In Bed With Books
81 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago -A bookish podcast for bookish babes.
Hosted by Melissa, a former academic and long-time lover of fantasy, romance, and literature.
Join me every other Monday for new episodes about YA, NA, and fantasy romance!
Where to find the pod >>
Instagram: https://instagram.com/inbedwithbookspod
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod
Email: [email protected]
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Episodes
Bookish Chat with Kristin, Part 2
April 16, 2024 05:55 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MBJoin me and my long-time friend Kristin for the second part of our chat! We grabbed some cheese and wine, and caught up on our TBR's. We're talking about why I haven't read Fourth Wing yet (while Kristin continues to try and convince me), the issue with series that go on for too long, and some of our broader requirements for really enjoying fantasy reads. This is part of a longer conversation. You can catch the rest of it in the coming weeks. If you have an author, book, or topic you want...
In Defense of Play: A Bookish Chat, with Michael Pons
April 01, 2024 07:04 - 1 hour - 84.3 MBJoin my friend Michael and me for a conversation about the necessity of fantasy, fiction, and the simple act of play, whether that's through fantasy and romance books or tabletop games, like D&D. This conversation started in response to his recent academic paper where Michael defends play, and fantasy, as a way to create meaning, reflect, and to simply take the edge off. Through the episode, we use books, games, and community to defend the human need to simply have fun. WARNING: The episod...
Between the Covers: Recent Book Reviews
March 21, 2024 02:00 - 44 minutes - 41 MBIn episode 72, I'm reviewing some of my recent reads over the last few months! If you want to read more fleshed out versions of these reviews, then find me on Goodreads or Storygraph! Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/86407489-melissa Storygraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/melissa_rose Books discussed: The Scarlet Veil by Shelby Mahurin Chalice of the Gods by Rick Riordan Sanctuary of the Shadow by Aurora Ascher The Ex Hex & The Kiss Curse by Erin Sterling Eve...
Bookish Chat with Kristin
March 04, 2024 09:39 - 37 minutes - 34.2 MBJoin me and my long-time friend Kristin in my living room for a bookish chat! We grabbed some cheese and wine, and caught up on what we're currently reading. We talked about Kristin's (not-so) scathing GoodReads reviews, her love of Emily Henry, and whether she actually knows who Jessica Biel is. And the episode wouldn't be complete without me bringing up vampires! Thank you, Shelby Mahurin and The Scarlet Veil. This is just part of a longer conversation. You can catch the rest of it in th...
Interview with the Author: Aurora Ascher
February 19, 2024 11:10 - 47 minutes - 43.5 MBJoin me for another episode of In Bed With Books! Today we're chatting with the author of Sanctuary of the Shadow, Aurora Ascher. We talk about different inspirations for the book, her writing rituals, the women-led reimagining of the publishing process, and a little hint about the sequel. (shh!) Sanctuary of the Shadow was release on January 9th, 2024 through Red Tower Books. You can find out more about the books and Ascher on her website: https://auroraascher.com/ If you have an author, ...
Conspiracy Theories: Blood & Ash Edition pt. 2
July 03, 2023 09:10 - 1 hour - 62.5 MBIn episode 69, we're looking at the second half of the FBAA/ALITF saga for any theories or guesses to get our hopes up for the next book, A Soul of Ash and Blood. Armed with our insatiable curiosity and sharp analytical skills (re: occasionally being right), we retraced our steps through each of the FBAA and AFITF episodes. From questions of loyalty to heartbreaking betrayals, we try to unravel the threads of our own thoughts, seeking answers where possible and more questions where necessa...
Conspiracy Theories: Blood & Ash Edition pt. 1
June 26, 2023 07:38 - 1 hour - 63 MBIn episode 68, we're taking a retrospective journey through our From Blood and Ash episodes in anticipation of next month's new release! Armed with our insatiable curiosity and sharp analytical skills (re: occasionally being right), we retraced our steps through each of the FBAA and AFITF episodes. From intricate character arcs to enigmatic plot twists, we unravel the threads of our own conjectures, seeking answers where possible and more questions where necessary. This week includes the f...
