Calling Cards

WE'RE BACK! Hello! This episode is about the wedding that wasn't, and Lydia and Tay are annoyed. We recap & discuss Bridgerton s2, e6, "The Choice."Lydia's recs:Watching: How to Build a Sex Room, House of the Dragon, and Rings of PowerReading: Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger, a local MN author, Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood, sequel to The Love Hypothesis Tay's recs: Ali Hazelwood's Love on the Brain, The Sentence by Louise Erdrich, Jeannie Lin's Pingkang-li series (murder and forbidden love in the Tang Dynasty), [Also mentioned: Ordinary Grace by WKK, The Night Watchman by LE, The Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley, The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline. PLUS Desi Geek Girls ep 70]We'll put out the next episode as soon as we are able- thank you so much for listening!Instagram and Facebook: @callingcardspod Twitter: @CardsCalling Website: https://www.callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspod Email us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Theme music by PASTACAT @pastacatmusic on Instagram.

Lydia and Taylor are back, with a meandering and impassioned discussion of Season 2, Episode 5 of Bridgerton, An Unthinkable Fate.Lydia's recs:  I haven't been reading much the last several weeks…but I have been watching Kenobi and Ms. Marvel on Disney+ Tay's recs: I've been obsessed with the Murderbot Diaries series by Martha Wells & I read some of Ellen O'Connell's great western historical romanceWe'll make the next episode as soon as we are able- thank you so much for listening!Instagram and Facebook: @callingcardspodTwitter: @CardsCalling Website: https://www.callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspodEmail us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Theme music by PASTACAT @pastacatmusic on Instagram.Help us spread the word about us- please rate, review, and tell a friend!

Lydia and Tay discuss s2, e4 of Bridgerton. Surprises, schemes, and double standards abound. We'll be back in 2 weeks with episode 5.Our reccs:Lydia- EK Johnson's Padme series, Moon KnightTay- Vita & VirginiaThanks for listening! Instagram and Facebook: @callingcardspodTwitter: @CardsCalling Website: https://www.callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspodEmail us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Theme music by PASTACAT @pastacatmusic on Instagram.Help us spread the word about us- please rate, review, and tell a friend!

Grab the Mallet of Death, listeners, because Bridgerton Pall Mall is finally happening! Lydia and Tay recap and discuss season 2, episode 3 of Bridgerton. Rants ensue.Our reccs:Tay: Maggie Osborn's A Stranger's Wife and Crash Landing On You (Netflix)Lydia: Everything Everywhere All at Once Links mentioned:Cameron Diaz on Graham Norton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXhk8zE_Ac0**SPOILER ALERT** Article that mentions oiling hair– don't read if, like Tay, you haven't watched all of season 2! https://joysauce.com/bridgerton-kate-edwina-sharma-indian-sisters/?fbclid=IwAR2jl-en6LIylCTERDliBT6ys22WFogIcc-7BYGfQImDZaVp61pzsPTXqKMThanks for listening! Instagram and Facebook: @callingcardspodTwitter: @CardsCalling Website: https://www.callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspodEmail us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Theme music by PASTACAT @pastacatmusic on Instagram.Help us spread the word about us- please rate, review, and tell a friend!

Lydia and Tay recap and discuss season 2, episode 2 of Bridgerton. We go on at least three rants and detour into Austen, Newsies, Lord of the Rings, and My Fair Lady. Join us in celebrating poetry month this April by insulting Byron in true Bridgerton fashion! P&P film comparison tik tok:​​https://vm.tiktok.com/ZTdHrVg29/ Prank interview with Elijah Wood:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd8jfzN5OkI&list=PLy-0fc3G7o83gWBEDyhk4G_b6cskoRF3O&index=1 My Fair Lady: Come on, Dover, move yer bloomin' arse!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWWULKZB-Y8‘Apologies to the King,' Part 2: The Failure of ‘My Fair Lady'By Andrew Kleidon, Peninsula Pulse – July 31st, 2020https://doorcountypulse.com/apologies-to-the-king-part-2-the-failure-of-my-fair-lady/Our reccs:Tay: Crash Landing On You (Netflix), Hunt the Stars (Starlight's Shadow #1) by Jessie MihalikLydia: Still reading The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab. Watching Snowpiercer (HBO).Thanks for listening! Instagram and Facebook: @callingcardspodTwitter: @CardsCalling Website: https://www.callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspodEmail us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Theme music by PASTACAT @pastacatmusic on Instagram.Help us spread the word about us- please rate, review, and tell a friend!We're back next week to discuss episode 3.

Lydia and Tay recap & discuss episode 1, season 2, of Bridgerton. The Pride & Prejudice vibes are real, folks!What we're reading/watching:Both: Starstruck, a rom com series in the vein of Notting Hill, Our Flag Means Death, an irreverent pirate romp with surprising amounts of romance, and Taskmaster (go check it out on Youtube!)Lydia: Dating Dr. Dil by Nisha Sharma, Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood, A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas, and Incense and Sensibility by Sonali Dev.Tay: Reread Winter's Orbit by Everina Maxwell; The House of the Spirits by Isabel AllendeThanks for listening! Instagram and Facebook: @callingcardspodTwitter: @CardsCalling Website: https://www.callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspodEmail us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Theme music by PASTACAT @pastacatmusic on Instagram.Help us spread the word about us- please rate, review, and tell a friend!

...and so are we! Lydia and Taylor return from an extended hiatus to discuss the upcoming Bridgerton season 2.Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYNCws-a6CQNetflix video we mentioned: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdIeuLTXKJ4Thanks for listening! Instagram and Facebook: @callingcardspodTwitter: @CardsCalling Website: https://www.callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspodEmail us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Theme music by PASTACAT @pastacatmusic on Instagram.Help us spread the word about us- please rate, review, and tell a friend!

Lydia and Tay jump into gender roles and the logic of dominance among changelings with our discussion of Nalini Singh's Branded by Fire. Mercy worries she'll never find a mate as a dominant female and Riley thinks he wants a submissive wolf mate, but don't worry, we relate this all back to real life (it's actually... super relatable).We're taking a short break, listeners! We'll be back with our next episode, Blaze of Memory, on Feb. 1. In this episode, we also revisit Tally and Clay to discuss a really insightful article sent to us by listener Mystery. We highly recommend the article, “In Defense of ‘Unlikable' Heroines,” by Aarya Marsden on Smart Bitches, Trashy Books (**SPOILERS for Kiss of Snow, Tangle of Need, and Shards of Hope**):  https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2019/04/in-defense-of-unlikable-heroines-a-case-study-of-three-heroines-from-nalini-singhs-psy-changeling-series/Reading Recs:Mercy shiftersMercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs (urban fantasy)Co-workers/opposites attractShadowdance (Darkest London #4) by Kristen Callihan (historical paranormal romance)Partners in Persuasion by Nalini Singh (you can also find this novella in the collection Wild Embrace)All the Feels by Olivia Dade (contemporary romance)Thanks for listening! Instagram and Facebook: @callingcardspodTwitter: @CardsCalling Website: https://www.callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspodEmail us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Theme music by PASTACAT @pastacatmusic on Instagram.Help us spread the word about us- please rate, review, and tell a friend!

