The Story Bites Podcast

The Story Bites Podcast Episode 1: Surrender Nov 27, 2018

We kick off the podcast with a tasty bite of Surrender by Amy Daws. This duet-style narration is unlike anything we've heard before! Join us for an excellent bit of storytelling, followed by discussion and news.

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Episode 2: Josh & Hazel's Guide to Not Dating Dec 13, 2018

Hazel Camille Bradford knows she’s a lot to take—and frankly, most men aren’t up to the challenge. If her army of pets and thrill for the absurd don’t send them running, her lack of filter means she’ll say exactly the wrong thing in a delicate moment. Their loss. She’s a good soul in search of honest fun. Josh Im has known Hazel since college, where her zany playfulness proved completely incompatible with his mellow restraint. From the first night they met—when she gracelessly threw up on his shoes—to when she sent him an unintelligible email while in a post-surgical haze, Josh has always thought of Hazel more as a spectacle than a peer. But now, ten years later, after a cheating girlfriend has turned his life upside down, going out with Hazel is a breath of fresh air. Not that Josh and Hazel date. At least, not each other. Because setting each other up on progressively terrible double blind dates means there’s nothing between them...right?

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Episode 3: The Almost Sisters Dec 20, 2018

This one is narrated by the author! And she's amazing. We chat about the ins and outs of author narration, and dig into the narrative depth of this terrific story.

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Episode 4: A Princess in Theory Audio Book by Alyssa Cole Dec 27, 2018

Check out this great premise: what if repeated emails from an "African prince" were real? And what if the heroine of the book is as fierce as she is fascinating? Join us for a sample of a terrific book that landed on so many 2018 Best Of lists.

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Episode 5: My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan Jan 03, 2019

Q: What happens when an Audible Hall of Fame narrator writes her own book?

A: Magic happens!

Join us to sample another well-written opening chapter. We had a great time analyzing all the reasons we’re immediately drawn into this angsty story. You don’t want to miss this one.

Also: more fun rules for writers. And Tanya gives us another narrator rule from the booth…

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Episode 6: Birthday Suit by Lauren Blakely Jan 10, 2019

Twelve world-class narrators on one project? Yes, please! Lauren Blakely is producing some of the most innovative audio in romance. Join us to taste test her new one! Sebastian York and Andi Arndt headline this delicious romance. Oh, and there's chocolate...

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Episode 7: Overnight Sensation by Sarina Bowen Jan 17, 2019

Sarina's new romance hits bookstores next week! But you can listen to a bite of it right now. Jason Clarke as a cynical, hockey playing hottie? It's a match made in heaven.

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Episode 8: Girl on the Edge by CD Reiss Jan 24, 2019

CD Reiss is a writer like no other. In this episode we dig into why, and hear a terrific duet narration.

We also talk about genre expectations, and how they affect both writer and reader.

Is Girl on the Edge tense, romantic suspense, as Audiofile Magazine puts it? Or romance? Listen and decide!

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Episode 9: The Keeper of Lost Things Jan 31, 2019

Today we analyze why we like British accents so much, and we reassure ourselves that it doesn’t mean we’re shallow. Not very shallow, anyway.

Also we learn that Tanya dislikes hotdogs, and that Sarina is having a hard week.

Bottom Line: The Keeper of Lost Things is a deeply romantic book with surprises to keep you on your toes. And there may or may not be something magical going on. This is a spoiler free episode, though, so don’t be afraid!

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Episode 10: Vintage Love Stories "Didn't it Rain" Feb 07, 2019

Today, for the first time on the Story Bites Podcast you’re getting a whole story. No excerpt! No cliffies! No backsies!

We discuss Tanya’s love of short stories and Sarina’s fear. Also, there is some crow-eating to do over today’s writers’ rule…

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Episode 11: Devil's Daughter by Lisa Kleypas Feb 14, 2019

Listeners, there’s a reason Sarina has grabby hands for this new book. Lisa Kleypas is a genius at delayed gratification. This hero is a case study in how to build a series. (Or how to torture your readers for three years in the best possible way.) Devil's Daughter is masterful.

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Episode 12: Matchmaking for Beginners by Maddie Dawson Feb 21, 2019

We chose Matchmaking for Beginners by Maddie Dawson, narrated by Joyce Bean and Amy McFadden, for it’s incredible, impeccable voice. So funny! So different in a romance. So…everything.

We also explore the question of What is a Romance? (And why is this so complicated, really?)

