BBB: Books, Bevs, and Babes

Welcome back to the BBB Podcast! In this week’s episode, we’re chatting about The Love Of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood, a hilariously heartwarming rom-com where a second chance at love is literally a matter of life and death. Shaya paired a glass of Chokeberry (Aronia berry) juice—a bold, tart choice that’ll bring you back to life! Meanwhile, Jenika is sipping on a Honeycrisp Crush cocktail, made with fresh honeycrisp apple juice, vodka, and ginger beer—sweet, refreshing, and perfect for a journey of love through life (and the afterlife). In this quirky novel, Delphie meets the man of her dreams... just after dying from choking on a microwave burger (rough luck). When a mysterious mistake sends him back to earth, she’s offered a second shot at life—and love. But there’s a catch: she has just ten days to find him again in a city of millions. Get your Chokeberry juice or Honeycrisp Crush ready, and join us as we dive into Delphie’s wild afterlife adventure! Can she track down her soulmate and get the fresh start she’s longing for, or will fate have other plans? 📚 Follow us on Instagram: @bbb_booksbevsbabespodcast 📚 🎵 Intro/Outro: "Siesta" by Jahzzar 🎵 Cheers to love, life, and the wild journey in between!

Welcome back to the BBB Podcast! In Episode 46, we're diving into the gritty, chaotic world of "Thorn City" by Pamela Statz—a novel where Portland’s quirks meet high-stakes drama, murder, and dark secrets. Shaya went all in with an iced Ube Matcha latte, the epitome of Portland hipster vibes. Meanwhile, Jenika braved a cucumber martini—the only martini she thought she could handle, though she still wasn’t a fan. In "Thorn City," we follow best friends Lisa and Jamie as they navigate the glitzy chaos of the Rose City Ripe for Disruption gala, a night full of flirtations, karaoke, and more than a few unsettling surprises. Things take a dark turn when Lisa bumps into her estranged mother, Ellen—a ruthless politician with a disturbing past connection to Lisa. As if that’s not enough, Lisa’s boyfriend, Patrick, shows up to meet his new boss, a drug kingpin running a food cart empire. What starts as a night of glamour quickly spirals into a web of betrayal and shocking revelations. With Ellen’s ambitions threatening to consume them all, Lisa, Jamie, and Patrick find themselves fighting to escape her deadly schemes. Grab your Ube Matcha latte or cucumber martini, and join us as we unravel the twisted secrets of "Thorn City." It’s a tale where the city’s quirky charm collides with cold ambition—tune in to see who makes it out alive! 📚 Follow us on Instagram: @bbb_booksbevsbabespodcast 📚 Intro/Outro: "Siesta" by Jahzzar

Welcome back to the BBB Podcast! In Episode 45, we're diving into the nostalgic and heartwarming world of "Summer Fridays" by Suzanne Rindell—a story set in the late '90s filled with AOL chats, unexpected friendships, and the magic of New York City. Shaya has chosen a simple mocktail of grapefruit juice and sparkling water, reminiscent of the Sea Breezes enjoyed in the book. Jenika paired a blueberry mint limonada, perfect for a refreshing summer Friday vibe. In "Summer Fridays," we follow Sawyer, a twentysomething navigating life in New York City during the summer of 1999. As she juggles her publishing assistant job, dreams of becoming a writer, and preparations for her wedding, she faces a lonely summer while her fiancé spends more time at work with his close female colleague, Kendra. Enter Nick, Kendra's boyfriend, who invites Sawyer to meet and discuss their suspicions. Although their initial meeting doesn't go well, Nick later reaches out online to apologize, sparking an unexpected friendship. Their summer Fridays turn into explorations of New York City, from hot dogs on the Staten Island Ferry to Sea Breezes in the East Village and swimming at Coney Island. Nick pushes Sawyer to be braver, while she helps him reveal his vulnerable side. Join us as we discuss this summery novel-- pour yourself a refreshing mocktail or blueberry mint limonada, and let's get into "Summer Fridays"! 📚 Follow us on Instagram: @bbb_booksbevsbabespodcast 📚 Intro/Outro: "Siesta" by Jahzzar

Welcome to Episode 44 of the BBB Podcast! Today, we're delving into the magical and thrilling world of "Swordheart" by T. Kingfisher—a cozy romantasy featuring an unexpected inheritance, immortal swordsmen, and mildly dangerous quests. Shaya is pairing this episode with a refreshing virgin ginger mule, a nod to Halla's unique past and the ox that plays a memorable part in their journey. Jenika chose an espresso martini to keep our hero Sarkis alert during his nightly vigils to protect Halla. In "Swordheart," Halla, a housekeeper, suddenly inherits her great-uncle's estate and finds herself tangled with his less-than-welcoming relatives. Enter Sarkis, an immortal swordsman imprisoned in an enchanted steel sword. When Halla unwittingly releases him, Sarkis becomes her steadfast protector against a slew of threats, from bandits to inquisitors to her own family? Join us as we explore the charming and perilous journey of Halla and Sarkis, filled with humor, danger, and unexpected twists. 📚 Follow us on Instagram: @bbb_booksbevsbabespodcast 📚 Intro/Outro: "Siesta" by Jahzzar

