Reading Challenge Update(s)

Author J.R. Ward stops by to chat with Steph (@ideallyinspired) about her brand new romantasy book release: Crown of War and Shadow (*affiliate link) which is available now (including in Kindle Unlimited, y'all)! In this non-spoiler-y episode we discuss the new characters you'll meet in this book (ahem, the line for MERC starts behind Steph), the world-building, and what you can expect from future books within the Kingdoms of the Compass series. And yes, we do have a Black Dagger Brotherhood question, too! Tune in for what was a fun (and yes, unhinged) chat, and be sure to check out her new release Crown of War and Shadow which is available NOW in print + audio, and the ebook is free to read in Kindle Unlimited! YAY!!

Last week I was lucky to sit down with Jenna Rosenstein, the Beauty Director at Harper's BAZAAR!We talked about her interview with actor Hudson Williams, as well as her fave books (including SJM!!), beauty must-haves, and her chat with actress Margot Robbie about that coffee date she had with Sarah J. Maas a couple years ago. It was a blast having a chance to gush, and learn about the BTS of Jenna's experience interviewing Hudson! Below you'll find some helpful links and deets referenced in this episode for your viewing pleasure. :) If you'd like to read Jenna's interview with Hudson Williams we discussed in this episode, go ⁠here⁠. To view the Threads post Jenna referred to in this episode, go ⁠here⁠.In addition to the book recs mentioned in this episode, Jenna wanted to share a few more:- A book she read recently that she loved: Zakiya N. Jamal’s Sparks Fly- Books she's looking forward to in 2026: The Paddock Club by Madge Maril and See You at the Sunset by Susan Lee

The shenanigans continue as Steph along with guest hosts Alicia (@alicia.mb.art) and Naomi (@frenchnbookish) as recap/debrief episode 2 of Ember & Ice, a Quinn Original audio-erotica short story!This episode covers "Episode Two: Dane", which premiered Tuesday, December 30, 2025.You can also preview the first 8 mins of Ember & Ice episode one via Cosmopolitan by going here.*Please note: There may be some slight spoilers for Embers & Ice Ep 1, and the content is not recommended/suitable for those under the age of 18.

Wake up besties, a new Quinn audio dropped that has been described as "Brokeb-ACOTAR" that was giving us some serious AzRis ship vibes! (Shoutout to @chemicalrosie for putting us on!)Narrated by actors Hudson Williams + Connor Storrie, this 3-part short audio erotica has been promised to BRING THE HEAT.Join Steph, along with guest hosts Alicia (@alicia.mb.art) and Naomi (@frenchnbookish) as we recap/debrief each installment, which are exclusively offered via Quinn!This episode covers "Episode One: Finn", which premiered Tuesday, December 30, 2025.You can also preview the first 8 mins of the Quinn episode via Cosmopolitan by going here.*Please note: There may be some slight spoilers for Embers & Ice Ep 1, and the content is not recommended/suitable for those under the age of 18.

At long last, our hiatus is officially OVER! In this episode we chat about where we've been, where we're going, and looking back at some books, shows, and movies we enjoyed (or didn't really, lol) in 2024! BOOKS mentioned in this episode: Tentacles & Triathlons by Ashley Bennett Agnarr's Teacher by Jennifer Wood The Female by Invi Wright SPOILERS in this episode: HOFAS (min 28-30) Bridgerton S3 (min 56-1:06) Interested in more content? Join our Patreon! Don't forget to give us a follow on IG @fandomtasticpod for giveaways and more updates!

Here we go, Fandomtastic Fam! We're coming to talk about all things reading challenge 2023 related (aka giving epic recs!). Check them out here: 1. January: Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier; The Maid and the Orcs 2. February: Seduce Me At Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas; Kingdom of Stars and Shadows 3. March: Fumbled by Alexa Martin; Tattered by Devney Perry; A Lie For A Lie by Helen Hunting 4. April: The Fine Print by Lauren Asher; Royally Screwed by Emma Chase; Stolen By The Wolves by Lax Robinson 5. May: The Gamble by Kristen Ashley; The Lady and the Orc by Finley Fenn; It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas 6. June: Puck Drills and Quick Thrills by Eden Finley; Sustained by Emma Chase

Today we're rounding up our November and December reads, so if you need any last-minute book recs to close out the year, THIS IS YOUR EPISODE 👀

Thank you all so much for your patience - the GLOW discussion with author extraordinaire Raven Kennedy is finally here! This episode does, of course, include spoilers for the Plated Prisoner series, so please keep that in mind as you're listening.

Here's an episode we had a lot of fun working on - our October and November roundups. The reading prompt for October was #WitchShit (listen for Ava's disappointing read) and for November's, it was "Read a Retelling" (listen for Steph's disappointing read). But we were also blessed with some pretty awesome books, so don't think this is JUST a rant episode!

We know it's been a minute, but we have been reading (albeit...not too much). But we wanted to take an episode to update you on the books we've been enjoying over the past few months! We'll be talking about July, August, September, and our projected reads about October! Let us know in the comments what your favorite read has been these past few months!