S5 Ep10: S5 : Ep 10 - Current Romance Reads

Summary

Flights of Fantasy Podcast Summary

Episode: Season 5, Episode 10 – Current Romance Reads
Release Date: April 15, 2025
Hosts: Anna, Kim, and Christina
Description: In this engaging episode, the hosts dive deep into their latest romance reads, sharing detailed reviews, recommended titles across various sub-genres, and personal anecdotes. Packed with heart, humor, and insightful discussions, this episode is a treasure trove for romance enthusiasts seeking their next great read.

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1. Welcome and Introduction (01:21 - 04:05)

Anna kicks off the episode by greeting listeners and introducing her co-hosts, Kim and Christina. The trio expresses their excitement about sharing their curated list of current romance reads, emphasizing that these books are their "book hangovers" and "palette cleansers" that bring joy and refreshment to their reading lives.

Anna: "These are books that are our book hangovers. Our palette cleansers bring us so much joy..."

2. Patreon Highlights and Patron Shoutouts (02:05 - 04:05)

The hosts extend their gratitude to listeners who have rated and reviewed the show, underscoring the importance of community support. They also highlight exclusive Patreon content, including a special episode featuring the first annual Throne of Glass trivia and the ongoing deep dives into Sarah J. Maas's character Celayna.

Christina: "I bring a Taylor Swift lyric every time I do a Patreon shout out... 'I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you.'"

3. Current Romance Reads – Kindle Unlimited Recommendations (04:05 - 16:24)

Anna leads the discussion on Kindle Unlimited (KU) romance reads, covering a variety of sub-genres and tropes.

a. Until It Was Love by Pippa Grant (05:00 - 06:10)

The first book in the Copper Valley Pounders Rugby Series, this sports romance features a grumpy rugby player resembling Roy Kent from Ted Lasso and a sunshiny female lead. The plot revolves around a fake dating arrangement that evolves into genuine feelings amidst humorous banter.

Anna: "He's the grumpiest grump. And she is very, like, sunshiny."

b. Wild About You by Rebecca Jinshak (06:41 - 07:38)

Part of the Wildcats Hockey Series by the author of Burnout, this second chance romance follows Tyler and Piper, high school sweethearts reunited under challenging circumstances as Tyler becomes the guardian of Piper’s teenage sister.

Christina: "The found family vibes are so beautiful. They all help her with her homework..."

c. Skate the Line by S.J. Silvis (07:38 - 09:18)

From the Blue Devils Hockey Series, this book introduces Rhodes, a grumpy single dad and hockey player, and his interaction with a protective nanny. The story combines sports romance with emotional depth and engaging character dynamics.

Anna: "He speaks Russian to her, which I just love so much."

d. Magnolia Fall Series by Laura Pavlov (09:21 - 11:43)

A small-town romance series praised for its "found family" elements and diverse romance tropes, including enemies-to-lovers, brothers' best friends, and single dad narratives. Each book offers a standalone story within the cohesive series framework.

Anna: "Marriage of convenience, childhood best friends to lovers, grumpy sunshines, fake dating..."

e. Broken Harbor by Katherine Coles (11:43 - 13:43)

The third installment in the Sparrow Falls series blends romantic suspense with a hockey romance backdrop. Set against a backdrop of danger and protective love, the story follows Sutton, a badass single mom with a traumatic past, and Cope, her brother's hockey coach.

Anna: "Sutton and Luca melt these walls. ... It was everything I wanted."

4. Exclusive Patreon Content Highlights (13:43 - 17:26)

The hosts discuss exclusive Patreon content where Anna reviews additional KU romance books, including Filthy Rich Fae by Geneva Lee, Wingman by Stephanie Archer, Struck Out by Sadie Kincaid, and When She Falls by Gabrielle Sands. These reviews offer spoiler-free insights and deep dives into various sub-genres like mafia romance and deeply romantic narratives.

Anna: "If you have not read Mafia before, I think this is a great intro. ... It was everything I wanted."

5. Current Romance Reads – Non-Kindle Unlimited Recommendations (16:24 - 36:16)

Switching gears to non-KU titles, the hosts explore a selection of published romance books, each bringing unique stories and fresh perspectives.

a. Beg, Borrow or Steal by Sarah Adams (21:10 - 24:17)

Set in the When in Rome series, this standalone novel features second-grade teachers Emily Walker and Jack Bennett, who harbor secret romance writing careers. Their "love to hate" dynamic leads to endearing and flirty interactions.

Christina: "It's a really well written. It's so cute."

b. Deep End by Ali Hazelwood (24:19 - 38:59)

Originally titled Wet, this story follows Scarlet, a competitive diver, and Penn, a swimmer, as they navigate shared sexual interests and personal growth. The book is lauded for its authentic portrayal of college athlete life and nuanced exploration of kink.

Christina: "She really does fantastic. ... I am a huge proponent for this whole series."

c. Spiral by Balcabra (28:10 - 29:25)

A fake dating sports romance between a hockey player and a ballerina, this book combines athletic passion with the grace of ballet, delivering a captivating and romantic narrative.

Anna: "A ballerina. How fun."

d. Out On a Limb by Hannah Bonham Young (29:31 - 32:19)

This deeply romantic narrative centers on Wynn and Beau, who navigate their unexpected life circumstances after a one-night stand leads to pregnancy. The book is praised for its realistic dialogue and heartfelt representation of disability and parenting.

Christina: "It's a beautiful story. The banter is actual God tier."

e. First Time Caller by BK Borison (32:49 - 35:58)

Inspired by classic rom-coms like Sleepless in Seattle and When Harry Met Sally, this book follows Lucy and Aiden as they collaborate on a romance radio show, blending humor with heartfelt romance.

Anna: "It's such a fun play on this. ... It is so sweet."

f. Metal Slinger by Rachel Snyder (35:59 - 43:45)

The first book in the Fire and Metal series, this fantasy romance features Brynn, preparing for a rite of passage, and Acker, a dark-eyed enemy soldier. The book is celebrated for its unique world-building and engaging characters.

Christina: "The world building is so unique, but very simple."

6. TBR Lists (43:45 - 51:24)

The hosts share their personal "To Be Read" (TBR) lists, revealing their excitement for upcoming reads and special selections.

Christina’s TBR:

• Story of My Life by Lucy Score
• Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
• Save Your Breath by Candy Steiner
• Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez
• Left of Forever by Tara DeWitt
• Swept Away by Beth O'Leary

Anna’s TBR:

• Wild Side by Elsie Silver
• Beautiful Exile by Katherine Coles
• The Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vowels Duology by Rebecca Ross
• Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings
• Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez (as a birthday present to Kim)

7. Listener Engagement and Giveaways (51:24 - 52:20)

Anna and Christina announce a recent giveaway on Patreon where the winner selected Slaying the Vampire Conqueror by Carissa Broadbent for the hosts to read, promising an exciting addition to their reading list.

Anna: "We're so excited about this. Katherine, thank you so much."

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Conclusion

The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to join the Flights of Fantasy book club community on Instagram and TikTok. The hosts encourage ratings and reviews to help expand their audience, wrapping up with heartfelt reminders to keep dreaming and reading.

Christina: "If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform."

Anna: "Until next time, keep dreaming, keep reading, and remember, every good story deserves to take flight."

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Notable Quotes:

• Christina (03:41): "I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you."
• Anna (12:16): "It might change per day, but today this is true."
• Christina (24:19): "It's kinky for me. I've never felt more vanilla in my life."
• Anna (37:00): "He's the sweetest, sexiest man."
• Christina (44:39): "She's a fantastic writer."

