Heaving Bosoms
Melody Carlisle and Sabrina Bradley love romance and they do it out loud! Every Monday, these long-distance best friends recap romance novels from a comedic, intersectional feminist, sex-positive perspective. If you're itching for a BFF book club or just love raucous slumber party vibes, this is the show for you! Whether you've read the book or not, all are welcome! Giggling, tangents, and sincere joy abound.
Episodes
Sweet Ruin by Kresley Cole (Part 4 of 4) | 439.4
Hey HBs! We've got the final part of our recap of SWEET RUIN by Kresley Cole with Alexis, Sabrina, and Mel! When our episode ended yesterday, our couple was at the beginning of a pretty significant misunderstanding. See, Jo was clear that they would only have sex if they were in an exclusive, committed relationship. Little did she know, Rune’s in a very loophole headspace and he’s sure he can make
Sweet Ruin by Kresley Cole (Part 3 of 4) | 439.3
Hey HBs! We're back with part 3 of our recap of SWEET RUIN by Kresley Cole with Alexis, Sabrina, and Mel. When we ended our episodes last week, Rune had whisked a badly beaten Jo off to his secret residence where he keeps all his most precious belongings to nurse her back to health. It’s a gorgeous hurt/comfort sequence and in the middle, she called out her brother’s name, but he’s pretty sure tha
Sweet Ruin by Kresley Cole (Part 2 of 4) | 439.2
Hey HBs! Here's part 2 of 4 of our recap of SWEET RUIN by Kresley Cole. When our episode ended yesterday, our heroine Jo had just pulled a big ol’ voyeurism on Rune as he secured his newest informants... with his penis. And while he couldn’t see her, he could smell her, so he’s on the hunt to find her.
If you want to hear about the first two books in the IAD series we recapped on the public feed,
Sweet Ruin by Kresley Cole (Part 1 of 4) | 439.1
Hey HBs! BFF Alexis came to recap SWEET RUIN by Kresley Cole with Sabrina and Mel! It's the 16th book in the Immortals After Dark series and WE COULDN'T GET ENOUGH, so it's actually coming out in 4 parts over the next two weeks. But, Patrons have all 4 parts right now.
We've got Jo, a scrappy orphan who was tasked with raising her newborn brother at just 8 years old. After being murdered at 11, sh
The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam by Megan Bannen (Part 2) | 438.2
Hey HBs! It's time for part 2 of The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam by Megan Bannen! When we left you yesterday, Rosie and Adam had come to the conclusion that if they didn’t go all-in trying to escape Tanria, they may be stuck there forever. That’s where we’re jumping in!
Lady Loves:
Sabrina: A cathartic cry. Or maybe a cathartic scream. Just let some of that steam out however you can!
Mel: y'all
The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam by Megan Bannen (Part 1) | 438.1
Hey HBs! Y'all, this is a new classic HB episode. Sabrina is on fire in a ridiculous way. Here's part 1 of our recap of THE UNDERCUTTING OF ROSIE AND ADAM by Megan Bannen!
Bonus content: Tanria is just like Starlight Strand in Slime Rancher 2, eLUVants, potpourri steak, sinkholes, car listicles, and so much more!
If you want to hear about the first two books in the series, check out episodes 1 and
Girls with Bad Reputations by Xio Axelrod (Part 2) | 437.2
Hey HBs! Sabrina and Kiran are back with part 2 of GIRLS WITH BAD REPUTATIONS by Xio Axelrod! When we ended our episode yesterday our couple had just had their first kiss and that somehow launched into our Princess Bride Alternate Timeline theory. Classic Heaving Bosoms.
Lady Loves:
Kiran: the show Rivals! It's such soapy, romance goodness.
Sabrina: uncommon sweet treats like fig bars and ginger
Girls with Bad Reputations by Xio Axelrod (Part 1) | 437.1
Hey HBs! Sabrina is here with BFF of the pod Kiran to talk about GIRLS WITH BAD REPUTATIONS by Xio Axelrod! We're back in rockstar times with The Lillies, this time with the schmexy drummer and their new (and also schmexy) tour bus driver. Don't miss it!
If you want to hear about the first book in the series, check out our episodes on THE GIRL WITH THE STARS IN HER EYES: Part 1 and Part 2
This Fri
Alien Scars by Ursa Dax (Part 2) | 436.2
Hey HBs! We're back with part 2 of ALIEN SCARS by Ursa Dax! When we left you yesterday, Nasrin and Thaleo finally gave into the magnetism they’ve been feeling and kissed each other silly. Then he disappeared into borog scouting missions and she’s, understandably, NOT OK.
