Most Anticipated Book Releases of 2025 and New Year Highlights

In this special episode of The Plot With A Twist, bookish hosts Roe and Allorah from Burning Hallows Productions discuss their most anticipated book releases for 2025. The conversation includes standout books for each month and specific titles like Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros Red God by Pierce Brown, and many more. Additionally, they reflect on the excitement of new reading goals, genres, and special editions that come with the new year. The episode wraps up with a refreshing cocktail recipe, the title reveal and content of season 2 episode 1 of the podcast, and a big thank you to all our listeners.

00:00 Introduction and New Year Greetings

01:58 Anticipated Book Releases for January 2025

08:14 Exciting February Book Releases

14:43 March Book Releases to Look Forward To

20:21 April's Must-Read Books

23:29 Upcoming Books in May

25:58 Discussing One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns

26:59 May Book Releases

29:32 June Book Releases

31:49 July Book Releases

33:03 August Book Releases

35:51 September and October Book Releases

36:58 November and December Book Releases

42:21 Most Anticipated Books of the Year

48:38 Refreshing New Year's Day Drink Recipe

50:27 Thank You and Season Two Preview

My December Darling: A Critical Review and Festive Farewell

In the premiere season finale of The Plot With A Twist hosts Roe and Allorah delve into My December Darling by Lauren Asher, a holiday-themed novella chosen by their listeners. They discuss the Christmas read, offering spoiler and non-spoiler insights, and reveal their surprisingly low ratings due to character depth and plot issues. The episode touches on the struggles of maintaining a podcast, references to Puerto Rican traditions, and thematic debates about death and holiday cheer. Roe and Allorah also share thoughts on character chemistry, realistic relationships, and plot holes, before concluding with a festive cocktail recipe, The Grinch Spritz. They sign off for the season, hinting at a promising comeback in February 2025 with a review of Onyx Storm.

00:00 Introduction to The Plot with a Twist

00:24 Discussing 'My December Darling' by Lauren Asher

01:13 Reflections on Podcast Journey

02:13 Book Review: Initial Impressions

04:27 Character Analysis: Catalina and Luke

05:42 Exploring the Novella Format

11:28 Christmas and Cultural References

16:01 Spoiler Alert: In-Depth Plot Discussion

20:21 Navigating Parent-Child Relationships

21:01 Plot and Character Dynamics in 'My December Darling'

21:39 Critique of the Novella Format

24:40 Character Analysis: Catalina

29:58 Character Analysis: Luke

34:12 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

36:21 Season Finale and Future Plans

Christmas Reads Extravaganza: Unwrapping Holiday Books and Traditions

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On this episode of 'The Plot With A Twist,' hosts Roe, Allorah, and Shaye dive into an episode dedicated to holiday reads, discussing what makes a great holiday book, their favourite festive reads, and their holiday reading plans. The hosts share anecdotes about their Christmas traditions and highlight various book tropes that fit well with the holiday season. They also address the dos and don'ts of Holiday book themes and recommend books and authors for listeners to enjoy during the festive season. Additionally, listeners get a recipe for a Festive Rum and Ginger Punch and information on how to connect with the show and its merch offerings.

00:00 Introduction to The Plot with a Twist

00:26 Christmas Reads Extravaganza

01:10 Personal Christmas Traditions

02:10 Decorating the Christmas Tree

06:59 Reflecting on the Reading Year

11:24 The Magic of Holiday Reads

13:47 Family Shenanigans and Holiday Escapes

19:23 Discussing 'My December Darling' by Lauren Asher

20:12 Christmas Book Tropes and Preferences

21:59 Favorite Christmas Reads and Recommendations

30:16 Holiday Book Wishlist

36:30 Festive Cocktail Recipe and Closing Remarks

Detailed Review of S.T. Abby's 'Mindfuck Series' – Spoiler and Non-Spoiler Insights

In this episode of The Plot with a Twist, hosts Roe, Allorah, and Shaye delve deep into 'The Mindfuck Series' by S.T. Abby. This captivating thriller follows Lana Myers, a woman out for revenge, and Logan Bennett, an FBI profiler trying to catch her. The series is broken down into five novellas, each adding layers of intrigue, suspense, and complex character development. The hosts provide both a spoiler-free and a spoiler-filled discussion, offering personal ratings, favourite quotes, and extensive analysis of the book's themes, characters, and plot twists. They also introduce a themed cocktail recipe called Sweet Revenge in tribute to Lana Myers' journey. Listener discretion is advised due to the series' sensitive content. Tune in for a comprehensive and engaging discussion perfect for thriller and dark romance lovers.

