More Than Fiction

With Bridgerton’s new season around the corner, I wanted to talk about the book that inspired it: An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn.In this episode of Modern Fiction, I share my honest thoughts on Benedict and Sophie’s story, why this book is often considered the most controversial in the Bridgerton series, and why I personally enjoyed it and didn’t find Benedict offensive.This is not a recap and not a full book vs show comparison — think of it as a relaxed, spoiler-light discussion, like chatting about Bridgerton over coffee.I also talk about:Why Season 2 is still my favorite Bridgerton seasonMy concerns after Season 3Trailer differences already visible for Benedict’s seasonSophie Beckett as a character and why she anchors the storyLady Whistledown now that her identity is publicFrancesca, John, and why I hope the show handles her story carefullyWhy Benedict might be the most relatable Bridgerton siblingA full book vs show comparison will come after the season is released.💬 Let me know your thoughts — did you love An Offer from a Gentleman, or did you struggle with it?

This is not a serious review. This is me, a girl who loves Dexter maybe a little too much, sitting down to scream into the mic about Dexter: Resurrection. We’ll revisit the original show, throw some shade at New Blood, and then dive into the chaos of this new season that somehow feels just as good as the classic Dexter we all got obsessed with. Consider this episode my therapy session about America’s favorite serial killer.P.S. The sound is a bit weird because I had some issues with the microphone. Hopefully you'll still enjoy tho!

In this emotionally charged episode, we dive into Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas — the book that finally made Eva accept that Chaol is not endgame (it’s okay, we’re all healing).We unpack our complicated feelings about Rowan and Aelin as a couple (spoiler: we’re not fans), gush over Elide and Lorcan — our new favorite duo — and cry actual tears over Elide’s emotional reunion with Aelin.Also: Dorian’s glow-up, Manon’s romance arc, Lysandra’s epic sacrifice, Aedion’s ongoing annoyance, and the sheer joy of seeing the gang back together again.We end the episode by naming our personal MVPs and LVPs — both for this book and the series so far.You’ve been warned: we have a lot of feelings.

Okay, so I was supposed to have my Empire of Storms episode ready... but life (and several unplanned books) happened.In this short update, I chat about the books I’ve picked off my TBR recently — including The Seven Year Slip, Red Rising, and Sunrise on the Reaping. I also talk about the two romance reads I randomly gave a shot, my current obsession with The Mindf*ck Series (yes, that one), and what I’m reading right now: The Institute by Stephen King.Full Throne of Glass chaos resumes soon — promise. 🖤

In this episode, we dive into Queen of Shadows — where the betrayals are brutal, the witches are finally winning us over, and Chaol is somehow saltier than ever.Eva’s still convinced Dorian is endgame and "mad" at me for not warning her about Chaol’s downfall, but at least we can both agree that Sarah J. Maas slays when it comes to writing strong, complicated female friendships.We cover everything from Aelin and Chaol’s messy breakup, to Kaltain’s unexpected storyline, to Manon’s slow-burn character growth.Plus, lots of emotional quotes, a little friendly chaos, and big love for the book's amazing portrayal of female empowerment.

In this episode, we tackle Heir of Fire and the emotions are high: one of us is experiencing the series for the first time and still clinging to Chaol like it's 2013… the other has read the books twice and is fully in her Manon era.We talk wyverns, Rowan, and why Chaol has us both yelling—for different reasons.Dorian's storyline broke us, Celaena’s growth inspired us, and our friendship might not survive the ship wars.It’s fine. Everything’s fine.

Just finished Fearless by Lauren Roberts and surprise surprise — I’ve got things to say. In this episode, I walk you through all my pre-reading theories (some solid, some embarrassingly wrong), and how this book did the most when it came to plot twists.Let’s talk about Kitt. Did I hope for the best? Sure. Did I believe in him? Kinda. Did I like him in book one? Absolutely not. So when he pulled that ending… I wasn’t shocked. I didn’t like it — but it did make sense. His villain arc? Foreshadowed. We just didn’t wanna see it.Also, let’s not ignore how everyone in this series keeps using the word “pretend” like it’s a coping mechanism. Kai and Paedyn pretended their way through a whole romance. But Kitt? He's the true pretend game winner. I also touch on the romance, the things I did like, and why this book somehow manages to make me mad and impressed at the same time.Come yell with me.

I dive into Reckless by Lauren Roberts—a book I nearly quit halfway through. The chase dragged on forever, the resistance plot felt pointless, and I kept asking myself: Why am I still reading this? But then... Kai and Paedyin got chained together, and suddenly I was emotionally wrecked. The romance? Chef’s kiss. The angst? Immaculate. Also: Kitt finally got interesting (hello complexity), and I’ve got theories about that ending that might just matter when Fearless drops this Tuesday.If you’re on the fence about continuing the series—or just want to scream about the tension—this episode’s for you.

My friend Eva joins me for this episode, since both of us just finished Sunrise on the Reaping, and honestly? We are not okay. This book completely wrecked us (yes, there were tears), and now we have no idea how to pick up another book. In this episode, we dive deep into how this prequel compares to the original Hunger Games books, the Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and the movies. We break down the incredible connections, the devastating Easter eggs, and the haunting truth that Snow never really moved on from Lucy Gray—even 40 years later. If you love pain, heartbreak, and mind-blowing details about the Hunger Games universe, this one’s for you!

I finally read Powerless by Lauren Roberts, and let’s just say… I went through ALL the emotions. The plot? Meh. The side characters? Forgettable. But Kai? He had me in a chokehold. Kitt, on the other hand? He tested my patience like no other. Join me as I rant, rave, and break down what worked, what didn’t, and whether Powerless lives up to the hype!