Reading & Ranting

Stages of the Maasiverse & Fall Feels

Come one come all, Mia & Karly are talking about how to spread the gospel (Maasiverse) to your friends. Spoilers ahead, so listen at your own risk! The girls are spiraling through the stages of grief one experiences while watching friends dive into the Maasiverse for the first time. From pretending Tamlin’s likable to surviving the emotional pain of “take it off” and the Thirteen to the full crossover in House of Flame and Shadow, they’re breaking down the reactions from friends on their first reads.
They’re also diving into their excitement (and a little dread on Mia’s part) for the upcoming fall season. Between nostalgic fall fashion, cozy days with PSLs, and the endless scroll of FallTok inspo, the crisp autumn air is on the way. Even though Mia's a self-proclaimed fall virgin, Karly's ready to drag her into the season.

Heal Your Inner Book Girl & Stop Living to Please Others

Hey besties! Welcome to the first R&R solo episode, where Mia's taking the reins to revisit the books that shaped her childhood and how reconnecting with them has been a healing experience. If you wondered what house you would be sorted into, what cabin you would live in, whether you would survive the Hunger Games, or of course, graduate from a secret academy for spies in training as a Gallagher Girl, this is the episode for you. 
Mia’s also ranting about a difficult struggle: unlearning people-pleasing tendencies. She gets personal about her journey of setting boundaries, focusing on self-care, and learning to say "no" without guilt. If you’ve ever felt like you’re losing yourself trying to please everyone else, this one’s for you.

How To Cure Your SJM Hangover Part Two

Inspired by a recent trip to Barnes & Noble and curating their fall romantasy reads, Mia & Karly are back with part two of their ultimate Sarah J. Maas hangover cures! They share their updated book recommendations to help fill the void, with books featuring deadly trials, epic battles, and swoon-worthy love interests (and spice.) The girls are only discussing their 4.5 and 5 star reads to ensure a swift recovery from the Maasiverse. They offer swift, spoiler free reviews of Daughter of No Worlds, Serpent and The Wings of Night, Bridge Kingdom, The Hurricane Wars, Quicksilver, An Heir Comes to Rise, A Shadow in the Ember, and When The Moon Hatched.
Plus, they tackle the reality of mid-twenties hangovers and how they (barely) survive them. Grab your iced coffee and breakfast sandwich and join them in rotting on the couch for several hours (or, you can try listening to this podcast.)

The Art of Pitching a Book to a Friend

In today’s episode, join Mia & Karly as they dive into the art of pitching a book to a friend. Mia kicks things off with a pitch for Quicksilver, an addicting romantasy read brimming with enemies-to-lovers drama that has BookTok buzzing with a new book boyfriend. On the other end of the spectrum, Karly introduces Love Theoretically, a heartwarming rom-com with an Emily Henry flair that promises to be your next favorite feel-good read.
And of course, any romance reader knows the most important accessory when starting a new book is your vibrator. The girls launch into a candid and educational discussion about their favorite toys that go "bzz" in the night. Class is in session for "Vibrator 101” as they discuss different types, features, and uses. They’ll say it once and say it again, but every woman over the age of 18 must have a vibrator (regardless of relationship status).

House Of The Dragon Season Two Review

Okay besties, welcome to Westeros! Mia & Karly are breaking down their thoughts on House of the Dragon Season Two. TL;DR, the plot was definitely a slow burn, and not in a good way. The girls want to shout “Dracarys” at the scripts that kept Daemon at Harrenhal for an entire season and the lack of a follow up on Rhaenyra and Mysaria. But, of course, the season was filled with characters they love (Baela the Brave) and love to hate (looking at you, Crispy Cole) as Team Black and Team Green solidified.
Plus, they’re ranting about the frustrating struggle of finding birth control that doesn’t suck—because apparently, science still hasn’t figured out how to make one that doesn’t make your body freak out. 

Book Q&A with Karly and Mia

Discover Karly and Mia’s book preferences in today’s Q&A episode! The two are asking each other questions they’ve never asked before, ranging from book guilty pleasures to the first book they ever read. The real question is whether Karly prefers fanfiction over published books. Spoiler alert: if it’s a Dramione fic, the answer is probably yes.
The girls are open books so submit additional questions to their TikTok @readingandrantingpod or email @readingandrantingpod@gmail.com if you have any juicy questions for them. Happy reading besties!

Microtropes & Euro Summer

This week, Mia & Karly are breaking down their favorite oddly specific book tropes. From knife-wielding heroines (The Cruel Prince), dramatic "who hurt you?" moments (Heir of Fire always hits different), angsty betrayals (Bridge Kingdom), romance-filled training montages (Fourth Wing), the classic one-bed trope (ACOMAF), dark and broody MMCs who'd burn the world for their love (Shatter Me), comedic best friends who lighten the mood (Six of Crows), assassin love stories (A Shadow in The Ember), and fake make-outs that turn real and steamy. 
Plus, they’re ranting about affordable ways to enjoy summer when you're too broke for a Euro trip: be a tourist in your own city, host a movie night, plan a food crawl, take a day trip, try DIY crafts or join a class. But most importantly, if you need to find Karly & Mia this summer, all you need to do is look up (they’re on a rooftop.)

Texts from an Ex

In Karly & Mia’s opinion, one of the worst jumpscares you can receive is a text from your ex. And that begs the question: how do you respond? They share personal stories of shock, anger, and hurt, exploring the disrespect and gaslighting often encountered when dealing with an immature ex. And let’s be clear, the girls have RECEIPTS, PROOF, TIMELINES, SCREENSHOTS, as Mia quite literally scoured her iMessages for the out of the blue post break up texts.
Hopefully you can find these anecdotes relatable, and maybe some valuable advice on handling the return of an ex with clarity and confidence. Because, as we all know, they ALWAYS come back.

Happy Place

Karly & Mia are completely enamored with Emily Henry's "Happy Place," set against a coastal Maine backdrop which, be warned, sparks an intense craving for buttery lobster rolls. Among the book’s several tropes, including fake dating and found family, Happy Place weaves together themes of mature friendships, romance, and personal growth, earning Emily Henry yet another five-star rating from the girls. 
If you’ve been here since last summer, you know the girls' Fourth of July weekend got rowdy and expensive. Karly & Mia are happy to share that absolutely nothing has changed as they spent another Independence Day weekend in the Hamptons among overpriced cocktails and east coast beaches. Between several fake boyfriends, the repercussions of extravagant spending, and yet another Montauk outing, the girls spill all the details of their weekend. Spoiler alert: they verbally sparred with 17-year old boys and are thinking of pursuing full time professions of fighting with men. 

SJM Presidential Debate: Aelin vs. Rhysand

In honor of using fantasy faerie books to escape reality, today’s episode takes a special twist on last week’s U.S. presidential debate, Maasiverse style. Karly & Mia are breaking down presidential campaigns with a showdown between Aelin and Rhysand. They firmly believe the country would be in better hands if it were led by everyone’s favorite fictional characters.
 
On a different note, for today’s rant Mia discusses how she has officially gotten Karly into her gardening era. (This may or may not have been induced by accidentally taking extremely potent edibles to watch Breaking Dawn Part 2.)
 
Jokes aside, what’s NOT funny is the reality of the presidential election this fall so please be sure to enact your civic duty and vote!