Checked Out and Overdue

This episode is unhinged in the best way possible. Tune in as Taryn and Chelsea laugh and cry over the first three volumes of the Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion with their friends, Mad (@readingwraynbow) and Cass (@fictionalcass). Trying to talk about these books and its beloved characters with any amount of chill was test of their willpower. Be prepared for chaos and crying of all varieties. 👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 14:15 📚 General Overview: 14:15 - 49:05 ⚠️ Spoilers: 49:05 - 1:53:56

Listen in this week as Taryn and Chelsea talk with Audrey (@audonalsium) about the fourth book in the Stormlight Archive series. Listen in as they laugh and cry and try desperately to cram as much of this behemoth of a book into the episode as they can manage. There is small spoiler for Wind and Truth from 1:29:05 - 1:30:51 so proceed with caution. Be aware that this episode contains no spoiler free section and has spoilers for all the books previous to it in the Stormlight Archive.

In this short bonus episode, Taryn talks with her 9 year-old nephew, Tristan about his experience reading Project Hail Mary and the differences between the book and the movie. Many people are calling this the most fun episode yet ("many people" meaning Chelsea). Be forewarned, this episode contains plot spoilers for the book from the beginning (and Taryn and Tristan accidentally call Carl from the movie, Mark but that's okay). Sharing the mic also meant some moments where audio is a bit hard to hear, so please be patient with that.

This week is Taryn and Chelsea talk about Project Hail Mary in the wake of the movie adaptation being released. Chelsea and Taryn are faced with technical challenges (and a crying baby in the background) but have a blast talking about their experiences with this fun sci-fi and the highs and lows of the story. 👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 9:23 📚 General Overview: 9:23 - 31:09 ⚠️ Spoilers: 31:09 - 51:56

Tune in as Chelsea and Taryn interview (and yell at) Jessica Lunt (@jlunt2), author of The Witch Hunter's Wife and A Bouquet of Blue Sailors. Jessica talks about writing as a short story format and her experience with indie publishing, and is followed by Chelsea yelling at her for hurting her feelings with The Witch Hunter's Wife. Check the trigger warnings on this book for sure but is not one to miss. 👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 2:49 📚 General Overview: 12:49 - 34:01 ⚠️ Spoilers: 34:01 - 1:10:44

Tune in this week as Chelsea and Taryn review this beautiful debut book, A Siege on Her Heart by Jessica Brousseau. Despite some mechanical difficulties in recording, Taryn and Chelsea both adored this book and were drawn in by the fascinating historical backdrop and how well written some of the more difficult topics were handled. 👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 14:12 📚 General Overview: 14:12 - 29:31 ⚠️ Spoilers: 29:31 - 50:34

Tune in this week to listen to Taryn and Chelsea cry over yet another Sarah Eden book with their new friend Sydney (@syd.reads.clean). As the start of the a prequel series, Forget Me Not beautifully brings us back to the original Jonquil love story where we get to see Lucas be the first fool. Plus all the adorable and swoony moments right along with the face palm idiot ones. 👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 29:08 📚 General Overview: 29:08 - 48:25 ⚠️ Spoilers: 48:25 - 1:40:52

This episode is a little extra overdue but tune in as Chelsea and Taryn review the final book in the Winternight trilogy, The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden. The world building and character development expand and Taryn and Chelsea loved every second of it. 👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 11:31 📚 General Overview: 11:31 - 16:32 ⚠️ Spoilers: 16:32 - 48:34

Tune in to the first episode of 2026 (after an accidental month and half long break) as Taryn and Chelsea talk about the highlights and books of 2025. Thank you for listening and making 2025 another amazing year!

Chelsea and Taryn wish they could apologize for how long this episode is but they aren't actually sorry at all, and let's be honest, anyone who is willing to commit to the marathon that is a Stormlight Archive book can handle a long podcast episode. Tune in as they chat with Seth (@the.cosmere.academy) about the third book in the Stormlight Archives series and the development of so many amazing characters and how these fictional people impacted and changed their lives. Timestamps: 👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 18:20 📚 General Overview: 18:20 - 20:43 ⚠️ Spoilers: 20:43 - 2:21:56

Happy Halloween!!! Listen in to Taryn and Chelsea's chaotic conclusion of the Twilight Saga. This review is full laughter and some real intense tangents as they discuss the final book on this fun adventure that has spanned 5 years! Timestamps: 👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 – 18:07 📚 General Overview: 18:07 - 30:33 ⚠️ Spoilers: 30:33 – 1:21:23

