Podcast
Besties and the Books Podcast
Hosted by Besties and the Books · EN
We’re Ashley and Liz, two real-life besties who’ve loved books since we first learned to read, so naturally, we started a podcast! We would say the rest is history but in actuality, it's just the beginning. So come join us in the next chapter of our lives as we introduce ourselves, and laugh our way through the world of books with a focus on Fantasy, Romantasy, and Dark Romance. Of course we have love for all book genres, but those are our absolute favorites!
Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!
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@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast
Liz
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@TheRealLifeVeganWife
Ashley
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@AshleyEllix
Email bestiesandthebooks@gmail.com
38episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
“BREAK THE CHAINS!” Golden Son Red Rising Book 2 | Deep Themes, Deep Thoughts, and Recap
5d ago02:04:01Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailListen closely, my goodman, Golden Son ruined our bloody damn lives… and we’re here to fill you in on the heartbreak. ☄️We kicked off Sci-Fi Summer with a full-length episode introducing the genre and setting the scene for a closer analysis of science fiction. We discuss who has historically defined and dominated the genre, its subsequent evolution, and how our newest deep dive obsession, the Red Rising series by Pierce Brown fits into it all. Next, we covered book one to see if it lives up to the hype you all have given it. And boy howdy did it exceed our expectations. Today we’re diving into book two: Golden Son. We’re out of The Institute and tossed into the “real world,” unforgiving and brutal as it is. We’re watching The Rising build and The Society break down (not unlike our main character Darrow) in real time, and the stress… is all-consuming (to put it mildly). We can only examine the implications of real or imagined technology and science on society thoroughly, critically, and responsibly through an intersectional lens. Is Pierce Brown doing this responsibly while also keeping us entertained? We bring you our spoiler free reviews, “Five Sentence Summary” and all our faves and least faves, but also discuss sci-fi themes, differences and similarities to fantasy, the romance, genre miscategorization, lore and fun facts, quotes, character growth and relatability, and most importantly… themes. It might be time to bust out the Cryometer™ because no one is safe in this brutal world and we fear the stakes are only going to get higher. Next week we will be covering the “conclusion” to the original trilogy with Morning Star but don’t worry, after that we will continue on with the next three…and finish one day with Red God!Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNENikki St. Crowe, the queen of spicy fairy tale retellings chats with us about diving into the land of Oz with West of Wicked! https://youtu.be/wwFYSDKcbtE?si=X6iNmUVAE6Xhmv7B____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing: A custom Impressive Wingspan tshirt from @DownTheBondofficial | Use Code: BestiesandtheBooks for 15% | https://www.downthebond.comLiz is wearing: an Aedion hoodie from @thebeanworkshop | use our affiliate code “BOOKBESTIES10”) | * https://www.thebeanworkshop.store/BOOKBESTIES10 Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix
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Ep 118 “DON'T DO THIS!” Bookish Pet Peeves + Hot Takes w/ Fantasy FanReads host @TheLostBooksofJess
1w ago01:19:19Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailToday we’re bringing you an entirely spoiler free fun bestie chat with the Queen of bookish comedy: Jess @thelostbooksofjess and the host of the podcast @fantasyfanreadspod ! Jess’s hilarious reels, polls, and character boards introduced us to her bookstagram years ago, and here we are today yapping about unpopular bookish opinions and pet peeves, ready to get the people goin’! Get to know Jess, the person behind the bookish account and podcast. How did she get started? What are the books that made her? We ask her all about her favorite reads so far this year, her most anticipated release of the fall, what she thinks is the most underrated book series, and what her favorite content to create is. The answers might surprise you! Then we move into the unpopular opinions section with ideas like: “romance doesn’t need to have a happily ever after,” and “yes, you CAN like the movie better than the book!” And just when you thought you were safe, we bring you our bookish pet peeves, making it known to the community that we just can’t stand more than one epilogue at the end of a book, and useless dust jackets with no summary are the worst! Stick around for even more unpopular opinions and pet peeves we’ll have all of you vote on, plus an on-the-spot eff, marry, 🔪featuring some of Jess’s most beloved MMCs, tailor made just for her.@TheLostBooksofJesshttps://www.instagram.com/thelostbooksofjess/?hl=en@fantasyFanReadshttps://www.youtube.com/ @fantasyfanreadspod Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNENikki St. Crowe, the queen of spicy fairy tale retellings chats with us about diving into the land of Oz with West of Wicked! https://youtu.be/wwFYSDKcbtE?si=X6iNmUVAE6Xhmv7B____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing: Our BATB Flying on Vibes Crop tee | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com/products/cropped-flying-on-vibes-t-shirtLiz is wearing:”This is the Skin of a Reader” crop tee by @shadowboundspines | https://shadowboundspines.com/products/skin-of-a-reader-bella-organic-rib-baby-teeAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix
