Besties and the Books Podcast

Send us Fan MailToday’s episode is all spoiler free and fun vibes filled with unpopular opinions, hot takes, and even a bookish AITA! We’re doing our first book influencer interview and collab episode with none other than bestie of the pod: Kat over @littleblondebooks! We’re sure that you know her from her excellent book recommendations, impeccable taste in music, and her vegan advocacy over @littleblondevegan! Grab an Alani and join the party!Today she’s here to talk a little bit about herself, the book community she’s built, and her favorite books and authors, but we think the best way to get to know someone is just by inviting them to a hang and chill sesh, so that’s what we did. And guys… turns out Kat has now been hired as our third cohost because we couldn’t stop the yapping! (We joke… but honestly, if we did want a third cohost (or to start a band), Kat, you’d be her. 🫶🤘)You guys love unpopular opinions, smash or passes, unhinged questions, and am I the a hole situations… so this episode is us talking ALL of those things. Kat even springs some on us that we didn’t prepare for ahead of time, and boy was it fun! We hope you love this episode and feel like hanging out with your book girlies heals you, cuz we know that’s what it does for us!  We’re bring you all this and of course a few FMK sessions for good measure! Follow Kat over  @littleblondebooks on IG! | https://www.instagram.com/littleblondebooks?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley & Liz are Both Wearing our Besties Antisocial Crow Gray Zip Hoodie: https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com/products/zip-hoodie-grey-besties-anti-social-crowAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. ThankSupport the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailRemember two years ago (almost to the day!) when this new dragon book came onto the Romantasy scene called When The Moon Hatched, we voted for it as a Besties & the Book Club read (going in completely blind), and it took us all by storm?! Well, we do! We’re here today to officially deep dive When the Moon Hatched by the amazing Sarah A. Parker to finally do one of our favorite dragon books of all time justice. Hey… it might even be our most favorite dragon book to date. Just sayin’… The world building is insane, the magic system complex, the writing immaculate, and the CHARACTERS?! Don’t even get us started on Raeve and Kaan… they are unmatched.However, we understand that this isn’t necessarily a book that everyone can digest easily. This was a reread for both of us and as we took notes, looked over the index, and mapped this episode out for you it became increasingly clear exactly how much vital info. we missed the first time. So today is all about recapping, talking our faves and fails dragon edition, sharing lore, speculations, and Easter eggs with you in preparation of the release of book two in the Moonfall Series: The Ballad of Falling Dragons out on May 19th!If you’ve already read it and you need a refresher, we hope this helps! If you’re new to Moonfall and you want our spoiler free reviews at the top of the episode, we’ve got you! And don’t forget to jump into our free Fable book club chat for When the Moon Hatched (book two coming soon!) if you need to debrief and check out our initial reactions to book one at the beginning of episode 11! YES, ELEVEN. Linked below. Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing a Fly or Die Dragon T-shirt from @CaffeineandCurses | https://caffeineandcurses.comLiz is wearing “I’m a Book Dragon” Clash of Tides tee from the Author Alivia Maar @livesbookshelf (gifted in PR)Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailOur 2026 Classics Series is coming to a close with today’s very special episode covering not only the 1868 novel Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, but also the 1994 and 2019 film adaptations. We deep dive, rate and review, and rank them all. Was the book our favorite this time around? Or did Christian Bale’s hair or Greta Gerwig’s feminist-leaning script steal our hearts?  This episode is our response to the many things that so many female authors across centuries have been using literature to say. Women’s lives are important when examining the simple mundanity of their day to day experiences, as well as their extraordinary contributions and achievements. Not just because we are people, but because to exist in society as a woman is to understand that our personal lives are never separate from politics, religion, gender constructs, economics and all the other systemic influences that determine one’s position. All three iterations of this amazing story hold such important lessons and criticisms, not unlike the other two novels we previously covered: Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights and Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. We hope that you enjoyed our reading guides as well as our deep dive coverage into these classic novels because we plan to cover more next year!ANNNND… Stick around till’ the end for some fun Little Women lore and our very first announcement of what HIGHLY REQUESTED and POPULAR dystopian science fiction series we’ll be covering this summer, beginning in July! We’re switching gears and we hope you’ll join us.Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJ____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing:  A Troop Beverly Hills Sweater from @Etsy | * https://go.magik.ly/ml/2g6nn/ Liz is wearing :  An Impressive Wingspan Crop Tee by @downthebondofficial | https://www.downthebond.com/product-page/impressive-wingspan-baby-tee | Code: BESTIESANDTHEBOOKSAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailDid you read The Hunger Games or Divergent and love it with your whole heart but want more adult romance… or maybe even some fantasy? Do you love dystopian shows like The Walking Dead and Fallout but wish the entire time for those main characters to just kiss already!? We know we’re not alone in this, and we know that Above the Ashes by K.M. Lister, book one in her Survivors of the Smoke series, will scratch that itch.Today’s episode is our follow up deep dive into this dystopian romantasy after our spoiler free author interview! We talk about all things post-apocalyptic and dystopian with one of our favorite indie authors, get to know her story and inspiration, and discuss themes, sequels, characters, and even some fun announcements. So today we’re diving into ALL the spoilers, giving our five sentence summary and reviews, and basically convincing you all to read this book!Above the Ashes has multi-pov, found family, hidden identity, witches, fae, a curse, multiple realms, a slowww burn, and all the amazing world building we expect from the first fantasy book in a series! It leaves us with an amazing cliffhanger and the promise that book two will take us to other realms and expand this dystopian hellscape in the most unique ways. And we cannot wait! Stick around for all this, a fave and fail Disney cruise and upcoming reads edition, and a smash or pass with a really big lumberjack selling paper products, and a classic tiger from a childhood classic.Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out our interview with K M Lister ⬇️https://youtu.be/lgcGfz_NxXY?si=mBNyhs1l8FCC6OS8Check out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbCheck the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing: Besties and the Books merch and a custom jersey made by Etsy account: @CustomJerseyGoodLiz is wearing :  A “Books are Trashy” tank by @darkanddisturbedshop | https://darkanddisturbedshop.com/products/trashy-micro-rib-racer-tank-top?_pos=3&_sid=eccd2768a&_ss=r | Code: VEGAN10Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailLet's travel back to Oz in this West of Wicked Book! The day we’ve been waiting for since we started this podcast has come… the day when one of our favorite authors of all time’s people pop into OUR inbox to talk with our people (just us) for some crazy reason and invite us to yap about her new book. After we passed away, revived ourselves, and regained composure we immediately sent an email back to let them know that yes… we’d love to have NIKKI ST. CROWE on to promote West of Wicked! Today we’re completely fangirling over chatting with originally indie published and now trad published queen of spicy Romantasy reimaginings Nikki St.Crowe! We’re here to celebrate her newly released spicy Oz retelling: West of Wicked, book one in The Great and Terrible Land Series!  Think: Oz but Dorothy is badass, there are four witches, and the tinman, scarecrow, lion, and wizard are hot AF… You know, just exactly what all of us fairytale girlies have been fantasizing about our entire lives. Today's episode will be completely spoiler free, so stick around to get to know Nikki better and to find out what you’ll be getting into when you pick up West of Wicked, or any of her other spicy fairytales, like her Vicious Lost Boys Series which begins with The Never King. We talk about what inspires her, how the transition from indie to trad publishing has been, themes, strong female characters, her audiobooks being unmatched in the romance genre, and what she has planned for the future.Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making this possible. Follow Nikki on Instagram for the latest updates https://www.instagram.com/nikkistcrowe?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==Get your copy of West of Wicked today! https://go.magik.ly/ml/3pvxs/Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Check out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbCheck the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing a Wicked OZ shirt from @TrendyStreetCouture but no longer makes this t-shirtLiz is wearing our Besties and the Books Cropped hoodie from our Merch Drop | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com/en-usd/products/cropped-hoodie-besties-anti-social-crowAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailWe read Little Women and we want you to too! Even if after all is said and done we feel the unrelenting urge to store this beloved text in the freezer instead of on the bookshelf. IYKYK… and if you don’t, you will soon. We promise. Welcome to our newest bonus series where we’re taking deep dives into some of the most beloved classics of our time. We kicked it off with Wuthering Heights, followed it up with Pride & Prejudice, and today we’re moving on to the final book in this classic series journey with our “Phone a Friend’ mini reading guide covering Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.We decided that rather than attempt to become overnight experts we would send an SOS signal out into the universe and rope a friend in to assist! So today Nicole @neuroticallybookish is here to flex her teaching skills and give us a little help with Little Women, providing us with the tips and tricks we need to really understand this novel. Nicole expertly breaks down the three character categories, the genre and themes, gives us some background on Louisa May Alcott herself, contextualizes the time period and relevant history, and gives us all her advice on how to truly immerse yourself in this story, and get the most out of it. We hope that you enjoy this bonus mini episode, and will join us for our future deep dive into the novel and movies! And don’t forget to go follow @neuroticallybookish for some more amazing bookish content! Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing:  A Anne of Green Gables T-shirt from Amazon | *https://amzn.to/41eXnA2Liz is wearing :  A “So Lorcan Did” Tank by @swoonandspineshop | swoonandspine.shopAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailWell, we’ve laughed, we’ve cried; we’ve gasped and screamed and waited with breath that was bated… and now here we are, at book six: Goldfinch, the final installment and official conclusion to the Plated Prisoner Series by Raven Kennedy. What an incredible journey this has been. So today, to commemorate the ending of our coverage, we’re bringing you our final deep dive AND our official book ranking, our rating of the series as a whole, our thoughts on the ending, and our premonitions for the future! We discuss our favorite and least favorite parts, characters, and tropes, but also get into deeper themes, feminist and societal issues addressed, and why this Romantasy series is particularly important (and one of our favorites of all time). We also talk audiobook deets, Goodreads reviews, and potential openings for a spin off series. And… we introduce a new tool in the Besties workshop: the Cryometer™.Yes, it’s a gauge designed to track and quantify how many tears Raven Kennedy collected from us during this 706 page rip-your-heart out finale. Tune in for all that, our recent Disney trip fave and fails and a smash or pass, rapid fire Plated Prisoner edition.Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Check out these narrator & author interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4+ so many more!____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing:  A Custom FireHeart Cropped Tee from @DownTheBondofficial | Use Code: BestiesandtheBooks for 15% | https://www.downthebond.com Liz is wearing :  The Female Gaze Petrifies the Men Crop Tank by @feralreaderco | https://feralreaderco.comAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailYou’ve heard us scream her praises over and over for the last two years and finally… She's here with a new book and big news to spill! K.M. Lister, the author behind one of our very favorite Romantasy rip-your-heart-out one offs The Shackled Serpent is here to chat with us about her newest release Above the Ashes, a post apocalyptic Romantasy and book one in her Survivors of the Smoke Trilogy. So sit back, get those book orders in, and prep to read with this spoiler free look behind the curtain!Above the Ashes is a dystopian post apocalyptic story about an FMC who cannot touch any living thing without turning it to ash. We have different realms, found family, a perfectly written slow burn, and a bleak landscape inspired by dystopian settings. Think: Fallout, but in K.M.’s version we might get some romance, a magic system, and some compelling world building with our horrific curse-riddled hellscape! We know you all will eat this up just like we did! We know that K.M. is an absolute master at making us feel ALL the feelings, and we can’t wait for you all to jump on this bandwagon. We talk about the writing process, self publishing pros and cons, additional works coming down the pipeline, character inspo, deep themes, and drop two BIG pieces of news. One is disguised as a smash or pass, and the other is an exciting announcement you’ll hear here first! Follow K M Lister on Instagram @EarthToKace  | https://www.instagram.com/earthtokace?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbCheck the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing:  a Twilight Vintage style t-shirt from LambComedy | * https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT9JWeP68q2yk-I0EzA/ Liz is wearing :  our Besties and the Books branded Cropped Hoodie | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailCrow fam… we need to talk. We read our very first Jane Austen novel ever: Pride & Prejudice, and we may have some unpopular opinions. Will the fandom (and possibly you, our dear listeners) be upset with us? I guess you’ll have to listen on to find out what us two gals had to say about this beloved classic, going in blind, with only ourselves and the crows to guide us. Just kidding! We also brought in a guide to help us through it. Sarah over @sarahsliteraryworld, our go to gal and “phone a friend” mini episode guest helped kick off book two in this classics series with our last bonus episode: “Pride & Prejudice for Dummies.” She goes over the basics like themes, characters, Jane Austen’s life, which movie adaptations are best, and any tips and tricks to make a first time read that much easier. So go check that out if, just like us, you feel like you might be missing something. Or a lot of things. Today we rate the book, the 2005 movie adaptation, discuss which we liked better, and discuss if it’s possible to respect an author and novel for its groundbreaking work and social commentary while also… possibly not loving it. We talk faves and least faves, tropes, themes, characters, and… what exactly was Jane Austen trying to say through this 1813 satire? And does it translate in 2026? We hope that you enjoy this bonus mini episode, and will join us for our future coverage of book 3 in the series: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Need more Halloween reads in your life? Find out if “Halloweentown for adults” with Gilmore Girls vibes might be for you with our Haven Ever After Hazel Mack Interview! https://youtu.be/-kDxchCTysw?si=KpEbcsCHAniU-JTS____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing:   “Once Upon a Broken Heart” sweater from @thebeanworkshop | BOOKBESTIES10 to save! | * https://www.thebeanworkshop.store/BOOKBESTIES10Liz is wearing :  An embroidered  Book Dragon Sweatshirt by @readbyerin_ | shopreadbyerin.comAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailToday we’re taking a deep dive right into book five in The Plated Prisoner Series by Raven Kennedy: Gold. This is the book in the series where the tone completely changes, our main characters are forced to evolve individually,while “side” characters get their legs, and breaking generational curses, healing trauma, and revolution are at the forefront. It’s the setup for the epic conclusion, and definitely reads as a “part one…” so how do we feel about that? We give you our spoiler free star and spice ratings and faves and fails, then dive into the five sentence summary (multi POV style), the tea on the audiobook and all our unfiltered thoughts, and then discuss themes, quotes, and why this book might be more difficult for some but is absolutely necessary to build character arcs, and pivotal overall to the series. Did we find Easter eggs? (Yes. Liz found two 😳.) Do we have unanswered questions? (LOTS.) What about plot holes? Are we excited to read the next one? (Scratching at our enclosures. No pun intended…)We dive into all this and more, plus a fave and fail with Alani Nu, mental health, and Dracula, and a smash or pass featuring a maybe beloved M&M and Scream King Lillard!Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing:  “Support Your Local Book Dealer” tee from @ShopWildeshadows | https://www.wildeshadows.comLiz is wearing :  A Carissa Broadbent Keraji tie dye hoodie but the shop is sadly out of business Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helpingSupport the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailWell, we finally read our first Jane Austen Novel… and OF COURSE it had to be Pride and Prejudice! We needed to know what the hype was about, and why this book is such a pivotal piece of the romance canon. What is that hand flex all about??!!Welcome to our newest bonus series where we’re taking deep dives into some of the most beloved classics of our time. We kicked it off with Wuthering Heights, and today we’re moving on to our Jane Austen journey with a cutie little crash course into Pride and Prejudice.We decided that rather than attempt to become overnight experts we would phone a friend! And today Sarah @sarahsliteraryworld is here to give us a little help with Pride and Prejudice as first time readers and helps provide us with the tips and tricks we need to really understand this novel. Sarah breaks down the Bennett family dynamics, the setting and timeline, gives us some background on Jane Austen herself, outlines central themes, and gives us all her advice on how to truly immerse yourself in this story. We hope that you enjoy this bonus mini episode, and will join us for our future deep dive into the novel and movies! And don’t forget to go follow @Sarahsliteraryworld | https://www.instagram.com/sarahsliteraryworld/ for some more amazing bookish content! Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing our merch:  Black Crop Besties Hoodie Liz is wearing our merch:  Grey Full Zip Besties HoodieShop the collection: https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no exSupport the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailWhat’s it like going to a bookcon? What are some tips and tricks we have to make the most of your romantasycon experience? We’ll tell ya! At the beginning of this year we set some podcast goals for 2026 and shared them with you all… and just a week later we were invited to join Fabled Fantasy Events for their 2026 Romantasycon event in LA as media partners! To go to a bookcon in a professional capacity was an absolute dream come true, and a way for us to really see that this is just the beginning! Because of you and all the amazing people we’ve met in the book world, we hope to do many more events in the future. So THANK YOU for listening. Without our Crow Cult we’d just be two silly ladies yappin’ about books… with you, we get to be a MURDER of crows yappin’ about books. 🤘Today we go over our faves and fails of the epic weekend, our tips and tricks for making the most out of your con experiences, and we talk about the highlights of the bookcon experience! We hosted a panel about mixing horror with Romantasy and got to interview Kaylie Smith, Erin A. Craig, Autumn Kraus, and Bea Northwick! Then we hosted a second panel about magic systems and world building with MM Parks, Adalyn Grace, Laura Thalassa, and JD Evans. Please go check all of these authors out and give them a follow -  It was an absolutely amazing experience and we can’t wait to do it again! To filming our 100th episode in our hotel room, to meeting all of you in the wild, to our Wuthering Heights obsession… it was a weekend to remember! We go over all of this and even dish advice for people in the media space working at a bookcon for the first time. Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our NEW Merch line | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com/promo/ROMANTASYCON (use code “ROMANTASYCON” to save on orders of $30+, expires 04/01/2026)Check out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley and Liz are both wearing: Our *NEW* “Sword of the Ugly Truth” cropped tee (also available in classic tshirt fit and cropped tank top) | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com/promo/ROMANTASYCON(use code “ROMANTASYCON” to save on orders of $30+ expires 04/01/2026)Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailToday we’re taking a DEEP dive right into book four in The Plated Prisoner Series by Raven Kennedy: Glow. What happens after the FMC realizes her power and lets her feminine rage free? And how does our MMC navigate that? This book is all about that transition… but just when we thought we could relax a little we’re thrown another major curveball and the rug is pulled out from under us (and every character) once again. 😳🤯We give you our spoiler free star and spice ratings and faves and fails, then dive into the five sentence summary, the tea on the audiobook and all our unfiltered thoughts, and then discuss why and how fantasy books can help us process hard things, believe in our inner strength and ultimately (with the right support system) rise from those mother-effing ashes, baby! Did we find Easter eggs? Do we have unanswered questions? What about plot holes? Are we excited to read the next one? DUH!!! We dive into all this and more, plus a fave and fail Ashley’s birthday, small business support, mystery finger injuries, and good old fem rage edition, and a smash or pass with clicking noises and a gold… member? Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger!  | https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing: a Twilight Vintage style t-shirt from LambComedy | *  https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT9JWeP68q2yk-I0EzA/ Liz is wearing :  “Climb the Mountain” white tshirt  from  @shopsecondbreakfastAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan Mail“We can cover Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë in one episode. It’ll be fine.” 