Podcast Summary: "UNDER-HYPED TBR"
I'll Read What She's Reading
Release Date: July 9, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "UNDER-HYPED TBR," hosts Reggie, Mikayla, and Kennedy shift the spotlight to lesser-known books that deserve a spot in listeners' To Be Read (TBR) lists. Moving away from mainstream selections, the trio delves into unique and underrated titles across various genres, providing insights and recommendations for avid readers seeking fresh literary adventures.

Current Reads Update

Kennedy's Selections:

• "Atmosphere" by Taylor Jenkins Reid
  Rating: 5 Stars
  Kennedy praises this book, highlighting its captivating narrative and emotional depth. She shares her enthusiasm, saying, "Pretty fast-paced, but the magic system is really unique" (01:08).

• "Golden Summer" by Carly Fortune
  Rating: 5 Stars
  Described as a perfect summer read, Kennedy relates deeply to the protagonist, Alice, noting, "She's got red hair. I'm a fake redhead. But like, she is me."

• "Truss of the Emerald Sea" by Brandon Sanderson
  Rating: 4.5 Stars
  Although Kennedy acknowledges it’s not her first Brandon Sanderson read, she appreciates its whimsical and fast-paced nature. She remarks, "It's like Princess Bride meets Pirates of the Caribbean" (02:28).

• "Other Side of Now" by Paige Harbison
  Rating: 4.25 - 4.5 Stars
  Kennedy shares a heartfelt connection to the audiobook version, expressing, "I was tearing up multiple times during this book" (06:01).

• "Empire of Storms" and "Bound Worlds" series
  Kennedy fondly recalls her reread of "Throne of Glass" and praises the conclusion of the "Bound Worlds" series, expressing eagerness to revisit these narratives.

Mikayla's Selections:

• "Golden Summer" by Carly Fortune
  Mikayla echoes Kennedy's sentiments, naming it her favorite so far and appreciating its relatable characters.

• "Not Another Love Song" by Julie Soto
  Highlighted for its unique take on romance involving a celloist and violinist in an orchestra, Mikayla finds it refreshingly different.

• "Other Side of Now" by Paige Harbison
  While she enjoyed the book, Mikayla notes moments where she found it hard to relate to the characters.

• "First Time Caller" by BK Borson and "Out of the Woods" by Hannah Bodham Young
  Both received positive ratings, with Mikayla particularly loving "Golden Summer" (05:07).

Reggie's Selections:

• "Other Side of Now" by Paige Harbison
  Reggie shares her emotional journey with the audiobook, stating, "There was like a solid few chapters where I was trying to clean my kitchen and I literally just sat there and just stared at my kitchen counter and just cried."

• "Empire of Storms" and "Bound Worlds" series
  She discusses her appreciation for the series' conclusion and rates them highly.

• "Atmosphere" by Taylor Jenkins Reid
  Reggie reiterates her admiration, mentioning, "It's so good that's me."

• "Throne of Glass"
  Although not currently reading, she mentions her upcoming journey through related books with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

Under-Hyped TBR Recommendations

1. "Cold Front" by Mackenzie Lee (09:01)
A Dive into the World of Bucky Barnes
Kennedy introduces this Marvel-based novel focusing on the Winter Soldier, Bucky Barnes. Set in 1954, the story explores his origins as the Soviet Union's premier weapon and his subsequent enlistment in the UK Secret Service. Kennedy notes the book's potential connections to the broader Cosmere universe, stating, "It's a great introduction into his writing because it's whimsical, it's fun, it's funny" (10:17).

2. "The Method to Infinite Things" by Madison Boyer (12:25)
A Dystopian Adventure
Reggie expresses her anticipation for this standalone dystopian novel, describing it as a story about a girl thrust into a political conspiracy following a deadly explosion at a fair. She emphasizes its brevity and compelling narrative, mentioning, "It's only 269 pages. So I'm gonna purchase it for my Kindle and support Madison because, you know, love her."

3. "Voice of the Ocean" by Kelsey Impeachy (15:37)
A Siren’s Tale with a Romantic Twist
Mikayla is intrigued by this siren-themed romance, comparing it to a "Little Mermaid" scenario but with a unique twist involving a siren queen's daughter and a siren murderer. She appreciates the book's aesthetic appeal, noting, "I love the color cover it" (16:06).

4. "Dear Future Husband" by Taryn Christine (16:43)
An Emotional Romance
Kennedy highlights this romance novel centered around Maybelle and Trey, where Maybelle wakes from a coma to find Trey by her side. The book delves into themes of love, grief, and personal growth, with Kennedy expressing, "It's gonna be a really emotional read" (18:38).

5. "On His Way Back to Me" by Brittany Basinski (20:16)
A Heart-Wrenching Romance
Reggie introduces this story where a first love warns against marriage before his untimely death. The narrative explores whether true love transcends death, promising an emotional journey for readers seeking a blend of heartbreak and hope.

6. "Cash" by Jessica Peterson (22:08)
A Cowboy Romance with Dual Perspectives
Mikayla recommends this enemies-to-lovers trope set on a cattle ranch, narrated from the male protagonist's perspective. She finds the concept refreshing and engaging, stating, "You can never go wrong with cowboy romance."

7. "Dissolution" by Nicholas Binge (23:52)
A Sci-Fi Mystery Thriller
Kennedy presents this techno-thriller following Maggie Webb's quest to recover her husband's stolen memories. The plot spans continents and centuries, blending mystery with sci-fi elements. She enthusiastically comments, "It's right up my alley."

8. "You've Been Summoned" by Lindsey Lamar (25:23)
An Interactive Murder Mystery
Reggie shares excitement for this unique murder mystery where readers participate in solving the crime. The book combines traditional narrative with interactive elements, offering clues and interviews to engage readers directly in the investigation.

9. "The Lost Kingdom" by Laurel Black (28:22)
A Classic Fantasy Adventure
Mikayla selects this fantasy novel about a lost princess tasked with saving a kingdom in disarray. With high stakes and a captivating map, she is eager to explore its fantastical elements, noting, "The book itself looks really cool."

10. "Long Live Evil" by Sarah Rees Brennan (30:27)
A Meta-Fantasy Battle Against Darkness
Kennedy introduces this novel where the protagonist, Rey, is transported into her favorite fantasy book only to discover she's cast as the villain. Teaming up with other misfits, she aims to defeat the emperor, blending meta-fiction with traditional fantasy tropes.

11. "The Book of Doors" by Gareth Brown (32:38)
Magical Realism Meets Adventure
Reggie recommends this book about a bookshop employee who discovers a magical book that transports her through various doors. Pursued by those seeking the book's secrets, she must navigate different realms to protect her discovery.

12. "While We're Young" by K.L. Walters (35:28)
Summer Romance Inspired by Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Mikayla chooses this romance set in Philadelphia, drawing parallels to the classic film with a group of friends embarking on a senior skip day. She anticipates a fun and lighthearted read, especially with the city's vibrant backdrop.

Conclusion

"UNDER-HYPED TBR" serves as a treasure trove for listeners seeking novel and underrated reads across diverse genres. Reggie, Mikayla, and Kennedy provide thoughtful recommendations, blending personal insights with detailed synopses to guide their audience's next literary adventures. Whether you're into romance, fantasy, sci-fi, or interactive mysteries, this episode offers a curated list that's sure to inspire your next read.

Listeners are encouraged to share their thoughts on these recommendations and contribute additional under-the-radar books, fostering a vibrant and inclusive book-loving community.

Note: Timestamps correspond to the moments in the episode where specific topics or quotes are discussed, allowing listeners to reference particular sections of the conversation.