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This episode of Flights of Fantasy offers a comprehensive and enthusiastic exploration of the hosts' current romance reads, blending personal insights with diverse book recommendations. Whether you're seeking sports romance, romantic suspense, or heartfelt narratives, Anna, Kim, and Christina provide ample suggestions to enrich your reading journey.

Transcript

[Anna]

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[Kim]

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[Anna]

I'm Anna, joined by my book besties Kim and Christina and together we're diving into the characters, theories, lore and magic.

[Christina]

Behind all your favorite fantasy romance books. Foreign oh my gosh.

[Anna]

We're excited to be here.

[Christina]

We are so excited to be here tonight, chatting our current romance reads that we cannot wait to chat with you all about and recommend you guys. We have so much good stuff.

[Anna]

This episode is so long in the making. We are so excited to talk these books. These are books that are our book hangovers. Our palette cleansers bring us so much joy and we have been cultivating this list for quite a while and we cannot wait to discuss them with you.

[Christina]

Yes.

[Anna]

Okay. But before we dive in, we want to give a big thank you to everyone who has already rated and reviewed the show. If you had had a chance, please take a moment to do so on your preferred podcast platform. It really, really does make a huge, huge difference in helping support the show and we're so thankful and appreciative and also a reminder of what we've got going on over on Patreon right now. Friends, we have got a special episode coming out for you. This month we are going to be streaming for both tiers the video of our entire first annual Throne of Glass trivia. Oh yeah, this is something that happened on our girls trip. I've posted about it in Stories. I hosted this trivia for Anna and Kim. There were six rounds. We have video of them doing the rounds, also the questions. It's really, really a fantastic, fun video for both tiers. Also in our Tier 2 SJM series where we deep dive characters, couples and scenes from all of our Queen Sarah J. Maas series. This month we are continuing our deep dive on Celayna. This is part three. If you have read Throne of Glass, you know why Celaena deserves three separate Deep Dive episodes. Yep. And speaking of Tier two, Kim, let's shout out some Tier two patrons.

[Christina]

Let's do it. So tonight we are going to be shouting out Dawn Lovulo, Nicole M, Charlotte Beckwith and Olivia Sanchez. Thank you guys so, so, so much for supporting us. It literally means the world and I wanted to start doing a fun little thing where I bring a Taylor Swift lyric every time I do a Patreon shout out.

[Anna]

Love it.

[Christina]

You know, this is really just an excuse for me to get to talk about Taylor Swift.

[Anna]

But this is shout out specifically to you, you guys that we shout out tonight. This is your lyric.

[Christina]

Yes. And this lyric is from the song Long Live and it's I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you.

[Anna]

Oh, shut up. That's how we feel, guys.

[Christina]

That's how we feel about you guys. Y'all are the best and we love you.

[Anna]

Yes. Thank you than for being you and for supporting us.

[Christina]

Yes.

[Anna]

All right, so if this is your first time tuning into one of these type of episodes with us, we are going to be giving you our recommendations. They're all romance. Let's just be real because that's what we live and breathe. But they are in different categories. We have Kindle Unlimited Recs. We have non Kindle Unlimited Recs. We have some fantasy. We have lots to choose from. All of these reviews and recs are going to be spoiler free. We will not be spoiling major plot points from any of these books. The idea is kind of an elevator pitch and a fun way for you to add things to your tbr.

[Christina]

Also, as you are listening to this episode, don't worry. We were going to be listing out all of these Books in the order that we discuss them in the show notes. So be sure you go and check that out. They'll be in the show notes for you.

[Anna]

Okay, so let's start with Kendall Unlimited.

[Christina]

We love ku.

[Anna]

I'm going to be leading this section. This is where I live and thrive. So first on the docket, we're going to be talking sports. Woo.

[Christina]

Sports Ball.

[Anna]

Welcome Sporty Spice. Sports Ball. Okay, we've got a few to run through here. First, we're going to be talking Until It Was Love by Pippa Grant. Fun story about this. I read this a while ago and I put it in the outline today. Kim, not but an hour ago text me and said, shut up. I also read that book.

[Christina]

Yes. I was like, pippa Grant, I think I read that. Went to my goodreads. Sure enough, I did. I texted Christina and I was like, how did we both read this book? Not say a word to each other up until this point? We both read that.

[Anna]

Okay, so Until It Was Love by Pippa Grant. This is the first book in the Copper Valley Pounders. Oh, God. Forgot that's what the name is.

[Christina]

Jesus. Jesus.

[Anna]

Okay, I'm going to try that again. First book in the Copper Valley Pounders rugby series. Okay, guys, this is rugby.

[Christina]

It's rugby. It's rugby.

[Anna]

That's fun. Yeah. You know, this is our first time reading rugby. It's not all that different because it's not all that prevalent.

[Christina]

No.

[Anna]

In the book.

[Christina]

No, it's surely not.

[Anna]

Which is important to us.

[Christina]

Yeah.

[Anna]

Our lead was really giving me Roy Kent from Ted Lasso vibes.

[Christina]

Yeah.

[Anna]

I was really feeling that energy and it really, really agreed. He's so grumpy.

[Christina]

So grumpy.

[Anna]

He's the grumpiest grump. And she is very, like, sunshiny. And of course, she absolutely loathes her brother's grumpy rugby teammates. However, through a sequence of events, they must start fake dating. They must. They just must do it. And then chaos and feelings ensue and I just. I had a great time with this. I loved the banter. I think I could have used a little more swoon, but I really thought it was fun and quick and, like, enjoyable and exactly what I wanted in a great, fun, quick sports romance.

[Christina]

Agreed.

[Anna]

Okay, next up, we have Wild about yout by Rebecca Jinshak. This is the second book in the Wildcats hockey series. Okay, wait. Yes.

[Christina]

Sorry. Also, isn't this the same author of that motocross book that you were talking about in one of our episodes? Okay. Yay.

[Anna]

Yes. This Is the same author as Burnout? Yes. Oh, my God. Which I love.

[Christina]

Yes. When I saw that, I was like, yes.

[Anna]

This is a different series, but same author and same beautiful found family vibes.

[Christina]

I love it.

[Anna]

She does a fantastic job of it. Okay, so this was Second Chance. It was so super cute. We have Tyler and Piper. They dated in high school, but when his cocky career took off, he broke her heart and was like, I'm not the man she deserves. I know what's best, yada, yada, whatever, as they do. So years later, Tyler is living this, like, pro athlete single life until he suddenly has to become the guardian of his teenage sister, Kim. That teenage sister's name is Everly.

[Christina]

Everly. That's my daughter's name.

[Anna]

And they all call her Ev. And it's so.

[Christina]

Oh, my God, I love that so much.

[Anna]

Okay, so also, Ev, turns out now is one of Piper's students. What? They haven't seen each other in so long. And he's now caring for this teenage girl, and he doesn't know how to do it. And Piper's like, I will help you because I'm her teacher and I care about her. And then the second chance romance vibes go from there. It just. It really worked for me. I really enjoyed watching them rebuild their relationship. It felt really natural. It did have a little bit of a slow start, but once that romance kicked in, I was all in. I love it, especially because of this found family vibe, y'all. This group of teammates, they are the sweetest little hockey player family boys. They, like, rally around him and his sister in the sweetest way. They all, like, help her with her homework, and it's just like, the cutest, sweetest thing in the whole wide world. I loved it, especially for the found family vibes. Okay, now, last but not least, in our sports section, we have Skate the line by S.J. silvis. This is the second book in the Blue Devils hockey series. Oh, my friends, this was everything I want in a grumpy sunshine single dad, nanny, sports, romance.