Also notable: the proper definition of Welsh Rarebit. It was such a fun question that Tanya had to make a video to explain it. (Also, Tanya likes cheese sauce. Because who doesn’t?)

Visit storybitespodcast.com to see the video!

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Episode 13: Consumed by JR Ward Feb 28, 2019

What happens when a bestselling author of vampire tales turns her attention to firefighters? The story smolders! We couldn't resist this series-starter by JR Ward.

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Episode 14: Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan Mar 07, 2019

This time we bring you a strong heroine who loves basketball almost as much as author Kennedy Ryan. Terrific narration by Sean Crisden and Jo Raylan.

Tune in to hear about unapologetic love triangles and fierce heroines. Plus Tanya tells us how she preps each new book for narration!

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Episode 15: Hotshot Doc by RS Grey Mar 14, 2019

Today’s excerpt, Narrated by Aubrey Vincent & Lee Samuels, is courtesy of Audible Studios! Sarina picked this one for two reasons.

She loves the raising-your-younger-sibling trope
A hotshot doc is a character archetype with tons of potential!

Also? What do R.S. Grey and Chekhov have in common? Tune in to find out.

Then we dish about Tanya’s Trip to New York, where she took in a classy awards ceremony for audio books, and had a very Instagrammable meal.

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Episode 16: Lessons From a One Night Stand by Piper Rayne Mar 21, 2019

It's not just the terrific hook that drew us in. It's the terrific narration by Tim Paige! Join us to hear all the awesome.

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Episode 17: Nightchaser by Amanda Bouchet, and an interview with the author Mar 28, 2019

Podcasting together from Apollycon in D.C. was so much fun! In this episode you’ll get the tense opening chapter of Amanda Bouchet’s scifi romance, Starchaser. And then you’ll get an interview with the author. We had such a great time.

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Episode 18: Shooting for the Stars by Sarina Bowen, and an interview with narrator Emma Wilder Apr 04, 2019

Before we left Washington DC, we wanted to interview our friend and narrator Emma Wilder. And a good time was had by all!

Join us for an introduction to Sarina’s snowboard romance audio book and a chat with someone who's living the dream: people pay her to read!

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Episode 19: Meet Cute by Helena Hunting Apr 11, 2019

Helena Hunting serves up a romcom with a great opener! We discuss how the narrator, Holly Warren, has a special challenge in this chapter. And she delivers! Thank you for listening to the Story Bites Podcast with Sarina Bowen & Tanya Eby!

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Episode 20: Getaway Girl by Tessa Bailey Apr 18, 2019

Brides, grooms and beavers. Not necessarily in that order. Tessa Bailey is a veteran romance author with skills for days! Watch how she jumps into a love story for two strangers with a runaway groom and a heroine made for drama with a chip on her shoulder. Also, Sarina follows up on a previous book we loved. And Tanya bakes a... beaver cake.

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Episode 21: The Risk by Elle Kennedy Apr 25, 2019

In this episode we explore the fine line between hate and love, and why hate-to-love-you books are so popular in romance! Elle Kennedy shows a masterful understanding of this concept as we are introduced to the indomitable Brenna, lovingly rendered by narrator Virginia Rose!

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Episode 22: The Bride Test by Helen Hoang May 02, 2019

The best kind of story is one that takes an old trope and makes it so fresh that you need to read it immediately. And that’s the kind of book The Bride Test is! We are sold on this unique pairing between a Vietnamese heroine and a neurodiverse hero.

Listen in while we discover what’s new from mega bestselling author Helen Hoang!

The Bride Test is artfully narrated by Emily Woo Zeller, and provided to the Story Bites Podcast by Dreamscape Media LLC.

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Episode 23: Fluffy by Julia Kent May 09, 2019

The who-could-stop-at-chapter-one episode.

Sometimes you need to turn the page because you have no idea what’s going to happen. Or. Sometimes you need to read onward because you need to see it happen. And that’s the genius of Fluffy’s setup.

Also: Erin Mallon is amazing!

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Episode 24: Pride, Prejudice and Other Flavors by Sonali Dev May 16, 2019

It is a truth universally acknowledged that only in an overachieving Indian American family can a genius daughter be considered a black sheep. And that’s only the beginning! There is so much going on in this richly rendered novel from award-winner Sonali Dev! Tune in to sample this unique twist on the royals archetype. With a classy narration from Soneela Nankani, the book begins with a high stakes moment in the career of our doctor heroine Trisha Raje. The title may focus on our sense of taste, but it’s clear from the first chapter that this is a book of stunning visual imagery.

