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The Novel Ideas Sisters

Novel Ideas Sisters

The Novel Ideas Sisters is a podcast where two sisters, Caitie and Ash, chat all things books. From novel deep dives, reactions and reviews, and everything in between, we've got your bookish talk covered (with a side of sisterly banter). Whether you're a devoted reader or just looking for your next great read, The Novel Ideas Sisters are here to talk about the ideas that linger long after the final page.

Find us on Instagram and TikTok: @novel_ideas_sisters_
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  • 17 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 52 min
  • English

Episodes 17

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  • S1 · E16
    Tuesday · 1 hr 7 min

    Reading Us Like A Book - ABOUT THE SISTERS

    In this episode, we’re diving into the reading habits that shaped us growing up — the books we devoured, the ones we insisted the other sister would love, and the early signs that we were developing different literary personalities. We’ll compare childhood favourites with our current-day bookish equivalents, put our sibling knowledge to the test by guessing how the other rated a certain book, and answer the ultimate question: which books would each sister take to a deserted island? 🏝️📖 There will be nostalgia. There will be hot takes. There will be accusations of having questionable taste. Because apparently, sharing childhood books does not guarantee sharing book taste. Who knew? 😉 Books recommended/mentioned include: Daggermouth by HM Wolfe The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead Rina Kent universe Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen Serpents and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent Crescent City series by Sarah J Maas On The Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta Just For The Summer by Abby Jimenez

  • S1 · E15
    September 1 · 1 hr 7 min

    Magic, But Make It Real - MAGICAL REALISM with Real Tears

    Things are about to get a little bit magical — and possibly a little bit emotional. In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into the wonderfully strange world of magical realism and exploring the catalogue of Ashley Poston — where ghosts, grief, romance, fate and a little bit of magic weave themselves together in the best possible ways! We chat about what makes a novel magical realism, why Poston’s stories have a particular talent for sneaking up on our feelings, and the books that made us laugh, swoon, wonder, and — inevitably — get a little misty-eyed. It’s a conversation about why sometimes the books that break your heart are the ones you’re most grateful to have read. ⚠️ SPOILERS: We'll be discussing Dead Romantics, The Seven Year Slip, A Novel Love Story, Sounds Like Love and The Someday Garden by Ashley Poston, including some key plot points - please be advised. We also discuss death of loved ones, loss and grief in this podcast in relation to Poston’s books and our own experiences. Please consider this if these topics may TRIGGER you. Books recommended/mentioned include: Nocticadia by Keri Lake Crescent City series by Sarah J Maas Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston The Someday Garden by Ashley Poston The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V E Schaub Good Spirits by BK Boris Soul Searching by Lyla Sage

  • S1 · E14
    August 18 · 1 hr

    The MID-YEAR Meet Up: 2026 In Reading, So Far

    It’s our mid-year bookish review… arriving fashionably late in August. Because apparently, “mid-year” is more of a vibe than a deadline. Join the Novel Ideas Sisters as we look back at all the books we’ve read so far this year — the five-star favourites, the unexpected delights, the books that absolutely did not live up to the hype, and the ones we’re still emotionally recovering from. We’re catching up on our reading year so far, making some bold declarations about our best (and worst) reads, and trying to remember what we actually read six months ago. Expect strong opinions, questionable reading decisions, plenty of book talk, and probably a siblings digs along the way. So grab your TBR, settle in, and join us for a mid-year review that is only slightly delayed. August counts as the middle of the year if you don’t think about it too hard, right? Books recommended/mentioned include: One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig Mate by Ali Hazelwood Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J Maas A Court Of Silver Flames Monster Trilogy by Rina Kent Illicit Illustrations by EL Koslo An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister Pen Pal by JT Geissinger On The Wings Of Blood by Briar Boylen Love Song by Elle Kennedy Dire Bound by Sable Sorenson In Her Own League by Liz Tomforde The Night We Met by Abby Jiminez Moonfall series by Sarah J Parker Boston Bolts series by Brittanee Nicole All For Love by Katie Van Brunt Shield of Sparrows series by Devney Perry Letters of Enchantment series by Rebecca Ross

