Reading Materials
by Corrie and Lucia
A biweekly book podcast hosted by Corrie and Lucia—two over-tired bookworms who take turns picking a book to read and unpack.From fiction favourites to hidden gems, we dive into characters, what we loved (or didn’t), chat with authors, and share early ARC reads.New episodes every other Monday.📚 Follow along on Instagram: @readingmaterialspodcast🔗 More at readingmaterialspodcast.com
Episodes
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The Bookshop That Refuses to Sit Still | Beyond the Bookshelves with Roaming Reads
We're going Beyond the Bookshelves! In the first instalment of our new Reading Materials interview series, we're joined by Caz, the founder of Roaming Reads Bookshop, to discover what happens when you combine a love of reading with a dream of bringing books directly to readers. We chat about the...
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Devour Me: Love, Lust, and Losing Control | ARC Review
This week on Reading Materials we dive into Devour Me by Emily Rath! We're unpacking the three main characters, debating whether the insta-lust had us hooked or reaching for the brakes, and sharing our thoughts on the magic system. But the conversation doesn't stop there! We also tackle a bigger...
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Porcupines: Family, Friendship, and Finding Your Way | ARC Review
This week on Reading Materials, we’re talking about Porcupines by Fran Fabriczki — a story that takes us through complicated mother-daughter relationships, school trips, and lives unfolding across different timelines. We chat about the messy realities of family relationships, how the past can…
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Marriage, Murder and Mayhem: The Secret Lives of Murderers' Wives | ARC Review
It has bee a minute since we did a review episodes but in this week's episode, we dive into The Secret Lives of Murderers’ Wives by Elizabeth Arnott and explore the complicated women living in the shadows of some very dangerous men. We discuss marriage, murder, secrets, suspicion, and the...
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Author Spotlight: N.J. Hatton | Author Interview
On this week's episode of the Reading Materials Podcast, we are joined by debut author N.J. Hatton to chat about his upcoming psychological thriller 'Truth Will Out', to be released on September 10th 2026. We had a great time hearing about how Nick went from creating children's content on Youtube...
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Author Spotlight: Simone Soltani | Author Interview
This week on the Reading Materials Podcast, we are so excited to be chatting with Simone Soltani, author of the Lights Out F1 series, whose newest book Crash Into You will be released on the 27th of August, 2026. Join us for this lovely chat and hear all about how Simone originally intended to...
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Author Spotlight: Emily Rath (take 3) | Author Interview
This week on the Reading Materials Podcast, we are very happy to welcome back bestselling author Emily Rath to talk about her newest release - 'Devour Me'. Join us to hear about why Zodiac signs are an important element of all her characters, how she is managing to juggle multiple writing…
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Author Spotlight: Hannah Bicknell | Author Interview
This week on Reading Materials we are chatting with debut author Hannah Bicknell, whose tennis rom-com 'Her Advantage' was released on July 2nd, 2026. Join us to hear how Hannah went from indie author to being picked up by Pan MacMillan, her experience of sitting in on the audiobook recording…
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Author Spotlight: Gill Perdue | Author Interview
This week on Reading Materials, we are joined by Gill Perdue, author of the psychological thriller 'All of Them Lied'. Join us for a lovely chat about the unique challenges that come from writing books for adults versus books for younger audiences, the difference between Scandinavian and other...
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Author Spotlight: Cassandra Neyenesch | Author Interview
This week on the Reading Materials Podcast we are chatting with debut author Cassandra Neyenesch, whose book 'A Little Bit Bad' was released in June 2026. Join us to hear what inspired Cassandra to write this book, how psychedelic therapy helped with her writing, and how it's never too late to...
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Author Spotlight: Nikki Smith | Author Interview
This week on Reading Materials, we are so excited to be joined by author Nikki Smith, whose newest destination thriller 'The Last Place You Look' will be released on July 2nd, 2026. We had a lovely time chatting with Nikki about her experience of becoming a debut author during the Covid lockdown,...
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Author Spotlight: Eden McKenzie-Goddard | Author Interview
This week on the Reading Materials Podcast, Lucia is flying solo as she interviews debut author Eden McKenzie-Goddard. Join us to hear about the political and personal inspirations behind Eden's book 'Smallie', how an emotional punch and unexpected ending can elevate a book in our eyes, and what...