Lady Loves:
Sabrina: friends doing things you can't. Raw onions give Sabrina migraines, so their friend Patrick agreed to cut th
Alien Scars by Ursa Dax (Part 1) | 436.1
Hey HBs! We're here with part 1 of ALIEN SCARS, book 16 in Ursa Dax's Fated Mates of the Sea Sand Warlords series! We're in the Deep Sky, with tricksy Gahn Thaleo and the "new woman" he can't stop staring at, Nasrin.
Bonus Content: Mel's awful whiz-bang imaginings, Sabrina's a Grim Gurlie, the icon and elderly legend Linnet, and so much more!
If you missed our bonus episodes on this seri
Paladin’s Hope by T. Kingfisher (Part 2) | 435.2
Hey HBs! We're back for part 2 of PALADIN'S HOPE by T. Kingfisher with Sabrina and Rebekah! When our episode ended yesterday our boys had finally given into their adrenaline boners and we had some sexytimes right in the middle of the sinister murder maze. That’s where we’re jumping in!
Lady Loves:
Rebekah: R started a weight lifting program and IS LOVING IT. She feels so strong and empowered! So f
Paladin's Hope by T. Kingfisher (Part 1) | 435.1
Hey HBs! This week Sabrina is joined by BFF of the pals, Rebekah, to recap PALADIN'S HOPE by T. Kingfisher! It's the 3rd book in the Saint of Steel series featuring Galen (AKA Tomato Man) and Piper (AKA Bone Doctor). Plus, the real star of the book, Earstripe the gnole.
If you'd like to listen to our episodes on the first two books, you can find them here:
Paladin's Grace (Part 1), Paladin's Grace
By The Horns by Ruby Dixon (Part 2) | 434.2
Hey HBs! We're back with part 2 of BY THE HORNS by Ruby Dixon with Kristen and Hayley! When we ended our episode yesterday, Gwenna decided to get the upper hand back from Raptor with a sneaky midnight HJ. Weird choice, questionable consent from a bird’s eye view, but Sabrina, Hayley, and Kristen were ultimately ok with it. Meanwhile, Raptor still thinks she’s probably the thief and he hasn’t gotte
By The Horns by Ruby Dixon (Part 1) | 434.1
Hey HBs! It's part 1 of BY THE HORNS by Ruby Dixon! We're back in this minotaur grave robbing romance series, with a mystery to boot!
Here's the deal though: Mel was recently felled by a summer cold and the state of her voice was froggy… if we're being generous. Thankfully, Sabrina swooped in and scheduled a bunch of recordings with some bookish pals to give Mel and her ravished vocal chords a bre
Ladies in Hating by Alexandra Vasti (Part 2) | 433.2
Hey HBs! We're back for part 2 of LADIES IN HATING by Alexandra Vasti! When we left you yesterday, these two beauties had just kissed for the first time and the very next morning they realized the housekeeper was missing and they were locked inside this haunted mansion. It’s time to escape. That’s where we’re jumping back in!
Lady Loves:
Mel: a newly-documented sperm whale birth! The whole matriar
Ladies in Hating by Alexandra Vasti (Part 1) | 433.1
Hey HBs! We've got a sapphic historical for you! It's book 3 in the Belvoir Library series: LADIES IN HATING by (Queen) Alexandra Vasti! Georgiana is getting her HEA!
Bonus Content: Sabrina issues an apology, tons of cultures (before white/western colonizing ruined everything) had places, names, legitimate roles, and GODS for queer people of all types. From Female Husbandry to the Aztec gods, quee
She Came From The Swamp by Darva Green (Part 2) | 432.2
Hey HBs! We're back with part 2 of SHE CAME FROM THE SWAMP by Darva Green in which we finally find out what's in the box!!! Spoiler alert: Mel loved it and Sabrina had reservations! Get stoked.
Lady Loves:
Mel picking up her kids on time after what can only be described as a cursed recording. Don't worry, all that was edited out! xoxo
This Friday on PATREON, Mel is telling y’all about books 4-6 in
She Came From The Swamp by Darva Green (Part 1) | 432.1
Hey HBs! Here's part 1 of our recap of SHE CAME FROM THE SWAMP (Twat) by Darva Green! Mel had some ISSUES while reading this and it had nothing to do with this very hot and sweet and good book. ENJOY!
Bonus Content: the larval behaviors of Red Lily Beetles (hork!) and all the revulsion that comes with, disclaimers!, Sabrina loved book, WHAT'S IN THE BOX?!, and so much more! Plus, you get to hear o
A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall (Part 2) | 431.2
Hey HBs! It's time for part 2 of A LADY FOR A DUKE by Alexis Hall!
When we ended our episode yesterday, Gracewood had just arrived in London declaring that his feelings haven’t changed, at which point Louisa jumps in with a very interesting suggestion. That’s where we start today.
Bonus Content: AmberGrease, an allowance of THAT DICK, and so much more!
