Booked & Bitter

Join us as we delve into the world of sports romance with the 'Mile High' series by Liz Tomford. We explore character dynamics, series themes, and our honest reviews, including a humorous ChatGPT summary. Plus, we discuss current issues and of course, get off topic. Join us as we dive into a candid conversation about books, sports, politics, and personal quirks. Did we mention we get off topic a lot? You're welcome!Catch us on social media ◡̈  Facebook - Instagram - TikTok Just a reminder - we are not professionals about much... maybe don't take our advice.

Welcome back to your favorite slightly chaotic corner of the internet where we somehow turn hockey romance into a full-contact sport 🏒💅In this episode, we spiral (lovingly) into the world of hockey romance—because nothing says emotional stability like emotionally unavailable men on skates. We’re talking olympic hockey, series deep dives, and why sports stories hit different when they actually bother to include everyone (we love growth, we demand more of it, do better publishing 👏).Naturally, we get sidetracked approximately 47 times—sharing unhinged personal stories, questionable life takes, and way too many opinions about fictional men who would absolutely ruin our lives. We also sprinkle in upcoming releases you will be adding to your TBR whether you like it or not.It’s books, it’s chaos, it’s laughs, it’s “wait what were we talking about again?” energy… and honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way.Catch us on social media ◡̈  Facebook - Instagram - TikTok Just a reminder - we are not professionals about much... maybe don't take our advice.

In this episode, we’re diving into all the things—starting with how our podcast has kind of become chaos (but like… in a charming way). We get into Happy Place by Emily Henry and immediately start sidetracking like it’s our full-time job. Naturally, that spirals into talking about reading slumps, because apparently we can’t just read—we have to emotionally process everything too.We also take a quick detour into real life (as we do), touching on some political and social thoughts—nothing too wild, just us reminding everyone that empathy is free and maybe we should all use it more.From there, it’s a little bit of everything: sports feelings (because why do games hurt our emotions like that?), personal stories, tattoos and of course reading.We also talk about the struggle of being in a reading slump and how frustrating it is when your brain just… refuses to cooperate. But on the flip side, we love connecting with you guys online and how reading keeps us going—even when we’re dramatic and slightly unhinged.Basically, it’s one of those episodes where we talk about books… and then everything else… and somehow it all makes sense by the end. Sort of. 😅Catch us on social media ◡̈  Facebook - Instagram - TikTok Just a reminder - we are not professionals about much... maybe don't take our advice.

In this episode of Booked & Bitter, we dive into A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas—aka the book that launched a thousand bad fae boyfriends. We talk Feyre’s traumatic glow-up, the Spring Court’s terrible communication skills, and why Tamlin gives us the ick (we said what we said!!!!!!).We unpack Under the Mountain chaos, applaud Feyre for doing literally everything, and collectively lose our minds the moment Rhysand shows up and makes the story interesting. By the end, we agree: ACOTAR is a gateway book, Tamlin is a walking red flag, and our standards for fictional men were forever changed.✨ Tamlin is not our fave. Stay bitter. ✨Catch us on social media ◡̈  Facebook - Instagram - TikTok Just a reminder - we are not professionals about much... maybe don't take our advice.

Hi, it’s us. We’re back on the mics, slightly unhinged, heavily opinionated, and once again pretending we have our lives (and book shelves) together.This episode starts strong with us admitting what it’s like to come back to podcasting like “okay but do we remember how to do this?”Then we dive headfirst into You Shouldn’t Have Come Here by Jeneva Rose, where absolutely everyone is suspicious, no one should trust their instincts, and every plot twist feels like the book whispering “surprise, bestie.” We break down the chaos, the deception, the questionable decisions, and why we were both yelling internally (and externally).Basically: books, feelings, side topics, rage, friendship, and chaotic vibes. You’re welcome.Catch us on social media ◡̈  Facebook - Instagram - TikTok Just a reminder - we are not professionals about much... maybe don't take our advice.

