Paperback Besties

Crown of Midnight - Part 2 Jul 16, 2024

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

Crown of Midnight Discussion - Part 1 Jul 08, 2024

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.

Throne of Glass Discussion - Part 2 Jun 24, 2024

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

Throne of Glass Discussion - Part 1 Jun 17, 2024

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!

A Fate Inked in Blood Discussion - Part 2 Jun 10, 2024

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

A Fate Inked in Blood Discussion - Part 1 Jun 03, 2024

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!

Bookish Smash or Pass May 27, 2024

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.

Funny Story Discussion May 20, 2024

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!

The Familiar Discussion - Part 2 May 13, 2024

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

The Familiar Discussion - Part 1 May 06, 2024

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!

BONUS: Classics, Reading Lists, and High School Memories Apr 22, 2024

Join Callan and Rachel as they try to remember what they read in school, discuss old and modern classics, and relive some quality high school trauma.

What is the difference between Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights? Did Callan read any of her required reading? Why was their high school curriculum so strange?

Grab your SparkNotes and No Fear Shakespeare- we dove deep into our cringy Facebook history for this one.

Romancing Mr.Bridgerton - Bridgerton Book 4 Apr 15, 2024

Join Callan and Rachel as they discuss the upcoming season of Bridgerton (Netflix)! Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn is Colin and Penelope's book and the 4th book in the series. Is Colin going to be this much of butthead in the show? Who is this new suitor they are teasing? Tune in to hear their thoughts and excitement for the upcoming season!

Rachel's Rating: 4 Stars

Callan's Rating: 4 Stars

An Offer From A Gentleman Discussion - Bridgerton Book 3 Apr 08, 2024

Callan and Rachel are still in their Bridgerton era and diving into Benedict's book - An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn! Listen in as they discuss their favorite parts of the book and theories on the future of the Netflix Bridgerton series.

Rachel's Rating: 5 Stars

Callan's Rating: 5 Stars

The Viscount Who Loved Me Discussion - Bridgerton Book 2 Apr 01, 2024

CALLAN AND RACHEL ARE IN THEIR BRIDGERTON ERA. Grab your tea set, needlework and gowns besties! Cover up those ankles and be sure to have a chaperone while out with the ton! We are heading to Regency era England with our favorite family created by Julia... and starting with the Viscount Who Loved Me because we can!

We are so ready for Season 3 of Bridgerton to release on Netflix and are counting down the days until then!

Two Twisted Crowns Discussion - Part 2 Mar 25, 2024

Join Callan and Rachel as they wrap up the Shepard King Duology with their final discussion about Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig. Were ANY of their theories correct? (spoiler alert: hard no) But did they love it? (spoiler alert: hard yes.)

Rachel's Rating: 5 Stars

Callan's Rating: 5 Stars

Two Twisted Crowns Discussion - Part 1 Mar 18, 2024

Join Callan and Rachel as they read the first half of Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig! This is the sequel and final installment in the One Dark Window duology. So much is happening thus far, so tune in for their thoughts and theories on how this series will be wrapped up! Also, there may or may not be Fourth Wing and Ninth House tangents ;)

Follow us on Instagram @paperback.besties and let us know your thoughts!

One Dark Window Discussion - Part 2 Mar 11, 2024

Join Rachel and Callan as they finish up One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig! Were their theories from Part 1 correct? How did they react to that rollercoaster ride of an ending? Will they read the sequel?

One Dark Window Discussion - Part 1 Mar 04, 2024

Join Callan and Rachel as they dive into One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig! They find out how important buddy reads are in this episode, discuss theories, and still are struggling to get over their Powerless PTSD. Listen along out and hear why they go from feeling so-so about this book in the beginning, to really excited about it by the end!

Bookish Games! Feb 26, 2024

Let's play some book games, besties! Join Callan and Rachel for their first ever VIDEO PODCAST. In this episode they challenge each other in Guess Who (Book version and Harry Potter Character version) and in a Blind Date with a Book!

(Book List: Harry Potter; Twilight; Kingdom of the Wicked; Powerless; Invisible Life of Addie LaRue; Starling House; Fourth Wing; Darker Shade Series; Beach Read; Book Lovers; Ice Breaker; ACOTAR; Fable; Deadly Education; Ninth House; Serpent and Dove; Crescent City; Divine Rivals; Ten Thousand Doors of January)

(HP Character List: Harry; Ron; Hermione; Hagrid; Dumbledore; Voldemort; Bellatrix; Snape; Sirius Black; Remus Lupin; Draco; Luna; Neville; Trelawney; McGonagall; Lucius Malfoy; Cedric; That kid Nigel who’s only in the movies and is supposed to be Dennis Creevey; Ginny; Narcissa Malfoy; Umbridge; Percy; Oliver Wood)

Breaking Dawn Discussion - Part 2 Feb 19, 2024

Rachel and Callan have FINALLY completed the Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer. Re-reading this teen sensation while in their 30s was not as fun as they thought it would be, and they are happy to be done with it. Join them as they break down the second half of Breaking Dawn - Bella is finally a vampire! And a mom! The Cullen siblings barely ever interact with each other... in fact, Jasper and Rosalie never speak! Does the entire series just boil down to one conversation? Is it possible to have a happily ever after if you are immortal? Find out with the Paperback Besties!