😂Yeah, that used to be us. Until we read it… and watched it, and became aware of the insane amount of social issues this story dives into, what people had to say about that in 1847… and what they’re saying about it now. One episode naturally evolved into at least three episodes: the mini reading guide, the deep dive book vs. movie, and now our response to the insane amount of online discourse flying around regarding the new Emerald Fennell movie adaptation. Our “hot takes” if you will. And to be honest, there may end up being more episodes in the future because Wuthering Heights and “Wuthering Heights” are both BEASTS in their own right. Was Jacob Elordi the right person to cast as Heathcliff? Were race, class, and sex examined in depth? Was generational trauma, abuse and consent covered in a way that does the book justice? Is Heathcliff actually a villain in the story? Why is Nelly’s character so important in both iterations? We take it even further to examine why this movie is under such intense scrutiny, why others in a similar vein are not, why things created for women and by women are discredited repeatedly, and why romance is not only political, but how that may actually have been one of Emily Brontë’s goals… to encourage us to discuss and debate that very thing. Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews! ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews! ⬇️We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing:   “Anti Social Social Book Club” Besties and the Books Zip Up Hoodie | https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com/products/zip-hoodie-grey-besties-anti-social-crowLiz is wearing : “God is a Woman” Crop Tank by @feralreaderco | https://feralreaderco.comAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailToday is for the real MVPs. Just when you thought things over here at Besties and the Books Podcast couldn’t get any weirder… may we present to you our 100th episode filmed from our hotel room at Romantasycon Los Angeles 2026, slumber party style! We’ll be bringing you a full recap video of RomantasyCon Bookcon in all of its glory, but before then, please enjoy this “after dark” gardening 🌱💨 edition of the pod to get to know us even better. We play our version of the Newleywed Game, where Rucinda (our bestie and bts Bookcon assistant) moderates with questions like: “Name your bestie’s exact pizza order” or “Who would they take into Mordor with them?” Then we play the headphones game with popular fantasy questions… iykyk. And we end with a series of on the spot smash or passes.There are lots of laughs, some tears, and a whole lot of good vibes we’re sending your way for helping to get us to this milestone. Cheers to 100! And the next 100!Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)+ Shop our Merch line | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearingAshley is wearing: A grey Crescent City Zip Hoodie from  ⁨@caffeineandcurses7364⁩ | https://caffeineandcurses.com Liz is wearing :  Besties & the Books Pullover Hoodie & Special Edition Beanie | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailFamous last words: “We can cover Wuthering Heights in one episode. It’ll be fine.” 😂Yeah, that used to be us. Until we read it… and watched it, and joined the amazingly large and polarizing discussion about it on social media. Then it turned into at least three episodes. The mini reading guide, the deep dive book vs. movie (which is what we’re covering today), and at least one more episode responding to the HEAP of online discourse.The 1847 gothic tragedy, Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, and the 2026 Emerald Fennell movie adaptation have taken the world by storm, for better or for worse. And both pieces of media seem to elicit the same responses from critics: it’s either too much or not enough. Would Brontë be impressed or disgusted by this interpretation of her novel? Are there major problems with representation, point of view, and central themes? Is Wuthering Heights even a romance? Is it “smut?”We get into all our usual commentary on the book versus movie, we rate and review them both, break down the plot in 5 sentences, plus give a snippet of insight about the 1992 movie and the audiobook production. We even drop a few fun facts and answer the important questions like smash or pass Edgar or Heathcliff. Buckle up because this one is haunting us.Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews! ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews! ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbCheck the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing: “Anti Social Social Book Club” Besties and the Books Zip Up Hoodie | https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com/products/zip-hoodie-grey-besties-anti-social-crowLiz is wearing :  “God is a Woman” Crop Tank by @feralreaderco | https://feralreaderco.com/products/womens-micro-rib-racer-tank-top-5Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailToday we’re diving right into book three in The Plated Prisoner Series by Raven Kennedy: Gleam. This book has one of the most satisfying character arcs we’ve ever read, culminating in an ending we never saw coming. If you enjoy a good feminine rage story, prepare yourself to experience one of the most impactful instances of that trope in any Romantasy we’ve read to date! We give you our spoiler free star and spice ratings and faves and fails, then dive into the five sentence summary, the tea on the audiobook and all our unfiltered thoughts, and then discuss why and how fantasy books can help us process hard things and inspire us to believe in our inner strength and ability to grow into the powerful beings we’re meant to be. Did we find Easter eggs? Do we have unanswered questions? What about plot holes? Are we excited to read the next one? We dive into all this and more, plus a fave and fail about Wuthering Heights, Lord of the Rings, and Molly Moonplume.Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing: The Last Bookstore sweater from @TheLastBookstore in LALiz is wearing :  A Feminine Rage Crewneck by @darkanddisturbedshop | Code: VEGAN10 | https://darkanddisturbedshop.com/products/rage-crewneck?_pos=2&_sid=221487d37&_ss=rAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailWe’re fantasy readers! You can get us to believe anything! Almost… Today we’re unpacking all those things in fantasy and romance books that have us thinking… 🤔what the heck?! Is that even possible? I feel like that doesn’t make any sense…🤔Which for a group that is able to suspend reality to believe in magic, and dragons, and fae, and portals, says a lot. We’re talking about things like sexy time in fighting leathers, dragon 💩disposal, shirts on people with wings, not peeing after spicy time without getting a UTI… and being able to hear and communicate in battle? What about periods? Eating protein? NOT BEING ABLE TO FIT TWO HANDS AROUND IT?! We hope you enjoy the episode and it helps you feel seen. Do you have fantasy or romance probs you need to discuss? Shoot us a comment or DM and we’ll include it next time! Until then, enjoy our fave & fail book club reads edition, and a smash or pass with a burlap sack and a man who might just smell like Sex Panther.Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing: a Twilight Vintage style t-shirt from LambComedy | *  https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT9JWeP68q2yk-I0EzA/ Liz is wearing :  a “Read Responsibly / Trigger Warnings” Crew Sweatshirt from @darkanddisturbedshop  | Use Code: VEGAN10 | * https://darkanddisturbedshop.com/products/read-responsibly-crewneck?_pos=1&_sid=0d0ffa6e4&_ss=rAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailHave you officially jumped on the Wuthering Heights bandwagon yet? If you’re anything like us, reading this classic novel by Emily Brontë for the first time, you may find yourself thinking “WTF!?” on every other page, confused about the point of view, the narrator, the timelines, and the ghosts…? And we get it! So do not fret; we’ve got you! Welcome to our newest bonus series where we’re taking deep dives into some of the most beloved classics of our time, kicking it off with Wuthering Heights! We’re just in time for the new and controversial movie written and directed by Emerald Fennell… starring Margo Robbie and Jacob Elordi and marketed as “the greatest love story of all time.” 🤔We decided that rather than attempt to become overnight experts we would phone a friend! And today Rebecca @novelbakery is here to give us a crash course in Wuthering Heights and provide us with the tips and tricks we need to go into this novel with a leg up. Rebecca breaks down the main characters, the setting and timelines, gives us some background on Emily Brontë herself, outlines central themes, and gives us all her advice on how to truly immerse yourself in this story. And then answers the question: Is Wuthering Heights actually a romance? Follow Rebecca over  ⁨@NovelBakery⁩ | https://www.instagram.com/novelbakery?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==We hope that you enjoy this bonus mini episode, and will join us for our future deep dive into the novel and movies! And don’t forget to go follow @novelbakery for some more amazing bookish and baking content! Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing: Ashley is wearing our Besties and the Books Zip Hoodie | https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com/products/zip-hoodie-grey-besties-anti-social-crowLiz is wearing :  “I like my men tall, dark, and stabby” crew by @readbyerin_ | shopreadbyerin.comAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailToday we’re diving right into book two in The Plated Prisoner Series by Raven Kennedy: Glint. This book is the perfect journey story (both literal and figurative), and follow up to the polarizing book one. If you weren’t hooked by the end of Gild, we hope you’re hooked now, because these books have A LOT of important things to say. We give you our spoiler free star and spice ratings and faves and fails, then dive into the five sentence summary, the tea on the audiobook and all our unfiltered thoughts, and then discuss why and how fantasy books can help us process hard things like abuse and trauma in a safe, neutral space. And why Romantasy (and in particular Raven Kennedy) does that so well. Did we find Easter eggs? Do we have unanswered questions? What about plot holes? Are we excited to read the next one? We dive into all this and more, plus a smash or pass with our favorite treasure hoarder, and a luchador with a heart of gold. Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing!Ashley is wearing: Tye Dye Skeleton Hoodie | * https://go.magik.ly/ml/3hgv9/Liz is wearing :  Our Crop Besties & the Books Anti Social Book Club Hoodie | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com/en-usd/products/cropped-hoodie-besties-anti-social-crowAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailOur 2025 Reading Wrap Up 2.0 is here in all of its spoiler free glory! We’re giving you our one sentence star and spice rating for every book we read from July to December of last year, so get your pad and pencil out to add to your TBR… or to cross some things off… depending on how you look at it. We’re bringing you over 100 book reviews and then going over our yearly bookish goal recap from 2025 and reset for 2026.First and foremost, we want to thank each and every one of you for coming along with us on this amazing podcast journey. As we go over our bookish goals of 2025, we realize that we were able to cross SO MANY off the list because of you, like interviewing dream authors, reaching 1k on YouTube, and doing four bonus series! We’ve already accomplished one big one of 2026: moderating author panels at RomantasyCon! We hope to meet even more of our reading and podcast goals this year so we can continue bringing you fun content, and we know we will because of our book besties. 🖤We’ve got all that coming atcha before we finish strong with our bottom three and top three reads of the year, and end with a nostalgic smash or pass and some hot superhero action. Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger!  https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing: Our Anti Social Social Book Club Besties and the Books Zip Hoodie  | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comLiz is wearing : “Trigger Warning” Crewneck by @nerdstromdesigns | https://www.etsy.com/shop/NerdstromDesigns | Use Code: WIFE10And our exclusive branded Besties and the Book Beanie (DM for launch list)Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extraSupport the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailDo you love Audiobooks? Well, hold onto your buttz! Today we have a very special completely spoiler free interview episode for you. We’re bringing you something (someone?) new and exciting to go along with our deep dive series for the Plated Prisoner books by Raven Kenneny, going on now! We’re chatting with none other than the man behind our favorite voices…including THE Slade Ravinger… Anthony Palmini! Yes, you heard that right: he’s the voice of some of our most treasured MMC’s like Kingfisher from the Fae and Alchemy series by Callie Hart and Rhysand in the dramatized adaptation of A Court of Thorns & Roses by Sarah J Maas… and we want to know… how did he get here? He has a corner on the Romantasy shadow daddy market, and we need to know what that’s like? No pressure at all! And maybe if we’re extra lucky he might just show off his talents a little and answer some listener submitted questions! Anthony has over 10 years in the professional voice acting field, doing everything from voice overs for commercials, to audiobooks, to composing music for independent films. He does video editing and directing, writing for online production companies, video editing for brand names and television studios, and has even been part of a comedy troupe. We think it’s safe to say that he knows his stuff, and that’s the reason why he has become such a vital and beloved member of the book community. 👀👀👀Plot twist: WE WERE LUCKY! Stick around for the end of the episode where Anthony gives us a little somethin’ from each one of our favorite MMCs. 😏Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing:  “I’m a Book Dragon” Clash of Tides tee from the Author Alivia Maar @livesbookshelf (gifted in PR)Liz is wearing : Besties and the Books Cropped Hoodie from our Crow Merch Line | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailJust in case you haven’t heard… our first full length deep dive series for 2026 is none other than THE Plated Prisoner by Raven Kennedy! Today we’re kicking off this (at least) six-book, and seven-part journey with book one: Gild.We know that this series can be triggering, controversial, or even so slow to start (for some 😉) that it gets a “dnf.” We’re here to convince you to read it because in our not so humble opinion, it’s one of the most well-written, soul-crushing completed romantasy series out there, and it does not get the credit it deserves. Hey… it even has one of Liz’s top three book boyfriends OF ALL TIME. Don’t you want to meet him? These books take us on an intense journey through abuse, trauma, transformation, healing, self-discovery, empowerment, and love. We discuss the unique nature of a story that begins with a main character who’s job as a quite literal golden sex worker keeps her locked in a cage by a greedy and abusive king. And what it takes for her to attain freedom, literally and otherwise by finding her own power. We have everything from spoiler free star and spice ratings to the five sentence summary, important themes, most loved and hated plot points, tropes, and characters… and our incite into why this book is worth every page read. We hope you join us on this journey every other week (with a big bonus guest coming soon!) to see where Auren ends up. And don’t worry, we still bring you our faves and fails of the week and a smash or pass with a golden robot, and a crazed hottie…?Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing:  “Support Your Local Book Dealer” tee from @ShopWildeshadows | https://www.wildeshadows.comLiz is wearing : A Medusa “Female Gaze” Crop Tank by @feralreaderco | https://feralreaderco.com & A “Good Girl” Beanie by @little.Villians.shop | https://littlevillains.ca/products/good-girl-beanie-embroidery?srsltid=AfmBOoo2YA_vB825EKUtWAjXvy6voDESSyZvFJ7jc686Vs-KaTSgGkmuAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailWe’re baaaaAAAk! And we’re bringing you a very special episode to kick off the new year! Something we’ve never done in a standalone episode before… it’s a book versus movie showdown with a deep dive into The Housemaid by Freida McFadden and a comparison deep dive into the 2025 movie adaptation starring Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney. Which was better the book or the movie?Thrillers are a genre that we historically haven’t covered much here on the podcast, but the hype surrounding this story encouraged us to go down the rabbit hole… and boy howdy a new type of episode was born. We give you the five sentence summary with a "Did that happen in the movie?!” twist, and an on the spot “Which was better?” We give star and spice ratings for both (spoiler free!) and then go over the tropes, reviews, the characters, and our favorite book vs. movie moments.Do we understand the hype and fandom surrounding The Housemaid after doing the research? Are we reading more Freida McFadden books? And do we have unanswered questions… that only sequels can answer? Stick around for our yap sesh all about fem rage and what we hope movies like his can do for the film industry as a whole. But not before a new year's goal fave and fail and a smash or pass with a follow up and a… punk rock turtle? Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing: A Kejari embroidered sweater from @TheBeanWorkshop (use our affiliate code “BOOKBESTIES10”)  | * https://www.thebeanworkshop.store/BOOKBESTIES10 Liz is wearing : Our Besties And The Books Full Zip Crow Anti Social Book Club Hoodie https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com/products/zip-hoodie-grey-besties-anti-social-crowAnd a special edition beanie. DM to be added to the list! Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailIt’s the most wonderful time… of the year? Happy Holidays from us to you! We hope you’re surviving the chaos, insanity, and general family drama. So in true Besties & the Books fashion, we’re here to bring you some distraction and laughs to help carry you through the madness, and to remind you that you’re not alone… because “It’s Christmas and we’re all in misery!” (As the famous Clark Griswold would say.)In our last episode of the year, we’ve got everything from stripper discrimination, college-level microwave mac and cheese Christmas dinner, and DIY gift complaints… to the classics like absentee fathers, unconventional food choices… and headwear requests? Come with us on this journey to determine who the holiday a holes really are. Plus, we start with a fave and fail Christmas treat edition, give some holiday book recommendations, and end on a high note with a classical unhinged smash or pass.Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Need more Halloween reads in your life? Find out if “Halloweentown for adults” with Gilmore Girls vibes might be for you with our Haven Ever After Hazel Mack Interview! https://youtu.be/-kDxchCTysw?si=KpEbcsCHAniU-JTSPenn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing: A Velaris T-shirt from @TheBeanWorkshop (use our affiliate code “BOOKBESTIES10”)  | * https://www.thebeanworkshop.store/BOOKBESTIES10 Liz is wearing : “The Season” Crewneck by @darkanddisturbedshop (use our affiliate code “VEGAN10”) | https://darkanddisturbedshop.com/products/the-season-crewneckWe are both wearing a 2 PACK of ridiculous Santa hats from @ Amazon | * https://amzn.to/3MR6janAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailToday we FINISH our coverage of the entire Wicked universe and close our bonus “Are Books Political” series! And is Wicked Worth Reading?Wicked: For Good has officially been out for three weeks, and we are ready to yap about it with all of you. Which is better? The movies? The book series? Or the Broadway musical? We rank everything in the universe, give you our number one overall pick, and talk about all of the movie moments we thought were faves, and the ones that were fails.We discuss the completely different ending the books take and how that choice truly changed the tone of the entire story, if we have unanswered questions or “hot takes,” and if we think there’s more to come. If you’ve stuck around this long, enjoy a special treat at the end of the episode where we spill the beans on our next bonus series coming in February of 2026! We’ll give you two hints… Margo Robbie and Jacob Elordi may have inspired our choices. 😉Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMNeed more ACOTAR in your life? Cook your way through Velaris with the help of Chelsea Cole and her cookbook A Feast of Thorns & Roses. Check out our author interview here! https://youtu.be/fjzmqd-x3OA?si=kNJ4D9cxvUjhp-Ik____Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is wearing: a Besties and the Books Zip Hoodie from our Crowtember Merch line! | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com/products/zip-hoodie-grey-besties-anti-social-crowLiz is wearing: An Elphaba inspired “spicy cardigan” by Free People. | * https://go.magik.ly/ml/3duko/+ a Besties and the Books Exclusive Beanie (DM us to be added to drop list)Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailListen…Brimstone is here. Are we obsessed with the Fae & Alchemy series by Callie Hart? GUILTY. AS. CHARGED. Not to give anything away (including our spoiler free star and spice ratings) but we think it’s safe to say that there’s nothing better than Kingfisher in our eyes and ears, Onyx the perfect animal sidekick companion, and a one horse scene starring none other than Carrion… our favorite scoundrel. Take a deep dive into book two: Brimstone as we follow up our Quicksilver episode, and our interview with Callie Hart! We discuss how this book performed as a “middle book” in a series, if there are plot holes, unanswered questions, or theories we need to know more about as we anxiously anticipate book three! Was it chaotic like some middle books can be? Or do we feel satisfied with the ending it left us on? We have all of our favorite and least favorite parts, characters, tropes, quotes, and we even dive into the audiobook narration, our faves and fails of the week, and a very important smash or pass (for the official record). Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Need more Halloween reads in your life? Find out if “Halloweentown for adults” with Gilmore Girls vibes might be for you with our Haven Ever After Hazel Mack Interview! https://youtu.be/-kDxchCTysw?si=KpEbcsCHAniU-JTSPenn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing: our Besties and the Books Zip Hoodie | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com/products/zip-hoodie-grey-besties-anti-social-crowLiz is wearing : A “Light It Up” Crescent City T-shirt from @TheBeanWorkShop | * https://www.thebeanworkshop.store/BOOKBESTIES10And use our affiliate code “BOOKBESTIES10” for a discount!+ an exclusive Besties and the Books Beanie DM us to be added to release list Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailLiterally what in the actual heck is this episode? It’s all of us having a great time at the water cooler of the future, that’s what! Thank you so much to everyone who submitted unhinged bookish (and random!) questions for us to answer. It was truly a blast, and we hope you got to know us a little bit better. We got to know ourselves better, that’s for sure! 😭😂We answer all of the important questions like: what’s the most unhinged book we’ve ever read? Are we team “we were on a break?” What would our warning label say if we came with one? What would we do if we woke up as the last person on earth? We even go so far as to come up with our 5 Cult Commandments on the fly, at your request of course, and answer what we’d probably die from if we traversed the Oregon Trail. Oh… and would we go to Jurassic Park if we could?We rank the smashability of all the men of Friends, do a fave or fail bookish unhinged edition, and even discuss Ashley’s obsession with what we’re now referring to as “corn kernels from the ground.” We can’t stop laughing, and we hope that discussing how we’re crunchy and plain or spicy and round can give you a little more joy in your life. Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…) + Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing: Mickey’s Little Monster tee from @ Etsy | * https://go.magik.ly/ml/3d0br/ Liz is wearing : Emo Wife beanie from @puketheday | https://puketheday.com/products/emo-wife-knit-beanie-embroidery?_pos=1&_sid=7e389ba02&_ss=r And a “I Still Read Fairytales”Crew by @shadowboundspines | https://shadowboundspines.com/products/i-still-read-fairytales-just-for-the-villains-now-crewneckaAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailThis episode is chalk full of all the magical things we hope to receive this holiday season, including but not limited to: revenge on abusive fiances via honeyed ham cleaver, several foot long Krampus tongues, monster cages, Christmas tree farms, skiing sessions, and double penetration involving a college hottie and his… step dad? 😳It’s our unhinged, cringy Christmas novella episode, second annual! We picked two popular holiday smutty books under 150 pages and gave them a try to see if they lived up to the hype, were Christmas-y enough, and if the SMOT™ ratio was well balanced. Stick around if you want the 411 on Gifted to His Dad by J. Wilder and Cry for Krampus by Aiden Pierce. What are our spoiler free star and spice ratings? And should you add these books to your winter vacation TBR? We get into quotes, reviews, our summaries, and of course our deep thoughts and opinions. Then we also make sure to go over our own winter hopefuls, repeats from last year, and finish with a monster smash or pass involving a very tall and popular sweet angel baby and an animated classic.Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Check out these author interviews? ⬇️Need more Halloween reads in your life? Find out if “Halloweentown for adults” with Gilmore Girls vibes might be for you with our Haven Ever After Hazel Mack Interview! https://youtu.be/-kDxchCTysw?si=KpEbcsCHAniU-JTSPenn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing: Red Starboard Fae Hoodie from @LionheartThreads | * https://go.magik.ly/ml/27ucw/  | Use Code: LIZ15 to save! Liz is wearing : He Sees You When You’re Sleeping Crew by @darkanddisturbedshop | https://darkanddisturbedshop.com | Use Code: VEGAN10 to save! Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailToday we FINISH our coverage of the Wicked book universe by Gregory Maguire with the newest installation, released an entire fourteen years after Out of Oz: Elphie: A Wicked Childhood, the prequel to the original book!Told from Elphaba Thropp’s perspective as she navigates her early childhood and adolescence before starting her education at Shiz University, we watch as she discovers her magic and the injustices in larger society outside of her small village. We get an inside look at her relationships with Nessarose and Shell, and even get to pick up some Easter eggs along the way. Do we think this prequel is a money grab coming off the Wicked movie’s success? Or a true and genuine expansion of this rich universe? Check out our kickoff  “Are Books Political" episode all about why books and reading are inherently political and why it’s not only important to acknowledge this, but to read our favorite books through this lens. We concluded during our subsequent deep dive of all four books in the original Wicked universe that Maguire intentionally uses the fantastical to expertly critique issues like authoritarianism, colonialism, and racism, just to name a few. But does Elphie have the same impact and themes? Or does it fall short? In this episode we dive into book 0.5: Elphie. We give our spoiler free reviews, then get into our faves and least faves, and then discuss whether or not this book stayed true to the overtly political overtones that the rest of Maguire’s Oz books have, or if it took us in a completely new direction. Fantasy stories can be so much more than surface level storytelling, and often are. We’re here to discover why! Listen on for our reviews of book four, our deep dive reactions with five sentence summary, and fun facts about the Wicked Universe! And don’t worry, we saw the new movie! So tune in next Friday for our FINAL episode in this bonus series when we discuss the musical, the movies, and rank everything! Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Check out these author interviews? ⬇️We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4____Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is wearing: A Wicked tee from @Lambcomedy | *  https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTHTAWQJaYDDh-R24gJ/Liz is wearing: “I Still Read Fairytales” Crew from @shadowboundspines | https://shadowboundspines.com/products/i-still-read-fairytales-just-for-the-villains-now-crewneck?_pos=3&_sid=92d943db8&_ss=r+ a Besties and the Books Exclusive Beanie (DM us to be added to drop list)Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailIt’s that time again, where we ask and answer “Am I The A Hole” but this time its Thanksgiving Reddit Stories! In yet another installation of our fan fave series “Am I the A hole?!” holiday edition, we’re tackling Thanksgiving Day and all the completely unhinged problems that arise when friends and family get together to “give thanks.” And then as a bonus, we’re sharing our most favorite fall book recommendations and some hopefuls! If nothing else, we hope that listening to other peoples’ holiday family drama can help you relax and laugh amidst the chaos, and remind all of us that we’re not the only weird ones with crazy families. In short… you are not alone. 😂We’ve got a lot of folks with dinner TIME issues…should the turkey be served as more of a lunch situation, or is dinner better? Is it okay to start eating when someone is late? We’ve got a roommate who ate food from the fringe without permission, and of course people refusing to be the host and calling their family members straight up holiday idiots. It’s a well rounded bunch! And don’t worry, we’ve got Thanksgiving smash or passes with everything from yams to stuffing and a fave or fail food edition… Book Recommendations and Hopefuls Mentioned:The Witch of Tin Mountain by Paulette KennedyDarkly Madly Duet by Tricia WolfHouse of Roots and Ruin by Erin A CraigThe Witch Collector Series by Charissa WeaksThe Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk by Carissa BroadbentNocadia by Keri LakeSlewfoot by BromA Dowry of Blood by S T Gibson Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Check out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE____What we are wearing:Ashley is wearing A The Last Bookstore Hoodie from @TheLastBookStore | https://www.lastbookstorela.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq3HBJBrUE8WLmtkiHXhCzCCIo5jMkCKzl8Qi_FE42mQgKfQ9Or+ a Corn Hat from @Amazon | * https://amzn.to/4p1SgwQ Liz is wearing : A “Is Butter A Carb?” T-shirt from @candeecult+ a Pumpkin Hat from @Amazon | * https://amzn.to/48iagM8Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligibleSupport the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailToday we FINISH our coverage of the original Wicked Years 4-book series by Gregory Maguire with the finale: Out of Oz, told from the perspective of Elphaba’s granddaughter Rain as she navigates the world as a stowaway during a politically tumultuous turnover of power. Was the grand finale everything we hoped it would be after the blood, sweat, and tears we put in analyzing this extremely political fantasy journey? Stick around to find out! Check out our kickoff  “Are Books Political" episode all about why books and reading are inherently political and why it’s not only important to acknowledge this, but to read our favorite books through this lens. We concluded during our subsequent deep dive of Wicked (book one), Son of a Witch (book 2), and A Lion Among Men (book 3) that Maguire intentionally uses the fantastical to expertly critique issues like authoritarianism, colonialism, and racism, just to name a few.In this episode we dive into book four: Out of Oz, in which we see a conclusion for almost all the characters, and an ending that neither of us expected. Are we happy with the ending after all has been said and done? Who’s left ruling Oz? Is Rain following in the footsteps of her grandmother?We give our spoiler free reviews, then get into our faves and least faves, and then take you to political / philosophical town for one more big discussion about the central themes, and how Gregory Maguire uses fiction as a tool to analyze the real world. Fantasy stories can be so much more than surface level storytelling, and often are. We’re here to discover why! Listen on for our reviews of book four, our deep dive reactions with five sentence summary, and fun facts about the Wicked Universe! And don’t worry, we didn’t forget! After these books end, there’s only one book left to cover: the prequel Elphie which came out fourteen years after Out of Oz. Tune back in next Friday if you’re wondering if this new addition to the Wicked universe is worth the read! Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Check out these author interviews? ⬇️We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is wearing: A Wicked tee from Lamb Comedy | *  https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTHcMV23XxMXm-nPfQx/Liz is wearing: A Wicked The Musical Tees from Broadway | https://wickedthemusicalstore.com/collections/apparelAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailToday we’re bringing you our reviews and unhinged deeeep dives on two of the most “cringy” sounding Thanksgiving themed romance novellas we could find on Kindle Unlimited. As we continue this time honored tradition of bringing you the holiday smut, we want you to know that even if we don’t love it (but hey, we might though…) we’re happy if you do. Because there truly is something for everyone, even if that something is three turkey basters with the capability to impregnate you with their… juices. 🤷‍♀️😂Today we’ll be covering Basted by Abby Hunter and Home for the Gobble Days by Latrexa Nova. We have spoiler free star and spice ratings, what we loved, what gave us the ick, fun quotes, the SMOT™ ratio, and good old fashioned quotes, where quotes are due.The innuendos are strong, the Thanksgiving references aplenty, and the ghost pilgrim orgies might just surprise you with their subtle important message…so listen on if that, a fave and fail, and a smash or pass turkey day edition sounds like a nice break from the holiday madness. Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Check out these author interviews? ⬇️Need more Halloween reads in your life? Find out if “Halloweentown for adults” with Gilmore Girls vibes might be for you with our Haven Ever After Hazel Mack Interview! https://youtu.be/-kDxchCTysw?si=KpEbcsCHAniU-JTSPenn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing A Pumpkin Book Fall Thanksgiving Sweater from @BookBabeDesigns | https://bookbabedesigns.comLiz is wearing a Serpent and the Wings of Night Hoodie from @ Willow and Co (out of business :( ) Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailToday we continue our coverage of the Wicked 5-book universe by Gregory Maguire with book three: A Lion Among Men, the only book in the series primarily told through the point of view and perspective of an Animal. The “Wicked Years” move forward with spinoff stories covering all the major players in the political upheaval of Oz, and we’re diving into the “real” story of “the cowardly lion.”Check out our kickoff  “Are Books Political" episode all about why books and reading are inherently political and why it’s not only important to acknowledge this, but to read our favorite books through this lens. We concluded during our subsequent deep dive of Wicked (book one) and Son of a Witch (book 2) that Maguire intentionally uses the fantastical to expertly critique issues like authoritarianism, colonialism, and racism, just to name a few.In this episode we dive into book three: A Lion Among Men, released thirteen years after Wicked, which follows the life of Sir Brrr, disenfranchised Animal, Oz Sycophant, Dorothy companion, and ultimately a friend to the rebel cause as he grapples with what it means to contain all of these different identities in the politically broken landscape of Oz. Who were our favorite and least favorite characters and plot points? Was this book what we expected?  