Heaving Bosoms

1,129
Books #104

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.

Recent Episodes
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Recent Reviews
  • joyliz14
    Great pod
    Would love if y’all looked into Road of Bones but I know the queue is LONG
  • jollyoldcritic
    The Best
    Long time listener, first time book bribe. A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall. It’s a perfect romance! Wonderful emotions and sweet conflict and funny banter.
  • Desthomelexe
    For the bribe
    Imma be honest, I just want them to read The God in Flight by Laura Argiri 12/10 podcast with Erin, the magic kinda dropped out the bottom when she left. Now maybe a like 6/10.
  • nymeria.stark
    My Lady Love
    Is this podcast! Found them via a few episodes they’ve done with Overdue, and so enjoyed their enthusiasm for the genre that I have been listening for a while now. A really great add to my queue!
  • SeckeyBue
    Happy
    Found this podcast thru A Date with Dateline podcast. So happy to have a new duo to listen to. Makes me laugh out loud by myself. Started from the beginning. Definitely give them a listen!
  • 300 Sunshine
    Excellent and Hilarious
    I’ve never laughed so much in one podcast episode in my entire life! These ladies are saucy cheeky, and oh so deliciously, naughty. Just how I like my romances!!
  • Cami Urbina
    New listener, enchanted by your energy!
    I was gently guided here by Vanessa Zoltan. And I am so mesmerized by your energy and friendship. Happy to have found you!
  • Lauren Genevieve
    If you love romance you’ll love this podcast!
    Heaving Bosoms has been my favorite podcast for the past four years. During 2020 covid lockdown, I rediscovered my love of reading and especially romance books. In addition to reading again, I wanted to consume more bookish media. I found heaving bosoms when I wanted to recap ACOTAR and instantly fell in love with the Melody/Erin duo and felt like I was listening to my close friends talk about my favorite books. My comfort episode(s) are Ep. 87/88 (Bully). More recently, I’ve also been loving the Melody/Sabrina duo and the books and reactions have been as fun as ever! Thank you for bringing joy and laughter into my ears every week <3 5 Star Rec: For the Fans by Nyla K. (MM forbidden/Taboo romance)
  • Hannahrd21
    Love it!
    I just listened to the podcast on A Court of Thorns and Roses and I love it! Absolutely hilarious, it felt like I was listening to my girl friends talk about it ❤️
  • missvivi121
    Hilarious
    Love the podcast! I turned it on yesterday while putting my shoes on, then listened to the entire episode snort laughing and playing mindless card games on my phone. I loved Erin and Melody together, and now love Sabrina equally!
  • Kitten a Little Bit
    Can’t get enough
    I love this show so much. It has genuinely improved my mental health, and added so much to my TBR list! In my opinion, Mel and Sabrina need to read Paladin’s Strength by T. Kingfisher! - K. Rosenberg
  • Trouble&Strife
    Romance reviews that are funny and on point.
    This is one of my favorite podcasts. It’s laugh out loud funny and they are honest when something is terrible or dated. Even they review something I’ll never watch or read I enjoy Listening to them break it down. I want them to review Anton’s Grace. A very dark romance in Regine Abel’s Veridian and Braxian chronicles. The science fiction world building and alien cultures are amazing and the romance is hot and authentic. But what really makes the series stand out from other romance series is that the book series tackles dark societal themes. Regine Abel writes characters who acknowledge (sometimes slowly) that understanding the horrors of a painful past is the only way to prevent the darkest events of history from repeating themselves. She wrote in her dedication in Keran’s Dawn that “The sins of the father are not the sins of the son. Lay blame where it belongs, and let future generations build foundations based on mutual respect and understanding. Violence only begets violence, and hatred fuels even more hatred. Only through reconciliation and a genuine effort to change for the better can we ever aspire to a world where we live in harmony.”
  • Ibblues
    Love this!
    Please read Every Summer After! I would love to hear your thoughts.
  • agracelu95
    Joined because of Overdue Pod…
    …stayed because I love everything you do!
  • meghan031
    Acotar
    Thank you for the Acotar emotional support 🧚‍♂️✨💀
  • Stephopedia
    Love love love
    My new favorite podcast! I just discovered this gem and I couldn’t be happier. I don’t have any romance-reading friends and I feel like I just found a whole romance-loving community. Funny, genuine, and entertaining—it’s everything I could ever want.
  • Baker Akers
    Guilty pleasure
    I can’t even express the joy this podcast brings me. I come for book recs, devour the books, then come back to listen to the podcast. It’s so much freaking fun. I laugh out loud through the entire thing and my husband and kids are like mom what is wrong with you? On top of sheer entertainment, I end up deep in thought by the topics brought up - topics from human nature to politics to history. I love it. Thank y’all for existing.
  • 2836928369
    So fun!
    As a person on the ace spectrum, it’s so nice to listen to recaps and be able to feel included in the fun of romance novels and such and feel like I’ve read the book without actually having to read the book.