[Christina]

Oh, my God. Yes. Okay.

[Anna]

His name is Rhodes. He's the broodiest hockey player. He's totally closed off, except when it comes to his cutie daughter. And then he's the cutest single dad in the world, and she is their new nanny, and she's the first nanny to not want to sleep with him or not want to use him for his money. So he's like, oh, she's so different.

[Christina]

God, it's so hard to be him. It's so hard.

[Anna]

And she's all guarded because of some past trauma. And he's like, I'm determined to earn her trust. And it's so good. And there's tension and there's banter and he, like, speaks Russian to her, which I, like, didn't know I was gonna love so much that I was like, oh, yeah, I just, I love this one. It worked, worked, worked. Checked all the boxes. Really good.

[Christina]

Oh, yay. Okay, I love these.

[Anna]

Moving on, friends. We are going to talk about a full series. I promise I won't discuss in depth all five of these books. I'm going to talk about this series as a whole. This is the Magnolia Fall series by Laura Pavlov. This is a small town romance series. I wouldn't say it's romantic suspense. Even though there are some kind of, like, protective aspects, there's not really major danger. It's just good small town romance.

[Christina]

It's like, love it.

[Anna]

So I actually talked about the first book in this series, Loving Romeo in our last KRX episode. And y'all, I just fell so hard for everyone in this series. The found family vibes are so beautiful. I just inhaled the series. I read it so fast. It's so romantic and sweet. Okay, so here are the very quick tropes for each of the books in the series. We've already talked about Loving Romeo. Book number two is Wild river. And this is an enemies to lovers. I would actually say more. It's a hate to lovers. She like hates him. Love it. Which is really fun, actually. The chemistry is there from the beginning and this was so good.

[Christina]

Love it.

[Anna]

Okay, number two, Forbidden King. This is one of my favorites in the series. This is, I would say, one of the best examples of a brother's little sister trope that I have read in recent history. It is so good. The childhood friends to lovers here progression is so good. I like how the brothers little sister trope was handled. It's like it was always you vibes and it's just angsty. But I also laughed a lot. It was so fun. Okay, next book. Beating Heart. This is a fantastic single dad romance. Also neighbors to lovers. This is a great, great single dad vibes. If you enjoy that trope, you'll really like this one. Absolutely loved it. Okay. And last but not least, this one maybe was my favorite. It's called Finding Haze. Wow, I love this. Listen to all these tropes we get here.

[Christina]

Okay.

[Anna]

Marriage of convenience, childhood best friends to lovers, grumpy, sunshine, forks, proximity, second chance romance. And he's a firefighter.

[Christina]

We've never read a firefighter book before.

[Anna]

And it was good. It was so good. The romance in this was so good. There's this heartbreaking thing in their past that was a misunderstanding that, like, tore them apart. And they've been away for years, both thinking things that weren't true, and they come back together and they realize the misunderstanding pretty early on. Like, it's. That's not the whole book. Don't get worried.

[Christina]

Yeah, but it's so good.

[Anna]

There's a lot of angst, and I just ate it up. I loved it. I am a huge proponent for this whole series, especially this one.

[Christina]

Love it.

[Anna]

Okay, now next up, we have a book from Ms. Katherine Coles. Yeah. If you have listened to any of these KU Reagan episodes, you have heard me talk at length about Katherine Coles. She is quite literally my favorite romantic suspense author. And I would say outside of fantasy books, we read for the podcast. Romantic suspense is my favorite genre.

[Christina]

It is.

[Anna]

So I'm talking about Broken harbor by Katherine Coles. This is the third book in her Sparrow Falls series. And this is a big statement, friends, and I'm going to make it. This may be my favorite Katherine Coles book, too. Date people.

[Christina]

Shut up.

[Anna]

It might change per day, but today this is true. This is the truth. It's everything I want, romantic suspense. But guess what else it has, Kim.

[Christina]

What?

[Anna]

Hockey. He's a hockey player.

[Christina]

Shut a hockey. Romantic suspense is Christina's heaven. Like, this is everything. This is her holy trinity. It's everything she's ever wanted.

[Anna]

It says if Katherine calls. Wrote it for me.

[Christina]

I think she did.

[Anna]

Okay, so. Okay, here we go. Set in the scene. So Sutton is this badass single mom. All right? She's got this awful ex and this traumatic past.

[Christina]

Yeah.

[Anna]

And then this is about Cope. So Cope is the brother in the Spirit fall series that we hear about. But he's, like, off playing hockey, and so he's now come back and he is now her son's hockey coach. And their chemistry is just, like everything from the fucking get go, guys. Like, Cope carries all this guilt from his past, and we just, like, see Sutton and Luca melt these walls. And he's, of course, so protective of both of them. And there's danger, and it's sexy and sexy danger. The sexy danger with Hawky. Like, Shut up. Shut up. I just truly. Shut up. It was everything I wanted. Obsessed. Now, I also, speaking of Katherine Coles, want to say one of my greatest achievements in life thus far in life is officially probably getting Kim on this Katherine Coles Train. Kim is now on it. She, without me even asking her to read an entire Catherine Cole series. Guys, she surprised me with this. It's true. She wasn't like, oh, I read one book. She's like, I read the, the whole.

[Christina]

Lost and Found series. I've read them without talking to her about it at all. I got through all the books to, to the fifth one and then she was coming into town and so I knew we were going to have like gab time in the car and I was like, I have to talk about this with you. And Christina was like, I'm sorry, what book are you on? I was like, book five. I was like, excuse me, the level.

[Anna]

I was like, what? I'm so excited, but I'm here physically in person.

[Christina]

We could talk about them.

[Anna]

What a great gift. It was a roller coaster.

[Christina]

It was incredible.

[Anna]

Love it.

[Christina]

So I read the Lost and Found series by Katherine Col, like Christina said. And you had recommended, I think book two to me. And then at another time you had also recommended book three. And so after that I was like, well, I just, I guess she's wanting.

[Anna]

Me to read the series, like subtly. And it worked. I mean, I'm gonna tell you right.

[Christina]

Now, it, it literally did. So I actually didn't read book one because I started with book two.

[Anna]

Yeah.

[Christina]

And then, and then I got to book five and I was like, well, it seems silly to go. I can't go back.

[Anna]

Yeah, I'm with you.

[Christina]

She's like a lot of romance authors where you, you can read each book as a standalone. You don't have to have read the other ones.

[Anna]

Yeah. By the time you get to the end, you're excited to see them come up. But it wouldn't take you out if you read the last book as a standalone. No, it. Not knowing who these people are.

[Christina]

Totally, completely. So yes. This is a small town romance suspense series. And the entire family owns a, like search and rescue company.

[Anna]

Of course they do.

[Christina]

The father sold some business 15, 20 years ago and now not only he, but none of the children have to work. And like all billionaires, they're like, well, what can we do now? We're going to start a search and rescue family business that all of our children are going to work at.

[Anna]

You know, I mean, what are sexy billionaires to do?

[Christina]

Right? And there's so much sexy danger around that they're like, this is a, this is a full time job. There's a real need for this.

[Anna]

Real black in the market here.

[Christina]

Yeah, it's real. Yeah. And we're gonna fill that hole.

[Anna]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Christina]

And they do. And the company gets used a shocking amount for a small town where everybody loves each other.

[Anna]

Well, there's sexy danger about.

[Christina]

Okay, so I'm just gonna run through basically just some tropes. I read them all back to back. So I'm gonna be honest with you. They all just felt like one book to me, but, like, in a good way. It was, like, from 2 to 5. I didn't look up. There was no pausing. I was so in it, you can't stop.

