Novelbound: A Comedy Book Podcast

The Legend of the 2010's YA Trilogy and What Young Adult is like now.

We grew up in the early 2000s, and when we crossed into the 2010s, a beautiful genre was bestowed upon us. No, not fallen angels or vampires (though those midnight showings were absolutely part of the initiation). We’re talking about the YA trilogy. Trilogies aren’t as common anymore, so we wanted to revisit The Malediction Trilogy by Danielle L. Jensen — a perfect snapshot of what YA fantasy used to be. Before TikTok pacing. Before instant gratification. Before everything was either a 1,000-page mega-series or a one-shot duology. In this episode, we talk about how this series unfolds, what we loved, and why it works so well as a time capsule. We dig into reader patience (or lack thereof), how trilogy structure has changed, and how the age and emotional maturity of YA protagonists in the 2010s compares to what “young adult” looks like now. We also get into slow-burn romance, withheld worldbuilding, political intrigue that actually takes time, and why nostalgia alone doesn’t explain why Stolen Songbird still hits. In an era of Rebecca Yarros and SJM mega-series on one end and rushed standalones on the other — is there still room for this kind of storytelling? Or did we lose something when we stopped trusting readers to wait?

If you liked KPop Demon Hunters, you're going to love these books.

Here’s the long-awaited (for us, at least) deep dive into K-pop Demon Hunters — aka the show we’ve been obsessing over daily and forcing our families to watch until they’re humming the soundtrack in their sleep. (It's not our fault, okay. They've put something in those songs.) From piggyback rides, the hand hold trope, Anna obsessing over cliffhanger chaos to why waiting 80 chapters for a kiss is actually better than the kiss itself, we go full fangirl on what makes K-dramas, anime, and webtoons so bingeable. Naturally, we detour into symbolism rants (Frozen II, we’re looking at you), a debate on whether lingering eye contact is hotter than an actual kiss, and Anna's attempt to convert Celine into a webtoon support group. (If you're reading this, and you love this stuff, message her she NEEDS IT lol) Plus: the ultimate book + manhwa rec list if you’re ready to live in this world forever (Romance 101, The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, Marry My Husband, Happily Ever After…basically, kiss your TBR goodbye). Perfect for fans of: * K-dramas, webtoons & anime with slow-burn romance * Trope spotters who live for the piggyback ride + umbrella moment * Readers hunting for East Asian fantasy recs * Anyone who loves chaotic book banter and fangirling Timestamps: 00:00 – The obsession begins (kids, husbands, birthday parties — yes, it’s everywhere) 06:00 – What makes K-dramas/webtoons addictive: cliffhangers + emotions 10:55 – Classic tropes we never get tired of (hello, umbrella scene) 16:30 – Why slow burns hit harder than insta-love (and how to do it right) 21:00 – The art of tiny gestures: piggyback rides, vending machine drinks, burrito blankets 26:00 – Book recs: Korean-inspired fantasies + East Asian settings 33:00 – Webtoon mania (Romance 101, Marry My Husband, Swimming Lessons for Mermaids & more) 40:00 – What Western authors can steal from K-dramas + the power of emotional intimacy

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren | Serial Killer Date Nights, Grocery Store Royalty & Summer Romance

Here's an absolutely chaotic (spoiler-filled!) recap of The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren — the perfect steamy summer romance. From fake marriage tropes and Crazy Rich Asians-level wealth to awkward steam room encounters, canoe mishaps, and even a couples’ mud bath gone wrong, we dive deep into every twist, trope, and hilarious moment. We also go way off the rails with true-crime side quests (yes, including serial killer date nights) and an overly passionate debate about which grocery store empire we’d want to inherit. Whether you’re here for rom-com book recaps, romance novel reviews, or just unfiltered book banter, this episode is a wild ride. Perfect for fans of: * Romance readers looking for banter, recaps & recommendations * Christina Lauren books & contemporary romance novels * Book podcasts with personality and humor * Romantic comedy & enemies-to-lovers trope lovers Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & why The Paradise Problem screams “summer romance” 01:22 – Celine’s serial killer date night confession (yes, 5 times) 06:23 – “Just a quick recap” of a murder spree… that isn’t quick 11:18 – Grocery store royalty debate: Wegmans vs. Albertsons 13:12 – Private islands, themed parties & Crazy Rich Asians vibes 18:27 – Bubblegum-pink hair, silk shorts 25:14 – Canoe scene chaos 29:39 – Failed dramatic exit… because it’s an island 34:13 – Steam room awkwardness with the in-laws 35:03 – A dramatic mud-spa experience. 36:08 – Final thoughts: why The Paradise Problem is a must-read for romance fans

The Books that Ruined Us as Teenagers

We cover everything from John Green to The Vampire Diaries to Sarah Dessen and more!

Speed Dating with Book Boyfriends (of the '10s and now!)

If you're wondering just a little of the boys we'll be discussing today, here's the list: Cardan Greenbriar Will Herondale Kaz Brekker Laurie Four Throne of Glass Prince Maxon Red Queen The Darkling v. Mal Peeta Mellark  Xaden in Onyx Storm Lukas from Black Witch Gilbert from Anne of Green Gables because we truly cannot get enough. And can't get enough trama. Let us know what your book boyfriends are below!