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We FINALLY Read RED RISING and we need to talk!!! | Book 1 Deep Themes, Deep Thoughts, and Recap
2w ago01:55:32Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailSci-Fi Summer is here in full force, boyo! Are you prime? 🤘🐺Earlier this week we brought you a full-length episode introducing our summer bonus series covering Red Rising by Pierce Brown! A long anticipated request from you, our listeners, to join a passionate science fiction fandom… of a book series written by a man. And we had to be honest with you - we were more than a little bit apprehensive. Do we even like sci-fi? Would we understand it or get too caught up in the jargon and lose the plot? Does Pierce Brown write romance and female characters in a responsible and relatable way?We identified and faced our internalized biases, did the research into why science fiction has historically been written for and by white men but remade and challenged by women, people of color, non-binary folks and many others who truly understand the assignment. We can only examine the implications of real or imagined technology and science on society thoroughly, critically, and responsibly through an intersectional lens. After that, everything changed. We realized… sci-fi is very similar to fantasy and we actually consume and love a lot of it but as women we’ve been conditioned not to. And that does a disservice to everyone (*cough* but the machine *cough*). We’re rethinking everything and asking ourselves another iteration of the Romantasy question: does categorizing feminist science fiction separately from general sci-fi help us or hurt us? 🤔We dove into Red Rising book one with open minds, ready to bring you our true reviews, opinions and criticisms. And here they are, convincing you to read along with us as we move through this incredible series. We bring you our spoiler free reviews, “Five Sentence Summary” and all our faves and least faves, but also discuss sci-fi themes, differences and similarities to fantasy, the romance, genre miscategorization, lore and fun facts, quotes, character growth and relatability, and most importantly… themes. Get ready for a turbulent, emotional ride through hyperspace, ‘cuz we’re just getting started.Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNENikki St. Crowe, the queen of spicy fairy tale retellings chats with us about diving into the land of Oz with West of Wicked! https://youtu.be/wwFYSDKcbtE?si=X6iNmUVAE6Xhmv7B____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing: The Last Bookstore sweater from @TheLastBookstore in LA Liz is wearing: a cute Raglan Style Dragon teeAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix
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Ep 117 "You’ve Loved Sci-Fi ALL ALONG!" Intro to Science Fiction and Red Rising Deep Dive Series!
2w ago02:08:24Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat the heck is science fiction and how is it different (or suspiciously similar 🤔) to fantasy? We’re here to tell you! On today’s episode we’ll be setting the scene for our newest bonus series covering Red Rising by Pierce Brown, starting this Friday with our deep dive into book one! We’ve covered dystopian themes with our exploration of The Hunger Games universe by Suzanne Collins, then moved on to ask the question: “Are books political?” with our deep dive coverage of everything Wicked by Gregory Maguire. So now, building from those two very important contributions to the canon, we decided to take the plunge into this world of science fiction with the series you’ve all been begging us to cover since the beginning: Red Rising. But, we were apprehensive. The story begins centered around a sixteen year old boy, which as women nearing forty we were skeptical of. The books are written by a man and presumably through and for the male gaze. And… do we even like sci-fi? As lovers of all things magical and fantastical, is fiction based in science actually something we’ll enjoy, or even understand? We’re here to debunk everything you thought you knew about sci-fi from the perspective of two millennial women who were told our entire young lives (and sometimes still!) that math and science were just too hard for our lady brains. And here’s the thing… we think that because of societal conditioning and the prevalence of men within the genre (and systematically gatekeeping it for others throughout history) we’ve been taught to gravitate toward fantasy instead, avoid science fiction for the wrong reasons, or convince ourselves we “don’t like it” even though the objective evidence proves otherwise. So, let us guide you! We’ll explain what science fiction is, who got to decide that, and how the genre has evolved to produce amazing works with feminist themes, characters, and messaging. But just like the Romantasy debate has us pondering questions about categorization, so does Feminist Sci-Fi, because shouldn’t both of those genres be for everyone? Why are we always so quick to label things differently when they’re “for women?” What are the pros and cons of doing this? We hope this sets you up for success moving into Red Rising, and encourages you to dive into the genre if before you were afraid. Because at the end of the day, it’s all just made up anyway. 