Lady Loves:
Sabrina: watermelon! Cut yourself
A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall (Part 1) | 431.1
Hey HBs! Frances is here to recap A LADY FOR A DUKE by Alexis Hall with us! It's such a beautiful book and Frances really held it down (or us up?) as our sturdiest third leg. This is Frances's favorite friends-to-lovers book! It features a trans woman and the haunted duke she grew up with. It's BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bonus Content: Mel and Sabrina are disasters (again), Frances is the GOAT (again)
Legend of the White Snake by Sher Lee with Overdue!! (Part 2) | 430.2
Hey HBs! It's time for part 2 of LEGEND OF THE WHITE SNAKE by Sher Lee with the Overdue Podcast guys! When we left you yesterday, the boys had just come back from a disastrous snake hunt, had a flirty bath, and then consummated their budding relationship. Thank goodness for all of us, it was fade-to-black with these under-agers. But how long can Zhen keep his sssssnakey sssssssecret?!
This Friday
Legend of the White Snake by Sher Lee with Overdue Podcast!! (Part 1) | 430.1
Hey HBs! Happy Pride Month even more! To celebrate, the guys from the Overdue Podcast are here for a crossover episode! Craig and Andrew joined Mel and Sabrina to recap the YA MM romance LEGEND OF THE WHITE SNAKE by Sher Lee! It's a retelling of a Chinese folktale that affirmed and wrecked our souls in equal measure. What a delight from start to finish!!
This Friday on PATREON, Sabrina is telling
Fresh Ice by Marina Vivancos (Part 2) | 429.2
Hey HBs! It's time for part 2 of FRESH ICE by Marina Vivancos!
When we left you yesterday, Alonso had been navigating a fierce crush on Levi that he’s trying desperately to ignore. That’s where we’re jumping in!
Lady Loves:
Sabrina: the game Don't Starve Together!
Mel: People finally recognizing the real villains instead of blaming scapegoats! We don't endorse the tactics, but the targets are accu
Fresh Ice by Marina Vivancos (Part 1) | 429.1
Hey HBs! Happy Pride Month! We're baaaaaaack with Fresh Ice by Marina Vivancos! It's a fluffy MM hockey omegaverse that we loved!
Bonus Content: Mel's obsessed, golden retrievers and black cats, bad parents, knot sacks, Bus(c)h Beans, and so much more!
This Friday on PATREON, Mel is telling Sabrina all about the next two books in this series FACE OFF and OVERTIME! They're soooo gooooood!
Want to s
ENCORE: Podiversary 2023 (Part 2) | 428.2
Hey HBs! It's part 2 of our 2023 Podiversary! Mel, Sabrina, Kimberly Lemming, Alexis the Sword, and Naima Simone start with Harems and then move on to so so so many diabolical Would You Rather scenarios!
This Friday on PATREON, Sabrina and Mel talk about the rest of season 1 of Age of Attraction from Netflix! The pals were super wrong in our predictions and Mel comes with scalding hot tea from the
ENCORE: Podiversary 2023 (Part 1) | 428.1
Hey HBs! It's the final week of our mid-year break and we're celebrating with the Podiversary episode in which we announced Sabrina as a full-time cohost! Along with M & S, Kimberly Lemming, Alexis the Sword, and Naima Simone joined in to celebrate in style! We've got Hard Limits Watch, Kinks Watch, and Obsessions Watch. Tomorrow we'll be back with Harems and so so so many Would You Rather sce
ENCORE: The Bride by Julie Garwood (Part 6 of 6) | 427.6
Hey HBs! It's the final part of this book! You better get ready to find out who the murder is!
Bonus Content: Sabrina putting the mystery's puzzle pieces together in real time, and so much more!
Mel: Hoopla! OMG! Librarian HBs, if you know of a way for Sabrina and other rural HBs to get Hoopla, email us!
Sabrina: space operas with giant, complicated, overarching plots. Inspired by The Zion Warrior
ENCORE: The Bride by Julie Garwood (Part 5 of 6) | 427.5
Hey y'all! It's part 5 of The Bride! The final week of this epic book! This last 20% of this novel is so action packed that it'll make your head spin.
Bonus Content: demanding bribes for adulting, severe aversions to heights, necrophilia jokes that Mel understands right in front of you, and so much more!
Lady Loves:
Mel: Hoopla! OMG! Librarian HBs, if you know of a way for Sabrina and other rural
ENCORE: The Bride by Julie Garwood (Part 4 of 6) | 427.4
Hey HBs! We're back with part 4 of 6 of THE BRIDE by Julie Garwood! When we left you yesterday, Mary had just shown up at Jamie and Alec’s and asked if they might have a sister sleepover. Also, Alec had come up with the dastardly plan to get Jamie to wear his plaid by not touching her until she does. That’s where we begin.
Lady Loves:
Sabrina: Frozen pot stickers! In the air fryer! Sooooo good!
