Fiction Fanatics Fiction Fanatics

Ever found yourself arguing with friends over whether audiobooks or physical books provide the superior reading experience? That's precisely the kind of debate we ignite as Chanel, myself, and the Fiction Fanatics welcome Dannie to the fray. While Stacy's off snuggling her new bundle of joy, we dive headfirst into the lush landscapes of Sarah J. Maas's "A Court of Mist and Fury," comparing the sensory delights of ink on paper to the spoken word, and even entertain the thought of a dramatized Harry Potter series to spice up our future episodes.

Fantasy worlds collide with reality as we unravel the threads of love and toxicity within Maas's narrative, holding a magnifying glass over Tamlin's controversial character arc. Mother's Day is on the horizon, so amidst our literary excavation, we pause to tip our hats to the powerhouse moms out there—including ours. Dannie steps bravely into the podcasting limelight, reminding us that the bonds of friendship and shared passions can turn workplace acquaintances into lifelong comrades.

Summary:
Feyre has undergone more trials than one human woman can carry in her heart. Though she's now been granted the powers and lifespan of the High Fae, she is haunted by her time Under the Mountain and the terrible deeds she performed to save the lives of Tamlin and his people.

As her marriage to Tamlin approaches, Feyre's hollowness and nightmares consume her. She finds herself split into two different one who upholds her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court, and one who lives out her life in the Spring Court with Tamlin. While Feyre navigates a dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms. She might just be the key to stopping it, but only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future-and the future of a world in turmoil.

Bestselling author Sarah J. Maas's masterful storytelling brings this second book in her dazzling, sexy, action-packed series to new heights.

*Summary from Goodreads*

***Produced by Jen Hardin***

Buckle up for an episode that's as unpredictable as a car birth—which, yes, you heard right, might be a real possibility for Stacy! We're weaving through the cosmic laughter of shared astrological signs and TV series that steal our hearts, like "The Sandman" and "The Dead Boy Detectives." And if you're in search of a show that brings the house down with humor and representation, let "We Are Lady Parts" tickle your funny bone. We're chatting all things pop culture and personal milestones, with stories and suggestions that'll have you hooked from the get-go.

Turn the pages with us as we get into the meat of fantasy literature—one where humor clashes with the serious business of magic and representation. It's a landscape where "A Court of Mist and Fury" can leave us hungry for more inclusive character palettes, and books like "A Day of Fallen Night" serve up the cultural diversity we crave. Whether we're rooting for the knight in shining armor or falling for the bad boy, we're celebrating the narratives that shake up the norm and immerse us in worlds inspired by rich, varied heritages. In this chapter of our lives, the reading list is long and every title brings with it a promise of escapism and enlightenment.

As we round off with a nod to our book club picks, we're not just talking spine-tingling reads like "Butcher and Blackbird"—we're living through the real-life suspense of Stacy's pending labor. Reflecting on our podcast journey, we share giggles over the unparalleled genius of "The Office's" "Dinner Party" episode and drop hints about our deep-dive into Sarah J. Maas's work. So pull up a chair, grab your favorite beverage, and join us for an episode that promises equal parts laughter, heartfelt companionship, and a treasure trove of must-hear recommendations.

Hey nerds, we are discussing part one of Seven Days in June by Tia Williams.  This book is an instant favorite of ours, and we know you will love it too!

Our narrative takes a sharp turn as we unwrap the complex emotions entangling Eva's past and present relationships, her quest for answers, and the tensions that surge when family secrets are on the brink of exposure. Eva's confrontation with her past love, a mystery locked away by her mother's silence, is a raw display of the heartache of unfinished business. We wade through the murky waters of jealousy, sabotage, and the redemptive power of understanding as we trace the steps of Eva and her mother, whose strained bond refracts the longing we've all felt for maternal connection and closure.

We top off this emotional rollercoaster with a glowing review of a spicy tale that's caught Reese Witherspoon's eye—a story of characters clawing their way to redemption, love, and a kiss that's been years in the making. We're not just recounting plot points; we're lauding our favorite lines, basking in the satisfaction of a tale that's every bit deserving of its silver screen buzz.

Summary:
Brooklynite Eva Mercy is a single mom and bestselling erotica writer, who is feeling pressed from all sides. Shane Hall is a reclusive, enigmatic, award-winning literary author who, to everyone's surprise, shows up in New York.