Breaking Dawn Discussion - Part 1 Feb 12, 2024

Just like the movies, Rachel and Callan have split Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer into two different parts. Join them for the second to last episode featuring the Twilight Saga, which they never plan on reading again!

Eclipse Discussion Feb 05, 2024

Join Callan and Rachel in their longest episode yet... as they become slightly more unhinged the longer it goes on! They may have went into this journey thinking it was going to be light and fun, but they are finding that rereading the Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer as two women in their 30s is making them question everything they thought they knew at 17.

(Just kidding, we're actually having a ton of fun with this. Please join us as we get irrationally annoyed at a fictional character for over a hour and a half)

In Eclipse, Bella tries to figure out if she's Team Edward or Team Jacob, complains about marriage the entire time, and makes zero decisions.

New Moon Discussion Jan 29, 2024

In this episode Callan and Rachel discuss New Moon by Stephanie Meyer, the second installment in the Twilight Saga! It's been 15 years since they read this book, and they barely remember the movie at all... so take a walk down memory lane and read this for essentially the first time! Is Charlie father of the year? Does Jessica have every right to be mad at Bella? We we all this insufferable at 18?

Twilight Discussion Jan 22, 2024

Hey besties! Grab your Hot Topic merchandise, your flip phones and Muse CDs... because we're taking a trip back to our adolescent years! In this episode, Callan and Rachel are discussing Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. It's been 15 years since they've read this book, so tune in and reminisce the beloved young adult vampire series with them. Are Bella and Edward actually in love? In Bella's mom the issue? And stop picking on Jessica!

The next three episodes will be New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn.

Powerless Discussion - Part 2 Jan 15, 2024

Spoilers Ahead!

Rachel and Callan have finished Powerless by Lauren Roberts. In this episode they confirm that this book is just not for them. If you loved this book and are not into critiques or different opinions, this episode is not for you.

Rachel's Rating: 2 Stars

Callan's Rating: 2 Stars

Find us on Instagram @paperbackbesties and TikTok @paperback.besties

Powerless Discussion - Part 1 Jan 08, 2024

Callan and Rachel discuss one of their most anticipated reads of 2024! Today's episode is Powerless by Lauren Roberts. It's been all over BookTok and Bookstagram, and came highly recommended... but in this episode they find out that this might not be the book for them.

Find us on Instagram @paperbackbesties and TikTok @paperback.besties

Our Year in Books Jan 01, 2024

HAPPY 2024 BESTIES!

In this episode Callan and Rachel discuss their GoodReads Year in Books, their favorites, their disappointments and books they are looking forward to in the new year!

If you're looking for new book recommendations, or are a fan of VE Schwab, Emily Henry, Leigh Bardugo, Alix E. Harrow and Rebecca Yarros - this one is for you!

Starling House Discussion - Part 2 Dec 25, 2023

SPOILERS AHEAD!

It might be Christmas, but we love a good spooky season read! Join Rachel and Callan as they finish up their discussion on Starling House by Alix E. Harrow (aka Rachel's favorite author)! Hear their deep dive on theories and thoughts in this episode!

Rachel's Rating - 5 Stars

Callan's Rating - 4.5 Stars

Starling House Discussion - Part 1 Dec 18, 2023

SPOILERS AHEAD!

It might be the end of December but we love a spooky season read! Join Callan and Rachel as they discuss Starling House by Alix E Harrow! Hear their thoughts so far and theories on what is to come in second half of the book!

Holiday Romance Book Reports and Recommendations Dec 11, 2023

Happy Holidays from your Paperback Besties!

In this episode we review some of our favorite (and not so favorite) holiday reads from years past and we each read 4 new books to review for you!

Join us as we do elementary level book reports on 8 holiday romance novels - the sweet, the spicy and everything in between... also maybe some not quite so human.

(0:15) - Introduction

(02:43) - Shout outs and shop small! (@lostpetalpotterystudio on instagram, not sponsored, just wanted to shout out! )

(4:58) - Christmas Recommendations

(13:53) - Book Report Introduction

(14:18) - Jingle Wars

(17:44) - A Little Magic (Sugar Valley Book 1)

(25:12) - Booked for the Holidays

(33:31) - Frosty Proximity

(38:30) - Baggage Claim

(44:14) - A Very Bossy Christmas

(50:15) - The Plight Before Christmas

(53:44) - Skruj: A Holidate with an Alien

Fragile Threads of Power Discussion - Part 2 Dec 04, 2023

SPOILERS AHEAD!

Callan and Rachel have finished Fragile Threads of Power by VE Schwab! In this episode they discuss the second half of the book, their thoughts and if any of their predictions came true.

Fragile Threads is set in the same universe as her Darker Shade of Magic Series, and is one of our favorite books of the year.

Rachel's Rating: 5 Stars

Callan's Rating: 5 Stars

(This episode was recorded one month ago and since then we have way more listeners and are grateful for all of you)

Fragile Threads of Power Discussion - Part 1 Nov 27, 2023

SPOILERS AHEAD!

Return to Red London with Kell, Lila, Alucard and Rhy....and Callan and Rachel! In this episode they discuss one of their best reads of the year - Fragile Threads of Power by VE Schwab, which is set in the same universe as the Darker Shade of Magic series.

VE Schwab just did a book tour for Fragile Threads and Callan and Rachel attended her DC event, which they also talk about throughout the episode! Tune in to hear their thoughts, predictions and a lot of Kell and Lila praising.

Iron Flame Discussion - Part 2 Nov 20, 2023

Callan and Rachel finished Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros! Hear our thoughts, the questions we need answered, how our theories played out and if we're excited for the next installment (Spoiler Alert: we are!).

If you have answers to any of our questions, please comment on this episode's instagram post! @paperback.besties

Rachel's Rating: 5 Stars

Callan's Rating: 4.5 Stars

Iron Flame Discussion - Part 1 Nov 13, 2023

SPOILERS AHEAD!

Rachel and Callan dive into Rebecca Yarros's much anticipated sequel of Fourth Wing - Iron Flame! At this point we've only read the first half of the book, catch our thoughts so far and theories on what we think is to come!

Follow us on TikTok (@paperback.besties) and Instagram (@paperbackbesties)

Bookish Fun! Nov 06, 2023

Join Callan and Rachel as they do a Bookish Fantasy Draft and blindly rank bookish topics!

They discuss Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce as a romcom, rank book boyfriends, book tropes and the ideal bookish day.

Divine Rivals Discussion - Part 2 Oct 30, 2023

SPOILERS AHEAD!

This week Callan and Rachel discuss the ending of Divine Rivals. Please note - they didn't like it. Dive in to hear their thoughts, tropes they don't like, what they're currently reading and if they will be reading the sequel.

Ratings:

Rachel: 3.5 stars

Callan: 3 stars

Divine Rivals Discussion - Part 1 Oct 23, 2023

SPOILERS AHEAD!

Do not listen to this episode unless you want to be spoiled for Divine Rivals. In this episode, Callan and Rachel discuss the first half of Divine Rivals - their thoughts so far and predictions on what's to come!

Fourth Wing Discussion - Part 2 Oct 16, 2023

SPOILERS AHEAD!

Do not listen to this episode if you have not read Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros!

Ahead of the release of Iron Flame, Callan and Rachel break down and discuss their thoughts and theories on the second half of Fourth Wing and how their predicts from the first half played out.

Fourth Wing Discussion - Part 1 Oct 09, 2023

SPOILERS AHEAD

Do not listen to this episode if you haven't read Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros!

Ahead of the release of Iron Flame, Callan and Rachel break down and discuss their thoughts on the first half of Fourth Wing.

Our Favorite Reads Oct 09, 2023

Welcome to Paperback Besties!

In this first episode, Rachel and Callan discuss their favorite reads!

*Not mentioned, just a given: Harry Potter by JK Rowling and the Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by VE Schwab*

Books Mentioned: Ninth House - Leigh Bardugo; The Atlas Six - Olivia Blake; Deadly Education (series) - Naomi Novik; Me Before You - Jojo Moyes; The Rose Code - Kate Quinn; The Ten Thousand Doors of January - Alix E. Harrow; Book Lovers - Emily Henry

Spooky Season Reads Oct 09, 2023

October is here! It's officially Spooky Season! In this episode, Callan and Rachel discuss their favorite spooky season reads and upcoming spooky season releases!

Books Mentioned in this Episode:

Vicious (duology) - VE Schwab

The Hazel Wood - Melissa Albert

Darker Shade of Magic (series) - VE Schwab

Starling House - Alex E. Harrow

Our Crooked Hearts - Melissa Albert

Gallant - VE Schwab

Ninth House (series) - Leigh Bardugo