In this episode, we discuss Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Jessica Guerrieri, joined by the author herself. It’s a powerful story of motherhood, identity, and the phantom life that lingers in the background. We unpack the choices, struggles, and regrets that make Leah O’Connor’s journey unforgettable.

Links

• Official author website: (https://www.jessicaguerrieri.net/)
• Book on Goodreads: (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216052784-between-the-devil-and-the-deep-blue-sea)
• Jessica Guerrieri on Goodreads: (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/50861087.Jessica_Guerrieri)

Chapters

• (01:23) - Why Krsity picked this book
• (04:05) - Book summary (clean)
• (05:29) - SPOILER ALERT
• (05:45) - Kristy's review
• (07:09) - Jon's review
• (08:30) - A metaphorical title
• (10:16) - A phantom life
• (15:04) - Sympathetic or infuriating
• (18:07) - Reliable or unreliable
• (20:38) - Shaping a sense of self
• (23:23) - Leah’s relationships
• (27:26) - Paving another path
• (30:24) - Making different choices
• (32:53) - Failures or societal pressures
• (35:03) - More from the ending?
• (39:39) - Interview with Jessica
• (01:08:49) - Final thoughts

Kristy and Jon dive into Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid, a sweeping novel set in NASA’s 1980s shuttle program. They unpack Joan Goodwin’s path from professor to astronaut, the heartbreaking tension of mission STS-LR9, and the slow-burn love story that had them publicly sobbing by the pool. With laughs, tears, and plenty of side-eye for Barbara, they explore ambition, sacrifice, and what it means to find love among the stars.

Links

• Official author website: (https://taylorjenkinsreid.com/)
• Atmosphere: (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220817728-atmosphere)
• Taylor Jenkins Reid on Goodreads: (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6572605.Taylor_Jenkins_Reid)

Chapters

• (04:23) - Jon's review
• (06:26) - Kristy's review
• (07:51) - The storytelling
• (10:54) - Cast of characters
• (15:17) - More than friendship
• (17:56) - Thoughts on the love story
• (21:17) - NASA program
• (25:27) - Barbara, Barbara, Barbara
• (28:05) - Space vs Earth
• (30:48) - A romance exposed
• (34:51) - No one left behind
• (39:06) - THe ending
• (44:56) - The ending being the ending
• (48:25) - Wanna go to space, puppy?
• (51:46) - Final thoughts

We’re back in the world of Basgiath—and things are darker, deadlier, and dragon-ier than ever. In this episode, we dive into Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros to unpack the twists, the trauma, and THAT final reveal. Violet’s world is crumbling and Xaden’s fate hangs in the balance. So. Many. Thoughts.

Links

• Official author website (https://rebeccayarros.com/)
• Onyx Storm on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209439446-onyx-storm)
• Rebecca Yarros on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7539785.Rebecca_Yarros)

Chapters

• (02:00) - Podcast format
• (03:49) - RomanceCon '25
• (07:32) - Kristy's review
• (10:15) - Jon's review
• (13:22) - Adding to the world building
• (17:08) - Magicless
• (20:13) - Andarna's teenage sass
• (21:14) - How Andarna was treated
• (25:12) - Are there others?
• (26:15) - The second signet
• (29:57) - Other second signets
• (32:56) - Building their own army
• (35:37) - Violet's dad
• (38:43) - Asher's excerpts
• (41:41) - The last 100pgs Pt1
• (46:27) - The last 100pgs Pt2
• (50:03) - Bonds
• (52:44) - Final thoughts