BookTalks Podcast

Booktalks Podcast episode 118: The Love Hypothesis Movie Review 🎬📚

Booktalks Podcast episode 118: We’re talking all about The Love Hypothesis movie! Kayla and Marisa break down Ali Hazelwood’s highly anticipated book-to-screen adaptation, comparing the movie to the original novel and discussing the biggest changes from page to screen. ⚠️ SPOILERS AHEAD for both the book and movie! We’re talking Adam and Olive, fake dating, the changes to Tom’s storyline, why Holden being cut from the movie was such a big change, Adam’s different personality on screen, the casting, the rom-com vibes, and whether The Love Hypothesis lived up to the book. We also get into other Ali Hazelwood adaptations, upcoming releases, and plenty of tangents along the way. Did you read The Love Hypothesis before watching the movie? Let us know what you thought of the adaptation! Follow Booktalks Podcast: Instagram: @booktalkspodcast TikTok: @booktalkspodcast YouTube: @chaoticbookgirls Listen, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

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Booktalks Podcast Episode 117: We Reread ACOMAF… Do We Still Love It? 👀

We are rereading A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas — and this time, we’re looking at the book with a few more years of reading experience behind us. ACOMAF is one of the most beloved books in the ACOTAR series, but does it still hit the same on a reread? We’re talking Feyre, Rhysand, Tamlin, the Inner Circle, our favorite moments, the things that stood out differently this time, and all of our honest thoughts on the book. Whether you’re an ACOTAR veteran or discovering the series for the first time, come hang out with us for a full reread discussion! ⚠️ SPOILERS FOR A COURT OF MIST AND FURY / ACOTAR SERIES 📚 Join the BookTalks Podcast Book Club on Fable! 🎙️ Subscribe for more book discussions, reviews, rereads, author interviews & BookTube chaos. What did YOU think of ACOMAF on your first read vs. your reread? Tell us in the comments! 👇 #ACOTAR #ACOMAF #SarahJMaas #BookTube #FantasyBooks #Romantasy #BookPodcast #BookDiscussion #BookReview #ACOTARFans

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Booktalks Podcast episode 116: Out on a Limb SPOILER Review

This week on Book Talks Podcast, we're discussing our August Book of the Month: Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young! ⚠️ SPOILER WARNING: This episode contains FULL SPOILERS for the entire book, including the ending! We’re talking all things Win and Bo, the surprise pregnancy trope, disability representation, their relationship, the lack of conflict, the happily-ever-after ending, and all of our thoughts on whether this romance actually worked for us. We also get into a bigger conversation about surprise pregnancy romances and whether you can really say you hate the trope if you've only encountered it in other genres. Plus, we compare Out on a Limb to some of our favorite surprise pregnancy books, including Wild Card, Ready or Not, Forever Undone, and Seven of Hearts. Was Out on a Limb too perfect? Did we need more conflict? Did the epilogue go on too long? And where does this book rank among our favorite surprise pregnancy romances? Let us know what you thought of Out on a Limb and what surprise pregnancy romance we should read next! Follow Book Talks Podcast: Instagram & TikTok: @booktalkspodcast YouTube: @book_talks_podcast Join our book club on Fable: Book Talks Podcast #OutOnALimb #HannahBonamYoung #RomanceBooks #BookClub #BookTalksPodcast

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Booktalks Podcast Episode 115: MAGGIE GATES INTERVIEW and her new book BLUE JEAN SUMMER

We’re sitting down with romance author Maggie Gates to talk about what really makes a romance story feel fresh—even when it uses familiar tropes. Maggie shares her “tropes are ingredients” philosophy, how real life inspires her characters, why she cries while writing, and how writing helped her process some of her most personal experiences. We also talk about negative reviews, plotting vs. pantsing, emotional scenes, her interconnected book universe, and (of course!) her upcoming romance, BLUE JEAN SUMMER, releasing September 15. Maggie’s rapid-fire trope answers are also VERY revealing—including why she’d choose one horse over one bed. ABOUT BLUE JEAN SUMMER: Marriage of convenience • Age gap • Childhood friends • Billionaire hero • Broke heroine • Cowboys • Ranch romance If you love romance books, author interviews, bookish conversations, and getting a behind-the-scenes look at how your favorite stories are created, make sure to subscribe to BookTalks Podcast! #BookTalksPodcast #MaggieGates #BlueJeanSummer

