Despite the title of this episode, Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan can't be reduced to simply a second chance romance. It deals with grief, hope, love, and pain in a way that only Kennedy Ryan could portray. Yasmen and Josiah have lost a child and are now divorced. They co-parent two children and run a successful restaurant. However, lately, there's been fire in both of their eyes towards one another. The pull between them is strong--and hot! But they don't just have themselves to consider in this because they also have to worry about their kids and the old feelings they've internalized towards themselves and one another.

In this episode, we (of course) dissect the book--plot and characters--intensely. Marriage is discussed heavily, but to be honest, therapy is the star of this show. It not only saved this couple's relationship, but it saved their family dynamic in general. Join us in therapeurizing (a word made up this episode lol) these layered characters and even ourselves. This was one of those books that mostly anyone could relate to and often made us introspective. A high recommendation!

Let us know what you think and thank you for listening!

Disclaimer: This book is strictly for adults. No children should engage in the book OR the content of this episode, so please be mindful before listening. Check all trigger warnings (because there are many) and take care of yourself.

Beatitude by D.J. Krimmer is an emotionally, immersive dark and toxic romance following main characters, Ronan and Everly. Both abused and traumatized before their by-chance meeting, they're broken in ways beyond repair--and I don't think they want to repair it. We have a man that's a serial killer and an emotionally and physically abused woman that end up thriving on the chaos and relishing in the chase. When Ronan kidnaps Everly, both of their lives change and they realize they can't live without one another. Mind you, this is a novella. So, it's all done within 125 pages.

TW: Please check ALL trigger warnings, as this is one of those books that make you question yourself if you like it. Spoiler Alert: We all loved it, so no judgement here from us if you do lol.

And for those listening just to support, remember: we listen and we don't judge.

Hey Book Besties! In this episode we check-in with each other, and you of course, to talk about recent reads, current reads, and what we want to read next. We kept it to books we really enjoyed this time around, so no flops were named--all bops!

Some books mentioned: The Never List by Jade Presley, The Bonds That Tie Series by J. Bree, Ella Gets the D by Tanvier Peart, In the Gray by B.B. Reid, Kiss of the Basilisk by Lindsay Straube, Ironside Academy Series by Jane Washington, Mindf*ck Series by S.T. Abby, The First Family by Granger, New York Ruthless (Ryan Brother Series) by Sadie Kincaid, The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose, Bourbon & Lies by Victoria Wilder and many more!

Listen for quick recommendations and reviews of quite a few books we've read and would like to read. Don't forget to let us know what you add to your TBR!

In Pen Pal by J.T. Geissinger, we meet Kayla, a grieving widow just trying to survive the fog of her husband’s funeral. But her world takes a strange turn when she returns home to find a mysterious letter—from a prison inmate named Dante. And that’s just the beginning.

As eerie events begin to unfold, Kayla—ever the skeptic—can’t ignore that something supernatural might be happening. Amid the chaos, she hires a handyman, Aiden, and the chemistry between them is undeniable. But their path is anything but smooth, tangled with guilt, secrets, and emotional walls that refuse to come down.

How does Kayla navigate a new relationship while being (literally) haunted by her past? And what ever happened to Dante?

Spoiler alert: This plot twist caught us completely off guard—and we’re still recovering.

Tune in for a deep dive into this dark, twisty, and totally unforgettable story.

Jennifer Hartmann's Lotus is a gripping story of trauma, survival, and love. A boy lost. A woman scarred. This is more than just a romance, but a study of trauma recovery, emotional isolation, and rediscovering humanity. In this episode, we follow Sydney, our sometimes lovable FMC, and Oliver, our always lovable MMC. After being reunited, will they be able to get through the past and the gut-wrenching plot twists that await them? Join us in our in-depth discussion of the plot and characters.

Trigger Warning: Discussion of the off-page accounts of sexual assault mentioned in the book.

Spoiler Alert: We do mention the full plot, so you'll hear the twists and turns.

Listen to the end to hear the books we're currently reading!

Hey Book Besties! Here's a new segment that we'll be adding to our episodes monthly. We'll talk about our top book besties of the month and some recent reads - rather they're a bop or a flop.

In this episode, we shout out people that have helped with our life and photoshoot that will be dropping soon on our social medias. (Yay!)

Some of the books mentioned: Forged in Blood by Sadie Kincaid, Vengeful Gods by Elliot Rose, Dance for Me by Kay Elle Parker, Feathers so Vicious by Liv Zander, Does it Hurt by H.D. Carlton, Blood of Hercules by Jasmine Mas, Twisted Lace by A.M. McCoy, Oathbound by Tracy Deonn, and The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent.

Find out which ones were bops and which ones were flops. Spoiler alert: We don't agree on every book lol. Let us know which ones you've read or want to read!

Catherine gives a poetic account of a toxic relationship where love and pain intertwine. In the Darkness of Shards hits home. Rather that's romantically, familial, or through friends, it's up to you to decide. Regardless, you will find solstice in her words; an underlying feeling from the inner thoughts she provides.

These verses are not only heartfelt and honest, they are the words most of us would not dare speak aloud--let alone share for the world to see. Join us in our discussion and personal feelings that these profound words brought out of each of us with appreciation to Cate for her transparency.

Catherine can be found on:

Instagram - @caecastillo__

Good Reads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/49007739.Catherine_Anne_Castillo

Amazon - https://a.co/d/75zxEqp

Deemed an epic love story, The Favorites follows Katarina Shaw and Heath Rocha on their journey to fame in the ice skating world. However, we didn't see it as a love story, more so a tragic drama with more obsession than actual love. These characters go through an emotional rollercoaster and it's being recounted through Kat's eyes and a legendary documentary where all the side characters get to comment on these dramatic times. Join us in discussing this interesting tale and let us know what you think!

Stay till the end to hear a little about what's next for Book Talk Trio!