In this month’s book club pick, we’re diving into The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah — a sweeping, emotional story of two sisters in Nazi-occupied France and the very different paths they take to survive, resist, and protect the ones they love. We share our thoughts on the characters, themes, and the moments that broke us (and inspired us), plus the questions this book left us thinking about long after we closed it. Our September book club pick is Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross. Have a listener qu...
Aug 28, 2025•38 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Required reading often gets a bad reputation, but every once in a while a book assigned in school turns out to be unforgettable. In this episode, we reflect on the novels, short stories, and poems from our school days that went beyond homework and became stories we truly loved. We’ll explore what made these works resonate then — and why they still matter now. Our September book club pick is Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross. Have a listener question? Send it to thestepsisterspodcast@gmail.com Instag...
Aug 26, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 40
This week we’re diving into Shield of Sparrows —sharing our thoughts, favorite moments, and the themes that stuck with us. But that’s not all! We’re also giving you a stack of fresh book recommendations inspired by popular TV shows and movies . Whether you came for the deep dive or you’re just here for your next great read, we’ve got something for you. Our August book club pick is The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. Have a listener question? Send it to thestepsisterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: ...
Aug 19, 2025•1 hr 7 min
We’re closing the chapter on summer and cracking open our fall TBR! In this episode, we share all the books we devoured during the sunny season—beach reads, surprise favorites, and a few that didn’t quite hit the mark. Then we turn the page to autumn, chatting about the cozy, atmospheric reads we’re most excited to dive into next. Whether you’re still chasing summer vibes or ready for all things pumpkin spice, this episode will give you plenty of bookish inspiration for your own reading list. Ou...
Aug 12, 2025•51 min•Season 1Ep. 38
What books being published right now will still be read 50 years from now? In this episode, we dive into the popular reads of today that we think are destined to become future classics—books that might one day be taught in schools, endlessly reprinted, and fiercely debated over book club wine nights. But, in Step Sisters fashion, we take a long (and necessary) detour into The Hunger Games universe. Who should get the next spin-off novel? Who do we want it to be about? (Spoiler: those might not b...
Aug 05, 2025•52 min
In this episode, we’re diving into our July book club pick, The Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick. We’re unpacking the story’s emotional layers, themes of memory, legacy, and grief, and the symbolism woven throughout. Tune in for our thoughts, favorite moments, and lingering questions we couldn’t stop thinking about. Plus — it’s time to reveal our August book club pick! We’re so excited to be reading The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, a powerful historical fiction novel that’s been on our TBR for far...
Jul 31, 2025•50 min•Season 1Ep. 34
This week, we're diving deep into the A Court of Thorns and Roses universe—sharing our thoughts on the series as a whole, our favorite moments, and all our wild (and not-so-wild) theories for what we think might go down in ACOTAR 6 . Will we see more of Nesta’s journey? Will Elain finally do something?? We’re breaking it all down. Then, we’re switching gears and playing a fun bookish guessing game! We each pulled some juicy quotes from the Goodreads highlights section of popular books and put ea...
Jul 29, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 36
In this episode, we're diving into the world of upcoming book-to-screen adaptations! We're talking all the juicy details—what’s being adapted, the latest casting news, and whether we think these stories will shine on screen or flop in translation. From dream casting to actual release dates, we’re breaking it all down and sharing our thoughts (and hopes) for these beloved books making their way to Hollywood. Grab your popcorn and your TBR—this is a bookish episode you won't want to miss! Our July...
Jul 22, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Feeling stuck in a reading rut? We’ve been there—and we’re here to help! In this episode, we’re sharing the books that pulled us out of our worst reading slumps. From fast-paced thrillers to cozy comfort reads, these are the stories that reminded us why we love to read in the first place. Whether your TBR feels overwhelming or nothing is holding your attention, we’ve got the perfect slump-busting recs to reignite your spark. Our July Book Club Pick is The Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick! Have a lis...
Jul 15, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Ready to bulk up your TBR in record time? In this episode, we’re dishing out rapid-fire book recommendations! From romance to thrillers, fantasy to feel-good fiction, we’re throwing titles out on the fly—so grab a pen, open your Notes app, or just listen on repeat. Whether you’re in a reading slump or just need your next obsession, we’ve got a rec (or ten) for you. Our July Book Club Pick is The Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick! Have a listener question? Send it to thestepsisterspodcast@gmail.com In...
Jul 08, 2025•52 min•Season 1Ep. 32
In this episode, we are diving into chapters 60-66 of Iron Flame! We wind down our deep dive series with some theories on a possible redemption arc for JFB, the evidence that we think proves General Melgrin is working with the venin, and how we would nothing more than to read a prequel focused on Lilith Sorrengail. Our July Book Club Pick is The Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick! Have a listener question? Send it to thestepsisterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @stepsisters.bookclub...