Book 6 of the Psy-Changeling series starts with a bang, and Lydia is HERE FOR IT! Tay and Lydia recap Branded by Fire and add to our series playlist.We're back again in 2 weeks with our deep-dive discussion of this book!Psy-Changeling Playlist:Tay:Boss Bitch, Doja CatIt's Raining Men, The Weather GirlsShut Up, Kiss Me, Angel OlsonWildest Dreams, Taylor SwiftWhat I Like About You, The RomanticsLydia:Dive, Ed SheeranKing of Anything, Sara Bareilles Mr. Know It All, Kelly ClarksonSweet Creature, Harry StylesJealous, Nick JonasI want you to want me, Cheap Trickhttps://music.apple.com/us/playlist/psy-changeling/pl.u-r2yBAexTPRd661 What're we reading? Tay: Wolfsong by TJ Klune, & rereading Patricia Briggs's “Alpha and Omega” seriesLydia: Single All the Way on Netflix and All the Feels by Olivia DadeThanks for listening! Instagram and Facebook: @callingcardspodTwitter: @CardsCalling Website: https://www.callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspodEmail us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Theme music by PASTACAT @pastacatmusic on Instagram.Help us spread the word about us- please rate, review, and tell a friend!

Lydia and Tay dive into themes of Hostage to Pleasure, book 5 of Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling series. Is Dorian a Mary Sue, and do we care? We get into a somewhat heavy discussion around women's bodily autonomy, because sci fi is RELEVANT.Next episode: Branded by Fire Reading Recs:Enemies to loversPeter Darling, Austin Chant, (queer romantic fantasy)Magpie Lord trilogy, KJ Charles (queer historical paranormal)Folk of the Air trilogy, Holly Black, (YA Fantasy, romance comes later in the trilogy)The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms, NK Jemison, (dark romance-y fantasy)SistersThe Consortium trilogy, Jessie Mihalik (slow burn, romance-heavy sci fi)Thanks for listening! Instagram and Facebook: @callingcardspodTwitter: @CardsCalling Website: https://www.callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspodEmail us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Theme music by PASTACAT @pastacatmusic on Instagram.Help us spread the word about us- please rate, review, and tell a friend!

Lydia and Tay recap Hostage to Pleasure, book 5 of Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling series. The Psy Council is stupid, Dorian is frequently shirtless, and high stakes shenanigans ensue. This one is a LOT less dark, and it has some of our favorite characters!We'll be back in 2 weeks with part 2, our deeper analysis into this book.Psy-Changeling Playlist:Tay:Everybody Wants to Rule the World, LordeI Want to Break Free, QueenI'm Still Standing- Elton JohnDangerous Woman, Ariana Grande Got It Bad for Ya, Danielle Parente and Matthew MasurkaGivin Em What They Love, Janelle Monae ft. PrinceLydia:Can't Get You Out of My Head, Kylie MinogueBroken, LifehouseShe, Elvis Costello King of my Heart, Taylor Swift Kiss, PrinceKiss Me, Sixpence None the Richerhttps://music.apple.com/us/playlist/psy-changeling/pl.u-r2yBAexTPRd661 What're we reading? Tay:Winter's Orbit by Everina Maxwell All the Feels by Olivia Dade Bombshell by Sarah MacLeanHis Inherited Princess by Empi BaryehLydia: The Love Hypothesis by Ali HazelwoodThanks for listening! Instagram and Facebook: @callingcardspodTwitter: @CardsCalling Website: https://www.callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspodEmail us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Theme music by PASTACAT @pastacatmusic on Instagram.Help us spread the word about us- please rate, review, and tell a friend!

Lydia and Tay discuss Mine to Possess, book 4 of Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling series. Featuring morality in sci-fi and romance (with the usual shout outs to Captain America and Anakin Skywalker), plus vampires and zombies (you're welcome). Please let us know what you think of Clay and Tally! We'll be back in 2 weeks, recapping Hostage to Pleasure.Reading recs:Second chance loveWinterblaze, Kristen Callihan (Darkest London #3), historical paranormalJackdaw, KJ Charles, queer historical paranormal (best read after the Magpie trilogy)Recipe for Persuasion, Sonali Dev, contemporaryLover Awakened by J.R. Ward, paranormalFriends to loversRomancing Mister Bridgerton, Julia Quinn, historicalSafe Harbor (Drake Sisters #5), Christine Feehan, paranormalProtecting childrenOracle's Moon, Thea Harrison, paranormalDark Legend, Christine Feehan, paranormalVampire recs:On Immunity: An Inoculation, Eula Bliss (non-fiction)Twilight, Vampire Diaries, True BloodWhat We Do in the Shadows (TV & movie)The Historian, Elizabeth KostovaUnderworld (movie)Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV)Moonlight (TV, 1 season)Zombies:Warm Bodies, Isaac MarioniZombie (TV series, based on the graphic novel)Jeaniene Frost's booksThanks for listening! Instagram and Facebook: @callingcardspodTwitter: @CardsCalling Website: https://www.callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspodEmail us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Theme music by PASTACAT @pastacatmusic on Instagram.Help us spread the word about us- please rate, review, and tell a friend!

Lydia and Tay recap book 4 of Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling series, Mine to Possess. Oof, we are really down on this one. *CW for child abuse. The whole plot and character backstory is child abuse. We won't go into a ton of details, but it's gonna be there for the whole episode, so be aware. Also, slut shaming and rampant misogyny.*We're back in 2 weeks with part 2, our deeper analysis into Mine to Possess.Psy-Changeling Playlist:Lydia:Bad Romance- Lady GagaBleeding Love- Leona LewisBack to Black- Amy WinehouseTake Me to Church- HozierTay:Cranes in the Sky- SolangeRight Back Where We Started From- Maxine NightengaleNow I'm All Messed Up- Tegan and Saralong story short- Taylor Swifthttps://music.apple.com/us/playlist/psy-changeling/pl.u-r2yBAexTPRd661 What're we reading? Tay:Helen Hoang, The Heart PrincipleJesse Q. Sutanto, Dial A for AuntiesAmanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz, “Arcane Society” seriesJordan L. Hawk, Infernal AffairsAustin Chant, Peter DarlingLydia: Angeline Boulley, The Firekeeper's Daughter Thanks for listening! Instagram and Facebook: @callingcardspodTwitter: @CardsCalling Website: https://www.callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspodEmail us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Theme music by PASTACAT @pastacatmusic on Instagram.Help us spread the word about us- please rate, review, and tell a friend!

Lydia and Tay talk about our love of sci-fi metaphors, and the main themes of Caressed by Ice, the third book in Nalini Singh's paranormal romance series, Psy-Changeling. Romance novels ask some of the big questions, folks, amid all the bonkers plots and sexy times, so we talk about light and darkness, loss of innocence, identity, choice, family, and more… plus, mating bonds and “Princess Bride” (hey, we're still us).We'll be back in 2 weeks with book 4, Mine to Possess.Reading Recs:Forbidden romance: Discovery of Witches (fantasy)Every Cassandra Clare series (YA fantasy, contemporary & historical)When He Was Wicked, Julia Quinn (historical)Princess Bride (the movie!)Fated mates:Thea Harrison, Dragon Bound (paranormal!)Trauma recovery:Patricia Briggs, Alpha & Omega (paranormal!)Badass dude, hacker chick (AKA Olicity):Juno Rushdan, Nothing to Fear (contemporary)Thanks for listening! Instagram and Facebook: @callingcardspodTwitter: @CardsCalling Website: https://www.callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspodEmail us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Theme music by PASTACAT @pastacatmusic on Instagram.Help us spread the word- pretty please, rate, review, and tell a friend!

Lydia and Tay finish recapping book three of Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling series, Caressed by Ice. It's still pretty dark stuff, but we've got you covered with pop culture references, from Scooby Doo to High School Musical (and of course, Arrow!).CW: details of Brenna's abduction and assault (from book 1); child abuse **We're back in TWO weeks with part 2, to discuss themes of Caressed by Ice.  (Life got in the way again...)Playlist:LydiaStyle, Taylor Swift mad woman, Taylor Swift Everything Has Changed, Taylor Swift and Ed Sheehan (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, Carole KingTayWhat's Up?, 4 Non Blondes Amor Prohibido, Selena Hungry Eyes, Eric Carmenhttps://music.apple.com/us/playlist/psy-changeling/pl.u-r2yBAexTPRd661  Thanks for listening! Instagram and Facebook: @callingcardspodTwitter: @CardsCalling Website: https://www.callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspodEmail us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Theme music by PASTACAT @pastacatmusic on Instagram.Help us spread the word- pretty please, rate, review, and tell a friend!

