Book Talks: Recent Episodes

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Join Marisa and Kayla as they sit down with a glass of wine and discuss their favorite books. Feel free to send questions and discussion topics to @booktalkspodcast on Instagram!

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Booktalks Podcast Episode 112: We’re wrapping up July with everything we read this month and looking ahead to our August TBR! 📚

Kayla read an impressive 13 books, including a major Maggie Gates and Jay Salmon binge, while Marisa shares her July reads including Wild Card, Poker Face, Elle Kennedy’s The Mistake, This Story Might Save Your Life, and more.

We’re talking romance, surprise pregnancy tropes, thrillers, fantasy, books we loved, books we’re unhauling, and the books that just didn’t quite work for us.

Then we’re planning our August reading, including our Fable Book of the Month, Out on a Limb, Star Side, Blood Bound, Morningstar, and an upcoming Avatar reread.

Plus, we may have officially discovered our niche: surprise pregnancy books. 😂

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BookTalksPodcast #JulyWrapUp #AugustTBR #BookRecommendations #RomanceBooks #BookClub

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Thornbird by Elle Kennedy surprised us… because this wasn’t the romance book we expected.

In this BookTalks Podcast episode, Kayla and Marissa discuss their July book club pick, Thornbird by Elle Kennedy, and why they think it works best as a thriller with a romance subplot rather than a romance trying to become a thriller.

We break down:

Ryan’s complicated journey as the daughter of a serial killer

Chase and why the broody love interest completely won us over

The thriller elements, twists, pacing, and character development

How the podcast storyline adds a unique layer to the book

Why this could be the perfect “bridge book” for romance readers wanting to try thrillers

We also compare it to books like A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and discuss whether the twists landed, which characters frustrated us, and what we’re reading next.

Plus, stick around for our next Book Club poll picks:

Cowboy Casual

Rights of the Starling

Killing Floor

Out on a Limb

What did you think of Thornbird by Elle Kennedy? Was it more thriller or romance? Let us know in the comments!

Don’t forget to subscribe for more book reviews, book club discussions, author chats, and chaotic bookish conversations from BookTalks Podcast.

Thornbird #ElleKennedy #BookReview #BookTube #BookClub #ThrillerBooks #RomanceBooks #MysteryBooks #BookDiscussion #BookRecommendations #BookPodcast

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We’re halfway through 2026, so it’s time to check in on our reading lives! We’re looking back at the goals we set in January, sharing how many books we’ve read, and revealing the stories that surprised, disappointed, and completely consumed us.

We discuss our unexpected Maggie Gates obsession, whether the Fourth Wing series deserves its hype, our plans to continue Red Rising and Shield of Sparrows, and why mood reading has helped both of us read more than ever. We also weigh in on the BookTok debate about whether creators are actually reading every book they claim to finish.

Then, we reveal our favorite books of 2026 so far—including Project Hail Mary, The Night We Met, Our Perfect Storm, You Deserve to Know, and Alchemized—along with our biggest disappointments, such as The Shippers, How to Kill a Guy in 10 Dates, and The Night Circus.

Plus, Kayla has a major personal update: she’s engaged! Hear the full story of Tom’s Central Park proposal and how he managed to surprise her after a morning filled with suspicious hints.

We close out the episode with our reading and podcast goals for the rest of 2026, including finishing several series, tackling our physical TBRs, returning to fantasy reading this fall, and working toward 500 YouTube subscribers.

What are your best and worst books of 2026 so far? Share them with us on Instagram or TikTok at @booktalkspodcast.

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Did Amazon stay true to Carly Fortune's bestselling romance? In this spoiler-filled episode, we compare Every Year After to Every Summer After, discussing the biggest changes, what worked, what didn't, and why so many fans are disappointed with the adaptation.

We also chat about One Golden Summer, successful adaptations like Off Campus, and finish with a recommendation for Maggie Gates' Beaufort Poker Club series. Follow BookTalks Podcast for weekly book reviews, adaptation discussions, and romance recommendations.

