Shows
Besties and the Books PodcastEp 72 Mid Year Book FREAKOUT!! 85+ Book Reviews and Ratings thru Mid Year 2025Send us a textIt’s our mid-year one sentence spoiler free book review episode! How is it the middle of 2025? We have no idea how we got here but we know we only did it through a healthy amount of disassociation and yapping… courtesy of books.Stick around if you want to hear 85+ rapid reviews on every single book we’ve read for the podcast, for personal enjoyment, and for science! A bit of a Mid-year book freakout tag, if you will. Get your pen and paper out to start adding to you...2025-07-291h 12
What in the Smut? Podcast20. Kiss of the Basilisk Part TWOWelcome back WITS Listeners. If you listened to part one, and you're back for part two, you're one of the real ones!This week, Elle and Kay discuss the ritual that Tem needs to go through in order to be accepted by her basilisk boyfriend's father. We continue to be disappointed that this love triangle never turns into a why choose, and we question if we've reached our limit of how much smut is too much smut in one book. Overall, this gets ⭐⭐, from both Elle and Kay, due in large part to giving credit to t...2025-07-292h 10
Besties and the Books PodcastEp 71 HEAT of the EVERFLAME Review, Summary, and Deep Dive | Kindred’s Curse Saga Book 3Send us a textWe interviewed Penn Cole, we took a deep dive into Spark and Glow of the Everflame, and today we’re continuing on with our deep dive into book 3: Heat of the Everflame. With the first fifteen minutes being spoiler free, and including our basic star and spice ratings! Check out our full Kindred's Curse Saga Playlist | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=103nCXINMP4&list=PLHf5v0KOoZMmK0bBoRxZWmqNtG88fxs4v&pp=gAQBAt this point, we’re taking the time needed to deep dive some conspiracy theories and speculate as t...2025-07-221h 42
TuttoLibriLindsay Straube: record americano di pagine lette online, grande successo di TikTokDal BookTok alle librerie, il successo di Lindsay Straube è imperdibile. Liliana Russo ci presenta "Baci al veleno. Kiss of the basilisk"2025-07-2201 min
The Story IsKiss of The Basilisk, Dramione Fanfic Controversy, and Antipasto-GateWe're back with a regular episode this week! We finally deep dive into Kiss of The Basilisk by Lindsay Straube, share our thoughts on the summer of Dramione, what's on our summer tv watchlist and won't someone eat this poor woman's antipasto?!Learn more about these incredible LGBTQIA+ organizations:Time Out Youth Charlotte- https://timeoutyouth.org/ The Trevor Project- https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ Follow Us:https://www.tiktok.com/@thestoryispod https://www.instagram.com/thestoryispod https://www.youtube.co...2025-07-171h 02
Booking Wild with Emma and FranThe Vibes Are Simply OffPorking Scale: 🐽🐽🐽In this episode, Emma and Fran give their hot takes on books (again), discuss zombie romances, and how much smut makes something smutty.Follow us on Instagram!@bookingwildpodEmma - @leatherboundgremlinFran - @bibliophilebaldwinRecent Reads:Emma's Recent Reads:One True LovesThe Paris ApartmentNorth Is The NightFran's Recent Reads: Silver EliteLittle WomenOther Books Mentioned:...2025-07-1645 min
What in the Smut? Podcast20. Kiss of the Basilisk- PART ONEWelcome back WITS listeners!We've been talking about it for weeks, and it's finally here.... well, part one at least! We know we're yappers, but we really did try to keep it to the important info for this episode! This week, join Elle and Kay as they discuss the first part of Kiss of the Basilisk by Lindsay StraubeWITS Smut Scale: 🐙🐙🐙Kay and Elle discuss the fine line of having a book with no trigger warnings and what could be a LOT of triggering scenes, this book may not be for everyone. One of th...2025-07-142h 27
