In Bed With Books

In this episode of In Bed With Books, I’m joined by author Mai Corland to talk about her upcoming book release, Five Broken Blades, transitioning from Children’s lit to adult fantasy, and the craft behind creating the world in her book. Please note: This is a spoiler free discussion, as the book has not been released at the time of this episode’s premiere. We discuss Mai’s early introduction to books before diving into a behind-the-scenes look at her writing process, revealing how she defined distinct voices for each character and navigated the complexities of multiple points of view. We explore the themes of power, identity, and sacrifice present in Five Broken Blades, as well as the influences of real history and cultural diversity on the fictional world she has created. From childhood memories of sneaking forbidden books to advice for writers, Mai was a stellar guest to have on the podcast. You can find Five Broken Blades on bookshelves May 7th, 2024. If you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email! Where else to find me: IG: @inbedwithbookspod YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod EM: inbedwithbookspodcast@gmail.com

Join me and my long-time friend Kristin for the second part of our chat! We grabbed some cheese and wine, and caught up on our TBR's. We're talking about why I haven't read Fourth Wing yet (while Kristin continues to try and convince me), the issue with series that go on for too long, and some of our broader requirements for really enjoying fantasy reads. This is part of a longer conversation. You can catch the rest of it in the coming weeks. If you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email! Where else to find me: IG: @inbedwithbookspod YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod EM: inbedwithbookspodcast@gmail.com

Join my friend Michael and me for a conversation about the necessity of fantasy, fiction, and the simple act of play, whether that's through fantasy and romance books or tabletop games, like D&D. This conversation started in response to his recent academic paper where Michael defends play, and fantasy, as a way to create meaning, reflect, and to simply take the edge off. Through the episode, we use books, games, and community to defend the human need to simply have fun. WARNING: The episode starts in the middle of us talking about the recent documentary, Quiet on Set. If you're sensitive to the subject matter of that documentary, then I recommend skipping to the 3 minute, 8 second mark. If you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email! Where else to find me: IG: @inbedwithbookspod YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod EM: inbedwithbookspodcast@gmail.com

In episode 72, I'm reviewing some of my recent reads over the last few months! If you want to read more fleshed out versions of these reviews, then find me on Goodreads or Storygraph! Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/86407489-melissa Storygraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/melissa_rose Books discussed: If you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email! Where else to find me: IG: @inbedwithbookspod YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod EM: inbedwithbookspodcast@gmail.com

Join me and my long-time friend Kristin in my living room for a bookish chat! We grabbed some cheese and wine, and caught up on what we're currently reading. We talked about Kristin's (not-so) scathing GoodReads reviews, her love of Emily Henry, and whether she actually knows who Jessica Biel is. And the episode wouldn't be complete without me bringing up vampires! Thank you, Shelby Mahurin and The Scarlet Veil. This is just part of a longer conversation. You can catch the rest of it in the coming weeks. If you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email! Where else to find me: IG: @inbedwithbookspod YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod EM: inbedwithbookspodcast@gmail.com

Join me for another episode of In Bed With Books! Today we're chatting with the author of Sanctuary of the Shadow, Aurora Ascher. We talk about different inspirations for the book, her writing rituals, the women-led reimagining of the publishing process, and a little hint about the sequel. (shh!) Sanctuary of the Shadow was release on January 9th, 2024 through Red Tower Books. You can find out more about the books and Ascher on her website: https://auroraascher.com/ If you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email! Where else to find me: IG: @inbedwithbookspod YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod EM: inbedwithbookspodcast@gmail.com

In episode 69, we're looking at the second half of the FBAA/ALITF saga for any theories or guesses to get our hopes up for the next book, A Soul of Ash and Blood. Armed with our insatiable curiosity and sharp analytical skills (re: occasionally being right), we retraced our steps through each of the FBAA and AFITF episodes. From questions of loyalty to heartbreaking betrayals, we try to unravel the threads of our own thoughts, seeking answers where possible and more questions where necessary. This week's part includes The War of Two Queens, A Shadow in the Ember, and A Light in the Flame. Join us in preparing for this month's new release! Got something to say? Feel free to email us at info.inbedwithbooks@gmail.com, shoot us a dm on IG @inbedwithbookspod, or reach out to us on our Discord. Stay up to date on the latest news by checking out our website and joining our email list!

