• Ep 53 - Buddy Read: Everything Finally Collides (Timeborne by Sara Samuels (Ch 26-37)
    Dec 23 2025

    We’ve made it to the end of Timeborne, and chapters 26–37 bring the chaos, the revelations, and a whole lot to talk about. In this episode, we’re unpacking the final stretch of the book — from complicated relationships and brutal turning points to the jaw-dropping twists around Roman’s past and the prophecy of time-controlling twins.

    We share our reactions as the story leans darker and more intense, talk through what worked (and what left us questioning things), and dig into how character development and plot twists shaped the ending. And of course, we can’t help but debate historical accuracy, time-travel logic, and what all of this could mean if the story continues.

    If you’ve finished Timeborne, are reading along with us, or just want a thoughtful book club-style discussion of the final chapters, grab a drink and come break it all down with us.

    Like, Comment, Subscribe | New episodes every week

    ------------------------------------------

    Connect with Becca & Matt:

    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/booklove_podcast
    • Email: BookClubByBecca@gmail.com (podcast) & bookishohiomatt@gmail.com (Matt from Ohio)

    ------------------------------------------


    Timeborne Videos: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvdiPtvz7ZzQxdMZKt-VIaNH&si=-AsUUT_JDKXTjBue

    Author Interviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfXXKrG6X4UWTnyU0S7s6NI&si=ZFwZw9FuJvk0IYXq

    Spoiler-Free Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfSpfBBfAfxynAgLTcNvnAT&si=TUqkQ3bv7pQJtyb6

    Spoiler Filled Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2Xve832drS0lPw_coM67FyWC5&si=euj8-tBou3s5FhV7

    ------------------------------------------

    • 00:00 - Intro
    • 00:38 - General Thoughts & Impressions
    • 02:55 - Plot Recap & Summary
    • 16:10 - The Historical Accuracy Refund Program (satire)
    • 17:25 - Deep Dive Discussion
    • 35:30 - Outro

    ------------------------------------------

    #BookDiscussion #BookPodcast #FantasyDiscussion #TimeTravel #BookTube #StoryAnalysis

    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • Ep 52 - Power, Passion, and the Cost of Survival | Timeborne by Sara Samuels | Ch 16-25
    Dec 17 2025

    We’re back with Timeborne by Sara Samuels, and chapters 16–25 mark a serious turning point. In this episode, we talk through how our opinions of the main characters are shifting (and why we’re still not totally sold), the growing tension between Olivia and Roman, and the moments that made this section feel darker, more emotional, and surprisingly passionate.

    We dig into the blend of time travel, ancient Rome, fantasy, and romance, including a historically grounded celebration, a new and unsettling threat, and questions about what it really means to be a Timeborn. Along the way, we speculate about where the story might be headed and whether these characters can outrun the past — or time itself.

    If you’re reading along or just want a thoughtful book club-style discussion of Timeborne, grab a drink and come unpack this middle stretch with us.

    Like, Comment, Subscribe | New episodes every Wednesday

    ------------------------------------------

    Connect with Becca & Matt:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/booklove_podcast

    Email: BookClubByBecca@gmail.com

    ------------------------------------------

    Timeborne Videos: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvdiPtvz7ZzQxdMZKt-VIaNH&si=-AsUUT_JDKXTjBue

    Author Interviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfXXKrG6X4UWTnyU0S7s6NI&si=ZFwZw9FuJvk0IYXq

    Spoiler-Free Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfSpfBBfAfxynAgLTcNvnAT&si=TUqkQ3bv7pQJtyb6

    Spoiler Filled Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2Xve832drS0lPw_coM67FyWC5&si=euj8-tBou3s5FhV7

    ------------------------------------------

    • 00:00 - Intro
    • 01:18 - Check-In05:05 - General Impressions & Thoughts
    • 10:18 - Plot Recap & Summary
    • 22:35 - The Aftercare Awareness Alliance (satire)
    • 24:30 - Deep Dive Discussion
    • 53:35 - Predictions
    • 57:00 - Outro

    ------------------------------------------

    #bookdiscussion #bookpodcast #fantasybooks #timetravel #romantasy #bookcommunity #booktube

    Show More Show Less
    58 mins
  • Ep 51 - Betrayed & Stuck in Ancient Rome | Timeborne | Ch 1-15 | Buddy Read | Blade of Shadows | Sara Samuels | Buddy Read
    Dec 10 2025

    We’re diving into the first 15 chapters of Timeborne by Sara Samuels_, and wow… there’s a lot to unpack. From time travel and ancient Rome to messy emotions and even messier character choices, this story gives us plenty to talk about.