  • S1 · E13
    July 28 · 57 min

    Countdown to THRESHING DAY

    The wait for the next Empyrean adventure just got a whole lot more exciting! In this episode of The Novel Ideas Sisters, we're chatting all about Threshing Day, the newly announced Empyrean novella collection, and what this surprise release could mean before Book 4 finally lands. Is it just a fun bonus, or are there hidden clues waiting to reshape everything we thought we knew? Of course, one announcement is never enough, so we're diving straight back into our favourite pastime: theorising! From second signets to family trees, gods, runes, and all those unanswered questions keeping us awake at night, we're sharing our latest predictions and seeing which theories are getting stronger... and which ones might need to be retired. If you love overthinking every tiny detail, connecting impossible dots, and spiralling over the Empyrean series as much as we do, this episode is for you! ⚠️ SPOILERS: We'll be discussing Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, Onyx Storm, and what we know for the newly announced Threshing Day, so make sure you're caught up before you listen. Until Rebecca Yarros shatters our theories again, saddle up, cadets—it's time to deep dive.

  • S1 · E12
    July 14 · 39 min

    The READER CONFESSION Session

    In this gloriously unhinged episode of The Novel Ideas Sisters, we're risking our entire bookish reputations by confessing the reading habits we'd usually take to the grave 🤐 We're talking about the books we haven’t read, our controversial audiobook narrator takes, popular authors who we might skips and all the questionable reader behaviour that would get us roasted on Bookstagram 😅 We’re also gonna talk the books that often get a bad rep (we’re looking at you GoodReads) that we think deserve more love 🩷 In this episode full of laughs, hot takes and questionable reading habits, we listen and we judge… but also prove that every reader is at least a little unhinged. Grab your emotional support beverage and prepare to either feel incredibly seen... or personally attacked. THERE ARE NO MAJOR SPOILERS FOR THIS EPISODE Books recommended/mentioned include: Starside by Alex Aster Fury Bound by Sable Sorensen Children of Fallen Gods by Carissa Broadbent The Throne of Glass series by Sarah J Maas ACOTAR series by Sarah J Maas People Watching by Hannah Bonam Young The Nanny by Lana Ferguson Not In Love by Ali Hazelwood The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton

  • S1 · E11
    June 16 · 52 min

    The ROMANTASY Sequel: a DEEP DIVE into Rites of the Starling and Fury Bound

    Romantasy fans know that book twos can make or break a series—but what exactly makes a great sequel? 🤔 This episode, we're diving headfirst into romantasy sequels and asking the big question: what makes a book two truly unforgettable? We're chatting about Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry and Fury Bound by Sable Sorensen, sharing our thoughts on the latest instalments, the romances, the drama, and all the ways these stories build on what came before ✨ Along the way, we're discussing the highs and lows of second books in fantasy romance series. Should the world get bigger? Should the romance get messier? How much emotional damage is too much emotional damage? Was that emotional damage even necessary? And what separates an epic sequel from a classic case of middle-book syndrome? Join us as we gush, debate, and probably add even more books to our TBRs while celebrating the magic (and occasional chaos) of romantasy book twos. SPOILERS: In this episode we discuss Shield of Sparrows and Rites of the Starling by Denver Perry, AND Dire Bound and Fury Bound by Sable Sorensen. Specific discussions begin at 8:15 but if you haven’t read these and do not want to be spoiled, we suggest giving this episode a miss until you’ve read these books. TRIGGER WARNINGS for the books discussed include: -on page violence -sexual assault -expsexual content -mental health -death of a loved one (human and animal) Books recommended/mentioned include: Just Playing For Keeps by Lauren Blakely Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry Dire Bound by Sable Sorensen Fury Bound by Sable Sorensen Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros A Court Of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig Play With Me by Becka Mack

  • S1 · E10
    May 26 · 48 min

    We Need To Talk About OFF CAMPUS

    The guys and girls Briar U have officially hit our screens, and you know we had THOUGHTS. In this episode of The Novel Ideas Sisters, we’re diving headfirst into the Amazon Prime adaptation of the Off Campus series by Elle Kennedy — from the casting choices we’re obsessed with to the book changes we’re still emotionally processing. We’re breaking down the scenes that had us screaming, giggling, and pausing the TV every five seconds, plus all the moments that felt ripped straight from our imaginations with special appearances from the amazing duo Reading At Isaacs (@reading_at_isaacs). Did they do our favourite hockey boys justice? Which casting choices surprised us? And which scenes deserved even MORE screen time? Expect chaotic sister energy, questionable levels of emotional attachment to fictional hockey players, and plenty of hot takes as we unpack everything about the adaptation that BookTok cannot stop talking about. SPOILERS: We discuss the Off Campus TV series and books, including spoilers from the book series that have no appeared in the TV show yet. Please keep this in mind and consider skipping to avoid potential spoilers. TRIGGER WARNINGS for this episode (and books/TV series) include: Sexual assault Domestic violence Addiction Death and grief Books recommended/mentioned include: The Off Campus and Briar U books by Elle Kennedy Break the Rules and Cross the Line by Lauren Jackson The Undone Series by Peyton Corrine

