The Book Besties Club 📚

From survival to storytelling…John Lane didn’t start writing for fame or money. After recovering from cancer and kidney failure, he started writing because he needed to.His books are rooted in Irish mythology, but what stood out most to me was how he prices them as low as possible so more people can actually read them.We also got into some honest conversations about BookTok, 5⭐ reviews, and what really matters when it comes to books.This episode made me think… a lot.

In this episode, I’m joined by Lola for a conversation that’s chaotic, honest, and full of bold bookish opinions.We talk unpopular takes (including why she’s not a Rhysand girl 👀), the reality behind the Heavenly Bodies hype, and the moment a certain book pushed things a little too far.Alongside the hot takes, we dive into Lola’s writing journey, balancing motherhood with being an aspiring author and how she’s trying to bring a fresh perspective to romance with her idea centred around five brothers.Expect strong opinions, relatable moments, and a conversation that swings from classic literature to the realities of modern booktok.

In this episode of Book Besties Club, I’m joined by indie author KC Blackwell to talk about her book Escape and the story behind it.We chat about writing a book that truly represents you, turning real-life experiences into fiction, and what it’s like bringing a story to life, including working with A-list voice actors on the audiobook.KC also opens up about the personal inspiration behind Escape, including the influence of friendship, loss, and writing something she wishes she’d had earlier in life.It’s an honest, fun conversation about storytelling, representation, and the reality of being an indie author, with a little bit of chaotic bookish energy thrown in (including why she bites her own book when she’s excited).Perfect for fans of book podcasts, indie author interviews, and behind-the-scenes of writing and publishing.

I went to Fiction Fest UK not really knowing what to expect… and left with so much more than just books.In this solo episode, I’m sharing my full experience. From feeling nervous walking in, to meeting incredible authors, picking up five signed books (oops), and finding myself sitting at the Besties Bar making friendship bracelets with complete strangers.I also talk about a moment that genuinely pushed me out of my comfort zone, sharing my own book blurb and how the reaction completely changed my mindset.Plus, you’ll hear from other attendees as I asked them about their experience on the day.This wasn’t just a book event. It felt was a community.If you’re thinking about going next year… this is your sign.Make sure you’re following Fiction Fest UK to stay updated.

In this episode, I’m joined by author Joseph Ball to talk about Growing Pains, a powerful fictionalised memoir inspired by his childhood in a neglected household.What started as something deeply personal, written to help his daughter understand his upbringing, has grown into a story that’s now resonating with readers far beyond his own family.We talk about turning pain into purpose, the reality of being a traditionally published author and the surreal “Hannah Montana” moment of launching your book in Waterstones one day… and going back to normal life the next.This is a conversation about honesty, identity, and writing something that makes people truly feel.

If you’ve been seeing Fiction Fest UK everywhere and wondering what it’s actually all about… this episode is for you 👀I sat down with the creators of Fiction Fest UK (Liv, Jess and Ellen) to talk about how it started, what goes on behind the scenes, and what readers can really expect from the event.We also get into what makes book festivals so special, the community around them, and why this one is getting so much attention right now 📚Whether you’re an avid reader, part of the BookTok community, or thinking about going to a book event this year… you’re going to love this one 🎧

You know when everyone is obsessed with a book… and you’re just not feeling it? 😅This episode is a really honest chat about going against the grain. From questioning the hype around Dear Debbie and Never Lie by Freida McFadden, to not being a romance reader at all.We also talk about:•Starting reading in October and falling into it fast•Finding hidden gems outside the algorithm• Unexpectedly loving Dungeon Crawler Carl!If your taste doesn’t match BookTok… you’re not alone!

Welcome back to Book Besties Club 🎙📚This week I’m joined by author Ella Ray, and honestly… this episode is for the readers who just want to escape reality for a bit.We chat all about: • Writing fantasy as a form of escapism• Creating a main character who’s a little… unhinged• Writing an entire first draft in a WEEK thanks to hyperfixation• The reality of being an indie author (and why it can feel lonely)• And of course… why we’d all love to live in the A Court of Thorns and Roses world… but probably wouldn’t survive it 👀If you love fantasy, chaotic characters, and behind-the-scenes author chats, then this one’s for you.🎧 Listen now & join the Book Besties Club

In this episode, we’re getting brutally honest about reading opinions that might get us cancelled 👀From the book that completely changed everything (Onyx Storm… I’m looking at you) to the tropes and characters that just aren’t doing it for us.We chat about:-Reading 92 books in a year (and the 120-book goal 👀)-Why cowboy romance just isn’t hitting-The Freida McFadden twists we love… and the ending that completely missed-The Shatter Me DNF you might not expect-And yes… Tamlin playing the fiddle (we need to talk about it)If you love chaotic book chats, hot takes, and unfiltered reader opinions, this one’s for you!

In this episode of The Book Besties Club Podcast, I’m joined by the brilliant minds behind WeInk, the app shaking up the reading and writing world.We start by diving into their personal reading habits, writing journeys, and the stories that shaped them as creatives. Then, we get into the heart of it: WeInk. How it works, what makes it different, and why it’s changing the way readers and writers connect.If you’ve ever wondered what the future of storytelling looks like, then this is the episode for you.Follow along for future episodes weekly mon/thurs 🎙

Welcome to episode 4 of The Book Besties Club Podcast! 🎙In todays episode, I am joined by the lovely Jemma, an avid reader and fellow booktoker who loves a good historical fiction... countered by her love of trashy romances 🩷We discuss popular booktok books, underrated genres, Robert Pattinson ruining Twilight and more!Tune in to hear all about it and make sure you are following along for episodes weekly on mon/thurs!

🎙️ Author Interview: Vicky Nolan on Scrapbook of an Unfound SongstressIn this episode of the Book Besties Club Podcast, I’m joined by author Vicky Nolan to talk about her memoir Scrapbook of an Unfound Songstress.At just 15 years old, Vicky signed a record deal and stepped into the music industry with dreams of becoming a pop star. But behind the opportunity came unexpected challenges, including legal battles and the harsh realities of the industry.We discuss the story behind the book, her journey through music and writing, and the lessons she learned from chasing a dream at such a young age.If you love author interviews and discovering the real stories behind books, this episode is for you.Make sure you are following along for weekly episodes on mon/thurs.

Welcome to episode 3 of The Book Besties Club Podcast 🎙📚In todays episode I am joined by the lovely Beth, an avid reader and fellow booktoker, who has a few controversial hot takes...We discuss DNF and NRN'ing books (iykyk), controversial ACOTAR/TOG opinions and what books made Beth sob! Tune in to hear all about it and make sure you are following along for episode weekly on a mon/thurs!

Welcome to episode 2 of the Book Besties Club Poscast 🎙📚In todays episode, im joined by the lovely Candace J Boswell, an avid reader and debut author of the novel "Its always been us", releasing 17th March.She tells us all about the books that inspired her, the writing process, real life inspiration behind the book and how she managed to land a 3 BOOK DEAL with Varus Publishing 🥳Tune in to hear all about it and make sure you follow along for episodes weekly on mon/thurs!

What happens when two readers sit down and say what everyone’s thinking about BookTok… but won’t say out loud? 👀In this episode, I’m joined by Liv for a completely unfiltered chat about:• The books BookTok got right (and VERY wrong…)• Our latest 5⭐ reads•Thriller favourites we can’t stop thinking about• And yes… some controversial ACOTAR opinions 👀🔥If you love reading, honest opinions, and a bit of chaos, then this is your kind of conversation.🎧 Follow the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes!

Welcome to The Book Besties Club! 📚