In the Mood For: A Bookish Podcast

Good Girls PR co-founder Shaye joins Shani and Mary for all things marketing and PR around Heated Rivalry and we have lots of ideas for improvement and merch. We'd also like to let all our friends know that YES WE HAVE SEEN THIS VIDEO/MEME/PHOTOSHOOT ALREADY.

Author and friend Rae Douglas joined Shani for a long chat about Heated Rivalry (surprise!): fandom, actors' privacy and power dynamics in the show.Creator who is studying fandoms and writing her PhD dissertation on fandoms can be found on TikTok at @oldmythos. 

Our small bags are packed for the cottage but we're also borrowing Shane's flannel, tyvm. Bonnie makes a return to the pod to join Shani, Mary and Ada to chat the season finale of Heated Rivalry. Full episode recap but also tangents about cottage semantics, cinematography, PAH-sta and Bonnie's babygirl Rosemary says hi to everyone. Just your usual ITMF chaos. 

Join us for an emotional rollercoaster of HR episode 5 I'll Believe in Anything. We are severely unwell and the only cure is luckily to pack our bags for the cottage. Mary remains concerned about the Skip timeline, Ada wants to remind everyone this is Canadian excellence and Shani found new vocal stims. 

Our tiny hearts are in shambles after this week's episode, please send ginger ale and tuna melts. Ada (@adagetsliterary) once again joins Shani and Mary to break down the brilliance and devastation of Heated Rivalry episode 4! 

We're politely crashing out out about The Smoothies, Harlequin fumbling the bag and Kip's dad. But also playing timeline detective and hurting our own feelings with episode 4 predictions. Ada of @adagetsliterary joins us in the chaos again!

If there's one thing that's going to get us back in front of the mics, it's gay hockey. Ada from @adagetsliterary joins Shani and Mary to chat about our precious babies Shane and Ilya and the Crave Original adaptation of Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid.

Coming to you a little late on this year's nonsense behavior at Sinners & Stardust as we wonder how some folks got so lost in the sauce. ShaniBallad of Songbirds & Snakes, Suzanne CollinsSunrise on the Reaping, Suzanne CollinsThe Knight & The Moth, Rachel GilligThe Familiar, Leigh BardugoOff Campus, Elle Kennedy rereadsSaving the Rain, Elliot RoseLucky Day, Chuck TingleEndless Anger, Sav R MillerBonnieTotally And Completely Fine, Elissa SussmanDaddy Issues, Kate GoldbeckWell, Actually, Mazey EddingsZomromcom, Olivia DadeDesire In His Blood, Zoey DravenMaryWatch Your Back, Tate JamesBarons of Decay, Angel LawsonWicked Devotions Duet, Nichole GreeneHoney Cut, Sierra SimoneOpen Book, Jessica SimpsonWhat we’re watching:Fall For Me (Netflix)

You get a movie! And you get a movie! And YOU GET A MOVIE! So many film adaptations coming our way and everyone is in a re-reading mood!MaryFunny Story, Emily HenryLola and the Millionaires, Kathryn MoonBarons of Decay, Angel LawsonThe Knight & the Moth, Rachel GilligHarlequin Crew, Twisted SistersWatch Your Back, Tate JamesBonnieBunny, Mona AwadThe Twisted Ones, T KingfisherWilling Prey, Allie OleanderThe Rose BargainEverything is Tuberculosis, John GreeneShaniThe Knight & the Moth, Rachel GilligStirring Spurs, MA WardellNever Been Shipped, Alicia ThompsonDigging Dr Jones, Olivia JacksonOther mentions:Monsters & Muses series, Sav R MillerAdaptations: New Haven series (JL Seegars), The Love Hypothesis (Ali Hazelwood), The Map That Leads to You (JP Monninger), Your Fault & Our Fault London (Mercedes Ron)

Ali Hazelwood superfan Ada of @adagetsliterary joins us again to talk about Ali's newest release, Problematic Summer Romance and Shani finally bullies Mary and Bonnie onto their Rina Kent journeys!AdaTotally & Completely Fine, Elissa SussmanShaniCruel King, Rina KentShots On Net, JJ MulderRuled Out, Ruth StillingRelease Me, KA TuckerBonnieRelease Me, KA TuckerGloves Off, Stephanie ArcherPuck & Prejudice, Lia RileyNot Safe For Work, Nisha J TuliStand and Defend, Sloane St JamesCruel King, Rina KentMaryDear Reader, Tate JamesCruel King, Rina KentOther books mentionedThe Thrashers, Julie SotoNot In Love, Ali Hazelwood 