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Booktalks Podcast Episode 114: ACOTAR Reread | A Court of Thorns and Roses

Booktalks Podcast Episode 114: We’re rereading A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas! 📚✨ We’re going back to the beginning of the ACOTAR series and looking at the first book with everything we know now. Does A Court of Thorns and Roses hold up on a reread? Are Feyre and Tamlin really the love story we remembered? And how much more obvious are the Rhysand clues when you already know where the series is headed? We’re talking about Feyre’s character, Tamlin and Feyre’s relationship, Rhysand’s role in the story, the riddle, Feyre’s time Under the Mountain, the trials, the ending, and all the little details we noticed differently this time around. We also discuss why ACOTAR became such a beloved series despite the first book being slower and more of a setup for the larger story, and why A Court of Mist and Fury is the book we really remember making the series special. If you’re an ACOTAR fan, Sarah J. Maas reader, or rereading the series before the next book, come listen as we revisit where it all began! 📱 Follow Booktalks Podcast: Instagram: @booktalkspodcast TikTok: @booktalkspodcast YouTube: @book_talks_podcast 📚 Join our Fable Book Club: Search for Booktalks Podcast Book Club on Fable and read along with us! ⚠️ SPOILER WARNING: This episode discusses the first ACOTAR book and includes discussion of events and character developments from later books in the series. #BooktalksPodcast #ACOTAR #ACOTARReread #ACOTARBookClub #SarahJMaas #ACourtOfThornsAndRoses #BookPodcast #BookTube

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Booktalks Podcast Episode 113: August Wrap Up + September TBR 📚

Booktalks Podcast Episode 113: We’re wrapping up our August reading and looking ahead to our September TBR! 📚 August was a rough reading month for both of us, with busy work schedules, life updates, and a very hyped fantasy book sending Kayla into a reading slump. We’re talking about the books we finished, our ratings, a few DNFs, romance reads, our August Book Club pick, and the books we’re planning to tackle in September. We’re also getting back into Sarah J. Maas with A Court of Mist and Fury, continuing Avatar, starting new romance series, discussing Maggie Gates, hockey romances, cowboy romances, and more. Plus, we’re chatting about the upcoming Sarah J. Maas release, new ACOTAR covers and fan theories, book-to-TV adaptations, The Summer I Turned Pretty, Sterling Point, and what’s happening in the book world. And, as always, we’re trying to figure out what our Booktalks Podcast Book Club should read next! Follow along with Booktalks Podcast: Instagram: @booktalkspodcast TikTok: @booktalkspodcast YouTube: @book_talks_podcast #BooktalksPodcast #ReadingWrapUp #SeptemberTBR #BookPodcast #BookRecommendations

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Booktalks Podcast Episode 112: : July Wrap Up + August TBR

Booktalks Podcast Episode 112: We’re wrapping up July with everything we read this month and looking ahead to our August TBR! 📚 Kayla read an impressive 13 books, including a major Maggie Gates and Jay Salmon binge, while Marisa shares her July reads including Wild Card, Poker Face, Elle Kennedy’s The Mistake, This Story Might Save Your Life, and more. We’re talking romance, surprise pregnancy tropes, thrillers, fantasy, books we loved, books we’re unhauling, and the books that just didn’t quite work for us. Then we’re planning our August reading, including our Fable Book of the Month, Out on a Limb, Star Side, Blood Bound, Morningstar, and an upcoming Avatar reread. Plus, we may have officially discovered our niche: surprise pregnancy books. 😂 Follow Book Talks Podcast: Instagram & TikTok: @booktalkspodcast YouTube: @book_talks_podcast Join our Fable book club and come read with us! #BookTalksPodcast #JulyWrapUp #AugustTBR #BookRecommendations #RomanceBooks #BookClub

