The Novel Ideas Sisters

We’re pressing play on passion, vengeance, and a whole lot of morally grey mayhem as we dive deep into Game On by Navessa Allen 👀🔥Join your favourite bookish sisters as we unpack the deliciously dark world of dark romance—the men we can’t help but love, the lines that get blurred, and the joy of Navessa Allen’s dark but hilarious world!We’re not alone either! Our behind-the-scenes queen, producer Beth, steps out from the shadows to share her hot takes 🎧✨ plus our bookstagram bestie Charese (who can be found @charese_reads on Instagram and TikTok) joins the chat for some seriously fun (and slightly chaotic) commentary you won’t want to miss.Expect laughs, gasps, and maybe a few “did she really just say that?” moments as we break down Game On and the genre that we’re learning to loveSPOILERS: Specific discussions around the plot of Game On by Navessa Allen and the other Into The Darkness books, begin at 8:30 and continue until 47:10. Please consider skipping this section to avoid spoilers.TRIGGER WARNINGS for this episode (and book) include: gambling, alcohol and drug use, mafia and serial killer discussions, food insecurity and restriction, bullying/coersion/threats, chronic illness, description of car accident, amputation, child abuse and neglect, cheating, kidnapping, blackmail, death of a parent, explicit sexual content. Other books recommended/mentioned include:Under Your Scars by Ariel AndersonRites of the Starling by Devney PerryThrone of Nightmares by Kerri ManisclacoThe Into The Darkness series by Navessa AllenThe Never After series by Emily McIntyreThe Monster series by Rina KentGod of Fury by Rina Kent

Welcome back to The Novel Ideas Sisters, where sibling chaos meets serious bookish debates 📚✨This week’s episode, The Battle of the Tropes, is exactly what it sounds like… and then some. We’re going head-to-head, trope by trope, each bringing our ultimate book pick to the table. The rules? Simple.We’re each assigned the same trope.We each nominate a book.And then… we fight for our lives (dramatically, of course) to prove why our pick is the superior example.Expect passionate arguments, questionable logic and a few resigned forfeits. We’re likely to convince each other but will we convince you? That’s the real battle.So grab your TBR, pick a side, and prepare to defend your favourite tropes—because this is Battle of the Tropes. 🥊📖Books recommended/mentioned include:In Her Own League - Liz TomfordeHouse In The Cerulean Sea - TJ KluneRosewood River Series - Laura PavlovThe Chase - Elle KennedyDown Pour - Maggie GatesHappy Place - Emily HenryPlay With Me - Becka MackDone & Dusted - Lyla SageThings We Never Got Over - Lucy ScoreBusiness Casual - B. K. BorisonThe Deal - Elle KennedyYours Truly - Abby JiminezOut On A Limb - Hannah Bonam-YoungSlapshot Surprise - Melanie HarlowCaught Up - Liz TomfordeMaggie Moves On - Lucy ScoreNot In Love - Ali HazelwoodProblematic Summer Romance - Ali HazelwoodJust For The Summer - Abby JiminezGloves Off - Stephanie ArcherLovelight Farms - B. K. BorisonButcher & Blackbird - Brynne Weaver

Your favourite sister duo is back and thriving — because we’re talking all things Liz Tomforde’s latest release, In Her Own League ⚾ and WOW do we have a lot to say.From swoony moments to sharp takes on sexism in professional sports, we’re breaking down exactly why this book had us kicking our feet one minute and ranting the next. Naturally, we spiral (in the best way) into a full-blown love letter to the sports romance genre — because at this point, it’s not just a phase, it’s a lifestyle.We GUSH over the absolute greatness that is the Windy City series and where In Her Own League fits into the banter, elite-level tension and goregous MMCs (hello Daddy Monty! 🥵) we’ve come to expect.Get ready for high-energy sister banter, a couple of delightfully off-the-rails tangents, and lots of laughs throughout.So grab your headphones, and maybe a jersey for the vibe — it’s about to get sporty🥇SPOILERS: Specific discussions around the plot of In Her Own League by Liz Tomforde begin at 16:20 and continue until 44:45. Please consider skipping this section to avoid spoilers.Other books recommended/mentioned include:The Windy City series by Liz TomfordeBetter Days - Claire ZornWell, Actually - Mazey EddingsVancouver Storm series - Stephanie ArcherHeated Rivalry & Long Game - Rachel ReidDC Stars series - Chelsea CurtoPlaying For Keeps series - Becka MackLove Song - Elle KennedyProblematic Summer Romance - Ali HazelwoodDeep End - Ali HazelwoodCarrie Soto is Back - Taylor Jenkins Reid

In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most beloved—and debated—bookish tropes: enemies to lovers. What actually makes a story true enemies to lovers? Is it witty banter, deep rivalry, or genuine hatred that slowly transforms into attraction?We explore the key characteristics that define the trope, from intense tension and sharp dialogue to the slow shift from conflict to connection. We also talk about why readers are so drawn to this dynamic—and whether the trope is sometimes overused or incorrectly marketed in modern romance.Is every couple who argues really enemies to lovers? Or has the definition been stretched too far? Join us as we break down what makes this trope work, when it falls flat, and why the journey from hate to love continues to capture readers’ hearts. 📚🎙️Other books recommended/mentioned include:Kingdom of Ash - Sarah J MaasA Court of Frost and Starlight - Sarah J MaasYou Between The Lines - Katie NaymonThe Crimson Moth duology - Kristen CiccarelliFourth Wing - Rebecca YarrosSerpent and the Wings of Night - Carissa BroadbentTourist Season - Brynne WeaverThe Book of Azreal - Amber V. Nicole