[Anna]

And then it's like, is it formulaic? Yes. Do I care? No.

[Christina]

Yeah.

[Anna]

And then you're like, wow, well, do I start the next series? And then you just keep going.

[Christina]

And then you do. And now. And now here we are. I'm addicted. Okay, so, yes, it's a small town search and rescue. You've got childhood friends to lovers. You've got brother's best friend. You've got second chance romance. Lots of grumpy sunshines, fake dating. So much sexy danger.

[Anna]

Love it.

[Christina]

But you combine that with the thriller slash mystery aspect with the romance. Guys, if you are like me, Kim, and you also like thrillers, but sometimes you're just. It's. It's too scary and it's too, like, graphic and intense. Like I've said ever since I became a mom, I'm just a real big baby about everything. And so I want the danger and, like, the, Ooh, this is interesting. But I don't want it to be so intense. Romantic suspense is what you need to be reading.

[Anna]

Yeah.

[Christina]

Like, literally all. They're so, so good. They will have you kicking your feet and squealing, but also, like, really invested. But the stakes were never so high that you're, like, worried where it's stressing you out, but you're just intrigued.

[Anna]

You know it's going to be a happily ever after, but you also get the danger so that he can be sexy and protective. It's the best of both worlds. Like, had him, Montana says.

[Christina]

You know, like Hannah Montana says. It's the best of both worlds. Truly, I love it. You guys have got to read a book by Katherine Coles. Please DM us. Christina will be happy to help you pick one out. It would make her day actually say less. Let's go, baby.

[Anna]

Oh, Lordy Lou. Okay, okay, so next up here, we have something really exciting. So Anna, we are missing her so much. She's on fabulous vacays with her family right now, living her best vacay life. But she Also recently recorded a Anna's book Hang Cures video on Patreon where she went through in detail multiple books from ku. So I'm gonna list those out. And just so you know, this is the exact same dynamic over there on Patreon. For this video, she did not give spoilers, but she gave in depth elevator pitch reviews and recommendations for each of these books I'm about to read. So over there on Patreon, Anna covered Filthy Rich Fae by Geneva Lee, Wingman by Stephanie Archer, which we all three read and all three loved. Could not have loved it more. Really, really fantastic. Friends to Lovers, Hockey Romance, Manhattan Ruthless series, Struck out, the whole series by Sadie Kincaid and also the Fallen Gods Duet as well as When She Falls, both of these by Gabrielle Sands. This is mafia romance and I do have to pause here because it has happened. Anna has succeeded in her mission. I have officially read a mafia romance. It was When She Falls by Gabrielle Sands and I loved it. I Did you call me a mafia princess? It's happened.

[Christina]

Oh my God.

[Anna]

Anna is so proud right now.

[Christina]

She is.

[Anna]

I loved it. Now please go listen to her full review on this because she describes it really well, really beautifully and like really encapsulates the whole vibe and energy of the book. I will just say to you, if you have not read Mafia before, I think this is a great intro. I hadn't read it before this. As you know, I love romantic suspense. I think this was a really interesting new version of that for me because it is the same idea where they're very protective, there's danger, but it's just all a little heightened. Like you know how in, in romantic suspense it's like, don't look at her. Like get in the guy's face and protect her and all the things.

[Christina]

Yeah.

[Anna]

And in Mafia he just, you know, stabs him or like kills him. Like, you know, he's on the ground, he's kicking him and he's like, I will cut off all your limbs.

[Christina]

Ah, fun.

[Anna]

But it's so, it's all so sexy, you know, it's so sexy, but everything's just a little more heightened, you know, in that way. I will also say as a newbie to the mafia romance world, if you're confused at the beginning of this book about the mafia terms, just keep going. Just don't stress about it too much. You'll figure it out. Like it's pretty self explanatory, like the, the dons and the capos and the people. You'll figure it out.

[Christina]

Okay?

[Anna]

Just enjoy the ride. And I highly recommend this one if you're interested in the genre. Okay, next up, also by Anna in this video is Dear Rosie by S.J. tilley. She also got me to read this book and I loved it. Friends, this one is so deeply romantic. I actually could not put this down. I had so much editing to do on our flight back from our Dallas girls trip and I could not put this book down. I read it for the whole three hour flight. I couldn't. I couldn't get it. I read the. I couldn't stop reading. It is so good. The spice is, is incredible. It's so good. Run, do not walk to this book. It is so romantic. So good. Highly recommend Dear Rosie by S.J. tilly.

[Christina]

Yeah, Anna was reading this during our girls weekend and every morning when we were having coffee she would like update us on what was happening and she got us like so intrigued that Christina literally just picked it up and was like, well, I'm reading this.

[Anna]

Yes. Truly. Yes. So all those are available over on Patreon and I did a great job of recapping those. So go check that video out for all of those recs. Now let's segue. Let's take a nice little segue over into the land of non Kindle Unlimited. Just particular old published books and.

[Christina]

Yeah.

[Anna]

And some romances in that genre. I cannot wait. I have been giddy about you leading me through these books. Please, please go for it.

[Christina]

Yes. Okay. So I actually did a written post over on our Patreon and their shameless plug for Patreon. But I wanted to do a roundup of the last like four or five bromance books that I have read. And I thought it'd be really fun to just do a written post over on Patreon. So if you like that kind of stuff, you want more of like, like I just want to read a little synopsis about it instead of having to listen to a full episode. I'm going to try to start doing those more often as. As are Christina and Anna. So like, keep an eye out for that. We will try and do that more often because it was so fun.

[Anna]

It was.

[Christina]

So I did talk about them a little bit over there, but I first read Beg, Borrow or Steal by Sarah Adams. I read this on the plane on the way home from New York after we had all finished Onyx Storm and I wanted to like keep the reading momentum going. But what in the world was I going to read after Onyx Storm?

[Anna]

Like, what, what were you to read? Yes.

[Christina]

So I read this on the intern entire way home. And it is so cute. It is book three in Sarah's when in Rome series, but I did not read the other two and I don't think you need to. It's very much a standalone. So, okay, this is the synopsis. Emily Walker's peaceful life is upended when her nemesis Jack Bennett returns to their small town after calling off his wedding. And the two must work together to prevent her secret romance writing career from being exposed, sparking an unexpected alliance in chemistry.

[Anna]

Shut up. What a fun premise.

[Christina]

And he is a secret romance writer too.

[Anna]

Wait.

[Christina]

Yeah. So, okay, they are both second grade teachers, but he has a secret identity. He is a famous fantasy author, but he goes under. He writes under a pen name. And so nobody knows that it's him. But he's like, have you heard of Riley Sager in the thriller world? Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's that level. He's so famous, but nobody knows who he is because he writes under a pen name. And they're both second grade teachers and they're their arch nemesis. They hate each other, but they like love to hate each other. They have this very flirty banter that goes on, but it's like, I hate you, but like, do I? It's so good. It's so freaking cute, you guys. And they just get into some hijinks. Now, I will say just to set expectations, there is no steam or spice in this book. But actually I'm finding the older I get that sometimes you know what? It is nice to just have a little break and read like a really sweet, fluffy, cute romance without some spice.

[Anna]

Especially when you want to wreck something to someone and you don't want them to be like, oh, she wrecked this to me. Oh goodness, look at this scene. Wow.

[Christina]

Right?

[Anna]

Those people in your life that you want to be able to wreck something cute to. This is perfect.

[Christina]

Yes.

[Anna]

Also, what a fun premise. Oh my goodness. That's so fun.

