Episodes

"You were challenged beyond the bounds of what could be done, and found a path to make it true." In our conversation we talk about the boundaries women have to negotiate to take care of themselves and their families. Survival can look like selfishness and even fair bargains can be traps. In Novik's story there is a battle between the fire demon Chernobog and the Staryk King of winter. The people of Lithvas are trapped in between. Miryem, Irina, and Wanda find ways to help themselves, their family, their people, and each other. We linger in a discussion of how sometimes utilitarian arrangements or market transactions between indifferent people can lead to real understanding and even love as they learn and grow and change. Loving one person who is really different from you can open up a whole new world of people to love. We enjoy the twists in the story and the numerous charming references to other stories and folk tales. We also talk about the mentions of tax rolls in the story! Nice w…

“‘I love you,' he whispered, and kissed my brow. 'Thorns and all.'.” This season starts with one of the biggest titles in the Romantasy genre: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. Christy warms to it but Carly remains cold. What do women want? What do women need? C&C discuss what characters are looking for and what a reader wants from her books. Two important moments in A Court of Thorns and Roses revolve around what Feyre, the main character, is and isn’t willing to say. She hesitates...

What do you get when you add some fantasy to your romance novels? Our new season of the Book Club Podcast. This season, we are reading two of the biggest titles in the genre: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas and Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. But size isn’t the only thing that matters. We also chose titles we loved or came with rock-solid abs, I mean, recommendations. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern and The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen are great choices for when...