    In this episode, we share our early impressions, chat about the characters who are already testing our patience (in the best way), and explore how themes like grief, trauma, and emotional growth shape the journey so far. We’re also looking ahead — making predictions, questioning motives, and wondering where this time-twisting adventure will take us next.

    If you’re reading along or just curious about Timeborne’s blend of fantasy, history, and character-driven storytelling, grab your drink of choice and come hang with us.

    Like, Comment, Subscribe | New episodes every Wednesday

    ------------------------------------------

    Connect with Becca & Matt:

    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/booklove_podcast
    • Email: BookClubByBecca@gmail.com

    ------------------------------------------

    More Book Love Episodes:

    • Timeborne Videos: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvdiPtvz7ZzQxdMZKt-VIaNH&si=-AsUUT_JDKXTjBueAuthor Interviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfXXKrG6X4UWTnyU0S7s6NI&si=ZFwZw9FuJvk0IYXq
    • Spoiler-Free Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfSpfBBfAfxynAgLTcNvnAT&si=TUqkQ3bv7pQJtyb6
    • Spoiler Filled Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2Xve832drS0lPw_coM67FyWC5&si=euj8-tBou3s5FhV7

    ------------------------------------------

    • 00:00 - Intro
    • 02:43 - First Impressions & Overall Thoughts
    • 10:05 - Plot Recap & Summary
    • 27:06 - Enemies to Lovers Start Kit Ad
    • 28:34 - Deep Dive Discussion
    • 58:45 - Outro

    ------------------------------------------

    #bookdiscussion #bookpodcast #historicalfiction #readerscommunity #fantasybooks #romantasy #bookreview #bookrecommendations

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
  • Ep 50 - Author Kristin Kisska | Stories That Heal Us | A Conversation About the Power of Love
    Dec 3 2025

    In this episode, we sit down with Kristin Kisska, author of The Hint of Light, for a conversation that’s equal parts heart, craft, and honest reflection. Kristin shares how she went from a finance career during the 2008 crash to becoming a storyteller drawn to themes of love, home, grief, and the complicated ways families hold together.

    We talk about her writing process, how becoming a writer can completely change how you read, and why character development is the foundation of her work. Kristin opens up about crafting suspense and emotional depth, the symbolism behind her title, and the role that settings — both real and personal — play in shaping a story.

    We also dig into the importance of reader feedback, the evolving relationship writers have with their own stories, and why she approaches women’s fiction differently from her thrillers. And yes — we even touch on AI in writing, future book ideas, and her fascination with sisterhood and personal resilience.

    Whether you’re a reader, a writer, or a book club fan looking for a deeper look at The Hint of Light, this conversation is full of insight, warmth, and the kind of perspective only an author like Kristin can offer.

    Like, Comment, Subscribe | New episodes every Wednesday

    ------------------------------------------

    Connect with Kristin:

    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinkisskaauthor?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
    • Website: https://www.kristinkisska.com/

    ------------------------------------------

    Connect with Becca & Matt:

    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beccasbookclubadventure/
    • Email: BookClubByBecca@gmail.com

    ------------------------------------------

    Watch More:

    • Author Interviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfXXKrG6X4UWTnyU0S7s6NI&si=ZFwZw9FuJvk0IYXq
    • Spoiler-Free Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfSpfBBfAfxynAgLTcNvnAT&si=TUqkQ3bv7pQJtyb6
    • Spoiler Filled Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2Xve832drS0lPw_coM67FyWC5&si=euj8-tBou3s5FhV7

    ------------------------------------------

    • 00:00 - Intro
    • 02:55 - Journey to Being an Author
    • 17:00 - The Writing Process
    • 35:56 - 'The Hint of Light'
    • 01:17:15 - Future Projects
    • 01:22:40 - Contact the Author
    • 01:25:39 - Outro

    ------------------------------------------

    #authorinterview #bookpodcast #storytelling #podcastinterview #bookdiscussion #beccasbookclubadventure

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 26 mins
  • The Cursed by Harper L. Woods | Full Book Review | Plot Recap | Ep 49
    Nov 29 2025

    Hey book friends — today we’re diving into The Cursed by Harper L. Woods, a dark and emotional fantasy sequel that wastes zero time picking up where book one left off. In this full plot recap and review, we talk through Willow’s messy, complicated journey — her struggles with boundaries, consent, trauma, and the morally gray choices that shape her character.

