Read Me Next Podcast

In this episode of Read Me Next, Carina and Pili return to Prythian to unpack Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Splintered Harmony. They share why they each rated it about four and a half stars, explore its biggest twists and character tensions, and trade theories about what may come next in the series.

In this episode of Read Me Next, Carina and Pili tackle their Halloween week read, Stephen King's Pet Sematary. They follow Louis Creed's family and their move to Maine, the neighbor Judd Crandall, and the burial ground that turns a grieving father's worst idea into a nightmare. They talk about King's foreshadowing, his detailed inner monologues, and the stretches they found ov...

In this episode of Read Me Next, Carina and Pili share their honest, spoiler-filled thoughts on Twenty Years Later by Charlie Donlea, a highly rated thriller that felt more like a true-crime documentary to them. The hosts discuss why the book landed as a 3-star read despite its strong Goodreads rating, from the pacing and lack of suspense to the audiobook’s matter-of-fact narration. They unpack th...

In this episode of Read Me Next, Carina and Pili discuss Alchemised by SenLinYu, a dark fantasy that left readers sharply divided. They unpack the story’s amnesia trope, war-torn world, complicated magic system, and the tense relationship between Helena and Kane, while sharing why the book’s twists intrigued them but its length and repetitive scenes made the journey feel exhausting. The hosts also...

In this episode of Read Me Next, Carina and Pili revisit Colleen Hoover’s Verity after watching its movie adaptation, and discover that the dark psychological thriller feels even more disturbing on a reread. They recap the story of Lowen, an aspiring writer hired to finish Verity’s book series, and discuss its unsettling manuscript, tangled relationships, shocking revelations, and controversial bo...

In this episode of 'Read Me Next', Carina and Pili dive into Threshing Day by Rebecca Yarros. A spoiler-heavy reaction episode where they break down Threshing Day chapter by chapter, using the novella to revisit the Fourth Wing world through the perspectives of Brennan, Mira, Xaden, Garrick, Dain, Bodhi, Imogen, Rhiannon, Sawyer, Ridoc, Liam, Sloane, and Aaric. The conversation focuses o...

In this episode of 'Read Me Next', Carina and Pili discuss how a successful romance adaptation depends less on reproducing every plot point and more on preserving the emotional texture of the original story. Small moments of banter, care, vulnerability, and shared routines make the relationship feel authentic, while the fake-dating setup creates a safe space for the characters to acknowl...

In this episode of 'Read Me Next', Carina and Pili dive intoBookTok’s dark romance queen, Brynne Weaver! She reveals how she turns serial killers, gore, and comedy into stories readers can’t put down. Brynne Weaver opens up about the real-life sparks behind Butcher and Blackbird, Leather and Lark, Scythe and Sparrow, and her new release Love Antidote. She also clues us in on the adaptati...

In this anniversary episode of 'Read Me Next', Carina and Pili celebrate one year of podcasting with a favorite-book bracket, reading recommendations, TBR picks, book awards, and a competitive book boyfriend draft. They debate favorites like Fourth Wing, A Court of Mist and Fury, Quicksilver, and Chestnut Springs, while revisiting the books that made them laugh, cry, obsess, and complete...

In this episode of Read Me Next, Carina and Pili dive into Star Side by Alex Aster, a romantasy with a deadly quest, enemies-to-lovers tension, and a big cliffhanger ending that kept us hooked even when the pacing felt uneven. We follow Aris, a forge apprentice from the poor, magicless Stormside, as she enters the Questrel to reach Starside and claim a cup of magic, only to get pulled into brutal...

In this episode of ‘Read Me Next’, Carina and Pili dive into Carly Fortune’s Barry’s Bay series with brutally honest opinions and big reactions. They break down Every Summer After and One Golden Summer, debating why the first book felt slow, frustrating, and overhyped, while the second finally delivered the summer romance energy they wanted.

In this episode of 'Read Me Next', Carina and Pili judge, rank, and ruthlessly compare mafia romance as The Made series by Danielle Lori sparks a full-on obsession debate. If you want the hottest book boyfriends, the messiest heroines, and the kind of possessive, dangerous men that have BookTok in a chokehold, this episode is your next stop.

