Checked Out and Overdue

This week Chelsea and Taryn meander their way through sidequests (aka tangents) as they review Kristy Boyce's Dating and Dragons, the second book in her Gaming and Romance series. This whimsical and nerdy romance is filled with so many fun D&D references and swoon worthy moments (plus delightfully meddlesome grandmas). 👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 17:28 📚 General Overview: 17:28 - 38:16 ⚠️ Spoilers...

This week Chelsea and Taryn talk with the one and only T.D. Orel, author of the Titan's Nest Saga. They talk all things nerdy before jumping into a spoiler free discussion of his books and ends with T.D. stealing Brandon Sanderson's RAFO answer to all the spoiler filled questions. Tune in for an extraordinarily fun author interview and discussion of one of the best dragon books to come out...

Check out another bout of chaos as Chelsea and Taryn are joined by Tare (@tare_rose_reads) to review the second book in the Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull. The three of them discuss what they loved and maybe didn't love so much about the sequel to the middle grade book, Fablehaven. 👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 11:10 📚 General Overview: 11:10 - 38:12 ⚠️ Spoilers: 38:12- 1:13:31

This episode is unhinged in the best way possible. Tune in as Taryn and Chelsea laugh and cry over the first three volumes of the Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion with their friends, Mad (@readingwraynbow) and Cass (@fictionalcass). Trying to talk about these books and its beloved characters with any amount of chill was test of their willpower. Be prepared for chaos and crying of all varieties....

Listen in this week as Taryn and Chelsea talk with Audrey (@audonalsium) about the fourth book in the Stormlight Archive series. Listen in as they laugh and cry and try desperately to cram as much of this behemoth of a book into the episode as they can manage. There is small spoiler for Wind and Truth from 1:29:05 - 1:30:51 so proceed with caution. Be aware that this episode contains no spoiler fr...

In this short bonus episode, Taryn talks with her 9 year-old nephew, Tristan about his experience reading Project Hail Mary and the differences between the book and the movie. Many people are calling this the most fun episode yet ("many people" meaning Chelsea). Be forewarned, this episode contains plot spoilers for the book from the beginning (and Taryn and Tristan accidentally call Car...

This week is Taryn and Chelsea talk about Project Hail Mary in the wake of the movie adaptation being released. Chelsea and Taryn are faced with technical challenges (and a crying baby in the background) but have a blast talking about their experiences with this fun sci-fi and the highs and lows of the story. 👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 9:23 📚 General Overview: 9:23 - 31:09 ⚠️ Spoilers: 31:09 - 51:56

This week, Chelsea and Taryn interview (and yell at) Jessica Lunt (@jlunt2), author of The Witch Hunter's Wife and A Bouquet of Blue Sailors. They discuss the differences between writing short stories and full-length novels, the process of deciding what to write about as an author, and indie publishing before discussing Jessica's latest short story, The Witch Hunter's Wife. The Witch H...

This week, Chelsea and Taryn review Jessica Brousseau's beautiful debut novel, A Siege on Her Heart. They were both drawn to the fascinating historical backdrop, and they appreciated how the book addressed more difficult topics. If you are looking for historical romance, a marriage of convenience, and a quiet story of healing, this one is for you. 👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 14:12 📚 General Overview:...

Tune in this week to listen to Taryn and Chelsea cry over yet another Sarah Eden book with their new friend Sydney (@syd.reads.clean). As the start of the a prequel series, Forget Me Not beautifully brings us back to the original Jonquil love story where we get to see Lucas be the first fool. Plus all the adorable and swoony moments right along with the face palm idiot ones. 👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 29:...

This episode is a little extra overdue but tune in as Chelsea and Taryn review the final book in the Winternight trilogy, The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden. The world building and character development expand and Taryn and Chelsea loved every second of it. 👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 11:31 📚 General Overview: 11:31 - 16:32 ⚠️ Spoilers: 16:32 - 48:34

Tune in to the first episode of 2026 (after an accidental month and half long break) as Taryn and Chelsea talk about the highlights and books of 2025. Thank you for listening and making 2025 another amazing year!

Chelsea and Taryn wish they could apologize for how long this episode is but they aren't actually sorry at all, and let's be honest, anyone who is willing to commit to the marathon that is a Stormlight Archive book can handle a long podcast episode. Tune in as they chat with Seth (@the.cosmere.academy) about the third book in the Stormlight Archives series and the development of so many am...

