I’m joined by Kylee, one of the funniest and most creative voices on Bookstagram, whose reels always capture the exact chaos of being a reader. We talk about her range across genres, her deep love for Throne of Glass, and some honest takes on book reviews and the expectations around them. At the end of the day, though, we’re both strong believers in slowing down, ignoring the pressure, and actually enjoying the books we’re reading...because what’s the point otherwise?

ALSO, ARE YOU SOMEONE THAT HASN'T PRE-ORDERED ACOTAR 6&7? Go on and hit up The Freckled Page. Their website is here, social media here, and hell, drop a message to Katie and tell her I sent you. Pick up a few other books while you're talking to her, too.

In this episode, Ellis Hart and I talk aboutThe House That Held Her, Ellis’s debut thriller that blends a cryptic story with a genuine Florida setting. We explore the layered friendship between Margo and Shannon, and how themes of trust and betrayal drive the story forward. Ellis also shares the inspiration behind the book, and we dive into a timely conversation about the role of AI in the book landscape, discussing how it’s influencing writers, content creators, and publishers.

Ellis also recently announced upcoming novel Make Me Forget Again. He gives insight into what readers can expect from this new book, and while it may be different than The House that Held Her, rest assured it will have his signature tension and emotional depth.

Dark romance can feel a little intimidating, especially if you're like me and don’t typically gravitate toward romance. Luckily, this week I'm joined by Shelby to help me understand it all. She patiently answers all my questions and helps me understand how it balances taboo, danger, and an emotional depth that is outside your standard romance genre. Whether you're already familiar to the dark romance world, or new and curious, this episode offers a transparent look at this genre and what makes it so unique.

You can follow Shelby on Instagram and TikTok.