Besties and the Books PodcastEp 69 GLOW of the EVERFLAME Review, Summary, and Deep Dive | Kindred’s Curse Saga Book 2Send us a text"In this episode of Besties and the Books, Liz and Ashley dive deep into Glow of the Everflame, book two in Penn Cole’s Kindred’s Curse Saga. They start off with their spoiler-free reviews, giving the book high praise for character growth, richer world-building, and a masterful slow-burn romance. They give a brief 5 sentence book summary. They also share some fun personal updates, from movie nights to dog mishaps. Once in spoiler territory, they provide a detailed five-sentence plot summary and discuss their favorite tropes like found family, royal intrigue, and strong side...2025-07-081h 02The Story IsIf James Bond was a book boyfriendIn episode 6 of The Story is Podcast, Katie Mitchell and Amanda Earle discuss the latest pop culture and booktok news including- The Diddy verdict and The Idaho Killer plea deal, casting book boyfriends as James Bond, 'The Wolf King' by Lauren Palphreyman and 'Kiss of the Basilisk' by Lindsay Straube. FOLLOW US-https://www.tiktok.com/@thestoryispodhttps://www.instagram.com/thestoryispodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/thestoryispodhttps://www.instagram.com/tropebookshophttps://www.instagram.com/trooptropebookclubTime Stamps:(0:00)-(0:59) Intro an...2025-07-081h 00
What in the Smut? Podcast19. WrappedWelcome back WITS listeners!In celebration of Kay's birthday this month, we read Wrapped by Nicole Parker!WITS Smut Scale: 🐙🐙🐙Kay and Elle discuss delayed gratification when it comes to birthday gifts, how quickly your 30's turn into aches and pains in the morning especially after a bottle of wine, and that men need to realize that girls dress for compliments from other girls- not for the male gaze. In this week's book, Lena's luck certainly turned around on her birthday, and we're still not totally sure why Kyle is so "good in t...2025-07-071h 28
Besties and the Books PodcastEp 68 AITA Hotdog Edition! Just kidding (but not really) it’s the 4th of July!Send us a textWhat is the good old US of A at its core? Well, we decided to take that magical school bus trip to the center of America and what did we find? Not molten lava, The Statue of Liberty, or even bald eagles like you might suspect. We found hotdogs. And boy, were there many. Today we’re resuming our “Am I the A Hole?!” Holiday Series with our 4th of July episode. We’ve got angry neighbors, firework probs, lake vacations gone awry… but most importantly… food dilemmas. And a surpris...2025-07-011h 03
Second Hand SmutEpisode 25 - Kiss of the Basilisk Pt. 2Join us this week for the exciting conclusion of Kiss of the Basilisk by Lindsay Straube. And what a conclusion it is! Things get filthy fast as we jump back in, and it may just be too much for Paul to handle! 2025-06-251h 48
Besties and the Books PodcastEp 67 Spark of the Everflame Review, Summary, and Deep Dive | Kindred’s Curse Saga Book 1Send us a text"In this episode of Besties in the Books, hosts Liz and Ashley dive into Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole, the first book in the Kindred Curse Saga. As a fresh romantasy read from a New York Times bestselling debut author, this novel blends strong female leads, a compelling magic system, and light feminist themes that set it apart in the fantasy genre. The hosts share a spoiler-free review, their personal star and spice ratings, and discuss Penn Cole’s thoughtful character development, world building, and tropes like hidden identity and slow bu...2025-06-241h 10The Story IsKaren Read and Monster Smut: The Duality of WomenIn episode 4 of The Story is Podcast, Katie Mitchell and Amanda Earle discuss the latest pop culture and booktok news including- The Karen Read verdict, The Ravenhood Series adaptation news, Aaron Taylor Johnson, and Morning Glory Milking Farm.FOLLOW US-https://www.tiktok.com/@thestoryispodhttps://www.instagram.com/thestoryispodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/thestoryispodhttps://www.instagram.com/tropebookshophttps://www.instagram.com/trooptropebookclubTime Stamps:(0:00- 2:14) Intro (2:15- 9:25)Karen Read(9:26-12:54) Book Adaptation News: Kate Stewart and Brynne Weaver(12:55-15:53...2025-06-2448 min
