PODCAST · arts
Hardback Life
by Rebecca
Welcome to Hardback Life — the cozy corner of the internet where two best friends dive deep into the world of books, one hardcover at a time. From bestsellers to hidden gems, literary fiction to fantasy adventures, we explore the stories that shape us and those we can’t put down. Expect unfiltered opinions, a healthy dose of sarcasm, heartfelt conversations, and plenty of laughs. Whether you’re a lifelong bookworm or just getting back into reading, Hardback Life is your new favorite bookish hangout. Grab your beverage of choice and let’s talk books!
Episodes
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Dragons, Riders, and Hot Takes
Join us this week with OddBird Bookshop as we celebrate the very anticipated Threshing Day book release! Participants got to craft, enjoy themed beverages, and have a quick bookish chat with Hardback Life. We can't wait for you to hear these theories!
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Sugar, Spice, & a little bit of a vice
What makes an MMC so addictive, one you want to add right to your book boyfriend collection? Come along as we dive into some of the most popular MMCs and try to figure out the recipe for greatness! If you enjoy this episode, make sure to like/comment/subscribe/share! #books #MMC
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Threshing Day is here...and so are our final predictions!
TODAY IS THE DAY! Threshing Day is officially out! But, before you jump back into Basgiath, we have our final predictions to share with you! Let us know what you think and how we did! If you like this video, don't forget to like/subscribe/share! #threshingday #fourthwing
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Hate to See It: When the Enemy is Your Lover
It has been a minute since we did a book review episode, so join us!! We talk all things Silver Elite by Dani Francis and discuss all the things we have been holding in since we finished this book. Who are Wren and Cross? Was it worth the hype? Who will live and who will die?! Listen as we yap...
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This debate gets awkward...
Join Cassie and Becca as they rank some of the most popular series! They definitely don't always agree...If you enjoyed this, make sure to like/comment/subscribe/share! #books #bookpodcast
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Nothing could have prepared us...
Welcome to our most chaotic episode yet! We give our top recs for a fiction starter pack! If you like this, please like/comment/share/subscribe! :) #books #bookrecs
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We have titles and I have thoughts
Last week SJM announced the titles, taglines, and covers for the next two books in the ACOTAR series. So, obviously Cassie is here to talk about them! Let's chat about some of the thoughts and theories coming up!If you enjoyed this, make sure to go back to older episodes and check them out! Also...
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If you love ACOTAR, you NEED this series
We are so excited to have on author A. A. Gordon (Cassie is still fan girling). If you loved ACOTAR then her series, The Heart of the Tithriall is for you! Join us as we talk about her inspiration, writing process, and so much more. Truly an episode you don't want to miss! You can order her books...
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Answering questions no one asked...
After a busy weekend at the book fair, join Cassie for a fun, simple episode where she answers bookish questions that no one actually asked her. She shares hot takes and fun opinions! If you enjoy this, make sure to like/share/subscribe/rate! #books #bookish
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90s heartthrobs decide your next read!
Cassie takes you for a trip down memory lane to visit some of you favorite cuties from the 90s and then gives you a book rec based on your favorite! If you like this episode make sure to go back and watch some others! Plus, rate/share/subscribe!#books #90s #bookrecs
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Spilling some tea!
In this solo episode, Cassie catches you up on what is coming up for the channel, some recommended reads, and bookish events! If you enjoy this episode, please like/comment/subscribe/share and watch some of our previous episodes! Adding links for: Sound of Muzak- www.youtube.com/...
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Book recs based on your favorite Animal Crossings character!
We're finally showing off our gaming side! Get some book recs based on your favorite ACNH characters! If you like this episode, make sure to check out some of our others! Please like/share/subscribe/comment!#books #Animalcrossing #bookrecs
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We're sorry we made you wait so long!!
We are FINALLY here to finish looking back on our last year with the podcast! There are some strong opinions in this one, so be prepared! Continuing to shamelessly plug Andrew, here is the link to his channel - https://www.youtube.com/@soundofmuzak3469 If you liked this episode please...
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The episode we never posted (until now)
How did we miss an episode?! We hope you enjoy this short discussion on Quicksilver that we dug out of the archives! Don't forget to rate/comment/share! #books #booktube #podcast
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Are these popular books worth the read?!
Cassie picks three popular books/series and gives her true opinion on them! Are they over hyped? Under hyped? Watch and see what she says and let us know your opinion! If you enjoy this, please like, share, comment, and subscribe! :) #books #booktube #podcast
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Why do I keep doing this to myself?!
Welcome back to Hardback Life! Cassie shares a short solo episode and reads 1 star reviews of her 5 star books (again). It only gets worse as it goes! If you like this, please rate/subscribe/share! Find us on Instagram, Tiktok, and our website its-a-hardback-life.com :)
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Love, Lost, and Understanding
We are SO excited for this episode. We are joined by author James Styers and we discuss his book about his journey with loving and losing his transgender child. We have some great conversations and we hope you enjoy them! If you do, please like/comment/share/subscribe! Find us on Instagram and...