    We’re also unpacking the heavy Maiden-Mother-Crone trope, the boost in spice level, the vague-but-vivid writing style, and the parts of the story that made us pause, cringe, cheer, or yell out loud. And of course, we chat about future books in the series, how they might shift perspectives, and what it feels like to stay engaged as a reader in an online book community that moves fast.

    If you’re looking for an honest, cozy, slightly chaotic fantasy book review of The Cursed — complete with character analysis, themes, and a full plot rundown — grab a drink and settle in with us.

    Like, Comment, Subscribe | New episodes every Wednesday

    ------------------------------------------Connect on IG: https://www.instagram.com/beccasbookclubadventure/

    Email: BookClubByBecca@gmail.com

    ------------------------------------------

    More Harper L. Woods: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2Xvc2HwMzm-vYoiLC91ees4k4&si=J1Q4YBJQU2towUaB

    Spoiler-Free Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfSpfBBfAfxynAgLTcNvnAT&si=TUqkQ3bv7pQJtyb6

    Spoiler Filled Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2Xve832drS0lPw_coM67FyWC5&si=euj8-tBou3s5FhV7

    ------------------------------------------

    • 00:00 - Intro & Dog Talk
    • 00:51 - Overall Review & Rating
    • 04:38 - Plot Recap & Summary
    • 12:05 - National Turkey Council Satire
    • 13:03 - Deep Review & Book Discussion
    • 34:03 - Outro

    ------------------------------------------

    #TheCursed #HarperLWoods #BookReview #FantasyBooks #romantasy #BookPodcast #beccasbookclubadventure

    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • Ep 48 - Full Book Review: Apples Dipped in Gold by Scarlett St. Clair
    Nov 28 2025

    Hey book friends — today we’re diving into Apples Dipped in Gold by Scarlett St. Clair, a dark, fairy-tale-twisted fantasy filled with magic, romance, and just the right amount of bite. 🍎✨

    In this episode, we recap the full story, share our honest ratings and reactions, and talk through the parts that stuck with us — from Samara’s strength and Lore’s slow-burn romance to the dark themes woven through the Witch of the Woods. We’ll touch on the spiciness level (spoiler: it’s mild), the moments that made us laugh, and the ones that made us pause.

    Whether you’ve already read it or are just curious about this fantasy romance and its clever mix of fairy-tale magic and witchcraft, grab a cozy drink and join us for our Apples Dipped in Gold book review — complete with plot recap, character analysis, and a few light-hearted tangents along the way.

    Like, Comment, Subscribe | New episodes every Wednesday

    Connect on IG: https://www.instagram.com/beccasbookclubadventure/

    Email: BookClubByBecca@gmail.com

    ------------------------------------------

    Everything Scarlett St. Clair: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2Xveir1Tcd16Xc8wSbErBML9j&si=_umvvbzCzX95HbMV

    Spoiler-Free Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfSpfBBfAfxynAgLTcNvnAT&si=TUqkQ3bv7pQJtyb6

    Spoiler Filled Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2Xve832drS0lPw_coM67FyWC5&si=euj8-tBou3s5FhV7

    ------------------------------------------

    • 00:00 - Intro & Dog Talk
    • 02:00 - Overall Review & Rating
    • 04:30 - Spiciness Review & Rating
    • 07:57 - Immortal Therapy Satire
    • 08:51 - Plot Recap & Summary
    • 19:32 - Deep Review & Book Discussion
    • 37:15 - Outro

    ------------------------------------------

    #ApplesDippedInGold #ScarlettStClai #bookreview #fantasyromance #FairyTales #BookPodcast #BookishCommunity #beccasbookclubadventure

    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • Ep 47 - Lightlark by Alex Aster | Full Book Review
    Nov 26 2025

    We’ve read Lightlark by Alex Aster from cover to cover — and now it’s time for the final verdict. 🌪️

    In this episode, we’re diving into everything we loved (and didn’t) about this bingeable fantasy — from the plot twists and curses to the characters’ powers and very mild spice level. We’re sharing our personal ratings, our thoughts on Grim and Isla’s chemistry, and why we think this story might work better as a movie adaptation than a full series.

    There’s laughter, a few rants, and plenty of predictions about what’s next in the Lightlark world. So grab your drink, get cozy, and join us for our full Lightlark book review — spoilers and strong opinions included.