Besties and the Books PodcastEp 66 Wild by Cheryl Strayed: Grief, Finding Yourself, and Journeying as a Female | Books That Made Us College Follow UpSend us a textToday’s episode is officially our second non fiction / memoir that we’re reviewing on the podcast and a follow up to our “books that made us” series covering our college years. Ashley and Liz both presented five of the books that helped shape our personalities as early 20-something’s in the world, put all the titles into our trusted BATB beanie™, and then chose one to reread. The result: us covering Wild, the super popular story of Cheryl Strayed solo hiking 1200 miles of California’s Pacific Crest Trail with no prior backpacking ex...2025-06-171h 36
Second Hand SmutEpisode 24 - Kiss of the Basilisk Pt. 1*** TRIGGER WARNING*** Mouth noises ahead. Paul and Angela are SNACKING this episode, and there are some serious chewing sounds to be heard. Misophonia sufferers beware!We find ourselves deep in the snake pit this week with Lindsay Straube's Kiss of the Basilisk! In our first-ever two-part episode, Angela welcomes Paul into the scale-covered, slithery, sexy world of Basilisks in this ramantasy of all romantasies! This book is crazy... and this is just part one! 2025-06-112h 01
Besties and the Books PodcastEp 65 Talking STRONG Female Characters and Kindred’s Curse With Penn Cole! | Author InterviewSend us a textIn this episode we’re chatting with none other than THE Penn Cole! Bestselling fantasy romance author of her debut series The Kindred’s Curse Saga, also known as Spark, Glow, and Heat of the Everflame, with Burn of the Everflame on the way! Today’s episode will be completely spoiler free aside from a potential 5 minute spoiler section at the end we’ll warn you about, so even if you haven’t read these books yet, or you haven’t made it all the way through the series, you can stick around to chit chat...2025-06-101h 13
Besties and the Books PodcastEp 64 Silver Elite…CONTROVERSIES, CONSPIRACIES, & BRUTALLY HONEST REVIEWS!Send us a textWell… Ashley and Liz put a hold on their neverending TBR pile and rearranged the entire podcast schedule to yap with y’all about this book. Silver Elite by “New York Times bestselling author” Dani Francis (🤔) has taken the book world by storm seemingly overnight and had to investigate for themselves with their very first conspiracy episode. 👽🛸👽 OooOooO Spooky."In this episode of Besties and the Books podcast, hosts Liz and Ashley dive into the viral dystopian romance novel Silver Elite by the mysterious Dani Francis, launching their first "conspiracy theory" episode afte...2025-06-031h 25
Besties and the Books PodcastEp 63 Page ➡️ PLATE! A Feast of Thorns and Roses "ACOTAR Cookbook" Author Interview w/ Chelsea Cole!Send us a text"Ashley and Liz interview Chelsea Cole, food blogger and author of A Feast of Thorns and Roses: The Unofficial Cookbook of A Court of Thorns and Roses. Chelsea shares the inspiration behind her ACOTAR-themed cookbook, which creatively brings meals from the beloved fantasy series into real-life kitchens. She discusses her background in food blogging and her goal of making recipes accessible for all skill levels, noting that the book is designed not just for cooking but for fans to deepen their connection with the series. The cookbook features...2025-05-2750 min
Book Talk TrioTrio Check-In: Recommendations, Current Reads, and TBR TalkHey Book Besties! In this episode we check-in with each other, and you of course, to talk about recent reads, current reads, and what we want to read next. We kept it to books we really enjoyed this time around, so no flops were named--all bops!Some books mentioned: The Never List by Jade Presley, The Bonds That Tie Series by J. Bree, Ella Gets the D by Tanvier Peart, In the Gray by B.B. Reid, Kiss of the Basilisk by Lindsay Straube, Ironside Academy Series by Jane Washington, Mindf*ck Series by...2025-05-2642 min
Besties and the Books PodcastRanking & Wrap Up FIFTY SHADES OF GREY Trilogy + Parody! | Bonus MinisodeSend us a textToday is the epic conclusion of our Fifty Shades of Grey miniseries fondly titled "Fifty Shades of May" series, and boyyy are we excited. Come on this first time journey with us as we do the ultimate book and movie ranking / showdown of the entire trilogy! We give our overall star and spice ratings of the Fifty Shades of Grey book trilogy by E. L. James, the movie trilogy, and even include our thoughts on the Fifty Shades parody book: Fifty Shames of Earl Grey. What did we l...2025-05-231h 07