Me
ENCORE: The Bride by Julie Garwood (Part 3 of 6) | 427.3
Hey HBs! We're back for part 3 of The Bride by Julie Garwood! We start with the morning after the consummation and watch these two hot dummies try to parse their feelings while also shedding a bit more light on the suspense subplot! (There's a muuurrrrrderer in their midst).
Bonus Content: blinking like a broken cupie doll, abandoning sexytime metaphors, and so much more!
This Friday on PATREON, S
ENCORE: The Bride by Julie Garwood (Part 1 of 6) | 427.1
Hey HBs! Sabrina and I have hit some snags in our non-podcast lives (more info in the outro), and we need a bit of a rest and reset. So, for the month of May, we're going to revisit our earliest episodes together! We'll be rereleasing all three episodes of THE BRIDE by Julie Garwood. These are some of my favorite episodes. I remember falling into our comfortable, silly chemistry and feeling like m
Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost (Part 2) | 426.2
Hey HBs! We're back for Part 2 of ONCE BURNED by Jeaniene Frost! When we ended our episode yesterday, Layla found out that her powers are slowly killing her and the only medicine is drinking Vlad’s sweet sweet blood. So she can taste the sins he keeps close to his skin. That’s where we’re jumping in!
Lady Loves:
Sabrina: stacking their pantry with bulk spices from the local Indian grocer and feedi
Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost (Part 1) | 426.1
Hey HBs! We've got a classic set of Heaving Bosoms episodes for you this week! The source material is fantastic, Sabrina’s got a new note taking technique, and it’s banter city. She's got powers, he's a vampire with powers, there's an INTRIGUE... a delight from start to finish. This is part 1!
Bonus Content: we both messed up, he's the original, we make playlists, and so much more!
Plus, this Frid
Autoboyography by Christina Lauren (Part 2) | 425.2
Hey HBs! We're back with part 2 of AUTOBOYOGRAPHY by Christina Lauren! When we left you yesterday, Tanner and Sebastian were dating in secret and Tanner just realized that the most important piece of Sebastian’s identity is his status as a faithful Mormon. Understandably, he’s not sure where that leaves him or their relationship. That’s where we’re jumping in!
Lady Loves:
Mel: reading Percy Jackso
Autoboyography by Christina Lauren (Part 1) | 425.1
Hey HBs! We're here with part 1 of AUTOBOYOGRAPHY by Christina Lauren! What a gorgeous YA romance featuring two teenage boys and a whole bunch of religious complications. It's written so lyrically! I promised it a few weeks ago and then we had to move the schedule around to accommodate our St. Vincent Day shenanigans. So, in the episode’s timeline, we read this book right after FOR WHOM THE BELLE
Happy SVD! The Grump Next Door by Brighton Walsh | 424.2
Hey HBs! It's part 2 of THE GRUMP NEXT DOOR by Brighton Walsh! When we left you yesterday, Atlas had just approached Sutton about faking a relationship because, after hearing about his display of protection and claiming in front of the whole town, his mom is really excited about it. And then Sutton’s daughter Laurel showed us how it’s done by getting a trip to Paris for her cooperation. Incredible
Happy SVD! The Grump Next Door by BRIGHTON WALSH | 424.1
Hey HBs! We're here with the book we meant to read last week! THE GRUMP NEXT DOOR by Brighton Walsh. He's a retired football with abandonment issues and an oral fixation. She's a badass single mom who can't rely on anybody and is starting over with her teenage daughter in a small town called S*x Peddler Falls, Maine. It's a fabulous time and so are this week's RIDICULOUS set of episodes!
Bonus Con
Happy St. Vincent Day! The Grump Next Door by Kendall Ryan | 423.2
Hey HBs! We know you want to find out what happens with Muffin and George, so here's part 2!
Want to support the show? Rate and review us on your favorite podcast app! It super helps the algorithm connect us to new listeners.
Want more of us? Check out our PATREON!
Credits:
Theme Music: Brittany Pfantz
Art: Author Kate Prior (her newest release MATED TO MY EX is out now!!)
Want to tell us a sto
Happy St. Vincent Day! The Grump Next Door by Kendall Ryan | 423.1
Hey HBs! We're here with the first of 2 St. Vincent Day books! You'll understand why in the early part of the episode. But, HOORAY, MORE ST. VINCENT! First up, we've got THE GRUMP NEXT DOOR by Kendall Ryan. Sabrina tells Mel all about this book staring Muffin, a perfect CBD fueled canine wrapped in a thundershirt, and George, a VERY HUNGRY goat who shows up and never leaves. There's also a chaotic
The King by Nana Malone Rerelease (Part 2) | Ep. 422.2
We're back with the second half of THE KING by Nana Malone! Our plucky secret agents are on their very first field mission and (bom chicka wow wooow) they're posing as newlyweds! Don't worry, they commit to the bit.