All of a sudden all of our favorite series are getting tv-show adaptations and we are LIVING.ShaniProblematic Summer Romance, Ali HazelwoodBourbon & Proof, Victoria WilderThe Legend Next Door, Jesse H. ReignDear Reader, Tate JamesFriends of the Museum, Heather McGowanBonnieChange of Heart, Fallon BallardAnywhere With You, Ellie PalmerVisions of Heat, Nalini SinghMeet Me At the Lake, Carley FortuneNot Safe For Work, Nisha J TuliBourbon & Proof, Victoria WilderGloves Off, Stephanie ArcherMaryDear Reader, Tate JamesBride, Ali HazelwoodThe Knight & the Moth, Rachel GilligRuthless Vows, Rebecca RossTV Adaption AnnouncementsMindf*ck Series adapted by Amazon (S.T. Abby)Rose Hill Series adapted by Amazon (Elsie Silver)Heated Rivalry adapted by Crave (Rachel Reid)Other mentions:Doctor Odyssey (ABC)Off Campus series (Amazon)Along for the Ride (Netflix)Cruel Intentions series (Amazon)The Gentlemen (Netflix)Olympo (Netflix)

May was a fabulous release month and we are EATINGGGGGGG.MaryProblematic Summer Romance, Ali HazelwoodThe Knight & The Moth, Rachel GilligOvercompensating (TV Show)Dear Reader, Tate JamesShaniProblematic Summer Romance, Ali HazelwoodHat Trick, Chelsea CurtoChange of Heart, Hannah BaileyAlong Came Amor, Alexis DariaReckless Hearts, Jessa WilderComing in Hot, Josie JuniperBonnieAnywhere With You, Ellie K PalmerVisions of Heat, Nalini Singh

We took a small unintended hiatus due to gestures wildly but we're ready for a summer of fun reads and new releases!

Melanie (@mells_view) joins us to chat about how romance book movie adaptations are making a splash on streaming sites and we are here 👏 for 👏 it👏. My Fault London is a fave but there are lots of films to catch up on. We also chat about which books we'd love to see adapted and how we absolutely can't support Passionflix.ShaniPromise Me Sunshine, Cara BastoneNightshade, Autumn WoodsBloody, Slutty and Pathetic, WhatMurdah (a03, Dramione fic)Not Safe for Work, Nisha J TuliGodless (Netflix)Princes of Carnage, Eva Ashwood MellA Breath of Fresh Air, Allegra HallThe Story of My Life, Lucy ScoreThe Walking Dead (Netflix)Yellowjackets (Hulu)BonnieHathor & the Prince, JJ McAvoyBloodmarked, Tracy DeonnThe Architect, Nikki SloaneAbsolution, Jeff VandermeerThe Auction, lovesbitca8 (a03, Dramione fic, no longer available)MaryOathbound, Tracy DeonnSunrise on the Reaping,  Suzanne CollinsThe Broker, Nikki SloaneOther books mentionedRonan, KA TuckerThe Wolf Hotel series, KA TuckerBook to movie adaptations:Culpa MiaCulpa TuyaMy Fault LondonButcher and BlackbirdTwisted series, Ana HuangLick (passionflix)50 Shades of GreyMaxton HallMarked MenThe NotebookOur dream adaptations:The Harlequin CrewOn The Line, Naomi LoudWas I Ever series, Naomi LoudNocticadia, Keri LakeMagnolia Parks, Jessa HastingsNashville Neighborhood, Nikki SloaneMonsters & Muses, Sav R MillerAddicted, Krista & Becca RitchieDeanna Madden series, AR TorreMendell Hawks, Deanna GreyNew Haven, JL SeegarsFilthy Rich Americans, Nikki SloaneKennedy Ryan (all books)Trail of Sins, Pam GodwinLyonesse series, Sierra Simone

Everyone say bye-bye to Sophie Lark! The ARC readers for her Sparrow & Vine, uncovered multiple problematic and racist passages in the book, which triggered a mountain of blacklash against her. We talk about what went down during that wild week and now badly Sophie and Bloom managed the whole situation.Books Mentioned:MaryOathbound, Tracy Deonn (Legendborn series)BonnieBloodmarked, Tracy DeonnAnnie Bot, Sierra GreerNightshade by Autumn WoodsShaniPrinces of Carnage, Eva AshwoodThe House of My Mother, Shari Franke

Our intent was not to talk about Ali Hazelwood's Deep End again, but we just have a lot of feelings you guys. Featuring the wonderful and talented Ada of @adagetsliterary and @be.archetype on Instagram!MaryThe Broker, Nikki SloaneThe House of My Mother, Sherri FrankePretty Ruthless Monsters, Eva AshwoodTreading Water, B. SobjakkenMy Fault London (Amazon)BonnieOnly In Your Dreams, Ellie K WildLola & the MillionairesHood Feminism, Mikki KendallAdaDeep End, Ali HazelwoodGabby Petito documentary (Netflix)ShaniA New Leaf, Samm WildeOther MentionsPerfect Addition (Amazon Prime)Filthy Rich Americans, Nikki SloaneThe Favorites, Layne Fargo