Do we think these books can be separated from politics just because they’re fantasy?  What philosophical questions are posed? And what literary devices does Maguire use to critique things like the use of propaganda by governments to sway public opinion and the subsequent construction of “history?”Fantasy stories can be so much more than surface level storytelling, and often are. We’re here to discover why! Listen on for our reviews of book three, our deep dive reactions with five sentence summary, and fun facts about the book that started the Wicked phenomena! Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKM____Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is wearing: “HER SISTER WAS A PRINCESS” Wizard of Oz Meme T-shirt from Trendy Street Couture | *  https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTH3MFMVbH1q2-YiF15/ Liz is wearing: Sanderson’s Sister tee shirt from Etsy | * https://go.magik.ly/ml/3b0rw/And a Besties and the Books Exclusive Beanie (DM us to be added to drop list)Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailJust in case you haven’t noticed… we are completely OBSESSED with the Split or  Swallow universe, created by the amazingly talented and hilarious Lindsay Straube. Last year we did a deep dive and our very first author interview with Lindsay covering all things Kiss of the Basilisk, and now we’re back to yap about the highly anticipated sequel Between Two Kings! Out today! Last week we had Lindsay on for a spoiler free interview picking her brain on what it’s like to go from independent to traditional publishing in just a short year, what we can expect from this sequel and the upcoming prequel (yay!), and what’s on the horizon, including book tours and new projects. Today we’re following up with a spoiler filled deep dive of Between Two Kings where we discuss everything, including the ending heard ‘round the world. We even include an exclusive clip of Lindsay addressing the ending and what it symbolizes for her, just in case any of you are dying to talk about it!! We know we were! Follow along for our official reviews, favorite tropes, characters, and themes, and what parts were maybe not our favorite. Do we recommend Between Two Kings? And if so, do we think YOU should pick it up? And as usual, we’re bringing you our fave and fail of the week and a smash or pass, monster style. Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…) + SHOP OUR NEW BESTIES and the BOOKS X CROW Merch! | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comPREORDER BETWEEN TWO KINGS: * https://amzn.to/47C8ULP Check out our coverage of the Split or Swallow Universe! ⬇️🐍⬇️Check out our *NEWEST* interview with the Serpent Queen herself, Lindsay Straube, all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=die5tQVTSH8wky7RWatch / Listen to our first official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMKiss of the Basilisk FULL DEEP DIVE https://youtu.be/R-iw4Bznxw8?si=nC5dNRD3QVpMdgpxAnthema Live Book Club Replay | ​​https://www.youtube.com/live/CVVmDm3Z-jA?si=COoGKDYN_F8rcXe2Check out these additional author interviews? ⬇️We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4What we are wearing:Ashley is wearing a Lord of the Rings "Even Darkness Must Pass" T-shirt from @etsy | * https://go.magik.ly/ml/2cqg0/Liz is wearing a Serpent and the Wings of Night Hoodie from @ Willow and Co (out of business :( )Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cosSupport the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailFirst EXCLUSIVE Author Interview with Lindsay Straube for Between to Kings is here!Just a short year ago Kiss of the Basilisk (or Split or Swallow for those of you who’ve been here since the beginning 🙌) took the romance literature world by storm! Lindsay Straube, known to many as @oxfordlemon on Instagram went from a hilarious meme account to self published bestselling author of one of the most unique monster romances to date, to a bestselling traditionally published author with a three book deal with Bloom Books in record time. We are so lucky to say that we brought Lindsay on as our first author interview and her first podcast appearance to talk all about her debut, and now we’re back to chat all about her insanely anticipated sequel Between Two Kings, available everywhere on November 11th! We are just a week away from release date and we cannot wait for you all to read this book! It gets a five star, five spice rating from both of us, and as you know, that’s essentially a perfect book! Stick around for a spoiler free interview with the incredibly talented woman behind the Split or Swallow universe! Our conversation goes deep into what it’s like to go from self publishing to “trad,” what new works are coming down the pipeline, how Between Two Kings is different from Kiss of the Basilisk, and at the end of the day, why Lindsay is still team Leo. Oh, and we make sure to include an eff, marry, kill, and a segment on what Lindsay has to say to the snake sex haters! It feels surreal to officially have authors we consider “friends of the podcast” but here we are. So give it up for Lindsay, the genius behind “the ritual” and now, “the sex-tournament” heard ‘round the romance world. And make sure to preorder your books, follow @oxfordlemon, and keep an eye out for our Between Two Kings deep dive, coming soon! Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…) + SHOP OUR NEW BESTIES and the BOOKS X CROW Merch! | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comPREORDER BETWEEN TWO KINGS: * https://amzn.to/47C8ULP Check out our coverage of the Split or Swallow Universe! ⬇️🐍⬇️Watch / Listen to our first official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMKiss of the Basilisk FULL DEEP DIVE https://youtu.be/R-iw4Bznxw8?si=nC5dNRD3QVpMdgpx____What we are wearing:Ashley and Liz are both wearing the Besties and the Books Cropped Hoodie from their Crow Merch Line | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailToday we continue our coverage of the Wicked 5-book universe by Gregory Maguire with book two: Son of a Witch! We’re diving into political fantasy like we never have before, just in time to watch Wicked for Good with all of you! Check out our kickoff  “Are Books Political" episode all about why books and reading are inherently political and why it’s not only important to acknowledge this, but to read our favorite books through this lens. We concluded during our subsequent deep dive of Wicked (book one) that Maguire intentionally uses the fantastical to expertly critique issues like authoritarianism, colonialism, and racism, just to name a few.In this episode we dive into book two: Son of a Witch, released ten years after Wicked, which follows the life of Liir, protege and possible son of Elphaba as he grapples with what it means to be a soldier, a “man,” a human, and a possible rebel and military deserter. Who were our favorite and least favorite characters and plot points? Was this book what we expected?  Do we think these books can be separated from politics just because they’re fantasy?  What philosophical questions are posed? And what literary devices does Maguire use to critique government structures like the military industrial complex, and the ensuing “isms?”Fantasy stories can be so much more than surface level storytelling, and often are. We’re here to discover why! Listen on for our reviews of book two, our deep dive reactions with five sentence summary, and fun facts about the book that started the Wicked phenomena! Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKM____Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is wearing: A Wicked Tee from Lamb Comedy | * https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTHcMV23XxMXm-nPfQx/Liz is wearing: “Spooky Feminist Witch” crewneck by @evelinesapparel on Etsy | * https://go.magik.ly/ml/3a97q/Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailIt’s that time of year again! Time to react to AITA Halloween Stories, time to put on our special surprise wigs, try not to laugh at literally everything we say, and give you guys the spoiler free Halloween rundown! We’ve got a spooky season fave and fail including a holiday meet cute, and the official Scream House, a smash or pass (fictional) serial killer / monster edition, and a whole lot of hilarious Am I the A Hole scenarios with one thing in common: Halloween. Are they justified for their outburst at being bested at a halloween costume contest by A DOG?! Is she the a hole for not telling her “super vegan” neighbor she was eating gelatin candy until it was too late? What about childhood trauma about a mom dressing up her daughter as… you guessed it… a HOTDOG?! We bring you all of these, and more, plus our seasonal book recommendations and fall hopefuls on our neverending TBR lists. See you there, ghouls! 🎃👻WATCH THE...1st Halloween AITA Special | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVM84DyKt0o&t=16sDon't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)+ SHOP OUR NEW BESTIES and the BOOKS X CROW Merch! | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMNeed more ACOTAR in your life? Cook your way through Velaris with the help of Chelsea Cole and her cookbook A Feast of Thorns & Roses. Check out our author interview here! https://youtu.be/fjzmqd-x3OA?si=kNJ4D9cxvUjhp-Ik____What we are wearing??Ashley is wearing a Sleepy Hollow Farms tee from Etsy | * https://go.magik.ly/ml/39wlb/ + a grey wizard wig from Amazon | * https://amzn.to/4qvDRtVLiz is wearing a Twilight “This is the Shirt of a Brat Bella” from @totallyicedout  | https://www.etsy.com/shop/totallyicedout+ a Marie Antoinette Wig | * https://amzn.to/47mtSOQ Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eliSupport the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailToday we begin our coverage of the Wicked 5-book universe by Gregory Maguire. We’re diving into political fantasy like we never have before, just in time to watch Wicked for Good with all of you! Check out our latest Tuesday full length episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1Z1NeJej2k all about why books and reading are inherently political, why it’s not only important to acknowledge this, but to read our favorite books through this lens, and how Maguire uses the fantastical to expertly critique issues like authoritarianism, colonialism, and racism. We also provide a bit of context by discussing what political happenings were taking place when Wicked was written, and what influences the Wizard of Oz and L. Frank Baum may have had on this more current work. In this episode we dive into book one: Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West in which we experience the hostile takeover of Oz by the Wizard, a fascist dictator, through the eyes of Elphaba, the flawed and ultimately the unfortunate martyr to the resistance. Who were our favorite and least favorite characters and plot points? Do we think these books can be separated from politics just because they’re fantasy?  