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In Booktalks Podcast Episode 108, we're sharing everything we read in June and the books we're hoping to tackle in July!

Kayla wraps up an incredible month of reading 11 books, including a deep dive into Maggie Gates' romance universe, while Marisa gives an update on her physical TBR challenge and shares her latest thriller and romance reads.

We also discuss Every Summer After, The Deal, The Someday Garden, The Silent Patient, Deep End, upcoming ARCs, Kindle Unlimited favorites, and the books we're most excited to read this month.

Whether you're looking for your next romance, thriller, fantasy, or beach read, we've got plenty of recommendations to add to your TBR.

Follow Book Talks Podcast on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more book reviews, reading vlogs, author interviews, and weekly bookish content. Don't forget to join our Fable Book Club and read along with us each month!

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Booktalks Podcast Episode 107 reviews Every Summer After by Carley Fortune before watching the TV adaptation.

This is Part 1 of our Every Summer After series! We discuss Percy and Sam's relationship, Charlie, the alternating timelines, our favorite moments, what worked, what didn't, and whether the TV show has a chance of living up to the book.

⚠️ Full spoilers for the novel.

Next week we'll be back with Part 2 after we've watched the TV adaptation to compare the show with the book.

Follow us:

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If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast and leave us a rating—it really helps other readers discover Booktalks Podcast!

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We watched Amazon’s Off Campus series… and we have THOUGHTS.

In this episode of Booktalks Podcast, we’re comparing the Off Campus TV show to Elle Kennedy’s book The Deal! We break down what changed, what was left out, the biggest storyline differences, and whether the adaptation actually improved the original story.

Did the show stay true to the book? Did the changes work? Were there moments we missed from the novel? We discuss it all!

Plus, we end with a hilarious hockey romance game where we draft our perfect hockey boyfriend… and discover Kayla is looking for a golden retriever friends-to-lovers hero while Marisa apparently needs a brooding, moody enemies-to-lovers man

Let us know:

Did you prefer the book or the show?

Who would be your perfect hockey boyfriend?

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BooktalksPodcast #OffCampus #TheDeal

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Booktalks Podcast Episode 105 is our full spoiler review of Someday Garden by Ashley Poston!

After catching up on our latest reads, Kindle purchases, summer reading plans, and the Off-Campus series, we dive into Ashley Poston's newest novel to discuss everything from the magical realism and emotional storytelling to the romance, grief, symbolism, and whether this book is actually a romance at all.

We also debate:

• Gus vs. Oliver

• Whether the romance felt rushed

• Ashley Poston's writing compared to The Dead Romantics

• Our favorite magical realism books

• Our final ratings

We wrap up with a fun game of Plant It, Prune It, or Compost It, where we rank popular romance and fantasy tropes.

⚠️ This episode contains full spoilers for Someday Garden.

Follow Booktalks Podcast on Instagram and TikTok @booktalkspodcast, and join our Book Club on Fable for monthly reads and discussions.

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Book Talks Podcast Episode 104: The Deal by Elle Kennedy Review (Part 1 of Our Off Campus Series)

This week we're kicking off our two-part Off Campus series with a full review of The Deal by Elle Kennedy. Before diving into the new TV adaptation, we wanted to revisit the hockey romance that started it all.

We discuss Garrett Graham and Hannah Wells, the fake dating trope, college romance dynamics, character development, our favorite moments, and whether this beloved romance still lives up to the hype.

If you're planning to watch Off Campus or you're looking for your next hockey romance read, this episode is for you.

Next week we'll return with Part 2, where we review the Off Campus TV show and compare it to the book.

Follow us:
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TikTok: @booktalkspod

Please rate, review, and follow the podcast to help other readers discover the show.

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In this episode of Booktalks Podcast, we sit down with author Alicia Thompson to talk about her writing journey, creating memorable characters, and the inspiration behind her books.