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Booktalks Podcast Episode 111: Elle Kennedy's THRILLER Shocked Us

Thornbird by Elle Kennedy surprised us… because this wasn’t the romance book we expected. In this BookTalks Podcast episode, Kayla and Marissa discuss their July book club pick, Thornbird by Elle Kennedy, and why they think it works best as a thriller with a romance subplot rather than a romance trying to become a thriller. We break down: Ryan’s complicated journey as the daughter of a serial killer Chase and why the broody love interest completely won us over The thriller elements, twists, pacing, and character development How the podcast storyline adds a unique layer to the book Why this could be the perfect “bridge book” for romance readers wanting to try thrillers We also compare it to books like A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and discuss whether the twists landed, which characters frustrated us, and what we’re reading next. Plus, stick around for our next Book Club poll picks: Cowboy Casual Rights of the Starling Killing Floor Out on a Limb What did you think of Thornbird by Elle Kennedy? Was it more thriller or romance? Let us know in the comments! Don’t forget to subscribe for more book reviews, book club discussions, author chats, and chaotic bookish conversations from BookTalks Podcast. #Thornbird #ElleKennedy #BookReview #BookTube #BookClub #ThrillerBooks #RomanceBooks #MysteryBooks #BookDiscussion #BookRecommendations #BookPodcast

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Booktalks podcast episode 110: Our Best & Worst Books of 2026 So Far

We’re halfway through 2026, so it’s time to check in on our reading lives! We’re looking back at the goals we set in January, sharing how many books we’ve read, and revealing the stories that surprised, disappointed, and completely consumed us. We discuss our unexpected Maggie Gates obsession, whether the Fourth Wing series deserves its hype, our plans to continue Red Rising and Shield of Sparrows, and why mood reading has helped both of us read more than ever. We also weigh in on the BookTok debate about whether creators are actually reading every book they claim to finish. Then, we reveal our favorite books of 2026 so far—including Project Hail Mary, The Night We Met, Our Perfect Storm, You Deserve to Know, and Alchemized—along with our biggest disappointments, such as The Shippers, How to Kill a Guy in 10 Dates, and The Night Circus. Plus, Kayla has a major personal update: she’s engaged! Hear the full story of Tom’s Central Park proposal and how he managed to surprise her after a morning filled with suspicious hints. We close out the episode with our reading and podcast goals for the rest of 2026, including finishing several series, tackling our physical TBRs, returning to fantasy reading this fall, and working toward 500 YouTube subscribers. What are your best and worst books of 2026 so far? Share them with us on Instagram or TikTok at @booktalkspodcast.

Booktalks Podcast Episode 109: Every Year After vs Every Summer After | It Sucked

Did Amazon stay true to Carly Fortune's bestselling romance? In this spoiler-filled episode, we compare Every Year After to Every Summer After, discussing the biggest changes, what worked, what didn't, and why so many fans are disappointed with the adaptation. We also chat about One Golden Summer, successful adaptations like Off Campus, and finish with a recommendation for Maggie Gates' Beaufort Poker Club series. Follow BookTalks Podcast for weekly book reviews, adaptation discussions, and romance recommendations.

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Booktalks Podcast Episode 108: June Reading Wrap Up & July TBR | Best Romance Books of the Month

In Booktalks Podcast Episode 108, we're sharing everything we read in June and the books we're hoping to tackle in July! Kayla wraps up an incredible month of reading 11 books, including a deep dive into Maggie Gates' romance universe, while Marisa gives an update on her physical TBR challenge and shares her latest thriller and romance reads. We also discuss Every Summer After, The Deal, The Someday Garden, The Silent Patient, Deep End, upcoming ARCs, Kindle Unlimited favorites, and the books we're most excited to read this month. Whether you're looking for your next romance, thriller, fantasy, or beach read, we've got plenty of recommendations to add to your TBR. Follow Book Talks Podcast on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more book reviews, reading vlogs, author interviews, and weekly bookish content. Don't forget to join our Fable Book Club and read along with us each month!