What happens when you give two opinionated sisters microphones and a dragon-sized pile of unanswered questions? Chaos. Beautiful, bookish chaos.In this episode of The Novel Ideas Sisters, we DEEP DIVE headfirst into the Empyrean series to unpack our wildest theories and boldest predictions. From who the brother is and second signets, to who will be the next to die and wtf is going on with Asher Sorrengail, nothing is off the table.Expect spoilers, squealing, and at least one theory we’re way too confident about. Whether you’re a casual rider or fully bonded to this series, come speculate with us before the next book proves us right… or spectacularly wrong.🎙️ Dragons. Destiny. Delusion. Let’s theorise.SPOILERS: If you have yet to finish reading, Fourth Wing, Iron Flame and/or Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros, please consider giving this episode a miss to avoid being spoiled. Please come back to listen when you've finished reading though and join us in our delusions!Other books recommended/mentioned include:Direbound - Sable SorensonThe Legends and Ashes of Thezmarr - Helen Scheuerer

Lights, camera, paperbacks! 🎬📚Recorded during a cosy staycation night-in, with a glass of wine firmly in hand, this episode sees the Novel Ideas Sisters diving into the magic (and mess) of book-to-screen adaptations. From adaptions past and future, to Netflix’s recent release of People We Meet on Vacation, we talk what worked, what surprised us, and whether the screen can ever fully capture bookish longing. We even get a little unhinged, making our own fantasy TV series/film pitches based on a novel of our choosing. Expect passionate opinions, a little literary snobbery, and a lot of love for stories that refuse to stay on the page.SPOILERS: Specific discussions around the plot and scenes from both the novel People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry, and the film of the same next, begin at 8:25 - please skip ahead to 27:30 to avoid any potential spoilers regarding either of these.Other books recommended/mentioned include:On The Wings of Blood - Briar BoylenEmily Henry’s entire catalogueThe Games Gods Play - Abigail OwenButcher and Blackbird - Brynne Weaver

It’s time for our 2025 (Reading) WRAPPED! 📚✨ In this special end-of-year episode, we’re looking back at the books that defined our reading year. From unforgettable favourites across a wide range of genres and tropes to the stories we couldn’t stop thinking about long after the final page, we’re breaking it all down with plenty of passionate recommendations, surprises, and reflections along the way. Whether you’re looking to add to your TBR, revisit the highlights of your own reading year, or just love talking books, this episode is a celebration of everything we read and loved in 2025.Grab your headphones, grab a book, and let’s wrap up the year—one novel idea at a time. 🎧📖This episode aims to not provide too many spoilers HOWEVER, if you wish to avoid any chance of this, the books we discuss are listed below:Left of Forever by Tarah DewittThe Seven Year Slip by Ashley PostonThe Knight and the Moth by Rachel GilligOnyx Storm by Rebecca YarrosRewind It Back by Liz TomfordeIron Flame (Dramatised Adaption) by Rebecca YarrosPowerless by Lauren RobertsThe Wrath of the Fallen by Amber V NicoleBourbon and Proof by Victoria WilderCall Me Yours by Elizabeth BrightThe Last Page by Katie HoltThe Heir by Sophia TraversThe Book of Azrael by Amber V NicoleOnly In Your Dreams by Elle K WildeBreathe With Me by Becka MackFourth Wing by Rebecca YarrosThe Assassin’s Blade by Sarah J Maas Fearless by Lauren RobertsWild and Wrangled by Lyla SageTourist Season by Brynne WeaverCaught Up by Navessa AllenGetting Schooled by Emma ChaseButcher and Blackbird by Brynne WeaverPiper RayneBella MatthewsDirebound by Sable SorensonNightshade by Autumn WoodsSlipstream by Madge MarilAshley PostonThe Serpents and the Wings of Night by Carissa BroadbentShield of Sparrows by Denvey PerryPS I Hate You by Lauren ConnollyNext of Kin by Hannah Bonam-YoungPitcher Perfect by Tessa BaileyA Court of Thorns and Roses Series (Dramatised Adaptions) by Sarah J MaasSlapshot Surprise by Melanie HarlowHat Trick by Chelsea CurtoGloves Off by Stephanie ArcherDire Bound by Sable SorensonAudiobook Narrators mentioned include Anthony Palmini, Zachary Webber/Jacob Morgan, Samantha Bentmoor and Elizabeth Evans

In this very first episode of the podcast (recorded back in November of 2025), we’re starting with a NOVEL DEEP DIVE into Breathe With Me by Becka Mack 🏒—one of our most anticipated reads from 2025. We talk about why it was such a successful conclusion to the Playing For Keeps series and how the characters made us laugh 😆 and swoon 😍 and cry 😭 all at once! Whether you’ve already fallen in love with this story or it’s still on your TBR, join us as we breathe through the feelings together.SPOILERS: Specific discussions around the plot of Breathe With Me begin at 17:08 - please stop listening at this point if you wish to avoid any spoilers.Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of fertility struggles and mental health topics, including emotional distress. Listener discretion is advised, and please take care of yourself while listening (fertility discussions begin at 20:55).Other books mentioned include:Carry Me Home by Elizabeth BrightSongbird by Samantha LeighNever Over by Clare GilmoreHappy Place by Emily HenryA Court of Thorn and Roses Series by Sarah J Maas

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