[Christina]

It's so fun. There's, you know, she's a brother and a sister and so like they're in it with their partners and there is just so much fun banter and tension and it's just a feel good romance. Like there's. If you just want something that's really well written, it's not like mindless and that you're like, okay, this isn't. This is. This is just a vibes. It is so well written. It is so cute. I really, really enjoyed it. I think this would be a fantastic book. Hangover book. Especially after something kind of Just big and heavy, like Throne of Glass or Acotar or Crescent City or, you know, Onyx Storm. Anything like that. This would be perfect.

[Anna]

Love it.

[Christina]

Okay. Oh, but.

[Anna]

But.

[Christina]

But now we're gonna get into deep end by Ms. Ali Hazelwood.

[Anna]

Oh, yes. I have been waiting for this review with you the way that I've been waiting. Tell me, tell me.

[Christina]

Okay, so for the two of you who don't know what Deep End is, also, it was originally supposed to be titled Wet.

[Anna]

Is that why I keep seeing Whet.

[Christina]

That's what she wanted it to be called. And her publishing team was like, sweetie, no, we can't do that.

[Anna]

Honestly. Good call, good call.

[Christina]

But also, like, how iconic would that have been if she did succeed in having it just be named?

[Anna]

I mean, I feel like she's still getting it in there because I see it, like, on random stuff. Like, it's on special editions now. It's just like. Or, like, behind jacket covers, it just says, yeah, wet.

[Christina]

Wet. She's like, I'll get. I'll get it in there somehow. Like, I will have this title. It will happen.

[Anna]

Okay.

[Christina]

Okay. So this is about Scarlet, and she is a junior at Stratford College, and she is a diver. She's a student athlete, and she specializes in platform diving, which is so freaking cool, you guys. Like, so cool. The fact that this book is about a swimmer and a diver, and it is so well researched. It is so well done. I've seen on social media so many actual student athlete divers speak out and say what a good job Ali did. They're like, this is so spot on to our lives. It's kind of crazy.

[Anna]

Also, what a niche sport to choose. That's so beautiful, right? Yeah.

[Christina]

So this is about Scarlet, and she, like, has no time for boys or dating or anything. She's just focused on her diving. But her teammate Penn is in this relationship with this. This swimmer named Lucas with a K.

[Anna]

Is this Lucas with a K?

[Christina]

Lucas with a K? I'm not gonna try to pronounce his last name. But basically, through a series of events, they figure out that they have the same kind of sexual proclivities. And Lucas and Pen break up. And Pen's like, hey, you guys should sleep together, because you like the same, like, kinky kind of stuff. And Scarlett's like, oh, God. Oh, God. This Swedish God next to me knows that, like, what I like to do during sex. And so she's like, no, no, no, no, no, no. And then he, like, sends her an email, and he's like, but if you did ever want to do that. Like, it should be with me.

[Anna]

Shut up right now. Shut up. Okay.

[Christina]

It's a really. It's an interesting concept. It's. I loved the conversations that they had about kink. Now, I will say, if you read actual, like, dark romance, this is not like, you're gonna be like, this is not kinky. Like, that's not what this is.

[Anna]

But for the stem Ali Hazelwood girlies, it's kinky.

[Christina]

Kinky, Exactly. It was kinky for me. I've never felt more vanilla in my life, let me tell you. I was like, wow. Okay. Wow. Love it. But it was so well done. It was so fun. Lucas. He. You guys. Okay, that is stated on page one of the book. And as soon as I read that line, Lucas, I was like, oh, okay, I'm in. Let's do this. And I have never let go, and I'm obsessed with it. He does. He. He really does. It was really, really well done. I'm so impressed by Ali. I think she is really p. A lot of. I don't want to say boundaries in romance, but she's choosing really unique and interesting characters and concepts to write about. Like, of course we love a hockey romance. We love a football romance. Of course we do. But how interesting to be like, nope, I'm gonna take on competitive diving and swimming.

[Anna]

So cool.

[Christina]

And, like, a kink exploration and have it be so well done and so well communicated, but so realistic to college students. Like, this is not Christian Gray.

[Anna]

It's so impressive. It's so impressive.

[Christina]

Yeah.

[Anna]

Yeah.

[Christina]

Oh, you guys, it's so, so good. I wouldn't necessarily start here with Ali Hazelwood. If this is your first foray into her. I would start with one of her stimminist books. I really, really liked Love, theoretically, if you'd like to start there. And then we also read Bride, which is her romance fantasy. Loved it. And now she's doing this. And love just like, what can't she do? Okay, next up is Spiral by Balcabra, and this is a fake dating sports romance between a hockey player and a ballerina.

[Anna]

A ballerina. How fun.

[Christina]

So she. This same author wrote Coll, which was a college hockey romance, and Anna and I did a book chat on it as well as I think I did a written review. So if you just go search collide in our Patreon, you'll be able to find both of those. There was something about that book specifically that really clicked for me. You know, when you just read the exact right book at the exact Right time.

[Anna]

And it clicks 100%.

[Christina]

But then you kind of look back and you're like, if I reread it, would I feel the same? I don't know.

[Anna]

Yes.

[Christina]

But it was the perfect, like, angsty, messy, steamy college sports romance. And it was everything I wanted and I loved it.

[Anna]

Yeah.

[Christina]

So if you have not read that book, please go do. So this is book two. I felt like this was a little more romantic than like spicy. There was spice. But it was more focused on like the romance aspect of it, which I still really, really enjoyed. Yeah, really enjoyed. It had all of the tropes that we love. Like, oh, no, her apartment flooded. She has to move in with him. But like, they're just friends.

[Anna]

But like, how convenient that she can go stay with him.

[Christina]

Exactly. Because he's a hockey player, so he's like, well, I travel all the time, you know, so I've got extra room.

[Anna]

Go stay in my fancy apartment, girlfriend.

[Christina]

She's like, I couldn't, but I will. But I will. So, yes, just a fun good time.

[Anna]

You know, Love a good time.

[Christina]

Okay, next is Out On a Limb by Hannah Bonham Young. Oh, you guys, I've been wanting to hear about this.

[Anna]

Tell me.

[Christina]

It's incredible. So friend of the podcast, Elliot recommended this to me because we read a lot of the same non fantasy type of books and so she was like, you need to read out on a Limb by Hannah Bonham Young. It's an incredible story. The banter is so amazing and so realistic though not like, you know, we love romantic banner, but like, is it, is it real? Is it realistic? People actually talk that way. No, they don't. So this is the story of Wynn and Beau and they have a one night stand at a Halloween party and she becomes pregnant and she decides to keep it. And so through a series of events, she ends up moving in with Beau and they kind of navigate their relationship as they prepare to raise a baby. And they're like, we're just going to be friends. We think that's easiest considering they literally don't know each other and they're about to have a kid. But they spend all this time together and it's just. This is deeply romantic, the representation in this book. So. So Win has an underdeveloped right hand and the author does as well. And so she obviously wrote from firsthand experience and wrote the most beautiful note. She writes in her acknowledgments about how when she was a mother, she was worried about being able to do certain things with her hand and how her and her son have, like, developed this system that works for them and the love that she has. And it was just really, really well done. Now, listeners, if you know me, you know that I don't love a pregnancy trope.

[Anna]

You don't? I'm surprised you love this so much. Yeah.

