My Sister's TBR

Co-Hosts Stacey & Rebecca
  • 5.0 (4)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Hi, we're Stacey and Rebecca, your book loving sisters taking you along on our reading journey. My Sister's TBR is a bi-weekly bookish podcast, discussing our past, current and future reads, having some laughs in-between and fan-girling over all the hottest topics and trends in our book world! So grab your favorite mug, a cozy blanket and lets get chatting! www.mysisterstbr.com

  1. MAR 5

    4.04. Two Chapters and a Dream

    Welcome back to another My Sister’s TBR wrap-up! Also known as our monthly tradition of lovingly checking in with our reading lives and admitting that sometimes… we simply vibe near our books instead of actually reading them. February was not exactly a productivity queen.Our reading pace could best be described as “two chapters and a dream.” Did we sprint through our TBRs? No.Did we respectfully wander near them while playing video games, traveling, and living our lives? Absolutely. But we still read a few good books, and had some thoughts. This is not the Reading Olympics, and we refuse to pretend otherwise. So let’s talk about what we actually read this month, what worked, what didn’t, and the one book that emotionally took over February. The Reading Slump Strikes Again February started with a familiar villain: the reading slump. Not because we weren’t trying, but because sometimes you start a book that just doesn’t hit right, and suddenly every page feels heavier than the last. When that happens, it’s easy for the slump spiral to begin. One mediocre book leads to slower reading, slower reading leads to picking up fewer books, and suddenly the entire month feels like you’ve barely touched your TBR. Add in things like travel, schedules, and a certain well-known MMORPG that may or may not be reclaiming some of our free time… and suddenly February is gone. We’re trying to stop framing these months as failures. Life happens. Reading seasons change. And sometimes a slower month is just what it is. The Books We Finished Even in a quieter reading month, we still managed to finish a few books… with mixed results. The Fix by Mia Sheridan This romantic thriller sounded incredibly promising on paper. A tragic past, a mysterious kidnapping, and a race against time to uncover secrets, the premise had all the ingredients for a gripping story. Unfortunately, this one dragged more than expected. What started as an intriguing concept slowly became cumbersome to get through, and by the end it felt less like a page-turner and more like a marathon. That said, it wasn’t a terrible read! Just one that didn’t quite hit the way it could have. Death to Valentine’s Day by Catherine Cowles This short romantic suspense story (part of the Amazon Original Valentine’s series) had a lot going for it. A masquerade ball.A mysterious murder.A masked stranger who turns out to be your ex’s older brother. We love the drama. The setting was fun, the romance had strong friends-to-lovers energy, and the overall premise worked well for a short read. The only issue was a plot twist that felt a little too sudden and slightly uncomfortable. If the story had been longer, it might have been a dealbreaker. But at around 100 pages, it was still an enjoyable quick read. I Will Always Love You… Maybe by Dana Hawkins This sapphic romance delivered cozy cabin vibes, a chaotic pink-haired vet tech, and the classic “snowed in together” trope. Colby, a grieving widow who has built a quiet life in isolation, unexpectedly finds herself stuck in a cabin with Josie — a woman who avoids emotional vulnerability by jumping from hobby to hobby. What unfolds is a sweet, character-driven romance full of awkward tension, slow emotional opening, and a golden retriever that deserves honorary main-character status. It’s charming, heartfelt, and easy to read. Even if it isn’t the most memorable romance. Book Lovers by Emily Henry Five stars. No hesitation. Emily Henry has a talent for writing romances that feel deeply human, and Book Lovers is no exception. What starts as a story about rival publishing professionals slowly unfolds into something much richer. Not just a love story, but a story about family, ambition, identity, and sisterhood. While the romance between Nora and Charlie is fantastic, the emotional core of the novel lies in Nora’s relationship with her sister Libby. That dynamic adds a level of emotional depth that makes the book feel bigger than a typical rom-com. The humor is sharp, the dialogue sparkles, and the emotional moments hit exactly where they’re supposed to. For February, this was the standout read… and possibly a contender for favorite book of the year already. The Tournament by Matthew Reilly A historical mystery set in 1546, featuring a massive chess tournament hosted by the Sultan, Suleiman the Magnificent, was definitely not a book we would normally pick up. But sometimes asking a friend for their favorite book leads you somewhere surprising. This story combines history, politics, chess strategy, and murder mystery, all narrated through the perspective of a young Queen Elizabeth I. It’s smart, fast-paced, and full of twists, and while it sits far outside the usual romance-heavy reading habits, it ended up being a surprisingly entertaining read. Featured Read: Regretting You by Colleen Hoover Our February featured read was Regretting You by Colleen Hoover. A contemporary story about grief, secrets, and the complicated relationship between a mother and daughter. The novel follows Morgan and her teenage daughter Clara as they struggle to navigate life after a tragic accident that shatters their family dynamic. While both of us enjoyed the book overall, our reactions landed slightly differently. One of us rated it five stars, praising Hoover’s ability to create emotionally engaging characters and fast-paced storytelling. The other landed closer to four stars, appreciating the story but not quite feeling that unforgettable emotional punch. Still, we both agreed on a few things: * The mother-daughter relationship was compelling and realistically written * The book is incredibly easy to read * It’s a strong entry point for contemporary romance readers Book vs. Movie: Did the Adaptation Work? Since our podcast theme this year includes page-to-screen adaptations, we also looked at how the Regretting You movie compares to the book. Surprisingly, the adaptation stayed very close to the source material. While the film condensed some backstory (particularly around Morgan, Chris, Jenny, and Jonah) the overall tone and character dynamics remained largely intact. One notable difference involved Miller and Clara’s film project. In the book, their short film competition plays a larger role, whereas the movie focuses mainly on the promposal moment instead. Overall verdict? You’ll have to listen to find out! Final Thoughts on February February may not have been our most productive reading month, but it still gave us: * A five-star Emily Henry moment * A surprisingly good historical mystery * A few solid three-star reads * And a reminder that slower reading months are completely normal Not every month needs to be packed with books to still be a good reading month. Sometimes all it takes is one great story to make the whole thing worth it. Until next time:Read what you want.Pause what you need.And remember that your TBR is not the boss of you. 💚📖 Get full access to My Sister's TBR at www.mysisterstbr.com/subscribe