In episode 68, we're taking a retrospective journey through our From Blood and Ash episodes in anticipation of next month's new release! Armed with our insatiable curiosity and sharp analytical skills (re: occasionally being right), we retraced our steps through each of the FBAA and AFITF episodes. From intricate character arcs to enigmatic plot twists, we unravel the threads of our own conjectures, seeking answers where possible and more questions where necessary. This week includes the first three books of the FBAA series, so tune in next week to to catch up on Poppy's story and start Sera's! Got something to say? Feel free to email us at info.inbedwithbooks@gmail.com, shoot us a dm on IG @inbedwithbookspod, or reach out to us on our Discord. Stay up to date on the latest news by checking out our website and joining our email list!

In episode 67, we're talking about James Baldwin's If Beale Street Could Talk, a novel that explores the love story between Tish and Fonny, two young African Americans living in 1970s New York City. Between Fonny's wrongful imprisonment and Tish's preparation for their child, it seems as though they have every reason to lose hope, but Baldwin's frank writing style blends together the hope and fear throughout the book. The result is a beautiful and heart-wrenching portrayal of love in the face of adversity. Got something to say? Feel free to email us at info.inbedwithbooks@gmail.com, shoot us a dm on IG @inbedwithbookspod, or reach out to us on our Discord. Stay up to date on the latest news by checking out our website and joining our email list!

In episode 66, we're chatting about the books we're currently reading and what we think about them so far. Like most of our conversations, we got a little side-tracked, so listen for more Maas theories, personal stories (like, very personal), and occasional book talk. Got something to say? Feel free to email us at info.inbedwithbooks@gmail.com, shoot us a dm on IG @inbedwithbookspod, or reach out to us on our Discord. Stay up to date on the latest news by checking out our website and joining our email list!

In episode 65, we're talking about s-e-x, baby. It's time to get deep with the smut. Whether you're seeking thrills or some x-rated high fantasy, this episode has the dirty talk. 🎧 From the first signs of enemies to lovers to the soulmate revelation, we're talking about when the sex is good for the plot, and when sex IS the plot. And of course, we share some of our hottest reads. From classic love stories to modern rom-coms, there's something for everyone's fancy. So why not snuggle up in bed with your favorite book and tune in to episode 65 of In Bed With Books? We promise you'll come away feeling warm and fuzzy inside. ❤️📚 Got something to say? Feel free to email us at info.inbedwithbooks@gmail.com, shoot us a dm on IG @inbedwithbookspod, or reach out to us on our Discord. Stay up to date on the latest news by checking out our website and joining our email list!

In episode 64, we're talking about the finale to Kerri Maniscalco's Kingdom of the Wicked trilogy. Kingdom of the Feared is the fantastic ending to Emilia's story, her journey back to herself. After months of mourning Vittoria's death, and then discovering Vittoria was not actually dead and also possibly the one behind all of their troubles, Emilia returns to her full power, breaks curses, saves her love, and has time to cook food between everything. She's proof that we can have it all, ladies (except magic powers? We're still unsure of how we feel about THAT part). This book also serves what we were so desperately waiting for: sex with Wrath. The bedroom cliffhanger in book two might have left us wanting more, but KOTF picks right back up where things left off, finally jumping into the spice we've been waiting for. Got something to say? Feel free to email us at info.inbedwithbooks@gmail.com, shoot us a dm on IG @inbedwithbookspod, or reach out to us on our Discord. Stay up to date on the latest news by checking out our website and joining our email list!

In episode 63 of our podcast, we're delving into the theme of revenge, exploring its long history in storytelling. Join us as we examine revenge as a compelling plot device, discussing its intricacies and its appeal with examples across books, TV, and movies. We touch on the distinction between revenge and justice, challenging the traditional "eye for an eye" mentality. We're unraveling the secrets behind revenge narratives, examining their enduring popularity and the universal themes they embody, in defense of it. Got something to say? Feel free to email us at info.inbedwithbooks@gmail.com, shoot us a dm on IG @inbedwithbookspod, or reach out to us on our Discord. Stay up to date on the latest news by checking out our website and joining our email list!