Lydia and Tay recap the first 20 chapters of the third book in Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling series, Caressed by Ice, because we get... really... in depth. We agree that Judd and Brenna are TOTALLY Oliver and Felicity from Arrow. CW: details of Brenna's abduction and assault (from book 1); child abuse We're back next week with the rest of this recap.What we're reading:Tay:Nalini Singh, Last Guard (latest Psy-Changeling Trinity novel)Sonali Dev, Incense and Sensibility (modern Austen adaptation)Lucy Parker, Battle Royal (enemies to lovers baking show)Thea Harrison's Elder Races series: Dragon Bound, Serpent's Kiss (paranormal)Lydia:Nalini Singh, Last GuardPatricia Briggs, River Marked (Mercy Thompson #6) (urban fantasy)Angeline Boulley, Firekeeper's Daughter (Native American author and characters, Midwest setting)Thanks for listening! Instagram and Facebook: @callingcardspodTwitter: @CardsCalling Website: https://www.callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspodEmail us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Theme music by PASTACAT @pastacatmusic on Instagram.Help us spread the word- pretty please, rate, review, and tell a friend!

Lydia and Tay discuss ableism and whether Vaughn uses his cave mirrors like Brendan Fraser's character in The Mummy. In this discussion of book 2 of Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling series, Visions of Heat, we decide that Faith is Rapunzel, Vaughn is Flynn Ryder, and the Psy-Council is terrible. We're back on September 7 with part 1 of Caressed by Ice. Reading recs (grain of salt edition… lots of grr arg Alpha Male types!):Lydia's:Jeanine Frost, Halfway to the Grave, book 1 of the Night Huntress series (two worlds, choose one, Alpha male, Sexy redhead)J.R. Ward, Lover Eternal, book 2 of Black Dagger Brotherhood (two worlds, Alpha Male, Virgin Lover)Christine Feehan, Dark Gold, book 3 of the Dark seriesTay's:Sharon Sala, When You Call My Name (Old school romance, psychic connection, suspense/light paranormal)Maya Banks, Whispers in the Dark (KGI #4) & Echoes at Dawn (KGI #5) (Alpha dudes, psychic chicks, suspense/moderate paranormal)Morgan Rogers, Honey Girl (contemporary, explores heroine's mental health, f/f)Thanks for listening! Instagram and Facebook: @callingcardspodTwitter: @CardsCalling Website: https://www.callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspodEmail us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Theme music by PASTACAT @pastacatmusic on Instagram.Help us spread the word about this pod- pretty please, rate, review, and tell a friend!

Lydia and Tay recap book 2 of Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling series, Visions of Heat. Man buns, fated mates, high stakes, Council treachery and erotic mind readings abound.We're back in 2 weeks with part 2, our deeper analysis into Visions of Heat.Playlist:She's Always a Woman, Billy JoelRemember When It Rained (Live), Josh Groban ft. Judith Hill Stronger, Brittany Spears When You Say Nothing at All, Allison KraussI'm a Believer, The Monkees versionMy Girl, Otis Redding versionDreams, Fleetwood Mac(Something Inside) So Strong, Labi Siffrehttps://music.apple.com/us/playlist/psy-changeling/pl.u-r2yBAexTPRd661 What we're reading:Lydia:Patricia Briggs, Bone CrossedNalini Singh, Last GuardTay:Sonali Dev, Incense and SensibilityChristina Lauren, The Soulmate EquationKresley Cole, Immortals After Dark seriesCat Sebastian, The Queer Principles of Kit WebbThanks for listening! Instagram and Facebook: @callingcardspodTwitter: @CardsCalling Website: https://www.callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspodEmail us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Theme music by PASTACAT @pastacatmusic on Instagram.Help us spread the word about this pod- please rate, review, and tell a friend! 

Lydia and Tay get deep, dark, & dangerous with our analysis of themes in Nalini Singh's Slave to Sensation, book one of the Psy-Changeling paranormal romance series. We talk dreams, Silence, skin privileges, Pirates of the Caribbean and more!We'll be back in 2 weeks with  book 2, Visions of HeatReading recs:Patricia Briggs, Mercy Thompson series & Alpha & Omega series (urban fantasy; werewolves)Emma Barry, Party Lines (2015) (contemporary political romance)“BrainDead” (2016) (political satire sci-fi comedy-drama tv show)Talia Hibbert, Act Your Age, Eve Brown (2021) (contemporary romance)Thanks for listening! Instagram and Facebook: @callingcardspodTwitter: @CardsCalling Website: https://www.callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspodEmail us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Theme music by PASTACAT @pastacatmusic on Instagram.Help us spread the word about this pod- please rate, review, and tell a friend!

Two enemies- one secret badass and one overt badass- meet and fall in love while catching a serial killer! Slave to Sensation, the first book in Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling series is packed full of psychic powers, leopards, magic sexy dreams, and lots of swoon-worthy emotional scenes, plus Lydia and Tay discuss tropes, the Titanic, and a playlist we made just for you. We'll be back in two weeks with part 2.Playlist: To Love Somebody, Nina SimoneLook What I Found, Lady GagaNever Gonna Give You Up, Rick AstleyYou've Got to Hide Your Love Away, The BeatlesInvisible Chains, Lauren JaureguiThe Underdog, SpoonDisparate Youth, SantigoldWherever is Your Heart, Brandi CarlileThis Must Be the Place, Sure SureDream a Little Dream of Me, Doris DayDream Lover, Bobby DarinDreams, The CranberriesSpotify (soon) & Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/psy-changeling/pl.u-r2yBAexTPRd661 What we're reading:Lydia:Sarah J. Maas, A Court of Silver FlamesPatricia Briggs, Blood BoundJennifer L. Armintrout, From Blood and Ash series(Check out Sonali Dev's latest, Incense and Sensibility!)Tay:Casey McQuiston, One Last StopPatricia Briggs, Mercy Thompson and Alpha & Omega seriesJuno Rushdan, The Final Hour series, Nothing to FearMentioned:ShrekLilo + StitchStar WarsTitanic; Bowen Yang Iceberg sketch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qP5bu9hLH9E Court of Thorns & RosesArrow (Oliver & Felicity)Thanks for listening! Instagram and Facebook: @callingcardspodTwitter: @CardsCalling Website: https://www.callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspodEmail us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Theme music by PASTACAT @pastacatmusic on Instagram.Help us spread the word about this pod- please rate, review, and tell a friend!

Lydia and Tay are back, with a new direction for the pod: our foray into Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling series! We talk paranormal romance, the Psy-Changeling world, Val Kilmer, Anthony Bridgerton as a wolf shifter, gender, Alpha males, metaphors, the Jedi Code vs the Psy Code, terrible book covers, and more. This paranormal romance series really hits home for us right now with its focus on the centrality of touch, emotion, and connection. We discuss elements of book 1, but don't give any spoilers for the series.Thanks for listening to our long-ass podcast! We'll be back in two weeks with part one of book one, Slave to Sensation. Yay!What we're reading:Lydia:Kate Morton, The Forgotten Garden, The LakehouseSonali Dev, Recipe for PersuasionOlivia Dade, Spoiler AlertLisa Kleypas, The Devil in WinterTay:Suzanne Collins, Hunger Games trilogy Naomi Novik, Deadly EducationLeigh Bardugo, Rule of Wolves (& Six of Crows)Dawnie Walton, The Final Revival of Opal and NevTJ Klune, The House on the Cerulean Sea(wtf Tay, none of those were romance?! let's get back on track, here we go:)K.J. Charles, Charm of Magpies trilogyMorgan Rogers, Honey GirlMartha Waters, To Have and to HoaxTalia Hibbert, Act Your Age, Eve BrownSarah Hogle, Twice ShyRosie Danan, The Intimacy ExperimentThanks for listening! Instagram and Facebook: @callingcardspodTwitter: @CardsCalling Website: https://www.callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspodEmail us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Amazing, fabulous rebooted theme music by PASTACAT! @pastacatmusic on Instagram.Help us spread the word about this pod- please rate, review, and tell a friend!

