In Bed With Books

In Bed With Books

by Melissa
BooksHobbies
Season 9

Four Ruined Realms by Mai Corland: A Spoiler-Filled Book Review

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In this week’s episode, I’m reviewing a recent read, Four Ruined Realms by Mai Corland, the second book in the Broken Blades Trilogy. After the fallout of Aeri’s betrayal in book one, Four Ruined Realms takes things to an whole new level. I unpack how Corland’s writing has evolved, the deeper emotional arcs of Aeri, Royo, Mikhail, Sora, and TiYoung, and what makes this book such a powerful exploration of morality, regret, and survival in a world built on power and control. To round things out, I throw around a few theories for where I expect book three to go. Grab your drink, settle in, and join me for a cozy, spoiler-filled book review about power, love, and what it really means to change the game when the rules are already broken. Tell me in the comments, how do you think Four Ruined Realms compares to Five Broken Blades? If you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email! Subscribe to my newsletter to keep up to date on the latest podcast happenings: https://in-bed-with-books.kit.com/76d11f1d51 Where else to find me: IG: @inbedwithbookspod YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod EM: inbedwithbookspodcast@gmail.com
S9 · E89
Oct 22, 2025
26:15

Wuthering Heights, Harry Potter, and the Cost of Nostalgia: A Conversation on Fandom

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In this episode, we take on one of the biggest discussions in the book world right now: the controversy around Alchemised, the book igniting conversations about people’s (lack of) support for Harry Potter and its related fanfiction in 2025. Kristin is back on the podcast! Our conversation starts with thoughts on the recent trailer for “Wuthering Heights” (2026) before we jump into the messy intersection of nostalgia, fandom, and accountability. Why do we still feel connected to certain stories? How do we handle authors whose beliefs don’t align with ours? Is it actually possible to separate the art from the artist? What does reading looking like in 2025, and how can fandoms reckon with their roots? Grab your tea, get comfy, and join us for a candid, thoughtful chat about the complicated joy of loving stories that don’t always love you back. Tell me in the comments: Do you think it’s possible to separate art from the artist? If you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email! Subscribe to my newsletter to keep up to date on the latest podcast happenings: https://in-bed-with-books.kit.com/76d11f1d51 Where else to find me: IG: @inbedwithbookspod YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod EM: inbedwithbookspodcast@gmail.com
S9 · E88
Oct 14, 2025
1:05:23

Banned Books Week 2025: Censorship, Empathy & the Power of Fiction

We’re back for Season 9, and we’re kicking things off with something a little different: a full-on chat about Banned Books Week 2025. The theme this year is “Censorship Is So 1984.” Which, honestly… yeah, that tracks. I’m joined once again by my friend, and academic, Michael Pons, who’s currently deep in his PhD studies. Together, we dive into what book bans really mean for readers, for kids, and for the stories that shape how we see the world. We talk about The Giver, Homegoing, Their Eyes Were Watching God, and Perks of Being a Wallflower, all books that changed us, and all books that, somehow, keep ending up on banned lists. We also get into the bigger picture: what censorship looks like in media, the weird double standards around “protecting the children,” and why discomfort in reading (and in general) is actually a good thing. It’s one of those conversations that reminds me why I started this podcast in the first place — because stories matter. And because banning books doesn’t protect anyone; it just limits what we get to imagine. So grab a blanket, grab a banned book, and settle in for the start of Season 9. Happy Banned Books Week, and happy reading. To check out Michael’s podcast: https://m.soundcloud.com/aychpodcast/sets/the-instruction-booklet?fbclid=PAT01DUANRSs9leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABp4Rt4vUOXi_VYnCR1b7F_gV28Nu-gA-Knw7F1VStsqPUnMIMz80uHw8k3WZR_aem_bJOcZPxyFiZZqGh7zPahWA If you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email! Subscribe to my newsletter to keep up to date on the latest podcast happenings: https://in-bed-with-books.kit.com/76d11f1d51 Where else to find me: IG: @inbedwithbookspod YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod EM: inbedwithbookspodcast@gmail.com
S9 · E87
Oct 7, 2025
48:30
Season 8

Interview with the Author: Noel Stark

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Join me and author Noel Stark for episode 86 of the podcast, where we talk about her debut novel, Love, Camera, Action, a workplace romance set on a modern television set between Cali, the director, and Jory, the director of photography. We discuss the enemies-to-lovers arc that the leads follow, the themes of creative tension in their love story, and the elements of realism that Stark was able to intertwine, as someone who’s worked in television herself! Stark discusses what the transition from scriptwriting to novel writing looked like, and how her writing process has shifted as she moves into new projects. We round out the chat by talking about Stark’s reading tastes, and the advice of aspiring writers. Love, Camera, Action is out now! If you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email! Where else to find me: IG: @inbedwithbookspod YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod EM: inbedwithbookspodcast@gmail.com
S8 · E86
Apr 29, 2025
50:10