  • S1 · E9
    May 12 · 59 min

    The AUDIOBOOK era

    Audiobooks count as reading — and we’re ready to defend it. 🎧📚 In this episode, the Novel Ideas Sisters talk all things audiobooks: the different styles and formats, our best listening hacks and why audiobooks are perfect for busy readers. Plus, we’re sharing some of our all-time favourite narrators and the voices we’d happily listen to read the phone book. Whether you listen while driving, cleaning, walking, or avoiding your responsibilities, this one’s for the audiobook lovers. Books recommended/mentioned include: Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry The Grump Next Door by Brighton Walsh God of Fury by Rina Kent Wolfe by Paisley Hope Bridesmaid For Hire by Meghan Quinn ACOMAF by Sarah J Maas The Graham Effect by Elle Kennedy Leather and Lark by Brynne Weaver War AND Hockey Boy by Brittanee Nicole Gloves Off by Stephanie Archer Booked For The Holidays by Erin Hawkins In Her Own League AND Rewind It Back by Liz Tomforde Lights Out by Navessa Allen Part of Your World by Abby Jiminez Nocticadia by Kerri Lake Checkered Hearts by AG Starling Soul Searching by Lyla Sage Empyrean Series by Rebecca Yarros Fae and Alchemy series by Callie Hart The Dugout series by Piper Rayne

  • S1 · E8
    April 21 · 1 hr 10 min

    A NOVEL DEEP DIVE - Game On

    We’re pressing play on passion, vengeance, and a whole lot of morally grey mayhem as we dive deep into Game On by Navessa Allen 👀🔥 Join your favourite bookish sisters as we unpack the deliciously dark world of dark romance—the men we can’t help but love, the lines that get blurred, and the joy of Navessa Allen’s dark but hilarious world! We’re not alone either! Our behind-the-scenes queen, producer Beth, steps out from the shadows to share her hot takes 🎧✨ plus our bookstagram bestie Charese (who can be found @charese_reads on Instagram and TikTok) joins the chat for some seriously fun (and slightly chaotic) commentary you won’t want to miss. Expect laughs, gasps, and maybe a few “did she really just say that?” moments as we break down Game On and the genre that we’re learning to love SPOILERS: Specific discussions around the plot of Game On by Navessa Allen and the other Into The Darkness books, begin at 8:30 and continue until 47:10. Please consider skipping this section to avoid spoilers. TRIGGER WARNINGS for this episode (and book) include: gambling, alcohol and drug use, mafia and serial killer discussions, food insecurity and restriction, bullying/coersion/threats, chronic illness, description of car accident, amputation, child abuse and neglect, cheating, kidnapping, blackmail, death of a parent, explicit sexual content. Other books recommended/mentioned include: Under Your Scars by Ariel Anderson Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry Throne of Nightmares by Kerri Manisclaco The Into The Darkness series by Navessa Allen The Never After series by Emily McIntyre The Monster series by Rina Kent God of Fury by Rina Kent

  • S1 · E7
    April 7 · 49 min

    The BATTLE OF THE TROPES: Our Bookish Showdown

    Welcome back to The Novel Ideas Sisters, where sibling chaos meets serious bookish debates 📚✨ This week’s episode, The Battle of the Tropes, is exactly what it sounds like… and then some. We’re going head-to-head, trope by trope, each bringing our ultimate book pick to the table. The rules? Simple. We’re each assigned the same trope. We each nominate a book. And then… we fight for our lives (dramatically, of course) to prove why our pick is the superior example. Expect passionate arguments, questionable logic and a few resigned forfeits. We’re likely to convince each other but will we convince you? That’s the real battle. So grab your TBR, pick a side, and prepare to defend your favourite tropes—because this is Battle of the Tropes. 🥊📖 Books recommended/mentioned include: In Her Own League - Liz Tomforde House In The Cerulean Sea - TJ Klune Rosewood River Series - Laura Pavlov The Chase - Elle Kennedy Down Pour - Maggie Gates Happy Place - Emily Henry Play With Me - Becka Mack Done & Dusted - Lyla Sage Things We Never Got Over - Lucy Score Business Casual - B. K. Borison The Deal - Elle Kennedy Yours Truly - Abby Jiminez Out On A Limb - Hannah Bonam-Young Slapshot Surprise - Melanie Harlow Caught Up - Liz Tomforde Maggie Moves On - Lucy Score Not In Love - Ali Hazelwood Problematic Summer Romance - Ali Hazelwood Just For The Summer - Abby Jiminez Gloves Off - Stephanie Archer Lovelight Farms - B. K. Borison Butcher & Blackbird - Brynne Weaver