Alicia shares her thoughts on storytelling, romance, character development, and what goes into bringing a book from an idea to the page.

Whether you’re a longtime Alicia Thompson reader or discovering her work for the first time, this conversation is a behind-the-scenes look at the author and the stories readers love.

Follow Booktalks Podcast for more book reviews, discussions, author interviews, and reading recommendations.

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In this episode of Book Talks Podcast, we're sharing everything we read in May and what we're hoping to read in June!

We discuss our thoughts on Shield of Sparrows, Golden Son, The Shippers, and the surprise books that completely took over Kayla's reading month. Kayla dives into her newfound obsession with Maggie Gates, why Our Perfect Storm might be her favorite book of the year, and why she's ready to reread some all-time favorite romances. Meanwhile, Marisa shares her honest thoughts on The Nightingale, discusses a disappointing thriller read, and talks about balancing a never-ending TBR.

We also chat about:
✨ The pregnancy trope debate
✨ Why some authors become auto-buy authors
✨ June reading goals and anticipated releases
✨ Off Campus and Elle Kennedy obsession
✨ Morning Star predictions and Red Rising theories
✨ Summer reading plans and Kindle Unlimited recommendations

Books Mentioned:

  • Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry
  • The Shippers by E.J. Schultz
  • Golden Son by Pierce Brown
  • Dust Storm by Maggie Gates
  • Fire Line by Maggie Gates
  • Poker Face by Maggie Gates
  • Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune
  • Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
  • Cold World by Alicia Thompson
  • On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn
  • Bonds That Burn by Briar Boleyn
  • The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
  • It's Not Her by Mary Kubica
  • The Deal by Elle Kennedy
  • Morning Star by Pierce Brown
  • Blue Jeans Summer by Maggie Gates
  • First and Forever by Eve Dangerfield
  • Fever Dream by Elsie Silver

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Fable: @BookTalksPodcast

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In today's BookTalks Podcast episode, we're reviewing Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry and discussing whether this new fantasy romance has what it takes to become the next massive fantasy series.

From the worldbuilding and characters to the romance, plot twists, and overall reading experience, we're breaking down everything we loved, what surprised us, and whether we think Shield of Sparrows deserves all the attention it's been getting.

Could this be the next fantasy obsession for readers who loved Fourth Wing, romantasy, and epic fantasy adventures? Join us as we share our full thoughts and recommendations.

Have you read Shield of Sparrows? Let us know your rating in the comments!

Subscribe for weekly book reviews, reading vlogs, fantasy discussions, and BookTalks Podcast episodes.

ShieldOfSparrows #DevneyPerry #FantasyBooks #BookReview #Romantasy

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This week on Book Talks Podcast, we’re discussing The Shippers by Katherine Center — one of the biggest romance releases of 2026!

We dive into JoJo and Cooper’s friends-to-lovers story, the cruise ship setting, hilarious rom-com moments, emotional depth (or lack of it), and whether this book lived up to our expectations as longtime Katherine Center readers.

We also rank our favorite Katherine Center books, compare The Shippers to other recent romance releases, and talk about why this story feels perfect for a summer beach read or movie adaptation.

If you love romance books, BookTok favorites, spoiler-filled book discussions, and honest reading conversations, this episode is for you.

Books mentioned:
📖 The Shippers
📖 The Rom-Commers
📖 The Love Haters
📖 How to Walk Away
📖 The Night We Met
📖 Our Perfect Storm
📖 Shield of Sparrows

Follow Book Talks Podcast on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Fable for more weekly reading content and book discussions!

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Today I’m reviewing Any Trope But You by Victoria Lavine, one of the newest romance books getting attention on BookTok.

In this spoiler-free review, I’m talking about:

  • the romance tropes
  • character chemistry
  • writing style
  • pacing
  • what worked for me
  • what didn’t
  • and whether this BookTok recommendation is actually worth the hype.

If you love contemporary romance, tension, banter, and trope-heavy romances, this might be your next read.

