Checked Out and Overdue

Check out another bout of chaos as Chelsea and Taryn are joined by Tare (@tare_rose_reads) to review the second book in the Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull. The three of them discuss what they loved and maybe didn't love so much about the sequel to the middle grade book, Fablehaven.👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 11:10📚 General Overview: 11:10 - 38:12⚠️ Spoilers: 38:12- 1:13:31

This episode is unhinged in the best way possible. Tune in as Taryn and Chelsea laugh and cry over the first three volumes of the Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion with their friends, Mad (@readingwraynbow) and Cass (@fictionalcass). Trying to talk about these books and its beloved characters with any amount of chill was test of their willpower. Be prepared for chaos and crying of all varieties.👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 14:15📚 General Overview: 14:15 - 49:05⚠️ Spoilers: 49:05 - 1:53:56

Listen in this week as Taryn and Chelsea talk with Audrey (@audonalsium) about the fourth book in the Stormlight Archive series. Listen in as they laugh and cry and try desperately to cram as much of this behemoth of a book into the episode as they can manage. There is small spoiler for Wind and Truth from 1:29:05 - 1:30:51 so proceed with caution. Be aware that this episode contains no spoiler free section and has spoilers for all the books previous to it in the Stormlight Archive.

In this short bonus episode, Taryn talks with her 9 year-old nephew, Tristan about his experience reading Project Hail Mary and the differences between the book and the movie. Many people are calling this the most fun episode yet ("many people" meaning Chelsea).Be forewarned, this episode contains plot spoilers for the book from the beginning (and Taryn and Tristan accidentally call Carl from the movie, Mark but that's okay). Sharing the mic also meant some moments where audio is a bit hard to hear, so please be patient with that.

This week is Taryn and Chelsea talk about Project Hail Mary in the wake of the movie adaptation being released. Chelsea and Taryn are faced with technical challenges (and a crying baby in the background) but have a blast talking about their experiences with this fun sci-fi and the highs and lows of the story.👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 9:23📚 General Overview: 9:23 - 31:09⚠️ Spoilers: 31:09 - 51:56

This week, Chelsea and Taryn interview (and yell at) Jessica Lunt (@jlunt2), author of The Witch Hunter's Wife and A Bouquet of Blue Sailors. They discuss the differences between writing short stories and full-length novels, the process of deciding what to write about as an author, and indie publishing before discussing Jessica's latest short story, The Witch Hunter's Wife. The Witch Hunter's Wife follows Caroline Choate as she watches her husband fall into the mania of the Salem Witch Trials. While she privately grieves several miscarriages, her husband joins the hunt happening in their town, accusing his own neighbors and friends. 👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 2:49📚 General Overview: 12:49 - 34:01⚠️ Spoilers: 34:01 - 1:10:44

This week, Chelsea and Taryn review Jessica Brousseau's beautiful debut novel, A Siege on Her Heart. They were both drawn to the fascinating historical backdrop, and they appreciated how the book addressed more difficult topics. If you are looking for historical romance, a marriage of convenience, and a quiet story of healing, this one is for you. 👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 14:12📚 General Overview: 14:12 - 29:31⚠️ Spoilers: 29:31 - 50:34

Tune in this week to listen to Taryn and Chelsea cry over yet another Sarah Eden book with their new friend Sydney (@syd.reads.clean). As the start of the a prequel series, Forget Me Not beautifully brings us back to the original Jonquil love story where we get to see Lucas be the first fool. Plus all the adorable and swoony moments right along with the face palm idiot ones.👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 29:08📚 General Overview: 29:08 - 48:25⚠️ Spoilers: 48:25 - 1:40:52

This episode is a little extra overdue but tune in as Chelsea and Taryn review the final book in the Winternight trilogy, The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden. The world building and character development expand and Taryn and Chelsea loved every second of it. 👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 11:31📚 General Overview: 11:31 - 16:32⚠️ Spoilers: 16:32 - 48:34

Tune in to the first episode of 2026 (after an accidental month and half long break) as Taryn and Chelsea talk about the highlights and books of 2025. Thank you for listening and making 2025 another amazing year!