Bonus Content: Georg and Dreorg, forehead kisses, red hot narration, and so much more!
Lady Loves:
Sabrina: Having an endless pile of bullshit to talk about with your besties!
Mel: Sab
For Whom the Belle Tolls by Jaysea Lynn (4 of 4) | 421.4
Hey HBs! It's the final episode of our series; part 4 of FOR WHOM THE BELLE TOLLS by Jaysea Lynn! Lily and Belle are completely committed to each other and building a family! Then, you know, war and near death and honoring the fallen and making HUGE choices! We love a loophole, so thank you, Lev.
TW: the Iran invasion and ongoing war, apathetic leaders, fertility, dying, death, violence, child abu
For Whom the Belle Tolls by Jaysea Lynn (3 of 4) | 421.3
Hey HBs! Today is part 3 of 4 of FOR WHOM THE BELLE TOLLS by Jaysea Lynn! These pals are getting romantic and she's looking forward to tail stuff! Meanwhile, we're blubbering messes.
TW: the Iran invasion and ongoing war, apathetic leaders, our corrupt capitalist health system, cancer, terminal illness, dying, death, violence, child abuse, child sexual abuse, the dark parts of the foster system, s
For Whom the Belle Tolls by Jaysea Lynn (2 of 4) | 421.2
Hey HBs! We're here with part 2 of 4 of FOR WHOM THE BELLE TOLLS by Jaysea Lynn! When we left you yesterday, Lucifer had just set up Belle to meet Lily in person, the woman he’s been flirting with while gaming online together. AND she was beating the ever loving crap out of an evil soul, so she’s a warrior princess in real life, too.
TW: our corrupt capitalist health system, cancer, terminal illne
For Whom the Belle Tolls by Jaysea Lynn (1 of 4) | 421.1
Hey HBs! Get READY because we're in for a 2 week event with FOR WHOM THE BELLE TOLLS by Jaysea Lynn! What a BEAUTIFUL and horrifyingly timely book. It lays bare so many ills of our current system while also being hilarious and adorable and poignant and we didn't know what to do with ourselves. This is part 1 of 4.
Bonus Content: Mel and Sabrina actually hate each other - surprise!, we can't help b
Baby and the Late Night Howlers by Kathryn Moon (Part 2) | 420.2
Hey HBs! When we left you yesterday, Baby had moved in with her pack, she made sure the other women didn’t get thrown out, she’s forging relationships with each of her horny alphas, and she got knotted for the first time! It’s been a big week for Baby. Today we've got a bad rival MC, a BFF to save, more knots to take, and a heat vacation to the nest of her dreams! Also, kidnappings and other nefar
Baby and the Late Night Howlers by Kathryn Moon (Part 1) | 420.1
Heyyyy HBs! Welcome to the GREEN appreciation podcast, where we recap Baby and the Large Knot Howlers in order to worship the hottest alpha of all time, Ryan AKA Green AKA Grower AND Shower AKA Mel's dreamboat.
But also, it's our first omegaverse book and we've chosen the perfect intro-to-omegaverse text in BABY AND THE LATE NIGHT HOWLERS by Kathryn Moon. We've got late-blooming omega Baby (yes, t
Temple of Swoon by Jo Segura (Part 2) | 419.2
Hey HBs! This is part 2 of our recap of TEMPLE OF SWOON by Jo Segura. When we left you yesterday, Miri and Rafa had just taken over a boat by force and kissed the daylights out of each other. That’s where we’re jumping in!
Bonus Content: hard-hitting archeological budge projections, apple bananas, bird perverts, checking to see if she's preserved in her best form, and so much more!
Lady Loves:
Sa
Temple of Swoon by Jo Segura (Part 1) | 419.1
Hey HBs! This week we’re digging into 2026 even more (and we’re doing it with specialty tools!) as we recap of TEMPLE OF SWOON by Jo Segura! There's super secret archeological goals in the Amazon rainforest and Miri can launch her career if she succeeds! But, super hot journalist Rafa (also super secretly) can't let that happen. Ancient civilizations! Amulets! Academia! Car crashes! Vine swinging!
A Rare Find by Joanna Lowell (Part 2) | 418.2
Hey HBs! We're here with part 2 of A RARE FIND by Joanna Lowell! It's the middle of the treasure hunt! Some wild things are gonna happen, slick flesh is gonna slick flesh together, and paranormal activity is NOT gonna deliver. Good thing Charles Peach always does!
Lady Loves:
Sabrina: Genuine connections IRL. Plus, the 'tism tray and the most beautiful powerpoint on oranges Mel's ever seen.