[Christina]

Yeah, I am as well. I was nervous, and I did ask Ellen some just, like, clarifying questions, and Ellen assured me that it was very well done. And it was. It was beautiful. This is such a beautiful story. And I'm sorry. Bo also has the lower half of one of his legs amputated because of something that you find out in the book that I don't want to spoil. So that's kind of how they strike up a conversation at this party is like, she has an underdeveloped hand. He doesn't have part of his leg. And they joke about it in a way that is really somehow funny, but also very heartfelt. And they have these beautiful discussions about their baby and what their baby will look like or not look like and how they handle that. And it is just. It's incredible. And the banter. I know I just touched upon this. This is actual God tier banter. Like, wow. Some of the best I've ever read in a. I was laughing out loud because it was so realistic and it felt like the way people actually talk. But you know how Gilmore Girls, like, we love their banter, but nobody talks. Like, no one is spouting off that many pop culture references in a sentence at 6am exactly, you know, but this felt like the closest thing to Gilmore Girls I've experienced. But realistic. Like, it was just. She's a fantastic writer.

[Anna]

That's incredible. What a compliment. From you, too. Like, Gilmore Girls is precious to you. That's.

[Christina]

You're right. It is precious to me. It really, sadly is. It's. It's my beloved. Um, but yes, please, I think everyone should read this book. She is such an incredible author, and I cannot wait to read more by her. So that was out on a Limb by Hannah Bonham Young. Okay. My last book. And Christina, you'll recognize this author is First Time Caller by BK Borison. Bk. Mm. BK wrote the Love Light Forum series that I have recommended in another one of our recent reads, Episodes. And Christina, I think you read. Read a couple of books.

[Anna]

I did, and I read business casual, and then I also read the Christmas one, Love Life Arms. Yeah.

[Christina]

The Light Farms. Okay. That's right. I knew you had read two of them. Yeah. Oh, my gosh. Okay. So she is doing something so, so cool with this series. So she is releasing a set of three books inspired by the classic rom coms. Sleepless in Seattle, When Harry Met Sally and you've got Mail.

[Anna]

That's so fun.

[Christina]

Yes. So this year will be Sleepless in Seattle, which is first time caller. Next year is When Harry Met Sally. And then in the next year is you've got Mail. And they all have their own little titles and they're all gonna follow people in this world.

[Anna]

I'm obsessed with this. Right. Also, what a specific, really niche thing for us, like our age, our demographic is like, yes.

[Christina]

Oh, the millennials in the comments were feral. We were like, oh my God, you're.

[Anna]

Doing this for us. And we see it and we love it.

[Christina]

Yeah, exactly. We recognize it and we love you for it. Yeah. Okay, so this is loosely inspired by the classic romance movie Sleepless in Seattle. If you don't know it stars Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. You need to stop what you're doing and go watch it. It's classic. It centers around like a radio program. And the main character's son calls into this radio show to like, try to find love for his dad and things just move on from there. So this book follows Lucy and Aiden. And Aiden is the host of a romance radio show called Heartstrings. And after Lucy's daughter calls in asking for help for her mom in the dating department, Lucy begrudgingly agrees to go on Aiden's show a few times a week to find love. And everyone wants Lucy to find her happy ending, even the handsome temperamental man calling the shots. But when sparks start to fly behind the scenes, Lucy must make the final call between the radio sponsored happily ever after or the man in the headphones next to her.

[Anna]

Oh, God, do I love this. This is such a fun play on this.

[Christina]

This was so cute. I think you would love this.

[Anna]

The COVID is so cute as well.

[Christina]

It is so cute.

[Anna]

Oh, my God.

[Christina]

Yes.

[Anna]

Yes.

[Christina]

This was, was just amazing. I love the radio show aspect. I love the representation of like a modern blended family. So Lucy had her daughter with like her best guy friend and it was like just kind of a one night thing. And they tried to make it work. They tried to like get married, but it didn't work. And now he has a beautiful husband that live next door to love it. And they live across the the way from each other and so they just like send their daughter back and forth, but they have dinner multiple times week.

[Anna]

What a freaking dream.

[Christina]

I know. Like him and his Partner are just, like, so supportive of Lucy and so, like, they want her to find love, too. They're really invested in it, and it's just a really sweet story. I really liked seeing that representation, too. I thought it was really fun.

[Anna]

Beautiful. I love it.

[Christina]

Love, love, love it. Yeah. There was a lot of tension in the romance. It was very delicious. They're, like, sitting next to each other and they're, like, brushing arms, and it's just. Oh, it's just the yearning and the tension and the payoff is there, and it's so good.

[Anna]

Yes, we do.

[Christina]

I really, really want you to read this. I'm okay. I'm gonna campaign for you to do it.

[Anna]

Twist my arm. I'll do it.

[Christina]

Yes.

[Anna]

Okay, great.

[Christina]

Oh, my God, I'm so excited. Yes. So that was first time color by BK Borison. The next book comes out, and it'll be like a representation of When Harry met Sally.

[Anna]

Well, I cannot wait for that one.

[Christina]

Yeah.

[Anna]

Also, you've Got Mail is going to be special.

[Christina]

I'm the most excited about that one.

[Anna]

Yeah.

[Christina]

Yep.

[Anna]

All right, so next we're gonna talk about some fantasies. These are both ku fantasies. These. And we are freaking feral to tell each other about these books. We have been so excited to talk about these. I cannot wait. Let's go. Okay.

[Christina]

Let's go.

[Anna]

We're talking about Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli.

[Christina]

Oh, my God, I'm so excited.

[Anna]

Wow. Okay. This is book one in the Crimson Moth duology. We love a duology.

[Christina]

Love it.

[Anna]

Both books are out. Full duology is available when I tell you guys. I. I loved this book. I. I ate it up. I. I loved every moment of it. I think it was just right place, right time. Obsessed. Okay, here we go. I'm setting the scene.

[Christina]

Okay.

[Anna]

We're in a Bridgerton esque Regency era. We've got, like, glamorous balls. We've got telegrams, We've got operas and aristocrats and social protocols and all the things. But also, we've got witches, and we've got secret witches, and we've got forbidden romance. And it was so, so good. I love, loved it. Okay.

[Christina]

Oh, my God, I'm obsessed.

[Anna]

So our lead girly is Ruhn. Ruhn is a socialite aristocrat girl. She's got all the fancy dresses, she's got suitors, all the things. She's living in this world where witches used to rule, there used to be, like, the three witch queens until the great Commander took over. And now the great republic is in power and they purged all the witches. It's illegal to be a witch. It's illegal to help a witch. Everything having to do with witch witches is illegal. However, our girl Ruhn is secretly a witch.

[Christina]

Of course she is.

[Anna]

Not only that, she is a witch vigilante at night. And she is helping witches escape who have been caught and sentenced to death. But she has to play this other part during the day and see that role dynamic and those shifts in her head, in her inner monologue is so fun. This world is so incredible. And guess who our love interest is. I'm just gonna let you guess here.

[Christina]

Is he a witch hunter?

[Anna]

His name is Gideon and he is.

[Christina]

The captain of the witch hunters. Of course, he.

[Anna]

Now she's fake dating him for insider information on where they're hiding the captured witches. And he in turn is fake dating her for more information on this witch vigilante called the Crimson Moth that he's hunting down because he maybe suspects that it's her. So they are both like fake dating.

[Christina]

Each other for these reactions. I love it.

[Anna]

While also simultaneously falling in love. It is so good. This is a dual POV. We've got Ruhn and Gideon POVs here. It's really wonderful. Also very important character is Alex, who is Gideon's little brother and also Ruhn's like, oldest friend. He is secretly helping Ruhn with her missions. He's amazing. Their dynamic is beautiful. And he's just a really incredible character on his own. Okay, so the world building in this guys is simplistic in a good way. I was never confused. I was never bogged down with this world building. And again, right moment, right time. I needed something easy and light and fun while still being fantasy. And this. Checked all those boxes.