Chelsea and Taryn wish they could apologize for how long this episode is but they aren't actually sorry at all, and let's be honest, anyone who is willing to commit to the marathon that is a Stormlight Archive book can handle a long podcast episode. Tune in as they chat with Seth (@the.cosmere.academy) about the third book in the Stormlight Archives series and the development of so many amazing characters and how these fictional people impacted and changed their lives.Timestamps:
👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 18:20📚 General Overview: 18:20 - 20:43⚠️ Spoilers: 20:43 - 2:21:56

Happy Halloween!!! Listen in to Taryn and Chelsea's chaotic conclusion of the Twilight Saga. This review is full laughter and some real intense tangents as they discuss the final book on this fun adventure that has spanned 5 years!Timestamps:👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 – 18:07📚 General Overview: 18:07 - 30:33⚠️ Spoilers: 30:33 – 1:21:23

Taryn and Chelsea tackle another book from the Queen of Mystery herself, Agatha Christie. Tune in as they discuss the fun twists and turns on another classic murder mystery story as they untangle the ruthless Leonides family.Timestamps:👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 – 17:30📚 General Overview: 17:30 - 35:32⚠️ Spoilers: 35:32 – 52:25

This week Chelsea and Taryn jump into their first Tolkien and it's about time. Tune in to listen to them discuss Gandalf's sass, Bilbo's reluctance, and all the magical elements of this classic fantasy fairy tale.Timestamps:👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 – 16:18📚 General Overview: 16:18 - 37:09⚠️ Spoilers: 37:09 – 1:01:23

Taryn and Chelsea could not believe that Margaret Owen agreed to come chat on this humble podcast. But every story needs its hurdles so Taryn faced microphone issues and Chelsea's wifi was less than ideal, but tune in to listen to Margaret Owen talk about all things Little Thieves, Merciful Crow, and plenty of fun tangents as well.Timestamps:📚 Spoiler-Free: 00:00 - 1:24:14⚠️ Spoiler: 1:24:14 - 2:01:34

Chelsea and Taryn are back in Roshar with their friend Mi (@edgedancing_through_life) to review Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson! From Shallan’s secrets to Kaladin’s struggles, the trio dives into favorite moments, shocking reveals, and why this sequel raises the stakes in every way. With plenty of laughs, tangents, and Stormlight fangirling, this episode is nearly as long as the book itself.Timestamps:
👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 12:29
📚 General Overview: 12:29 - 16:57⚠️ Spoilers: 16:57 - 1:32:56

Chelsea and Taryn are hitting the road with friends Mad (@readingwraynbow) and Cass (@fictionalcass) for a lively chat about People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry. It’s a trip filled with strong opinions, unexpected detours, and plenty of laughter as the group unpacks this Emily Henry romcom. This episode is all about great company, spirited debate, and a touch of vacation mischief.Timestamps:👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 17:57📚 General Overview: 17:57 - 53:07⚠️ Spoilers: 53:07 - 1:24:47

(At ~32 min mark, we had a glitch in our recording and Chelsea's audio cuts out for a few minutes, so it makes Taryn sound a bit insane talking to herself and we deeply apologize for that) The quest continues in this episode of Checked Out and Overdue, as Chelsea and Taryn dive into The Titan’s Curse, book three in Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. They discuss new characters, high-stakes battles, and all the feelings that come with the Hunters of Artemis. Expect thoughts on prophecy, teen angst, and one very memorable dam scene.Timestamps:👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 – 13:13📚 General Overview: 13:13 – 32:13⚠️ Spoilers: 32:13 – 56:37

Join Chelsea and Taryn as they set sail into The Odyssey by Homer. In this episode, they share their thoughts on the original hero’s journey, marvel at how Odysseus manages to lie his way through just about everything, and rally the war cry #justiceforPenelope. Inspiring epic musical and movie adaptations, it’s a story that has endured the ages.Timestamps:👋🏼 Intro: 00:00 - 12:49📚 General Overview: 12:49 - 29:28⚠️ Spoiler Discussion: 29:28 - 54:05