  • EliTirado
    You guys won me over by raining Orc seed!!
    I found you guys with part one of the Midwife and the Orc and it was so great you guys had me laughing so much and we were in agreement with so much on the book. I need you guys to do The Governess and The Orc!! I’m sure your list of requests is long so I’ll have patience but I’d love to see your reactions and takes on the amazing characters in The Governess and The Orc.
  • Rory I.
    Adore this podcast in every way!!
    I came to this podcast late, but am so glad to have found it. The banter, laughter, and love each episode brings makes every day incredible! I’ve gotten some new books that I never would’ve, found new tropes to love, and learned my own hard limits that I didn’t know I had! This podcast is my number one recommendation to anyone and everyone I can tell! Thank you for bringing joy into life!!
  • Mrs. Jody
    So fun - literal lol
    I’m enjoying this podcast so much! I found them when I googled podcasts about Dreaming of You and then quickly subscribed and have been listening nonstop. Highly recommend.
  • rockykay
    So much fun
    I just found this a couple of weeks ago. And I hate them so much because they’re either reviewing stuff read years ago and now need to revisit, OR stuff I haven’t read and now need to. They are a delightful money pit. These aren’t straight reviews. We hear about their lives, which I get can be annoying for some people. I’m fine with it, and if I’m not just skip to when the actual book starts. I am loathe to say review because it's not. It is a squee fest of love or hate between friends who love each other and you get to listen in. Sadly, my initial bribe was Lord of Scoundrels, but they already covered it (and beautifully), so I’d instead love them to do a real old time bodice ripper. My very first romance novel was The Wolf and the Dove. It is problematic on every single level but is still my all time favorite (with the exception of Lord of Scoundrels). I would love to hear their thoughts. Also, I like this podcast so much, I Patreon-ed them. That’s kind of a big deal
  • Kaiya pie
    Wow, Mel Gives Good Podcast
    This is hands down one of my top fave podcasts! I relisten to favorite episodes on the regular (esp devil in winter, Jane eyre and lord of scoundrels) because it makes me feel like I’m hanging with my most hilarious besties. Their hot takes are 🔥and they’ve introduced me to some of my favorite new romance reads/authors. Cannot recommend this podcast highly enough! Mel, my pet, will you please recap Get a Life Chloe Brown, or one of the other books in Talia Hibbert’s Brown Sister series?
  • PenelopePickles
    A hilarious podcast
    This podcast is hilarious and filled with great books to add to my reading list. I have been thoroughly enjoying this podcast and have listened to 150 episodes just this month. I understand the bribe probably isn’t still active but in case it is, I would like to recommend “Just For Show” or “The Roomate Arrangement” both by the author Jae they are both about a lesbian relationship and include fake relationships and forced proximity.
  • rae the nerd
    Five star podcast
    A fun podcast about romance books.
  • Chelle The Belle
    Heaving with Laughter
    The hosts of Heaving Bosoms breathe new life and fresh takes into romance books. Whether they’re discussing something I already read or a new to me novel, they cover the story well while inserting humorous asides and offering unique advice to characters. I always double-check to make sure I have my headphones in at work, but I never miss a new episode.
  • azwreck
    Perfect name!
    You know how sometimes best friends get together and make a podcast and it’s really boring and insidery? Not this! This is so much fun to listen to. I love that they mock the bad parts of the books without trashing the rest. Listening to Dead Until Dark right now and it’s hilarious
  • Ohladysamantha
    Such a fun podcast
    Love listening to the episodes for books I’ve read! Funny, smart and such detailed discussions. Praise be St. Vincent Day!
  • TheOneAndOnlyBalin
    Dúzi Party
    Very entertaing podcast full of cute anecdotal stories, cheerful banter, and amusing romance book summations. An hour has never passed quicker. I can’t wait until I catch up to current times!!!! If you are still doing the 5 star deal, I would love to hear you all do kushiel’s dart by jaqueline Carey (the first trilogy). Regardless, this podcast deserves all the stars!
  • theowldidit
    5 stars with movie recommendation
    Tied for my favorite podcast. Melody and Erin are the perfect Ying and Yang of personalities. If the reading embrace has taught me anything is that there are no rules so I would like to recommend a movie instead of a book. “Wish upon a star” with Katherine Heigl. Free on Prime and a short movie. I would be interested in your hot takes on the teen romance in the movie. EEK! Good audio, yes you can hear them. My only suggestion would be to put back episodes 1 and 2. I understand the audio might be questionable but a disclaimer at the beginning would fix that. It breaks my brain not to start at episode 1. Thank you
  • M.R1992
    A delight to listen to!!
    I listened to their entire archive and loved the show. The banter is fun and they are just wonderful to listen to. I have definitely come to appreciate the romance genre way more after listening to this!! I’d love for them to cover the self published duology called The Warrior’s Guild featuring a Latino coded shy monk mage and his buff bi warrior girlfriend. It’s also full of queer side characters and is a good read!
