Hot Takes and Heartache

HTHA Episode #11 Creamed by my Monster Stand Mixer by Krista LaRae

This week on Hot Takes and Heartaches, TV dives into Creamed by My Monster Stand Mixer by Krista LaRae, a book that somehow manages to be exactly what the title promises and absolutely nothing like what you'd expect. What started as an attempt at a live read quickly fell apart when TV realized there was far too much plot to unpack. Beneath the absurd premise lies an urban fantasy packed with magical sanctuaries, ley lines, ancient supernatural mysteries, and one of the funniest protagonists we've encountered in a long time. Join us as we discuss Abby, her sourdough starter Edgar Allan Dough, an extremely consent-focused stand mixer, and why TV somehow finished this book with strong opinions about the magical infrastructure of Portland. Come for the kitchen appliance. Stay for the worldbuilding. TW: smut, nsfw, alcohol consumption

HTHA Episode #10 Infamous Love by Livia Grant

Veya's take on Infamous Love by Livia Grant. Interesting throuple learns multiple names for genitalia! TW: weight, bdsm and wierd names for genitals

HTHA Episode 9: Kiss of the Basilisk and Between Two Kings

After two unplanned weeks off, we're back with TV is diving into the Kiss of the Basilisk duology by Lindsay Straube and she has very different feelings about each book. One delivered exactly what it promised. The other had approximately seventy plot points, none of them resolved cleanly, and a villain with a gold penis. Spoilers ahead, drinks strongly recommended, and yes there will be plot holes. Many of them.

HTHA Episode 8: Her Vicious Beasts Pt 2

This week Veya is back to finish what she started, and she has lots of feelings. This review covers the next three books in the Her Vicious Beasts series by E.P. Bailey. This episode is born from concentrated rage and the kind of stubborn determination that comes from genuinely needing to know how it ends. Pour yourself something strong and get ready to listen.

HTHA Episode 7: Sky Daddy by Kate Folk

In today's episode, TV attempts to review Sky Daddy by Kate Folk (quite possibly the most bizarre book she's ever read). Join her on an unscripted adventure as she tries (and fails) to figure out what the hell she just experienced.