Smut Up and Listen!#90 Kiss Of The Basilisk by Lindsay StraubeSend us a cute little love note & we’ll read it at the beginning of an epidodeTem is just a lowly chicken farmer when she's entered into a competition to marry the prince. She's assigned to a basilisk who will teach her how to please her prospective husband, but quickly feelings get involved on all sides and Tem has some choices to make.Book Credit: Kiss Of The Basilisk by Lindsay StraubeSupport the show2025-05-211h 37
Besties and the Books PodcastEp 62 WORTH READING?? Mark Hoppus' Fahrenheit 182: "A Millennial Punk Rock Memoir Book Review"Send us a text"In this episode of the Besties and the Books podcast, Liz and Ashley excitedly kick off their first nonfiction memoir feature by diving into Fahrenheit 182 by Mark Hoppus of Blink-182. Longtime fans of the band and deeply connected to the early 2000s pop-punk scene, they reflect on how the book transported them back to their youth, sharing nostalgic stories, personal connections, and even a shared ex-boyfriend who dedicated the same Blink-182 song to both of them. They praise the memoir’s conversational, chronological format, Mark’s engaging narration in the audiobook, and the emot...2025-05-201h 13
Rat GirlsKiss of the Basilisk with Lindsay StraubeLindsey Straube, author of 'Kiss of the Basilisk,' is on the pod this week, and we are GIGGLING! We are chatting about the book (duh!), falling in love with monsters, discovering our deepest fantasies, how the girlies can get everything they want, finding power in your org@sms, love triangles, living for pleasure instead of productivity, etc. We also nibble on book communities, being Team LEO or CAPSEN, vampires, Twilight, wellness culture, AI, the male loneliness epidemic, and more. 2025-05-2059 min
Besties and the Books Podcast50 Shades Freed…BUT FROM WHAT?? | Book 3 Review & Summary | Bonus MinisodeSend us a textIn this third episode of the Besties in the Books mini-series Fifty Shades of May, hosts Ashley and Liz dive deep into Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James, the final installment of the original Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy. They explore how the controversial dark romance series influenced pop culture, the rise of dark romance in mainstream fiction, and why Freedmight not mean what you think it does. The episode teases what's next in the series, including a parody read of Fifty Shades of Earl Grey by Andrew Shaffer and a full...2025-05-1652 min
Besties and the Books PodcastEp 61 MILLENNIAL NOSTALGIA | Books That Made Us “The College Years”Send us a textWhat iconic things from millennial “yesteryear” do you miss? We kick off this super nostalgic episode with an ode to simpler times. Let’s take a moment of collective silence for: the mall (in general), Borders Books (and more!), cheap concert tickets (like $50!??), and makeup when it was creative (what a time to be alive!). Our faves and fails of the week are all about those things that we miss as we amp up to share our favorite reads from the early to mid 2000’s.Ashley and Liz present their top five col...2025-05-131h 02
What in the Smut? Podcast11. Cold SweatWelcome back WITS listeners! Have you ever wondered what it might be like to get it on with the Kool-Aid man? Vera Valentine certainly thought long and hard about it when she wrote this week's book, Cold Sweat. Smut Scale Rating: 🐙🐙This episode has lots of giggles with healthy doses of "OHHHH YEAHHHH" sprinkled in. We're still not sure if we're totally on board for the step-sibling trope, but we're definitely both here for the forced proximity. Elle isn't sure if she truly needed the origin story for the sentient pitcher of Kool-Aid becaus...2025-05-121h 27
Smut Spice and Everything NiceKiss of the Basilisk (Split or Swallow) by Lindsay StraubeHey Friends! Join us this week as we talk about Kiss of the Basilisk (Split or Swallow) by Lindsay Straube. If you haven't already, make sure you check out any trigger warnings! Follow and interact with us on Instagram @sugar.spice.smut, Facebook at Smut, Spice, and Everything NiceTheme music by @xramoxz of @rarehearted2025-05-1137 min