SPOILER ALERT! This episode contains spoilers for all of the Bridgerton books and their second epilogues. Lydia and Tay revisit our rankings of the books and wrap up Bridgertons until season 2. We’re going on hiatus for two months, then we’ll be back with Nalini Singh’s paranormal/sci-fi/fantasy romance series, Psy-Changeling! Read along and join us!Psy-Changeling series: https://nalinisingh.com/books/psychangeling-series/ What’s “fridging”? https://lby3.com/wir/ https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/StuffedIntoTheFridge Thanks for listening! Instagram and Facebook: @callingcardspodTwitter: @CardsCalling Website: https://www.callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspodEmail us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Theme music by PASTACAT, @pastacatmusic on Instagram.Please rate, review, and tell a friend!

We’ve reached Peak Daphne, listeners. Lydia and Tay chat about adaptation, romance, and Lord of the Rings in the 8th & final episode of season 1 of Netflix’s Bridgerton, “After the Rain.” We’re already excited about season 2! (We hadn’t heard the casting news for Kate when we recorded, more on that next week.) Plus: More on our next project! After next week’s Bridgerton wrap-up, we’re returning this spring with Nalini Singh’s paranormal/sci-fi/fantasy romance series, Psy-Changeling.Recommendations:Psy-Changeling series: https://nalinisingh.com/books/psychangeling-series/ NPR article on black historical romance novelists: https://www.npr.org/2021/02/04/964001303/black-kiss-tory Collection of romance reads recs on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/2035?ref=romanceweek2021_eb “Cinderella” (1997)Also:Sharks: https://www.britannica.com/story/do-sharks-sleepKoko the Gorilla: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/koko-the-gorilla/id1380008439?i=1000483131905 Thanks for listening! You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @callingcardspod, on Twitter @CardsCalling, on our website, https://www.callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspod, or by emailing us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Theme music by PASTACAT, @pastacatmusic on Instagram.Please rate, review, and tell a friend!

Lydia and Tay chat about the largely filler episode 7 of Netflix’s Bridgerton, “Oceans Apart.” We discuss adaptation and fallout from the last episode, and conclude that:Women face the consequencesEverybody is angry and sadLiterally, everyone is angry and sadDaphne has a lot of nerveNothing changes in this episodePlus: we announce our next project for when we finish this season of Bridgerton!CW: mention of sexual assaultWhat we’re reading:Elizabeth Hoyt, Wicked Intentions (Maiden Lane 1), A Rogue Meets His Match (Greycourt 2)Beverly Jenkins, Forbidden (Old West 1)Support Independent Bookstores!Red Balloon Bookshop, St. Paul, MN: https://www.redballoonbookshop.com/ Cafe Con Libros, Brooklyn, NY: https://www.cafeconlibrosbk.com/ Also mentioned:Black American West Museum, Denver, CO: https://www.bawmhc.org/ Thanks for listening! You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @callingcardspod, on Twitter @CardsCalling, on our website, https://www.callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspod, or by emailing us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Theme music by PASTACAT, @pastacatmusic on Instagram.Please rate, review, and tell a friend!

Tay and Lydia take on episode 6, “Swish,” of Netflix and Shondaland’s "Bridgerton." Lydia mulls over which piece of music fits the honeymoon episode better, “It Wasn’t Me” by Shaggy or Taylor Swift’s “Wildest Dreams” arranged and performed by Duomo. We compare Lady Whistledown in the books vs. the series, question the necessity of the village pig plot line, and delve into a serious discussion of consent and the show’s decision to include a sexual assault scene in the adaptation of the original book. Content warning: Detailed discussion of sexual assault, reproductive coercion, and gaslighting takes place 1:26-2:02 in this episode.Next week: Episode 7, “Ocean’s Apart”Our recs:Elizabeth Hoyt, Not the Duke’s Darling, 1st in her Greycourt series, & Wicked Intentions, 1st in her Maiden Lane series (Fabulous romance!)Allie Brosh, Solutions and Other Problems (Hilarious! Not a romance!)Mikhail Bulgakov, The Master and Margarita (A classic! Not a romance!)Support Independent Bookstores!Beagle and Wolf Books & Bindery, Park Rapids, MN, https://beagleandwolf.com/ Powell’s Books, Portland, OR, https://www.powells.com/ Mentioned in the episode:Intimacy coordinators:Keira Knightley and Samuel L. Jackson on the Graham Norton Show, June 2014, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKmn1ZGDbLg Related: https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a35307229/keira-knightley-sex-scenes-ban-male-directors/ Gentleman Jack's intimacy coordinator, https://www.bbc.com/news/av/entertainment-arts-48401926Alexis Daria, You Had Me at HolaMore on follies:https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/76504/10-extravagant-examples-folly-architecture https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folly Consent/sexual assault discussion:Merryanna Salem, “Bridgerton’s Most Controversial Scene Showcases The Series’ Mishandling Of Consent And Race,” Junkee.com: https://junkee.com/bridgerton-controversy-consent-race/283875Aja Romano, “Bridgerton has a rape scene, but it’s not treated like one,” Vox.com: https://www.vox.com/22194033/bridgerton-netflix-rape-scene-novelAbout reproductive coercion, onelove.com: https://www.joinonelove.org/learn/know-reproductive-coercion/Thanks for listening! You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @callingcardspod, on Twitter @CardsCalling, on our website, https://www.callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspod, or by emailing us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Theme music by PASTACAT, @pastacatmusic on Instagram.

The episode of Bridgerton where Simon and Daphne have to marry, can’t marry, and then do marry, wouldn’t be complete without an orgy, a big sex ed fail, and more of the Netflix show’s lavish costumes and drama. Lydia & Tay compare the show adaptation to the original book and explain how the episode fits into the romance genre. Come for our slightly silly recap of the episode, stay for the rant about the episode’s portrayal of sex. Next week: Episode 6, “Swish”Our recs!Lorraine Heath, The Viscount and the Vixen (The Hellions of Havisham #3)Elizabeth Hoyt, To Seduce a Sinner (Legend of the Four Soldiers #2)"White Collar""The Nanny"Support Independent Bookstores!Black Garnet Books, online/popup store based in MN https://www.blackgarnetbooks.com/ Bridge Street Books, DC https://bookshop.org/shop/bridgestreetbooks Also:1810 Yorkshire farmer’s diary mentioned: https://www.bbc.com/news/education-51385884 Thanks for listening! You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @callingcardspod, on Twitter @CardsCalling, on our website, https://www.callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspod, or by emailing us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Theme music by PASTACAT, @pastacatmusic on Instagram.

