The Plot With A Twist

Burning Hallows Productions
  • 5.0 (2)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Roe and Allorah are two vivacious bibliomaniacs of the feminine variety who love nothing more than a good book, a great cocktail, and chatting all literary things savvy, smutty and sassy in the fantasy, romance, YA, and thriller genre. The content of our bookish podcasts cover everything from genres, tropes, book reviews, book events, author interviews, weekly cocktail recipes and more!

  1. 6D AGO

    S3E4: The Magic of Six Star Reads

    Six-Star Reads: Our God-Tier Books + The “Off Your Rocker” Shot In this episode we define what makes a “six star read” (vibes, plot, characters, worldbuilding, phenomenal writing, and a choke-hold can’t-put-it-down pull) and debate why these books are rare, whether six stars should be “given away,” and if series can earn an overall six-star rating. We share personal criteria—books that hit head and heart, change brain chemistry, or stay on the mind—and discuss rereading intricate favorites. Their six-star picks include The Hunger Games (with Sunrise on the Reaping singled out), Pride and Prejudice, A Court of Silver Flames, Wuthering Heights, Trick, Sunrise on the Reaping, The Ravenhood trilogy, The Power of One, The Empyrean Series (highlighting Onyx Storm), Why Mummy Drinks, Carnal Obsession, and Bad Bishop. They also feature a six-star cocktail shot, “Off Your Rocker,” with layered ingredients, whipped cream, and popping candy. 00:00 Podcast Intro and Premise 02:03 What Makes a Six Star 04:33 Why Six Stars Are Rare 06:48 Personal Six Star Criteria 09:59 Rereadable Favorites Debate 11:38 Should We Give Six Stars 15:41 Can a Series Be Six Star 19:06 Six Star Picks Begin 21:24 Hunger Games Deep Dive 23:54 ACOSF and Nesta Talk 27:21 Wuthering Heights Praise 29:05 Trick and Spicy Scenes 30:30 Yearning Done Right 32:50 Sunrise on the Reaping Heartbreak 34:41 Ravenhood Secrets 37:35 Power of One Impact 41:19 Empyrean Six Stars 46:21 Mum Life Comedy 50:31 Mafia Grief Romance 53:14 Morally Dark Obsession 58:05 Off Your Rocker Shot 01:00:43 Final Thanks Outro

    1h 1m

  2. FEB 26

    S3E3: 2026 Book Signing Events: Your Ultimate Global Guide

    Upcoming Book Events & Festivals (Australia, NZ, USA & UK/Europe) + Tips for First-Timers | The Plot With a TwistIn this episode of The Plot With A Twist, we share why book events feel magical—meeting authors and fellow readers, discovering special editions, cosplay, and memorable community moments—while also warning to expect overstimulation, long queues, and occasional poorly run venues. We swap do’s and don’ts like pre-ordering, bringing water, snacks, book plates, and a trolley or suitcase for hauling books, planning priority authors, and not being rude to authors or attendees (including respecting breaks and sold-out stock). We rounded up notable upcoming book festivals and signings across the USA, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK/Europe, highlighting events like Wild Out West, Rare (Berlin/Florence), Apollycon, and others. To see more book event listings go to https://beventi.co/events or IngramSpark to find event details and make pre-orders. 00:00 Intro00:26 Why Book Events Rule02:15 Indie vs Trad Scenes03:43 Events We’ve Attended05:09 Best Parts of WOW06:52 Meeting Authors IRL08:21 Why They’re So Fun12:19 What to Expect There16:22 Event Wins and Flops19:35 Do's and Don’ts Guide29:23 USA Event Roundup34:43 More US Romance Events36:01 The Beventi Event Finder39:22 Shadows and Seduction Spotlight42:24 Australia and New Zealand Lineup50:34 Apollycon Details and Big Names56:09 Budgeting and Travel Tips58:43 UK and Europe Book Festivals01:04:12 Which Events We’re Attending01:08:02 Why Choose? Cocktail Recipe

    1h 11m

  3. FEB 18

    The Book Lover's Guide to Beating Reading Slumps w/ Boosted Spirits

    Reading Slump? Tips to Get Out of It + Our “Slump Slayer” Cocktail (Books & Booze Podcast)In this episode of The Plot With a Twist, we chat about what a reading slump feels like, what causes it, and practical ways to get excited about books again—cocktail in hand. We talk about common triggers like overhyped reads that don’t deliver, book hangovers after an epic series, reading outside your mood, genre burnout (especially heavy or emotional books), overcommitting to ARCs and beta reads, being mentally stuck in a beloved fictional world, and the way social media/content pressure can suck the joy out of reading. We also cover how life stress, exhaustion, and even falling asleep mid-read or mid-audiobook can contribute. Our slump-busting tips include rereading a comfort favorite, trying a new or rarely-read genre, changing your reading style (paperback/Kindle/audio), and not forcing it. We share specific books and series that helped us recover (including Hunger Games, Fourth Wing, Harry Potter, Bewitched & Bewildered, Lights Out, Ruinous Love trilogy, Trick by Natalia Jaster, Hockey Gods, the Beautiful series by Christina Lauren, the “Why Mummy…” books by Jill Sims, Bishop by L.J. Shen, and Succubus Blues). We finish with our themed drink of the week: the “Slump Slayer,” made with Malibu, vanilla vodka, mango lemonade Celsius, and mango garnish.00:00 Welcome to The Plot With a Twist (Books & Booze Intro)00:30 That ‘Nothing Hits’ Feeling: What a Reading Slump Is02:15 Defining the Slump: Bored, Distracted & Doomscrolling04:17 Why Slumps Happen: Overhype, High Expectations & Forcing It06:56 Book Hangovers + Mood Reading + Genre Burnout09:24 Overcommitting to ARCs & Getting Stuck in a Series World11:44 Social Media Burnout: When Posting Sucks the Joy Out13:33 Slump Triggers & the ‘NRN’ Shelf (Not Right Now)15:48 How Long Slumps Last + Do All Readers Get Them?21:28 Outside Influences: Life Stress, Exhaustion & Falling Asleep Reading25:28 Tips to Get Out of a Slump: Re-read a Comfort Favorite26:30 Annotating Fourth Wing: tiny print, big plans29:20 Reading Slump Fixes: reread favorites, try a 6-star pick30:41 Switch It Up: new genres + changing your reading format34:33 Books That Broke the Slump: Hunger Games to Hockey Gods35:36 Comfort Re-reads & Indie Gems: Harry Potter, Bewitched & Bewildered38:53 Dark Romance Spotlight: Bishop (LJ Shen) & the chess-series confusion43:34 Cocktail Break: the “Slump Slayer” energy-drink recipe 47:08 Wrap-Up: where to follow + next week’s episode tease

    48 min

  4. FEB 13

    S3E1: Romance & Smut Book Guide for Valentines Day

    Unveiling Our Favorite Romance Novels & CocktailsJoin us as we dive into the world of romance novels just in time for Valentine's Day! From discussing favorite love stories that have touched our hearts to listing the top romance subgenres and tropes, we've got the perfect book recommendations for you. We also talk about the intricacies of what makes a romance novel, and end the episode with a unique cocktail recipe to match those bookish vibes. Don't miss out!00:00 Intro00:26 Valentine's Day Romance Reads01:13 Tiny Microphone Troubles02:27 Defining Romance Novels03:58 Why We Love Romance Novels06:47 Favorite Romance Subgenres12:16 Classic Love Stories20:25 Personal Favorite Romances38:54 Discussing Audiobook Narrators39:43 Raven Hood Series by Kate Stewart41:05 Does It Hurt? by Michelle Sparks and Troy Duran43:19 Feirce Obsession by S. Mastery46:14 The Alliance Series48:13 Mind F**k by ST Abby49:28 Vows and Lies Series52:49 Reverse by Kate Stewart54:52 Carnal Obsession by Kaya Carrington Russell58:19 Captive Audience by Julie Weaver01:02:30 Books on Our TBR List01:18:40 Valentine's Day Cocktail Recipe, It's Always ILY

    1h 21m

  5. 12/13/2025

    S2:E33: 2026 Most Anticipated Books

    Join us as we divulge our most anticipated book releases for 2026, month by month. We discuss a variety of upcoming titles across different genres and offer our thoughts on each one. In this special episode, we also share our favorite cocktail recipes and holiday drink plans. As we reflect on the past year, we want to thank each and every one of our listeners. We will be taking a brief hiatus until late January 2026 but stay tuned for Season 3!00:00 Intro00:30 Reflecting on the Past Year02:15 Anticipated Book Releases for January08:32 Anticipated Book Releases for February13:32 Anticipated Book Releases for March23:13 Anticipated Book Releases for April25:09 April Book Releases26:53 May Book Releases30:27 June Book Releases32:14 July Book Releases34:27 August Book Releases37:20 September Book Releases38:21 October Book Releases39:06 November Book Releases40:06 December Book Releases41:22 Favorite Cocktails and New Year's Plans47:24 Thank You and See You Next Year!

    48 min

  6. 12/05/2025

    Build-A-Baddie: Ideal FMCs from Sass to Strength

    Badass FMCs: Crafting the Ultimate Leading LadyJoin us as we dive into the world of female main characters (FMCs) that embody strength, independence, and badassery across various genres. We discuss the traits that make a great FMC, share our favorite leading ladies, and even craft their ideal FMC from scratch. We also introduce a new cocktail recipe to complement these powerful heroines, a TPWAT original. Tune in for a fun-filled discussion about books, character development, and embracing female empowerment.00:00 Introduction 00:27 Celebrating Female Main Characters (FMCs)01:10 Building the Ultimate Leading Lady01:40 Holiday Season and Podcast Updates02:13 Traits of a Good FMC03:01 Empowerment and Realism in FMCs03:36 Growth and Development of FMCs04:45 Resonance of FMCs with Female Readers06:15 Historical Context and Feminism07:03 Personal Connections to FMCs08:14 Favorite FMCs and Their Traits10:57 Influence of FMCs on Young Women14:52 Discussion on Specific FMCs38:26 A Hilarious Encounter39:26 Divergent's Tris Pryor41:59 Sloane from Butcher & Blackbird44:18 Rose from Scythe & Sparrow46:20 Elizabeth Bennett's Subtle Strength47:37 Briar from Trick48:48 Nesta's Unapologetic Attitude54:20 Building Our Ideal FMC01:09:44 Creating the Perfect FMC Cocktail01:12:50 Wrapping Up and Thank You

    1h 14m

  7. 11/25/2025

    Ho-Ho-Holiday Reads 2025

    Christmas TBR List for 2025: Must-Read Festive Books & Holiday Recommendations!Join us as we dive into our holiday TBR (To Be Read) list for 2025! In this special Christmas-themed episode, we discuss the latest festive book releases, share our holiday reading plans, and offer recommendations ranging from Christmas romcoms to darker holiday reads. And as always, we've crafted a special cocktail perfect for this holiday season to enjoy while you're enjoying all your new bookish boyfriends.00:00 Introduction 00:39 Christmas TBR Time01:43 What Makes a Good Christmas TBR?05:45 Favorite Types of Christmas Books11:49 Christmas Book Releases22:58 Dark and Wicked Reads23:43 Fallen City Duology24:36 Hockey Romance and More25:30 Ravenhood Series Insights27:18 Holiday TBR Lists43:40 Meet Me Under the Mistletoe Cocktail47:36 Closing Remarks

    48 min

  8. 11/18/2025

    S2:E31 Build-a-Book BF: Ideal MMCs from Character to C*ck

    Building the Ultimate Book Boyfriend: Our Perfect Male Main CharacterJoin us as we dive into crafting our ideal male main character (MMC). From physical traits to personality attributes, we blend the best qualities from our favorite bookish heartthrobs and anti-heros. Expect laughter, heartfelt debates, and ALL the smut as we build a man who ticks all the right boxes, and even some of the wrong ones. Tune in for an episode filled with magic, emotional intelligence, and a touch of the fantastical.00:00 Introduction00:25 Creating the Perfect MMC03:23 Defining a Good MMC10:51 Why We Love Fictional Men16:09 Favorite MMCs and Their Qualities35:00 Discussing Draco36:44 Poet from Trick 37:24 Fashion and Effort in Modern Times38:15 Building the Perfect Man38:39 Ideal Physical Traits53:45 Desired Personality Traits01:04:32 Main Male Cocktail, a TPWAT original01:07:41 Closing Remarks and Social Media

    1h 8m
See All (68)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Roe and Allorah are two vivacious bibliomaniacs of the feminine variety who love nothing more than a good book, a great cocktail, and chatting all literary things savvy, smutty and sassy in the fantasy, romance, YA, and thriller genre. The content of our bookish podcasts cover everything from genres, tropes, book reviews, book events, author interviews, weekly cocktail recipes and more!

Information

  • Creator
    Burning Hallows Productions
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    68
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Burning Hallows Productions
  • Show Website
    The Plot With A Twist