Today’s episode is a gentle reflection on 2025 and a hopeful look toward 2026. What I’m leaving behind, what I’m carrying with me, and how I’m choosing to move forward into the new year.

It’s a holiday episode of Booked and Unbothered ✨ This week, Kaleb joins me for a festive debrief, meeting-the-family chaos, and some unhinged Christmas questions that may or may not expose a few past red flags. No heavy book talk—just cozy vibes, laughter, and holiday honesty.

What happens when the chaos quiets down… and life actually feels good?

In this episode of Booked & Unbothered, I’m talking about why I’ve been quiet for a while — and why happiness can feel surprisingly hard to talk about when your story used to be fueled by heartbreak, healing, and survival mode. Inspired by Feyre in A Court of Frost and Starlight, we’re unpacking that “in-between” season: when you’re safe, loved, settled… and suddenly worried you’ve become boring.

Music tells stories. Books have rhythm. This episode is all about how both remind us that we’re not alone — that connection, whether through lyrics or pages, is what keeps us human. So grab your headphones, your favorite playlist, and let’s get unbothered.

Sometimes you just need to let it all out—and that’s exactly what this episode is. No structure, no book tie-ins, just me going off about life, love, and everything in between. It’s unfiltered, chaotic, and a little therapeutic. So grab your coffee (or your comfort snack) and come hang out while I vent, spiral, and laugh my way through the mess.

What do Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, and Violet Sorrengail all have in common? They refused to settle for less than they deserved. In this episode, we’re talking about why “almost love” and playing it safe just don’t cut it — and how holding out for the right person, the right love, and the right standard can change everything. From book boyfriends to real-life fairy tales, this is your reminder that crumbs aren’t enough… you deserve the feast.

So here’s the thing: books love a broody, introverted man. Give him a tragic backstory, some sharp jawline silence, and suddenly he’s swoon-worthy. But when it comes to introverted women? We’re often written as quiet, meek, or in desperate need of being “fixed.” In this episode, I’m joined by Sam to unpack that double standard, talk about our own introvert experiences, and figure out why being quiet is so often misunderstood in fiction and in real life. Spoiler: quiet doesn’t mean weak.

Lucien really said, “What if I gave you unwavering loyalty, endless sarcasm, and my entire heart?” and the universe replied, “Cute, but no thanks.” 🫠 This week we’re diving into the pain and comedy of being not the chosen one—aka loving someone who will never love you back.

Because let’s face it, unrequited love is basically character development in its messiest form. We’ve all been the person holding onto hope while watching someone else get picked instead, and it is the worst kind of humble pie. But maybe there’s something to learn in the ache (besides how to perfect your fake smile at their engagement photos).

So grab your emotional support coffee, because we’re talking Lucien, second choices, almosts, and why sometimes not being chosen might just be the plot twist you didn’t know you needed.