If Beale Street Could Talk
June 19, 2023 08:20 - 1 hour - 77.4 MBIn episode 67, we're talking about James Baldwin's If Beale Street Could Talk, a novel that explores the love story between Tish and Fonny, two young African Americans living in 1970s New York City. Between Fonny's wrongful imprisonment and Tish's preparation for their child, it seems as though they have every reason to lose hope, but Baldwin's frank writing style blends together the hope and fear throughout the book. The result is a beautiful and heart-wrenching portrayal of love in the fa...
Currently Reading
June 12, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 82.7 MBIn episode 66, we're chatting about the books we're currently reading and what we think about them so far. Like most of our conversations, we got a little side-tracked, so listen for more Maas theories, personal stories (like, very personal), and occasional book talk. Got something to say? Feel free to email us at [email protected], shoot us a dm on IG @inbedwithbookspod, or reach out to us on our Discord. Stay up to date on the latest news by checking out our website and joinin...
In Bed With: Sex
June 05, 2023 09:20 - 1 hour - 80.2 MBIn episode 65, we're talking about s-e-x, baby. It's time to get deep with the smut. Whether you're seeking thrills or some x-rated high fantasy, this episode has the dirty talk. 🎧 From the first signs of enemies to lovers to the soulmate revelation, we're talking about when the sex is good for the plot, and when sex IS the plot. And of course, we share some of our hottest reads. From classic love stories to modern rom-coms, there's something for everyone's fancy. So why not snuggle up in b...
Kingdom of the Feared
May 29, 2023 15:20 - 1 hour - 65.3 MBIn episode 64, we're talking about the finale to Kerri Maniscalco's Kingdom of the Wicked trilogy. Kingdom of the Feared is the fantastic ending to Emilia's story, her journey back to herself. After months of mourning Vittoria's death, and then discovering Vittoria was not actually dead and also possibly the one behind all of their troubles, Emilia returns to her full power, breaks curses, saves her love, and has time to cook food between everything. She's proof that we can have it all, la...
In Bed With: Revenge
May 22, 2023 09:50 - 59 minutes - 54.9 MBIn episode 63 of our podcast, we're delving into the theme of revenge, exploring its long history in storytelling. Join us as we examine revenge as a compelling plot device, discussing its intricacies and its appeal with examples across books, TV, and movies. We touch on the distinction between revenge and justice, challenging the traditional "eye for an eye" mentality. We're unraveling the secrets behind revenge narratives, examining their enduring popularity and the universal themes they...
Eclipse
May 15, 2023 20:50 - 1 hour - 73.4 MBIn episode 62 of our podcast, we're talking about Eclipse, the third installment in Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Saga. We're following Bella as she tries to balance her love for Edward with her kind-of-love for Jacob? It's a very confusing love triangle for everyone involved, ourselves included. The episode starts with a little catch-up, after a couple of months' hiatus, including a look at the season ahead! Got something to say? Feel free to email us at [email protected], shoot ...
Season Finale: The Hottest & the Messiest Characters of Season 5
March 15, 2023 07:18 - 1 hour - 75.5 MBIn episode 61, we're going down the list of season 5 characters deciding who to marry, f*ck, or kill. After several conversations deep, we quickly realize that Nektas holds the daddy of the season award 🥸. We make some shrewd judgements ranking the characters by most hot and most messy (sorry Edward and Bella 🦇), Never have we been more excited to continue the Hollows series and follow our hottest character of the season, Rachel Morgan. If you have any thoughts, email us at info.inbedwithbo...
Dead Witch Walking
March 06, 2023 09:50 - 54 minutes - 50 MBIn episode 60, we're talking about Melissa's favorite book, it's one she has not been able to stop talking about. Bethany finally gave the "okay" and the last read of the season is Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison, the first in The Hollows series. Taking place in an alternate world, eerily similar to our own, Dead Witch Walking introduces us to Rachel Morgan, a witch, and her investigative partners, Jenks and Ivy, who all quickly earn our love and Rachel's loyalty. A classic detective nov...