What philosophical questions are posed? And what literary devices does Maguire use to critique government structures and the ensuing “isms?”Fantasy tales can be so much more than surface level storytelling, and often are. We’re here to discover why! Listen on for our reviews of book one, our deep dive reactions, and fun facts about the book that started the Wicked phenomena!WICKED Movie 1 VS Book? | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqvJvfaD61A Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKM____Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley and Liz are both wearing Wicked The Musical Tees from Broadway | https://wickedthemusicalstore.com/collections/apparelAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our pSupport the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan Mail“Are people born wicked? Or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?”Today we will be exploring the highly debated topics of whether or not books are inherently political, if politics can even be separated from literature (and fantasy) in general, and if the very acts of reading and publishing have been politicized. We will be exploring all of these questions through an intersectional feminist lens, specifically focusing on Gregory Maguire’s popular book Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, turned one of the longest running broadway musicals of all time, turned top grossing film adaptation of a broadway musical.There are five books in the Wicked universe that Gregory Maguire has released throughout the last 30 years and we are covering them all. Beginning this Friday with book one: Wicked, and followed by the next 3 in the original series, the prequel Elphie totaling five book deep dive episodes, and ending with our wrap up episode ranking all of the books, the series as a whole, the broadway musical, and the movie adaptations. We even timed everything just right so we can discuss the new movie with y’all! Today we dive deep into where the original Oz story came from, why and how books, publishing, and the very act of reading itself have been heavily influenced by political climate and decisions, and how this comes through in fiction and fantasy. We discuss political and historical decisions in relation to book bans, public education and literacy, the publishing industry, because fiction (fantasy included) cannot separate itself from the society, the laws, the constraints, and the limitations of its time. It exists within the context it is produced, and it acts as a reflection and often an intentional critique of the political climate and society it came from. AND that work itself can then influence for good or evil, change. We are here to enjoy these books, but we are also here to discuss how important they are to a greater conversation about humanity, good and evil, the origins of prejudice, free will, and the influence of power, among many other themes. We hope that by just talking these things out with you and each other, we can keep the IMPORTANT conversation at the forefront. That fighting with each other about whether or not books are political in the first place takes the focus off of the real questions these authors wanted us to ask. Or as Elphaba said: “Well that’s it, that’s all part of it. You can’t divorce your particulars from politics.”Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…) SHOP OUR NEW BESTIES and the BOOKS X CROW Merch! | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailToday we’re bringing you a deep dive follow up to a very exciting and mostly spoiler free author interview episode with Hazel Mack all about the monster romcom series that stole our hearts: Haven Ever After! We’ll be discussing all NINE books that complete this lighthearted happily ever after series including eight full length books, and one short novella. This series has every type of monster - gargoyles to vampires, witches to werewolves, and everyone in between… and they are ALL falling in love. Single dad, sports romance, enemies to lovers, fated mates, second chance romance, and he falls first are just some of the tropes we love. And don’t worry… every book is at least a 3-4 on the spice scale, despite the Gilmore Girls vibes. 😉We hope you’re going on this journey to the magical, sentient town of Ever with us. If not, there’s still time! We give a brief description of the series as a whole and then get into our least and most favorite moments, MMCs, FMCs, and couples, and even share notable quotes and an overall ranking of every book. Just read it, we promise you’ll love it! And then stick around for a good old fashioned fave and fail about vacation prep, good bookmail days, and a Ricky Bobby baby, and a smash or pass full of monsters! Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…) + SHOP OUR NEW BESTIES and the BOOKS X CROW Merch! | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comShop the Haven Ever After Series | * https://amzn.to/4gXbT5V  Check out on Instagram:Hazel Mack | https://www.instagram.com/hazelmackauthor?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==Anna Fury | https://www.instagram.com/annafuryauthor?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==Check out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKM____YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllixShop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing a Skeleton Jumpsuit Onesie from @RagsApparel | *  https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTH7BwcL3o2T7-KCRox/Liz is wearing a Blink 182 Skelly Tee from @hottopic | * https://go.magik.ly/ml/39av2/ Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailWe blinked and it’s suddenly spooky season again… and don’t you know we are not complaining about it! The leaves are turning, Home Depot skeletons are gracing the front lawns of every neighborhood in suburban America, and pumpkin cold foam is the highlight of our crisp mornings. It. Has. Begun. And for us fall girlies, that’s all we want in this life. Well, that and some good old Halloween peens. 🤷‍♀️🤭🎃We’re making it an annual tradition over here to pick two holiday “cringey” novellas to read and review, and of course Halloween kicks off this season of celebrations. Today we’re bringing you our thoughts on Hallowpeen by Holly Wilde and Burn for Jack by Aiden Pearce. We randomly chose two gems that Kindle Unlimited had to offer in the spooky smut space, and now we’re here to bring you the tea. We’ve got reviews, spice ratings, likes and dislikes… and whether or not we recommend diving into these short and sweet novellas. How unhinged and cringey are they really? We’ve got pumpkin headed hunks, gourd-like appendages, a man made of candy, and a pumpkin with touch her and die tendencies. What could possibly go wrong? Or right…? Stick around to find out, hear some Halloween faves and fails and a smash or pass, horror edition. SHOP OUR NEW BESTIES and the BOOKS X CROW Merch! | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comDon't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Check out these author interviews? ⬇️Need more Halloween reads in your life? Find out if “Halloweentown for adults” with Gilmore Girls vibes might be for you with our Haven Ever After Hazel Mack Interview! https://youtu.be/-kDxchCTysw?si=KpEbcsCHAniU-JTSPenn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKM____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing a Dancing Skeleton Pumpkin Heads reading tee from @BookBabeDesigns | https://bookbabedesigns.comLiz is wearing a Halloween Crew from @darkanddisturbedshop | Use Code: VEGAN10 to save! | https://darkanddisturbedshop.com Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailToday we have a very exciting and mostly spoiler free author interview episode for you! We’re chatting with independently published monster romcom, paranormal romance author Hazel Mack to celebrate the spooky season and to get us all in the Halloween mood! We’ll be discussing all things Haven Ever After, the monster romance series that unexpectedly got us into the genre with book 1: Getting it on With Gargoyles, and it’s the series we describe as “Halloweentown for adults” that we’ve been screaming at everyone to read!Hazel is the self published author of the lighthearted “Gilmore Girls-ish” monster rom com series Haven Ever After, and also writes omegaverse and dark shifter paranormal romance under the name Anna Fury. She’s a North Carolina native, fluent in snark and sarcasm, tiki decor, and is a phallic plant aficionado. She writes any time she has a free moment because the voices in her head wait for no one! When she’s not writing, Hazel loves to hike, bike, and spend time with her Mr. Right, seven year old tornado, and two lovely pit bulls. Stick around for an author fave and fail; find out what spicy monster love story shenanigans you’ll be getting into when you pick up any of the Haven Ever After Series, what other new series is on the horizon, who Hazel would smash or pass, and get to know the author behind the story! Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop the Haven Ever After Series | * https://amzn.to/4gXbT5V  Check out on Instagram:Hazel Mack | https://www.instagram.com/hazelmackauthor?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==Anna Fury | https://www.instagram.com/annafuryauthor?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==Check out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing a Vintage Style Hocus Pocus Bleached T-Shirt @ Etsy — https://go.magik.ly/ml/38n8u/Liz is wearing our Besties and The Books Zip Hoodie | https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailIt’s officially time to celebrate the release of the insanely entertaining contemporary treasure hunter romance that took Ashley and Liz by storm! Among the Cursed Gods by T.J. Lundin is out now and available to order on paperback and Kindle. Today we’re following up on our author interview with T.J. with a deep dive into the plot, tropes, characters, and as usual, our spoiler free star and spice ratings! T.J. is a friend of the podcast and the self published author of The paranormal romantasy series The Fates of Eporanios, and now, Among the Cursed Gods, a very steamy, tension filled race between rivals to find an ancient Peruvian artifact that can bring people back from the dead. Guys, we are screaming at you to read this book. It’s just so darn good. It’s everything we knew that we loved when watching movies like The Mummy, Tomb Raider and National Treasure but with (much more) spice, quippy banter, and a twist on an enemies to lovers story that we just ate right up. Go check out our author interview with T.J. to get some behind the scenes insight into her inspiration, her liberation and transformative experience writing spice, and potentially some teasers for future books. We hope that you enjoy this unique story as much as we did. And make sure to catch our faves and fails about our most recent audiobook experiences and a smash or pass that truly fits the treasure hunter theme! Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Check out these author interviews? ⬇️Indie Author Interview with T J Lundin | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWtTZso3tW0&t=11sWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKM____Bookish apparel worn in this episode!SHOP OUR NEW BESTIES and the BOOKS X CROW Merch! | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comAshley is Wearing: Cresent City “Through Love All is Possible” Necklace from Etsy | https://go.magik.ly/ml/34jkx/ Stacked with a chunky paperclip necklace from Pavoi | * https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTHWe2xAvSA1D-Gd280/Liz is Wearing: Good Girls Read Smut tee from a closed bookish shop. Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailToday we’re officially wrapping up and ranking everything in our latest coming of age miniseries covering the Anne of Green Gables 8-book collection by L.M. Montgomery, and the classic movie adaptations! And… announcing the POP-u-lar book series we’ll be covering for the fall. 