Book Talk for BookTok

• Love, Laughter, and Second Chances: In Bloom Bookery Author Panel with Mazey Eddings, Zen Cho, and Amanda Sellet

  Description: Thank you to In Bloom Bookery of Temecula, California for inviting Book Talk for BookTok to moderate this special author event celebrating love, laughter, and second chances in romance fiction. In this lively conversation, hosts Jac and Amy sit down with three acclaimed authors, Mazey Eddings (Well, Actually), Zen Cho (Behind Frenemy Lines), and Amanda Sellet (The Odds of Getting Even), to explore the craft of modern romantic comedies and the universal appeal of second-chance love stories. We discuss how these writers blend humor with heartfelt vulnerability, craft imperfect yet deeply relatable characters, and navigate the balance between romantic escapism and emotional realism. From favorite romance tropes and dream casting to the funniest real-life meet-cutes, this event dives into the heart of what makes contemporary rom-coms resonate with today’s readers. Whether you’re a fan of cozy rom-coms, smart second-chance romances, or diverse love stories with cultural depth, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and plenty of laughs. Featuring: Mazey Eddings, bestselling author and mental-health advocate Zen Cho, award-winning fantasy and romance author Amanda Sellet, author of witty and heartfelt romantic comedies This episode is a must-listen for fans of romance author interviews and romcom authors. Featuring Mazey Eddings discussing Well, Actually, Zen Cho on Behind Frenemy Lines, and Amanda Sellet on The Odds of Getting Even, this lively conversation dives into the craft of romantic comedy books and the enduring appeal of second-chance romance. Hosted by Book Talk for BookTok, this contemporary romance podcast captures the warmth and wit of the genre while celebrating the creative voices shaping it today. Recorded live at the In Bloom Bookery event in Temecula, this author panel brings together laughter, insight, and love stories that remind us why we keep coming back for more. The Subtext Society Journal: ⁠⁠https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/⁠⁠  We’re thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We’re publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured. Sponsor: Vionic Use code BOOKTALK at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show:  Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠⁠⁠  Merch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Blood Over Bright Haven: How M.L. Wang Redefines Power in Fantasy

  Welcome to Autumn-ish Book Club! In this flash analysis series, we take an academic approach to some of the most talked-about books in Romantasy and fantasy today. With over 13 years of combined academic literary training, we bring a critical lens to fandom favorites while keeping the discussion fun, thought-provoking, and accessible. In this episode, we’re discussing Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang. We explore how Wang deconstructs the idea of power and morality in dark academia fantasy, using her world of magic, empire, and forbidden knowledge to question who deserves to wield control, and at what cost. We analyze how the novel’s complex relationship between science and sorcery blurs the line between progress and corruption, and how Wang’s morally gray characters challenge traditional Romantasy archetypes. We also unpack the book’s themes of institutional rot, ambition, and rebellion, and why Blood Over Bright Haven has become one of the most talked-about fantasy novels of the year. This season, we’ll be covering: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker Where the Shadows Meet by Patrice Caldwell Blood of Hercules by Jasmin Mas Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard The Jasad Heir by Sara Hashem And when book club wraps up, get ready! Our next full literary analysis will dive into Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas. If you’re new here, we also have full seasons analyzing A Court of Thorns and Roses, A Court of Mist and Fury, A Court of Wings and Ruin, A Court of Frost and Starlight, House of Earth and Blood, House of Sky and Breath, Throne of Glass, and Crown of Midnight. Go back and check those out to see how we break down metaphors, symbolism, narrative structure, and character arcs through multiple literary lenses. Plus, we’re thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We’re publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured. If you love Sarah J. Maas, M.L. Wang, and deep Romantasy analysis, you’re in the right place. Sponsor: Vionic Use code BOOKTALK at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. The Subtext Society Journal: https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/  Support the Show:  Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠⁠  Merch: ⁠⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Chaol Westfall: Defend Him or Bash Him? Throne of Glass Listener Debate

  In this special episode, we handed the mic to our listeners with one challenge: Defend or bash Chaol Westfall. From Throne of Glass loyalists who passionately defend him to readers who pull no punches in their critiques, we read through your funniest, sharpest, and most persuasive takes. Whether you believe Chaol deserves a redemption arc or you’re firmly in the anti-Chaol camp, this episode explores why Sarah J. Maas’s most polarizing character continues to ignite debate. Along the way, we dig into themes of loyalty, love, trauma, and growth in the Throne of Glass series, and what our divided feelings about Chaol reveal about the fandom itself. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. The Subtext Society Journal: https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/  Support the Show:  Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠⁠  Merch: ⁠⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Blood of Hercules: Jasmin Mas’s Reimagining of Greek Mythology Through Romantasy

  Welcome to Autumn-ish Book Club! In this flash analysis series, we take an academic approach to some of the most talked-about books in Romantasy and fantasy today. With over 13 years of combined academic literary training, we bring a critical lens to fandom favorites while keeping the discussion fun, thought-provoking, and accessible. In this episode, we’re discussing Blood of Hercules by Jasmin Mas. We explore how Mas blends Greek mythology with Romantasy storytelling, the way her heroine’s journey reframes themes of legacy, sacrifice, and divine power, and how the novel’s exploration of fate versus free will shapes both character arcs and narrative tension. We also dive into how Mas’s reimagining of Hercules’ myth offers fresh commentary on gender, strength, and what it truly means to be a mythical hero in a modern fantasy. This season, we’ll be covering: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker Where the Shadows Meet by Patrice Caldwell Blood of Hercules by Jasmin Mas Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard The Jasad Heir by Sara Hashem And when book club wraps up, get ready! Our next full literary analysis will dive into Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas. If you’re new here, we also have full seasons analyzing A Court of Thorns and Roses, A Court of Mist and Fury, A Court of Wings and Ruin, A Court of Frost and Starlight, House of Earth and Blood, House of Sky and Breath, Throne of Glass, and Crown of Midnight. Go back and check those out to see how we break down metaphors, symbolism, narrative structure, and character arcs through multiple literary lenses. Plus, we’re thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We’re publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured. If you love Sarah J. Maas, Romantasy, and deep literary analysis, you’re in the right place. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. The Subtext Society Journal: ⁠https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/⁠  Support the Show:  Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠⁠⁠  Merch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Hannah Grace Interview: From Icebreaker to Holiday Ever After

  Get ready for holiday cheer with bestselling romance author Hannah Grace, creator of Icebreaker and Wildfire. In this episode of Book Talk for BookTok, we sit down with Hannah to discuss her brand-new novel, Holiday Ever After—a heartwarming small-town romance perfect for cozy season reading. We talk about what inspired her to write a holiday romance, the unique challenges of capturing festive magic on the page, and why the subgenre is so irresistible to readers. Hannah also shares her process for crafting distinct side characters in a bustling small-town setting, balancing complex family dynamics with themes of approval and independence, and how her research as a UK native brings authentic detail to her U.S.-set romances. Plus, we ask Hannah whether she plans to return to this world—or if more holiday romances might be on the horizon. If you loved Icebreaker, Wildfire, or are just looking for your next holiday romance, you won’t want to miss this insightful and festive conversation. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. The Subtext Society Journal: https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/  Support the Show:  Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠⁠  Merch: ⁠⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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