    56 min

  2. FEB 6

    4.03. Page to Screen: People We Meet on Vacation

    Welcome back to My Sister’s TBR, where today we’re diving deep into People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry! AKA the story that had us staring at the wall and emotionally buffering for a minute. We’re unpacking Poppy + Alex (golden retriever vs black cat vibes), the friendship-to-lovers slow burn, the “no but what if…” tension, and all the moments that live rent-free in our brains. And yes: we’re comparing page vs screen, what the adaptation nailed, what we missed, and why the movie still managed to capture that same giddy-kicking-our-feet feeling. ⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This episode is basically a confetti cannon of spoilers, so if you haven’t read/watched yet, pause us, go do that, and come back emotionally prepared (or as close as humanly possible). What we get into: * Book vs movie vibe check: how faithful it felt and why it still worked * Changes we noticed: missing scenes we would’ve paid money to see (hello, Tinder profile moment), plus some “why did they change that?” choices * The romance moments: what hit harder in the book vs what hit harder on screen (and yes… we discuss the steamy scene) * Side characters + Sarah discourse: what we lost, what we gained, and why certain choices made us tilt our heads like a confused librarian * Final verdict: which one we preferred… and why it’s not as simple as “book always wins” So grab your coffee, wine, or emotional support beverage of choice and come giggle, swoon, and mildly spiral with us. Don’t forget to follow along on Instagram (@mysisterstbr) so you never miss our posts! Get full access to My Sister's TBR at www.mysisterstbr.com/subscribe