When Shane and Eva meet unexpectedly at a literary event, sparks fly, raising not only their past buried traumas, but the eyebrows of New York's Black literati. What no one knows is that twenty years earlier, teenage Eva and Shane spent one crazy, torrid week madly in love. They may be pretending that everything is fine now, but they can't deny their chemistry - or the fact that they've been secretly writing to each other in their books ever since.

Over the next seven days in the middle of a steamy Brooklyn summer, Eva and Shane reconnect, but Eva's not sure how she can trust the man who broke her heart, and she needs to get him out of New York so that her life can return to normal. But before Shane disappears again, there are a few questions she needs answered...

With its keen observations of Black life and the condition of modern motherhood, as well as the consequences of motherless-ness, Seven Days in June is by turns humorous, warm and deeply sensual.

*Summary from Goodreads*

***Produced by Jen Hardin***

Hey nerds, we are discussing part one of Seven Days in June by Tia Williams.  This book is an instant favorite of ours, and we know you will love it too! Gather 'round as we pull back the curtain on an author's intimate struggle with self-doubt and chronic. Our narrative weaves through the vibrant streets of Brooklyn, pausing to reflect on the life of Eva, a single mother and writer navigating the complexities of raising a spirited daughter and revisiting a shared past with the enigmatic Shane Hall. The tapestry of their story is one of trauma, redemption, and the undeniable connection that literature fosters among us.

Summary:
Brooklynite Eva Mercy is a single mom and bestselling erotica writer, who is feeling pressed from all sides. Shane Hall is a reclusive, enigmatic, award-winning literary author who, to everyone's surprise, shows up in New York.

When Shane and Eva meet unexpectedly at a literary event, sparks fly, raising not only their past buried traumas, but the eyebrows of New York's Black literati. What no one knows is that twenty years earlier, teenage Eva and Shane spent one crazy, torrid week madly in love. They may be pretending that everything is fine now, but they can't deny their chemistry - or the fact that they've been secretly writing to each other in their books ever since.

Over the next seven days in the middle of a steamy Brooklyn summer, Eva and Shane reconnect, but Eva's not sure how she can trust the man who broke her heart, and she needs to get him out of New York so that her life can return to normal. But before Shane disappears again, there are a few questions she needs answered...

With its keen observations of Black life and the condition of modern motherhood, as well as the consequences of motherless-ness, Seven Days in June is by turns humorous, warm and deeply sensual.

*Summary from Goodreads*

***Produced by Jen Hardin***

This week we are taking a re-read on the episode "The Fanatics Have a New Best Friend, Meet Kate Goldbeck!". We hope you enjoy a look back on one of our favorite episodes with one of our favorite people!

Hey Nerds, have you ever wondered what it's like to leap from the world of fanfic to the shelves of your local bookstore? The enchanting Kate Goldbeck joins us to recount her metamorphosis from fanfiction aficionado to the author of the bewitching novel "You Again." We wade through the complexities of reimagining beloved characters for a whole new audience, and the shift from the fanfic community's embrace to the terrain of traditional publishing. Kate's insights illuminate the dedication required to breathe new life into well-loved tropes and the delicate balance of staying true to the fanfic spirit while courting mainstream success.

If you're hankering for a tantalizing tale of love, laughter, and the occasional sprinkle of life's bittersweet symphonies, Kate's "You Again" is a rendezvous you won't want to miss. Join us for a podcast episode that's a love letter to storytelling, a toast to personal growth, and, above all, a tribute to the books that make us swoon.

***Produced by Jen Hardin***

Our Fan Cub President Miguel has being watching the Harry Potter series for the first time, crazy we know! Check out our new bonus episode series were we get Miguels thoughts and opinions on the Harry Potter series! 

Step into our enchanting conversation on 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire' as Lindsay and Miguel, our two whimsical guests, stir the potion of debate and adoration for the series. With Miguel's fresh eyes casting a critical spell and Lindsay's deep-rooted Potterhead knowledge, we conjure a rich brew of insights. From the portrayal of creatures and wizarding schools to the nuances of character development and the series’ alignment with the ages of its characters, we tap into the very essence of the magical world that's captivated us for decades.