Lydia & Tay talk adaptation, romance, class, race, and casually leaving around diamond necklaces in our analysis and recap of episode 4 of Netflix’s Bridgerton, “An Affair of Honor.” The men in this series are VERY well dressed, and it is glorious. We finally get a big, swoony kiss, or as we all like to call it, “defilement.” Prepare yourself for whiplash, because there’s a lot of longing glances served up and dizzying relays between balls and other drama. Surprise, actions have consequences! Very dramatic consequences. Horseback rescue consequences.Next week: Episode 5, “The Duke and I”Vanessa Riley, “How ‘Bridgerton’ flipped the script on ‘The Duke and I’”:https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/bridgerton-duke-and-i/2021/01/11/f47578ba-540d-11eb-a931-5b162d0d033d_story.html What we’re reading:E.K. Johnston, Star Wars: The Queen’s Shadow Renee Adieh, The Flame in the Mist & The Wrath & the DawnLaurell K. Hamilton, “Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter” seriesIndie bookstores:Elliot Bay Book Company, Seattle, WA https://www.elliottbaybook.com/ Loyalty Bookstores, Petworth, DC & Silver Spring, MD https://www.loyaltybookstores.com/ Mentioned:Gray’s AnatomyShadowhunters (Malec video rec)Hamilton (“10 Duel Commandments”)MerlinHadestown (“Chant II”)Moulin RougeSweet Home AlabamaFever Pitch (that movie with Jimmy Kimmel & Drew Barrymore)She’s the Man

Lydia & Tay discuss episode 3 of Netflix’s Bridgerton, “The Art of the Swoon.”The female gaze is here to stay! Daphne meets a prince and we take a firm stand against drinking milk straight from the jug, trudging endlessly through puddles, and stealing roses from vases... and a firm stand in favor of Simon in general. Swooning gets a closer look, as does Simon’s spoon moment and how the episode functions as an adaptation.Next week, we take on episode 4, “An Affair of Honor.”What we’re watching & reading:“Sylvie’s Love” on Prime (2020) with Tessa Thompson, Nnamdi Asomugha, Eva Longoria, Aja Naomi King, Jemima Kirke, Tone Bell and Regé-Jean PageAlyssa Cole, When No One Is Watching (2020)Olivia Dade, Spoiler Alert (2020)Support independent bookstores! Moon Palace Books in Minneapolis, MN https://www.moonpalacebooks.com/ Charis Books & More in Atlanta, GA https://www.charisbooksandmore.com/Also mentioned:This hilarious video by Josh Pray: https://m.facebook.com/joshpraycomedy/videos/202734014856450/?refsrc=https%3A%2F%2Fm.facebook.com%2Fwatch%2F&_rdr Harry Potter and the Half-Blood PrinceA Cinderella Story: Once Upon a SongRomancing the StoneThe American PresidentGray’s AnatomyThe Bechdel TestStar WarsGame of ThronesHamiltonThe Young VictoriaThanks for listening! You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @callingcardspod, on Twitter @CardsCalling, on our website, http://callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspod, or by emailing us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Theme music by PASTACAT, @pastacatmusic on Instagram.

Lydia & Tay discuss episode 2 of Netflix’s Bridgerton, “Shock and Delight.”Lady Danbury continues to sweep the episode’s Best Dressed, and Queen Charlotte takes a surprise win for Best Undressed. We talk flashbacks of Simon’s backstory, drama, gratuitous shirtless scenes, the woeful inadequacies of Regency- & modern- sex ed for women and girls, adaptation comparisons, music, and accurate undergarments.CW: Traumatic childbirth, maternal mortalityAudio quality will improve next week, sorry! Tune in as we discuss episode 3, "The Art of the Swoon."What we’re reading:John Jackson Miller, Star Wars: A New DawnAlyssa Cole, How to Catch a Queen (Runaway Royals #1)Support independent bookstores! Storied Owl Books in St. Paul, MN - https://storiedowlbooks.com/ Smith Family Bookstore in Eugene, OR - http://smithfamilybookstore.com/ Thanks for listening! You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @callingcardspod, on Twitter @CardsCalling, on our website, callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspod, or by emailing us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Theme music by PASTACAT, @pastacatmusic on Instagram.

It’s finally here! BRIDGERTON! Lydia and Tay discuss episode 1 of Netflix's Bridgerton, "Diamond of the First Water.” No spoilers for the rest of the season. Featuring: Best Dressed, Best Undressed, our thoughts on adaptation, and, perhaps, some general silliness.Briefly: We loved it, and we have a lot to say. Shocking, we know.Our take on episode 2, “Shock and Delight,” is coming next week, so keep your bingeing to a, well… maximum? Do what you want!Support independent bookstores! Yay!The Ripped Bodice in LA, CA www.therippedbodicela.com Tattered Cover in Denver, CO https://www.tatteredcover.com/ What we’re reading:Farrah Rochon, The Boyfriend ProjectBea Koch, Mad and Bad: Real Heroines of the RegencySherry ThomasElizabeth HoytCourtney Milan, The Duke Who Didn’tDenise Williams, How to Fail at FlirtingT.J. Klune, How to Be a Movie StarThanks for listening! Let us know what you think. You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @callingcardspod, on Twitter @CardsCalling, on our website, callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspod, or by emailing us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Theme music by PASTACAT, @pastacatmusic on Instagram.

ANOTHER TRAILER! Gather, gentle listeners, as Lydia and Taylor dissect every microsecond of the latest Bridgerton trailer. We have characters' voices! Gorgeous costumes, setting and lighting! Scandal! A meet-cute... and a duel! We're now that much more excited for Netflix's Bridgertons this Christmas, and we're sure you are, too. We'll be back on Dec. 29 for our spoiler-free review of the first episode of Bridgerton. Please rate, review and subscribe! Share with a friend!Let us know what you think: You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @callingcardspod, on Twitter @CardsCalling, on our website, callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspod, or by emailing us at callingcardspod@gmail.com.Theme music by PASTACAT; @pastacatmusic on Instagram.

Cucumber sandwiches! Kidnapping! Boring sex! Lydia and Taylor rant about cardboard characters, crappy brothers and dumb friends in Julia Quinn’s 8th Bridgerton novel, On the Way to the Wedding. Wild happenings in an orangery, tying a crush to a toilet, and a lot of talk about love and sandwiches... Look, listeners, we’re really not fans of this one. We’ll be back in a few weeks to discuss the first episode of Bridgertons!Thanks for listening! Let us know what you think about our take on Gregory, Lucy, and the rest. You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @callingcardspod, on Twitter @CardsCalling, on our website, callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspod, or by emailing us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Theme music by PASTACAT, @pastacatmusic on Instagram. What we’re reading:Courtney Milan, The Duke Who Didn’t (2020)Olivia Dade, Spoiler Alert (2020)Reading recs:Kate Clayborn, Love Lettering (2019)Jackie Lau, Ice Cream Lover (2019)Mia Sosa, The Worst Best Man (2020)Alexandria Bellefleur, Written in the Stars (2020)Alexis Daria, You Had Me at Hola (2020)***Support your local independent bookstores!Women-run, romance bookstore:The Ripped Bodice, LA area, https://www.therippedbodicela.com/ Twin Cities area:Moon Palace Books, https://www.moonpalacebooks.com/Storied Owl Books, https://storiedowlbooks.com/Next Chapter Booksellers, https://www.nextchapterbooksellers.com/Birchbark Books, author- and Native-owned, https://birchbarkbooks.com/Portland, OR:Powell's Books, https://www.powells.com/DC area:Loyalty Bookstore, Black- and Queer-owned, https://www.loyaltybookstores.com/Let us know about your favorite local bookstores!

Lydia and Taylor chat about our favorite holiday rom coms. Join us next week for our analysis of Gregory’s book, the 8th and final novel in Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series, On the Way to the Wedding.Thanks for listening! Let us know what you're favorite holiday rom coms are:Find us on Instagram and Facebook @callingcardspod, on Twitter @CardsCalling, on our website, callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspod, or by emailing us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Theme music by PASTACAT, @pastacatmusic on Instagram.