This week, Chelsea and Taryn are discussing Vengeful, the sequel to Vicious by V. E. Schwab. The story picks up with Victor, Eli, and some new characters navigating ambition, revenge, and the consequences of playing with life and death. The conversation focuses on continued character development, shifting dynamics, and how the new additions to the cast change the game.If you haven’t read Vicious yet, go check out that episode first. This discussion contains spoilers for both books, so consider this your heads-up to read book one before diving in.Timestamps:👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 – 12:15📚 General Overview: 12:15 – 34:05⚠️ Spoilers: 34:05 – 58:21

This week Chelsea and Taryn are joined by historical romance author Arlem Hawks (@arlemhawks) for a super fun chat. Their chat stays spoiler free initially as they talk about Arlem’s writing journey, publishing experiences, and how she comes up with all her stories. In the second half, they dive into spoiler-filled discussions of Georgana’s Secret, Beyond the Lavender Fields, Along a Breton Shore, and Across the Star-Kissed Sea. It's also possible that Chelsea may have given a powerpoint presentation here because she felt that passionately. Timestamps:📚 General Overview: 0:00 - 32:18⚠️ Spoilers: 32:18 - 1:20:05

Is Achilles even the main character? Why are there so many names? And how much ego is too much ego? In this episode, Chelsea and Taryn dive into The Iliad by Homer (via the Emily Wilson translation), with very different reactions. Taryn found a lot to appreciate in the epic battles and larger-than-life drama, while Chelsea... did not.They chat about what worked, what didn’t, and how reading it with a group of online friends made the whole experience way more fun. Expect a short spoiler-free section followed by a deep dive into the world of gods, glory, and an overwhelming amount of hubris.Timestamps:👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 6:41📚 General Overview: 6:41   - 21:54⚠️ Spoilers: 21:54  - 50:41

This week, Chelsea and Taryn review Everything is Tuberculosis, the latest release from John Green. They explore the book's blend of memoir, history, and infectious disease (yes, really), and discuss how Green’s signature wit and sincerity come through in unexpected ways. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to his work, there's plenty to unpack.Timestamps:👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 – 11:42📚 Review: 11:42 – 54:02

This week, Chelsea and Taryn dive into the epic world of Roshar with a review of The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson! As the first book in The Stormlight Archive, this fantasy behemoth sets the stage for an unforgettable journey. They navigate highstorms, Shardblades, and the many, many pages Sanderson throws their way. Whether listeners are seasoned Bridge Four fans or reading it for the first time, this episode breaks down what makes the book a storming good read.Timestamps:👋🏼 Intro: whoops 🤷‍♀️ 📚 General Overview (Spoiler-Free): 00:00 - 16:05⚠️ Spoilers: 16:05   - 1:19:01

Few books have left a mark quite like The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, the novel that set the dystopian genre on fire. With Sunrise on the Reaping now out, it's the perfect time to revisit the world of Panem—where survival is a game and the stakes are deadly high. This spoiler-free discussion explores why the book still resonates, and we wrap up with a spoiler-filled section for those who’ve already read. May the odds be ever in your favor!Timestamps:👋🏼 Intro 00:00 - 15:00📚 General Overview 15:00 - 37:05⚠️ Spoilers 37:05 - 1:04:20

Chelsea and Taryn are joined by their friend Cass (@fictionalcass) for a deep dive into Notorious Sorcerer by Davinia Evans. This fast-paced fantasy takes readers to the vibrant city of Bezim, where alchemy bends reality and gangs of brava run the roofs every night. As Siyon Velo finds himself caught between street-level alchemists and the powerful elite, the hosts discuss the book’s unique world-building, dynamic characters, and thrilling twists. With Cass returning as a guest, there’s plenty of fun (and maybe a little chaos) in this week's episode!Timestamps:👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 9:11📚 General Overview: 9:11 - 37:50⚠️ Spoilers: 37:50 - 1:08:29