    37 min

  3. FEB 1

    4.02. The Case Against Our January TBR

    If you’ve ever reached the end of the month, stared at your TBR, and whispered “I swear I read more than this…” welcome. You are among friends. January is finally over (thank god), and it somehow felt like five months long. This episode of My Sister’s TBR is our end-of-month wrap-up, which means full transparency: the hits, the misses, the DNFs, the pauses, and the books that emotionally ruined us for at least three business days. This is a safe space.But also a court of law.And we will be exposing ourselves. A Quick Vibe Check: January Was… A Lot Instead of starting with the numbers (because numbers can be rude), we kicked things off with a vibe check. And January reading was a bit of a mess. Some of us came in hot, convinced we were out of our reading ruts… only for life to step in and say “absolutely not.” Others powered through more than expected, proving once again that mood reading has no rules and no shame. The moral of the story: reading slumps are normal, pausing books is allowed, and January should mind its business. The Hits: Books That Carried the Month Let’s start with the wins! The books that made January worth surviving. * Bluebird Gold by Devney Perry This one came out swinging and did not miss. A romantic suspense with strong atmosphere, compelling characters, and just enough mystery to keep you glued to the page. It balanced romance and tension beautifully and felt like the kind of book that reminds you why you love reading in the first place. If you’re curious about romantic suspense but don’t know where to start, this is a fantastic entry point. * The Last Father-Daughter Dance by Lisa Wingate A short story that had absolutely no right to hit as hard as it did. In under 60 pages, this story managed to deliver heart, depth, and emotional payoff that some full-length novels never achieve. It explores family, memory, aging, and love with such tenderness that it sneaks up on you - in the best way. Proof that you don’t need hundreds of pages to tell a meaningful story. * People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry Zero surprises here. Still five stars. Still obsessed. This reread only confirmed what we already knew: Emily Henry knows how to write characters that feel real, relationships that feel earned, and stories that make you want to crawl into the pages and live there. Friends-to-lovers supremacy, summer vibes in the dead of winter, and a reminder that some authors truly don’t miss. The Middle Ground: Good, But Complicated Not every book was a slam dunk and that’s okay! * 30 Flirty and Forever Alone by Christine Riccio Fun, charming, early-2000s rom-com energy with a magical realism twist that caught us a little off guard. The characters felt real and messy, the romance was sweet and well paced, and the overall experience was enjoyable - even if the surprise genre elements were a bit jarring at times. A solid four-star read, especially if you go in knowing what to expect. * Credence by Penelope Douglas This one landed firmly in “I don’t know how I feel” territory. Yes, it was spicy. Was it memorable? Unfortunately. But absolutely not a reread. Some elements worked, others felt uncomfortable or underdeveloped, and the overall experience was… an experience. A three-star rating felt right for a book that kept us conflicted from start to finish. The Misses: Good Premises, Rough Executions January also delivered some disappointments. Books that should have worked, but just didn’t. Across these reads, the issues were consistent: * Weak emotional buildup * Flat or underdeveloped characters * Short formats that didn’t earn the romance * Missing or incomplete trigger warnings (which matters) One particular standout issue was the lack of transparency around heavy religious themes in a dark romance. A reminder that trigger warnings are important, especially when a topic plays a major role in the story. Not every miss was terrible, but they were reminders that a great premise doesn’t always equal a great reading experience. Be sure to check out our episode to hear about all the books! Featured Read (Spoiler-Free): People We Meet on Vacation To close out the month, we talked about our January Featured Read without spoilers, saving the full chaos for a separate deep-dive episode. This book remains a favorite for great reasons: * Strong dual timelines * Fully realized characters that actually feel real * Emotional payoff that actually pays off Poppy and Alex are proof that friends-to-lovers can be just as devastating (in the best way) as enemies-to-lovers, and Emily Henry continues to be an automatic read author for us. If she writes it, we will read it. No questions asked. Wrapping Up January (Finally) January gave us: ⭐ Multiple five-star reads⭐ A few solid “meh”s⭐ At least one why did I do this to myself book⭐ And a renewed appreciation for mood reading without guilt As we move forward, all of our Featured Reads this year will be Page-to-Screen adaptations, and we’re already very excited (and nervous) to compare books to their on-screen counterparts. Keep an eye on our Instagram to see what February’s pick will be - we’ve already hinted very obviously. Until next time:Read what you want.Pause what you need.And remember that your TBR is not the boss of you. 💚📖 Get full access to My Sister's TBR at www.mysisterstbr.com/subscribe

