In Our Bookish Era

Summer is officially here and man is it getting toasty where we live. Maybe that's why we've got two books where you can't quite trust the narrator as they tell their tale. Are they telling us the truth, is it all make believe, we're putting them in the hot seat to find out.Books Discussed:Butterfly Garde by Dot HutchinsonMad Mabel by Sally Hepworth

This month is accidently all about the moms. One book is about a mom whose son is the prime suspect in the disappearance of his school bully. The other is about a trad wife who wakes up on the 1800s and can finally live out her life the old school way she always talks about on her socials. What wouldn't a mom do for their kid?Books Discussed:All The Other Moms Hate Me by Sarah HarmanYesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

We all told not to judge a book by its cover, and yet we do it anyway. This month both books are bright colors that draw the eye. And thankfully the pages within match up with expectations. An island stuck in 1994 and a woman who moves states to be closer to the man accused on multiple murders that she's been writing letters to. Books Discussed:Dead Eleven by Jimmy Juliano Love Letters to a Serial Killer by Tasha Coryell

Coming at cha with two thrillers that'll have you doing anything you can to sneak in another page or another 10 minutes of audio.Ms. Freida got Rachael again, with a domestic thriller of a woman who's too smart for her own good. Kristia's book will have you questioning what is reality and if anything is real or not anymore. Books Discussed:Dear Debbie by Freida McFaddenThe Patient by Jason DeWitt

Turns out the false Spring got to us in February, so apologizes dear night owls, for the delayed episode!This episode we've got two high school aged main characters. One's in a cult, and one joins a secret society at her school, so same same. We've got magic, secrets, questionable truths, and stories of survival.Books Discussed:Ledgenborn by Tracy DeonnThe Scared Life of Minnow Bly by Stephanie Oakes

Hey Night Owls! It's officially 2026, and while life may be a dumpster fire right now, we at least have books! For the two of us, January was a hit! One high fantasy, one domestic thriller that hit the big screens. Yeah, escaping into books was a good start for us. Books Discussed:The Housemaid by Frieda McFaddenThe Will of the Many by James Islington

2025 may have been hit or miss for us, but we ended on a high note. Listen in to hear Kristia yap about her current hyper fixation, The Game Changers series by Rachel Reid and Heated Rivalry by Crave. While Rachael found an audiobook that had her so hooked, she finished the entire thing! Charlie Donlea's The Girl Who Was Taken was that girl! PS: Kristia got a cold for Christmas (rude) so please excuse her audio.See you all in 2026! Kayloveyoubye

Wow, November flew by for us, and unfortunately it wasn't a great reading month. Rachael got part way through two different audiobooks, both promising. While Kristia had a flop of a month, with a lot of mid reads.Books Discussed:Murder Your Employer by Rupert HolmesQuicksilver by Callie HartIf It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia

Happy Halloween everyone!We've got a spooky good episode for you this month. Kristia finally found a properly creepy book that shouldn't be read while you're alone at night. While Rachael may have found a cure for the slump she's found herself in after Fourth Wing - or will she end up in another one with this series. Only time will tell.Books Discussed:Intercepts by T.J. PayneSpark of the Everflame by Penn Cole

Two very different books today. One is an Audible Original of one of the very first vampire stories ever told. And one is a horror novel that will give you the hebbie-gebbies. TW: Kristia's Book (starting around the 10 minute mark) is a pregnancy horror novel, with themes of intense self harm and mutilation. This episode does not go into detail on what those are within the book, but it is discussed. Your mental health matter, if this isn't the episode for you, we'll see you next month.Books Discussed:Carmilla by joseph Sheridan Le FanuYou Weren't Meant to be Human by Andrew Joseph White

August is the month of thrillers for us. Kristia's book reads like an episode of Criminal Minds and has you hooked from the first chapter. Rachael's book is more domestic thriller, making you wonder if you can actually trust anyone.Books Discussed:All The Sinners Bleed by S.A. CosbyYou Deserve to Know by Aggie Blum Thompson

The weather has been getting hotter and we've been hiding out indoors with the AC on full blast. Nothing is as it seems with this month's picks. Trust no one and nothing, and you might make it out alive. Books Discussed:The Midnight Feast by Lucy FoleyHide by Kiersten White

This episode we're talking about some of our most anticipated reads. Kristia got lucky and her reads knocked it outta the park, 10/10 all around! Rachael, unfortunately, her book was a bit of a flop. We'll have to check in with her and see if she picked the series back up or not.Books Discussed:Double Your Standards by Sarah BlueBourbon & Proof by Victoria WilderThrone of Glass by Sarah Maas