[Christina]

Yeah.

[Anna]

The romance is swoony. I was like kicking my feet and giggling and it's so much fun. I'm. I'm actually really surprised this is marketed as a ya.

[Christina]

Okay.

[Anna]

I feel like there are aspects to people's backstories that are really not ya. And there is a sex scene. Like, it is a full sex scene. It's not fade to black.

[Christina]

Okay.

[Anna]

You know, it's more romantic than like, steeny.

[Christina]

Sure.

[Anna]

But it does exist. And I feel like in my head, as new adults, adult. I. I think I'm in a phase in life where sometimes YA feels a little hard for me to connect to now.

[Christina]

Yeah.

[Anna]

Unless it's really spectacular and exceptional, I don't feel like YA is really for me right now. And I didn't feel like that once at all, oh, great. They're too young. I'm disconnected with how they're feeling. Like, yeah, there are so many sweet moments and heartbreaking moments and, like, badass and suspenseful, and I was really, truly surprised by a lot of things. I'm sure Anna would have figured it out. Paige 100% had no idea. Like, literally, it's not where I thought we were going. I was totally stunned. Like, wow. Wow. So, yes, it was beautiful. It was fun. I wouldn't say this is, like, groundbreaking or completely the most original thing I've ever read, but it was so well done, guys. And it was fun and entertaining and, like, I couldn't put it down. Something else that was interesting and unique to this experience for me is I listened to, I would say, about, like, 75% of this book, which is huge for me. I. I never listened to this much of a book book, and I would highly recommend it if you like audiobooks. I really, really enjoyed listening to this, and I did read part of it, but usually that ratio is really floppy. I listen to only a little bit and read majority of a book, so this was interesting for me. It really worked in this one in particular. Overall, like, when I finished this book, I felt so sad to leave the world. I'm starting the second book the Minute we Stop Recording tonight, and I loved it. Ada absolutely loved it.

[Christina]

Oh, I am so excited to read this. I have had this book on my TBR for forever, and I was so excited when you said you were going to read it, and I'm so happy you loved it.

[Anna]

Loved it, loved it.

[Christina]

Okay, friends, so I'm going to be talking to you only briefly about Metal Slinger, because unfortunately, I still have not finished it, and it's all I want to do is read this freaking book. And I got on our Instagram stories to talk about it, and every comment was like, yeah, I'm going to need you to finish that book. And then. And then, like, report back. And I'm like, all right, well, one. You guys are scaring me. What does that mean?

[Anna]

Does that mean?

[Christina]

Apparently it ends on a cliffhanger, which, like, damn it. Okay. I am absolutely loving this book. If you don't follow Book Huddle on Instagram, we follow her and love her. And she was raving about Metal Slinger, which is the first book in the Fire and Metal series by Rachel Snyder. Okay, so this follows Brynn, and it says Brynn has spent the better part of her life waiting for the chance to attend the annual market hosted by the Kenta, the Very same people who exiled the either Alaha or Alaha. Huh? People to live a life over the sea. A rite of passage for all young guards. She's not sure what to expect from it, but breaking a century long peace treaty certainly isn't on her map. Neither is the encounter with an enemy soldier.

[Anna]

Enemy, you say?

[Christina]

Uhhuh.

[Anna]

Wow. Okay.

[Christina]

A dark haired, dark eyed, tall enemy soldier.

[Anna]

Okay.

[Christina]

Are you interested?

[Anna]

Check. I'm there.

[Christina]

Okay. So she returns back home and she's confronted with the aftermath of the day's events. The future is uncertain as the threat of hunger looms over the people. People. With rumors of a growing rebellion. Brynn and her closest friends promise to stick together. When an unexpected visitor arrives, Brynn's loyalty will be tested as she learns of a world of magic and treachery. Once her enemy, always her enemy, right? But the dark, knowing eyes of a stranger makes her question everything, including her heart.

[Anna]

Yes.

[Christina]

Sign me up, Christina. This is giving Bridge Kingdom one vibes. And when I said that on my story, so many people were like, yes, it is giving total Bridge Kingdom 1 vibes. Like the first book in the series. And like the ocean and the sea is such a big part of the story and of the setting, same situation. They live in like the treetops above an ocean. So she's like, never set foot on land, like actual land before.

[Anna]

That's so cool.

[Christina]

Yes. Obsessed with that. The world building is so unique, but very simple, very similar to Birch Kingdom and I, you know, I love that. Like, I don't like an overly complicated world unless it's Sarah because she does it correctly. But like it instantly sucked you in. It's been action packed this whole time. There's secret identities and like just. Oh, the main male character.

[Anna]

Tell me about this dark eyed enemy. Like tell me, tell me about him.

[Christina]

I don't love his name, but his name is Acker.

[Anna]

How's that spelled?

[Christina]

A C, K, E, R. Apparently the audiobook pronounces it differently. But I.

[Anna]

What? What would it be? A cur. Asser.

[Christina]

Ass. But it's Re.

[Anna]

Assuming it's not Asser.

[Christina]

Surely it's not sexy Asser.

[Anna]

You seen that ass on Asser?

[Christina]

Okay. Oh my God, I love it.

[Anna]

Okay, I'm in.

[Christina]

Oh my God, you guys, I am loving it so much. I have not. I think I like this better than Quicksilver. I know.

[Anna]

Bam.

[Christina]

I know. Not carrying. But like, y'all know I don't like a cruel, mean. Yeah, main male character. I moved past it. We've moved past it with King Visher.

[Anna]

This gives the vibes of dark eyed enemy guy, but without the meanness.

[Christina]

Yes, exactly, exactly. Like, oh, he's just the sweetest, sexiest man. And I. I don't want to say too much because I don't want to give anything away, but it is such an incredible book. It is reading so fast. I love all the characters. The female main character has not annoyed me one time.

[Anna]

Wait, really?

[Christina]

Like truly, truly? No, I'm not annoyed by her at all. I think everything she does makes sense.

[Anna]

This is a big statement.

[Christina]

I don't remember the last time we read a fantas. See that? The female main character didn't just piss me right off some of the time.

[Anna]

That is a big glowing review from Kim.

[Christina]

I'm gonna have to start this, guys. If you have been wanting something like Bridge Kingdom vibes with a really unique world, but it's very easy to understand. It's not distracting and it's not ya. I. I'm 65% in and I haven't gotten any spice yet. So I can't say if there's. I think there is. I think there is, but it's kind of like Heartless Hunter, I think, where it's not ya, but it's such an easy, palatable read.

[Anna]

Yeah.

[Christina]

It feels very accessible. It doesn't feel like high fantasy at all. But in a good way, you know.

[Anna]

In a good way.

[Christina]

You guys, it's so good. And we've gotten so many DMS of people that have read it that have also loved it. Like, I have not heard one bad thing. I mean, the ending, I'm scared, but I think that's more for like they want to see my pain than they do. Like, it's not. The ending is bad. You know, I don't think that's it.

[Anna]

Is the book two out?

[Christina]

No, it is not. It's called Light Wielder, but there's no release date.

[Anna]

Okay.

[Christina]

So I don't love that. But you know, know, sometimes we find these things and it just is what it is.

[Anna]

It is what it is.

[Christina]

I love it. Should we do our tbrs now?

[Anna]

I would love to. Okay.

[Christina]

Okay. So we've never done this before, but we thought it would be a fun idea to add our TBRs at the end of our current reads romance reads Rex episodes. So I'm just going to very quickly run through mine. The first book that I will be making Christina read is Story of my Life by Lucy. Score. Guys, this is Gilmore Girls meet Schitt's Creek.