    Like, Comment, Subscribe | New episodes every Wednesday

    Connect on IG: https://www.instagram.com/beccasbookclubadventure/

    Email: BookClubByBecca@gmail.com

    ------------------------------------------

    More Lightlark: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XveCl1jCWa01vnv7eWc1JHPY&si=Iy51xeLmCCSL1T4M

    More Non-Book Videos: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2Xvf42a5wfEtts3rEBNyKOm0w&si=wQYe-GSApSxd-C02

    https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XveyNl9NRGNzx5Yb4OUHUR0n&si=nMShJkyw1PUZ60rd

    Spoiler-Free Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfSpfBBfAfxynAgLTcNvnAT&si=TUqkQ3bv7pQJtyb6

    Spoiler Filled Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2Xve832drS0lPw_coM67FyWC5&si=euj8-tBou3s5FhV7

    ------------------------------------------

    • 00:00 - Intro & General Impression
    • 01:00 - Overview of Lightlark
    • 03:50 - Ratings, Reviews, Recommendation
    • 07:27 - Plot vs. Characters
    • 10:48 - Plot Twists
    • 12:22 - Spice Analysis14:18 - Powers & Curses
    • 22:00 - Movie vs TV
    • 24:54 - Character Appearance
    • 38:45 - Predictions
    • 46:29 - Outro

    ------------------------------------------

    #lightlark #bookreview #bookrecommendations #bookdiscussion #romantasy #fantasybooks #bookpodcast #beccasbookclubadventure

    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
  • Ep 39 - Starling House & A Spindle Splintered by Alix E. Harrow | Spoiler Free & Full Book Review
    Nov 21 2025

    Spoiler-Free Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfSpfBBfAfxynAgLTcNvnAT&si=TUqkQ3bv7pQJtyb6

    Spoiler Filled Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2Xve832drS0lPw_coM67FyWC5&si=euj8-tBou3s5FhV7

    Alix E. Harrow Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2Xvcgbm0_bMK9IGTMPcrx1Mn1&si=8mm0a8sIm-90HA2E

    ------------------------------------------

    📱 Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/beccasbookclubadventure/

    ------------------------------------------

    🎧 New episodes every Wednesday @ 6 AM ET

    📬 Email: BookClubByBecca@gmail.com

    ------------------------------------------

    Starling House

    A grim and gothic new tale from author Alix E. Harrow about a small town haunted by secrets that can't stay buried and the sinister house that sits at the crossroads of it all.

    Eden, Kentucky, is just another dying, bad-luck town, known only for the legend of E. Starling, the reclusive nineteenth-century author and illustrator who wrote The Underland--and disappeared. Before she vanished, Starling House appeared. But everyone agrees that it’s best to let the uncanny house―and its last lonely heir, Arthur Starling―go to rot.

    Opal knows better than to mess with haunted houses or brooding men, but an unexpected job offer might be a chance to get her brother out of Eden. Too quickly, though, Starling House starts to feel dangerously like something she’s never had: a home.

    As sinister forces converge on Starling House, Opal and Arthur are going to have to make a dire choice to dig up the buried secrets of the past and confront their own fears, or let Eden be taken over by literal nightmares.

    If Opal wants a home, she’ll have to fight for it.

    ------------------------------------------

    A Spindle Splintered

    It's Zinnia Gray's twenty-first birthday, which is extra-special because it's the last birthday she'll ever have. When she was young, an industrial accident left Zinnia with a rare condition. Not much is known about her illness, just that no one has lived past twenty-one.

    Her best friend Charm is intent on making Zinnia's last birthday special with a full sleeping beauty experience, complete with a tower and a spinning wheel. But when Zinnia pricks her finger, something strange and unexpected happens, and she finds herself falling through worlds, with another sleeping beauty, just as desperate to escape her fate.

    ------------------------------------------

    Alix E. Harrow

    Alix E. Harrow is the NYT-bestselling author of The Ten Thousand Doors of January, The Once and Future Witches, Starling House, and various short fiction, including a duology of retold fairy tales (A Spindle Splintered and A Mirror Mended). Her work has won a Hugo and a British Fantasy Award, and been shortlisted for the Nebula, World Fantasy, Locus, Southern Book Prize, and Goodreads Choice awards.

    She's from Kentucky, but now lives in Charlottesville, Virginia with her husband and their two semi-feral kids.

    ------------------------------------------

    #fantasybooks #bookreview #bookrecommendations #booksuggestions #booksummary

    ------------------------------------------

    • 00:00 - Intro
    • 01:11 - Starling House (Spoiler Free)
    • 10:16 -Thoughts on Alix E. Harrow
    • 12:29 - Rave Review
    • 13:25 - Crozet Book Festival (Oct. 25)
    • 14:20 - A Spindle Splintered (Spoiler Filled)
    • 22:50 - More Thoughts on Alix E. Harrow
    • 25:25 - A Mirror Mended (Spoiler Free)
    • 30:29 - Coming Up...
    • 36:24 - Outro
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins