What actually makes a book a 5-star read—and when does it earn 5 chillis too? 👀 In this episode, we break down the ingredients that take a romance from “enjoyable” to unforgettable. From emotional payoff and character chemistry to tension, tropes, and spice that hits, we unpack what makes us rate a book at the very top of our scale. Expect honest takes, personal reading rules, and a deep dive into why some stories linger long after the final page.

Sports romance has officially earned its place at the top of the romance genre—and in this episode, we’re doing a deep dive into why. From locker-room tension to slow-burn rivals-to-lovers, we unpack what makes sports romance so addictive and emotional. At the heart of the conversation is Heated Rivalry—the gold standard of hockey romance—as we explore its iconic dynamic, long-term yearning, and why Shane and Ilya have made such an impact. Expect trope talk, emotional analysis, and plenty of love for romance that hits both on and off the ice.

It’s the start of a new year, and we’re setting our intentions for 2026. In this episode, we’re talking through our reading goals, the bookish habits we want to build (or break), and what we’re most looking forward to on our TBR this year. We’re also getting into summer romance reads we’re excited to pick up, because no New Year reset is complete without a little beachy escapism. Join us as we plan for a fresh year of reading.