Unhinged Bookish Thoughts

On this episode of UBT, we had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Madeline Taylor, author of Heir of Illusion. We got the chance to discuss her indie to trad journey, writing process, favorite tropes, and so much more. This is another romantasy you won't want to miss. Be sure to check out Heir of Illusion when it re-releases on February 10!

On this episode of UBT, we chat about indie authors. Have you made a resolution to read more indie books in 2026? Here is your guide on what are indie authors, how to find new-to-you authors, how you can continue to support them, and much more.. You'll probably be surprised by how many indie authors you are already reading. Come hang out and chat with us to learn more!

On this episode of UBT, we kick off Season 3 with a discussion of our top reads for 2025. We breakdown our favorite 5 books, plus 3 bonus niche books. Books discussed:A Darkness So Sweet by Emma HammWhispers of the Deep by Emma HammHidden Roots by Clio EvansThe Dungeon Crawler Carl series by Matt DinnimanLeave Me Behind by KM MoronovaProject Hail Mary by Andy WeirHow Does It Feel? by Jeneane O'RileyBlood Over Bright Haven by M.L. WongTusk Love by Thea GuanzonHat Trick by Chelsea CurtoCalamity by Constance FayOut of the Woods by Hannah Bonam-YoungKiss of the Basilisk by Lindsay StraubeThrum by Meg SmithermanIf You Love Me by Helena Hunting

This is a throwback episode from Season 1. On this episode of UBT, we dive into Thanksgiving-themed books. These book recommendations range from super sweet to extra spicy. For more Turkey day recommendations, check out our social media pages. *This is a spoiler episode.

On this episode of UBT, we talk about our experiences at the Villains and Vixens convention, touch on the challenges with burnout, the importance of finding the joy with reading, and the excitement of meeting indie authors. We share tips for both readers and authors attending conventions, emphasize the need for comfort, engagement, and positive interactions.

On this episode of UBT, we discuss our August reads and why we think you should check them out. It was another month of mood reading that included monster and shifter romances as well as diving back into fantasy romance.

On this episode of UBT, we highlight of a few of the authors that attended Villains & Vixens in Dallas, Texas on September 5 & 6. We had a fantastic time meeting everyone in person! Sit back, enjoy our chaotic-ness, and check out these indie authors.Authors featured:Samantha ZieglerDawn DarlingAmanda Aggie Loren SorensenThea ClaireKM DavidsonE.V. SauvageL.B. August*Around 7:30 the video shifts from vertical to horizontal.

On this episode of Unhinged Bookish Thoughts, we dive into their July reading wrap-up, discussing the books we read, and which are our favorites. In light of recent events on social media as well as book conventions, we wanted to take a moment to discuss the importance of consent in the bookish community, interacting with authors, and a lot more. Books discussed:King of Ashes by S.A. CosbyThe Poisoner by I.V. OpheliaTerror at the Gates by Scarlett St. ClairA Darkness so Sweet by Emma HammGood Game, Gamer Girl by Reina ZoricRed Card by Maren MooreDesire Variable by Ana D'ArcyPassion Parameter by Ana D'ArcyWhirlwind by Kayla GrosseLasso Lovebirds by Clio Evans

On this episode of UBT, we sit down and chat with Veronica Lancet. Her fantasy romance, Fairydale, became a viral sensation over the past year and was recently released. We had a great time learning more about all her books and her author journey.

On this episode of UBT, we discuss The Poisoner by I.V. Ophelia. If you are looking for a dark, gothic romance with amazing aesthetics, character dynamics, and tension, then you MUST read this book. Nonspoiler until 33:00.

On this bonus episode of UBT, Lys chats with several indie authors that attended Pages of Glass in Toledo, Ohio. Featured:Alexis BuxtonDavid WashburnRachel MaysAnastasia WilderJessica BoothKate KomulaTasha SheiplineMaude WintersMelissa Sasina

On this episode of UBT, we discuss Left of Forever by Tarah Dewitt. This second chance contemporary romance will rip your heart out and slowly put it back together again. Fall in love with the small town of Spunes with us and this amazing couple.Non-spoiler until 12 minutes. Please use caution if you have not read after this mark.

On this episode of UBT, we chat about Leave Me Behind by K.M. Moronova. We deep dive into this dark military romance, discussing our theories, favorite quotes, character dynamics, and more.The first half of this episode is spoiler free. After 13:00, we discuss elements that would be considered spoilers.

On this episode of UBT, we sit down with three more authorsthat will be attending Villains and Vixens in Dallas, Texas this September. We chat about their books, our excitement for the event, and so much more.Authors featured:C.A. BloomingLindsey N. RhodenK.M. DavidsonThis is part 3 of an interview series in collaboration withthe founder of Villains & Vixens. For this event, Karrie will be attending as an influencer and Lys is a signing author.