A newer release and the start of a sci-fi fantasy are what we're discussing this month. A psychological thriller that got Rachael hooked immediately and never let her go. And a fantastic start to a highly rated sci-fi/fantasy series had Kristia in a chokehold.Books Discussed:Beautiful Ugly by Alice FeeneyRed Rising by Pierce Brown

Happy May Yall!April had some winners in it! A nice little mix of thrillers, some thinkers, and as always, a little romance. Some that were even worth staying up way past our bedtime to read!Books Discussed:The Dream Hotel by Laila LalamiPucking Around by Emily RathThe Silent Patient by lex MichaelidesThe Stillwater Girls by Minka Kent

March was full of winners. Not only did we each celebrate another trip around the sun, but it was filled with 5 star reads!Books Discussed:The Arrangement by Kiersten ModglinThirteen by Steve CavanashSunrise Over the Reaping by Suzanne CollinsHere One Moment by Liane Moriarty

February brought up romance with a body count, dragons (so many dragons), a secret society of women taking out bad men, and a baby gone missing at 30,000 feet.Books Discussed:Missing in Flight by Audrey J. ColeNecessary Evils Series by Onley JamesThe Last Invitation by Darby Kane

After 72 days, January has finally come to an end! Anyone else thankful February is here? Thankfully January did have a highly anticipated release for Kristia! Plus some historical fiction mixed in, who is she?? Rachael is back with a repeat author, does she possibly have a new auto-buy author?? Books Discussed:Black Sheep by Rachel HarrisonThe Women by Kristin HannahFourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (zero spoilers!)

We're wrapping up our December reads this episode, and we had a fantastic end of 2024! A great variety this episode, and they're all bangers, we promise!Books Discussed:My Husband by Maud VenturaWool by Hugh HoweyThat Time I Got Drunk & Saved a Demon by Kimberly LemmingThe House In The Pines by Ana ReyesThe Surgeon by Leslie Wolfe

Thrillers. Science Fiction. Horror. Some Romance. We've got a bit of a mix for you today! Some repeat authors as well back their way back to the pod! And a debut you really should read.Never Lie by Freida McFaddenThe Deep by Nick CutterSky Full of Elephants by Cebo Campbell

Vampires, ghosts, Greek gods, cheating husbands, friendship. This episode really has it all! Of the twenty books Kristia read this month, she's giving you two of her favorites. Rachael has a lot of half finished books, but this one snagged her attention and never let go.The Games Gods Play by Abigail OwenPhantasma by Kaylie SmithSo Thirsty by Rachel Harrison

HelloOoOoOIt's not secret around here that we love October, so we're giving ya some extra content this month! Yall remember The Exorcist - Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Linda Blair... yeah, of course you do. Well it was a book first - because aren't they all! Rachael dove into this one this month to see if it lived up to the hype.Kristia's book club read We Used to Live Here, which is as confusing as it is off putting. If someone knocks on your door at night and wants to look around, the answer is always no!And since we needed a pallet cleanser after that, we're sure you do as well. The Nightmare Before Kissmas, was the perfect lil holiday romcom with some espionage.

Fall is finally here, but before we can jump into all our spooky, scary, cozy fall reads, let's chat about what we read last month! Kristia read 14 books in September, but picked her top favs while Rachael snagged a book with beautiful sprayed edges. Books Discussed:Reign & Ruin by J.D. EvansThe Female by Invi WrightMasters of Death by Olivie BlakeThrone of Glass by Sarah J. MassHonorable Mention:Lights Out by Navessa Allen

We're baaaccck!Your two favorite night owls are back, we may have a new name, but you can still count on us telling you about the books we've been reading and loving lately. While we were away, Rachael was in her New Mom Era while Kristia fell into her Romantasy/Smut Era. With lots of pages read since we last chatted, buckle in for quite the episode, we're coving a handful of books this time!We covered a lot of books this episode, lets jump in.__________________________________________________ACOTAR Series by Sarah J. Mass"To the stars that listen and the dreams that are answered""I am the rock against which the surf crashes." Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King"Sometimes, life just throws shit at you and there's nothing you can do but grab a shovel and start digging yourself out."One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig"Be wary. Be clever. Be good."Assistant to the Villian by Hannah Nicole Maeher“You just can't kill people and be pretty. It's confusing.”Lights Out by Kalya James"We do this together." The Coven by Harper L. Woods“If it is order that you value, then I will bring you nothing but chaos.”Listen For the Lie by Amy Tintera“You don't owe anyone your whole story.”