In this episode, we dive into the world of Throne of Glass and all the delicious character drama we love. We chat about how our girl Celaena Sardothien grows from a “don’t-talk-to-me-I’m-busy-assassinating” vibe into this layered, powerful heroine who somehow manages to break our hearts and make us cheer every five minutes.We also gush about Nehemia, our brilliant outsider queen, and how her strength, mystery, and moral clarity shake Celaena in all the best (and worst) ways. From themes of freedom vs. servitude to the way femininity and power dance together in this world, we had lots of feelings.And yes—magic is coming back, and we are here for it.Later on, we get into all things vulnerability, friendships, and world-building in the series. We give our very important (and slightly dramatic) opinions on the love triangle, laugh about the chaos of “correct reading order,” and share some personal future reading plans.By the end, we’re basically just curled up with chocolate, collectively appreciating how much this series—and its messy, lovable characters—mean to us.Catch us on social media ◡̈  Facebook - Instagram - TikTok Just a reminder - we are not professionals about much... maybe don't take our advice.

WARNING: As always - there are SPOILERS peeps. Be prepared. We warned you.So basically, we spent the entire episode spiraling into a full-blown Throne of Glass therapy session. As usual, we were all in our feelings—because Sarah J. Maas said “character development” and we said “emotional damage.”We dove into Aelin’s whole journey like we were defending our dissertations, side-eyed a few relationship dynamics, and screamed about plot twists we absolutely did not see coming. We also had Thoughts™ about our podcast structure—mostly that it exists purely to enable us to go off on tangents.Between passionately defending our favorite side characters and roasting the ones who need to get it together, we managed to squeeze in our personal connections to the story, including which moments made us swoon and which ones made us want to yeet the book across the room.Naturally, we also got distracted talking about audiobook narrators, impulse book shopping (don’t judge us), and the sheer feral excitement we have for the upcoming book festival. And yes, we did analyze the perfect trifecta of action, romance, and world-building—because if Throne of Glass does one thing well, it’s making us ignore our responsibilities.Catch us on social media ◡̈  Facebook - Instagram - TikTok Just a reminder - we are not professionals about much... maybe don't take our advice.

This week we discuss "The Deal" by Elle Kennedy, among a few other things. Join us as we lose complete track of the podcast and things get weird. You're welcome!Catch us on social media ◡̈  Facebook - Instagram - TikTok Just a reminder - we are not professionals about much... maybe don't take our advice.

This episode contains spoilers (duh) and talks about a book that has been banned by some (silly book banners). Proceed at your own discretion!This week we just finished Looking for Alaska and we have thoughts — big ones!!!! From teenage heartbreak to existential spirals, we unpack John Green’s chaos with plenty of hot takes, deep dives, and a few emotional bruises along the way. It’s part book club, part group therapy — and all unfiltered and chaotic.Catch us on social media ◡̈  Facebook - Instagram - TikTok Just a reminder - we are not professionals about much... maybe don't take our advice.

This week, we dive headfirst into The Pumpkin Spice Cafe' by Laurie Gilmore, spill on our current reads, and sprinkle in some personal life updates you didn’t know you needed.Of course, no episode of ours is complete without a detour into sports chaos, ticket troubles, and a passionate deep dive into complaining. Expect strong opinions, giggling, cussing and a few “did we read the same book?” moments.We also chat about how tricky book recommendations can be, the highs and lows of emotional reading, and what makes a series truly click. By the end, we’re already planning our next reads and celebrating the joy (and heartbreak) of discovering books together.Catch us on social media ◡̈  Facebook - Instagram - TikTok Just a reminder - we are not professionals about much... maybe don't take our advice.