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Booktalks Podcast Episode 107: Every Summer After Book Review (Part 1) Before the TV Show

Booktalks Podcast Episode 107 reviews Every Summer After by Carley Fortune before watching the TV adaptation. This is Part 1 of our Every Summer After series! We discuss Percy and Sam's relationship, Charlie, the alternating timelines, our favorite moments, what worked, what didn't, and whether the TV show has a chance of living up to the book. ⚠️ Full spoilers for the novel. Next week we'll be back with Part 2 after we've watched the TV adaptation to compare the show with the book. Follow us: Instagram: @booktalkspodcast TikTok: @booktalkspodcast YouTube: @book_talks_podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast and leave us a rating—it really helps other readers discover Booktalks Podcast!

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Booktalks Podcast Episode 106: OFF CAMPUS: Better Than The Book?! Amazon Show vs The Deal Review

We watched Amazon’s Off Campus series… and we have THOUGHTS. In this episode of Booktalks Podcast, we’re comparing the Off Campus TV show to Elle Kennedy’s book The Deal! We break down what changed, what was left out, the biggest storyline differences, and whether the adaptation actually improved the original story. Did the show stay true to the book? Did the changes work? Were there moments we missed from the novel? We discuss it all! Plus, we end with a hilarious hockey romance game where we draft our perfect hockey boyfriend… and discover Kayla is looking for a golden retriever friends-to-lovers hero while Marisa apparently needs a brooding, moody enemies-to-lovers man Let us know: Did you prefer the book or the show? Who would be your perfect hockey boyfriend? Subscribe for more book reviews, adaptations, fantasy, romance, thrillers, and chaotic bookish conversations! #BooktalksPodcast #OffCampus #TheDeal

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Booktalks Podcast Episode 105: Someday Garden Review | Ashley Poston Spoiler Discussion

Booktalks Podcast Episode 105 is our full spoiler review of Someday Garden by Ashley Poston! After catching up on our latest reads, Kindle purchases, summer reading plans, and the Off-Campus series, we dive into Ashley Poston's newest novel to discuss everything from the magical realism and emotional storytelling to the romance, grief, symbolism, and whether this book is actually a romance at all. We also debate: • Gus vs. Oliver • Whether the romance felt rushed • Ashley Poston's writing compared to The Dead Romantics • Our favorite magical realism books • Our final ratings We wrap up with a fun game of Plant It, Prune It, or Compost It, where we rank popular romance and fantasy tropes. ⚠️ This episode contains full spoilers for Someday Garden. Follow Booktalks Podcast on Instagram and TikTok @booktalkspodcast, and join our Book Club on Fable for monthly reads and discussions.

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Book Talks Podcast Episode 104: The Deal by Elle Kennedy Review (Part 1 of Our Off Campus Series)

Book Talks Podcast Episode 104: The Deal by Elle Kennedy Review (Part 1 of Our Off Campus Series) This week we're kicking off our two-part Off Campus series with a full review of The Deal by Elle Kennedy. Before diving into the new TV adaptation, we wanted to revisit the hockey romance that started it all. We discuss Garrett Graham and Hannah Wells, the fake dating trope, college romance dynamics, character development, our favorite moments, and whether this beloved romance still lives up to the hype. If you're planning to watch Off Campus or you're looking for your next hockey romance read, this episode is for you. Next week we'll return with Part 2, where we review the Off Campus TV show and compare it to the book. Follow us: Instagram: @booktalkspod TikTok: @booktalkspod Please rate, review, and follow the podcast to help other readers discover the show.

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Booktalks Podcast Episode 103: Interview with Alicia Thompson: Writing, Characters Her Newest Book

In this episode of Booktalks Podcast, we sit down with author Alicia Thompson to talk about her writing journey, creating memorable characters, and the inspiration behind her books. Alicia shares her thoughts on storytelling, romance, character development, and what goes into bringing a book from an idea to the page. Whether you’re a longtime Alicia Thompson reader or discovering her work for the first time, this conversation is a behind-the-scenes look at the author and the stories readers love. Follow Booktalks Podcast for more book reviews, discussions, author interviews, and reading recommendations.

