The Bookish Hour

Jor & Fab

Your new literary podcast! We talk about all things BOOKS, in all genres; romance, fantasy, thrillers, romatasy, mystery, dark academia, book recommendations, our favorite books (and our least favorite books) buddy reads (that hopefully you want to join along in), bookstagram/booktok with the drama that comes with it and lots interviews with people in the book world. You might know us from Thirty Talks but after a few weeks we realized that we really still talk about books mostly so we needed a new name. We have combined the best parts from The Smutty Book Podcast (no longer available) and The Thirty Talks Podcast and come up we a NEW and IMPROVED podcast. Third time is a charm, right? And trust us, this will be the last change (its hard changing a podcast).Welcome to The Bookish Hour with Jor & Fab...

  1. 09/15/2025

    Enigma by RuNyx

    Have you ever noticed how silence can be the most powerful form of communication? In our deep dive into "Enigma" by RuNyx, we explore exactly how this plays out through the introspective protagonist Salem, whose quiet observation becomes her greatest weapon at mysterious Mortimer University. This episode takes you on a journey through the misty corridors and secret societies of RuNyx's latest dark academia masterpiece. We unpack her distinctive literary style—how her background in English literature manifests in carefully crafted triplets of description and strategic alliteration that elevates the atmospheric "mist core" aesthetic permeating every page. What truly sets "Enigma" apart is its portrayal of obsession and desire. Salem and Caz's relationship begins with instant attraction but evolves into something far more complex—a mutual obsession where both characters exhibit jealousy and possessiveness, creating a refreshingly balanced dynamic rarely seen in the genre. By the epilogue, we witness how their dark beginning transforms into something that might actually resemble love. Whether you're already a RuNyx devotee or considering diving into her atmospheric world for the first time, this episode offers valuable insights into what makes her writing so compelling. Join us as we celebrate the power of introspection, the allure of mystery, and the gothic charm that only Runix can deliver. Cover Art by: Fabienne and Jordan Contact email: thebookishhourpod@gmail.com Intro/Outro music: Season Two: Ramaramaray by Aiyo via Epidemic Sound Season One: Sweet Psycho via TikTok’s Offical Sound Studio on Capcut Follow Us: Podcast: @thebookishhourpod Fabienne: @oxonheart Jordan: @sipsoffiction

    34 min
  2. 09/01/2025

    Deep Dive into Dark Romance

    Welcome to the dark side, we have cookies! Remember when dark romance was about authentic storytelling rather than shock value? In this candid conversation, we examine how a genre we once loved has transformed into what we're calling "fast fashion fiction" – books written primarily to go viral rather than to tell meaningful stories with genuine emotional impact. The marketing of dark romance has undergone a troubling shift, with trigger warnings now functioning as selling points rather than reader protection tools. "Look how extreme my book is!" has replaced "Here's the compelling story I've crafted." We discuss why this approach reduces complex narratives to mere shock value and why we've become increasingly selective about which dark romances deserve our time. The conversation extends to practical considerations around trigger warnings: Should they appear at the front of books, potentially spoiling plot points? Or at the back, where readers can actively choose whether to view them? We advocate for a thoughtful middle path that respects both reader safety and storytelling integrity. Whether you're a longtime dark romance reader frustrated with recent trends or simply curious about how publishing and social media virality intersect, this episode offers an unfiltered look at the state of a complex, evolving genre. Share your thoughts with us – do you agree the genre has become oversaturated, or are you finding hidden gems among the trend-chasers? Cover Art by: Fabienne and Jordan Contact email: thebookishhourpod@gmail.com Intro/Outro music: Season Two: Ramaramaray by Aiyo via Epidemic Sound Season One: Sweet Psycho via TikTok’s Offical Sound Studio on Capcut Follow Us: Podcast: @thebookishhourpod Fabienne: @oxonheart Jordan: @sipsoffiction

    53 min
  3. 08/04/2025

    Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

    Suzanne Collins has done it again, masterfully filling in the blanks of the Hunger Games universe while breaking our hearts in the process. We dive deep into how this prequel transforms our understanding of the alcoholic mentor from District 12, exploring his journey from a non-drinker to the broken man who could barely function without liquor in the original trilogy.  What makes this exploration particularly fascinating is how it reveals that resistance against the Capitol didn't begin with Katniss. From Lucy Gray Baird to Haymitch to finally Katniss Everdeen, there's been a continuous thread of rebellion stretching across generations of Panem citizens. We examine the unexpected connections between characters across books, including the revelation that Katniss' father had Covey heritage, creating a subtle lineage that runs throughout the saga. We also can't help but speculate about the upcoming film adaptation slated for November 2026, debating potential casting choices and reminiscing about our teenage obsessions with the original Hunger Games movies (including Jordan's confession about owning a Mockingjay pin!). Whether you've just finished the book or are deciding if it's worth reading, join us for this spoiler-filled conversation about trauma, resilience, and how the most unexpected characters can become essential threads in the tapestry of revolution. May the odds be ever in your favor! Cover Art by: Fabienne and Jordan Contact email: thebookishhourpod@gmail.com Intro/Outro music: Season Two: Ramaramaray by Aiyo via Epidemic Sound Season One: Sweet Psycho via TikTok’s Offical Sound Studio on Capcut Follow Us: Podcast: @thebookishhourpod Fabienne: @oxonheart Jordan: @sipsoffiction

    1h 7m
  4. 07/07/2025

    Budapest Adventures and Summer Reading Escapes

    Two booklovers reunite for a heartfelt conversation spanning European adventures and the surprising power of community reading.  CATCH UP WITH US: it's been a minute and we are sorry!! (but also not really because life) Budapest emerges as the unexpected star of the travel segment, with gorgeous thermal baths housed in Art Nouveau buildings and unlimited prosecco cruises along the Danube proving worthy of any travel bucket list. While the city's vast scale might seem intimidating, its walkable streets and convenient electric scooters make three days the perfect timeframe for soaking up its culture, architecture, and surprisingly safe nightlife. The conversation shifts to a deeper exploration of how physical book clubs are creating meaningful connections in our increasingly digital world. As one host discovers the joy of a local "Beach Read and Bubbly" gathering, we're reminded of what sociologists call "third places" - those vital community spaces beyond home and work that foster authentic human connection. After years of pandemic isolation and virtual interaction, these in-person literary gatherings represent something profoundly important about our fundamental need for community. Ready to find your own bookish community or add some page-turning summer reads to your collection? Join the conversation by rating, reviewing, and sharing your own book club experiences with us! Cover Art by: Fabienne and Jordan Contact email: thebookishhourpod@gmail.com Intro/Outro music: Season Two: Ramaramaray by Aiyo via Epidemic Sound Season One: Sweet Psycho via TikTok’s Offical Sound Studio on Capcut Follow Us: Podcast: @thebookishhourpod Fabienne: @oxonheart Jordan: @sipsoffiction

    47 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Your new literary podcast! We talk about all things BOOKS, in all genres; romance, fantasy, thrillers, romatasy, mystery, dark academia, book recommendations, our favorite books (and our least favorite books) buddy reads (that hopefully you want to join along in), bookstagram/booktok with the drama that comes with it and lots interviews with people in the book world. You might know us from Thirty Talks but after a few weeks we realized that we really still talk about books mostly so we needed a new name. We have combined the best parts from The Smutty Book Podcast (no longer available) and The Thirty Talks Podcast and come up we a NEW and IMPROVED podcast. Third time is a charm, right? And trust us, this will be the last change (its hard changing a podcast).Welcome to The Bookish Hour with Jor & Fab...