Jul 01, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 31
In this month’s second book club episode, we explore Dire Bound by Sable Sorenson—a dark and immersive romantasy that blends high stakes, forbidden magic, and the start to what we think will be a beautiful enemies to lovers story. We discuss the novel’s rich worldbuilding, complex characters, and our predictions for the second book in the series, Furybound (releasing next month!). Our July Book Club Pick is The Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick! Have a listener question? Send it to thestepsisterspodc...
Jun 26, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 30
In this episode of The Step Sisters Podcast , we dive into chapters 56–59 of Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros—and things are getting chaotic . Scarlett unveils a truly unhinged (but maybe genius?) theory that Bodhi is a secret sound seeker who just might have overheard Xaden confessing his second signet. We also debate whether Melgren is actually Venin, dig into the tension building between key players, and unpack all the twists, reveals, and heart-pounding moments from these chapters. Buckle up—thi...
Jun 24, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 29
We’re halfway through the year, which means it’s the perfect time to hit pause and check in on our reading lives so far. In this episode, we’re sitting down for a mid-year reading catch-up—and things get a little chaotic. From wild TBR lists to genre identity crises, we’re sharing it all. Scarlett reveals the truly unhinged state of her TBR, which lives not in a carefully curated spreadsheet or app, but in a totally disorganized Notes app document that defies logic. Jenae, on the other hand, has...
Jun 17, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 28
In this episode of The Step Sisters Podcast , we’re diving deep into Silver Elite by Dani Francis. We’re sharing our overall impressions of the book—what pulled us in, what left us wanting more, and how we felt about the pacing, plot, and romance. We also dig into the main characters and their dynamics, the tension-filled moments, and the emotional highs and lows. And of course, we’re answering your book club questions and unpacking some of the themes and twists that had us texting each other in...
Jun 12, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 27
This week on The Step Sisters Podcast , we’re diving into chapters 49–55 of Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros, and the tension is high . We’re unpacking everything from the emotional to the conspiratorial: Could a flashback reveal the true connection between Theophanie and Lilith? We're theorizing what the past might hold and what it could mean for the present. Xaden’s second signet has finally been revealed, and we're theorizing over what this could mean for the theory that Bodhi is the new “brother...
Jun 10, 2025•58 min•Season 1Ep. 26
**Spoilers for all of the Empyrean series ahead** Scarlett and Jenae are back today with an extremely in depth (and to be honest, delusional) discussion on characters from the Empyrean series. We are bringing our favorites, flops, and the characters whose deaths would haunt us. We’ve each brought our personal Top 10 characters, but we’re not just sharing them — we’re throwing them into a no-holds-barred cage match to battle it out for the official Step Sisters Ultimate Ranking. Who will soar to ...
Jun 03, 2025•59 min•Season 1Ep. 25
In this powerful book club episode, the Step Sisters dive into The Women by Kristin Hannah—a gripping, emotional novel that shines a light on the often-overlooked stories of female nurses during the Vietnam War. We unpack the journey of Frankie McGrath, exploring her transformation from sheltered young woman to battle-tested nurse, and discuss how Hannah weaves themes of resilience, identity, and the cost of war through this unforgettable narrative. Join us as we reflect on the emotional highs a...
May 29, 2025•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 24
This week on Step Sisters Podcast , we’re diving into chapters 43–48 of Iron Flame , and wow—there's a lot to unpack. We discuss the slow and painful death of one of our favorite theories (RIP to the idea that Bodhi and Xaden are secret half-brothers—evidence has entered chat, and it’s not in our favor). We break down the sparring match between Cat and Violet, a moment that had us yelling at the pages for all sorts of reasons. Finally it’s on to that throne scene 😳—yes, that one—and the intensi...
May 27, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Whether you're headed to the beach, the mountains, or just your backyard hammock, we're bringing you our favorite books to pack for your next getaway. In this episode, we’re sharing the perfect vacation reads—from lighthearted romances and gripping thrillers to immersive fiction you can get lost in between sunscreen applications. Have a listener question? Send it to thestepsisterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @stepsisters.bookclub Join The Step Sisters Book Club on Fable: Our May b...
May 20, 2025•46 min•Season 1Ep. 22
This week on The Step Sisters Podcast , we’re diving headfirst into chapters 37 through 42 of Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros—and buckle up, because it gets spicy in more ways than one. From suspicions towards Tecarus' involvement with the venin to the possible truth behind Fen Riorson’s rebellion, we're coming prepared with the theories! Join us next week as we discuss our favorite beach reads and recommendations for your next vacation! Have a listener question? Send it to thestepsisterspodcast@gm...