This week we simply have too many things to say about Ali Hazelwood's newest book, Deep End. We unequivocally loved it but want to know why so many readers are crashing out about the spice, kink, Pen and female friendships. Come on in, the water's fine.  MaryDeep End, Ali HazelwoodUncultured, Daniella Mestyanek YoungShaniQuicksilver, Callie HartEmpire of Temptation, Mila FinelliFirst-Time Caller, BK BorisonBonniePhantasma, Kaylie SmithFirst-Time Caller, BK BorisonThe Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy, Brigitte KnightleyLiving Legend, Allie ShanteRide With Me, Simone SoltaniOther booksThe Broker, Nikki SloaneDeep End, Ali Hazelwood

So many romance bookstores are popping up all over the country, which we love, obv. What trends are we seeing, what could be improved, will they last?Bonnie books mentioned:Lola and the Millionaires, Kathryn MoonQuicksilver, Callie HartShani books mentioned:First Time Caller, BK BorisonCalamity MT series, Devney PerryThe Bridge Kingdom, Danielle L JensenSold copies of Fourth Wing & Iron Flame & Onyx Storm by Rebecca YarrosMary books mentioned:Heavenly Tyrant, Xiran Jay ZhaoRomance Book Stores - USMeet Cute, La Mesa, CAHeartbound Book Shop, Anaheim, CASmitten, Ventura, CAThe Ripped Bodice, Los Angeles, CASpicy Librarian, Denver, COThe New Romantics, Orlando, FLSteamy Lit, Tampa, FLAll the Tropes, Atlanta, GAHEA Book Boutique, Marion, IABlush & Bashful, Hopkinsville, KYA Novel Romance, Louisville, KYBlush, Wichita, KSRomance-Landia, Centreville, MDTrope Bookshop in Charlotte, NC (mobile bookshop)Beach Read Books in Wilmington, NCKiss & Tale, Collingswood, NJThe Ripped Bodice, Brooklyn NYThe Last Chapter Bookshop, Chicago, ILLove’s Sweet Arrow is in Tinley Park, ILLovestruck Books, Cambridge, MAGrump & Sunshine, Belfast, MEPages & Grapes, Wyoming, MITropes & Trifles, Minneapolis, MNUnder the Cover, Kansas City, MOGood Girls Bookshop, Kalispell, MTLovebound Library, SLC, UTFriends to Lovers Bookstore, Alexandria, VASweeter Than Fiction, Charleston, SCBlush, Dallas, TXLove Affair Bookstore, Midland, TXRoaming Romance (pop-up)CanadaSlow Burn Books, Calgary, CanadaPages of Passion Bookstore, Saskatoon, SKLeather and Lace Books,  Saskatoon, SK 

Recorded a few days before TT went quiet in the US, but stay tuned for our usual yap, and who knows if we'll have TikTok in a few months anyway!ShaniSky Ridge Hot Shots seriesReckless, Elsie SilverHigh Sticking the Heat, Marie MaravillaMarriage & Masti, Nisha SharmaOnce Smitten, Twice Shy, Chloe LieseBonnieThe Bridge Kingdom, Danielle L JensenUnder Loch and Key, Lana FergusonStalker Daddy’s Milk, Krystal ClarkThe Wolf King, Lauren PalphreymanMaryFeast of Fools, Naomi LoudUncultured, Daniella Mestyanek YoungSeverance rewatch podcast

Happy 2025! We round up some recent gossip and drama in the book community and chat about most expected releases for the year.Books mentioned:MaryA Novel Love Story, Ashley PostonNever Keep, Caroline Peckham and Susanne ValentiGifted to His Dad, J WilderFeast of Fools, Naomi LoudThe Diplomat (TV series)Industry (TV series)ShaniThe Shepherd King Duet, Rachel GilligYellowstone (TV series)Fight, Sloane St JamesBonnieThe Bridge Kingdom series, Danielle L JensenSplit or Swallow, Lindsay StraubeUnder Loch and Key, Lana FergusonAngels Blood, Nalini SinghRecent Discourse Round-UpYearly “you didn’t read that many books” discourseAudible shames readersFable fails with AI wrap-upIt’s UX not UIFreydis Moon “returns”?2025 releases!!MaryThe Broker Nikki SloaneOathbound, Tracey DeonnSunrise on the Reaping,The Knight & the Moth, Rachel GilligShaniOut of the Woods, Hannah Bonham YoungRewind it Back, Liz TomfordeBeautiful Venom, Rina KentEndless Anger, Sav R MillerNot Safe for Work, Nisha J TuliFight, Sloane St James BonnieSinners Atone, Somme SketcherThe Wretched Divine, Adalyn GraceDeep End, Ali HazelwoodRose In Chains, Julie SotoThe Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy, Brigitte KnightleyCan't Get Enough, Kennedy Ryan