Has we've said before, March birthdays are the best birthdays! This episode we've got two books related to birth[days] and an announcement! One book is a memoir and the other is low fantasy. One changed the lives of women, the other has magic! One has a show on BBC the other... well it's just for the hehes and the hahas.In other news, our very own Rachael is with child! We wish her and her family love, health, and rest in this next stage. With that, we will also be taking a hiatus while they get their baring as a family of three. Be sure and check out our Instagram @isntitpastyourbedtime for updates on what we're reading and status on when we return. Books Discussed: Viciously Yours by Jamie Applegate HunterCall the Midwife: A True Story of the East End in the 1950s by Jennifer Worth

What happens when a Cupid and a Reaper get together to get revenge on said Cupid's ex. Love, obviously. This episode our morally grey leading man is named Death, Daddy Death that is. This adorable novella is gunna hit ya right in the heart. Book Discussed:Petty Cupid by Sarah Blue

Sticking with the love theme, but adding in some fantasy. This episode we've got a house sitting over a magical land, with wardens trying not only to protect the house, but their hearts as well. The other is a widely popular story with Fae, magical beasts, invisible walls, and so much more going on than could be said! Books Discussed:Starling House by Alix E. HarrowA Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

This mini we've got some more dark romance. Here, our leading lady is a ghost with a few goals:Figure out how to not be a ghost any moreFigure out who she actually isFind a way to have sex with the four guys in the house she's currently haunting Eat popcornPretty solid goals if you ask us.Book Discussed:Four Psychos by Kristy Cunning

Your annual reminder that you should be reading diverse books all year long. But we get it, sometimes it can be a struggle to know where to start, or to get out of the algorithm of white lady authors. Both books this episode are Audible Originals and no longer than 8 hours. One gives How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days vibes, in the best possible way when our main character agrees to be a starter ex for her little sister's crush. The other is set in a future world ruled mostly by AI, and the main human character has to help a stolen robot learn how to be more human.Books Discussed:The Starter Ex by Mia SosaThe A.I. That Loved Me by Alyssa Cole

Romance isn't dead and neither is the love these two feel for each other. Our first mini of February is about two serial killers who fall in love with one another. He's got golden retriever energy and a slight Irish accent, what's not to love. We beg you to please read the CW before reading this book yourself!Book Discussed:Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

While we're always trying to improve, resolutions just aren't for us. New year, same us. This episode though we read some books flagged as "self help" to see if they'd give us any little nuggets we could embrace. While neither of these books will likely change our lives, there are a few vibes we took away. Hopefully you're not too hard on yourself this year. Crank your music, buy yourself the flowers, compliment a stranger when you can, and try not to let Betty in accounting get ya down!

We aren't sure how the first round is selected for the Goodread Choice Awards, but we celebrate anyway. This episode covers two of the winner from 2023. They are total opposites. One is about an author stealing not only a manuscript, but so much more. The other, a private detective solving crimes during the pandemic, with some cannibalism mixed in. Books Discussed:Yellowface by R.F. KuangHolly by Stephen King

Happy Christmas to all who celebrate. This episode we're covering two books that some classic Christmas movies are based on, and turns out Kristia hasn't seen either movie (for shame)! One man's heart grows three sizes while visited by three ghosts. Another turns out is short stories, but we could still shoot our eye out with 'em.Books Discussed:A Christmas Story by Jean ShepherdA Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

What a better way to cozy up for the winter than with a silly lighthearted sci-fi story. It's got unionizing dolphins, cats who can type, and a whole bunch of super villains. This will certainly get you into the perfect mindset for Winter!Book Discussed:Starter Villain by John Scalzi

There are a lot of Christmas books on the shelves, but not nearly as many for the other many holidays celebrated in December. This episode we're coving two. One is a novella romance which kicks off with none other than a work place bunch. The other is a heart warming YA set in a bookstore of all places!Books Discussed:Recommended for You by Laura SilvermanThe Kwanzaa Brunch by D.L. White

We're getting cozy and comfy with our minis this month. Starting off with a nice little small town murder, solved by the local baker, because of course she's a better detective than the new small town sheriff. She also makes killer pancakes... see what we did there. Book DiscussedPancakes and Corpses by Agatha Frost