Lore of the Wilds Book Review: A Debut Fantasy Romance Novel

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In episode 85, I’m giving a review of Analeigh Sbrana’s, “Lore of the Wilds,” a romantasy novel set in a world where generations ago, Lore Alemeyu’s ancestors fell into a magical world ruled by fae. Now, Lore’s village is held prisoner by the reigning kingdom, subject to the cruelty of the sentries and whims of the royals. I have my qualms with the book, but it was a great debut. From the brooding dark fae love interest, to a mysterious magical book, and the betrayal in the end, and I cannot wait to see what Lore gets up to in the sequel, “Lore of the Tides.” As with all of my book reviews, there are spoilers! If you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email! Where else to find me: IG: @inbedwithbookspod YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod EM: inbedwithbookspodcast@gmail.com
S8 · E85
Apr 21, 2025
30:34

Interview with the Author: Jade Presley

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In episode 84, I was joined by author Jade Presley to talk about her new book, The Never List! It was a joy to have Jade on to talk about her writing process, how she found the why-choose genre, and how a healthy dose of delusion can be great on the road to publication. The Never List follows Rylee, a woman on a quest to save her sister who gets a little side-tracked trying to save her kingdom. The why-choose romantasy hits shelves April 8, 2025! If you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email! Where else to find me: IG: @inbedwithbookspod YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod EM: inbedwithbookspodcast@gmail.com
S8 · E84
Apr 7, 2025
49:21

My 2025 Reading Goals

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In this episode, I’m talking about my reading goals for 2025! As a devotee of SMART goals for many years, my reading goals are really more intentions than milestones I’m looking to achieve. This year, I’m really trying to find the joy in reading again, without the pressure that super defined goals can bring. This year is about me reinforcing reading’s role in my downtime and escape, and it really came down to the question “What kind of reader do I want to be?” If you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email! Where else to find me: IG: @inbedwithbookspod YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod EM: inbedwithbookspodcast@gmail.com
S8 · E83
Jan 29, 2025
20:20

Demon's Bluff: A Contemporary Fantasy Book Review

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In episode 82, I’m giving a review of the latest book from The Hollows series by Kim Harrison, “Demon’s Bluff,” an urban fantasy novel set in an alternate world where magic and modern sensibilities coexist. As always, I was so excited to talk about this book and this series, since I’ve been such a big fan of Rachel Morgan and her adventures as a witch in Cincinnati for so long. Join me as discussing Harrison’s grasp on each of her characters, falling back into reading about [SPOILER], and the care that Rachel uses in proving (once again) that she is That Witch. As with all of my book reviews, there are spoilers! If you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email! Where else to find me: IG: @inbedwithbookspod YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod EM: inbedwithbookspodcast@gmail.com
S8 · E82
Jan 6, 2025
22:50
Season 7

Interview with the Author: J.K. Kennedy

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In this episode of In Bed With Books, I sit down with J.K. Kennedy, author of Clumsy Beauty, a beautifully illustrated collection of bite-sized poems filled with warmth, wit, and a dash of irreverence. Clumsy Beauty is a celebration of life’s imperfections, offering inspiration for embracing our quirks, stumbles, and unique journeys. J.K. and I discuss the joy of self-acceptance and finding beauty in everyday moments, even when they’re messy. Tune in to hear her insights on vulnerability, creativity, and what it means to live authentically in a world obsessed with perfection. Clumsy Beauty is available now! So run to your nearest bookstore or library and grab your copy! Jodie can be found on instagram @/jkkennedywrites Cover Artist for Clumsy Beauty: Jessica Benhar @/harkenback If you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email! Where else to find me: IG: @inbedwithbookspod YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod EM: inbedwithbookspodcast@gmail.com
S7 · E81
Nov 4, 2024
1:22:59

What the River Knows by Isabel Ibanez: A Historical Fantasy Romance Review

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In episode 80 of In Bed With Books, I dive into What the River Knows by Isabel Ibanez, a captivating historical fantasy romance. Join me as I explore Inez’s thrilling adventure to uncover the truth behind her parents' deaths and the mysterious gifts they left behind, including the dreamy but closed-off Whitford Hayes. With book two, Where the Library Hides, coming soon, this is the perfect time to revisit or discover this awesome tale. If you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email! Where else to find me: IG: @inbedwithbookspod YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod EM: inbedwithbookspodcast@gmail.com
S7 · E80
Oct 7, 2024
35:54
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