[Anna]

You shut your mouth. That's what it's, that's the thing. That's what it is.

[Christina]

That's the, that's the, the tagline.

[Anna]

Are they literally speaking to our souls?

[Christina]

Like, what. They wrote it for us.

[Anna]

Pardon me.

[Christina]

So I will be making you read this.

[Anna]

I will. Well, sign me up.

[Christina]

Next is great big beautiful life by the queen of romance, Emily Henry. Guys, I love Emily Henry so much. Funny story by her was one of my favorite books from last year. This is apparently beach reads also by Emily Henry meets the seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo. There is also a rumor that she was loosely inspired by Tara Taylor Swift's the last great American Dynasty song, which is a true story of a woman that lived in Holiday house in Rhode Island. And so this story is about a heiress recluse who lives in her home. And these two reporters have to go like, get her life story and there's like a mystery aspect, but they're like also falling in love.

[Anna]

Well, sign me the up. This is going to be a our beach read for sure. Like absolutely.

[Christina]

100.

[Anna]

Yeah.

[Christina]

I'm not sure. I think it comes out in May or June or something. But we will be reading this this summer.

[Anna]

Summer 100. Yeah.

[Christina]

She can do no wrong. Next that I'm also making Christina Reed is save your breath by Candy Steiner. This is a hockey bad boy and a pop star fall in love.

[Anna]

Literally. You sent me this and I was like, candy, are you in my brain?

[Christina]

Yes.

[Anna]

Made for us.

[Christina]

This is catnip. Like, this is everything we've ever wanted. Next is. Oh, God, say you'll remember me by Abby Jimenez. Guys, this is a Taylor Swift title by the author of my all time favorite romance. I don't, I genuinely did not know anything else about this book and I don't need to, like, say you'll remember me from wildest dreams by Taylor Swift. Okay. Obviously, of course. By Abby Jimenez, who wrote Just for the summer, which I have talked ad nauseam about. It is my favorite romance of all time. And this is the next book in her part of your world series. I don't know anything about it. I don't care. I will be reading it and I cannot wait.

[Anna]

Love it.

[Christina]

Next is Left of forever by Tara DeWitt, who wrote funny Feelings and Root Bound, which I have talked about in Episodes. Yes. This is her latest romance. It's a second chance romance with divorced main characters in their 30s. Like they're divorced from each other.

[Anna]

Interesting.

[Christina]

And they have a kid and they're in their 30s, which I was like, oh my God, I love this thank you. Yes.

[Anna]

I love that. I love that.

[Christina]

I'm so excited. I felt like that was a really interesting premise that you don't see a lot in romance. And last is Swept away by Beth O'Leary. And the tagline is what if you were stuck at sea with your one night stand?

[Anna]

I love that.

[Christina]

That's all I need to know. Could see you say, I love this. I love it. So that is my tbr because, you know, what is yours?

[Anna]

Beautiful picks, Kim. Okay, so on my tbr, currently, I have Wild side by Elsie Silver. This is book three in the Rose Hill series. I'm gonna tell you right now, I don't care what the plot is of an Elsie Silver book. I will read it and I will enjoy it.

[Christina]

Yeah.

[Anna]

Anna has already read this and has great things to say, especially about the romance and especially about the spice. So sign us up.

[Christina]

Sign us up, baby.

[Anna]

Next, I have Beautiful Exile by Katherine Coles. Of course, book four in the Sparrow Falls series I will have when this airs. Already have gone to the release debut of this at Rift Bodice and met her and become best friends. But the plot is that Link is a billionaire hockey team owner. P.S. best friend of Cope, and owns the team that Cope plays on from Broken harbor that I talked about earlier.

[Christina]

Yes.

[Anna]

Arden is Cope's younger sister. She is currently living in Cope's a guest house. And oh, Cope tells Link he can stay at his house and they're like, what? Hello. I didn't expect to see you here. And there's danger and there's suspense and there's romance and God, I kept wait to read it.

[Christina]

So good.

[Anna]

Next up, I have two books that are not new whatsoever.

[Christina]

That's okay.

[Anna]

So I won't harp on them at all, but I've been trying to read these for so long and I am determined to actually read them soon. One is the Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vowels Duology by Rebecca Ross. I cannot go on longer without reading this. I. I have to do it. I think it. I need to read it.

[Christina]

Yeah.

[Anna]

And number two is Magnolia Parks by Jessa Haste Tastings.

[Christina]

Oh, my God. I want to read this too. Yes.

[Anna]

The amount of people have talked to us about this. I have it. I have the physical copy and everyone talks about the unique writing and the like.

[Christina]

Yeah.

[Anna]

Depth that you love these characters that it's just got to be done. It's got to be done soon.

[Christina]

I. I agree. I have this on my Kindle and I have opened it so many times to start it, but I'm just intimidated because it is like four or five books by now, and everyone's obsessed, and it's like everyone's obsessed with them, and it's like Gossip Girl, but British Gossip Girl.

[Anna]

I cannot wait. Wait to just sink into that.

[Christina]

Oh, my God.

[Anna]

And then finally, with all of you as my witness, as a birthday present to Kim.

[Christina]

What?

[Anna]

As soon as podcast recording schedule allows, I will be reading Just for the summer by Abby. Him. Yes. So happy birthday to Kim.

[Christina]

That's the best birthday present ever. Oh, my God, I'm so excited. Oh, wow.

[Anna]

So, yes.

[Christina]

That's really special. Thank you.

[Anna]

You're so welcome.

[Christina]

Thank you. That makes you really happy. I am unfortunately going to need you to read the first two books in this series as well. Otherwise you won't get the full effect.

[Anna]

So I was gonna say that is up to.

[Christina]

Yeah.

[Anna]

Your guidance. Whatever books I need to read first, I will adhere to that schedule.

[Christina]

Thank you.

[Anna]

But I will be doing it.

[Christina]

Oh, my God. I. I've never loved you more. I truly. This is the best news I've ever gotten in my life.

[Anna]

This is what it means to be book besties when you're like, like, yeah, you. For my birthday, you're reading a book.

[Christina]

I want you to read. It's huge, you guys. I have wanted one of them to read this book for forever, and I'm so excited it's happening.

[Anna]

As soon as podcast reading schedule allows, I will be absolutely doing this in the order which you choose.

[Christina]

Thank you. Also, friends, we had a giveaway over on Patreon, and the winner got to pick a book for Ana, Christina and I to read at some point this year.

[Anna]

Yes.

[Christina]

So Katherine picked for us to read Slaying the Vampire Conqueror by our queen, Carissa Broadbent. Yeah.

[Anna]

We're so excited about this. This was such a fun pick. Katherine, thank you so much.

[Christina]

Great pick. Yeah. So we will be reading that at some point this year. We promise. As soon as podcast schedule allows. And of course, we are thrilled.

[Anna]

Love it.

[Christina]

Okay.

[Anna]

What a fun night. This was amazing. We hope we added some new fun things to your tbr.

[Christina]

Yeah. Thanks for hanging out with us, guys.

[Anna]

Okay, bye. Bye.

[Christina]

Bye. Well, friends, that wraps up another episode of Flights of Fantasy podcast. Don't forget to join our book club community on Instagram and TikTok at flights of Fantasy Podcast, where you can share your thoughts, theories, and favorite moments with us and fellow listeners. We'd love to hear from you. If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us spread the magic of Romantasy to even more book lovers. Until next time, keep dreaming, keep reading, and remember, every good story deserves to take flight.