Welcome to the Books Between Friends Podcast!

Recent Episodes

Heated Rivalry Finale | Book vs. Show: Which One Wins? Ep. 77
77
July 27, 2026

Heated Rivalry Finale | Book vs. Show: Which One Wins?

The rivalry leaves the ice and heads to the screen. In our final Heated Rivalry episode, we're comparing Rachel Reid's beloved novel with its television adaptation. We discuss the casting choices, which actors embodied Shane and Ilya best, the moments the show absolutely nailed, and the biggest changes that surprised us. We also break down: Our favorite casting decisions Three things the show stayed faithful to Three changes that stood out (for better or worse) Whether we ultimately prefer
The Ending We Have Been Waiting For: Rated and Reviewed | Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid | Part 2 (Finale): Chapter 15 - Epilogue Ep. 76
76
July 20, 2026

The Ending We Have Been Waiting For: Rated and Reviewed | Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid | Part 2 (Finale): Chapter 15 - Epilogue

After years of rivalry, secret meetings, and impossible choices, everything finally comes to a head. In Part 2 of our Heated Rivalry discussion, we're covering Chapters 15 through the Epilogue, where Shane and Ilya's relationship reaches its emotional breaking point—and ultimately, its most rewarding moments. From heartfelt confessions and long-overdue conversations to career-defining milestones and one unforgettable ending, Rachel Reid delivers a romance that rewards every ounce of patience sh
Heated Rivalry is Spice on Ice! | Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid | Part 1: Prologue - Chapter 14 Ep. 75
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July 13, 2026

Heated Rivalry is Spice on Ice! | Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid | Part 1: Prologue - Chapter 14

The rivalry starts here. This week we're diving into Prologue–Chapter 14 of Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid, where Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov's story begins to unfold through a mix of present-day moments and flashbacks that reveal how one of hockey's fiercest rivalries first took shape. From their first meeting as teenagers to years of battling each other on the ice, we're unpacking the tension, competitive chemistry, and emotional undercurrents that make this relationship impossible to ig
The Hero of Ages is Revealed! Finale & Review | Mistborn Book 3: The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson | Chapter 68 - Epilogue Ep. 74
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July 6, 2026

The Hero of Ages is Revealed! Finale & Review | Mistborn Book 3: The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson | Chapter 68 - Epilogue

We've reached the end of The Hero of Ages, and there's so much to unpack. Join us as we discuss the final chapters (68–Epilogue), revisit the biggest mysteries from Mistborn Era One, and talk about Brandon Sanderson's unforgettable ending. We share our favorite moments, biggest surprises, final ratings, and whether this finale delivered on everything we'd hoped for. ⚠️ This episode contains spoilers for The Hero of Ages and the entire Mistborn Era One trilogy.
Spook Breaks Free & Ruin's Plan Revealed | Mistborn Book 3: The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson | Part 4: Chapters 51-67 Ep. 73
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June 29, 2026

Spook Breaks Free & Ruin's Plan Revealed | Mistborn Book 3: The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson | Part 4: Chapters 51-67

This week we're discussing The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson, covering Chapters 51–67. The truth behind Ruin's influence finally comes into focus as Spook realizes he has been manipulated all along—and discovers he wasn't the only one. Quellion's actions suddenly take on an entirely new meaning as the extent of Ruin's control becomes impossible to ignore. Meanwhile, Vin finds herself trapped and forced into unsettling conversations with Ruin, giving us some of the biggest lore reveals
The Survivor of the Flames, Mistfallen, and Hemalurgy | Mistborn Book 3: The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson | Part 3: Chapters 35-50 Ep. 72
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June 22, 2026

The Survivor of the Flames, Mistfallen, and Hemalurgy | Mistborn Book 3: The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson | Part 3: Chapters 35-50

In this episode of Books Between Friends, we're discussing The Hero of Ages Chapters 35-50 by Brandon Sanderson. The mysteries are piling up. We dive deep into Hemalurgy and the unsettling implications of Ruin's ability to influence people through metal spikes. We discuss Spook's transformation into the Survivor of the Flames, the strange voice guiding him, and whether he's becoming a hero—or a pawn. We also explore the growing mystery of the Mistfallen: those who became sick after exposure to

Recent Blog Posts

July 9, 2026

Why Join a Book Club? 7 Reasons Reading Is Better Together

Why Join a Book Club? 7 Reasons Reading Is Better Together Pull up a cozy chair, grab your favorite mug of coffee or tea, and settle in, book friend—we're so glad you're here. If you've ever wondered whether joining a book club is worth it, our an…

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Jen, Stef, and Ethan