Alright, here’s your snarky, “the ladies wrote it” version — conversational, witty, and a little sharp around the edges:This episode? Oh, it’s a ride. We dive into Variation by Rebecca Yaros — Hudson and Allie’s emotional circus. We roast, we toast, we cringe, we swoon. Expect some spicy opinions, a few “can you believe this?” moments, and yes — a full-on spoiler zone where nothing and no one is safe.Somewhere in between, there’s a football break (because apparently, we multitask now), and then we spiral beautifully into mental health, ballet drama, and how the government shutdown is making everyone’s life harder — especially the military families. It’s a mix of laughter, eye rolls, and the occasional rant that could double as free therapy.We wrap things up with our final thoughts on the book, a bit of venting (because we earned it), and a sneak peek at what we’re reading next. Buckle up, it’s classic us — honest, chaotic, and just the right amount of unfiltered.Catch us on social media ◡̈  Facebook - Instagram - TikTok Just a reminder - we are not professionals about much... maybe don't take our advice.

In this episode, the gals dive into Frieda McFadden’s War D—a thriller that plays with your emotions harder than a toxic ex. They call out the plot twists that left them gasping, side-eyeing, and occasionally throwing the book (reader) across the room. While discussing the characters (and dragging the ones who deserved it), they spill personal tea, reflect on the messy intersections of mental health and relationships, and remind us that honesty in reviews isn’t optional.This convo is equal parts book club, therapy session, and late-night girl talk, where character development gets the spotlight it deserves and thriller chaos reigns supreme. If you like your literary takes sharp, sassy, and sprinkled with real-life reflections, buckle up—because we don’t just read the book, we take it down to the studs and rebuild it with flair.Catch us on social media ◡̈  Facebook - Instagram - TikTok Just a reminder - we are not professionals about much... maybe don't take our advice.

In this episode, the ladies kick things off with the kind of hard-hitting journalism you can only get from a podcast: updates about their lives and a spirited debate over—wait for it—hair. From there, they somehow pivot to Emily Henry’s Book Lovers, dissecting themes, characters, and witty banter like they’re literary surgeons who also gossip on the side.Naturally, the conversation detours into tattoo plans (because nothing says “book club” like needle-based permanent decisions) and Uber horror stories. The hosts keep the vibe interactive, practically begging listeners to chime in, while reminding everyone that friendship is the true protagonist here.By the end, they deliver their final thoughts on the book, wax poetic about their podcasting journey, and gush about favorite scenes full of romantic tension and dramatic backdrops. Along the way, they dabble in family dynamics and emotional plot twists. Expect discussions of reading habits, star ratings, and the oddly cathartic joy of oversharing personal frustrations into the void.Catch us on social media ◡̈  Facebook - Instagram - TikTok Just a reminder - we are not professionals about much... maybe don't take our advice.

In this chaotic episode, the gals delve into the importance of world-building in fantasy literature, character development, and personal preferences regarding different book series. The conversation is lively, filled with humor, and showcases the hosts' unique perspectives on popular series. In this sometimes confusing conversation, Abbey, Bailey and Mandy delve into their favorite and least favorite characters from popular fantasy series like 'Throne of Glass', 'Harry Potter', and 'Twilight'. They explore the nuances of character development, the impact of book-to-movie adaptations, and the complexities of love triangles in literature. The discussion also touches on personal preferences regarding character portrayals and the significance of themes like immortality in fantasy narratives. The episode wraps up with hot takes on various topics, including the acceptance of brightly colored hair and the merits of cruise vacations.Catch us on social media ◡̈  Facebook - Instagram - TikTok Just a reminder - we are not professionals about much... maybe don't take our advice.

Language and spoilers are the backbone of this episode. That's your warning. In this episode, the gals dive into Megan Lally’s thriller That’s Not My Name—a book that’s equal parts suspense and “yeah, I totally saw that coming.” They chat about the characters, the themes, and whether the plot twists are actually, you know, twisty. Along the way, they sprinkle in personal stories that make you laugh, cringe, or question your own life choices.But it doesn’t stop at book talk. Oh no. The conversation zigzags from playful roasting to chaos, somehow weaving in hot takes on water taste, cereal crimes, and the eternal “college isn’t for everyone” debate. And just when you think they’re done, they wrap it all up with a hearty, slightly bossy PSA: go to therapy—it’s cheaper than bad decisions and more effective than yelling into the void.Catch us on social media ◡̈  Facebook - Instagram - TikTok Just a reminder - we are not professionals about much... maybe don't take our advice.