00:00 Introduction to The Plot with a Twist

00:18 Overview of The Mindfuck Series

01:59 Initial Impressions and Hype

03:53 Non-Spoiler Review and Ratings

10:15 Discussion on Book Format and Writing Style

23:11 Favourite Quotes and Final Thoughts

25:57 Spoiler Section: Deep Dive into the Plot

31:21 Character Analysis: Jake and His Dad

32:33 The Big Reveal: Jake's Dad as the Original Killer

34:02 Kyle: The Main Piece of Shit

36:35 Hadley: From Hated to Loved

41:25 Lana and Logan: A Complex Relationship

47:51 The Novella Structure: A Unique Approach

57:15 Final Thoughts and Favourite Scenes

01:02:29 Tribute to CM Owens and Cocktail Recipe

Discussing the Most Hated Literary Tropes

In this episode of The Plot With A Twist, hosts Roe, Allorah, and Shaye delve into popular and annoying book tropes. They discuss why some tropes like miscommunication, pregnancy, instant love, and more frustrate readers. The episode explores personal views on hated tropes, such as strong female characters needing rescue and secret pregnancies, and highlights examples from popular books. The hosts also give their top book recommendations for books where these tropes are done well. They also invite listeners to share their thoughts on social media and challenge them to suggest books that might change their minds about these disliked tropes.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts

00:16 Annoying Tropes in Books

01:41 Tropes We Love to Hate

06:12 Miscommunication and Other Frustrations

17:18 Why Authors Use These Tropes

29:53 Exceptions to the Rule

31:07 Pregnancy Tropes in Romance Novels

34:08 Secret Baby Trope: Love or Hate?

36:34 Miscommunication Trope: A Love-Hate Relationship

39:33 Debating Fierce Obsession and Miscommunication

44:31 Love Triangles in Popular Books

48:47 Tropes We Love to Hate

55:10 Cocktail Time: Jagermeister Mule

Exploring 'Lights Out' by Navessa Allen: A Stalker Romance Sensation

In this episode of 'The Plot with a Twist,' hosts Roe, Allorah, and Shaye dive into 'Lights Out' by Navessa Allen, a ground breaking book in the stalker romance genre. They discuss the emergence of this popular trope, the plot intricacies, character developments, and the humor that makes it a hit among dark romance enthusiasts. Reviewing with both spoiler-free and spoiler sections, they explore Allie and Josh's complex relationship, Josh’s inner fears, and the involvement of Allie's mafia family. Additional insights include their rating of the book, quotes, and a cocktail recipe inspired by the book's cover. Listener discretion is advised due to mature content.

00:00 Introduction to The Plot with a Twist

00:17 Exploring the Stalker Romance Trope

00:52 Lights Out by Nivessa Allen: Non-Spoiler Discussion

02:20 Character Analysis and Narration

04:33 Plot and Pacing Insights

07:41 Ratings and Reviews

19:22 Quotes and Writing Style

25:39 Spoiler-Filled Overview

31:20 Embracing Kinks and Personal Growth

32:19 Allie's Strength and Compassion

35:39 Josh's Best Friend Tyler

40:25 The Relationship Between the Main Characters

43:50 Plot and Writing Style

48:07 Mafia Family Revelations

53:48 Favorite Quotes and Scenes

57:42 Cocktail Recipe and Closing Remarks

Exploring the Fake Dating and Marriage of Convenience Tropes in Romance Novels

In this episode of 'The Plot With A Twist,' hosts Roe, Allorah and Shaye dive into the popular romance tropes of fake dating and marriage of convenience. They discuss the common predicaments leading to these scenarios, such as avoiding an ex, needing an inheritance, or handling paparazzi. They explore the prevalence of these tropes across contemporary, sports, and historical romance genres, and highlight notable examples like Elle Kennedy’s and Liz Tomford’s works. The episode also addresses what makes these tropes entertaining, their must-haves like banter and jealousy, and pitfalls like predictable third-act breakups. Tune in for detailed trope breakdowns and book recommendations.

00:00 Introduction to The Plot with a Twist

00:26 Exploring the Fake Dating and Marriage of Convenience Tropes

03:18 Diving into Popular Storylines and Examples

05:51 Unique Twists and Desired Changes in Tropes

09:41 Micro Tropes and Must-Haves

16:31 Dislikes and Common Pitfalls

19:24 Discussing 'Leather and Lark 2'

20:55 Frustrations with Miscommunication Tropes

21:13 Authors Who Nail the Trope

21:29 Favorite Books Featuring the Trope

25:07 Hilarious Fake Dating Scenarios

28:25 Marriage of Convenience Recommendations

37:00 Upcoming Releases and Final Thoughts

38:04 Cocktail of the Week: The Honeymoon

Deep Dive into Nocticadia: Unraveling Gothic Thrills and Spicy Chills

Join hosts Roe, Allorah, and Shaye in the premiere season of The Plot With A Twist as they explore Nocticadia by Keri Lake. Delve into the mysterious Ivy League school of Dracadia University with Lillia, who seeks higher education and answers about her mother's death. This episode provides a spoiler-free discussion on the book's dark academia vibes, atmospheric storytelling, and character development. Hear the hosts' ratings, favourite quotes, and thoughts on the book's progression and ending. Plus, get a special cocktail recipe inspired by the novel and a nod to a free novella linked to the story. Don't forget to like, share, and review to help the podcast reach more bibliomaniacs.

00:00 Introduction to The Plot with a Twist

00:26 Spooky Themes and Today's Book Focus

01:27 Halloween Excitement and Nocticadia Overview

03:06 Reading Formats and Initial Impressions

03:49 Ratings and Spice Levels

07:45 Prologue and Story Atmosphere

10:44 Main Characters Analysis

19:55 Story Progression and Final Thoughts

20:44 Atmospheric Storytelling and Initial Impressions

21:06 Character Introductions and Early Plot Developments

21:31 Mid-Book Lull and Pacing Issues

25:24 Favorite Quotes and Memorable Scenes

30:34 Discussion on the Book's Ending

33:28 Audio vs. Reading Experience

39:04 Future Reads and Author's Other Works

41:02 Cocktail Recipe and Closing Remarks