Happy Halloween!!! Listen in to Taryn and Chelsea's chaotic conclusion of the Twilight Saga. This review is full laughter and some real intense tangents as they discuss the final book on this fun adventure that has spanned 5 years! Timestamps: 👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 – 18:07 📚 General Overview: 18:07 - 30:33 ⚠️ Spoilers: 30:33 – 1:21:23

Taryn and Chelsea tackle another book from the Queen of Mystery herself, Agatha Christie. Tune in as they discuss the fun twists and turns on another classic murder mystery story as they untangle the ruthless Leonides family. Timestamps: 👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 – 17:30 📚 General Overview: 17:30 - 35:32 ⚠️ Spoilers: 35:32 – 52:25

This week Chelsea and Taryn jump into their first Tolkien and it's about time. Tune in to listen to them discuss Gandalf's sass, Bilbo's reluctance, and all the magical elements of this classic fantasy fairy tale. Timestamps: 👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 – 16:18 📚 General Overview: 16:18 - 37:09 ⚠️ Spoilers: 37:09 – 1:01:23

Taryn and Chelsea could not believe that Margaret Owen agreed to come chat on this humble podcast. But every story needs its hurdles so Taryn faced microphone issues and Chelsea's wifi was less than ideal, but tune in to listen to Margaret Owen talk about all things Little Thieves, Merciful Crow, and plenty of fun tangents as well. Timestamps: 📚 Spoiler-Free: 00:00 - 1:24:14 ⚠️ Spoiler: 1:24:...

Chelsea and Taryn are back in Roshar with their friend Mi (@edgedancing_through_life) to review Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson! From Shallan’s secrets to Kaladin’s struggles, the trio dives into favorite moments, shocking reveals, and why this sequel raises the stakes in every way. With plenty of laughs, tangents, and Stormlight fangirling, this episode is nearly as long as the book itself...

Chelsea and Taryn are hitting the road with friends Mad (@readingwraynbow) and Cass (@fictionalcass) for a lively chat about People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry. It’s a trip filled with strong opinions, unexpected detours, and plenty of laughter as the group unpacks this Emily Henry romcom. This episode is all about great company, spirited debate, and a touch of vacation mischief. Timestamps...

(At ~32 min mark, we had a glitch in our recording and Chelsea's audio cuts out for a few minutes, so it makes Taryn sound a bit insane talking to herself and we deeply apologize for that) The quest continues in this episode of Checked Out and Overdue , as Chelsea and Taryn dive into The Titan’s Curse , book three in Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. They discuss new chara...

Join Chelsea and Taryn as they set sail into The Odyssey by Homer. In this episode, they share their thoughts on the original hero’s journey, marvel at how Odysseus manages to lie his way through just about everything, and rally the war cry #justiceforPenelope. Inspiring epic musical and movie adaptations, it’s a story that has endured the ages. Timestamps: 👋🏼 Intro: 00:00 - 12:49 📚 General Ove...

This week, Chelsea and Taryn are discussing Vengeful , the sequel to Vicious by V. E. Schwab. The story picks up with Victor, Eli, and some new characters navigating ambition, revenge, and the consequences of playing with life and death. The conversation focuses on continued character development, shifting dynamics, and how the new additions to the cast change the game. If you haven’t read Vicious...

This week Chelsea and Taryn are joined by historical romance author Arlem Hawks (@arlemhawks) for a super fun chat. Their chat stays spoiler free initially as they talk about Arlem’s writing journey, publishing experiences, and how she comes up with all her stories. In the second half, they dive into spoiler-filled discussions of Georgana’s Secret , Beyond the Lavender Fields , Along a Breton Shor...

Is Achilles even the main character? Why are there so many names? And how much ego is too much ego? In this episode, Chelsea and Taryn dive into The Iliad by Homer (via the Emily Wilson translation), with very different reactions. Taryn found a lot to appreciate in the epic battles and larger-than-life drama, while Chelsea... did not. They chat about what worked, what didn’t, and how reading it wi...

This week, Chelsea and Taryn review Everything is Tuberculosis , the latest release from John Green. They explore the book's blend of memoir, history, and infectious disease (yes, really), and discuss how Green’s signature wit and sincerity come through in unexpected ways. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to his work, there's plenty to unpack. Timestamps: 👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 – 11:42...