In this episode, the ladies heroically avoid finishing their own book (because deadlines are for other people) and instead gossip about their favorite authors, genres, and those juicy tropes that make them weak in the knees. They confess their chaotic reading habits, debate why authorship matters (spoiler: it does), and celebrate the thrill of stumbling across a new book like it’s literary treasure. Along the way, they tackle the awkward perils of meeting authors in real life (fangirl sweats, anyone?) and dissect the guilty pleasures of romance tropes with the seriousness of Nobel laureates. To top it all off, they wrap things up with a game of Two Truths and a Lie—because nothing says “professional book podcast” like gleefully lying to each other on-air.Catch us on social media ◡̈  Facebook - Instagram - TikTok Just a reminder - we are not professionals about much... maybe don't take our advice.

Language warning. Drama warning. Chaos warning. Probably no spoilers this episode though!In this unapologetically chaotic episode, the ladies are joined by two guests for a wild ride of unfiltered conversation. From debates about the questionable merits of hot dog soda to snarky commentary that spares no one, nothing is off-limits. The Kenny’s make their mark in both expected and unexpected ways, while the group weaves in bits of book talk—though no specific title ever quite takes center stage.Expect extreme language, off-the-rails tangents, and plenty of technical hiccups that only add to the mayhem. This is podcasting at its most unpolished and entertaining: messy, loud, and thoroughly hilarious. As always, prepare for the chaos. Catch us on social media ◡̈  Facebook - Instagram - TikTok Just a reminder - we are not professionals about much... maybe don't take our advice.

In this episode, the ladies go full deep-dive into Abby Jimenez’s Just for the Summer—a book that somehow manages to juggle trauma, emotional growth, mental health, and still sneak in enough humor to make you snort-laugh in public. They spill their (very different) opinions on the characters and plot, calling out the tearjerker moments, the swoony bits, and the “oh no she didn’t” twists.Of course, it’s not all sunshine and banter—family baggage, addiction, and messy mental health realities all get airtime too, proving that literature can hit hard while still being wildly relatable. The crew also side-eye society’s judgments, dissect controversial themes, and ask the truly important question: what’s the ideal wiper speed?Bottom line: three of the four ladies love the book and one is wrong. They all want more Abby Jimenez, and they’ll keep talking until you hit that follow button on every social platform known to humankind.Catch us on social media ◡̈  Facebook - Instagram - TikTok Just a reminder - we are not professionals about much... maybe don't take our advice.

Warning: spoilers and bad language may occur!!!!!!In this episode, the ladies serve up their usual banter before tearing into Born for Silk—a book brimming with alpha males, questionable plot choices, and enough misogyny to power the eye-rolls of the entire group. They roast the flat storytelling, lament the plot’s absence like it’s a missing person case, and debate whether any of the characters deserve saving. Favorite and least favorite moments get equal treatment (spoiler: some “favorites” are purely for the drama), and hopes for future books are laced with cautious side-eye. Between book critique and lively tangents on food preferences and current reads, the group proves once again that no bad book is safe—and no opinion is too spicy to share.Catch us on social media ◡̈  Facebook - Instagram - TikTok Just a reminder - we are not professionals about much... maybe don't take our advice.

Warning - spoilers, bad words and chaotic off topic rants included.Buckle up, romance fans—Abbey, Bailey, Krys and Mandy are tearing into Ali Hazelwood’s debut, The Love Hypothesis. Expect unfiltered takes on the plot, messy character dynamics and that infamous ending everyone argues about. From side-eyeing the choppy narrative to reveling in the unexpected twists, these four aren’t pulling punches. It’s a lively mix of laughs, hot takes, and maybe one or two scandalous opinions you didn’t see coming. Stick around for their ratings and must-read recs—perfect for anyone who loves their book club with a side of chaos.Be sure to follow us on social media and suggest books and authors we should check out!Catch us on social media ◡̈  Facebook - Instagram - TikTok Just a reminder - we are not professionals about much... maybe don't take our advice.

