Mark As Read

4.16 The Listeners  by Maggie Stiefvater This historical fiction story takes place in West Virginia during WWII when foreign diplomats were housed in 5 star hotels until agreements could be made to exchange them for their American counterparts. The story dives into the conflicts between the diplomats, the FBI spying on them, and the staff trying to run the hotel. I had no idea about this aspect of...

4.15  Graceless Heart  by Isabel Ibañez I loved this fantasy/historical fiction story. Set in Italy during the Renaissance, this had a perfect mix of real history, art, mystery, romance, and fantasy. I honestly didn't know how it was going to end and it was so fun following this characters. I can't wait to read her other books!  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/...

4.14  Butcher & Blackbird  and  Learher & Lark  by Brynne Weaver I don't normally read dark romance or use it for podcast episodes, but these were so great I had to share! The premise is kind of similar to Dexter. The two main characters are serial killers but they only kill "bad" people and then they fall in love. It's definitely a little gory so beware of that if that is triggering. Othe...

4.13  For Whom the Belle Tolls  by Jaysea Lynn This romantasy is the first in a series and might be my new obsession. I discovered Jaysea Lynn and this book on Instagram and have not looked back. The romance aspect feels relatable, fun, and easy to cheer for. But even more amazing is the world building of the after life and working at the "Hellp desk" in hell. I can't wait for you all to read this...

4.12  The Love Hypothesis  by Ali Hazelwood It took me a while to get on the Ali Hazelwood train, but this Kylo Ren/Rey fan fiction inspired romance was the perfect introduction. It's got all of the will they won't they, banter, and just a little spice. Plus a strong FMC in STEM! Do you have a favorite Ali Hazelwood book?  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-a...

4.11  Heir of Storms  by Lauryn Hamilton Murray I'm calling it now. I think  Heir of Storms   is going to be the next big fantasy series. With a sequel coming out later this year, the world building, political intrigue, and characters learning their own strength, this has all of the makings of a fabulous fantasy series.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-as-...

4.10 Nonfiction Episode The nonfiction episode might be my favorite episode every season. This time in particular, I am very excited to share some of my favorite nonfiction books I've read recently.  We Don't Know Ourselves by Fintan O'Toole Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe Revolutionary Iran  by Michael Axworthy Princess by Jean Sasson MBS by Ben Hubbard Blood and Oil  by Bradley Hope and Just...

4.9  A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett We are continuing with the murder mystery theme this week, but giving it a fantasy twist.  A Drop of Corruption is the second in a series that takes cop dramas to a new level with a unique fantasy twist. You won't be able to put this down and I hope you fall in love with the characters as much as I have. What is your favorite fantasy murder myste...

4.8  The Floating Admiral  by The Detective Club This is the most murder mysteries of mysteries. Not only is there a murder, but also, the authors don't know what each other has planned or is going to write. The writing process is almost more intriguing than the mystery itself and you won't want to put this down.  If you want to watch this episode, you now can on our YouTube channel or listen here...

4.7 The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King  by Carissa Broadbent This is the sequel to  T he Serpent and the Wings of Night (Ep. 4.5) It starts off a little slow, but give it 75 pages and you will be hooked. The world building and intrigue continues with tons of action and twists and turns. Plus more will they, won't they to keep you entertained. Even better, when you finish, if you aren't ready to sa...

4.6  The Turnglass by Gareth Rubin I'm not going to lie, I probably would have picked up this book to read no matter the genre just because the two stories back to back was so interesting and cool. Of course, it then turns out to be a murder mystery and I was hooked. Whether you like it or not, I can tell you that you will never read another book like this. It kind of reminds me of Stuart Turton i...

4.5 The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent This is one of those books that I went into expecting to like. It's fantasy with a strong female main character, a Hunger Games vibes competition, will they won't they, political dynamics, and enemies to lovers. It had everything I look for in a fantasy book. And let me tell you, it does not disappoint. Don't let the vampire premise throw...