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Episode 25: Be The Girl by KA Tucker May 23, 2019

Today we ask big questions like: what makes YA YA? Who is it for? What does it all mean? Get philosophical with us as we taste test this intriguing setup. A teen moving to a new town and getting a new name, too! We are fascinated. (And when can we meet the boy next door?)

We also discuss the market for YA audio books and their narration.

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Episode 26: Podcast Special! We answer your questions about how audio books are made May 30, 2019

We asked our listeners to send us questions about audio book narration and we were not prepared for the deluge! We received so many reader questions that we are going to break our special episode into parts. Today, Tanya answers questions about audio book narration. (How do you choose the narrators? Is it weird when things get steamy?)

And on our next special episode, we’re going to ask our narrator friends to answer questions, too! It’s going to be epic.

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Episode 27: Undeniable by Melanie Harlow Jun 06, 2019

Melanie Harlow introduces her heroine with a bang! Not that kind of bang, mind you. The kind that happens when you take a boy’s dare and jump off the roof.

This audio book is so much fun! Don’t miss Savannah Peachwood’s narration.

Also included in this episode: way too much fun with Barbie. Boozy balls. 1990s vodka and a new definition for “jammed.”

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Episode 28: Top Secret by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy Jun 13, 2019

Celebrate Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy's latest audiobook! In this episode you'll hear a great audio book narration by Christian Fox.

And then Tanya gets to ask Sarina questions about this gay romance page-turner!

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Episode 29: A Dozen Audio Book Narrators Answer Your Questions Jun 20, 2019

You guys! When we asked you if you had any questions, we didn’t know what to expect. We got a deluge! This is our second special episode, and we have a treat for you! A dozen guests answer your questions. Including: Megan Tusing Karen White Erin Mallon Steve West Donna Postel Jillian Macie Gary Furlong Amy Landon Melissa Moran Renee Chamblis Erin de Ward

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Episode 30: In the Neighborhood of True by Susan Kaplan Carlton Jun 27, 2019

What a first chapter! This super timely novel had us both asking all the big questions! What happened? Why is Davis there? Gah!

Catch up with Sarina Bowen and Tanya Eby, and sample today's bite. An intriguing peek at the difficulty of leading two lives...

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Episode 31: How Not to Fall by Emily Foster Jul 04, 2019

This under-appreciated romance follows a whip-smart academic as she tries to navigate sexual experience the same way she navigates her blossoming career in science. And it doesn’t always go smoothly…

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Episode 32: Superfan by Sarina Bowen Jul 11, 2019

Sarina has a new book in production! And you can hear the first takes right here.

What does the first cut of an audio book sound like, anyway? This one is performed by superstars Virginia Rose and Aaron Shedlock.

Also up for discussion: how to build tension in a chapter to keep the listener hooked. And Tanya’s thoughts about charcuterie board ingredients. You don’t want to miss it!

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Episode 33: Brazen and the Beast by Sarah Maclean Jul 18, 2019

This book! It has everything: great voice, hilarious setup. Curvy heroine with brains for dayyyys. We loved this new one from Sarah Maclean, and the terrific narration by Justine Eyre. Courtesy of HarperAudio.

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Episode 34: An Interview with Narrator Aaron Shedlock Jul 25, 2019

Sarina Bowen interviews Aaron Shedlock about acting, his favorite narrators, and what happens when people say they listen to performances at 2.0 speed...

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Episode 35: Indefinite by Corinne Michaels Aug 01, 2019

We talk breakup scenes and duets. And how do you feel about cliffhangers? We're feeling pretty great about them after listening to this fabulous first chapter.

Also! Sarina and Tanya make a big announcement! You don't want to miss it.

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Episode 36: Kennedy Ryan wins a RITA Aug 08, 2019

Did you see? The most excellent Kennedy Ryan won a RITA award for this most excellent story, Long Shot. If you haven't listened yet, today is the day! #wecalledit

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Episode 37: Advanced Physical Chemistry by Susannah Nix Aug 15, 2019

The heroine is a chemical engineer! This fun tale opens with a classic romance setup: the heroine’s current boyfriend has cheated. Will hottie barista save this curvy girl’s day?

Narrated by Caitlin Kelly, courtesy of Tantor Audio

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