Ready to indulge in the dark, the dangerous, and the morally gray? This episode dives deep into the villains who stole our hearts, broke our morals, and absolutely RULE our TBRs. If your heart beats for the rogue, the anti-hero, and the villain with a tragic past: this one's for YOU.

​In this episode:

• ​Why morally gray men are the top ranking in our favorite tropes.

• ​The key traits that make these villains irresistible (confidence, snark, zero filter).

• ​Our top picks: Memnon, Vincent, and the dark allure of The Ever Seas.

• ​Embracing your villain era and questioning your moral compass.

  
  

​🍹 THE POISON & THE POTION: Our Signature Drink Pairing

Every episode, we craft a drink to match the vibe of our books. This week we are serving The Villain’s Origin Story: sophisticated, smoky, and built for those who love a tragic past.

• ​The Poison (Alcoholic): A Smoked Old Fashioned. Whiskey, bitters, and a brown sugar cube, garnished with a charred orange peel or burnt rosemary. 🥃🔥

• ​The Potion (Non-Alcoholic): Smoky Black Tea. Lapsang Souchong tea with a splash of maple syrup and a squeeze of lemon. ☕️🌑

  "For the villains who just wanted to watch the world burn... or at least the ones who had a really good reason for it."

  
  

​📣 AUTHOR SPOTLIGHTS ARE OPEN!

Are you an author of spicy Romantasy or Dark Romance? We want to feature YOU on the pod! Skip the marketing script and come nerd out with us.

• ​Fill out our Spotlight Interest Form here: linktr.ee/twogirlsonetbr

Bookstagram isn’t just about beautiful books—it’s a lifeline for indie authors and a hub for genuine reader connections. 💛

In this episode, we dive into:
✨ The evolution of reading culture
✨ How pre-orders and ARCs impact book success
✨ Compassionate reviewing and navigating DNF books
✨ Setting boundaries while staying part of the community

Whether you’re an indie author, Bookstagrammer, or reader, there’s something here for everyone who loves books—and the humans behind them.

💌 Listen now and join the conversation about empathy, engagement, and the stories that shape us.

linktr.ee/TwoGirlsOneTBR

✨ The Bookish Circle: Subscribers Only ✨

Step inside our Bookish Circle Newsletter...the secret corner of Two Girls, One TBR where true readers and indie author lovers connect. 💛

Inside each issue, you’ll get:

• Exclusive behind-the-scenes insights & episode extras 🎙️

• First dibs on ARCs and pre-orders 📚

• Cozy Q&A chats about spicy romantasy, dark fantasy, and Bookstagram life 🖤

• Special indie author spotlights and hidden bookish gems 🌟

• Tips for navigating ARCs, DNF guilt, and community boundaries ✨

This is your VIP pass to a newsletter that celebrates books, bold stories, and the humans behind them. Join today...because every story still matters. 💌

Bookstagram changed everything...our TBRs, our expectations, even how we choose what to read.

In this episode of Two Girls, One TBR, Rebecca and Heather talk honestly about how joining Bookstagram transformed their reading lives: exploding TBR lists, the pressure of ratings and algorithms, judging books by their covers (yes, we admit it), fandom wars, and the slow journey back to reading for joy instead of validation.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by book culture...but still loves the magic of reading.

🎧 Follow the show and tap ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ if this episode made you feel seen.

linktr.ee/TwoGirlsOneTBR

Chapters00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage00:05 The Impact of Bookstagram on Reading Habits03:32 Expectations and Ratings in Reading07:25 The Role of Book Covers and Reviews11:10 Purchasing Books: Then and Now15:06 Reading at Your Own Pace16:14 Navigating Reading Pressures18:36 The Impact of Social Media on Reading21:18 Bookstagram Dynamics and Community22:31 Judging Books: A Shift in Perspective24:37 Understanding Book Drama and Fandoms26:20 Theories and Speculations in Reading30:45 Rediscovering Joy in Reading33:43 Physical vs. Digital Books: A Generational Shift34:41 Exploring Aesthetic Preferences in Book Decor37:23 Embracing Personal Style and Identity39:19 Finding Community Through Books42:08 The Evolution of Book Culture and Personal Reading Habits50:36 Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Community Engagement52:44 Outro