Besties and the Books Podcast50 Shades DARKER?…YOU SURE ABOUT THAT?? 🤨 | Book 2 Review & Summary | Bonus MinisodeSend us a textGuess What? It’s officially grey! We are in it. Oh my! It’s Fifty shades of May over here on the Besties and the Books podcast. Welcome back to our spring mini episode series all about the extremely popular yet widely discredited book series: Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James. We’re officially into book two and things are not exactly going as planned…If you’ve been following along and watched our “Dark Romance Enters the Chat” episode then you know, we trace romance novels wayyy back to...2025-05-0947 min
Besties and the Books PodcastEp 60 Sarah J Maas’ “SECRET BOOK” CATWOMAN | Unpopular Books by Popular AuthorsSend us a textWelcome to our newest series reading “UnPopular Books by Popular Authors”! Today we’re kicking it off with Sarah J Maas and Catwoman: Soulstealer! ***A huge thank you to The Bookish Queen for Sponsoring this episode!*****Check out the ultimate bookish shop and use discount code “BESTIEBOOKS15” to save 15% on your order @ https://bookishqueen.com/discount/BESTIEBOOKS15 Follow and get Inspo from them on Instagram @bookishqueenshop**Have you already read this somewhat “secret” book by Sarah J. Maas and just want to hear m...2025-05-061h 12
Besties and the Books PodcastOUR FIRST TIME🤭… Reading 50 SHADES OF GREY! | Book 1 Review & Summary | Bonus MinisodeSend us a textGuess What? It’s gonna be grey…It is grey! It’s Fifty shades of May over here on the Besties and the Books podcast. Welcome to our spring mini episode series all about the extremely popular yet widely discredited book series: Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James. If you’ve been following along and watched our “Dark Romance Enters the Chat” episode then you know, we trace romance novels wayyy back to their origin so we can discuss what societal conditions helped to pro...2025-05-021h 12
Clutch My Pearls81 - Kiss of the BasiliskCome wear a claw with The Girls! This week Vanessa is presenting “Kiss of the Basilisk” by Lindsay Straube. Originally called Split or Swallow, this is one of the most unhinged books Vanessa has ever read, so buckle up! When Temperance Verus (Tem for short) is ready to compete to win the prince’s hand in marriage, she has a few things to learn. Tem is paired with her personal Basilisk, Caspen, who not only is the BEST trainer for sexy seduction and bedroom skills, he’s also the serpent king! Caspen knows the best training is hands on but he c...2025-04-291h 08
Besties and the Books PodcastEp 58 “Unmasking The Monsters” in This Monster of Mine | Deep Dive Book Review & SummarySend us a textLiz and Ashley are locked and loaded and ready to talk about everything This Monster of Mine by Shalini Abeysekara. Today’s episode is the spoiler-y follow up to our spoiler FREE author interview that dropped last month for Shalini’s big romantasy debut! Watch our Author Interview with Shalini Abeysekara here | https://youtu.be/dMoOSLW1vTE?si=5iTgTD7AOw5robs5We discuss the reasons this book is so unique, and unlike any other romantasy we’ve read… because it’s a full-blown murder mystery with an Ancient Rome inspired s...2025-04-221h 03
Besties and the Books PodcastEp 57 REACTING to the WORST 1 ⭐️ REVIEWS of our FAVORITE BOOKS!Send us a textToday's episode is exactly how it sounds. We read off 1⭐️ reviews of our favorite books, try to get the other person (and you guys!) to guess what it is, then reveal it with its official star rating on Goodreads. We have everything from SJM and The Empyrean to lesser known books involving vampires, shadow daddies, and robots. Dark romance, fantasy, romantasy, and a little bit of magical realism make this episode a well rounded one. Do you agree or disagree with the assessment? Sometimes what we love about a boo...2025-04-1553 min
Unhinged Bookish ThoughtsMarch Book Recs | S8E8On this episode of Unhinged Bookish Thoughts, we discuss our March reads. Let us convince you to read our favorites with a simple yes or no if. Or at least add them to your never-ending TBR. Books discussed:Kiss of the Basilisk by Lindsay StraubeFirst-Time Caller by B.K. Borison Zoe Brennan, First Crush by Laura Piper LeeBlood Over Bright Haven by M.L. WangProject Hail Mary by Andy Weir Stolen Chances by Clio Evans2025-04-1036 min