On this episode of 'Read Me Next', Carina and Pili dive into Christina Lauren’s fake marriage, rich family drama, and slow-burn romance setup in The Paradise Problem. They compare it to The Unhoneymooners, unpack what worked, what felt weaker, and why the book lands as a fun summer read even when the toxic family dynamics take over.

In this episode of 'Read Me Next', Carina and Pili review Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez, a contemporary romance they found cozy, witty, and emotionally engaging. They discuss the “curse” premise, fake dating setup, and the strong banter between Emma and Justin, while also highlighting how much they loved Maddie as a blunt, fiercely loyal best friend. A big part of the conversation...

In this episode of 'Read Me Next', Carina and Pili peel back layers of myth and modern storytelling. You’ll hear them discuss the shift from a cunning, divine-guided Odysseus in the poem to a trauma-ridden, regretful hero in Hollywood. We analyze key scenes like the Cyclops, Sirens, and Calypso, and reveal how the representation of gods and monsters impacts the story’s message. Plus, we...

In this episode of 'Read Me Next', Carina and Pili explore "In Stormy Weather" by Chelsea Corto—a romance set against the backdrop of meteorology, Florida scenery, and weather phenomena. Join us as we dive into the characters, plot, and some hilarious and cringey moments that you won't want to miss.

On this episode of 'Read Me Next', Carina and Pili dive into a hilarious, no-holds-barred review of Jessica Peterson’s Lucky River Ranch series, unpacking just how bizarre, cringe-worthy, and surprisingly entertaining modern rom-com cowboy stories can be. What begins as a discussion of rugged charm and slow-burn passion quickly turns into a sharp, funny breakdown of characters, tropes, a...

 On this episode of 'Read Me Next, Carina and Pili discuss A Court of Silver Flames. This book follows Nesta’s messy postwar spiral as she’s forced into training, library work, and an uncomfortable new life at the House of Wind, where she slowly begins to heal through Cassian and a found family of Gwyn and Emerie. The hosts also dig into the book’s spice, the tension around Nesta and Cassian...

On this episode of 'Read Me Next', Carina and Pili discuss A Court of Frost and Starlight and the setup for A Court of Silver Flames, with the hosts reflecting on character arcs, relationship tensions, and unresolved series mysteries. They talk through Nesta’s trauma and growing power, possible future pairings, and the darker forces shaping the story, while also sharing reactions to the...

In this episode of 'Read Me Next', Carina and Pili explore the complex web of betrayals and alliances that set the stage for an all-out war. Topics include Feyre’s evolution from a broken girl to a fearless leader, the shocking reveal of Lucien’s true father, and the subtle hints about Nesta’s untapped powers—plus our favorite side characters who steal every scene. We also interpret the...

In this episode of "Read Me Next", Carina and Pili dive into 'A Court of Mist and Fury' by Sarah J. Maas. They passionately discuss the book's plot twists, character developments, and emotional depth. The hosts express their love for the book, highlighting key moments like Feyre's transformation, her relationship with Rhysand, and the intense dynamics with other chara...

In this episode of 'Read Me Next, Carina and Pili peel back the layers of the "Beauty and the Beast" inspired story that captivated millions, yet left many puzzled by its early pacing, a Court of Thorns and Roses. You'll learn how Sarah J. Mass masterfully weaves a complex political web with seven fairy courts, curses rooted in ancient betrayals, and a heroine's journey fr...

On this episode of 'Read Me Next', Carina and Pili have a lively discussion about the book "It Happened One Summer" by Tessa Bailey. The hosts express their love for the book, highlighting its humor, romance, and character development. They delve into the plot, discussing the protagonist Piper Bellinger's journey from a privileged life in LA to a small fishing town, where...

In this episode of 'Read Me Next,' Carina and Pili dive into the book "Fever Dream" by Elsie Silver. They discuss the unique aspects of the book, including its setting in a dating show and the dynamics between the characters, Emmett and Julia. The hosts express mixed feelings about the book, noting the lack of cowboy elements they expected and the quick romantic development. Th...

In this episode of 'Read Me Next,' Carina and Pili dive into the "Off-Campus" series by Elle Kennedy, discussing books three through five. They explore the characters' dynamics, relationships, and the upcoming TV adaptation. The hosts share their thoughts on the series' progression, character development, and their personal rankings of the characters. They also delve...