Let me know in the comments:

  • Did you love Any Trope But You?
  • What BookTok romance should I review next?

BookTube #RomanceBooks #BookTok #AnyTropeButYou #BookTropes

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Golden Son by Pierce Brown (Red Rising #2) absolutely DESTROYED us. In this episode of BookTalks Podcast, we’re diving into our full spoiler-filled debrief of the second book in the Red Rising saga — and honestly… how are we supposed to recover after THAT ending?!

We talk about:

Why Golden Son was even better than Red Rising

Kayla’s hatred for Cassius

Why the Ares reveal didn’t fully land for us

Darrow + Mustang supremacy

The insane betrayals, politics, and nonstop twists

The cliffhanger ending that gave us major Red Wedding energy

If you love fantasy books, sci-fi, BookTube discussions, or chaotic emotional reading experiences, this episode is for you.

SPOILERS for Golden Son by Pierce Brown throughout the episode

Subscribe for more fantasy book discussions, reading vlogs, BookTube chaos, and podcast episodes!

GoldenSon #RedRising #PierceBrown #BookTube #FantasyBooks #SciFiBooks #BookPodcast #ReadingVlog #FantasySeries #MustangAndDarrow #CassiusAuBellona #BookTok #FantasyReaders #GoldenSonReaction #RedRisingSeries

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In this episode, we’re sharing our April reading wrap-up and everything on our May TBR!

We discuss all the books we read this month, including How to Kill a Guy in 10 Dates, Unsteady, Unloved, Unbound, The Art of Catching Feels, Never Been Shipped, Promise Me Sunshine, Golden Son, In Every Possible Way, The Night We Met, Project Hail Mary, and Love Letter to a Serial Killer.

From five-star favorites to books that completely missed the mark, this month had a little bit of everything—including a controversial one-star read from an entire book club. We also dive into trends in romance and thriller genres, audiobook vs physical reading, and our ever-growing TBR lists.

If you love honest book reviews, reading wrap-ups, and discussions on romance, fantasy, and thrillers, this episode is for you.

Make sure to follow along for more episodes!

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In this episode of Book Talks Podcast, we’re discussing our April Book of the Month: The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez.

This romance completely took over our lives—and we’re breaking down everything from the emotional love triangle to the character dynamics, messy relationships, and whether this story actually works.

We dive into:

  • The Mike vs. Chris debate
  • Whether the relationship crosses into emotional cheating
  • Why this book is so addictive
  • Our favorite (and least favorite) moments
  • How it compares to other Abby Jimenez books

⚠️ Full spoilers included

We also announce our next Book of the Month—so be sure to join our Fable book club and read along with us!

Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @BookTalksPodcast

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Welcome back to Booktalks Podcast! In this episode, we’re sharing our full honest recap of BookCon 2026 — from buying tickets and planning the weekend to attending both Saturday and Sunday of the event.

There’s been a LOT of conversation surrounding BookCon this year, and we wanted to give our balanced, real experience after seeing it all firsthand. We break down the highs, the lows, the organization, the crowds, the panels, and the biggest moments that had the book community talking.

We also discuss the controversy surrounding author placement, including our thoughts on major authors being placed in basement areas rather than the main stage, and whether BookCon delivered the experience readers were hoping for.

If you’ve been wondering:

Was BookCon 2026 worth attending?

What was the actual experience like?

Was the drama online accurate?

Would we go back?

…this episode covers everything.

Whether you attended BookCon, skipped it, or are planning future book conventions, we hope this honest recap helps you decide what these events are really like behind the scenes.

Did you attend BookCon 2026? Let us know your experience in the comments.

Chapters

00:00 BookCon 2026 Overview and Ticketing Challenges

02:55 Expectations vs. Reality: The BookCon Experience

05:31 Reservation System and Communication Issues

08:26 Day One Highlights: Panels and Author Interactions

11:25 Crowd Management and Vendor Experiences

14:08 Food Options and Attendee Needs

17:28 Reflections and Suggestions for Improvement

26:43 The Overwhelming Experience at BookCon

35:02 The Need for Diversity in Panels

47:01 Reflections on BookCon's Structure and Future

50:34 Concluding Thoughts and Suggestions for Improvement

Subscribe for weekly BookTube content, podcast episodes, reading vlogs, book reviews, and honest discussions about the book community.