In episode 62 of our podcast, we're talking about Eclipse, the third installment in Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Saga. We're following Bella as she tries to balance her love for Edward with her kind-of-love for Jacob? It's a very confusing love triangle for everyone involved, ourselves included. The episode starts with a little catch-up, after a couple of months' hiatus, including a look at the season ahead! Got something to say? Feel free to email us at info.inbedwithbooks@gmail.com, shoot us a dm on IG @inbedwithbookspod, or reach out to us on our Discord. Stay up to date on the latest news by checking out our website and joining our email list!

In episode 61, we're going down the list of season 5 characters deciding who to marry, f*ck, or kill. After several conversations deep, we quickly realize that Nektas holds the daddy of the season award 🥸. We make some shrewd judgements ranking the characters by most hot and most messy (sorry Edward and Bella 🦇), Never have we been more excited to continue the Hollows series and follow our hottest character of the season, Rachel Morgan. If you have any thoughts, email us at info.inbedwithbooks@gmail.com, or dm us on Instagram @inbedwithbookspod. You can also reach us on our Discord. Make sure to check out our website and join our email list for the latest updates!

In episode 60, we're talking about Melissa's favorite book, it's one she has not been able to stop talking about. Bethany finally gave the "okay" and the last read of the season is Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison, the first in The Hollows series. Taking place in an alternate world, eerily similar to our own, Dead Witch Walking introduces us to Rachel Morgan, a witch, and her investigative partners, Jenks and Ivy, who all quickly earn our love and Rachel's loyalty. A classic detective novel mixed with the charm of a fantasy novel, this book wastes no time jumping into the action and the drama of Rachel's life. This is the first of many books in The Hollows series (18 so far!), and we're so happy to share a few with you here on the podcast. If you have any thoughts, email us at info.inbedwithbooks@gmail.com, or dm us on IG @inbedwithbookspod. You can also reach us on our Discord. Make sure to check out our website and join our email list for the latest updates!

In episode 59, we're talking about the 1929 classic, Passing by Nella Larsen. This book takes place in 1920's New York City, through the eyes of Irene Redfield, a woman deeply invested in her community. Her life takes a turn one summer day when she runs into Clare Kendry, a childhood friend who's been hiding her racial identity to lead an entirely new life. Their reunion leads to months of paranoia, fear, and confusion for Irene, coming together in a devilishly ambiguous ending that pleads for no solution. If you think you know who killed her, email us at info.inbedwithbooks@gmail.com, or dm us on IG @inbedwithbookspod. You can also reach us on our Discord. Make sure to check out our website and join our email list for the latest updates!

In episode 58, we're talking about Scarlett St. Clair's second book in the Adrian x Isolde series, Queen of Myth And Monsters. We fell in love with the pair and their world in the first book and were so happy to get to return so soon. After declaring their love in book one, forces inside and outside of their relationship are threatening the happiness that felt assured after the reveal that Isolde was (spoiler!) his long lost love, reborn. Betrayals in their inner circle, threats from neighboring kingdoms, and the ire of a goddess seem like impossible odds, but their love only grows through the upheaval. Through all of this, Isolde is growing into a queen that we are eager to see ascend to power. If you have any thoughts, email us at info.inbedwithbooks@gmail.com, or dm us on IG @inbedwithbookspod. You can also reach us on our Discord. Make sure to check out our website and join our email list for the latest updates!

In episode 57, Bethany & Melissa are looking at all the ways they've seen love in the books read here on the podcast. We're talking romantic love, platonic love, familial. And yes, we're talking about the question of mates, because we have a lot of opinions on this. The episode covers couples and friends from books old and new to the pod, those that hold special places in our hearts. If you have any thoughts, email us at info.inbedwithbooks@gmail.com, or dm us on IG @inbedwithbookspod. You can also reach us on our Discord. Make sure to check out our website and join our email list for the latest updates!

In episode 56, we're talking about Rebecca Ross's phenomenal sequel in the Elements of Cadence duology, A Fire Endless. Bethany and Melissa could not get enough of the Adaira/Jack, Torin/Sidra love story and we're so happy to share this discussion with you. Picking up just a few weeks after A River Enchanted, we catch the fall out from all of the secrets that have held the island together. There's really no other way to describe this book than "beautiful" - a beautiful universe, love stories, and ending to their blight. As always, if you have any thoughts, email us at info.inbedwithbooks@gmail.com, or dm us on IG @inbedwithbookspod. You can also reach us on our Discord. Make sure to check out our website and join our email list for the latest updates!