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Author Spotlight: Kathleen MacMahon | Author Interview
This week on the podcast, we chat with Irish author Kathleen MacMahon whose fifth novel Other People's Lives was released on May 7th. Join us to hear why it took Kathleen so long to write this book, how important it is for authors to read, and how her next book will overlap with Other People's...
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Author Spotlight: Claire Fuller | Author Interview
On this week's episode of the Reading Materials Podcast we sit down to chat with author Claire Fuller, whose newest novel 'Hunger and Thirst' was published on May 7th. We had an amazing time hearing Claire compare the art of sculpting to the art of writing, why her novels end in ambiguity, how...
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Author Spotlight: Sasha Preston | Author Interview
In this episode of Reading Materials, we’re joined by author Sasha Preston to talk about her novel The Sweetest Getaway, published last year. Sasha shares how she went from writing short stories for fun with a friend to becoming a published author, the importance of female friendships in both…
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Author Spotlight: Elizabeth Arnott | Author Interview
In this episode of the Reading Materials Podcast we are joined by the lovely Elizabeth Arnott, whose newest book The Secret Lives of Murderers' Wives comes out on April 9th. We chatted about how her long-time fascination with true crime led to writing about serial killers, how to make the muse…
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Author Spotlight: Fran Fabriczki | Author Interview
This week on the Reading Materials Podcast we are excited to be chatting with Fran Fabrizcki, debut author of Porcupines which will be published on April 16th. Join us to hear how Fran wove in elements of her own experience growing up at the tail-end of the Cold War into the book, what podcasts…
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Author Spotlight: E. K. Wise | Author Interview
In this episode of Reading Materials, we’re joined by author E. K. Wise to discuss her novel Debilis Rising, released last year. We chat about how her love of travel and geology shapes her storytelling, why it was important for her to include a character with ADHD, and her journey through the…
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Fake Dating, Real Feelings, and Forced Proximity: The Bodyguard Affair | ARC Review
In this episode of the Reading Materials Podcast, we dive into The Bodyguard Affair by Amy Lea (published February 2026) and unpack this trope-filled romance. We share our thoughts on the fake dating dynamic—does it still work for us?—debate whether the steamy scenes hit the mark, and highlight…
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Author Spotlight: Amy Lea | Author Interview
In this episode of Reading Materials, we’re joined by bestselling romance author Amy Lea for a warm and candid conversation about life as a writer. Amy's newest book, The Bodyguard Affair, will be released on the 26th of February, 2026! We chat about the importance of finding and nurturing an...
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A Darkly Cosy Reimagining: Hemlock & Silver | ARC Review
In this week's episode we dive into Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher (released August 19th, 2025). Join us as we share why Anja quickly became one of our favourite heroines, dig into what makes a retelling succeed (or stumble), and chat about why we’d happily return to this darkly magical world...
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Dark Magic Behind Closed Doors: Cinder House | ARC Review
In this episode of the Reading Materials Podcast, we step into Cinder House by Freya Marske and unpack what makes this a genuinely enjoyable Cinderella retelling. We talk about how impressively well-developed the characters are for such a short book, and we dig into a bigger conversation about...
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Reading Materials 2025 Wrap-Up: Hits, Misses, and Must-Reads | Bonus Episode
In this special wrap-up episode of the Reading Materials Podcast, we look back on our 2025 in books and podcasting. We break down our reading stats, revisit our favorite books, characters, and standout podcast moments, and chat about what surprised us most along the way. Plus, we look ahead to…
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Family Lore and Long-Buried Truths: The Treasures | ARC Review
In this episode of Reading Materials, we dive into The Treasures by Harriet Evans (released June 12, 2025), exploring its richly drawn dual settings in 1950s London and 1960s New York. We unpack our love/hate relationship with cliffhangers, chat about how surprisingly dark the story becomes, and...
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Author Spotlight: H. R. Cole | Author Interview
In this episode of Reading Materials, we’re joined by author H. R. Cole to discuss her debut adult fantasy novel Daughter of the Void, published in August 2025. H. R. shares her thoughts on the bias women face in the fantasy genre, what it takes to craft a truly captivating enemies-to-lovers...