😉We bring you all of this plus our fave and fail and smash or pass sci fi edition! Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNENikki St. Crowe, the queen of spicy fairy tale retellings chats with us about diving into the land of Oz with West of Wicked! https://youtu.be/wwFYSDKcbtE?si=X6iNmUVAE6Xhmv7B____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing our Sword of the Ugly Truth Cropped Tee Merch | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comLiz is wearing: A discontinued REYLO tee.Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Liz: Mention Sources:-Brittanica.com-panmacmillan.com -fantasybookcafe.com-awriterofhistory.com-theguardian.com-booksofbrilliance.com-digi-con.org-medium.comSupport the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix
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Ep 116 “He does WHAT with his CORN DOG?!” Reacting to AITA & AIO 4th of July Stories
3w ago01:16:49Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailLive from the Barbeque Hotdog Store… It's Tuesday afternoon! Also known as our annual celebration of everything “American” and our Fourth of July 🇺🇸 | Am I the A Hole spoiler free episode! We take it even further this year to expand into a special “AIO,” or “Am I Overreacting?!” segment to remind us all why we love getting together with friends and family for the “holidays.” What a joy it is! If you want to see our most red, white, and blue-coded outfits make sure to tune into the YouTube video… there’s a camo vest, a wig, a bandana… and sunglasses that look like they came straight out of the early 90’s. Essentials that we found just lying around the house… and shockingly most of which Liz’s husband wears unironically in his normal life. L.O.L.In the spirit of adding to our existing lore, we bring you a special corn dog story about a man who buys them simply for the sticks. 😬There’s the usual family barbeque drama (Who stole the meats!?), Fourth of July parties gone awry, two dogs named Jameson and Guinness who apparently don’t mind the noise, and of course… idiot boys making rash decisions (IYKYK). We hope this episode can help you laugh, no matter what you’re up to this Independence Day. And that it helps you to remember that at the end of the day, we aren’t just a people defined by our cooked meats, loud explosions, and large dogs named after beer brands. We’re also a land that allows (probably single) men to buy corndogs in bulk just to gnaw on those crumbly little burnt stick nuggets. Crows bless us, every one! 🌭🦅🍺🥩We bring you all of this plus our top summer reads hopeful on our TBR and smash or pass featuring Joe Dirt, Cousin Eddie, and a Parent Trap baddie.Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNENikki St. Crowe, the queen of spicy fairy tale retellings chats with us about diving into the land of Oz with West of Wicked! https://youtu.be/wwFYSDKcbtE?si=X6iNmUVAE6Xhmv7B____YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllixShop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing her favorite fit when channeling her best Kenny Powers on a jet ski X Rambo vibes.Liz is wearing an outfit inspired by cosplaying her husband going finishing on a normal day. Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix
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Ep 115 “TEARS EVERYWHERE!” Ballad of Falling Dragons by Sarah A Parker | Book Reviews, Recap, Summary
4w ago01:39:50Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWe’re fiiine. Totally fiiine. We hope you're fiiine too! Here’s your reminder to go read The Ballad of Falling Dragons by Sarah A Parker. Book two in the Moonfall Series, the follow up to When the Moon Hatched, and what we now know to be the “middle book” in the trilogy hits hard and scores high on our Cry-ometer (IYKYK 😭🫠). Check out our recap video of book one if you need it, then let us help guide you through not only our spoiler free reviews, but our five sentence summary, important lore, notable characters, places and creatures, and maybe even some of our predictions moving forward! We know that there is no release date set for book three yet, but we’re okay with that! This series is our ultimate, top tier Romantasy dragon-lore book with a found family we’re VERY attached to, unique storytelling style, and world building for days! So we will wait… 123 phases if we have to! We bring you all of this plus our fave and fails weird dream edition and a smash or pass involving Dragons from this book and Maleficent’s Dragon.Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNENikki St. Crowe, the queen of spicy fairy tale retellings chats with us about diving into the land of Oz with West of Wicked! https://youtu.be/wwFYSDKcbtE?si=X6iNmUVAE6Xhmv7B____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing a Fly or Die Dragon T-shirt from @CaffeineandCurses | https://caffeineandcurses.com/products/fly-or-die-t-shirt-fourth-wing?_pos=1&_sid=07c793190&_ss=rLiz is wearing a bookish tee.Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix
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Ep 114 *NEW* Psychological Paranormal Horror with CJ Leede and Her Release Headlights | Author Interview
Jun 1601:04:00Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailYou asked for some horror coverage, and that’s exactly what you’re getting! Today we’re here with CJ Leede, THE Queen of horror, to get to know her, introduce her brand new book Headlights and discuss why horror with feminist themes is so important and is resonating on a different level with readers right now. Don’t worry, this episode is entirely spoiler free, so if you’re horror curious but not sure if it’s for you, stick around to find out why we think the thriller and fantasy girlies might just be on track to embrace a new, spookier genre.Headlights is now available everywhere you find your favorite books including Audible (starring audiobook narrator Andrew Eiden who many of you may know as Teddy Hamilton…!). The scream we scrempt when CJ told us that fact should’ve been recorded - oh wait! It was. What can we say? It was the best possible audiobook surprise. We talk briefly about her previous comedic slasher release Maeve Fly, the USA Today bestseller, winner of the Golden Poppy Octavia E. Butler Award, the Splatterpunk Award for Best Novel, and a Bram Stoker Award nominee, and her second apocalyptic feminist horror novel American Rapture named one of the best horror books of 2024 by Esquire Magazine, a Goodreads and Publisher’s Weekly Editor’s pick and A Splatterpunk Award finalist. What should you expect when you pick up one of CJ’s books? Why are they all wildly different? And how scary is Headlights, really? In addition to being a horror writer, CJ is a hiker and Trekkie, and when she’s not driving around the country, she can be found in LA with her boyfriend and rescue dogs. Make sure to go follow her @ceejthemoment for all the latest updates on her book tour! We’re bringing you all of this, plus CJ’s “Fave & Fail” Headlights edition, and a rapid fire smash or pass with all of our favorite horror movie men. Check out CJ Leede here https://us.macmillan.com/author/cjleedeAnd on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ceejthemoment?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNENikki St. Crowe, the queen of spicy fairy tale retellings chats with us about diving into the land of Oz with West of Wicked! https://youtu.be/wwFYSDKcbtE?si=X6iNmUVAE6Xhmv7B____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing a wolf hoodie from @killcrew | https://killcrew.co/products/lone-wolf-hoodie-black?srsltid=AfmBOorw2XGvXG1YQi4SGSSR_cI7Sh-x7v3RKVQAWNx6PpTUIvwBuhQCLiz is wearing one of our Besties and the Books Cropped Hoodies | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com/products/cropped-hoodie-besties-anti-social-crowAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix
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Ep 113 “THAT’S IT, I’M DNFing!” Ruining the Fantasy (books) some more with the Petty Problems! 🐉😝📚
Jun 900:53:45Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailSo, here’s the thing… Today we’re bringing you a spoiler free, homework free, judgement free (kinda) episode where we ruin fantasy books for you by being naysayers. We’re bringing light to what we’re calling “Fantasy Probs,” aka those things in our favorite books that pull us right out of the story because… well, they’re just not realistic. And hey, if you like this go check out our first ruining fantasy episode for more! Believe us, we know this sounds completely insane when we have no problems accepting hidden realms, magical creatures, and hidden powers. But there are just certain things we can’t deny that stand out as simply unbelievable. Like, shadow daddies almost never eat… anything other than you know what… or the fact that no one has a day job, inns with one bed exist around every remote corner, and everyone’s wielding swords after slashing their palms left and right. Things are just not adding up. We’ve got spicy time with no showers, MMCs winking and giving us the icks, medieval settings with modern names and phrases, and the undeniable fantasy urge to trust a person in their teens or early twenties to literally save the planet. We’re bringing you all of this, plus a weekly fave and fail about a lost diamond and “going into the woods…” and a smash or pass “petty reasons why I dnf-ed a book” edition. Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNENikki St. Crowe, the queen of spicy fairy tale retellings chats with us about diving into the land of Oz with West of Wicked! https://youtu.be/wwFYSDKcbtE?si=X6iNmUVAE6Xhmv7B____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing a Bryce Starborn Crescent City Shirt from @caffeineandCurses | https://caffeineandcurses.com/collections/crescent-city-merch/products/bryce-quinlan-t-shirt-crescent-city?variant=43137855357128Liz is wearing our Besties Pullover Color Anti Social Crow Design | https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com/products/pullover-hoodie-besties-color-anti-social-crowAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix
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Ep 112 Liz makes Ashley Return to Oz, was it worth it? | West of Wicked by Nikki St Crowe
Jun 201:11:52Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailDid you see that we got to interview Nikki St. Crowe?! When the Queen of spicy fairytale reimaginings calls, you answer and promptly cover her new book West of Wicked! We thought we’d made it out of the Oz universe alive and *relatively* unscathed but “spoiler alert* we got sucked right back in. Are we happy about it? Listen on to find out. West of Wicked is book one in the Great and Terrible Land trilogy, with book one out now, and book two East of Envy scheduled to release on November third of this year! So buckle up for a whole new take on Dorothy, the witches, and her most beloved companions. Oz is creepier and dark, Dorothy is an older and more powerful badass, the Scarecrow is tall, dark and handsome, the Tin Man is a mercenary with a bionic arm, and the Lion and Wizard… you’ll just have to read to see. Stick around for our spoiler free reviews, spice ratings, deep dive summary (brought to you by Ashley this time!) and a lovely side tangent where Liz plays “the cups.” We apologize in advance for the chaos. But listen, we’re not in Kansas anymore. 🤷♀️We’re bringing you all of this, plus a weekly fave and fail with When the Moon Hatched, a car buying fiasco, and a funny catchphrase experiment, and a themed smash or pass, Oz style… with not one, but TWO bionic arms. 😏Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Nikki St. Crowe, the queen of spicy fairy tale retellings chats with us about diving into the land of Oz with West of Wicked! https://youtu.be/wwFYSDKcbtE?si=X6iNmUVAE6Xhmv7BWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing The Last Bookstore hoodie from @thelastbookstore in Los AngelesLiz is wearing a “I Like My Girls Well Read” tee by @darkanddisturbedshop | Use Code: VEGAN10 to save! | https://darkanddisturbedshop.com/products/well-read-tee?_pos=1&_sid=76ea1248c&_ss=rAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix
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Ep 111 Let’s UNRAVEL Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry | Book Reviews, Recap, Summary
May 2601:53:58Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailRites of the Starling, Rites of the Starling, Rites of the Starling…if you say it three times, does The Guardian appear? 😂 We jest, because we know this second installment in the Shield of Sparrows series by Devney Perry is highly rated, but definitely somewhat polarizing because of its unique storytelling style, and the introduction to completely new characters for half of the entire book! You either love that or hate it… or begrudgingly love it by the end because the payoff is more than satisfying! Missed our Shield of Sparrows Recap? Watch it here https://youtu.be/Zq5SB3g-yT4?si=QZQjskGa8q4HB8_JShield of Sparrows LIVE Book Club Discussion | https://www.youtube.com/live/iMUSO75MiIE?si=L_5EicK5LAUP6RUeToday we’re bringing you our spoiler-free reviews and recommendations before we move into all the spoiler-y details including (but not limited to) our “Five Sentence” Plot Summary, notable characters, monsters, places, lore, and Easter eggs. And our usuals like favorite and least favorite parts, characters, and tropes, reviews, audiobook tea, and unanswered questions. Because what DO we know?! That book three will be released on March 9th of next year, and we’re coming to the party prepared! Check out our deep dive AND Book Talk Live coverage of Shield of Sparrows and our ongoing Fable chats for both books if you need a refresher, are trying to decide if this series is for you, or even if you just need someone to scream at once you put the pieces together! We’re here for you. And trust us, you’ll need this support group, just like Odessa could probably use one right about now. 😬We’re bringing you all of this, plus a weekly fave and fail current NON-Pod reads, and an entirely Rites of the Starling themed smash or pass! Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNENikki St. Crowe, the queen of spicy fairy tale retellings chats with us about diving into the land of Oz with West of Wicked! https://youtu.be/wwFYSDKcbtE?si=X6iNmUVAE6Xhmv7B____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing a Throne of Glass “To Whatever End” tee from @TheBeanWorkshop (use our affiliate code “BOOKBESTIES10”) | * https://www.thebeanworkshop.store/BOOKBESTIES10 Liz is wearing a “Good Girls Love Smut” Sweatshirt from a now closed bookish shop.Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix
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