Beware - spoiler & language alert ◡̈  On this episode, the ladies tackle The Housemaid by Freida McFadden — scrubbing through its secrets, lies, and a few questionable life choices. They don’t just chat plot; they pick apart messy character dynamics, moral gray zones, and why thrillers keep dangling the promise of justice we’re not sure we actually get.The conversation careens from bookish theft (plot or otherwise) to the minefield of reader triggers, the fine art of rating a book without starting a brawl, and whether cheating in fiction is ever excusable.Of course, there’s plenty of side‑eye for social media “book talk,” spoiler sins, and the eternal struggle between honesty and diplomacy in reviews. It’s sharp, funny, and just the right amount of petty — a literary therapy session wrapped in snark and sprinkled with chaos.Catch us on social media ◡̈  Facebook - Instagram - TikTok Just a reminder - we are not professionals about much... maybe don't take our advice.

In this no-holds-barred episode, the hosts dive into Meghan Quinn’s Till Summer Do Us Part, unpacking everything from laugh-out-loud moments to emotional baggage and messy relationship dynamics. They rave about Scotty, the relatable heroine navigating divorce, and the charming Wilder, while also calling out the book’s predictability. Final verdict? A solid four stars.The conversation heats up with spicy rom-com chatter, ranting about trope overload and sharing books that hit them right in the feels. A hilarious tangent about road rage, shopping carts, and turn signals leads to a controversial (and very sarcastic) hot take on age and driving. Heads up: there’s some age-related humor—purely in jest, no offense intended to our blinkers-optional elders.They also dive into Goodreads rating drama, vent about one-star nonsense, and open up about parental dynamics and reading comfort zones. To cap it off, they shout out Tales of a Bookworm, a nonprofit bookstore supporting animal shelters and community events.Spice, snark, books, and blinkers—it’s all here. Buckle up.Catch us on social media ◡̈  Facebook - Instagram - TikTok Just a reminder - we are not professionals about much... maybe don't take our advice.

Warning: SPOILERS!In this chaotic episode, Abbey, Krys & Mandy are joined by Bailey and engage in a spirited discussion about the book 'Throne of Glass' by Sarah J. Maas. They explore the character of Celaena, her growth throughout the story, and the meaningful relationships she forms. The conversation is filled with humor, personal anecdotes, and differing opinions, making for an entertaining and insightful analysis of the book's themes and characters. They share their favorite moments from the book, reflect on the series as a whole, and discuss the upcoming Pride Fest, highlighting community engagement and local authors. The conversation is lively, filled with humor and differing opinions, making it a rich exploration of the themes and characters in the series. Also, don't forget that is all wrapped up in a nice little chaotic bow!Catch us on social media ◡̈  Facebook - Instagram - TikTok Just a reminder - we are not professionals about much... maybe don't take our advice.

In this chaotic and hilarious premiere episode of Booked & Bitter, Abbey, Krystalynn and Mandy sink their fangs into the sparkly teen empire that is Twilight. From midnight book releases to sparkly stalker vampires, the trio debates whether Edward Cullen is a dreamboat or a walking red flag, argues the math behind love triangles, and laments Bella Swan’s pick-me energy. Abbey reads Twilight for the first time, Krystalynn defends her high school obsession, and Mandy regrets everything—especially letting her daughter read steamy vampire romances at age nine.Plus, the crew introduces a few new segments: “Let’s Get Bitter,” where Abbey vents about a compulsive one-upper (and her delicious revenge), and “Currently Reading,” where they talk King, chaos, and whatever romance novel is currently ruining their emotional stability. They also shout out their favorite local bookstore, Lit on Fire, a Peoria gem and safe haven for all book lovers.It’s dramatic. It’s messy. It’s definitely not the first time they’ve recorded this. And as always, they’re tatted, chatted, and slightly dramatic.Catch us on social media ◡̈  Facebook - Instagram - TikTok Just a reminder - we are not professionals about much... maybe don't take our advice.