May 13, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 21
In this episode, Scarlett and Jenae take a walk down memory lane (or maybe a dark alley) as they rerate some of their past Goodreads reviews. Did that 5-star favorite really hold up? Was that 2-star read actually a hidden gem? They also dive into the hilarious world of one-star reviews—from the dramatic to the downright unhinged—and share some of the funniest ones they could find. It’s bookish chaos you won’t want to miss. Have a listener question? Send it to thestepsisterspodcast@gmail.com Inst...
May 06, 2025•56 min•Season 1Ep. 20
In this episode of The Step Sisters Podcast , we dive deep into chapters 30–36 of Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros—and the tension is sky-high. We unpack our growing suspicions about Ridoc, explore how Aaric might've pieced together the truth about Xaden's deadly past, and theorize what this means for the bigger picture. Plus, we’re officially campaigning for prequels: give us the backstories of Varrish and Lilith already! These chapters are packed, and so is this discussion. Have a listener questio...
Apr 29, 2025•1 hr 43 min•Season 1Ep. 19
The girls are back discussing their April book club pick, Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz. Not to spoil anything, but this was a success for The Step Sisters Book Club. Scarlett and Jenae dive deep into the details surrounding Bethany Joy Lenz’s time in a manipulative religious cult, their admiration for the actress, and their favorite people who helped turn her life around. Jenae shares a Throne of Glass update, and it’s safe to say that she will be quite busy for the foreseeable, while...
Apr 24, 2025•59 min•Season 1Ep. 18
The girls are back discussing chapters 25-29 of Iron Flame, and things are escalating! Scarlett and Jenae discuss the resurrection of JFB, Markham’s involvement with the venin, and honestly, what even is a gryphon? Scarlett, being who she is, launches into theories regarding Violet’s exes, and Jenae continues her quest to find a partner for Brennan. Check out book club discussion episode this Thursday, where the girls will be discussing Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz! Have a listener qu...
Apr 22, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 17
We've got a long one for you today! The girls are back after a bit of a Spring Break, and they came ready to chat. Scarlett and Jenae start the episode off with an update on their reading progress for Q1, share their Spring TBRs, and their thoughts on Sunrise on the Reaping. The girls move into their discussion of chapters 19-24 of Iron Flame, which basically turns into one big matchmaking session. Scarlett and Jenae discuss love interests for Aaric and Mira, the drama of the interrogation chamb...
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr 31 min•Season 1Ep. 16
The girls are back deep diving chapters 12-18 of Iron Flame, and things are getting juicy at Basgiath! Scarlett and Jenae discuss possibly the best romance scene in the entire series, and Jenae finally brings Scarlett over to the dark side–AKA being a Xaden apologist. The girls discuss the possibility of Varrish’s involvement at Resson, and some crazy suspicions they have towards Ridoc. Join us next week as we continue our Iron Flame deep dive with chapters 19-24! Wanna join the best book club o...
Apr 08, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Join the girls as they discuss their favorite books tropes and recommendations to go along with them! Scarlett and Jenae dig deep into their good reads archives to recommend books for seven popular romance book tropes, and play a game of "Hear Me Out" book edition. Things get a little heated when the topic of Gilmore Girls comes up, and the girls sing the praises of Suzanne Collins after finally finishing The Ballad of Song Birds and Snakes. Join us next week as we continue our Iron Flame deep d...
Apr 01, 2025•38 min•Season 1Ep. 14
The girls are back discussing the March book club pick, Quicksilver by Callie Hart! Scarlett and Jenae share their thoughts, hot takes, and predictions for Saeris, Kingfisher, and the rest of the crew. Scarlett pulls out some of the best casting predictions for the Netflix movie adaptation of the book, and the Jenae shares her thoughts on Carrion Swift. Our April book club pick is Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz! Read along with us all month long, and come back at the end of the month fo...
Mar 27, 2025•49 min•Season 1Ep. 12
The girls are back deep diving chapters 5-11 of Iron Flame! Scarlett and Jenae discuss all things Burton Varrish, have a little disagreement on who they think should be a love interest for Brennan, and continue their speculation on which dragons within the Empyrean are corrupt. Join us next week as we continue our Iron Flame deep dive with chapters 12-18. Check out our Book Club Discussion episode this Thursday, where we dig into our March book club pick, Quicksilver by Callie Hart and announce ...
Mar 25, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Season 1Ep. 12