Passing
February 27, 2023 10:01 - 50 minutes - 46.1 MBIn episode 59, we're talking about the 1929 classic, Passing by Nella Larsen. This book takes place in 1920's New York City, through the eyes of Irene Redfield, a woman deeply invested in her community. Her life takes a turn one summer day when she runs into Clare Kendry, a childhood friend who's been hiding her racial identity to lead an entirely new life. Their reunion leads to months of paranoia, fear, and confusion for Irene, coming together in a devilishly ambiguous ending that pleads f...
Queen of Myth and Monsters
February 13, 2023 10:40 - 1 hour - 60.4 MBIn episode 58, we're talking about Scarlett St. Clair's second book in the Adrian x Isolde series, Queen of Myth And Monsters. We fell in love with the pair and their world in the first book and were so happy to get to return so soon. After declaring their love in book one, forces inside and outside of their relationship are threatening the happiness that felt assured after the reveal that Isolde was (spoiler!) his long lost love, reborn. Betrayals in their inner circle, threats from neighb...
In Bed With: Love
February 06, 2023 10:50 - 1 hour - 64 MBIn episode 57, Bethany & Melissa are looking at all the ways they've seen love in the books read here on the podcast. We're talking romantic love, platonic love, familial. And yes, we're talking about the question of mates, because we have a lot of opinions on this. The episode covers couples and friends from books old and new to the pod, those that hold special places in our hearts. If you have any thoughts, email us at [email protected], or dm us on IG @inbedwithbookspod. You...
A Fire Endless
January 30, 2023 09:20 - 1 hour - 61.9 MBIn episode 56, we're talking about Rebecca Ross's phenomenal sequel in the Elements of Cadence duology, A Fire Endless. Bethany and Melissa could not get enough of the Adaira/Jack, Torin/Sidra love story and we're so happy to share this discussion with you. Picking up just a few weeks after A River Enchanted, we catch the fall out from all of the secrets that have held the island together. There's really no other way to describe this book than "beautiful" - a beautiful universe, love storie...
2023 Reunion, in Forks, Washington!
January 23, 2023 12:40 - 32 minutes - 29.7 MBIn episode 55, we saw each other, in person, for the first time since September 2019. This was a very special trip for us: Melissa got to go to Seattle for the first time, and both Bethany and Melissa spent a night in Forks, Washington. That's where we recorded this special reunion episode, living out our Twilight dreams and soaking up the fresh air. If you have any thoughts, email us at [email protected], or dm us on IG @inbedwithbookspod. You can also reach us on our Discord. ...
Kingdom of the Cursed
January 16, 2023 08:30 - 58 minutes - 53.3 MBIn episode 54, we're talking about the second book in Kerri Maniscalco's Kingdom of the Wicked trilogy. Kingdom of the Cursed starts right where we left off, with Emilia's first trip to the Underworld in hopes of solving her sister's murder. This book was full of secrets and plot twists, keeping us and Emilia on her toes. We do some fancasting, some theorizing, and can't help but gush over Emilia's emotional growth through this book. If you have any thoughts, email us at info.inbedwithbook...
BONUS EPISODE: A Merry Little Holiday Special
December 23, 2022 08:00 - 43 minutes - 39.9 MBWe are coming to you on the *Friday before Christmas because we know the holidays are not always happy for everyone. Family can be stressful or unwanted for various reasons and so we are here to be your family and talk about our favorite Christmases spent alone or otherwise, our favorite Christmas songs to sing, and holiday movies to watch. We hope this season treats you well and we will see you in the new year! If you have any thoughts, email us at , or dm us on IG @inbedwithbookspod. You ...
In Bed With: Molly Tullis pt. 2
December 19, 2022 09:00 - 59 minutes - 54.8 MBThis is the second part of episode 53, split up to make life a little easier this holiday season. We're talking underrated books, the writing and self-publishing process, and a get to meet Molly's pup! Molly was a fantastic guest to have on the podcast, and we're eager to have her on again in the future. You can find her on the socials @thebibliophileblonde or take a look at the books she's published here. If you have any thoughts, email us at [email protected], or dm us on IG ...