Mel: A
A Rare Find by Joanna Lowell (Part 1) | 418.1
Hey HBs! We're here with the sapphic, enby historical romp we didn't know we needed: A RARE FIND by Joanna Lowell! We've got an autistic archaeologist fighting the scientific patriarchy and her childhood nemesis who's home to cause trouble for the first time in years! Hijinks, adventures, and "hungry sparks" ensue.
Bonus Content: Appliancepocalypse, slow burn confusion, cutting ties can be #effici
Tourist Season by Brynne Weaver (Part 2) | 417.2
Hey HBs! It's time for part 2! When we left you yesterday, our bloodthirsty baddies had just had sex for the first time while Nolan was super high on magic mushrooms that Harper slipped him. She told him to fuck her like he hates her and boy did he deliver. Now, he’s crossed the emotional Rubicon and is ready to worship at her feet. Meanwhile, she coyote-uglied her way out of there as fast as poss
Tourist Season by Brynne Weaver (Part 1) | 417.1
Hey HBs! We're back! And we're back with some stabby energy because what could be better in this moment? We've got a Brynn Weaver spinoff that made all our dreams come true, and made Mel's gardening heart very jealous: TOURIST SEASON. It's book one in her new trilogy The Seasons of Carnage.
She's a transplant taking over the mantle of "protecting" her new small town, one wood-chipped tou
It Had to Be You (Part 2) | 416.2 Rerelease
We're back with part 2 of this rerelease of IT HAD TO BE YOU by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. We're still hopping mad and ready to burn it down!
Content Warnings: episode includes discussions of sexual assault, including in young childhood, on-page violent rape, statutory rape, rampant misogyny, malicious thinness, kink shaming, slut shaming, fat shaming, Madonna/Whore Complex, racism, and more.
Lady
It Had to Be You (Part 1) | 416.1 Rerelease
Hey HBs! Mel and Sabrina are mad and rereleasing IT HAD TO BE YOU by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. This is a doozy!
Content Warnings: episode includes discussions of sexual assault, including in young childhood, on-page violent rape, statutory rape, rampant misogyny, malicious thinness, kink shaming, slut shaming, fat shaming, Madonna/Whore Complex, racism, and more.
Want to support the show? Rate and
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynn Weaver (Part 2) | 415.2 Rerelease
Hey HBs! It's time to get to the spicy scenes in this rerelease of BUTCHER & BLACKBIRD by Brynn Weaver!! And whooweee did they deliver. In this second half, we've got a corpse puppet show (is that a tag now?), some excellent hurt/comfort into schmecksy times, and the most romantic proposal in the universe.... if you're a serial unaliver who loves an empty eye socket. Which she is! So that work
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynn Weaver (Part 1) | 415.1 Rerelease
Hey HBs! Mel and Sabrina are here to squeal about two serial killers finding their HEA in BUTCHER & BLACKBIRD by Brynn Weaver! This episode was originally released in September of 2024 and we meet a future character in this book! From the best captive meet-cute to dinner disasters, this book is a fizzy delight.
Bonus Content: personal piercing TikTok, the Necessary Evils series by Onley James,
Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon (Part 2) | 414.2 Rerelease
Hey y'all! We're here for part 2 of BULL MOON RISING by Ruby Dixon! Aspeth has been discovered by her dastardly ex-fiancée and it's ALL HANDS ON DECK to save her home! The found family in this book really made our hearts soar just as much as the rutting in this book made our eyes bulge. Awoooga!
Lady Loves:
Sabrina: a heated mattress topper! It's soooo cozy for when you jump into bed. But be sure
Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon (Part 1) | 414.1 Rerelease
Hey HBs! We're rereleasing our recap of BULL MOON RISING by Ruby Dixon and we couldn't be happier! This is part one of our foray into a new corner of the Dixonverse where magic is outlawed and Conquest Moons disrupt everything. We've got a determined heroine who's undercover to save her life and home and a minotaur hero who cannot catch a break in the run up to the next celestial f*ckfest. A marri
Hard Hitter by Sarina Bowen (Part 2) | 413.2 Rerelease
Hey HBs! We hope you're ready for part 2 of HARD HITTER by Sarina Bowen! These sexy coworkers are the dreamiest.
CW for discussions of past domestic abuse.
Bonus Content: the gals both need massages badly, looking at your partner like we look at ice cream, Mel learns what "uppers" actually are (yikes), dicks in coffee makers, and so much more!
Lady Loves:
Sabrina - rereading! Sometimes i
Hard Hitter by Sarina Bowen (Part 1) | 413.1 Rerelease
Hey HBs! It's time to get our hockey on with HARD HITTER by Sarina Bowen! It's a massage, it's a yoga, it's a crime thriller! Ari and Patrick are so swoony!
CW for discussions of past domestic abuse.
Bonus Content: Sabrina (on record as NOT a re-reader) has read this book 3 times, Mel has been cut off by Hoopla, the fear of developing a foot fetish, and more!
For more of us, check out our Patreon!