    56 min

  4. JAN 15

    4.01. New Hockey Romance? Added. Naturally.

    If January had a personality, it would be the friend who says “new year, new you!” while shoving 17 new releases directly onto your already-suffering TBR. Rude. Absolutely rude. Welcome to Season 4, Episode 1 of My Sister’s TBR — where we proudly admit we’ve learned nothing, our anticipated releases lists are lies we tell ourselves for serotonin, and our TBRs are already derailing before February has even had a chance to hurt us. Grab a drink, get comfy, and pretend you’re sitting with us while we aggressively add books we definitely do not have time to read. 💚 New Year, Not Really New Us We’re kicking off Season 4 exactly how you’d expect:✨ overcommitted✨ overly excited✨ and wildly optimistic about what we’ll “definitely” finish This episode is all about our January anticipated releases, what we’re currently reading (and not reading… and pausing… and emotionally recovering from) and bookish news we’re either thrilled about or side-eyeing heavily. And of course, setting the tone for another year of chaotic reading choices. Spoiler alert: the TBR never stood a chance. Release Radar: What We’re Eyeing This Month January came in swinging, and we simply did not dodge. From hockey romances (sign us up, we are SAT) to romantasy with trials, tarot magic, and fake fated mates, this month is stacked. We’re talking: * Brother’s best friend + single dad + bakery + hockey = immediate add * Romantasy giving Zodiac Academy energy (we said what we said) * Thrillers that might hit… and some we’ll try anyway because curiosity * Cozy fantasy with major Ghibli vibes that made us weak at the knees * Contemporary romances that scream “just stay in Italy, bestie” Are all of these realistic reading goals?Absolutely not.Are they on the list anyway?Naturally. The Bookish Grapevine It wouldn’t be a My Sister’s TBR episode without book-to-screen chatter. We’re riding high after People We Meet on Vacation hit Netflix (more on that later 👀), and honestly? If this is the standard moving forward, we are cautiously optimistic. Very cautiously. Other highlights: * Emily Henry adaptations continue to give us hope for the future * Certain characters deserved WAY more screen time and we will never be silent about it * Some announcements had us excited, some had us confused, and some had us yelling “WHY?” into the void Basically: bookish news remains a rollercoaster, and we are strapped in. What’s On Our Nightstands Let’s normalize something real quick:📚 Reading multiple books at once📚 Pausing books without guilt📚 Not DNFing, just… emotionally stepping away This episode is a safe space. Between ARCs, romantasy brain rot, thrillers, dark romance, and a few deeply unhinged reads, our current reading lists are… extensive. Highlights include: * Finally picking up that book we’ve been talking about forever (and loving it) * Discovering some books are best read alone because your face would have subtitles * A dark romance description so feral it made us question our Goodreads reputations * Hockey romance discussions that escalated quickly and unapologetically If you’ve ever said “Is it the book, or am I the problem?” congratulations, you’re one of us. Featured Read: People We Meet on Vacation Our January Featured Read is People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry, and honestly? What does she put in her books?Because it is more potent than my coffee. This story has: * Best friends to lovers * Dual timelines * Emotional devastation wrapped in sunshine * And a book-to-screen adaptation that somehow managed to feel just as colorful and heartfelt We are saving the real deep dive (and the book vs movie chaos) for our end-of-month episode, but just know: we are obsessed, emotionally compromised, and already planning what Emily Henry book to tackle next. Welcome to Season 4 💚 Season 4 is officially underway, and we couldn’t be more excited to spend another year talking books with you. If you’re still here: Thank you for embracing the chaos, thank you for enabling our TBR habits, and thank you for being part of this very unhinged little bookish corner of the internet. New season, new books, same energy. See you at the end of the month — and until then, happy reading 💚📖 Get full access to My Sister's TBR at www.mysisterstbr.com/subscribe