Lydia and Taylor discuss the upcoming show Bridgerton and give an update about what's coming next on the podcast in December. Please rate, review and subscribe. Share with a friend!You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @callingcardspod, on Twitter @CardsCalling, on our website, callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspod, or by emailing us at callingcardspod@gmail.com.Theme music by PASTACAT; @pastacatmusic on Instagram.

We’re between books this week as we chat about Marie Antoinette and speculate about the kind of historical production the Netflix series “Bridgerton” will be. Join Lydia and Taylor next week for our thoughts on the last Bridgerton book.Thanks for listening! Reach out and let us know what you think. You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @callingcardspod, on Twitter @CardsCalling, on our website, callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspod, or by emailing us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Theme music by PASTACAT, @pastacatmusic on Instagram. Mentioned:“Marie Antoinette” “Reign”“Arrow”“Gentleman Jack""The Office"“Outlander”Alyssa ColeThe Ripped Bodice bookstoreThe Hating Game by Sally Thorne“You Are Wrong About” podcast“Noble Blood” podcast

Baaaaa. Are y’all ready for some postcoital treasure hunting? Men are gossips, Miss Butterworth is hanging from something, Lady Danbury is present for the best proposal in the series, and Lydia and Taylor are wrapping up our discussion of It’s in His Kiss, the 7th book in Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series. Lydia outlines what a modern-day adaptation could look like and Taylor gives reading recs and a playlist based on the book.Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1MA6kFp8SVxpiUNBQjg1mu?si=17c_3hj7R2q4OEQbi24lpACan’t Get Enough of Myself, SantigoldYou Give Love a Bad Name, Bon JoviGaslighter, The ChicksThe Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss), Betty Everett/CherDiamonds and Pearls, PrinceLittle Jeannie, Elton JohnYour Song, Elton JohnReading Recs:Friends to Lovers: Christina Lauren, Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating (2018)Benjamin Alire Sáenz, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (2012)Cat Sebastian, Two Rogues Make a Right (2020)"Outrageous" (determined) female characters:Talia Hibbert, A Girl Like Her (2018)Courtney Milan, The Heiress Effect (2013)Scheming:Penny Reid, Beard Science (2016)Heist/con:Katrina Jackson, Grand Theft NYE (2019)Family:Adriana Herrera, American Dreamer (2019)Nalini Singh, Psy-Changeling seriesThanks for listening! Reach out and let us know what you think. You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @callingcardspod, on Twitter @CardsCalling, on our website, callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspod, or by emailing us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Theme music by PASTACAT, @pastacatmusic on Instagram. Mentioned:Agent CarterNational TreasureLord of the RingsRomancing the StoneFool’s Gold

This week, Lydia and Tay continue our chat about some of the pods, shows, movies and books we’ve been enjoying lately. We’ll be back next week with part 2 of It’s in His Kiss. Follow us on social media! Lydia posts what romance we’re each reading every week, and she keeps up with Netflix Bridgerton updates like gorgeous photos of the cast. Let us know what you think of our recs and what comfort recs you have!You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @callingcardspod, on Twitter @CardsCalling, on our website, callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspod, or by emailing us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. We might read your message on the pod! Theme music by PASTACAT, @pastacatmusic on Instagram. Please rate & subscribe- leave us a 5* review and we’ll give you a shoutout on air.Tell a friend— when Bridgerton starts on 25th Dec, you’re gonna want to talk to someone about it! Mentioned:Witch, Please podcastBuffering the Vampire Slayer podcastBuffy the Vampire SlayerThe Shape of WaterWynonna EarpAlexis Daria, You Had Me At HolaNalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling series (...yes, again)Leigh Bardugo, Grishaverse booksSchitt’s CreekGray’s AnatomyERNotting Hill Cigarette Burns movie podcastOceans 12Pretty Woman SpeedSaving Private RyanThe PatriotThe Princess BrideThe Princess DiariesRunaway BrideRaising HelenSteel Magnolias Fried Green TomatoesThe BodyguardDolly Parton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yr2Nf53dg9Y Joyful NoiseDumplin’The Last Holiday

In this special episode, Lydia and Taylor discuss the trailer for Bridgerton on Netflix. WE FINALLY HAVE A TRAILER! EDIT: It's been less than a day and we're already eating crow! Ignore everything we said about Anthony because we were WRONG. Gasp. Guess we'll all have to wait till Dec. 25 to find out what happens in season 1 of Bridgerton...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIsKen3y-mU Thanks for listening to Calling Cards! Next week, tune in for “Heist Time! part two,” where we wrap up our discussion of the 7th Bridgerton book, It’s in His Kiss.Calling Cards is a podcast where two friends analyze and chat about Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton romance series. We’re covering every book and the Netflix series.Follow us on social media! Lydia posts what romances we’re reading every week, and she keeps up with Netflix Bridgerton updates like gorgeous photos of the cast. You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @callingcardspod, on Twitter @CardsCalling, on our website, callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspod, or by emailing us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. We might read your message on the pod! Theme music by PASTACAT, @pastacatmusic on Instagram.

Introducing a new segment: Stuff We Know About Italian Opera Singers.Taylor and Lydia really, REALLY loved It’s in His Kiss, the 7th book in Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series, but our true love goes to the inimitable Lady Danbury.The Netflix Bridgerton series has a premiere date and photos! We discuss what we’re excited about for the screen adaptation, as well as this book’s tropes, wonderful characters, and a gloriously bad gothic novel.Join us in two weeks for part 2! Next week, tune in to hear us discuss Tay’s current comfort-watches.Follow our socials to see what we’re reading every week! You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @callingcardspod, on Twitter @CardsCalling, on our website, callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspod, or by emailing us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. We might read your message on the pod! Theme music by PASTACAT, @pastacatmusic on Instagram. What we’re (not) reading:Spoiler Alert, Olivia DadeGuild Hunter series, Nalini SinghTake a Hint, Dani Brown, Talia HibbertWhite Whiskey Bargain, Jodie SlaughterGrishaverse, Leigh Bardugo- Shadow and Bones Trilogy, Six of Crows DuologyAn Ember in the Ashes, Sabaa TahirHow to Catch a Queen (Runaway Royals #1), Alyssa Cole (Not “Runaway Queen” lol)Mentioned in this episode:“Marie Antoinette” Gray’s Anatomy “To Catch a Thief”JQ’s Splendid trilogy (Minx, etc)JQ’s Bevelstoke trilogy (What Happens in London, etc)JQ’s Smythe-Smith Quartet (Just Like Heaven, etc)Northanger Abbey, Jane Austen“Ocean’s 8”“Romancing the Stone”“Jewel of the Nile”“Swan Princess” (songs "This is My Idea" and "No Fear"; frog's name is Jean Bob)Cassandra ClareNK Jemisin’s Inheritance TrilogySarah J. MaasThe Ripped Bodice bookstoreLoyalty Books

As we read It’s in His Kiss in preparation for next week’s episode, Lydia and Taylor discuss Lydia’s go-to comfort watches. From getting out the vote and women’s health to (problematic) childhood classics, this Regency-ish romance podcast is going full speed between books this week, so buckle up! Next week, we’re back with the Bridgertons!Follow our socials to see what we’re reading each week and let us know what you’re comfort-watching right now. You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @callingcardspod, on Twitter @CardsCalling, on our website, callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspod, or by emailing us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. We might read your message on the pod! Theme music by PASTACAT, @pastacatmusic on Instagram.Mentioned:Call the MidwifeOne Born Every MinuteCall Your Girlfriend (podcast)The West WingRedLittle WomenLouisa May Alcott: Eight Cousins, A Rose in Bloom, An Old-Fashioned GirlAmerican GirlLittle House On the Prairie, Laura Ingalls Wilder

