Inside The Spicy Librarian: An Interview with Sydney Ivey

In this episode of Miss Willa’s Book Club, we’re joined by Sydney Ivey — former teacher turned founder of Denver’s romance-only bookstore, The Spicy Librarian. Sydney shares how burnout, books, and a deep love of romance led her to build a space where women can read boldly, embrace desire, and leave shame at the door. We talk about breaking the stigma around romance novels, the rise of romantasy, what it’s really like running a bookstore in today’s world, and how Sydney has created a community that celebrates stories, spice, and self-expression, along with the challenges of entrepreneurship, handling criticism online, and protecting your love of reading when it becomes your job.Follow along with us:Instagram: @misswillasbookclubTikTok: @misswillasbookclubSpotify & Apple Podcasts: Miss Willa’s Book Club

This episode is all about my bookish ins and outs for 2026 — the things I’m fully leaning into and the things I’m officially done with. Expect hot takes. We’re talking DNFing without guilt, ditching rating inflation, saying no to hype-driven reading, re-reading comfort series, mood-reading whatever I want, and letting go of the pressure to love every popular book on the internet. Reading should be fun again, and I’m not holding back.Come hang out with us on social media for more book chats and episode updates — we’re on TikTok and Instagram @MissWillasBookClubPod. If you enjoyed this episode, leaving a rating or sharing it with a bookish friend helps more than you know.Grab your TBR, grab a spicy opinion, and let’s get into it.

Today I’m wrapping up my 2025 reading year with full honesty — the five-star favorites that wrecked me (in the best way), the disappointments I’m still annoyed about, and the wildly overhyped books that just did not do it for me. I’m breaking down my favorite and least favorite reads from each month, the biggest surprises of the year (both delightful and painful), and the reading stats that completely expose what kind of reading era I was actually in.I’m also handing out bookish superlatives, talking about how my reading tastes shifted this year, and sharing what I’m excited — and nervous — to read in 2026. Expect strong opinions, feelings, and at least one unpopular take I was tempted to keep to myself.I want to hear yours too: which book was your ride-or-die of 2025, and which one had you wondering why everyone else was obsessed with it?Find me on the socials - Instagram and TikTok @ MissWillasBookClubPod

Welcome to a brand new era of Miss Willa’s Book Club. ✨In this episode, I’m sharing the exciting shift happening behind the scenes — how the podcast is evolving, what the solo era will look like, and what you can expect moving forward.We’re talking cozy book chat, future guests, author interviews, new episodes, and how this next chapter is going to feel even more personal, fun, and full of book-girl energy.Plus, I want you involved in shaping what comes next!Tell me what episodes you want to hear, authors I should interview, and the books we absolutely need on our TBR.A new chapter begins… and I’m so glad you’re here for it. 💛📚

Our April Book Club pick, Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider, was an absolute rollercoaster, and we couldn’t wait to share our thoughts! This episode dives into what made this book such a standout, from its gripping plot to characters we couldn’t get enough of. And let’s not forget—there’s a huge twist at the end that completely caught us off guard.Tune in to hear why we both gave this book glowing reviews, our thoughts on that jaw-dropping ending, and why Metal Slinger deserves a spot on your TBR.Join the discussion on Instagram and TikTok @MissWillasBookClubPod or send us an email at [email protected]. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in!

Summer is here, and so is our stack of must-reads! In this episode, we’re sharing the books topping our Summer TBR lists. From swoon-worthy romances to gripping fantasies and everything in between, these are the stories we’re most excited to dive into during the sunny months ahead.Whether you’re looking to add to your own TBR or just love geeking out over upcoming releases, this episode has something for every book lover. Let’s make this summer one for the books—literally!Find us on Instagram and TikTok @MissWillasBookClubPod or email us at [email protected]. Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen!

We couldn’t leave you hanging! In part two of our Quicksilver discussion, we’re diving headfirst into the explosive ending of Callie Hart’s latest masterpiece. From jaw-dropping twists to the emotional gut punches, we’re breaking it all down and sharing our raw reactions.Join us as we dissect the story’s final moments, explore lingering questions, and reflect on why this book is one of our favorites. If you’ve finished Quicksilver, you won’t want to miss this deep dive!Let’s chat about it! Find us on Instagram and TikTok @MissWillasBookClubPod or email us at [email protected]. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in!

We’ve been counting down the days to this episode, and it’s finally here! This week, we’re diving into Quicksilver by Callie Hart, a book that left us completely captivated. From its gripping twists to the unforgettable characters, this story has it all.Tune in as we share why Quicksilver stole our hearts, the moments that had us on the edge of our seats, and why Callie Hart is an author you can’t miss. Whether you’re new to her work or a longtime fan, this episode is for you.Let us know your thoughts! Find us on Instagram and TikTok @MissWillasBookClubPod or email us at [email protected]. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform!

This week, Shelby is here with an exciting update on her reading journey! From recent 5-star reads to the books currently on her nightstand, she’s sharing her standout picks and a few surprises.Plus, get a sneak peek at what’s coming next for Miss Willa’s Book Club, including exciting reads on the horizon. Whether you’re in a reading slump or looking for your next favorite book, this episode has something for every book lover.Join the conversation and find us on Instagram and TikTok @MissWillasBookClubPod or email us at [email protected]. Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen!

We’re back with Part 2 of our Onyx Storm deep dive, and this time, we’re going all in on the biggest twists, emotional gut punches, and game-changing moments of Rebecca Yarros’ latest installment in the Empyrean series.In this episode, we’re breaking down the most intense scenes, discussing the fates of our favorite characters, and diving into the theories this book confirmed—or completely shattered. If you thought the first half had us excited, just wait until you hear our thoughts on the ending!Join us as we unpack everything Onyx Storm delivered, from its most shocking reveals to the moments that made us scream. Don’t forget to let us know your thoughts—DM us on Instagram or TikTok @MissWillasBookClubPod or email us at [email protected]!Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!