    54 min
  5. 📖Season 4: Page to Screen🎬

    EPISODE 4 TRAILER

    📖Season 4: Page to Screen🎬

    Season 4 of My Sister’s TBR dives into book-to-screen adaptations, comparing the original books to their movie and TV versions. Each episode, we read the book, watch the adaptation, and break down the characters, themes, changes, and moments that worked—or didn’t. Expect romance novels, fantasy reads, emotional stories, and honest discussions about adaptations, casting choices, and why the book is usually better. If you love book podcasts, movie adaptations, and cozy, conversational reviews, this season is for you. New episodes drop on the 15th and last day of every month, starting January 15th! Get full access to My Sister's TBR at www.mysisterstbr.com/subscribe

    3 min
  6. 3.14. The Reads, the Regrets, and the Re-Reads

    JAN 1

    3.14. The Reads, the Regrets, and the Re-Reads

    Cheers ☕️ and welcome back to My Sister’s TBR, the podcast where two sisters overshare about books, life, and the emotional damage fictional characters inflict upon us. We’re Stacey and Rebecca, and this is our 2025 Year-End Wrap-Up — a very special episode and post for two reasons: * We’re recapping an entire year of reading * We recorded in person, for the first time in way too long Same room. Same Wi-Fi. Same pot of coffee.It’s giving holiday special. It’s giving Gilmore Girls. It’s giving grab a mug and get comfy. This wrap-up means we’re talking about the books we loved, the books that ruined us, and the books we finished out of pure spite So settle in. This is My Sister’s TBR: The Year in Books Edition. 📊 Reading Goals: Or, “It’s Fine. Everything’s Fine.” Before we dive into our Top 12s, let’s talk goals — and reality. Stacey * Reading goal: 84 books * Books read: 91 (and possibly one more before the year ends) Unhinged. Powerful. A mood reader with eight books on the go at any given moment. Rebecca * Reading goal: ~35 books * Books read: ~20 Life happened. Moving happened. Stress happened. And you know what? That’s okay. Friendly reminder (one we’ll repeat forever): reading goals are optional. They exist for fun, not guilt. You can revise them, ignore them, or throw them directly into the sun. ⭐ Our Top 12 Books of the Year Important note: even our “lowest-ranked” books are still really good. When you read this much, the bottom of the list is still elite. #12 Rebecca: Regretting You — Colleen HooverA reread that still hits emotionally, still flows beautifully, and still proves Colleen Hoover writes in a way that just works. Easy to read, heartfelt, and a solid four-star comfort pick. Stacey: The Hunger Games (series) — Suzanne CollinsA full series reread that reminded us why this story still holds up. Dystopian, devastating, and painfully relevant — and yes, Sunrise on the Reaping emotionally wrecked us. #11 Rebecca: The Exception to the Rule — Christina LaurenA short, email-based romance that somehow delivered full emotional payoff. Cute, clever, and proof that short reads can still earn five stars. Stacey: If It Makes You Happy — Julie OliviaSmall-town, autumnal, Gilmore-Girls-coded comfort. Cozy, character-driven, and surprisingly immersive. #10 Rebecca: The Spanish Love Deception — Elena ArmasEnemies-to-lovers, fake dating, elite banter. Entertaining, easy to sink into, and deeply satisfying. Stacey: Out on a Limb — Hannah Bonam-YoungInclusive, heartfelt, friends-to-lovers romance with zero bad things to say. An auto-read author status unlocked. #9 Rebecca: Beach Read — Emily HenryWriters with writer’s block, emotional depth hiding under rom-com energy, and excellent banter. A classic Emily Henry win. Stacey: Quicksilver — Callie HartRomantasy with rich world-building, true enemies-to-lovers tension, and a standout side character we desperately need more of. #8 Rebecca: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone — J.K. RowlingA reread that felt like coming home. Cozy, nostalgic, and always five stars. Stacey: Every Summer After — Carley FortuneA dual-timeline, deeply nostalgic romance that felt painfully real. Heartbreaking in the best way. #7 Rebecca: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets — J.K. RowlingStill cozy, but noticeably darker. A reminder of when the series starts to shift. Stacey: Throne of Glass (the series) — Sarah J. MaasA slow start that paid off big time. Trauma, magic, and commitment issues — but worth it. #6 Rebecca: The Intruder — Freida McFaddenA thriller that actually surprised us. Strong twists, dual timelines, and a satisfying read. Stacey: The Nightingale — Kristin HannahHistorical fiction that was difficult, devastating, and unforgettable. A five-star read that hurt — respectfully. #5 Rebecca: Five Brothers — Penelope DouglasDark romance, why-choose, no notes just vibes. Penelope Douglas doing what they do best. Stacey: One Golden Summer — Carley FortuneLake life, nostalgia, and a helpful man. A standout contemporary romance that felt warm and immersive. #4 Rebecca: The Twisted Ones — T. KingfisherUnsettling, creepy, and permanently burned into our brains. Horror that lingers long after you finish. Stacey: The Seven Year Slip — Ashley PostonMagical realism, grief, love, and timing. Possibly our favorite contemporary romance ever. #3 Rebecca: How Does It Feel — Jeneane O’RileyFae, trials, obsession, and immediate sequel downloading. Addictive and vivid. Stacey: Rose & Chains — Julie SotoDark romantasy with heavy themes, beautiful writing, and characters that still felt deeply familiar. Absolutely stunning. #2 Rebecca: The Only One Left — Riley SagerCreepy, atmospheric, and twisty. A thriller that had us flipping back pages in disbelief. Stacey: House of Flame and Shadow — Sarah J. MaasUrban fantasy perfection. Emotional payoff, unforgettable characters, and exactly why we love this genre. 🏆 #1 — Our Shared Top Read of the Year Alchemised — SenLinYu For the third year in a row, we agree that Dramione wins out. This book is massive. Dark. Brutal. Beautifully written.It destroyed us — and we loved every second. Yes, it’s heavy.Yes, it requires checking content warnings.Yes, it absolutely earned the top spot. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to read it: this is it. 🚫 Books That Missed the Mark Not every book works for every reader, and that’s okay. Some of our lowest-rated reads this year included: * The Crash * Dating After the End of the World * He Sees You When You’re Sleeping Sometimes you finish a book because you love it.Sometimes you finish it out of spite.Both are valid reading experiences. 💬 Final Thoughts This year reminded us why we love reading: * to escape * to feel deeply * to connect * and occasionally to emotionally devastate ourselves on purpose Whether you read 5 books or 95, you’re doing it right. Thank you for reading with us, listening with us, and screaming about fictional characters with us all year long. We’ll see you next year — with more books, more chaos, and some movie magic! 💚 Get full access to My Sister's TBR at www.mysisterstbr.com/subscribe