In Bed With: Molly Tullis - The Bibliophile Blonde
December 12, 2022 08:20 - 56 minutes - 51.6 MBIn episode 53, we're talking with Molly Tullis about all things reading, writing, and publishing. This first half of our conversation starts with the Emmett to Cassian pipeline, covers some of our favorite pop culture phenoms from the last thirty years, and ends with a defense of open-door scenes in fantasy. Molly was a fantastic guest to have on the podcast, and we're eager to have her on again in the future. You can find her on the socials @thebibliophileblonde or take a look at the books...
A Light in the Flame
December 05, 2022 21:55 - 1 hour - 91.7 MBIn episode 52, Bethany and Melissa are talking about A Light in the Flame, the second book in the Flesh and Fire series by Jennifer L. Armentrout. The book picks up exactly where we left off in A Shadow in the Ember and has given us just as many questions as answers around the prophecy, and Sera and Poppy's fate. Sera's journey, while parallel to Poppy's own path to self-assurance and power, is so distinctly and beautifully her own that it feels impossible not to love her. Her relationship ...
Gleam
November 28, 2022 09:30 - 1 hour - 62.6 MBIn episode 51, Bethany & Melissa are talking about Gleam, the third book in the Plated Prisoner series. Gleam finally gave us what we'd been waiting for: dirty sex and women's wrongs. What started out as a story about women being at the whims of men and Auren's stockholm syndrome has turned into one of scheming and feminine rage. From the new and not-to-be-trusted Queen Kaila, to Auren's explosion of power at the end, we couldn't be more excited for these women claiming their own paths. An...
In Bed With: Death - Scenes, Themes, and Our Greatest Losses
November 21, 2022 17:06 - 1 hour - 71.5 MBIn episode 50, we're talking about death - as a plot device, as a theme, and the scenes that wrecked us in the way that only a good book can. We start with a longer-than-usual catch-up, talking astrology and some recent TV shows before jumping into it. Our conversation covers deaths used to push the MCs story forward, deaths with or without meaning, and times when a character couldn't seem to stay dead. If you have any thoughts, email us at [email protected], or dm us on IG @in...
New Moon
November 14, 2022 10:30 - 1 hour - 55 MBIn episode 49, we're picking up where we left off and starting season 5 with New Moon by Stephanie Meyer. This one has been much anticipated, as most can agree it's the best book in the series. Evading the curse of most sequels, New Moon succeeds in creating a new story while keeping all of the best parts of book one. We're talking about Team Edward vs Team Jacob, popular fan theories, and growing up and realizing the Rosalie is actually the best. If you have any thoughts, email us at inf...
Season Finale!
October 10, 2022 10:40 - 1 hour - 68.9 MBEpisode 48 brings an end to season four. Rounding out a year of the podcast, and reflecting on our favorite people and moments from this season. If you have any thoughts, email us at [email protected], or dm us on IG @inbedwithbookspod. Make sure to check out our website and join our email list for the latest updates!
Twilight
October 03, 2022 07:20 - 1 hour - 56 MBIn episode 47, we finally did it...we read Twilight together. This is the first in a series where we revisit Melissa's favorites from her teen years and slowly catch Bethany up on YA, fantasy, and romance. Starting with Twilight felt only right and was a total success in convincing Bethany to dive deeper into the 2010's YA fantasy rabbit hole. Twilight isn't without its flaws, but we cover what we believe to be some glaring issues as well as the unavoidably sexy parts. The Twilight renaissa...
King of Battle and Blood
September 26, 2022 07:30 - 1 hour - 58.3 MBIn episode 46, we're talking about Scarlett St. Clair's King of Battle and Blood. This book had everything we've come to expect from St. Clair and more. Following Princess Isolde on the day of her country's invasion, we're introduced to a world of vampires, witches, curses, and monsters. In ways Isolde could never have guessed, Adrian's invasion of her country changes everything she knows about her home and her history. Between Isolde's confidence, and Adrian's unwavering support of her chao...
BONUS EPISODE: What we've been up to
September 19, 2022 07:30 - 44 minutes - 40.7 MBThis week we decided we needed a quick breather, so here's a little bonus episode to make it up to you. Listen to find out why we're taking the week off, what's coming up, and what we're doing in the meantime! Make sure to check us out on our website and on Instagram (@inbedwithbookspod).
