Have you ever found a romance novel so captivating that you physically couldn't put it down? That's exactly what happened with Ali Hazelwood's "Problematic Summer Romance." Set against the stunning backdrop of Sicily, this age gap romance brilliantly balances summer vibes with genuine emotional depth.

What makes this book stand out from countless other contemporary romances is how Hazelwood handles the age difference between Maya, a remarkably mature 23-year-old, and Conor (with one N), a man wrestling with his attraction to someone he believes is "too young."

We're both giving this book five enthusiastic stars, and we'd love to hear your thoughts if you've read it! Have you fallen for Conor with one N yet? Or are you planning to pick up this perfect summer read? Let us know in the reviews or reach out on social media – we can't wait to hear your take on this delightful romance.

Cover Art by: Fabienne and Jordan
Contact email: thebookishhourpod@gmail.com
Intro/Outro music: Season Two: Ramaramaray by Aiyo via Epidemic Sound Season One: Sweet Psycho via TikTok’s Offical Sound Studio on Capcut
Follow Us:
Podcast: @thebookishhourpod
Fabienne: @oxonheart
Jordan: @sipsoffiction

Two booklovers reunite for a heartfelt conversation spanning European adventures and the surprising power of community reading.

CATCH UP WITH US: it's been a minute and we are sorry!! (but also not really because life)

Budapest emerges as the unexpected star of the travel segment, with gorgeous thermal baths housed in Art Nouveau buildings and unlimited prosecco cruises along the Danube proving worthy of any travel bucket list. While the city's vast scale might seem intimidating, its walkable streets and convenient electric scooters make three days the perfect timeframe for soaking up its culture, architecture, and surprisingly safe nightlife.

The conversation shifts to a deeper exploration of how physical book clubs are creating meaningful connections in our increasingly digital world. As one host discovers the joy of a local "Beach Read and Bubbly" gathering, we're reminded of what sociologists call "third places" - those vital community spaces beyond home and work that foster authentic human connection. After years of pandemic isolation and virtual interaction, these in-person literary gatherings represent something profoundly important about our fundamental need for community.

Ready to find your own bookish community or add some page-turning summer reads to your collection? Join the conversation by rating, reviewing, and sharing your own book club experiences with us!

Cover Art by: Fabienne and Jordan
Contact email: thebookishhourpod@gmail.com
Intro/Outro music: Season Two: Ramaramaray by Aiyo via Epidemic Sound Season One: Sweet Psycho via TikTok’s Offical Sound Studio on Capcut
Follow Us:
Podcast: @thebookishhourpod
Fabienne: @oxonheart
Jordan: @sipsoffiction

After a successful career in blogging and screenwriting—selling projects to networks like ABC, NBC, and Netflix—Jessie Rosen found her voice in novel writing through a personal family belief: that rings carry the energy of everyone who's worn them before.

"The Heirloom," her breakout novel, explores what happens when a woman insists on knowing the complete history of her engagement ring before accepting it. Jessie reveals how this wasn't mere fictional invention but a deeply held family truth that sparked debate among her own friends when she refused heirloom jewelry for her own engagement.

Her newest release, "All the Signs," continues this exploration of how beliefs shape our lives, drawing from her real-life experiment of tracking down people with her exact birth chart "star twins" to test the validity of astrology.

The conversation reveals fascinating insights about her creative process, including how she plots extensively yet allows herself flexibility within that structure, and how morning hours are reserved for fresh writing while afternoons focus on structure and planning. For aspiring writers, Jessie emphasizes the importance of building a consistent body of work that publishers can trust, whether through blogs, newsletters, or social media.

Follow Jessie's journey through her books and her newest project, a Substack newsletter called "Bravery," where she connects with readers between book releases.

Cover Art by: Fabienne and Jordan
Contact email: thebookishhourpod@gmail.com
Intro/Outro music: Season Two: Ramaramaray by Aiyo via Epidemic Sound Season One: Sweet Psycho via TikTok’s Offical Sound Studio on Capcut
Follow Us:
Podcast: @thebookishhourpod
Fabienne: @oxonheart
Jordan: @sipsoffiction