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One Year Later: Do We Stand By What We Said?
One year since the first episode release of Hardback Life and we are revisiting some of our most watched topics. From ACOTAR to our opinions on E-readers, find out if we still stand by our original bookish opinions!
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Talking Laura Lynne Jackson, signs, and spirituality
In this episode, we dive into the powerful stories and beliefs shared by Laura Lynne Jackson and reflect on how they connect to our own spiritual journeys. From signs and intuition, this conversation explores the experiences and stories that go beyond what we can see. Don't forget to rate, share,...
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All things Fourth Wing
We are finally together again! Catch up with us in our first episode together in...a while..Then, we jump into all things Fourth Wing: the book, the show, the characters, and (of course) the dragons! If you enjoyed this, please rate/comment/share and check out some of our other episodes!...
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I'm spiraling and I need your help!!
Cassie is spiraling about her TBR. Where do I organize it? How do I prioritize certain books? HELP! Share your thoughts in the comments! If you enjoy this episode, make sure to rate, comment, subscribe, and share!
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Come with us to the OddBird bookshop grand opening!
Spend a day with Cassie and Becca at the grand opening of OddBird Bookshop in Bel Air, MD! We even do a walkthrough when the crowd finally died down! If you liked this episode, don't forget to rate and comment!
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Our last ACOTAR episode!
Join Cassie and Becca as they talk about A Court of Frost and Starlight AND A Court of Silver Flames. Unfortunately, this is the last ACOTAR related episode until the next book is released! We are definitely counting down the days until book 6...
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Cassie's current #1 book rec!
Join Cassie for this solo episode and hear about one of her top book recs at the moment! If you are a fan of ACOTAR, you definitely do not want to miss this one! Remember to rate and subscribe!
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New to thrillers?! Read these first!
A day late but we're here with our latest episode! Join Becca and Cassie as they share their own "thriller starter packs". If you're new to thrillers, start with these. If you have already started your thriller journey, I promise there is at least one book on this list you haven't read yet and…
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Get to know the chick behind Odd Bird Bookshop!
On this week's episode we have a special guest, Jess, who is the owner of Odd Bird Bookshop. Join us as we talk about everything from changing careers, emu eggs, and, of course, books! Learn more about the sensory friendly shop Jess will be opening in April! Find her GoFundMe and Baltimore Sun...
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Why haven't I read these yet?!
Join Cassie for another solo episode as she explains some of her most "you haven't read that?!" books and authors. Maybe you can give her some types on where to start and let her know if she really is missing out or not!
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We tried to talk about Heartless Hunter...
Today we are joined by Kyrsta and Christina from the podcast You Haven't Read What?! We take a lot of side quests throughout this long episode but we always work our way back to Heartless Hunter. If you enjoy it, please like and subscribe! :)
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Minimal Plans. Maximum Books.
This week's episode is a mix of chaotic energy and bookish topics! We each came prepared with a list of things to cover and we packed it full of our personalities. We hope you have as much listening to this episode as we did recording it!
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The Audacity of This Gentleman's Offer!
Join Cassie and Becca as they dissect Benedict's story in An Offer From a Gentleman (just in time for part two of his season to be released)! How do we feel about the Cinderella Story vibes?
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If You've Never Read Fantasy, Start Here
Ready to dive into fantasy but don’t know where to start? This week on Hardback Life, Becca and Cassie build the ultimate fantasy starter packs — packed with magical must-reads, surprising fun facts, and plenty of laughs along the way. Whether you’re fantasy-curious or ready to fall headfirst…
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Let's Talk ARCs: Early Reads, Big Book Feelings
Join Cassie for a short solo episode where she talks about her journey as an ARC (advanced readers copy) reader and reviewer! She gives tips, talks about her reviews, and chats about her goals as an ARC reader. Don't worry, Becca will return again next week and we will get back to discussing our...
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Bee Trauma and Other Questionable Coping Mechanisms
Becca is back! So after a brief catch up, join us as we continue our journey through the Bridgerton books, specifically we will be talking about The Viscount Who Loved Me. Stick around, at the end we do our January reading recaps!
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Am I the Problem? A Literary Investigation
As Becca continues to push through the home stretch of grad school, join Cassie as she reads 5 star reviews of books she felt didn't cut it! Watch her spiral as she contemplates what the problem was: the books or her?
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Top 5 Reads of 2025!
Join Cassie as she recounts her top five reads of 2025!
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Scandal, Society, and Slow Burns
This week, we’re cracking open The Duke and I, the book that launched Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton empire and gave us fake dating before it was cool. We’re talking Daphne Bridgerton’s marriage mart struggles, Simon Basset’s legendary emotional avoidance, and the “pretend relationship” that absolutely...
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One Host, One Mic, One Star Reviews
Becca is away, so it’s just you, me, and a stack of beloved books getting ruthlessly dragged online. In this solo episode, I, Cassie, grab the mic and dive into the wild world of 1-star reviews… of my absolute 5-star favorite books. From dramatic rants to questionable hot takes, join me as I try...
