Checked Out and Overdue

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

Is Achilles even the main character? Why are there so many names? And how much ego is too much ego? In this episode, Chelsea and Taryn dive into The Iliad by Homer (via the Emily Wilson translation), with very different reactions. Taryn found a lot to appreciate in the epic battles and larger-than-life drama, while Chelsea... did not. They chat about what worked, what didn’t, and how reading it with a group of online friends made the whole experience way more fun. Expect a short spoiler-free section followed by a deep dive into the world of gods, glory, and an overwhelming amount of hubris. Timestamps: 👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 6:41 📚 General Overview: 6:41 - 21:54 ⚠️ Spoilers: 21:54 - 50:41

This week, Chelsea and Taryn review Everything is Tuberculosis, the latest release from John Green. They explore the book's blend of memoir, history, and infectious disease (yes, really), and discuss how Green’s signature wit and sincerity come through in unexpected ways. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to his work, there's plenty to unpack. Timestamps: 👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 – 11:42 📚 Review: 11:42 – 54:02

This week, Chelsea and Taryn dive into the epic world of Roshar with a review of The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson! As the first book in The Stormlight Archive, this fantasy behemoth sets the stage for an unforgettable journey. They navigate highstorms, Shardblades, and the many, many pages Sanderson throws their way. Whether listeners are seasoned Bridge Four fans or reading it for the first time, this episode breaks down what makes the book a storming good read. Timestamps: 👋🏼 Intro: whoops 🤷‍♀️ 📚 General Overview (Spoiler-Free): 00:00 - 16:05 ⚠️ Spoilers: 16:05 - 1:19:01

Few books have left a mark quite like The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, the novel that set the dystopian genre on fire. With Sunrise on the Reaping now out, it's the perfect time to revisit the world of Panem—where survival is a game and the stakes are deadly high. This spoiler-free discussion explores why the book still resonates, and we wrap up with a spoiler-filled section for those who’ve already read. May the odds be ever in your favor! Timestamps: 👋🏼 Intro 00:00 - 15:00 📚 General Overview 15:00 - 37:05 ⚠️ Spoilers 37:05 - 1:04:20

Chelsea and Taryn are joined by their friend Cass (@fictionalcass) for a deep dive into Notorious Sorcerer by Davinia Evans. This fast-paced fantasy takes readers to the vibrant city of Bezim, where alchemy bends reality and gangs of brava run the roofs every night. As Siyon Velo finds himself caught between street-level alchemists and the powerful elite, the hosts discuss the book’s unique world-building, dynamic characters, and thrilling twists. With Cass returning as a guest, there’s plenty of fun (and maybe a little chaos) in this week's episode! Timestamps: 👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 9:11 📚 General Overview: 9:11 - 37:50 ⚠️ Spoilers: 37:50 - 1:08:29