A River Enchanted
September 12, 2022 19:51 - 1 hour - 57.7 MBIn episode 45, we're talking about Rebecca Ross's book, A River Enchanted. Set on Cadence, an island off the coast of Scotland, the book follows Jack Tamerlaine's return to a home that he never felt a part of. Jack finds himself in the middle of a mystery they're convinced is the doing of angry spirits. The book has enemies to lovers, star-crossed lovers, marriage of convenience - whatever romance tropes get your rocks off. Ross's prose is so beautiful that we found ourselves incapable of pu...
In Bed With: Authors
September 05, 2022 07:20 - 1 hour - 72 MBIn episode 44, we catch each other up on some of our favorite authors from childhood favorites to the classics close to our hearts. Throughout the episode, we reflect on our reading journeys, how we came to read what we read now, and what were the most influential books for us. If you're listening to the audio version of this, then you might miss some of the images shared during the recording of this episode. Hop on over to YouTube or IG for those pictures! Make sure to check out our websi...
The Dispossessed
August 29, 2022 07:20 - 1 hour - 88.6 MBIn episode 43, we're talking about our classic for this season, Ursula K. Le Guin's The Dispossessed. While the book was an easy read, its content included some heavy and rather topical subjects, using the politically opposed planets Urras and Anarres to ask: How do you feel at peace with the earth you live on? We knew we wouldn't be able to hit all of the topics raised in the book, but we discuss the themes we felt the most strongly towards. As such, if there is anything that you think we ...
In Bed With: Magic Powers
August 22, 2022 07:30 - 59 minutes - 54.2 MBIn episode 42, we sat down and talked about the wide range of magical powers we've read in fantasy, both on and off the podcast. We start by discussing the ways magical objects are used in fantasy, from the One Ring to Excalibur. Then we explore the differences between inherited powers and earned powers, and how that distinction fundamentally changes their stories. Make sure to find us on Instagram (@inbedwithbookspod) or on our website for updates!
Kingdom of the Wicked
August 15, 2022 06:20 - 1 hour - 57.5 MBIn episode 41, we talk about the first book in Kerri Maniscalco's Kingdom of the Wicked trilogy. Both of us immediately fell in love with Emilia and Wrath. The lengths Emilia is willing to go to for her sister. and the support that Wrath offers her through it is beautiful to watch unfold. Make sure to check out our website and our Instagram (@inbedwithbookspod) for updates!
Glint
August 08, 2022 05:20 - 1 hour - 56.7 MBIn episode 40, we're talking about Glint, the second book in the Plated Prisoner series, by Raven Kennedy. We finally saw Auren take a few steps toward her own agency and reckon with the breakdown of her perception of their world. It's no secret that we're both eager for Auren to come into her own power, and this book has set the stage for that with some lovely plot twists (Rip is who??) and displays of power. Make sure to check out our website and our Instagram (@inbedwithbookspod) for mor...
In Bed With: Fantasy Creatures
August 01, 2022 05:20 - 1 hour - 60.2 MBIn episode 39 of the podcast, we take a look at some of our favorite creatures from literary fantasy. Creatures we'd like to be, those we'd like to befriend, and those we'd like to...well, you can probably guess. This is a fantasy romance podcast after all. Make sure to check out our website and our Instagram (@inbedwithbookspod) for more content and updates!
Queen of Nothing
July 25, 2022 06:00 - 50 minutes - 45.9 MBIn episode 38 of the podcast, we talk about the final book in the Folk of the Air trilogy, Queen of Nothing. We had a blast talking about Jude's growth, from fearing what her feelings for Cardan had done to her life, to fearing what her life would look like without him. From the girl power this book exudes to the subtle lessons in forgiveness, we could not have asked for a better conclusion to Jude's rise to power.