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Phantasma: Where You Immediately Regret Your Choices
This week, we tiptoe into Phantasma by Kaylie Smith — a book that asks, “What if your family drama came with actual demons and a mansion that wants to eat you?” We follow Ophelia Grimm, a necromancer with OCD, a deadpan sense of survival, and the questionable choice to bargain with a flirty…
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ACOWAR: Red Flags and War Paint
In this episode, we dive into A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas — the explosive third book in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. From political alliances to battlefield betrayals, we unpack Feyre’s return to the Spring Court and the brewing war that will test every court in…
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Vows, Vibes, and The Wedding People
In this episode, we dive into Alison Espach’s The Wedding People, an intimate and wry exploration of connection, loneliness, and the stories we tell about love. We unpack the novel’s layered characters, its seaside setting, and the delicate balance between humor and heartbreak that makes Espach’s...
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Grief, Growth, and the Glow of Crescent City
Welcome to Lunathhion! This week we're diving into House of Earth and Blood, the first book in the SJM's Crescent City series. We're talking angels, demons, heartbreak, and that jaw-dropping ending that left every reader emotionally wrecked. Join us as we break down Bryce and Hunt's story, unpack...
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Indie Author Kristie Wolf & Military Romance
In this engaging conversation, indie author Kristie Wolf discusses her journey into writing military romance with her Project Viper series, which features special forces amputees equipped with bionic prosthetics. She shares insights on character inspiration, the importance of community in…
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From the Therapy Chair to Your Bookshelf
Ever wonder which books therapists actually recommend and why? In this episode, we’re stepping out of the therapy chair and onto the bookshelf with our friend Sarah a licensed mental health counselor. She shares her top book picks that not only inform her work, but encourage her to grow as a…
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Sweet Nothings...Book Hauls...Life Changing Books
In this special episode, we’re taking you inside the grand opening of Sweet Nothings Book Co, a vibrant new space for book lovers and community connection in Baltimore, MD. Join us as a pop up vendor and chat with some of the very first customers. Hear their favorite finds, book recommendations,...
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The Housemaid Review
Step inside the Winchester home… but beware of what lurks behind closed doors. In this episode, we take a true crime style deep dive into Freida McFadden’s bestselling thriller The Housemaid. Part review, part true crime, we break down the shocking twists, hidden motives, and chilling dynamics…
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The Psyche of Aelin Galathynius
In this episode, we dive deep into the mind and heart of Aelin Galathynius, one of Sarah J. Maas’ most complex and resilient heroines. From trauma and identity to power, loyalty, and self-sacrifice, we explore the psychological layers that make Aelin both flawed and fiercely beloved. Through the...
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Behind the Branded with Jo Riccioni: Part 2
We hope you enjoy part 2 of our bookish discussion with author, Jo Riccioni! We discuss topics such as enemies to lovers, the importance of smut in books, and play a game of Would You Rather.
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Behind the Branded with Jo Riccioni: Part 1
In this episode, we sit down with author Jo Riccioni to dive into the richly imagined world of The Branded Duology. Jo shares her inspiration behind the series, the process of building complex characters, and the themes of identity, power, and resilience woven throughout her writing. We explore…
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Sweet Nothings Book Co…Must Reads…Tropes…ACOTAR
What happens when a love for books takes to the open road? 🚐✨ In honor of Bookstore Romance Day, we sit down with the founder of Sweet Nothings Book Co., a local mobile bookstore bringing stories—and romance reads—straight to the community. From curating shelves with care to transforming a van...
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Powerless Trilogy Review: Plagiarism or Inspiration…Would You Rather…Grief
In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into the fandom frenzy surrounding The Powerless Trilogy by Lauren Roberts. From secret powers and steamy betrayals to morally gray heroes and cliffhangers that broke the internet, was it truly worth the hype? Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a skeptical...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to Hardback Life — the cozy corner of the internet where two best friends dive deep into the world of books, one hardcover at a time. From bestsellers to hidden gems, literary fiction to fantasy adventures, we explore the stories that shape us and those we can’t put down. Expect unfiltered opinions, a healthy dose of sarcasm, heartfelt conversations, and plenty of laughs. Whether you’re a lifelong bookworm or just getting back into reading, Hardback Life is your new favorite bookish hangout. Grab your beverage of choice and let’s talk books!
HOSTED BY
Rebecca
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Hardback Life have?
Hardback Life currently has 60 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Hardback Life about?
Welcome to Hardback Life — the cozy corner of the internet where two best friends dive deep into the world of books, one hardcover at a time. From bestsellers to hidden gems, literary fiction to fantasy adventures, we explore the stories that shape us and those we can’t put down. Expect unfiltered...
How often does Hardback Life release new episodes?
Hardback Life has 60 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Hardback Life?
You can listen to Hardback Life on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Hardback Life?
Hardback Life is created and hosted by Rebecca.
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