Michael gets consent! He gets it! In Part 2, Lydia and Taylor discuss seeing another side of Lady Vi’s character, grapple with themes of Julia Quinn’s When He Was Wicked, including grief, death of a spouse, and guilt, and decide where Michael ranks among the Bridgerton books so far. Lydia gives a recap and analysis of Francesca and Michael's second epilogue and Taylor FINALLY gets to rant about colonialism. Plus: Book recs!CW: miscarriage, infertility, colonialism, death of a spouseThanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please tell a friend.Book recs:Great Scot!:Diana Gabaldon, Outlander (1991)Jennifer Ashley, The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (2009)Maya Banks, Never Seduce a Scot (2012)Alyssa Cole, A Duke by Default (2018)Widows (but not straight):Olivia Waite, A Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics (2018) Courtney Milan, Mrs Martin's Incomparable Adventure (2019)Alisha Rai, Wrong to Need You (2015)Angsty relative widows:Naima Simone, Sin and Ink (2018)Lorraine Heath, The Earl Takes All (2016)Angsty widows, no cousin stuff:Diane Biller, The Widow of Rose House (2019)Jessie Mihalik, Aurora Blazing (2019) (Tay forgot to say it in the episode) Lord Liverpool, freedom of the press and class politics:Olivia Waite, The Care and Feeding of Waspish Widows (2020)Celeste Bradley, “Liars Club” and “Royal Four” series (2003-2006)KJ Charles, “Society of Gentlemen” series (2015-2016)Mentioned in this episode:Edward Said, On Orientalism (1978)Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden (1911)Rudyard Kipling, Kim (1901)B&N cover fiasco-- see “Author L.L. McKinney: Barnes & Noble 'Diverse Editions' Are 'Literary Blackface',” NPR, Feb. 2020: https://www.npr.org/2020/02/06/803473296/author-l-l-mckinney-barnes-noble-diverse-editions-are-literary-blackface Mark TwainJean Rhys, Wide Sargasso Sea (1966)Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre (1847)Project Gutenberg free classic ebooks, https://www.gutenberg.org/Virginia WoolfYou can find us on Instagram and Facebook @callingcardspod, on Twitter @CardsCalling, on our website, callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspod, or by emailing us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. We might read your message on the pod! Original music by PASTACAT, @pastacatmusic on Instagram.

Who's the Elinor and who's the Marianne? Lydia and Taylor discuss book 6 in Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series, When He Was Wicked. We create a playlist to accompany the book (you’re welcome), dissect tropes, don excellent male voices, and respond to listener emails. We love Michael, the Merry Rake!We’re back next week with part 2, a mixed bag of colonialism, grief, and romance. Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please tell a friend.What we’re reading:Rosie Danan, The Roommate and Farrah Rochon, The Boyfriend ProjectNalini Singh, Alpha NightYou can find us on Instagram and Facebook @callingcardspod, on Twitter @CardsCalling, on our website, callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspod, or by emailing us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Original music by PASTACAT, @pastacatmusic on Instagram.Mentioned in this episode:Julia Quinn, The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda CheeverCordelia Chase from “Buffy” and "Angel"Nalini Singh, “Psy-Changeling” series (yes, again; no, we’re not getting paid for this!)Edna Mode from “The Incredibles”All musicians/Josh GrobanPuck from A Midsummer Night’s DreamReduced Shakespeare CompanyMarisa Tomei as Mona Lisa in “My Cousin Vinny”“Jessie’s Girl,” Rick Springfield“Every Breath You Take,” The Police“Ready to Run,” The ChicksJulia Quinn, Just Like Heaven"Wayne’s World"Elinor and Marianne from Sense and SensibilityMCU, Marvel Cinematic Universe

Lydia and Taylor chat about time travel romance (more or less). Next week we'll be discussing Bridgertons in Scotland with book 6, When He Was Wicked.Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please tell a friend.You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @callingcardspod, on Twitter @CardsCalling, on our website, callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspod, or by emailing us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Original music by PASTACAT, @pastacatmusic on Instagram.Mentioned in this episode:Casey McQuiston, One Last Stop, spring 2021Kate & LeopoldThe Knight Before ChristmasLadyhawkeSomewhere in TimeDr Quinn, Medicine WomanSupermanSound of MusicKnives OutBrooklyn NineTime Traveler’s WifeThe VowSookie StackhouseTrue BloodMoonlightTwilightDoctor WhoTristan & IsoldeHawaii 5-0Veronica MarsAbout TimeHarry PotterStar WarsWild TargetWhat A Girl WantsSliding DoorsFour Weddings and a FuneralOutlanderDiscovery of WitchesA Kid in King Arthur’s CourtA Night in CamelotGroundhog DayPalm SpringsHot Tub Time MachineLost in AustenNalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling series

To Sir Phillip with Love, part 2 of 2Taylor decides the Von Trapp trope is definitely a thing, Lydia calls out Eloise on her class and white privilege, we discuss mental health and mental illness in the romance genre, and Lydia speculates on Bridgertons season 1. Plus, Lydia’s modern retelling and Tay’s reading recommendations (below)!When He Was Wicked is coming in 2 weeks! Finally, Bridgertons in Scotland!CW: child abuseThanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please tell a friend.You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @callingcardspod, on Twitter @CardsCalling, on our website, callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspod, or by emailing us at callingcardspod@gmail.com.Reading reccs:Epistolary:Tessa Dare, When A Scot Ties the Knot (2015)Lisa Kleypas, Love in the Afternoon (2010)Beth O'Leary, The Flat Share (2019)Sophie Kinsella, I've Got Your Number (2012)Courtney Milan, Hold Me (Cyclone #2) (2016)Von Trapp!:Cat Sebastian, It Takes Two to Tumble (2017)Grumpy Hero:T.J. Klune, How to Be a Normal Person (2015)Main characters navigating mental illness:Talia Hibbert, Untouchable (Ravenswood #2) (2019)Alisha Rai (Forbidden Hearts and Modern Love) Courtney Milan, Trade Me (Cyclone #1) (2015)Priscilla Oliveras, Island Affair (2020)Kristen Callihan, Fall (VIP) (2018)Penny Reid, Beard in Mind (Winston Brothers #4)(2017)Jackie Lau, Mr. Hotshot CEO (2018)Mentioned in the episode:Nalini Singh, Psy-Changeling series (of course)Ursula K LeGuin, The Lathe of HeavenSarah J. Maas, Throne of Glass seriesEmily Bronte, Wuthering HeightsGrey’s AnatomyDraculaCyrano de BergeracJane EyreRebeccaShirley Jackson

Book 5 of the Bridgerton series gives us a chance to talk about mental health in romance novels. In part one of Julia Quinn’s To Sir Phillip with Love, we examine what makes this book different from the previous four. Taylor and Lydia dive into introspective characters and their random thoughts, the epic Bridgerton bros scene, and parallels with earlier books. Tay goes into unnecessary tangents about the British Museum, we talk setting and trauma, and Eloise and Phillip discover that meeting someone IRL for the first time is “80% stutter, 20% gold.”CW: suicide, depression, childhood abuseComing up: Part 2 continues the conversation about portrayals of mental illness in historical and romance novels and Philip’s struggles to be a good father. Ya know, lighthearted stuff. Tune in next week to hear Lydia’s two scenarios for a modern Phillip and Eloise and Tay’s reading recommendations!What we’re reading:Vanessa Riley, A Duke, the Lady, and a BabyOlivia Waite, The Care and Feeding of Waspish WidowsNalini Singh, the Psy-Changeling series Talia Hibbert, Get a Life, Chloe BrownThanks for listening! If you liked this episode, please tell a friend.You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @callingcardspod, on Twitter @CardsCalling, on our website, callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspod, or by emailing us at callingcardspod@gmail.com.Original music by PASTACAT, @pastacatmusic on Instagram.

