Ken Doll Killer's son. When he discovers Allie's explicit comments requesting exactly what he's done, it triggers a dangerous game neither expected. As boundaries blur between stalker and lover, predator and prey, their connection deepens in ways both thrilling and terrifying.

The chemistry between them is undeniable - hot enough to make Allie overlook red flags that would send most running. But when their cat-and-mouse game accidentally entangles them in another predator's crimes, they're forced to confront just how far they'll go to protect each other. With unexpected mob connections, a cover-up spiraling out of control, and increasingly complex moral choices, their relationship is tested in ways neither anticipated.

Nevessa Allen masterfully blends psychological tension with moments of unexpected humor and scorching intimacy. The narrative shifts between Josh's internal struggles with his dark heritage and Allie's surprising comfort with his dangerous side, creating a dance of power, vulnerability, and acceptance that challenges everything they thought they knew about themselves.

With its perfect balance of suspense, steam, and emotional depth, "Lights Out" asks provocative questions about the darkness we hide and the acceptance we crave. This dark romance delivers a reading experience that will leave you breathless, disturbed, and eagerly flipping pages until its satisfying conclusion.

Would you let the masked man in?

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The haunting stories behind Portland, Oregon's most supernatural locations reveal tragic histories and ongoing paranormal activity that continues to affect visitors and staff today.

• The White Eagle bar harbors three ghosts from a tragic love story that ended in three lives lost
• Staff at the White Eagle confirm experiencing perfume scents, mysterious objects, and shadowy figures that match historical accounts
• The lake at Laurelhurst Park is haunted by the spirit of a woman who drowned in 1936 under mysterious circumstances ruled as suicide
• A jogger's encounter with a drowning woman who vanished when he tried to save her suggests a residual haunting at Laurelhurst
• Edgefield, once a poor farm and orphanage, contains energy-draining entities and a child-like apparition that has been known to chase visitors
• McMenamins maintains a "ghost log" at Edgefield where guests can document their paranormal encounters

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We explore our guiltiest reading pleasures and confess the books we love but hide from others in a judgment-free zone – well, almost judgment-free.

• Romance books featuring significant age gaps, including the infamous 104-year-old vampire and 17-year-old human love story
• Serial killer romances like "The Mindfuck" where anniversary gifts include people who've done bad things
• Controversial step-family romances such as Penelope Douglas's "Credence" 
• Books featuring stalking behavior reframed as romance, including "Under Your Scars"
• Ruby Dixon's "Ice Planet Barbarians" with its unique alien anatomy and bonding rituals
• Polyamorous relationships in books like "Flock" by Kate Stewart
• Dark romance featuring possessive motorcycle club members

My TBR just got a lot longer.

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If you love a captivating romantic comedy that beautifully illustrates the tangled web of modern-day relationships, you won't want to miss our celebration of one year of podcasting with the entertaining exploration of "You Deserve Each Other" by Sarah Hogle. In this lively episode, we delve into the chaotic romance of Naomi and Nicholas, whose engagement quickly devolves into comical struggles as they grapple with the pressing expectations from family and their own unwavering fears about love. 

Tune in as we unpack the relatable triumphs and trials they face while navigating the delicate dance of communication and vulnerability. Our discussion highlights the importance of being honest with yourself and your partner, sharing personal anecdotes that mirror the book's themes, and offering insights into how love often feels like a game that requires teamwork to tackle challenges. We delve into the emotional roller coaster that romance can be—packed with laughter, tears, and heartfelt moments of connection. 

As we explore the characters' journey to self-discovery, we emphasize how essential it is to confront issues head-on and communicate openly to ensure the success of a relationship. From the hilarious moments that make you smile to the touching realizations that may resonate deeply, this episode is a celebration of the messy yet beautiful experience of love. Join us for fun, thoughtful reflections, and be sure to check out our links to new merch as part of our anniversary celebration! Subscribe, share, and engage with us as we continue this journey!

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