Once Upon a Hot Take

Leah and Jordan
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Books

A book review podcast that covers the books you love (and love to hate). Join us for a hot take every other week, where we cover fantasy, romantasy, romance, historical fiction, thrillers, and everything in between.

  1. Jun 7

    Episode 20- Indie Author Interviews

    We are SOOO excited to share our very first indie author-themed episode! Leah interviewed 5 amazing indie authors who shared all their wisdom and hot takes on the writing process, why they chose self-publishing vs. traditional publishing, their collective hate for editing 😆, and –of course– many, many laughs.  We hope you find some new books to add to the TBR or gain some inspiration to finally start writing that book that you’ve had in your mind for so long. Contact info for today’s authors: Nikai’s book: The Sarana Series, To Kill the Chosen One Instagram: nikaij Tiktok: nikaibooks Website: Nikaibooks.com Tory Steel’s books:  The Enchanted Luna, Breaking Tradition  Instagram: TorySteel_ Facebook: Tory Steel  Website: www.torysteel.com James Voorhees’ books: The Ambassador Chronicles (prequel short stories), The Dragon Constellation (Book 1 of trilogy) , The Nine CIrcles (Book 2 of trilogy) Website: jamesvoorhees.com IG/Tiktok: jamesvoorheesauthor   Facebook: James Voorhees Gaby Knight’s books:All in Your Head, Mike in the Middle Instagram: gabyknightauthor Claudia Pilon’s books: Under the Rotor - Between Signal and Heartbeat, Under the Rotor - Until the Signal Fades Instagram: writtenbyclaudia Tiktok: writtenbyclaudia0 Facebook: writtenbyclaudia0 Newsletter: claudiapilonauthor.substack.com

    1h 52m

  2. May 25

    Episode 19- Hamnet (book + movie)

    This episode covers the book Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell. Leah and Jordan also add their hot takes regarding the movie. Notable topics include the etymology of the phrase "eat crow," an excellent nickname for one of the worst characters, a heated argument in the FMK segment, and a true appreciate for capital "L" literature.

    1h 10m

  3. May 10

    Episode 18- Project Hail Mary (book + movie)

    In this episode, we explore Andy Weir's Project Hail Mary, discussing the differences between the book and movie, character development, scientific accuracy, and the emotional impact of the story. Join us for a deep dive into sci-fi storytelling and filmmaking insights. We share hot takes, favorite moments, and insights into the science and characters that make this story a must-listen for sci-fi fans and newcomers alike. This episode includes a special guest segment where the husbands get some airtime, sharing their hot takes. Spoilers: some of their takes are HOT. Keywords: Project Hail Mary, Andy Weir, sci-fi, movie adaptation, character analysis, scientific accuracy, space adventure, Rocky the alien, storytelling, film review The Martian, Andy Weir, sci-fi, book vs movie, character analysis, science in fiction, storytelling, space exploration, book review, movie review, bookish hot takes

    1h 41m

  4. Apr 26

    Episode 17- Benevolent Ball Interview

    In this special episode, Leah and Jordan interview Samantha, the host of the Benevolent Ball, who shares insights about planning the upcoming fantasy ball, the Fractured Heavens Masquerade. She discusses the charitable aspect of the ball and the pre-ball market, offering a glimpse into the immersive world of fantasy balls. We get a behind-the-scenes look at planning and organizing a fantasy-themed event. Samantha shares insights into costume attire, who should attend, and what to do if you've never been to a fantasy ball before. Benevolent Ball website to find more info about the ball and buy tickets. Benevolent Ball Instagram

    52 min

  5. Apr 12

    Episode 16- Delta County

    Delta County by J.L. Hyde follows the story of Heather, who moves back to her idyllic small town in the UP, only to find out it's not as quaint and unassuming as she remembers. Leah and Jordan share their hot takes on e-readers, drinking culture, college housing, and much more! If you like Colleen Hoover and Freida McFadden, Delta County is right up your alley.   Takeaways E-readers vs. Physical BooksCharacter Analysis: Ryan and Heather UP Culture and High School NostalgiaAlcohol Culture and College Experiences Small town dramaCharacter portrayalsBook recommendations Chapters 00:00 E-readers vs. Physical Books30:40 Capturing UP Culture and High School Nostalgia39:55 Exploring Alcohol Culture and College Experiences01:01:49 Small Town Drama01:08:48 Book Recommendations01:22:31 Project Hail Mary Preview

    1h 14m
  6. Episode 15- Throne of Glass (book 1 only)

    Mar 22

    Episode 15- Throne of Glass (book 1 only)

    Tune in to Leah and Jordan's coverage of Throne of Glass. They butcher some name pronunciations, share their best/worst parts of the book, debate the merits of love triangles, pick some excellent actor choices, and share some theories about the rest of the series.

    56 min
  7. Episode 14 - The Legend of Soli Duna (plus author interview!)

    Mar 2

    Episode 14 - The Legend of Soli Duna (plus author interview!)

    Join Jordan and Leah as they unpack the grand adventure in the debut novel by indie author Brian Maes! This fantasy story is book 1 in a series currently under way. Leah and Jordan discuss all the fantasy tropes they love about this book, from magic to immortals, element control to alternate dimensions. They also have a special author interview for the second half of the episode! Brian gives his hot takes on the writing process, discusses his choice to go the self-publishing route, where his inspiration has come from, and so much more! Listen in to hear more details about up coming works by this indie author!

    1h 58m
  8. Episode 13 - Book Lovers

    Feb 16

    Episode 13 - Book Lovers

    To celebrate Valentine's Day, Leah and Jordan are coving the romance novel Book Lovers by Emily Henry. Tune in to hear all of their hot takes (and differing opinions!) on the book and the romance genre in general. From character analysis to actor portrayals to character cocktails, they are covering it all for this romance novel full of witty banter!

    1h 6m
See All (22)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

A book review podcast that covers the books you love (and love to hate). Join us for a hot take every other week, where we cover fantasy, romantasy, romance, historical fiction, thrillers, and everything in between.

Information

  • Creator
    Leah and Jordan
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Leah and Jordan
  • Show Website
    Once Upon a Hot Take