  • S1 · E6
    March 24 · 58 min

    A NOVEL DEEP DIVE - In Her Own League

    Your favourite sister duo is back and thriving — because we’re talking all things Liz Tomforde’s latest release, In Her Own League ⚾ and WOW do we have a lot to say. From swoony moments to sharp takes on sexism in professional sports, we’re breaking down exactly why this book had us kicking our feet one minute and ranting the next. Naturally, we spiral (in the best way) into a full-blown love letter to the sports romance genre — because at this point, it’s not just a phase, it’s a lifestyle. We GUSH over the absolute greatness that is the Windy City series and where In Her Own League fits into the banter, elite-level tension and goregous MMCs (hello Daddy Monty! 🥵) we’ve come to expect. Get ready for high-energy sister banter, a couple of delightfully off-the-rails tangents, and lots of laughs throughout. So grab your headphones, and maybe a jersey for the vibe — it’s about to get sporty🥇 SPOILERS: Specific discussions around the plot of In Her Own League by Liz Tomforde begin at 16:20 and continue until 44:45. Please consider skipping this section to avoid spoilers. Other books recommended/mentioned include: The Windy City series by Liz Tomforde Better Days - Claire Zorn Well, Actually - Mazey Eddings Vancouver Storm series - Stephanie Archer Heated Rivalry & Long Game - Rachel Reid DC Stars series - Chelsea Curto Playing For Keeps series - Becka Mack Love Song - Elle Kennedy Problematic Summer Romance - Ali Hazelwood Deep End - Ali Hazelwood Carrie Soto is Back - Taylor Jenkins Reid

  • S1 · E5
    March 10 · 31 min

    The ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS Effect: Fighting Feelings and False Advertising

    In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most beloved—and debated—bookish tropes: enemies to lovers. What actually makes a story true enemies to lovers? Is it witty banter, deep rivalry, or genuine hatred that slowly transforms into attraction? We explore the key characteristics that define the trope, from intense tension and sharp dialogue to the slow shift from conflict to connection. We also talk about why readers are so drawn to this dynamic—and whether the trope is sometimes overused or incorrectly marketed in modern romance. Is every couple who argues really enemies to lovers? Or has the definition been stretched too far? Join us as we break down what makes this trope work, when it falls flat, and why the journey from hate to love continues to capture readers’ hearts. 📚🎙️ Other books recommended/mentioned include: Kingdom of Ash - Sarah J Maas A Court of Frost and Starlight - Sarah J Maas You Between The Lines - Katie Naymon The Crimson Moth duology - Kristen Ciccarelli Fourth Wing - Rebecca Yarros Serpent and the Wings of Night - Carissa Broadbent Tourist Season - Brynne Weaver The Book of Azreal - Amber V. Nicole

  • S1 · E4
    February 24 · 51 min

    A NOVEL DEEP DIVE - Empyrean Theories and Predictions

    What happens when you give two opinionated sisters microphones and a dragon-sized pile of unanswered questions? Chaos. Beautiful, bookish chaos. In this episode of The Novel Ideas Sisters, we DEEP DIVE headfirst into the Empyrean series to unpack our wildest theories and boldest predictions. From who the brother is and second signets, to who will be the next to die and wtf is going on with Asher Sorrengail, nothing is off the table. Expect spoilers, squealing, and at least one theory we’re way too confident about. Whether you’re a casual rider or fully bonded to this series, come speculate with us before the next book proves us right… or spectacularly wrong. 🎙️ Dragons. Destiny. Delusion. Let’s theorise. SPOILERS: If you have yet to finish reading, Fourth Wing, Iron Flame and/or Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros, please consider giving this episode a miss to avoid being spoiled. Please come back to listen when you've finished reading though and join us in our delusions! Other books recommended/mentioned include: Direbound - Sable Sorenson The Legends and Ashes of Thezmarr - Helen Scheuerer