Taryn and Chelsea tackle another book from the Queen of Mystery herself, Agatha Christie. Tune in as they discuss the fun twists and turns on another classic murder mystery story as they untangle the ruthless Leonides family. Timestamps: 👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 – 17:30 📚 General Overview: 17:30 - 35:32 ⚠️ Spoilers: 35:32 – 52:25

This week Chelsea and Taryn jump into their first Tolkien and it's about time. Tune in to listen to them discuss Gandalf's sass, Bilbo's reluctance, and all the magical elements of this classic fantasy fairy tale. Timestamps: 👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 – 16:18 📚 General Overview: 16:18 - 37:09 ⚠️ Spoilers: 37:09 – 1:01:23

Taryn and Chelsea could not believe that Margaret Owen agreed to come chat on this humble podcast. But every story needs its hurdles so Taryn faced microphone issues and Chelsea's wifi was less than ideal, but tune in to listen to Margaret Owen talk about all things Little Thieves, Merciful Crow, and plenty of fun tangents as well. Timestamps: 📚 Spoiler-Free: 00:00 - 1:24:14 ⚠️ Spoiler: 1:24:14 - 2:01:34

Chelsea and Taryn are back in Roshar with their friend Mi (@edgedancing_through_life) to review Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson! From Shallan’s secrets to Kaladin’s struggles, the trio dives into favorite moments, shocking reveals, and why this sequel raises the stakes in every way. With plenty of laughs, tangents, and Stormlight fangirling, this episode is nearly as long as the book itself. Timestamps: 👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 12:29 📚 General Overview: 12:29 - 16:57 ⚠️ Spoilers: 16:57 - 1:32:56

Chelsea and Taryn are hitting the road with friends Mad (@readingwraynbow) and Cass (@fictionalcass) for a lively chat about People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry. It’s a trip filled with strong opinions, unexpected detours, and plenty of laughter as the group unpacks this Emily Henry romcom. This episode is all about great company, spirited debate, and a touch of vacation mischief. Timestamps:👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 17:57📚 General Overview: 17:57 - 53:07⚠️ Spoilers: 53:07 - 1:24:47

(At ~32 min mark, we had a glitch in our recording and Chelsea's audio cuts out for a few minutes, so it makes Taryn sound a bit insane talking to herself and we deeply apologize for that) The quest continues in this episode of Checked Out and Overdue, as Chelsea and Taryn dive into The Titan’s Curse, book three in Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. They discuss new characters, high-stakes battles, and all the feelings that come with the Hunters of Artemis. Expect thoughts on prophecy, teen angst, and one very memorable dam scene. Timestamps: 👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 – 13:13 📚 General Overview: 13:13 – 32:13 ⚠️ Spoilers: 32:13 – 56:37

Join Chelsea and Taryn as they set sail into The Odyssey by Homer. In this episode, they share their thoughts on the original hero’s journey, marvel at how Odysseus manages to lie his way through just about everything, and rally the war cry #justiceforPenelope. Inspiring epic musical and movie adaptations, it’s a story that has endured the ages. Timestamps: 👋🏼 Intro: 00:00 - 12:49📚 General Overview: 12:49 - 29:28⚠️ Spoiler Discussion: 29:28 - 54:05

This week, Chelsea and Taryn are discussing Vengeful, the sequel to Vicious by V. E. Schwab. The story picks up with Victor, Eli, and some new characters navigating ambition, revenge, and the consequences of playing with life and death. The conversation focuses on continued character development, shifting dynamics, and how the new additions to the cast change the game. If you haven’t read Vicious yet, go check out that episode first. This discussion contains spoilers for both books, so consider this your heads-up to read book one before diving in. Timestamps:👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 – 12:15📚 General Overview: 12:15 – 34:05⚠️ Spoilers: 34:05 – 58:21

This week Chelsea and Taryn are joined by historical romance author Arlem Hawks (@arlemhawks) for a super fun chat. Their chat stays spoiler free initially as they talk about Arlem’s writing journey, publishing experiences, and how she comes up with all her stories. In the second half, they dive into spoiler-filled discussions of Georgana’s Secret, Beyond the Lavender Fields, Along a Breton Shore, and Across the Star-Kissed Sea. It's also possible that Chelsea may have given a powerpoint presentation here because she felt that passionately. Timestamps: 📚 General Overview: 0:00 - 32:18 ⚠️ Spoilers: 32:18 - 1:20:05