On this episode of UBT, we chat about of June reads and convince you to add them to your TBR with a simple yes or no if. It was a wild month across multiple genres so be sure to check them out and let us know your thoughts!Books:The Bad Boy Rule by Maren MoorePlay The Part by Naomi LoudCan you Take it? by Jeneane O'RileyHat trick by Chelsea CurtoTentacles & Triathlons by Ashley BennettIndigo Ridge by Devney PerryProblematic Summer Romance by Ali HazelwoodCaught Up by Navessa AllenLeave Me Behind by K.M. Moronova - Buddy Read Episode coming soonShot in the Dark by Mary Dublin & Anne KendsleyMorning Glory Milking Farm by C.M. NascostaDungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman*Please excuse any typos. We had issues with the Riverside Editor and were unable to correct.

On this bonus episode of UBT, Lys interviews 5 indie authors that attended the Big Ohio Book Con in Medina, Ohio on June 28 & 29. Authors featured:Sarah EmmerJane HayesAmanda BrykElaine EvansM.A. FrickPlease excuse the camera issues during Amanda's interview. Lys' phone decided it had enough and started a fight 🤣

On this episode of UBT, we sit down with five signing authors (six if we include Lys) attending Villains and Vixens in Gaylord Texas this September. We chat about their books, our excitement for the event, and so much more. Authors featured:Mary Dublin & Anne KendsleyMariet KayBrea LambMonica AmoreThis is part 2 of the a new interview series in collaboration with the founder of Villains & Vixens. For this event, Karrie will be attending as an influencer and Lys is a signing author.

On this episode of UBT, we discuss our favorite reads from May. Can we convince you to read them with a simple yes/no if? Let's find out!Favorite books discussed:Mine by Clio EvansShield of Sparrows by Devney PerryPress Play by Amber PaigeWhisper of the Deep by Emma Hamm

On this episode of UBT, we discuss two hockey romance books. Karrie finally convinced Lys to read one and ended up reading two! Join us as we chat about If You Want Me and If You Love Me by Helena Hunting.

On this episode of UBT, we sit down with three signing authors attending Villains and Vixens in Gaylord Texas this September. We chat about their books, our excitement for the event, and so much more. Authors featured:A.N. Caudle - Worthy of Fate and Bound by FateDana Evyn - The Other Side of the Mirror and The Mirror on the MountainV.B. Lacey - Long Live, Forever Reign, and In The Wake of the WickedThis is part 1 of the a new interview series in collaboration with the founder of Villains & Vixens. For this event, Karrie will be attending as an influencer and Lys is a signing author.

On this episode of UBT, we discuss our April reads. As always we will convince you to read our favorites with a Yes or No if. You'll definitely add these to your TBR!Books discussed:No Rules Roommate by Holly June Smith Nocturnal by Clio EvanLady of the Lake by CN CrawfordWolf.e by Paisley HopeOn Guard by Denise Stone Change on the Fly by Maren MooreCalamity by Constance FayAll the Missing Pieces by Catherine CowlesFirst-time Caller by B.K. BorisonThe Haunting of Ashburn House by Darcy CoatesBarbarian’s Hope by Ruby DixonTress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon SandersonThorn Hedge by T. KingfisherNights of Obedience by Rachel MaysThe Scattered Bones by Nicole Scarano

On this episode of UBT, we take trip down to Citrus Cove and try to convince you to read the series. This new small-town romantic suspense by Clio Evans is the perfect blend of all the things we love. It has swoon-worthy MMCs, fake dating, pining, feisty FMCs, hilarious banter, and so much more. Check out the series today and come chat with us!Books in this series:Broken BeginningsStolen ChancesHidden Roots

On this episode of Unhinged Bookish Thoughts, we sit down to chat with one of our favorite authors, Clio Evans. Their books range from monster romance to small-town romantic suspense, promising a mix of spice, kink, and fun across genres.Please see Clio's website for a full list of their books and trigger warnings.

On this episode of Unhinged Bookish Thoughts, we discuss our March reads. Let us convince you to read our favorites with a simple yes or no if. Or at least add them to your never-ending TBR. Books discussed:Kiss of the Basilisk by Lindsay StraubeFirst-Time Caller by B.K. Borison Zoe Brennan, First Crush by Laura Piper LeeBlood Over Bright Haven by M.L. WangProject Hail Mary by Andy Weir Stolen Chances by Clio Evans

It's time for us to convince you to read our favorite books from February with another round of "yes/no if." Mood reading took us to across several genres with a variety of spice levels. Books featured:Eyes on Me and Praise by Sara CateBroken Beginnings by Clio EvansSheltered in the Storm by Lisa EdmondsFrost and Ambrosia by CN CrawfordScythe and Sparrow by Brynne WeaverThe Dragon’s Bride by Katee RobertGrave Secrets by Cassandra AstonDeep End by Ali Hazelwood

On this episode of Unhinged Bookish Thoughts, we discuss Deep End by Ali Hazelwood. We chat about the discourse across social media, give our thoughts about the book, and some recommendations to read after you finish.*This episode does contain spoilers. Please do not listen if you haven't read Deep End.