Welcome to Episode 44 of the BBB Podcast! Today, we’re diving into the touching and hopeful world of "How To Read A Book" by Monica Wood—a novel that explores redemption, unlikely friendships, and the transformative power of sharing stories. Shaya is sipping walnut milk (parrot approved), while Jenika indulges in a Yhin Mint cocktail with crème de menthe and Kahlua.  In "How To Read A Book," we follow the intertwined lives of three individuals: Violet Powell, newly released from prison after serving time for a tragic accident; Harriet Larson, a retired English teacher and prison book club leader; and Frank Daigle, a retired machinist still grappling with the aftermath of his wife's death. Their chance encounter at a Portland bookstore sets off a series of life-changing events, reminding us of the incredible impact of second chances and the kindness of strangers. Join us as we chat about our feelings and takeaways, and chime in your thoughts on our instagram page! 📚 Follow us on Instagram: @bbb_booksbevsbabespodcast 📚 Intro/Outro: "Siesta" by Jahzzar

Welcome to Episode 43 of the BBB Podcast! Today, we're exploring "The Unquiet Bones" by Loreth Anne White—a gripping tale of a decades-old cold case that unravels a web of secrets among a group of lifelong friends. Shaya has chosen to pair this suspenseful read with Kin Euphorics' 'Lightwave,' a calming, nonalcoholic beverage featuring Reishi mushrooms and L-Theanine. Jenika, on the other hand, has opted for a classic 'Painkiller' cocktail, blending pineapple, orange, coconut, nutmeg, and rum and so easy to drink you are in danger of ending up like Rocco.  In "The Unquiet Bones," the discovery of human bones beneath an old chapel reopens the case of missing teen Annalise Jansen, stirring up long-buried secrets among the once-dubbed Shoreview Six. Homicide detective Jane Munro, pregnant and feeling the weight of life’s fragility, and forensic anthropologist Dr. Ella Quinn must navigate a labyrinth of lies and loyalties to uncover the truth. As the investigation deepens, the friends' once-solid bond begins to crumble under the pressure of their shared past. Join us as we delve into this enthralling mystery and discuss our feelings on the way this book wraps up! 📚 Follow us on Instagram: @bbb_booksbevsbabespodcast 📚 Intro/Outro: "Siesta" by Jahzzar

Welcome to Episode 42 of the BBB Podcast! Today, we're diving into "Funny Story" by Emily Henry—a novel about opposites attracting under the most unexpected circumstances. Shaya has paired a lavender lemonade, recalling Miles and Daphne's first kiss,, while Jenika has chosen a mimosa flight with different fruit juices-- reminding her of a farmer's market.  In "Funny Story," Daphne finds herself stranded in Waning Bay, Michigan, after her fiancé leaves her for his childhood best friend. With a dream job as a children’s librarian and no friends or family nearby, she becomes roommates with Petra's ex, Miles. Despite being complete opposites, Daphne and Miles form an unlikely friendship and concoct a plan to navigate their complicated lives. Join us as we discuss this heartwarming and humorous tale of new beginnings and unexpected connections. 📚 Follow us on Instagram: @bbb_booksbevsbabespodcast 📚 Intro/Outro: "Siesta" by Jahzzar

Welcome to the next episode of the BBB Podcast! Today, we delve into "Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries" by Heather Fawcett—a captivating journey through the realm of faerie lore. Shaya has chosen a CBD-infused sparkling water, putting her in the mood equivalent of a faerie enchantment, while Jenika indulges in a tantalizing tequila, Pina colada, and coco ralado cocktail called 'Heaven', recalling the snowy landscapes of Hravnsvik. Join us as we follow Cambridge professor Emily Wilde, a distinguished scholar of faerie lore, who finds herself in the remote village of Hrafnsvik. Emily is more at home with books and her loyal companion, Shadow, than with society. As Emily unravels the mysteries of the Hidden Ones—elusive faeries hidden in the shadowy forest—she also embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Who is Wendell Bambleby, and what mysteries lie within Emily's own heart? Tune in as we explore the snow-laden landscapes, dark magic, and captivating characters of "Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries"! 🧚 Don't forget to follow us on Instagram: @bbb_booksbevsbabespodcast 🧚 Intro/Outro: "Siesta" by Jahzzar

Hey BBB bookclubbers! On this episode we're diving into "Just For The Summer" by Abby Jimenez—the third book in a series we've covered on this podcast. For some paired summer sips, Shaya chose a Recess zero-proof lime 'margarita' craft mocktail infused with adaptogens, while Jenika's kept it cool with a refreshing cucumber cooler.  Join us as we follow Justin and Emma, two people with unusual dating woes, who come up with a wild plan to break their romantic curses. What could possibly go wrong? Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Minnetonka, their summer fling takes an unexpected turn when life throws them a few curveballs.From toxic family dynamics to unexpected responsibilities, Justin and Emma find themselves in uncharted territory. Will they manage to navigate these challenges and realize that Fate might have brought them together for a reason? Grab your favorite drink, tune in, and let's explore "Just For The Summer" together! 🌞 Don't forget to follow us on Instagram: @bbb_booksbevsbabespodcast 🌞 Cheers to summer romance and unforgettable stories! Intro/Outro: "Siesta" by Jahzzar

Welcome back BBB friends! Today we are talking about Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera-- a book about podcasts and murders, right up Jenika's alley!  For bev pairings, Shaya chose a strawberry lemonade-- perfect for sipping on grandma's porch on a hot summer day. Jenika chose to pair a cocktain called the Satanic Nightjar featuring gin, tamarind, lemongrass, turmeric, mint and chili-- spicy and refreshing.  Listen in to see if you agree with our takes on this thriller, and be sure to check out our instagram to leave your opinions in the comments! Instagram is https://www.instagram.com/bbb_booksbevsbabespodcast/ Intro/Outro Siesta by Jahzzar