This week, Taryn and Chelsea convinced their husbands to join them for a fairy tale read-aloud. The hosts (as recent parents themselves) discuss the parenting choices in these stories and they are… well, questionable at best. With plenty of dramatic flair, unexpected laughs, and a touch of happily never after, this episode is bound to be a Grimm time. So tune in for some once-upon-a-chaos!Time Stamps:👋 Intro – 00:00 - 5:36💤 Sleeping Beauty – 5:36 - 20:21🐈 Aesop's Fables – 20:21 - 43:29🌳 The Juniper Tree – 43:29 - 1:07:36👠  Cinderella   – 1:07:36 -  1:27:14

The French Revolution may have been chaotic, but that’s nothing compared to Taryn and Chelsea trying to process their feelings about Along a Breton Shore by Arlem Hawks. With danger, romance, and some top-tier banter, this historical fiction novel brings plenty to discuss. The witty dialogue and engaging characters kept things lively. Tune in to here Chelsea and Taryn's thoughts, because if there’s one thing these hosts appreciate, it’s a book that knows how to deliver great conversation.Have you read this one? Let them know what you think!Timestamps:👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 8:42📚 General Overview: 8:42 - 29:34⚠️ Spoilers: 29:34 - 1:00:39🦷 Glacier Whitening discount code: checkedout10

This week, Chelsea and Taryn dive into the story of Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce, and they’ve brought along a fantastic guest to join the fun—friend of the pod, Mad (@readingwraynbow)! In this YA rom-com, theater kid Riley takes a chance on a fake dating scheme with her new coworker Nathan, but will their plan be a critical hit or will they roll a nat one? With plenty of drama (on and off the stage), this one’s full of laughs, heart, and nerdy charm. Timestamps:👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 9:03📚 General Overview: 9:03 - 34:58⚠️ Spoilers: 34:58 - 1:03:10Glacier Whitening discount code: checkedout10

In this episode, Taryn and Chelsea dive into the dark and atmospheric sequel to One Dark Window, Rachel Gillig's Two Twisted Crowns. They unravel the fate of Elspeth, the Nightmare, and the twisted kingdom of Blunder, exploring the intricate magic system, haunting prose, and captivating characters that make Gillig's Shepherd King duology unforgettable. This episode has something for everyone so grab your lanterns—it’s time to venture into the shadows with Taryn and Chelsea! Intro: 0:00 - 12:10 General Overview: 12:10 - 33:52 Spoilers: 33:52 - 52:30 Glacier Whitening discount code: checkedout10

Happy Tuesday, friends! Chelsea and Taryn are back this week to review The Hero of Ages, the stunning conclusion to Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn trilogy. This whole trilogy is chock full of breathtaking twists, intricate world-building, and unforgettable character moments, but this finale is a must-read for any fantasy lover. Listen in as they share their favorite parts, discuss the story’s powerful themes, and reflect on what makes this trilogy so iconic. Intro: 0:00 - 12:22General Overview: 12:22 - 30:00Spoilers: 30:00 - 1:06:07 Glacier Whitening discount code: checkedout10

After a few months of radio silence, Checked Out and Overdue is back! In this short episode, Chelsea and Taryn catch up on life, books, and why they've been a little quiet lately. Stay tuned for more book reviews and recommendations!

Guess who’s back?? Chelsea and Taryn discuss what they have been up to this summer and they are SO excited to discuss The Well of Ascension which Chelsea (finally) got around to reading after reviewing the first Mistborn book ages ago. Tune in to listen to them discuss the next Brandon Sanderson novel! Intro: 0:00 - 13:36 General Overview: 13:36 - 40:29 Spoilers: 40:29 - 1:26:14 Do you have a book you would like the hosts to review? Please submit your ideas to [email protected], or message them on Instagram @checkedoutandoverdue

With Taryn out to focus on grad school, Chelsea has Megan (@megancristbooks) on to review a contemporary romance, The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams. This deeply cheesy story is so much genuine fun to read. Listen in as these two laugh over this delightful story.Also apologies for Chelsea's poor audio quality as she is in the process of moving as well.Intro: 0:00 - 3:04General Overview: 3:04 - 27:22Spoilers: 27:22 - 58:12Do you have a book you would like the hosts to review? Please submit your ideas to [email protected], or message them on Instagram @checkedoutandoverdue

