In Bed With Books

In episode 39 of the podcast, we take a look at some of our favorite creatures from literary fantasy. Creatures we'd like to be, those we'd like to befriend, and those we'd like to...well, you can probably guess. This is a fantasy romance podcast after all. Make sure to check out our website and our Instagram (@inbedwithbookspod) for more content and updates!

In episode 38 of the podcast, we talk about the final book in the Folk of the Air trilogy, Queen of Nothing . We had a blast talking about Jude's growth, from fearing what her feelings for Cardan had done to her life, to fearing what her life would look like without him. From the girl power this book exudes to the subtle lessons in forgiveness, we could not have asked for a better conclusion to Ju...

And we're back! Episode 37 kicks off our fourth season with a look at the different fantasy realms that we've read on and off the podcast. We look at some of our favorite worlds, the elements inherent to specific world-building, and the kinds that are easier for us to accept as fantasy readers. For more information on the discussion of "hard" vs. "soft" world-building that we get into, check out t...

We all knew Bethany and I couldn't go that long without recording something, so after finishing A Court of Silver Flames for our book club, we knew we had to record more of our thoughts! Thus, the ACOTAR bonus episode was born! Spliced up with some previously removed tangents with took in season 3, what we planned to be a short episode turned into an hour and a half of ACOTAR goodness! Enjoy! And...

In episode 36, Bethany & Melissa take a look back at some of the characters from each book we read this season, warming up with a game of f**k/marry/kill, and then diving into the fancasting. We're proud of the cast lists we were able to come up with, surprising ourselves and each other. Join us here, and then head to our instagram (@inbedwithbookspod) to tell us what you think, or who could d...

In episode 35, Bethany and Melissa talk about a book that a much-anticipated book: The War of Two Queens . The fourth book from FBAA, a series that helped us start the podcast, TWOTQ is everything we needed, while still leaving hope for future satisfaction. We talk about the return of some of our favorite characters, all the juicy sex, and (SPOILER!!) The Joining!!

In episode 34, Bethany and Melissa are joined by Jess Debakey of Peaking podcast! We all had a great time talking about Janie's journey to finding peace and trust in herself, not the people she spends her life with. A true American classic, Zora Neale Hurston's 1937 masterpiece - and I say that word with all the weight it holds - is so ripe with emotion that this small description box cannot hold...

In episode 33 of the podcast, Bethany and Melissa talk about what might be Melissa's new favorite book. Following the Eastwood sisters through New Salem during the suffragist movement, we see the re-emergence of witchcraft and women's empowerment. Set in an alternate history, Alix E. Harrow's tale is a beautiful story of sisterhood, justice, and love.

In episode 32 of the podcast, Bethany & Melissa talk about some of their favorite (and least favorite) tropes. We cover everything from enemies to lovers, to the gullible martyr, to the one-bed trope. While we definitely use examples from books we've read here on the podcast, we also branch out quite a bit, bringing in some YA classics like Percy Jackson and Twilight , as well as some new favo...

In episode 31, we get to talk about the second book in the Folk of Air series, The Wicked King . This has easily become a favorite world for us to enter, no matter if it serves us laughs, tears, or anger. Join Bethany & Melissa try to figure out all the ways Jude wasn't actually betrayed and everyone is secretly on her side (yes, we are deeply in denial)!

In episode 30, Bethany and Melissa dig into some of their favorite characters - the ones the love to hate, the ones they hate to love so much, and much more. Join us as we dive into some of the characters that seem to always be on our mind, for better or worse.

In episode 29, we talk about the first book in Raven Kennedy's Plated Prisoner series, Gild . This does come with a trigger warning for the discussion of the sexual assault and abuse in the book. Join us to hear all of the theories and cries we share for Auren (and Sail!), and our hopes for the next book.

In episode 28, we cover a topic close to both of our hearts: book to screen adaptations. People have many opinions on this, and we're no exception. What makes a good adaptation? Which ones live on in our hearts? Which ones should have never happened? We tackle some classics, some hopefuls, and some less...enjoyable experiences, and we're excited to share our love of books with our love of TV and f...

In episode 27 of the podcast, Bethany and Melissa jump straight into theories about the Maas universe, following the second book in the Crescent City series and its rather explosive ending. While we spend a fair amount of time trying to answer questions that won't be clarified for years, we still stuck to our roots, giving air time to the delicious sex scenes Maas gifts us, as well as her classic...

In episode 26, Bethany and Melissa enter the Maas universe. A first for Melissa, and a much awaited return for Bethany, we get into all of the heartbreak, platonic love, and dark political intrigue that Bryce gets into through the largest book we've read for the podcast yet. (Watch out for small Crescent City #2 spoilers here: 1:23:27 - 1:24:51)

In the first episode of season 3, we give a brief overview of what season 3 has in store for us and then jump straight into the goodies. The heart of the lock-down brought a new need for consumption, and the birth of this podcast, so we discuss how that came to be, and how it reshaped our relationship to reading.

Bethany and Melissa had a grand ol' time with this one. Getting together over a few drinks to discuss their favorite books and characters from season 2, please don't hold them accountable when they get names wrong or devolve into fits of laughter - it was a very fun season.

This week, we jump into Bethany's favorite classic: Wuthering Heights . We talked about the importance of Nelly, a defense of Catherine, and the odd sense of hope the book leaves you with. As a bonus, Bethany dives a little deeper into life as a Bronte, and the 1992 movie adaptation starring Ralph Fiennes.

Diving into our first Fae series, join Bethany and I as we discuss the creepy, yet childlike nature of these mythical creatures. Holly Black's The Cruel Prince nails the deceitful ways of the Fae and we couldn't be happier to have read it.

This week we get to dive deep into Melissa's favorite - Frankenstein . Bethany and Melissa talk about themes in the book, their experiences after reading it a few times, and some of the gossip surround Mary and Percy Shelley and the birth of science fiction!

The second half of Bethany, Melissa, and Taylin's conversation about Mary Wollstonecraft's politics and lifestyle, with discussions on her Vindications and Letters Written During a Short Residence in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.

This week, Bethany and Melissa jump into a discussion of the great 18th century mind that is Mary Wollstonecraft. The conversation would not be complete without their third, Taylin Nelson. Join the three at they discuss Wollstonecraft's philosophies and well-known publications, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman and Letters Written in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark .

The first book in Jennifer L. Armentrout's new series, A Shadow in the Ember brings all the things we love from the Blood & Ash series; hot smut, deep political conflict, and the romantic conflict we know and love! Bethany and I take our time with this one, giving it the love it deserves.

In part two of the Gothic Episode, Melissa and Bethany delve into Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson, and make connections to modern literary and cinematic uses of his themes.

In this episode, Melissa takes the lead, talking about the Gothic tradition, a few Gothic novels, and some of her favorite themes. For part one of this two-part episode, Bethany and Melissa give a small foundation for understanding the Gothic tradition and then dive into Bram Stoker's Dracula and Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness . Timestamps: Dracula - 24:00 Heart of Darkness - 37:30