😉We’re here to give you the “411” on everything from the most popular to the lesser-read books in the series, and answer the question of whether or not they’re ALL worth the read. Then we discuss the popular 1980’s miniseries and the subsequent year 2000 reboot. Did we love or hate them? Our opinions might surprise you! Check out our kickoff episode all about what the Bildungsroman is, why women and girls’ stories are so important for everyone to read, and how Montgomery expertly uses this book series to critique social and political issues of the early 1900’s, with an emphasis on women’s roles in society. We also provide a bit of context by discussing Montgomery’s life, and the political climate in Canada when this story takes place. Coming of age tales can be so much more than simple children’s books. We hope that you enjoyed our coverage of this beloved classic, and that it inspired you to pick it up for the first time, reread, or learn a little bit more about the social issues Montgomery used these books to examine! We know we did. Check out our Anne of Green Gables Playlist | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLmUGmwxrZs&list=PLHf5v0KOoZMk43z5cbKp6b9WVMXwsYWki&pp=gAQB Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Check out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKM____Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is wearing: Green Anne of Green Gables t-shirt from Amazon | * https://amzn.to/41eXnA2Liz is wearing: Grey Anne of Green Gables crewneck sweater from Amazon | * https://amzn.to/41JA1CB Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailDo you have any bookish confessions that you've been holding inside, waiting for the opportunity to share with a nonjudgemental group of silly girls just here for a good time? Skeletons in your closet… bookish habits that keep you up at night…things you could never tell to your own inner circle? Well, we’re here for you. You are not alone! Not only do we share our own biggest bookish confessions, we also make some up about iconic book characters for you (and each other) to guess, and then react to several that we dug up from the depths of reddit and threads. Have you ever not read the last page of a book because you loved it so much that you didn't want it to end? Bought the e-book copy when you already own the physical? Do you rate things on Goodreads based on what others might think or say? Have you ever buried a book? Yes.. you read that right. Buried. Nothing is off the table when we’re discussing your deepest, darkest bookish secrets.We’re bringing you all of this, a fave and fail vacation edition, and a smash or pass with some rocks and a plane.SHOP OUR NEW BESTIES and the BOOKS X CROW Merch! | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comDon't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Check out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMNeed more ACOTAR in your life? Cook your way through Velaris with the help of Chelsea Cole and her cookbook A Feast of Thorns & Roses. Check out our author interview here! https://youtu.be/fjzmqd-x3OA?si=kNJ4D9cxvUjhp-Ik____Ashley is Wearing: “Undead Readers Book Club” tee from @bookbabedesigns | https://bookbabedesigns.comLiz is Wearing: “I’m a Hoa Hoa Hoa” Crop tee from @shadowboundspines | https://shadowboundspines.com/products/im-a-hoa-hoa-hoa-organic-rib-baby-teeAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailToday we’re wrapping up our deep dive videos for our newest miniseries covering the Anne of Green Gables 8-book collection by L.M. Montgomery. Anne is now a mother of six, navigating a reality in which herself, her husband, and all of her children exist in World War One Canada. What does this mean for the country, the world, and more specifically, the Blythe family and the small community they live in? We’re here to give you the “411” on these lesser-read books in this series, and answer the question of whether or not they’re worth the read.In this episode we dive into books seven and eight: Rainbow Valley and Rilla of Ingleside - we’ve moved past the well-known perspective of Anne Shirley and are now seeing the world through the eyes of her children, and more specifically, her youngest daughter Rilla. What do we think about the differences, and how do we currently feel about the focus slowly shifting away from Anne and predominantly onto her daughter? Who were our favorite and least favorite characters and plot points? Do we think these books carry on the feminist legacy of the more popular installations, and how did we feel about reading a “war book?”Check out our kickoff episode all about what the Bildungsroman is, why women and girl’s stories are so important for everyone to read, and how Montgomery expertly uses this book series to critique social and political issues of the early 1900’s, with an emphasis on women’s roles in society. We also provide a bit of context by discussing Montgomery’s life, and the political climate in Canada when this story takes place. Coming of age tales can be so much more than simple children’s books. We’re here to discover why! Listen on for our reviews of the final books: seven and eight, our deep dive reactions, and important things we learned about history because of this book. Like where daylight savings time comes from, where the draft is legal, and why several pages of Rilla of Ingleside were redacted until 2010.And stick around for next week - the final Anne episode where we rank the books and all of the 1980’s movie adaptations! Check out our Anne of Green Gables Playlist | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLmUGmwxrZs&list=PLHf5v0KOoZMk43z5cbKp6b9WVMXwsYWki&pp=gAQB SHOP OUR NEW BESTIES and the BOOKS X CROW Merch! | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comDon't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Check out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKM____Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is wearing “Sword Heart” necklace from Ziracle Gems | *  https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTHnYSJEBQVjo-lTQgb/ Liz is wearing a grey Green Gables Sweater from Amazon | * https://amzn.to/41JA1CB Any link wiSupport the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailSHOP OUR NEW BESTIES and the BOOKS X CROW Merch! | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comUse code “CROWSPEED5” for $5 off one order of $50+ (ends 09/15/2025 11:59pm PST)Holy mother of crow, what just happened?! Honestly, we’re not even sure ourselves. We blinked and it was Crowtember! Also known as “September,” we’ve deemed Crowtember the month of the crow, the gateway to fall, spooky season, and all things wonderful! So what did we do to honor this lovely time of year?! We launched our very first merch line to honor the crows (our pod mascot), and we read some birdish books so we can give you the crow-11 all about them! So stick around if you want all the details on how you can get your hands on our official hoodies, beanies, and more! And discover whether or not these bird shifters are shadow daddy worthy. We decided to read one cringy crow read: Crow by Layla Fae (IYKYK), and one popular Romantasy read: House of Beating Wings by Olivia Wildenstein. And boy howdy did we have a good time. We’re bringing you a deep dive that covers everything from a complex fantasy world in the sky with a shadow daddy crow king, to a cursed half man, half crow with an egg-expelling appendage… We can’t wait to yap our beaks off with you about both of these books so you can decide if you’ll add them to your TBR or not. And don’t worry, we’ll make sure to answer the question: Are we INTO crows now? (Yes, like that…) And we finish with a good old creature / crow smash or pass.Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Check out these author interviews? ⬇️Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKM____SHOP OUR NEW BESTIES and the BOOKS X CROW Merch! | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comUse code “CROWSPEED5” for $5 off one order of $50+ (ends 09/15/2025 11:59pm PST)Ashley is Wearing: The Crop Hoodie with BATB Branded Colors | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com/products/cropped-hoodie-besties-anti-social-crow And the Anti Social Social Book Club Beanie | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com/products/anti-social-social-crow-book-club-knit-beanie Liz is Wearing: The Zip Up Hoodie with BATB Branded Colors | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com/products/zip-hoodie-grey-besties-anti-social-crow And the Greyscale Besties and the Books Beanie | * Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailToday we continue on with our newest miniseries covering the Anne of Green Gables 8-book collection by L.M. Montgomery. We’re officially into Anne’s adult years, and we’re here to bring you the answer to the question we’ve all been wondering since we started this journey… is it worth reading past book 3?In this episode we dive into books five and six: Anne’s House of Dreams and Anne of Ingleside - we’ve moved  past the well-known initial trilogy into Anne’s life as an adult, and the tone has definitely shifted. What do we think about the differences, and how do we currently feel about the focus slowly shifting away from Anne and to other characters, including her children? Who were our favorite and least favorite characters and plot points? Do we think Anne helped pave the way for our favorite FMCs of today? And what literary devices does Montgomery use to critique women’s roles in society? Check out our kickoff episode all about what the Bildungsroman is, why women and girl’s stories are so important for everyone to read, and how Montgomery expertly uses this book series to critique social and political issues of the early 1900’s, with an emphasis on women’s roles in society. We also provide a bit of context by discussing Montgomery’s life, and the political climate in Canada when this story takes place. Coming of age tales can be so much more than simple children’s books. We’re here to discover why! Listen on for our reviews of books five and six, our deep dive reactions, fun facts about this timeless classic… and a special bonus section entitled “That’s just like a man!”Check out our Anne of Green Gables Playlist | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLmUGmwxrZs&list=PLHf5v0KOoZMk43z5cbKp6b9WVMXwsYWki&pp=gAQB Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Check out these author interviews? ⬇️We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMNeed more ACOTAR in your life? Cook your way through Velaris with the help of Chelsea Cole and her cookbook A Feast of Thorns & Roses. Check out our author interview here! https://youtu.be/fjzmqd-x3OA?si=kNJ4D9cxvUjhp-Ik____Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is wearing “Women of Maas World Tour” from @caffeineandcurses | https://caffeineandcurses.com Liz is wearing a black “I am in the depths of despair” Anne of Green Gables Tee from Amazon | * https://amzn.to/472WzSp Any link with an * is an affiliate linSupport the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailToday we’re doing the impossible task of ranking every book in the entire Sarah J. MAAS averse, including Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, Crescent City, and the lesser known standalone book and DC collaboration, Catwoman. That’s SEVENTEEN books that are all 4+ stars that we pick apart with a fine-toothed comb to come up with one winner, and unfortunately, one at the bottom of the barrel. What’s fun about this episode is that it’s full of SJM spoilers and possible connections, if you’ve read them all and you’re just here for the tea. It’s also interesting to see how much our rankings have possibly changed over the years, and after doing rereads, buddy reads, and multiple podcast conversations. Our choices might just surprise you! Listen on to find out our official (current) Sarah j Maas book ranking, and our defense of our choices. Let us know if you agree or disagree with our criteria and ratings, and defend your case! And don’t you worry, we have an extra special fave and fail SJM character edition, and a smash or pass to go right along with it! Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Check out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMNeed more ACOTAR in your life? Cook your way through Velaris with the help of Chelsea Cole and her cookbook A Feast of Thorns & Roses. Check out our author interview here! https://youtu.be/fjzmqd-x3OA?si=kNJ4D9cxvUjhp-Ik____Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is Wearing:  “Women of Maas World Tour” Tee from @caffeineandcurses | https://caffeineandcurses.comLiz is Wearing:  “You Do Not Yield” Throne of Glass Tee by @shopsecondbreakfast | https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShopSecondBreakfastAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix