Bookish Smash or Pass

Join Choal's two biggest fans as they finish the second part of Crown of Midnight. How do you pronounce this man's name? Did they understand any of the demon-fae-witch lore? Does Fleetfoot get a love interest? Who/Where/What is Rowan? We try to answer some of these questions and more as we wrap up the second book of Throne of Glass and look forward to our next read- Heir of Fire.   Callan's Rating: 4-4.5 Stars Rachel's Rating: 4 Stars

Join Team Dorian- I mean, Callan and Rachel as they riddle their way through the first part of Throne of Glass book 2. Why Iron? Who and what is Nehemia? Can we please get more scenes with Dorian's plot line?? Rachel has suspicions of everything again, Callan's braid is falling out with how much she hates Choal, they both have no idea what to expect but they are speculating wildly and having a great time.

Don’t be suspicious, don’t be suspicious, Callan and Rachel have finished Throne of Glass and they don’t trust anyone.  Tag along as these two besties discuss the second half of Sarah J Maas’ first book in the series that launched a thousand ships.  Who is taking care of this dog?  How good of an assassin could Adarlan’s Assassin really be?  Does Celeana really love candy?  Does Choal have any prior experience in Captain of the Guard-ing? We try to find the answers to these questions and more as we recap our first impressions and look forward to the rest of the series.    Callan’s Rating: 4 Stars Rachel’s Rating 3.5 Stars

Besties, we are doing it. Callan and Rachel are finally reading a Sarah J Maas book together. After unsuccessful attempts at loving ACOTAR and the Crescent City series- these two are giving Throne of Glass a blind try for the first time. Join along (and probably laugh at us) as we speculate wildly about what we think is happening, what we think will happen, and how we honestly have no clue. Who is Aelin? How do you pronounced Choal? Are are wrong about everything? Probably! But we're having fun!

Don't run away, jump overboard, or yell at us- if you want to know something, Freya, just listen, and we will tell you that Callan and Rachel have finished A Fate Inked in Blood and are here to talk about it! Join these two besties as they discuss the second half of this romantasy, pray for Freya to mature, discover Callan's dream party trick, and learn they can love a book without liking the main character. Who knew!?!? (not us) (until now)   Callan's Rating: 4 Stars Rachel's Rating: 4 Stars

Grab your flaming axes, beef jerky, and save your fishy friends, Besties- Callan and Rachel are taking on Danielle L Jensen's newest nordic-inspired romantasy with excitement and many questions. Can fantasy writers please stop making their characters vomit? Does Rachel or Freya eat a balanced diet? Is Ylva a red herring? Why is Bjorn everywhere? Do we mind though?? They don't know, but they're having fun anyway.   Follow us on Instagram @paperbackbesties and join the conversation!

One sunny afternoon on a leisurely stroll home from the gym Callan had an idea- Smash? Or Pass? It stuck with her and this episode was born. Get to know Callan and Rachel as they discuss their favourite genres, tropes, characters, and bookish things- and play along! Tangents include how scared we are of space, One Bed is never as exciting as we want it to be, and how Rachel just doesn't get the whole wings thing.

We are nothing if not Emily Henry girlies.  Join Callan and Rachel as they discuss their favourite romance author's newest book, the future of rom com movies, our love for Miles Nowak, and how weird it is to want a milkshake two minutes after you told your friend to try on her wedding dress??   Follow us on Instagram @paperbackbesties and let us know your thoughts!

Callan and Rachel have finished The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo! ...and have lots of unanswered questions.  Join along as they realise this beautifully written historical fantasy is probably not the best book for them, and look ahead to reading fantasy with less trials and politics.    Rachel's Rating: 3 Stars Callan's Rating: 3.5 Stars  

Callan and Rachel are BACK. Join them as they discuss the first half of The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo! As big fans of Leigh, they are so excited to dive into this new standalone that came out in April. Or at least, they try to. Come along as these two besties who haven't seen each other in three weeks discuss their latest buddy read, life, travel, and the Spanish Inquisition, with, as always, a healthy smattering of Ninth House tangents.   Follow @paperbackbesties on Instagram and TikTok and let us know your thoughts!