This week Taryn and Chelsea review a story rich with magic and fraught with peril. Rachel Gillig's One Dark Window has a fascinating and unique magic system so tune in to hear what our hosts thought of this popular book. Intro: 0:00 - 17:22 General Overview: 17:22 - 40:39 Spoilers: 40:39 - 1:06:41 Do you have a book you would like the hosts to review? Please submit your ideas to [email protected], or message them on Instagram @checkedoutandoverdue

This quick episode is just a check-in chat between Taryn and Chelsea, welcoming Chelsea back from maternity and seeing how her and the baby are doing. Do you have a book you would like the hosts to review? Please submit your ideas to [email protected], or message them on Instagram @checkedoutandoverdue

This week features a delightful review of Emily Henry's novel, Beach Read. Listen in as resident guest co-host, Mad from @readingwraynbow, joins Taryn again this week to discuss this fun and emotional story. Intro: 0:00 - 11:34 General Overview: 11:34 - 32:46 Spoilers: 32:46 - 58:44 Do you have a book you would like the hosts to review? Please submit your ideas to [email protected], or message them on Instagram @checkedoutandoverdue

Tune in this week as Taryn is joined by Mad (@readingwraynbow) and Joseph to discuss a thrilling graphic novel. Here There Be Gerblins by The McElroy Family is based off The Adventure Zone podcast, where 3 brothers and their father play Dungeons and Dragons together. Intro: 0:00 - 2:42 General Overview: 2:42 - 30:14 Spoilers: 30:14 - 58:25 Do you have a book you would like the hosts to review? Please submit your ideas to [email protected], or message them on Instagram @checkedoutandoverdue

With Chelsea out on maternity leave, Taryn has guest host Cass (@fictionalcass) on to review Pierce Brown's dystopian sci-fi novel, Red Rising. This first book in the series is a wild ride so listen in to hear Taryn and Cass's thoughts. Intro: 0:00 - 13:03 General Overview: 13:03 - 46:52 Spoilers: 46:52 - 1:19:22 Do you have a book you would like the hosts to review? Please submit your ideas to [email protected], or message them on Instagram @checkedoutandoverdue

This week Chelsea and Taryn discuss some of the books they want to read this book. The twist: they have to pull from books that they have already bought but haven't read yet. The never ending struggle of every book worm is reading the books they already own and our hosts are tackling that this year. Intro: 0:00 - 10:23 TBR Discussion: 10:23 - 51:39 Do you have a book you would like the hosts to review? Please submit your ideas to [email protected], or message them on Instagram @checkedoutandoverdue

Happy Tuesday! Chelsea and Taryn are back this week to review one of their favorite reads of 2023. Little Thieves is a twisted retelling of The Goose Girl fairy tale, but instead of following the perspective of the princess, this book explores why her maid stole her crown and subjected her to the life of a commoner. This story has everything that a good tale needs and more. Enjoy! Intro: 0:00 - 18:54 General Overview: 1 8:54 - 39:22 Spoilers: 39:22 - 58:13 Do you have a book you would like the hosts to review? Please submit your ideas to [email protected], or message them on Instagram @checkedoutandoverdue

This week's episode features Chelsea and Taryn talking about the new Percy Jackson tv show for much longer than they should have. They also eventually get around to discussing the second book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, The Sea of Monsters. Intro: 0:00 - 5:00 Percy Jackson TV show thoughts: 5:00 - 28:30 General Overview: 28:30 - 46:48 Spoilers: 46:48 - 1:04:10 Do you have a book you would like the hosts to review? Please submit your ideas to [email protected], or message them on Instagram @checkedoutandoverdue

Check in with Taryn and Chelsea as they wish everyone a happy holidays and discuss some of their favorite reads of 2023 are. Shout out and thank you to all the amazing listeners who listen make this podcast and community so amazing! Do you have a book you would like the hosts to review? Please submit your ideas to [email protected], or message them on Instagram @checkedoutandoverdue