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Author Spotlight: Ross Montgomery | Author Interview
In this episode of Reading Materials, we’re joined by author Ross Montgomery to talk about his latest release, The Murder at World’s End, published on October 30, 2025. Ross shares insights into his career as a beloved children’s author, what it was like transitioning to writing murder mysteries...
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Breaking Curses the Hard Way: Kill the Beast | ARC Review
In this week's episode of Reading Materials, we dive into Kill the Beast by Serra Swift and talk about how refreshing it was to read a fairy-tale retelling with no romance in sight. We discuss the role of trusty companion Brandy, unpack the mechanics of curse-breaking, and explore why this story...
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Author Spotlight: Serra Swift | Author Interview
In this episode of Reading Materials, we’re joined by author Serra Swift to talk about her upcoming fantasy novel Kill the Beast, out October 14, 2025. Serra shares her thoughts on navigating the pitfalls of professional jealousy, the differences between YA and adult fantasy from the author's...
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Author Spotlight: Iris Costello | Author Interview
In this episode of Reading Materials, we’re joined by author Nuala Ellwood, also known as Iris Costello, to talk about her newest novel The Paris Bookshop Secret, released in July 2025. Nuala shares how a haunted Georgian mansion inspired her current project, the power of books to help readers...
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Twists, Turns and Trust Gone Wrong: To Love a Liar | ARC Review
In this episode of Reading Materials, we dive into To Love a Liar by L. V. Matthews, released on September 11, 2025. We chat about the joy of exploring different genres, our feelings about Jackson the dog, and which characters had us second-guessing their every move. It’s a lively discussion full...
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Author Spotlight: L. V. Matthews | Bonus Episode
In this episode of Reading Materials, we sit down with L. V. Matthews to discuss her gripping new thriller To Love A Liar, out September 11, 2025. We explore the art of plotting twists that keep readers guessing, the secrets behind her book dedications, and how she manages to write chilling...
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Scaling Sympathy Tower Tokyo: Thoughts and Reactions | ARC Review
In this episode of Reading Materials, we discuss Rie Qudan's Sympathy Tower Tokyo (released on August 21st, 2025). We enter into a deep discussion about the ins and outs of judicial systems, ponder the differences between Eastern and Western culture, and explore language and its evolution,...
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Darkness, Desire and Destiny: The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk | ARC Review
In this episode of Reading Materials, we discuss Carissa Broadbent’s The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk (released on August 5th, 2025). We unpack our frustrations with the lack of chemistry between the main characters, the repetitiveness of the plot compared to the first book in the duology, and our...
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Author Spotlight: Sara Hamdan | Bonus Episode
We are so excited to welcome our eighth author to our podcast! In this episode we speak with debut author Sarah Hamdan about her powerful first novel, 'What Will People Think?', released in May 2025. Sarah shares how her own life experiences shaped the narrative, the vital role characters and...
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A Second Chance At Love: Slow Burn Summer | ARC Review
In this episode we dive into Josie Silver’s Slow Burn Summer. We share our honest reactions to the novel, from the lack of real chemistry between the main love interests to some of the over-the-top moments that pulled us out of the story. We also reflect on the challenge of giving critical…
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Author Spotlight: Josie Silver | Bonus Episode
In this week's episode, we chat with bestselling author Josie Silver about her latest novel, Slow Burn Summer, released on July 17th. Josie opens up about the experience of writing under pseudonyms, how fleeting real-life moments can spark entire stories, and what’s next on her horizon—including…
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Love, Betrayal and the Spaces In-Between: The Other Wife | ARC Review
In this episode, we unpack The Other Wife - the sharp, intimate debut by Jackie Thomas-Kennedy (published July 17th, 2025). Join us for a conversation about unlikeable characters, its ambiguous title and cover, and how it made us reflect on our own lives in unexpected ways. Episode Timepoints:...
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Author Spotlight: Jackie Thomas-Kennedy | Bonus Episode
In this week's episode, we sit down with author Jackie Thomas-Kennedy, whose debut novel The Other Wife hits shelves on July 15th. Jackie shares the journey of transforming short stories into a full-length novel, the intricacies of crafting character-driven narratives, and how she explores the...