BookCon #BookCon2026 #BookTube #BookPodcast #ReadingVlog #BookCommunity #BookishPodcast #BookConvention #BookEvent #BooksBooksBooks

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Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir completely blew us away. In this episode of Booktalks Podcast, we dive into our full spoiler review, why we LOVED this sci-fi masterpiece, and how it somehow still has 1 star reviews?!

We talk all things Rocky (our favorite character), the emotional moments we didn’t expect, and our personal reading experiences with this unforgettable story.

If you’re a fan of Project Hail Mary, The Martian, or character-driven sci-fi, this episode is for you!

Let us know in the comments:
Did you love Project Hail Mary as much as we did? And WHAT are those 1-star reviews about?!

Booktalks Podcast Book Club - join us on Fable!
We read a new book every month, so join us and read along! Currently we're reading The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez.

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
02:15 Initial thoughts
08:40 Rocky appreciation segment
18:20 Breaking down 1-star reviews
30:10 Final ratings & wrap-up

ProjectHailMary #AndyWeir #BookPodcast #BookTube #SciFiBooks #RockyDeservesBetter

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In this episode of Book Talks Podcast, we’re diving into our March Reading Wrap Up—where we somehow read 18 books between us.

We’re breaking down our favorite reads, biggest disappointments, and the books we can’t stop thinking about. From thrillers to romance (and a few chaotic reads in between), this month had everything.

We also talk about reading habits, book-to-screen adaptations, and how we’re planning our April TBR.

If you love honest book reviews and unfiltered reader opinions, this episode is for you.

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In this episode of Book Talks Podcast, Kayla and Marisa celebrate reaching 100 subscribers and discuss their February Book Club pick: Red Rising by Pierce Brown.

Spoiler Warning: This episode contains full spoilers for Red Rising.

They break down Darrow’s journey from a Red miner on Mars to infiltrating the elite Gold society, discuss the brutal trials at the Institute, and share thoughts on memorable characters like Sevro, Mustang, and Cassius.

The discussion covers:

• The Red Rising world and color hierarchy

• Darrow’s transformation and mission

• The Institute trials and strategy

• Favorite characters and heartbreaking moments

• The Jackal twist and ending reveal

• Predictions for the rest of the series

The episode also includes their final ratings and the reveal of the next book club pick.

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Sarah J Maas gave a rare interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast on March 4, 2026. Kayla and I break down EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW plus give our thoughts and insights into the fan theories she confirmed and denied. We discuss Nesta's journey (a highly controversial topic), the debate around Feyre's pregnancy, and the breaking news about the ACOTAR 6 and 7 release dates.

If you love Sarah J Maas, ACOTAR, TOG, and Crescent City, this video is for you.

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SPOILER WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Throne of Glass and Wuthering Heights.

In this episode of Book Talks Podcast, Kayla and Marisa share their February Reading Wrap Up and March TBR while surviving busy season as tax accountants.

We discuss DNF’ing Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil, reviewing Wuthering Heights (and debating whether it’s even a romance), finishing our Throne of Glass reread, starting Red Rising, and announcing our March Book Club pick: How to Kill a Guy in 10 Dates.

We also rank the entire Throne of Glass series, play rapid-fire character questions, and talk about fantasy vs romance reading slumps.

If you love Sarah J. Maas, fantasy books, romance novels, controversial classic takes, and monthly reading wrap ups — this episode is for you.

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In this episode of BookTalks Podcast, we dive into Ruth Ware's latest thriller, The Woman in Suite 11. We discuss our differing perspectives on the characters, the pacing of the plot, and the decisions made by the protagonist. Our conversation highlights the book's build-up to suspense, character dynamics, and the overall enjoyment of the read, while also critiquing its rushed ending and the necessity of its sequel status.

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Thriller Element
  • 09:03 Anxiety and Decision-Making
  • 14:27 Forced Sequel and Conclusion
  • 19:28 Rushed Ending and Pacing (Continued)
  • 24:55 Forced Elements and Conclusion (Continued)

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Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to talk about romance books 💘

In this special episode of Book Talks Podcast, Kayla and Marissa dive into all things romance — from their all-time favorite tropes to the ones that instantly ruin a book. Kayla (our resident romance lover) and Marissa (selectively romantic) break down what makes a swoony love story work… and what makes them cringe.

They chat about:

  • Enemies-to-lovers vs. friends-to-lovers
  • Fake dating, one-bed tropes, and slow burns
  • The controversial pregnancy trope (and whether Twilight traumatized an entire generation 👀)
  • Love triangles (looking at you, The Summer I Turned Pretty)
  • Morally gray love interests: hot or toxic?
  • Kindle Unlimited romances — hidden gems or hit-or-miss?

They also share their go-to romance recommendations for new readers, including favorites from:

  • Emily Henry
  • Abby Jimenez
  • Katherine Center
  • Christina Lauren
  • K.A. Tucker

Plus, they reflect on the books that got them back into reading, the romances that live rent-free in their heads, and why communication could solve 90% of third-act breakups.

Whether you’re a die-hard romance reader or just romance-curious, this episode is full of trope debates, chaotic hot takes, and plenty of laughter.

Happy Valentine’s Day from Kayla & Marissa 💌📚

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Kayla and Marisa discuss their January wrap-up, setting reading goals, book ratings and reviews, book discussions and recommendations, adapting books to screen, exploring different genres, anticipated book adaptations, and speculating future book releases. The conversation covers a range of topics including book characters and movie portrayals, TV shows and reality TV, book series and author trauma, thriller book reviews, and February reading goals. The hosts discuss their interest in TV shows, reality TV, and book series, as well as their reviews of thriller books and their reading goals for February. They also share their experience at a bookstore event.

Takeaways

  • Setting reading goals is important for staying on track with reading targets.
  • Book adaptations to screen can be controversial and may not always align with the original book content. Discussion of book characters and movie portrayals
  • Interest in TV shows and reality TV
  • Review of thriller books
  • February reading goals

Chapters

  • 00:00 January Wrap-Up
  • 07:08 Book Ratings and Reviews
  • 15:52 Adapting Books to Screen
  • 21:00 Exploring Different Genres
  • 28:44 Speculating Future Book Releases
  • 34:34 TV Shows and Reality TV
  • 45:02 Thriller Book Reviews
  • 53:50 February Reading Goals

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In this episode of BookTalks Podcast, we dive into Holly Jackson's latest book, 'Not Quite Dead Yet.' This book revolves around a character solving her own murder which is HELLA fun, but we also get into our different reading experiences, character dynamics, and the emotional weight of the story, particularly regarding themes of death and family. This is a SPOILER EPISODE so we will be analyzing plot twists, our suspicions about various characters, and the challenges of writing thrillers. The episode concludes with our ratings and thoughts on the book, as well as a teaser for our next read...you'll never guess what it is.

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In this episode of Book Talks Podcast, Kayla and Marisa dive into their reading experience of 'Silver Elite' by Danny Francis. They discuss their newfound love for libraries, the controversies surrounding the book, and the dystopian themes that resonate throughout the story. The conversation flows into character analysis, focusing on relationships, betrayals, and the moral complexities of the uprising depicted in the book. They conclude with their thoughts on the ending and speculations for future developments in the series.

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In this episode of Book Talks Podcast, hosts Kayla and Marisa dive into Ali Hazelwood's 'Problematic Summer Romance.' They discuss their initial hesitations about the age gap in the romance, the character dynamics, and the humor that permeates the story. The conversation also touches on the significance of setting, the role of epilogues in romance novels, and the challenges of book publishing trends. The hosts share their love for Hazelwood's writing and reflect on their reading experiences, ultimately giving the book a five-star rating.