    1h 38m
  7. 3.13. Emotionally Compromised by Fiction

    2025-12-16

    3.13. Emotionally Compromised by Fiction

    Find your comfiest chair, grab something warm to drink (peppermint bark optional, Krampus‑approved), and settle in — it’s time for our December Mid‑Month Check‑In. This episode was equal parts festive, chaotic, and deeply honest about what December does to readers with big goals and even bigger TBRs. If you’ve been wondering where our December Featured Read wandered off to… don’t worry, we address that immediately (and dramatically). 🎄 Where Is the December Featured Read? Did we forget it? Did it fall behind the couch? Was it kidnapped by Krampus? Nope — we intentionally set it free. December is doing what December does best: Decembering aggressively. Between schedules, travel, burnout, and the general end‑of‑year scramble, we decided not to half‑read something just to say we did. Instead, we’re saving all that energy for a big, sparkly, slightly unhinged Year‑End Wrap‑Up episode — which we’ll be recording together, in person (finally not through Discord 😭). So the December Featured Read is officially Missing in Action, frolicking in the snow, and living its best life. We’ll catch up with it next month. Release Radar: What We’re Eyeing This Month December releases were… sneaky. Not a ton, but a few caught our attention and demanded a spot on the TBR. * 👻 Seeing Other People — Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund‑Broka Paranormal romance | 352 pages | December 9 A woman being ghosted by her ex — literally. He died. And now he’s haunting her. Add in a support group for humans and their haunters, a man whose ghost‑fiancée is slowly fading, and a romance that blossoms while exes linger in spirit. Emotionally messy in the most intriguing way. * 🏔️ Bluebird Gold — Devney Perry Romantic suspense | 316 pages | December 30 Set in 1983 Montana (which we immediately loved), this small‑town romance blends grief, mystery, a single‑dad sheriff, and legends of lost gold. There’s a winter cabin, unresolved questions about a father’s death, and enough suspense to keep things interesting alongside the romance. Small town ✔️Single dad ✔️Sheriff ✔️Mystery ✔️ Say less. * 🕶️ The Bodyguard Affair — Amy Lea Contemporary romance | 432 pages | December 2 A personal assistant to the Prime Minister’s wife secretly writes romance novels… one of which sparks a scandal involving the PM. Enter: her former one‑night stand turned bodyguard, fake dating, workplace tension, and a summer‑long plan that definitely won’t stay fake. Cartoon covers remain undefeated in this house. * 🕯️ An Arcane Inheritance — Kamilah Cole Dark academia fantasy | 400 pages | December 30 Ivy League school. Occult history. Secret societies. Deja‑vu‑soaked hallways. A freshman who knows she’s been here before — and a brooding legacy student who might help her remember. This one gave serious eerie‑academic vibes and immediately went on the TBR. * 🧛 We Who Will Die — Stacia Stark Romantic fantasy with vampires | 432 pages | December 10 An arena. A binding vow. A mission to kill an ancient vampire emperor. Political intrigue, court dynamics, broken hearts, and morally complicated alliances. Also the tagline: “Bow before the God of Ruin.” Enough said. * ❄️ Needle Lake — Justine Champine Mystery / coming‑of‑age | 256 pages | December 2 Two cousins. One winter. One death beneath the ice on Christmas Eve. This one feels quiet, unsettling, and deeply character‑driven — a story about girlhood, secrets, and the dangerous intensity of adolescence. Short, sharp, and likely emotionally devastating. The Bookish Grapevine Not a huge news month, but a few notable moments stood out: * Sophie Kinsella, author of the Shopaholic series, sadly passed away at age 55 after battling brain cancer. * The Goodreads Choice Awards wrapped up, with wins including: * Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (Romance) * Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Historical