On this episode of Unhinged Bookish Thoughts, we discuss our January reads - spilling all our unfiltered thoughts. Expect random rants, shameless thirsting, and at least one existential crisis over why we keep doing this to ourselves. If you need book recs (or just want to hear us lose our minds over fictional men), this episode is for you.Books discussed:Out of the woods by Hannah Bonam-YoungHow does it feel? and Where did you go? by Jeneane O'RileyCrossroads and Sunlight by Devney PerryFace Off by Chelsea Curto Behind the net by Stephanie ArcherHeir of Flame and Frost by EM Leander

On this episode. Lys chats with four indie authors about our all things romance. We discuss character-driven narratives, popular romance tropes, the need for tension, writing swoon-worthy characters, and so much more. Indie authors featured:L.B. AugustKate CunninghamHayley WhiteleyVan R. SomVasilisa Drake

On this Valentine’s Day episode, we share our favorite bookish couples across genres like romantasy, YA romance, and dark romance. From sweet to spicy, we explore relationship dynamics, representation, and the emotional impact of love stories. We also dive into banter, humor, and the power of diverse romances—cowboys, wrestlers, and more!Books discussed:Throne of Glass by Sarah J MaasThe Book of Azrael by Amber V. NicoleSavor it by Tarah DewittDeep End by Ali HazelwoodLove Theoretically by Ali HazelwoodA Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. ClairThe Mindf**k series by S.T. AbbyLights Out by Navessa AllenDivine Rivals by Rebecca RossWisteria by Adalyn GraceWren and the Tarnished Tiger by EM LeanderOne Dark Window by Rachel GilligRookie Mistake by L.A. Witt and Anna ZaboVenom and Lace by Dani AntoinetteThe Iron King by Julie KagawaFlawless by Elsie SilverHow to Date a Douchebag by Sara NeyA Kingdom of Stars and Shadows by Holly ReneeLittle Stranger by Leigh RiversLeather and Lark by Brynne WeaverBehind the Net by Stephanie ArcherIn The Shadows by L.B. August

On this episode we are joined with our besties, Theo and Madi, to discuss our Hear Me Outs. This is probably one of our most unhinged episodes and was an absolute blast. Do you agree with any of these?

On this episode, we discuss our favorite books from 2024. This was a hard list to narrow down! We had so many amazing reads. Books mentioned:Belladonna (Series) by Adalyn GraceCan I Tell You Something by Holly June SmithCrossed over by Santana KnoxHell Followed With Us by Andrew Joseph WhiteHer Soul to Take (Trilogy) by Harley LaRouxIce Planet Barbarians (Series) by Ruby DixonLights Out by Navessa allenNocticadia by Keri LakePen Pal by J.T. GeissingerSavor It by Tarah DewittThat's Not My Name by Megan LallyThe Dawn of the Cursed Queen (Series) by Amber V Nicole The Perfect Gift by Clio EvansVale of Dreams (Series) by CN Crawford

We look forward to 2025 and season 2 of Unhinged Bookish Thoughts. We are excited to bring you more wild theories and deep dives into our favorite books. Happy New Year!

On this episode, we chat about our Christmas reads. This is part of our holiday special. ⁠Click here to access the book rec list.⁠ Featured books: The Mistletoe Bet by Maren Moore A Festive Feud by Maren Moore Same Time Next Year by Holly June Smith Chilled and Thrilled by Cleo White Beneath the Monster by Serenity Steel The Perfect Gift by Clio Evans The Visitor by Sergio Gomez The Party by Mona Ingram You Better Watch Out by James Murray and Darren Wearmouth Silent Night by M.L. Philpitt Cookies N' Cream by Latrexa Nova Elf'd by Ginger Kane The Christmas Party by Mikayla Davids Meowy Christmas by E.V. Savage December Darling by Lauren Asher Dead of Winter by Darcy Coates Trick Shot by Kayla Grosse

On this episode, we chat about our Christmas buddy reads. This is part 1 of our holiday special. Click here to access the book rec list. Featured books: How my neighbor stole Christmas by Meghan Quinn Can I tell you something? by Holly June Smith One More Gift by Holly June Smith The Christmas List by Maren Moore Cruel Winter with you by Ali Hazelwood

On this Emotional Outburst episode, we deep dive into Corn Daddy by Helena Woodcock. This steamy short unhinged KU book involved a mysterious corn god. Let's get to shucking.

