The Deal & the Art of the Fake Date

Myths in the Moonlight: A Wendigo & the Guard of Hades

Welcome back to The Chapter Café, the coziest corner of the literary world, where the stories are warm, the mugs are full, and the world outside can stay as chilly as it wants. I’m Kristen, your host, your reading companion, and your fellow wanderer through the pages that keep us company through the seasons. Today, we’re leaning into the final stretch of winter — that liminal moment when the snow feels ancient, the nights feel long, and folklore seems to breathe just a little closer to our world. It’s the perfect time to explore a book that blends myth, horror, grief, and longing into something atmospheric and unforgettable. We’re diving into A Lore Series: A Wendigo Invites Us to Dinner & I Spoke to the Guard of Hades by Sy Sykes Kanaan. This two‑story collection introduces readers to a world where ancient beings step into contemporary settings, where the wilderness and the underworld feel equally alive, and where human emotion — fear, hunger, grief, devotion — becomes the true heart of the story.

Smoothies, Secrets, and the Softest Love Story

Welcome back to The Chapter Café, where every story is steeped in feeling and every episode is brewed with care. I’m your host, Kristen, and today we’re curling up with Game Changer by Rachel Reid—a book that’s as warm and nourishing as your favorite morning smoothie. This is the first in Reid’s Game Changers series, and while the stakes are high—fame, fear, and the NHL—the heart of this story is tender, quiet, and deeply human. So grab your mug, maybe a blanket, and settle in. We’re about to talk about love, closets, and the courage it takes to live out loud.

People We Meet on Vacation — Book vs. Movie

Welcome back to The Chapter Café, where stories are served warm and feelings are always on the menu. Today’s episode is a literary tasting of Emily Henry’s beloved novel People We Meet on Vacation and its 2026 Netflix film adaptation. We’re diving deep into the flavors of both versions, comparing their textures, tones, and emotional resonance. So grab your favorite travel mug, settle into your coziest reading nook, and let’s begin.

Heated Rivalry: From Secret Glances to Streaming Glory

Welcome back to The Chapter Café, where stories steep slowly and emotions run deep. I’m your host, Kristen, and today we’re lacing up our skates and stepping onto the ice—because we’re talking about Heated Rivalry, the beloved hockey romance by Rachel Reid, and its bold, buzzy HBO Max adaptation. Whether you’ve dog-eared the pages of the Game Changers series or binged the show in one snowy weekend, this episode is for you. We’ll explore the book’s emotional architecture, the show’s cinematic swagger, and the delicious tension that makes Hollander and Rozanov one of the most compelling couples in queer romance.

The Deal & the Art of the Fake Date

Welcome back to The Chapter Café, where stories are always on the menu and comfort is served by the chapter. I’m your host, Kristen, and today we’re serving up a spicy, slow-burn romance with a side of banter, brainy girls, and hockey boys. On today’s menu? The Deal by Elle Kennedy—a book that proves sometimes the best relationships start with a little pretending. So grab your favorite drink—maybe a caramel macchiato with extra whip—and let’s turn the page together.