Fiction) * Alchemised by SenLinYu (Debut Novel) * Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros (Romantasy) Some wins surprised us, some didn’t — and some are now firmly on the “approach with caution” list. What’s On Our Nightstands December reading = vibes over structure. Stace’s Stack: * Empire of Storms / Tower of Dawn (Tandem Read) — Sarah J. Maas This tandem read is still very much a full emotional commitment. We’re deep in the political maneuvering, long-game plotting, and POV hopping that makes this stretch of Throne of Glass both rewarding and exhausting. Empire of Storms is bringing the chaos, the heartbreak, and the “everything is about to go wrong” energy, while Tower of Dawn is quietly doing the important character work that hurts more than expected. We’re so close to the end… and yet emotionally unprepared for what comes next. * The Fix — Mia Sheridan This one is hitting harder than expected. The Fix is a romantic thriller that blends emotional trauma, suspense, and a ticking-clock mystery in a way that keeps the tension constantly simmering. Stacey is about halfway through and fully stressed — in a good way. It’s emotionally heavy, deeply unsettling at times, and absolutely a book where content warnings matter. That said, the storytelling is gripping, and it’s already shaping up to be a standout. * Rose & Chains — Julie Soto Currently listening on audiobook, and the fascination level is high. Rose & Chains is the traditionally published version of The Auction, and a big part of the fun has been noticing how Julie Soto has reworked the story away from its fanfic roots. It’s easier to sink into than expected, the worldbuilding feels more distinct, and the emotional beats are landing differently this time around. It may not dethrone Alchemised as our collective baby, but it’s still very, very good. * Draco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love This one has finally entered the chat — and it’s living up to the hype. This fic reads shockingly polished, with clever, classic-inspired prose, low-stakes humor, and a slow burn that feels intentional rather than indulgent. Featuring a hyper-competent Hermione and a lazy-but-dangerous Draco, it feels less like fanfiction and more like an extremely smart romantic fantasy that just happens to wear a familiar face. Long, yes. Worth it? Absolutely. Reb’s Stack: * The Intruder — Freida McFadden Rebecca is officially past the warm-up phase and into the something is very wrong portion of this book. Multiple POVs, shifting timelines, and super short chapters are making this one fly by — while also cranking up the unease. The storm is here, the vibes are eerie, and there are moments that feel like they’re daring you to keep reading. So far, it’s delivering the tension we want… with cautious optimism about how it’ll stick the landing. * Merry Little Kissmas — Lauren Blakely A holiday romance palate cleanser has entered the scene — complete with fake dating, hockey, grumpy/sunshine dynamics, and brother’s best friend energy. This one is unapologetically festive and trope-forward, with lots of banter and small-town Christmas chaos. The FMC is very Christmas (possibly too Christmas), the MMC is a full Scrooge, and the hope is that they meet somewhere in the middle. Cozy, predictable, and exactly what December sometimes requires. Heavy books everywhere. Burnout pending. Fluffy holiday reads may be deployed as needed. ☕ Final Thoughts This month was cozy, chaotic, and exactly what we needed. Lots of book talk, no pressure to perform, and permission to read what feels right — even if that means pausing half your Goodreads shelf. Our Year‑End Wrap‑Up is coming next, and it’s going to look a little different (and a lot more unhinged). Keep an eye on Instagram for updates. Until then… Keep your mugs warm, your blankets close and your TBR gloriously chaotic! Happy reading, friends 💚✨ Get full access to My Sister's TBR at www.mysisterstbr.com/subscribe