As we enter the holiday season, we figured what better to read about than family dynamics that aren't our own. These families may have more issues than us, some haven't truly spoken in three years, there may be a cult involved, one woman is unable to leave well enough alone, oh but the husbands really support their wives, so at least there's that. Books Discussed:Never Meant to Stay by Trisha DasThe Husbands by Chandler Baker

Dead bodies, bombs on crew ships, tea, assassins, French pastries. What more could you want from murder mysteries. Come with us while we figure out who dun it in two different murder mysteries, both featuring older leading ladies.Books Discussed:Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna RaybournVera Wong's Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Happy Halloweeneve Night Owls! We've got a special episode filled with witches, cures, love, and mortal enemies. All treats and no tricks.. well maybe a trick or two. Stay safe out there dear listeners!Books Disscussed:Go Hex Yourself by Jessica ClareWild is the Witch by Rachel Griffin

Our last mini of October isn't quiet so mini, Kristia wasn't able to keep it short, so enjoy this almost full length episode. All treats, not tricks. This true crime is a white collar crime, so don't expect any gore. Our con artist managed to pretend to be a piolt while swindling over $2 Million from banks in the 60s.Book Discussed:Catch Me If You Can: The True Story of a Real Fake by Frank W. Abagnale with Stan Redding

We're going back to our roots here and reading one of our favorite genres, psychological thrillers! Neither of our main characters can be trusted to know what's really going on around them. They may be a bit paranoid, but that doesn't mean someone isn't out to get them... TW: Infertility Issues (starting at 12:00 minutes), the entire book covered by Kristia touches on this, skip if you're not in a good place to hear about this issue ❤️Books Discussed:Insomnia by Sarah PinboroughThe Surrogate Mother by Freida McFadden

With October being spooky scary month, we decided to cover some true crimes this month for the minis. Rachael kicks us off with a survivors story, and like many survivors she isn't believed by the town or the police. Thankfully, she doesn't give us. TW: Sexual Assault (is mentioned in the episode, but goes into detail in the book)Book Discussed:Gitchie Girl by Phil Hamman & Sarah Hamman

Lady detectives are better than boy detectives, there we said it. This episode we've got two amature detectives solving crimes, saving lives, and being all around badasses. Both belong in series, so of you're interested there are more out there!Books Discussed:One Step Too Far by Lisa GardnerThe Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow & Liz Lawson

Yeah, you'd think in the year 2023 they'd finally stop with this nonsense, but then you'd be wrong. Happy Banned Book Week everyone! We've got two books that as usual we say for parents to read with their kids instead of banning them. It's some more adult themes, but that doesn't mean kids are ready. We've got sex work in different forms, slut shaming, and lies. Books DiscussedTricks by Ellen HopkinsThe Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu

Happy three day weekend to our listeners in the States, hopefully no Monday-scaries are getting ya. We've got some books this episode you can knock out in a weekend, or even in one sitting, for when you just don't want to leave your house. One is an older but classic story technically for kids, but also kids at heart. The other is about Murder Bot. Enjoy!Books Discussed:All Systems Red by Martha WellsCoraline by Neil Gaiman

The final mini of August is here. This episode we're talking about what you'd do if you could go back in time, mind you there are a lot of rules you gotta follow. Hope you like coffee!Book DiscussedBefore The Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

August starts with Au, which stands for Autumn, which means the best time of the year is beginning! The episode we're diving in with some scary summer stories. One is by a great thriller author, though this one fell short, the haunted house just wasn't haunting. The other is a chilling retelling of some brutal murders that happened right where Rachel lives!Books Discussed:Home Before Dark by Riley SagerAll These Bodies by Kendare Blake

Too much coffee and not enough water got us forgetting to click post on this episode. We're just too wired. Enjoy a late entry for August minis, we've got a cozy coffee fantasy about an orc who wants to retire from all the fighting and killing and settle down and enjoy some bean water. Book Discussed:Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree

Last episode was sci-fi now we're moving into fantasy. With opposite styles this week we've got kid spies and necromancers. Lots of questions, some answers, many skeletons. Orphans all around. Books Discussed:The Mysterious Benedict Socitey by Trenton Lee Stewart the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

Too much coffee and too many episodes in a month, no such thing! This month's minis are all coffee related, and you get three of them! We're kicking things off with a coffee shop murder. Who doesn't love some sleuthing with their latte.Book Discussed:Fresh Brewed Murder by Emmeline Duncan