Our 2026 Reading Embrace Categories! | 412.2
It's time for the 2026 Reading Embrace!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here are the category explanations.
For the next few weeks, we'll be rereleasing previous episodes and taking a little break. Follow our socials for more details!
Curious about the ridiculous faces we make? Subscribe and watch us on YOUTUBE!
Want to tell us a story, ask about advertising, or anything else? Email: heavingbosomspodcast (at) gmail
2025 Reading Embrace Celebration!!!! | 412.1
It's time for the 2025 Reading Embrace! Thank you to everyone who participated this year, even if we didn't find out about it. YOU'RE EMBRACED!
Come back tomorrow for our 2026 Category announcement!
Curious about the ridiculous faces we make? Subscribe and watch us on YOUTUBE!
Want to tell us a story, ask about advertising, or anything else? Email: heavingbosomspodcast (at) gmail
Follow our socia
The Year in Smut with our Reading Smut Pals! | 411
Hey HBs! We've got a special crossover episode with our pals from the Reading Smut podcast! Sabrina and Mel are joined by Mallory and Brea to go over 2025 in Romancelandia!
SEND IN YOUR READING EMBRACES! Either via email at heavingbosomspodcast@gmail.com, via DM, or use our handy shared spreadsheet!
Curious about the ridiculous faces we make? Subscribe and watch us on YOUTUBE!
Want to tell us a st
The Long Game by Rachel Reid (Part 2) | 410.2
When we left you yesterday Shane had proposed to Ilya in a recreation of the proposal Ilya described in HEATED RIVALRY and they’ve decided to get hitched this summer! That’s where we’re jumping in for part 2 of THE LONG GAME by Rachel Reid.
Bonus Content: Mel trolls Sabrina mercilessly and ANYA THE DOG!
Lady Loves:
ZAMBRINA: Sabrina got to ride the Zamboni at her local hockey rink!!!
Mel: care abo
The Long Game by Rachel Reid (Part 1) | 410.1
The boys from HEATED RIVALRY get their HEA in this follow up to their story! This is part 1 of our recap of book 6 in the Game Changers series, THE LONG GAME by Rachel Reid!
This Friday on Patreon and our Apple Podcast subscription, Mel is telling Sabrina all about the last two books in the Stage Dive series LEAD and DEEP by Kylie Scott.
Curious about the ridiculous faces we make? Subscribe and wa
A Christmas of Queer Joy! (Part 2) | 409.2
Hey HBs! Today we're recapping the two other shorts from Eli Wray's "A Very Enby Christmas" series: THE FIRST NOEL and SECRET SANTA by Eli Wray! We've got a new couple negotiating Christmas for the first time and a poly couple inviting a guest star for the night, only to get an old friend and maybe a new flame. We really enjoyed all of these!
Lady Loves:
Sabrina: finally pivoting to a ne
A Christmas of Queer Joy! (Part 1) | 409.1
Hey HBs! It's a Trans Joy Extravaganza this Christmas! This week we've got a buffet of queer shorts that made us super happy. Today we're recapping VINTAGE JOYS FOR LUCKY BOYS & JUNK by G.R. Richards and SUGAR & SPICE by Eli Wray!
This Friday on Patreon and our Apple Podcast subscription, Sabrina and Mel are gushing about books 4 and 5 of the Game Changers series: COMMON GOAL and ROLE MODEL.
Curio
Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake (Part 2) | 408.2
Hey HBs! We're here with part 2 of DELILAH GREEN DOESN’T CARE by Ashley Herring Blake! It's time for Delilah, Claire, and Iris to SCHEME!!!! And camp. A very unlikely camping trip.
Bonus Content: More tumbler jokes, capturing the drama of your mid-twenties, the sanctity of journals, and so much more!
Lady Loves:
Sabrina: Have you been on the fence about that getting that sex toy? BUY IT! No more h
Delilah Green Doesn't Care by Ashley Herring Blake (Part 1) | 408.1
Hey HBs! It's another sapphic romp with part 1 of DELILAH GREEN DOESN’T CARE by Ashley Herring Blake! Delilah is forced to go back to her childhood hometown to photograph her step sister's wedding and boy do sparks fly when she reunites with an old crush!
This Friday on Patreon and our Apple Podcast subscription, Sabrina is telling Mel all about the first two books in this series: ASTRID PARKER DO
Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid (Part 4 of 4) | 407.4
Hey HBs! Here's the final part of our recap of HEATED RIVALRY by Rachel Reid! The boys are making it work!!
This Friday on Patreon and our Apple Podcast subscription, Sabrina is telling Mel all about the first two books in this series: GAME CHANGER and TOUGH GUY.
Curious about the ridiculous faces we make? Subscribe and watch us on YOUTUBE!
Want to tell us a story, ask about advertising, or anythi
Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid (Part 3 of 4) | 407.3
Hey HBs! Here's part 3 of 4 of our recap of HEATED RIVALRY by Rachel Reid! IT'S COTTAGE TIME!
This Friday on Patreon and our Apple Podcast subscription, Sabrina is telling Mel all about the first two books in this series: GAME CHANGER and TOUGH GUY.
Curious about the ridiculous faces we make? Subscribe and watch us on YOUTUBE!
Want to tell us a story, ask about advertising, or anything else? Email
Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid (Part 2 of 4) | 407.2
Hey HBs! When we left off yesterday, Ilya had just shown up to the non-descript building that Shane directed him to and discovered that Shane is so paranoid about their illicit activity that he bought them an entire building to have their booty calls. Adorable. That’s where we’re jumping in!
Lady Loves:
Mel: @heyclairewycoff on IG! Check her out especially for her Rage Gardening the Oligarchy seri
Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid (Part 1 of 4) | 407.1
Hey HBs! IT'S FINALLY TIIIIIME! You've heard Sabrina scream about Ilya Rozanov for YEARS and, in light of the new TV series, we're finally diving in! And it's a 2 week, 4 part event! This is part 1 of 4 of our recap of HEATED RIVALRY by Rachel Reid.
Bonus Content: Mel is bringing Big! Feral! Energy! and poor Sabrina has to be the adult in the room.
This Friday on Patreon and our Apple Podcast subs
Waking Up With the Duke by Lorraine Heath (Part 2) | 406.2
Hey HBs! We're back with part 2 of WAKING UP WITH THE DUKE by Lorraine Heath. Jane is ready to be an active (maybe even enthusiastic?) participant in this baby-making endeavor!
Lady Loves:
Sabrina: Standing up for friends during important milestones is so rewarding! Their custom made suit could have breathed a little more, but totally worth it!
Mel: Meet your friends in person! And don't stop hugg
Waking Up With the Duke by Lorraine Heath (Part 1) | 406.1
Hey HBs! We've got a special book for American Thanksgiving this year! Thank you to HB Caroline for the delicious recommendation and hilarious Embrace Reason for choosing it! We loved WAKING UP WITH THE DUKE by Lorraine Heath. Picture it: an Earl looks at a Duke and tells him that he'd be very grateful if he got his wife pregnant for him. Except the Duke has sort of loved her for years and she HAT
Play by Kylie Scott (Part 2) | 405.2
Hey HBs! It's time for part 2 PLAY by Kylie Scott! Mal has just been the biggest dummy and he'll only get dumber... but also seggsy.
Lady Loves:
Sabrina: get you a neighbor who can cook AND wants to feed you! Local connections are so crucial and affirming!
Mel: if you're feeling as frustrated as I am with the state of "the left" you can check out the Working Families Party and the organi
Play by Kylie Scott (Part 1) | 405.1
Hey HBs! This week we're back in the Stage Dive universe with book 2, PLAY by Kylie Scott! Rockstar romance with class issues, a big save the day, and the whole messy bunch!
If you want to refresh yourself with the series, listen to our recap of the first book LICK, which is episodes 378.1 & 378.2.
This Friday on Patreon and our Apple Podcast subscription, Sabrina is telling Mel all about what
Enchanting Her Mate by Ivy Knox (Part 2) | 404.2
Hey HBs! Here's part 2 of ENCHANTING HER MATE by Ivy Knox!
Lady Loves:
Sabrina: give yourself a reason to leave the house regularly. Like hockey season tickets!!!!!
Mel: it's great when a joke turns into a real thing, like this new emo band Afterthought!
This Friday on Patreon and our Apple Podcast subscription, Sabrina is telling Mel all about the previous 5 books in this series, Aliens of Oluura
Enchanting Her Mate by Ivy Knox (Part 1) | 404.1
Hey HBs! Here's part 1 of ENCHANTING HER MATE by Ivy Knox! It's a sapphic alien romp that we NEEDED!
Bonus Content: low friendship bars for the win, vibrating tongues, magic schmexytimes, and so much more!
This Friday on Patreon and our Apple Podcast subscription, Sabrina is telling Mel all about the previous 5 books in this series, Aliens of Oluura! Mel has already downloaded 2 of the books and h
Bride by Ali Hazelwood (Part 4 of 4) | 403.4
Hey HBs! It's the 4th and final part of BRIDE by Ali Hazelwood. We're finally gonna learn what that protuberance is!
Lady Loves:
Sabrina: substitute potatoes for yellow squash in curry dishes. It's a game changer!
Mel: giant velvet scrunchies! They're so lush and make ponytails look elevated and fancy.
This Friday on Patreon and our Apple Podcast subscription, Mel is telling Sabrina all about the
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صداستان: ساعتی با موسیقی
Becoming: HER with Nikki Spoelstra