Besties and the Books PodcastRanking ALL The Hunger Games BOOKS and MOVIES! | Miniseries Wrap UpSend us a textWelcome back for our sixth and final episode in Ashley & Liz’s dystopian sci fi episode bonus series: The Hunger Games! We have had the best (and most emotional 😭) time covering these heart-wrenching books at such an appropriate point in our history. We covered the origin of dystopias of all kinds, where the idea and genre came from, and why it’s so important in literature and popular culture. We discussed how books, and the act of reading itself, are inherently political. And then we took deep dives into the...2025-04-0451 min
Besties and the Books PodcastEp 55 APRIL FOOLS! 🤪 Reacting to AITA PRANK STORIES!Send us a textWe’re just girls. And today we’re just girls obsessed with pranks. Stick around if you want to hear about our fave and fail prank edition… if you like hearing about AITA pranks gone wrong…if you’re someone who observes April Fool’s Day, or if you’re someone who simply wants to call out A Holes for their participation in something that obviously WAS NOT FUNNY! (Or maybe it was?🤷♀️😏)Today is all about Liz and Ashley responding to “Am I the A Hole” prank edition thr...2025-04-0155 minBesties and the Books PodcastEp 54 “now WE are the A HOLES!” Our Bookish HOT TAKES!Send us a textWe’ve responded to the internet’s bookish hot takes… we responded to YOUR hot takes… and now it’s finally time for you guys to be mad at US! Today’s episode is all about Ashley and Liz’s bookish hot takes. Maybe you’ll agree, maybe you won’t. Maybe you’ll nod your head, maybe you’ll scream at us. But either way, we’re here with OPINIONS.We cover everything from overdone sprayed edges to unnecessary celebrity memoirs; from what’s considered a book spoiler to hockey romance in general. Was Fo...2025-03-2557 min
Besties and the Books Podcast*DON’T SKIP* The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes!!! | Hunger Games Book 4 Review & Summary | Bonus MinisodeSend us a textWelcome back to Ashley & Liz’s dystopian sci fi episode bonus series: The Hunger Games!Today we go back in time to discuss President Snow and his origin story. How exactly did he become a “villian” and what does his evolution into a tyrannical dictator say about the society that created him? How did Panem and the games themselves evolve into the world we know?This book is full of so many amazing “easter eggs” and tie-ins to the original trilogy. We’re ready to pick thos...2025-03-231h 10Besties and the Books PodcastEp 53 Asking Each Other UNHINGED & JUICY questions + 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Celebration!Send us a textWE’RE ONE YEAR OLD! Today we’re celebrating our one year anniversary of podcasting over at Besties and the Books and we just want to say THANK YOU to each and every one of you for being here! You’re helping us to create this amazing community, and we couldn't be more grateful to watch it grow. 🖤Check out the Thank You *GIVEAWAY* on our Instagram! | https://www.instagram.com/bestiesandthebookspodcast?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrSo in celebration we’ve decided to go into a blin...2025-03-1858 min
Besties and the Books PodcastSHOOKED & COOKED after reading Hunger Games MOCKING JAY! | Book 3 Review & Summary | Bonus MinisodeSend us a textWelcome back to Ashley & Liz’s dystopian sci fi episode bonus series: The Hunger Games!Today we get SERIOUS as we discuss the amazingly well written, heart wrenching grand finale to the original trilogy. What parallels do we see reflected in real life? Are the dystopian themes regarding media control, rebellion, war, government control, environmental degradation and resource allocation applicable to today’s world? Come with us as we open these topics of discussion through a Katniss Everdeen lens.If you’ve been following along...2025-03-141h 13Besties and the Books PodcastEp 52 📚 100 Books in 30 Minutes | Rapid Fire Book Reviews from the Last 6 MonthsSend us a textGet out that good ol’ stack of post it notes and your favorite annotating pen (or just use the “notes” app in your phone) because your TBR is about to get even longer! If that’s possible. Today Ashley and Liz are recapping ALL of their reads from the last ½ of 2024 to give you the good, the bad, and the ugly. The books that changed our lives, the books that were overhyped, underhyped, the rereads, the weird as hell, and maybe even some we wished we hadn’t read at all...2025-03-1151 min