On this holiday episode, we discuss our Thanksgiving Kindle Unlimited reads. Some are sweet while others are over-the-top spicy.

This is an Emotional Outburst/After Dark Buddy Read. Join us as we discuss Hallowpeen: A Halloween Sentient Object Romance.

In this episode of UBT, we had the pleasure of sitting down with our favorite duet narration duo, Madison Mitts and Theodore Zephyr! Join us as we dive into a fun and insightful conversation with them about their journey, their work in audiobook narration, and their upcoming projects. Don’t forget to follow them on TikTok and Instagram, and check out their growing catalog of narrated audiobooks—including In The Shadows, coming soon!

On this episode of UBT, come along with Lys as she dives into the world of audiobooks, discussing various formats, the benefits of immersive reading, how to find audiobooks on a budget, and all the tips and tricks she has. Apps mentioned: Audible Spotify Everand Libby Hoopla

You heard that right! We are going LIVE! Join us on Saturday, September 28 at 12:00pm ET for some festive fun. We will be LIVE across all platforms so pick your favorite, grab a snack, a good drink, and all your book recs. We can't wait to hang out!

Join us as we dive into Lights Out by Navessa Allen. We discussing dark romance and the importance of trigger warnings. Come laugh with us as we discuss the things we loved about the book like the humor, character relationships, kinks, and the amazing Fred. *This episode does contain spoilers. Please do not listen if you haven't read Lights Out.

We're back!! After an unplanned and unexpected break, we are official back in the studio recording episode. So where have we been?! What have you been doing and reading?! Grab your favorite drink and get cozy because it's time to catch up. We will be live on Sunday, September 28 at 12:00pm ET/11:00am CT/10:00am MT/9:00am PT. Join us for some early Halloween fun! Bring your favorite fall reads!

THE PRIDE EPISODE IS BACK BABY!! Lys worked her magic and was able to salvage the audio of our episode and we are so excited to share this… we had fully lost hope, but HERE IT IS!! In this episode we talk about all the queer books/authors we are loving, what we have on our TBRs, and titles that you all have sent over to us! We hope everyone listening knows they have a safe place here. We see you. We love you. Don’t be afraid to ever reach out if you need to chat or if you ever need recommendations! We have an amazing group we talk with daily that will embrace you with open arms. We are just two bisexuals that love reading and are so happy to see you here with us. AS ALWAYS! Read what you want and don’t be a dick. ♥️🌈

On this episode we sit down with Geneva Monroe, author of the Sun Serpent Saga and the Dark Oz Series. We discuss the challenges of writing in different genres, the inspiration behind her writing, the balance between personal and author life, and how amazing her readers are. Her newest book, No Place Like Home, releases June 30th! Be sure to check out both her series! (Please note we have been having issues with Riverside which has resulted in delayed episodes and technical issues. Riverside is currently working to correct the problems with Karrie's video, so this may be updated at a later date. Thank you for understanding.)

On this episode, we had the honor of sitting down with Penn Cole, the author of the best-selling romantasy Kindred's Curse Sage. We discussed her indie author journey, what inspires her, and so much more. *Please note: This episode was recorded prior to the release date change of Burn of the Everflame. Keep an eye on Penn's social media accounts and newsletter for updates on this highly anticipated release.

Announcement time! We have been invited to attend the Villains and Vixens bookish event in Dallas Sept 2025. Lys will be a signing author, and Karrie will be there as an influencer. We chat about our nerves meeting in person, the event at the Gaylord Hotel, and the authors, vendors, and artists we can't wait to see. Come join in on our excitement!

On this episode, we discuss what, how, and why we started our Bookstagrams. Everyone's experience is unique and different, but we are all here because we love books. Remember to protect your peace and do what makes you happy.

On this episode, we discuss the nasty B - Burnout. We talk about how we are feeling, what is burnout, and tips to help with it. This is a vulnerable episode for us, but a necessary one. After seeing so many of our friends within the book community, feeling down or burned out, we felt we need to bring light to this topic. We want you all to know that we see you, we are here for you, and our DMs are always open to talk. You are not alone. As always, read what you want and don't be a dick!

On this episode, Karrie and special guest, Riniya, put Lys in the author hot seat to discuss her debut fantasy romance, In The Shadows. We talk about the writing process, publishing, theories for book 2, and much more. In The Shadows is out now on Amazon, Etsy, and Kindle Unlimited. *THIS IS A SPOILER EPISODE. Please do not watch until you have finished In The Shadows.

On this episode, we discuss our bookish icks. Everything from accidental pregnancy to miscommunication tropes to shaming people's reading speed. At the end we play a fun spicy acroynm game. See how many you can get! As always, spoiler warning for the entire Sarah J. Mass universe since we tend to bring it up in every episode.