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Booktalks Podcast Episode 102: May Reading Wrap Up + June TBR

In this episode of Book Talks Podcast, we're sharing everything we read in May and what we're hoping to read in June! We discuss our thoughts on Shield of Sparrows, Golden Son, The Shippers, and the surprise books that completely took over Kayla's reading month. Kayla dives into her newfound obsession with Maggie Gates, why Our Perfect Storm might be her favorite book of the year, and why she's ready to reread some all-time favorite romances. Meanwhile, Marisa shares her honest thoughts on The Nightingale, discusses a disappointing thriller read, and talks about balancing a never-ending TBR. We also chat about: ✨ The pregnancy trope debate ✨ Why some authors become auto-buy authors ✨ June reading goals and anticipated releases ✨ Off Campus and Elle Kennedy obsession ✨ Morning Star predictions and Red Rising theories ✨ Summer reading plans and Kindle Unlimited recommendations Books Mentioned: Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry The Shippers by E.J. Schultz Golden Son by Pierce Brown Dust Storm by Maggie Gates Fire Line by Maggie Gates Poker Face by Maggie Gates Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune Every Summer After by Carley Fortune Cold World by Alicia Thompson On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn Bonds That Burn by Briar Boleyn The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah It's Not Her by Mary Kubica The Deal by Elle Kennedy Morning Star by Pierce Brown Blue Jeans Summer by Maggie Gates First and Forever by Eve Dangerfield Fever Dream by Elsie Silver Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Fable: @BookTalksPodcast

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Booktalks Podcast Episode 101: Shield of Sparrows Review: The Next Fourth Wing?

In today's BookTalks Podcast episode, we're reviewing Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry and discussing whether this new fantasy romance has what it takes to become the next massive fantasy series. From the worldbuilding and characters to the romance, plot twists, and overall reading experience, we're breaking down everything we loved, what surprised us, and whether we think Shield of Sparrows deserves all the attention it's been getting. Could this be the next fantasy obsession for readers who loved Fourth Wing, romantasy, and epic fantasy adventures? Join us as we share our full thoughts and recommendations. Have you read Shield of Sparrows? Let us know your rating in the comments! Subscribe for weekly book reviews, reading vlogs, fantasy discussions, and BookTalks Podcast episodes. #ShieldOfSparrows #DevneyPerry #FantasyBooks #BookReview #Romantasy

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Booktalks Podcast Episode 100: Our Honest Thoughts on The Shippers by Katherine Center

This week on Book Talks Podcast, we’re discussing The Shippers by Katherine Center — one of the biggest romance releases of 2026! We dive into JoJo and Cooper’s friends-to-lovers story, the cruise ship setting, hilarious rom-com moments, emotional depth (or lack of it), and whether this book lived up to our expectations as longtime Katherine Center readers. We also rank our favorite Katherine Center books, compare The Shippers to other recent romance releases, and talk about why this story feels perfect for a summer beach read or movie adaptation. If you love romance books, BookTok favorites, spoiler-filled book discussions, and honest reading conversations, this episode is for you. Books mentioned: 📖 The Shippers 📖 The Rom-Commers 📖 The Love Haters 📖 How to Walk Away 📖 The Night We Met 📖 Our Perfect Storm 📖 Shield of Sparrows Follow Book Talks Podcast on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Fable for more weekly reading content and book discussions!

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Booktalks Podcast Episode 99: BOOKTOK Was Right About This Romance? | Any Trope But You Review

Today I’m reviewing Any Trope But You by Victoria Lavine, one of the newest romance books getting attention on BookTok. In this spoiler-free review, I’m talking about: the romance tropes character chemistry writing style pacing what worked for me what didn’t and whether this BookTok recommendation is actually worth the hype. If you love contemporary romance, tension, banter, and trope-heavy romances, this might be your next read. Let me know in the comments: Did you love Any Trope But You? What BookTok romance should I review next? #BookTube #RomanceBooks #BookTok #AnyTropeButYou #BookTropes

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