Welcome to our after-show here on Substack. If you’re new, we go live every other Monday on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch for a bookish gossip session covering pop culture, book world drama, and everything in between.
This Week’s Live Show Recap
This week, we discussed:
The Oscars – Who won, who was snubbed, and which book-to-screen adaptations took home awards.
Supreme Court Case on Book Banning – A major case out of Maryland that could impact censorship and parental rights in libraries.
Bookish Controversies – One author had their ARC pulled from every platform due to a problematic line, and another is marketing a book as a romance when it doesn't meet the genre's expectations.
If you missed it, you can catch the replay on YouTube.
What We’re Reading
Francesca finished Alive and Wells by Bailey Hanna, a cowboy romance featuring a rancher hero and a heroine escaping a dangerous past. The book had its steamy moments, but the emotional recovery timeline didn’t feel realistic.
Laura read Training the Heart by Paisley Hope, another cowboy romance with small-town vibes and multiple tropes. The hero is a former hockey player, millionaire, bartender, and horse ranch helper. The heroine is a 27-year-old elite horse trainer. The book requires some suspension of disbelief.
Victoria read We, Pretty Pieces of Flesh by Colwell Brown, a literary novel set in 1990s Yorkshire. The story follows three friends navigating class, ambition, and changing relationships over time. The inclusion of Yorkshire dialect and a setting outside of London made it stand out.
What We’re Watching
Victoria is watching Traitors US and was frustrated by the recent cliffhanger. She doesn’t believe Brittany will betray Danielle but is waiting to see how it plays out.
Laura is watching White Lotus (Season 3) and enjoying the mix of resort drama, middle-aged frenemies, and a Thai wellness retreat.
Francesca finished Wrong Side of the Tracks (Netflix), a Spanish drama about a grumpy military veteran, family struggles, and a neighborhood full of crime and corruption. The ending wasn’t as satisfying as expected, but the character development stood out.
What’s Next
Join us this Thursday at 12 PM ET on YouTube for our Spring Reading Recommendations live show. Each of us will be sharing:
Laura – Rom-coms, including hidden gems that deserve more attention.
Francesca – A mix of spring reads, including selections from the Romanceopoly challenge.
Victoria – A sneak peek at the Spring Reading Guide, with a selection from each genre included.
In the comments, tell us what you have been watching and reading?
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