  • S1 · E3
    February 11 · 48 min

    From Shelf to Streaming: BOOK-TO-SCREEN ADAPTIONS

    Lights, camera, paperbacks! 🎬📚 Recorded during a cosy staycation night-in, with a glass of wine firmly in hand, this episode sees the Novel Ideas Sisters diving into the magic (and mess) of book-to-screen adaptations. From adaptions past and future, to Netflix’s recent release of People We Meet on Vacation, we talk what worked, what surprised us, and whether the screen can ever fully capture bookish longing. We even get a little unhinged, making our own fantasy TV series/film pitches based on a novel of our choosing. Expect passionate opinions, a little literary snobbery, and a lot of love for stories that refuse to stay on the page. SPOILERS: Specific discussions around the plot and scenes from both the novel People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry, and the film of the same next, begin at 8:25 - please skip ahead to 27:30 to avoid any potential spoilers regarding either of these. Other books recommended/mentioned include: On The Wings of Blood - Briar Boylen Emily Henry’s entire catalogue The Games Gods Play - Abigail Owen Butcher and Blackbird - Brynne Weaver

  • S1 · E1
    January 20 · 1 hr 2 min

    2025 (Reading) WRAPPED

    It’s time for our 2025 (Reading) WRAPPED! 📚✨ In this special end-of-year episode, we’re looking back at the books that defined our reading year. From unforgettable favourites across a wide range of genres and tropes to the stories we couldn’t stop thinking about long after the final page, we’re breaking it all down with plenty of passionate recommendations, surprises, and reflections along the way. Whether you’re looking to add to your TBR, revisit the highlights of your own reading year, or just love talking books, this episode is a celebration of everything we read and loved in 2025. Grab your headphones, grab a book, and let’s wrap up the year—one novel idea at a time. 🎧📖 This episode aims to not provide too many spoilers HOWEVER, if you wish to avoid any chance of this, the books we discuss are listed below: Left of Forever by Tarah Dewitt The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros Rewind It Back by Liz Tomforde Iron Flame (Dramatised Adaption) by Rebecca Yarros Powerless by Lauren Roberts The Wrath of the Fallen by Amber V Nicole Bourbon and Proof by Victoria Wilder Call Me Yours by Elizabeth Bright The Last Page by Katie Holt The Heir by Sophia Travers The Book of Azrael by Amber V Nicole Only In Your Dreams by Elle K Wilde Breathe With Me by Becka Mack Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros The Assassin’s Blade by Sarah J Maas Fearless by Lauren Roberts Wild and Wrangled by Lyla Sage Tourist Season by Brynne Weaver Caught Up by Navessa Allen Getting Schooled by Emma Chase Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver Piper Rayne Bella Matthews Direbound by Sable Sorenson Nightshade by Autumn Woods Slipstream by Madge Maril Ashley Poston The Serpents and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent Shield of Sparrows by Denvey Perry PS I Hate You by Lauren Connolly Next of Kin by Hannah Bonam-Young Pitcher Perfect by Tessa Bailey A Court of Thorns and Roses Series (Dramatised Adaptions) by Sarah J Maas Slapshot Surprise by Melanie Harlow Hat Trick by Chelsea Curto Gloves Off by Stephanie Archer Dire Bound by Sable Sorenson Audiobook Narrators mentioned include Anthony Palmini, Zachary Webber/Jacob Morgan, Samantha Bentmoor and Elizabeth Evans

  • S1 · E1
    January 20 · 1 hr 10 min

    A NOVEL DEEP DIVE - Breathe With Me

    In this very first episode of the podcast (recorded back in November of 2025), we’re starting with a NOVEL DEEP DIVE into Breathe With Me by Becka Mack 🏒—one of our most anticipated reads from 2025. We talk about why it was such a successful conclusion to the Playing For Keeps series and how the characters made us laugh 😆 and swoon 😍 and cry 😭 all at once! Whether you’ve already fallen in love with this story or it’s still on your TBR, join us as we breathe through the feelings together. SPOILERS: Specific discussions around the plot of Breathe With Me begin at 17:08 - please stop listening at this point if you wish to avoid any spoilers. Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of fertility struggles and mental health topics, including emotional distress. Listener discretion is advised, and please take care of yourself while listening (fertility discussions begin at 20:55). Other books mentioned include: Carry Me Home by Elizabeth Bright Songbird by Samantha Leigh Never Over by Clare Gilmore Happy Place by Emily Henry A Court of Thorn and Roses Series by Sarah J Maas

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