In Bed With: Fantasy Realms
July 18, 2022 05:30 - 1 hour - 73.5 MBAnd we're back! Episode 37 kicks off our fourth season with a look at the different fantasy realms that we've read on and off the podcast. We look at some of our favorite worlds, the elements inherent to specific world-building, and the kinds that are easier for us to accept as fantasy readers. For more information on the discussion of "hard" vs. "soft" world-building that we get into, check out the video below! Hard Worldbuilding vs. Soft Worldbuilding | A Study of Studio Ghibli
BONUS EPISODE: ACOTAR Edition
June 23, 2022 20:08 - 1 hour - 81.1 MBWe all knew Bethany and I couldn't go that long without recording something, so after finishing A Court of Silver Flames for our book club, we knew we had to record more of our thoughts! Thus, the ACOTAR bonus episode was born! Spliced up with some previously removed tangents with took in season 3, what we planned to be a short episode turned into an hour and a half of ACOTAR goodness! Enjoy! And we'll be back in a few weeks with the start of season 4.
Season Finale: Fancasting
May 16, 2022 21:28 - 1 hour - 83 MBIn episode 36, Bethany & Melissa take a look back at some of the characters from each book we read this season, warming up with a game of f**k/marry/kill, and then diving into the fancasting. We're proud of the cast lists we were able to come up with, surprising ourselves and each other. Join us here, and then head to our instagram (@inbedwithbookspod) to tell us what you think, or who could do it better! (Pst! Catch us take a small digression near the end about the latest season of Bridge...
The War of Two Queens
May 11, 2022 02:35 - 1 hour - 109 MBIn episode 35, Bethany and Melissa talk about a book that a much-anticipated book: The War of Two Queens. The fourth book from FBAA, a series that helped us start the podcast, TWOTQ is everything we needed, while still leaving hope for future satisfaction. We talk about the return of some of our favorite characters, all the juicy sex, and (SPOILER!!) The Joining!!
Their Eyes Were Watching God
May 02, 2022 06:00 - 1 hour - 81.3 MBIn episode 34, Bethany and Melissa are joined by Jess Debakey of Peaking podcast! We all had a great time talking about Janie's journey to finding peace and trust in herself, not the people she spends her life with. A true American classic, Zora Neale Hurston's 1937 masterpiece - and I say that word with all the weight it holds - is so ripe with emotion that this small description box cannot hold it all. Join us as the three of us discuss the longevity and beauty of Hurston's words.
The Once and Future Witches
April 25, 2022 18:53 - 1 hour - 61.9 MBIn episode 33 of the podcast, Bethany and Melissa talk about what might be Melissa's new favorite book. Following the Eastwood sisters through New Salem during the suffragist movement, we see the re-emergence of witchcraft and women's empowerment. Set in an alternate history, Alix E. Harrow's tale is a beautiful story of sisterhood, justice, and love.
In Bed With: Tropes
April 18, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 73.8 MBIn episode 32 of the podcast, Bethany & Melissa talk about some of their favorite (and least favorite) tropes. We cover everything from enemies to lovers, to the gullible martyr, to the one-bed trope. While we definitely use examples from books we've read here on the podcast, we also branch out quite a bit, bringing in some YA classics like Percy Jackson and Twilight, as well as some new favorites, like A Court of Thorns and Roses. Join is and let us know your favorites, or ones you wish we'...
The Wicked King
April 11, 2022 06:26 - 66.6 MBIn episode 31, we get to talk about the second book in the Folk of Air series, The Wicked King. This has easily become a favorite world for us to enter, no matter if it serves us laughs, tears, or anger. Join Bethany & Melissa try to figure out all the ways Jude wasn't actually betrayed and everyone is secretly on her side (yes, we are deeply in denial)!
In Bed With: Characters
April 04, 2022 20:38 - 1 hour - 65.7 MBIn episode 30, Bethany and Melissa dig into some of their favorite characters - the ones the love to hate, the ones they hate to love so much, and much more. Join us as we dive into some of the characters that seem to always be on our mind, for better or worse.
Gild
March 28, 2022 07:03 - 1 hour - 61.6 MBIn episode 29, we talk about the first book in Raven Kennedy's Plated Prisoner series, Gild. This does come with a trigger warning for the discussion of the sexual assault and abuse in the book. Join us to hear all of the theories and cries we share for Auren (and Sail!), and our hopes for the next book.