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In this episode of the Book Talks Podcast, Kayla and Marissa delve into the world of 'The Hunger Games' series, particularly focusing on 'Sunrise on the Reaping.' They discuss character development, personal reflections on the series, and the complexities of Haymitch's journey. The conversation touches on themes of trauma, survival, and the influence of the Capitol, as well as the nature of volunteering in the games. They also explore the impact of death and loss, and make literary comparisons to other works, ultimately sharing their recommendations for readers.

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In this episode of Book Talks Podcast, we rank all of Emily Henry's books, analyze character dynamics, and discuss the importance of storytelling techniques. Our conversation also touches on the expectations readers have for romance novels and the impact of AI in literature, culminating in a SPOILER-FILLED discussion about key plot points in Great Big Beautiful Life. In this conversation, we discuss the complexities of the main characters, focusing on Alice's relationship with her mother, Margaret and Cosmo’s epic love, and the dynamics of sisterhood. We explore the themes of mental health, the impact of fame on personal relationships, and the heavy emotional weight of Emily Henry’s latest masterpiece.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Emily Henry's Works

02:59 Ranking Emily Henry's Books

06:07 Diving into Great Big Beautiful Life

09:01 Character Analysis and Storytelling Techniques

12:03 Expectations vs. Reality in Romance Novels

14:57 Spoiler Alert: Key Plot Points Discussed

17:51 AI in Literature and Current Trends

20:45 Character Analysis: Alice's Journey

23:01 Family Dynamics: Alice and Her Mother

24:58 The Role of Hayden: Insights and Observations

27:02 Sisterhood and Mental Health: A Deeper Look

30:05 The Impact of Fame: Margaret and Cosmo's Relationship

33:04 Themes of Loss and Love: The Heavy Nature of the Story

39:07 Final Thoughts: Ratings and Expectations for Future Reads
Follow us on Instagram @Booktalkspodast

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We are Back! Join us while we kick off season 7! In this episode of the Booktalks Podcast, we reconnect after a break, sharing personal updates, discussing our reading habits, and diving into our favorite books and authors. We reflect on the evolution of our podcast, the challenges of managing our TBR lists, and our preferences between genres like romance, fantasy, and thrillers. The conversation also touches on anticipated upcoming releases and the comfort of revisiting favorite shows and books.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back and Catching Up
01:54 Running and Life Updates
04:15 Book Recommendations and Reading Retreats
06:25 TBR Challenges and Book Hoarding
08:54 Romance Authors and Recommendations
11:40 Thrillers vs. Fantasy
14:05 Comparing New Releases
17:23 Looking Back on Last Year’s Reads
18:07 Exploring Five-Star Reads
21:22 Diving into Author Trends
25:36 Anticipating New Releases
29:16 Comfort Shows and Books
33:53 Wrapping Up and Future Reads
36:55 Follow us on Instagam @Booktalkspodast.mp4