With Taryn taking a break, Chelsea and guest host Mad (@readingwraynbow) take this week to discuss the adorable Christmas romance book, Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison. This delightful story is everything anyone could ask for in a holiday romance book. Listen in as Chelsea and Mad talk about their favorite aspects of this story and its immaculate vibes.Intro: 0:00 - 8:36General Overview: 8:36 - 31:23Spoilers: 31:23 - 58:46Do you have a book you would like the hosts to review? Please submit your ideas to [email protected], or message them on Instagram @checkedoutandoverdue

Once again, this entire episode is spoiler-filled and there is no spoiler-free section. After 11 episodes, Chelsea and Taryn finally wrap up the last book in the Throne of Glass series and discuss the beautiful and heart-wrenching close to this epic series. They also discuss a few Maas-verse spoilers at the end so be forewarned. Intro: 0:00 - 15:51 Spoiler Review: 15:51 - 1:13:02 Maasverse Spoilers: 1:13:02 - 1:30:38 Do you have a book you would like the hosts to review? Please submit your ideas to [email protected], or message them on Instagram @checkedoutandoverdue

Be forewarned that this entire episode is spoiler-filled and there is no spoiler-free section this episode. Tune in as Taryn and Chelsea review part 1 of the final book in the Throne of Glass series. This epic story ends with so much happening and Taryn and Chelsea have so many thoughts to share about the beginning of this fantastic finale. Intro: 0:00 - 12:04 General Overview: 12:04 - 19:17 Aedion/Lysandra: 19:17 - 36:56 Manon/Dorian: 36:56 - 53:13 Chaol/Yrene/Nesryn: 53:13 - 1:01:17 Rowan/Elide/Lorcan/Gavriel: 1:01:17 - 1:06:32 Aelin/Fenrys: 1:06:32 - 1:26:16 Do you have a book you would like the hosts to review? Please submit your ideas to [email protected], or message them on Instagram @checkedoutandoverdue

Happy Halloween to all friends and listeners. In true Checked Out and Overdue tradition, Chelsea and Taryn continue their journey through the Twilight saga with the third installment, Eclipse, by Stephanie Meyer. Tune in for another chaos filled review of the hot mess that is this book. Intro: 0:00 - 16:35 General Overview: 16:35 - 36:47 Spoilers: 36:47 - 1:08:46 Do you have a book you would like the hosts to review? Please submit your ideas to [email protected], or message them on Instagram @checkedoutandoverdue

In a surprise twist to no one involved except Chelsea, guest stars Mad (@readingwraynbow) and Cass (@fictionalcass) join in this week IN PERSON to review Gallant by V.E. Schwab. This beautiful gothic story follows 16 year-old orphan Olivia who is mysteriously invited by family she didn't know she had to a home that her mother's journal explicitly warns her to stay away from. Listen in to a fun and (not shockingly) chaotic episode with Taryn, Chelsea, Mad, and Cass.Intro: 0:00 - 16:43General Overview: 16:43 - 37:25Spoilers: 37:25 - 1:04:53Do you have a book you would like the hosts to review? Please submit your ideas to [email protected], or message them on Instagram @checkedoutandoverdue

Why does this book exist? Chelsea asks Taryn to ponder this exact question in this week's episode about Neil Gaiman's iconic book. As the hosts kick off the spooky themed October, Coraline takes its place on the short list of books that Taryn and Chelsea ranked very differently. Tune in to hear them discuss this classic middle school horror story. Intro: 0:00 - 17:47 General Overview: 17:47 - 39:26 Spoilers: 39:26- 58:59 Do you have a book you would like the hosts to review? Please submit your ideas to [email protected], or message them on Instagram @checkedoutandoverdue

After a month hiatus, our hosts come back with a review of The Girl in the Tower by Katherine Arden. This sequel to The Bear and the Nightingale, which was their 4th ever episode, is full of magic and adventure and wonderful characters. Listen in as Chelsea and Taryn catch up and talk about everything they have been up and their thoughts on the second books of the Winternight trilogy. Intro: 0:00 - 15:59 General Overview: 15:59 - 40:40 Spoilers: 40:40- 1:04:11 Do you have a book you would like the hosts to review? Please submit your ideas to [email protected], or message them on Instagram @checkedoutandoverdue