4.4  The Lion Women of Tehran  by Marjan Kamali This is my favorite type of historical fiction. Kamali takes a tumultuous period in the history of Tehran and explores it through the lens of two women growing up in this society. It is part history, part political narrative, and a lot of interpersonal dynamics between two friends dealing with their changing lives and country. Also check out the Pink...

4.3 Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros Are y'all ready? Because I was not. Onyx Storm was everything I wanted and more. For this episode, there are tons of spoilers, so do not listen if you have not read Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm. Instead of recapping plots, we are spending the episode discussing theories, rabbit holes, and questions that emerged while reading and after finishing Onyx Stor...

4.2: Beach Read by Emily Henry One of the reasons I love to read is to escape a little bit from every day life. And there is no better way to escape than in an Emily Henry book. The banter is sassy, the chemistry is firing, the plot is relatable and emotional. Beach Read checked all of the boxes for me and more and was the perfect weekend activity.  Let me just say you will love this and I can't w...

4.1: Assistant to the Villian & Apprentice to the Villian by Hannah Nicole Maehrer Welcome back for the new season! We are starting off strong this week with the first two books in Hannah Nicole Maehrer's series. The banter is incredible, the world building is there, and the morally gray male main character? Yeah, he goes by The Villian and falls first and falls hard  😍 Let me just say you wi...

3.20 Part 2 Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas The second half of our conversation of Kingdom of Ash. And that officially wraps up the Throne of Glass series. Share this episode with your favorite character or book.  For more, subscribe to our newsletter and check out our website and become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-as-read--5660703/support. If you want to wat...

3.20 Part 1  Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas It is finally here. The last installment of  Throne of Glass.  I was expecting to enjoy this series, but nothing prepared me for the obsession that would develop. This conversation got to be a little long so the second half will be out next week. Comment with your favorite character arch or book in the series.  For more, subscribe to our newsletter and...

3.19  Capote's Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Swan Song for an Era  by Laurence Leamer Capote's Women follows Truman Capote and the wealthy women he befriended throughout his life, who he referred to as his "Swans." Nonfiction is one of my favorite genres, but this subject matter was completely new to me. I did not know anything about Capote other than that he wrote  Breakfast and Ti...

3.18 Part 2 Empire of Storms  & Tower of Dawn   by Sarah J. Maas It is time for part 2 of our discussion of the  Throne of Glass tandem read: Empire of Storms  & Tower of Dawn . This ended up being a two-part episode purely for length purposes. We discuss both books and there are mega spoilers in both episodes so be aware before listening! In part 1, we discuss my feelings on the tandem re...

3.18 Part 1 Empire of Storms  & Tower of Dawn   by Sarah J. Maas It is finally time for our discussion of the  Throne of Glass tandem read: Empire of Storms  &  Tower of Dawn . This ended up being a two-part episode purely for length purposes. We discuss both books and there are mega spoilers in both episodes so be aware before listening! In part 1, we discuss my feelings on the tandem rea...

3.17  The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store  by James McBride I had no idea what to expect going into this book. Ultimately, I would highly recommend this. Just go in with the understanding that this is a character study. It is in the 1920s and 30s in a small town in PA focusing on one neighborhood. Some heavy topics are covered from race, gender, class, and religious prejudices. By the end of the bo...

3.16  One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig  This week we are discussing a new to the podcast fantasy series starting with  One Dark Window . This is a two book series and I cannot recommend it enough. It started a little slow for me, but I was quickly enthralled in this universe of Providence Cards that give their users certain magical abilities. But there is a catch. Every use of magic has a cost and...

3.15  The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman I started this expecting it to be a fun murder mystery. I was not expecting a British retirement community with fabulous dry humor as retirees inject themselves into an investigation.  Osman doesn't shy away from the hard conversations around death, retirement, and aging but does it in such a way that is relatable, funny, and ultimately uplifting. I...

3.14 Queen of Shadows   by Sarah J. Maas In our latest  Throne of Glass  episode, we are discussing  Queen of Shadows . The episode is a little chaotic as so much happens in this book and I had no one to discuss it with other than all of you of course! Last time, Heir of Fire was my favorite book in the series so far.  Queen of Shadows  wins out though. If you thought you loved the characters befo...