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Today, Marisa sits down with the Queen of Crime herself (Karin Slaughter) to discuss all things Will Trent! This is Why We Lied is the 12th book in the Will Trent series and is on sale NOW in the US. We hope you enjoy this special AUTHOR INTERVIEW episode of Booktalks Podcast!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss The Catch by Amy Lea. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J Maas. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss Happy Place by Emily Henry. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss The Maid by Nita Prose. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss Everyone Here is Lying by Shari Lapena and The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss Broken Bonds by J. Bree. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss The Only One Left by Riley Sager. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren.. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss what we have been up to lately. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss Five Survive by Holly Jackson. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss Book of Night by Holly Black. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss Persuasion by Jane Austen. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss My Summer Darlings by May Cobb. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss The It Girl by Ruth Ware. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Welcome to our Halloween Special! Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss Witchful Thinking by Celestine Martin. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss Girl, Forgotten (Andrea Oliver #2) by Karin Slaughter. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss Love in the Time of Serial Killers by Alicia Thompson. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Kayla is joined by two special guests Allison and Megan, to discuss The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss A Curse of Blood and Stone (ACOBAS, A Fate and Flame novel) by KA Tucker. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss Only a Monster by Vanessa Len. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss Book Lovers by Emily Henry. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J Maas. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss Something Wilder by Christina Lauren. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with Amy Lea to discuss her debut novel Set On You. We learn about Amy's rise to success, how representation in books matters, and more. We hope you enjoy!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with Dervla McTiernan to discuss her new book The Murder Rule. We learn about how Dervla Switched from a Successful Lawyer to a Successful Author, her writing process, and more. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss An Honest Lie by Tarryn Fisher. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss the New Release Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas (TOG #2). We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinion concerning this book. We hope you enjoy!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinion concerning this book. We hope you enjoy!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayless. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinion concerning this book. We hope you enjoy!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss Realm Breaker by Victoria Aveyard. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinion concerning this book. We hope you enjoy!!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!! 

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewell. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!! 

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss A Court of Silver Flames (ACOSF - ACOTAR #5) by Sarah J. Maas. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!! 

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss 56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!! 

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss November 9 by Colleen Hoover. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!! 

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!! 

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss As Good as Dead by Holly Jackson. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!! 

As Good As Dead is the 3rd and final installment in the A Good Girl's Guide to Murder series. To check out our podcasts on the first two books, head back over to Season 1 and Season 2!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla (but not Marisa because she's hiking in Utah!) sit down with a glass of wine to discuss Talk Bookish to Me by Kate Bromley. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!! 

Kate Bromley is Contemporary Romance Author and her debut title, Talk Bookish to Me, was released May 25th, 2021!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla (but not Kayla because she's in Italy!) sit down with a glass of wine to discuss Autumn's Tithe by Hannah Parker. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!! 

Hannah Parker is a self published up and coming YA author. Her debut title, Autumn's Tithe, released September 28, 2021 and is available for order at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and most large retailers.

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!! 

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss the first four books in the A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series by Sarah J. Maas. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!! 

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss A Curse So Dark and Lonely (ACSDAL) by Brigid Kemmerer. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss A Fate of Wrath & Flame by K.A. Tucker. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss The Hating Game by Sally Thorne. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss Throne of Glass, the first book of the TOG series by Sarah J. Maas. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss The Paris Apartment by Kelly Bowen. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss A Court of Thorns and Roses, the first book of the ACOTAR series by Sarah J. Maas. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss The Night Swim by Megan Goldin. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss House of Earth and Blood, the first book of the Crescent City Series by Sarah J. Maas. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss the Crave series by Tracy Wolff. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with Author Zachary Ryan to his book Cutthroat Cheerleader. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss Atomic Love By Jennie Fields. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss Paris is Always a Good Idea by Jenn McKinlay. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss The Christmas Blanket by Kandi Steiner. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V.E. Schwab. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss Little Fires Everywhere By Celeste NG. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss Wild At Heart By K.A. Tucker (becoming a 3rd time repeat author for them!). We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss The Simple Wild By K.A. Tucker. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy it! And this week's special guest Megan Gunning sat down with us and gave her opinion on this wild book.

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss Daisy Jones & The Six By Taylor Jenkins Reid. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss The rest of the Story by Sarah Dessen. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss the last few chapters of Say You Still Love Me by K.A. Tucker. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss chapters 9-20 of Say You Still Love Me by K.A. Tucker. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy!

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Today, Marisa and Kayla sit down with a glass of wine to discuss the first eight chapters of Say You Still Love Me by K.A. Tucker. We laugh, we drink, we cry (just kidding!), and we share our highly professional opinions concerning this book. We hope you enjoy!

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