In which we attempt to stay on topic with the hidden identity trope and wind up discussing paranormal romance. Lydia doesn’t care about the plot and Taylor refuses to give spoilers. Loving shout out to Sara of the specific spoiler questions ;-) This brief excerpt was edited out of our last Romancing Mr. Bridgerton episode. Next week, To Sir Phillip with Love!Mentioned:Nalini Singh, Psy-Changeling seriesJessie Mihalik, Consortium Rebellion trilogy- Aurora Blazing and Chaos ReigningSarah J. Maas, A Court of Thorns and RosesThanks for listening! You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @callingcardspod, on Twitter @CardsCalling, on our website, callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspod, or by emailing us at callingcardspod@gmail.com.Original music by PASTACAT, @pastacatmusic on Instagram.

“Hey Penelope, your wallflower days are over, you rad spinster, you!” - Lady Danbury, probablyThis episode, we take our sweet time and tackle tropes from Julia Quinn’s Romancing Mr. Bridgerton. Featuring dudebros, privilege, history as setting, female friendship, reading recommendations, and more! Book 5, To Sir Phillip with Love, airs in two weeks.Thanks for listening! You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @callingcardspod, on Twitter @CardsCalling, on our website, callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspod, or by emailing us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Original music by PASTACAT, @pastacatmusic on Instagram. Mentioned:SabrinaCaptain MarvelHow to Lose a Guy in Ten DaysReturn to MeThirteen Going on ThirtyCrash Landing On YouWynona EarpDate Night with Alyssa Cole, Loyalty BooksKJ Charles, Society of Gentlemen seriesRecs:Writers (historical)Lisa Kleypas, Dreaming of You (1994)Tessa Dare, Romancing the Duke (2014)Heroines who aren't teeny-tinyTalia Hibbert, Get a Life, Chloe Brown (2019) and Take a Hint, Dani Brown (2020) Wallflowers & spinstersSarah MacLean's One Good Earl Deserves a Lover (2013)Lisa Kleypas, Marrying Winterborne (2016)SecretsCeleste Bradley, The Pretender, The Imposter, and The Spy ("Liar's Club" series, 2003), To Wed a Scandalous Spy (2005)Beverly Jenkins, Indigo (1996)Courtney Milan, Unraveled (Turner #3) (2011)Alyssa Cole, An Extraordinary Union (2017)Elizabeth Hoyt, Maiden Lane series, #4-6: Thief of Shadows (2012), Lord of Darkness (2013), Duke of Midnight (2013)Alexa Martin, Fumbled (2019)Alexis Daria, Take the Lead (2017)Girl next doorKwana Jackson, Real Men Knit (2020)Unrequited love /friends to loversSamantha Young, Before Jamaica Lane (2014)Women who run empiresAlisha Rai, The Right Swipe (2019)

The role of writing in Romancing Mr. Bridgerton is the Russian nesting doll of this episode, which covers Penelope and Colin’s relationship, mansplaining, body image, and beauty standards. In our second episode on Julia Quinn’s fourth Bridgerton book, Lydia talks about what reading Penelope’s story and having a heroine who was bullied and came out stronger meant to her sixteen-year-old self, and describes what P. and C. would be like today.Next week, part 3!“You'll never share real love until you love yourself, I should know!” -RentThanks for listening! You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @callingcardspod, on Twitter @CardsCalling, on our website, callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspod, or by emailing us at callingcardspod@gmail.com.Original music by PASTACAT, @pastacatmusic on Instagram. Mentioned:“Six” the musical“Bodyguard”“Killing Eve”“The Princess Bride” (yes, again)“Rent” the musical“Mean Girls” (Regina George)“The IT Crowd”“Arrow”

It is a truth universally acknowledged that the Pen is mightier than the sword. This is episode one of three breaking down Julia Quinn’s Romancing Mr. Bridgerton! We take our time with the fourth Bridgertons book, starring our favorite, Penelope Featherington (and Colin Bridgerton, of course). This spoiler-laden discussion covers Minnesota Goodbyes, garbage disposals, Lady Danbury, and adaptations. Next week, more of Penelope and Colin!What we’re reading:Nalini Singh, Visions of Heat; Psy-Changeling and Psy-Changeling Trinity seriesSarah Hogle, You Deserve Each OtherThanks for listening! You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @callingcardspod, on Twitter @CardsCalling, on our website, callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspod, or by emailing us at callingcardspod@gmail.com.Original music by PASTACAT, @pastacatmusic on Instagram. Mentioned in this episode:SupernaturalOrphan BlackMcCloud’s DaughtersChristine FeehanStephanie Meyer, TwilightJulia Quinn, Bevelstoke series (What Happens in London, Ten Things I Love About You), Everything and the Moon, Minx, the Smythe-Smith QuartetLisa Kleypas, Dreaming of YouStephanie Laurens, Cynster seriesJK Rowling, Harry PotterDoctor WhoBeing HumanJane Austen, Pride and PrejudiceDiana Gabaldon, OutlanderDeborah Harkness, Discovery of WitchesChristopher Paolini, EragonJRR Tolkien, Lord of the Rings(Nicola Coughlan, we will pronounce your name correctly! Really!)

Count how many times Lydia says "bonkers"... is it too many, or not enough? Fairy tale retellings, Aussie, NZ and UK dramas, and our casting hopes for Bridgertons on Netflix. In short: Y’all should watch McCloud’s Daughters, A Place to Call Home, and Gentleman Jack!Next week: We discuss Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn! Thanks for listening! You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @callingcardspod, on Twitter @CardsCalling, on our website, callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspod, or by emailing us at callingcardspod@gmail.com. Original music by PASTACAT, @pastacatmusic on Instagram.In this episode:McCloud’s DaughtersBridgertons (upcoming)H2O: Just Add WaterDance AcademyThe Almighty JohnsonsThe HobbitA Place to Call HomeStardustDesperadosNew GirlDownton AbbeyMiss FisherCall the MidwifeOutlanderGentleman JackJim Halpert (The Office)

And then, and then, AND THEN… Julia Quinn’s An Offer from a Gentleman, continued! Starting with THAT SCENE with the Bridgerton brothers and Penelope Featherington, we examine class and social standing with only a moderate amount of uncalled for hilarity, consider consent, privilege, dreams, different kinds of bravery and the subversion of romance in this incredibly romantic third book in the Bridgerton series. Also: Yes, we lied last episode, Anthony is actually in this book! And all of our book recs are in the show notes and will be on social media and our website.In two weeks: Part 1 of our ultimate favorite, Romancing Mr. Bridgerton! Recs:Fairy tale -Cat Sebastian, The Lawrence Browne Affair (2017)Teresa Medeiros, Yours Until Dawn (2004)Naomi Novik, Uprooted (2015)Mistaken ID/ Hidden ID -Joanna Bourne, Spymaster's Lady (2008)Sherry Thomas, Beguiling the Beauty (2012) and His at Night (2010)Elizabeth Boyle, Something About Emmaline (2005)Tracy Anne Warren, The Husband Trap (2006)Naima Simone, Scoring with the Wrong Twin (WAGS #1) (2018)Talia Hibbert, Mating the Huntress (2018)Alyssa Cole, A Princess in Theory (2018)Sonali Dev, A Bollywood Affair (2014)Bastards AND the 99% - Sarah MacLean's “Bareknuckle Bastards” series (2018)Mentioned:The Princess Bride (yes, again)The Swan PrincessTangledA Cinderella Story Thanks for listening! You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @callingcardspod, on Twitter @CardsCalling, on our website, callingcards.wixsite.com/callingcardspod, or by emailing us at callingcardspod@gmail.com.Original music by PASTACAT, @pastacatmusic on Instagram.