    44 min
  8. 3.12. Welcome to Our Alchemised Support Group

    2025-12-05

    3.12. Welcome to Our Alchemised Support Group

    Welcome to our Alchemised Support Group... snacks are in the back, tissues up front, emotional stability not included. This week, we're diving into Alchemised by SenLinYu, (with spoilers!) a book so dark, dense, and devastating that we needed to schedule a full-blown debrief the second we finished it. We’re talking necromancy, cult energy, war-torn worldbuilding, morally gray men (hello, Kaine), Helena’s emotional endurance, and all the moments that left us pacing, gasping, or Googling “Is my heart supposed to hurt like this?” If you’ve read Alchemised, you’re in the right place.If you haven’t read it yet… welcome to the pre-trauma orientation. Grab a drink, settle in, and let's unpack the chaos together.🖤✨ Get full access to My Sister's TBR at www.mysisterstbr.com/subscribe

    1h 9m
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Trailers

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Hi, we're Stacey and Rebecca, your book loving sisters taking you along on our reading journey. My Sister's TBR is a bi-weekly bookish podcast, discussing our past, current and future reads, having some laughs in-between and fan-girling over all the hottest topics and trends in our book world! So grab your favorite mug, a cozy blanket and lets get chatting! www.mysisterstbr.com

Information

  • Creator
    Co-Hosts Stacey & Rebecca
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    66
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © My Sister's TBR
  • Show Website
    My Sister's TBR