Besties and the Books PodcastWE CAUGHT FIRE in The Hunger Games Catching Fire | Book 2 Review & Summary | Bonus MinisodeSend us a textWelcome back to Ashley & Liz’s dystopian sci fi episode bonus series: The Hunger Games!We spend ½ of this episode playing the piano (yes, you read that right) and the other ½ convincing you to read this series. If that doesn’t do it for you… we don’t know what else you could want! If you’ve been following along and watched our “From 1984 to Hunger Games” dystopian themes in media and literature episode then you know we’re fascinated with everything about this genre and needed to delve into this discussio...2025-03-0747 minBesties and the Books PodcastEp 51 Our Romantasy BookCon Experience + 5 Tips and Tricks for Book Convention Newbies!Send us a textToday we’re chatting about Romantasy Bookcon, Los Angeles, 2025! This amazing convention put on by Fabled Fantasy Events was Liz and Ashley’s first, but it surely will not be our last! We talk about our overall faves and fails of Bookcon (our faves being mostly the amazing community) and consequently, what our top five tips for attending your first book convention are plus 5 rookie mistakes to avoid. In short: get there early, map out a plan and get to know the layout, bring snacks and come prepared to trade treas...2025-03-041h 25
Besties and the Books PodcastWe Wouldn’t Survive the HUNGER GAMES | Book 1 Review & Summary | Bonus MinisodeSend us a textWelcome to Ashley & Liz’s dystopian sci fi episode bonus series: The Hunger Games!If you’ve been following along and watched our “From 1984 to Hunger Games” dystopian themes in media and literature episode then you know we’re fascinated with everything about this genre and needed to delve into this discussion! It just happens to be a BIG bonus that Ashley had never read it before. Watch here | https://youtu.be/Ns4E87T36KQ?si=P0wXBSgyvRkNAABdThe debate currently on the book talk table is whether or not boo...2025-02-281h 11
Le Fond du Chaudron"Je commence la romantasy, je lis quoi ?"Dans ce neuvième épisode, on parle de la déferlante romantasy actuelle : d'où vient ce genre ? Quels sont ses titres les plus emblématiques ? Par où commencer pour s'y mettre ?On décortique les freins en disséminant nos meilleures références et recommandations, récentes… et plus lointaines. Avec en bonus une partie lexique pour tout comprendre, et vous y retrouver dans les méandres du Booktok…Un épisode garanti sans spoiler ✨Liste de toutes les œuvres mentionnées :Le Prince Cruel - Holly...2025-02-281h 01Besties and the Books PodcastEp 50 From 1984 to Hunger Games, HOW DID WE GET HERE?! Dystopian Themes in Media and LiteratureSend us a textThis week is. The. Week. We’re officially back in mini episode bonus mode with The Hunger Games book 1, by Suzanne Collins dropping this Friday! So today Ashley and Liz are setting us all up for success in our dystopian sci fi series with an episode about the history of dystopias! Not surprisingly, there is a lot of ground to cover, so we do our best to take a whole lot of information and condense it down for you to put all of these stories we love so much into context.Fi...2025-02-251h 07
Besties and the Books PodcastEp 49 Let’s Travel into the QUICKSILVER! | Book Review & SummarySend us a textA few episodes back we brought you an exclusive interview with the extraordinarily talented Callie Hart, author of the New York Times bestselling romantasy novel Quicksilver (linked below). It should come as no surprise that Liz and Ashley both loved this book, rating it a solid five stars! So today, we’re breaking it down for you. What did we love about this book? Were there any things we disliked? We go over our favorite tropes, characters and plot points. And also chat all about the spice, the twi...2025-02-1859 min