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Tea, Trowels and a Touch of Magic: The Enchanted Greenhouse | ARC Review
In this episode, we dig into The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst — where the plants have opinions, the family reunions come with emotional baggage, and the magic is as warm as a fresh-baked honey cake. Join us as we talk about sentient flora, hark back to our love of The Spellshop, and…
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Author Spotlight: Sarah Beth Durst | Bonus Episode
In this week's bonus episode we are so excited to be talking to New York Times Bestselling author Sarah Beth Durst, whose newest novel The Enchanted Greenhouse will be published on July 15th, 2025. Join us as we talk finding joy, sentient plants, writing for different age groups and ... bunnies?...
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The Dirt Beneath Their Fangs: Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil | ARC Review
In this episode, we sink our teeth into Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab. From the haunting pull of vampire lore to the raw portrayal of anxiety and mental health, we explore how Schwab reshapes the gothic tradition. We ask: How would this story shift if its characters were...
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Twists and Trauma in Favourite Daughter | ARC Review
This week, we’re diving into Favourite Daughter by Morgan Dick—a novel that had us flipping pages and raising eyebrows. Join Corrie and Lucia as we unpack complicated mother-daughter dynamics, messy characters that felt a little too real, and the hazy line between bad choices and full-on…
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Author Spotlight: Morgan Dick | Bonus Episode
In this week's bonus episode we are joined by author Morgan Dick, whose debut novel Favourite Daughter was published on May 1st, 2025. Join us as we talk inspiration, writer's block, Morgan's advice to authors just starting and where she finds her next read. Thank you to Penguin Random House for...
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Not Just a Love Story: Reading Great Big Beautiful Life | ARC Review
In this bonus episode, Corrie and Lucia dive into Emily Henry’s latest release, Great Big Beautiful Life. From the perks of getting an ARC to the emotional weight of the final chapters, we unpack what worked (the characters), what felt familiar, and why we were left with some very mixed feelings....
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Maas-terpiece or Maas-Destruction? Our SJM Season Finale | S09 E10
In this season finale of the Reading Materials Podcast, we wrap up our full Sarah J. Maas era by looking back at Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Crescent City. We crown our favorite female and male main characters, debate our ultimate villain, and rank the couples who absolutely...
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Fire, Farewells, and the Final Stand: Kingdom of Ash (part 2) | S09 E09
In this episode of the Reading Materials Podcast, we finish our journey through Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas and unpack the choices that define the series’ endgame. We talk about how Aelin isn’t the one to vanquish the big bad, share our very real feelings about the Thirteen’s devastating...
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Torture, Trust, and Taking Back Power: Kingdom of Ash (part 1) | S09 E08
In this episode of the Reading Materials, we dive into Part 1 of Kingdom of Ash and unpack the first 67 chapters of Sarah J. Maas’s epic finale. We talk through the most badass moments, share our favorite character pairings as alliances start to shift, and explore what has us most excited (and...
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Sand, Secrets, and Second Chances: Tower of Dawn | S09 E07
In this episode of the Reading Materials Podcast, we journey to the Southern Continent with Tower of Dawn and dive deep into the revelations and relationships that redefine the series. We unpack the bombshell twist that Maeve is Valg, we vent our continuing frustration with Chaol as his healing…
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Plot Twists and Power Plays: Empire of Storms | S09 E06
Maria is back this week as co-host to continue diving into the Throne of Glass series with Lucia. This week, we are tackling the gut-wrenching Empire of Storms. Join us for our thoughts on Aelin’s epic trust issues, that long-awaited “we’re mates” moment with Rowan, and the sizzling slow burn...
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Vengeance, Victory and Villains: Queen of Shadows | S09 E05
Lucia and Maria are half-way through their re-read of the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. In this week's episode, Aelin has accepted her destiny as the rightful Queen of Terrasen and returns to Rifthold to enact revenge upon Arobynn... Join us for our discussion of Queen of Shadows and...
About this show
A biweekly book podcast hosted by Corrie and Lucia—two over-tired bookworms who take turns picking a book to read and unpack.From fiction favourites to hidden gems, we dive into characters, what we loved (or didn’t), chat with authors, and share early ARC reads.New episodes every other Monday.📚 Follow along on Instagram: @readingmaterialspodcast🔗 More at readingmaterialspodcast.com
Hosted by
Corrie and Lucia