Reader Rot: Breaking Down the New York Times & Kindle Best-Sellers Lists

Reader Rot: Breaking Down the New York Times & Kindle Best-Sellers Lists

Author: Brandi, Kendra, & Kayla April 23, 2026 Duration: 1:06:05
This week, we’re launching the first edition of Reader Rot, and things got interesting fast. We got into the weeds with the NYT and Amazon Kindle best seller's lists and dissected them down to the smallest of details like subgenre, publishing houses, and page counts. The results weren’t what we expected. Join Kendra, Kayla, and Brandi as we dig into what’s actually dominating the charts right now, where trad and indie are showing up, and what these lists might say about reading trends overall. Plus a few moments where we couldn’t help but laugh. If you’re curious about what’s really selling (and why), this one’s worth a listen. Check out Lady Jane’s (Romancing the Data) Substack HERE. Join the BYO book club ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Our April 2026 pick is The Name Game by Beth O'Leary! Follow us on Instagram @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BringYourOwnPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Brandi @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Brandos.Books⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Kendra @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kendra.Readz⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Kayla @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kaylas.Bookshelf⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tucked between the pages of your latest read, there's a conversation waiting to happen. Bring Your Own: A Bookish Podcast for Romance Readers is that conversation, hosted by three friends-Brandi, Kendra, and Kayla-who first connected online over a shared love of stories. This isn't a formal review show; it's the feeling of settling into a comfy chair with your most opinionated book-loving friends. Each episode captures their genuine, unfiltered dynamic as they dive into the books they adore, debate tropes and character choices, and pull back the curtain on the wider romance community. You'll hear them champion new authors, revisit old favorites, and share the unique joys and occasional frustrations that come with being dedicated readers. The charm of this podcast lies in its authentic camaraderie; the hosts' distinct personalities and deep passion for the genre make every discussion feel both personal and expansive. It's a space built for anyone who finishes a book and immediately needs to talk about it, offering thoughtful analysis, plenty of laughs, and the comforting sense that you've found your people. Tune in for a weekly dose of literary camaraderie that goes beyond the synopsis, straight to the heart of why we fall in love with stories in the first place.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Bring Your Own: A Bookish Podcast for Romance Readers
Podcast Episodes
Things That Work in Romance Books but Not in Real Life | S5E26 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:46
We asked listeners to share things that make them swoon and fangirl in romance novels but would totally ick them out in real life! Join us on Patreon! Follow us on instagram @BringYourOwnPod Follow Brandi @Brandos.Books…
Fall 2025 Book Releases to Have On Your Radar | S5E24 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:21
This week we’re sharing upcoming Romance and Fantasy books releasing in Fall 2025! We’ll tell you which ones we’re dying to read and the ones we think you should skip. Join us on Patreon! Follow us on instagram @BringYou…
Brandi’s 30th Bookish Birthday Bash! | S5E23 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:57
Celebrate Brandi’s 30th birthday with us! We talk all the feelings around turning 30, books that remind us of Brandi, and dole out recs with characters in their 30s. As Jennifer Garner would say - thirty, flirty, and thr…
Grand Gestures, Authors, and Romance Book Draft #3 | S5E22 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:49
We're back with another book draft! In honor of Fantasy Football season fast approaching, this week we take turns drafting romance books, authors, and our favorite grand gestures in romance books. Join us on Patreon! Fol…
Upcoming Book-to-Screen Adaptations We’re Excited For! | S5E20 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:52
This week, we discuss the numerous book-to-screen adaptations that have recently been announced, including The Love Hypothesis, People We Meet On Vacation, You Deserve Each Other, and more! Join us on Patreon! Follow us…
Summer 2025 Reading Recap + Yap Session | S5E19 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:31
This week, we share how our summer reading went and the other fun things we were up to during our break, including a fun bookish girls’ trip to Forks, Washington! Join us on Patreon! Follow us on instagram @BringYourOwnP…
Fantasy Books for Non-Fantasy Readers ft. kendra.readz | Mini Ep [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:55
Riding solo this week, self proclaimed “not a fantasy girl” Kendra shares the few fantasy novels that she’s enjoyed and recommended over the years. She also reveals what three things a fantasy book needs to have in order…
Book Club Excerpt: One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune | Mini Ep [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:33
This week, we're giving non-Patreon subscribers a sneak peek at what goes on during book club episodes! Our first pick was One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune. If you'd like to join the book club and check out the the fu…