  • Graceful_ghost
    This podcast feels like part of my soul
    Do you love laughing until you cry? Do you want to get back into reading without pressure after living in the bottom of a depression hole for years? Do you want to hear about a dog named Rooster and her conservative morning radio show? Listen. You just gotta get on board. I love these ladies and their antics. I’m about 100 episodes in, starting from the beginning, and I just can’t recommend it enough. Listen! Go! Now!
  • WillviciousMyrtleBeach
    Heard ya’ll on voices of misery
    Decided to give it a shot. Great show!
  • Meagan A O
    So Much Fun
    Thank you ladies! I have so much fun listening to these two giggle and cackle through their recaps. I enjoy the books even more having heard this, especially because I don’t visualize well! It’s so lovely to have a place to share my obsess with romance novels. I feel so validated in my love love of St. Vincent. You gotta read Kleypas’ next generation series: Maybe Devil in Spring or Chasing Cassandra!
  • Kam Bean
    Amazing!
    I stumbled upon this podcast at the dentist looking for a podcast reviewing books. And let me tell you this didn’t disappoint! You feel like your talking with good friends about a books and the laughter is so contagious! This podcast always makes my day better!
  • W.Vicker
    Friends From Afar
    I stumbled upon this podcast while on a reading slump and a sad girl moment. These two are not only killer queens at book reviews, but they also sound like your own girlfriends. My bestie is also in another state and ya’ll are living our book club dreams haha. 10/10 for books and vibes
  • colleen2080
    Super fun
    It’s a good time if they liked the book they read. It’s a good time if they didn’t like it. It’s a good time if you haven’t read the book. Its a good time if you read the book. It’s a good time all around!
  • andmtz423
    Funny pod
    If I may make a request, more England times books. Otherwise thanks for your good works ladies !
  • mgodart
    Excellent podcast
    This podcast is fantastic!! Melody and Erin are my parasocial besties unbeknownst to them. These episodes and those lovely voices have gotten me through some major home sickness. And I’ve gotten some a amazing book recs! Can’t recommend enough. Thanks ladies for all that you do!
  • mweims
    LDR Romance Pod
    I could listen to Erin and Melody talk about pretty much anything on any platform. They feel like a warm friendship cuddle and you get easily brought into their friendship. I don’t live near any of my best friends and this podcast cures my LDR friendship woes, and simultaneously cures my absolute need to discuss romance novels critically. Because we’re scientists.
  • Kay2Leena
    A great time
    I've been listening to this podcast for a few years now and it's a highlight of my week. The hosts are very fun, and don't take anything too seriously. It's a lot like listening to your good friends. Also, the rant episodes are hilarious. Even a bad book makes a good episode.
  • Reebamaister
    Just what I need
    A friend recently turned me onto this podcast and I am HOOKD. The warmth, joy, and obvious love these two women have (for the subject and for each other) is a fearsome thing to behold. I wish I’d had this for the past year and a half, but making up for lost time now! (I am a completionist, and so I started from the beginning 😆) Please, don’t stop never stopping!! I also have a bribe request: Dragon Called by Cassie Alexander and Kara Lockharte - a delightful sex romp with dragons, legit nursing skills, and a not-a-cat obsessed with cheese.
  • Hazel Esprit
    If You Haven’t Listened to this Podcast, You Need To
    Erin and Melody you hot geniuses. You. make. good. podcast! Your collective wit, sarcasm and joy has been such a gift to me these past two years - a lighthouse on a dark shore. I go to spread that light as widely as I can. And have the oddest conversations on the way.
  • badwolfgirl8
    My 2 best friends
    Listening to this podcast feels like I am hanging out with my 2 best friends - and they have also converted me to a romance novel reader and I am so grateful for it.
  • Nic6090
    Best podcast and friendship of all time
    This podcast is incredible! If I had a complaint, it would be that I was not prepared for the level of obsession I would experience when I first came upon it. I recommend the community and FB group ALMOST as much as I recommend the hilariousness and genius of the podcast itself. The podcast is amazing. Erin and Melody are incredible women who are funny, brilliant, encouraging to the listeners, and flatout good for the freaking world. This podcast is entertaining and delightful but it also discusses sex and relationships in a way that I think is truly beneficial. And for people who don't necessarily have friends to talk to about that stuff or just feel uncomfortable doing so, this podcast gives them a place to listen and/or engage in conversations about things they might not otherwise have the opportunity to explore. Basically, this podcast is hilarious, kind, and tells the listener, "You're okay and we want you here" and the fact that a podcast manages that is both intensely impressive and incredibly heartwarming.
  • bekah626
    Goofy and delightful
    Love these ladies, always make me laugh
  • Wildcat Recovery Coaching
    Laughter therapy for real
    I started listening to Heaving Bosoms during anxiety times to make myself laugh and feel better. Now I’m deep in love and cannot stop.
  • RhinoMountaintops
    Favorite podcast
    This is the best podcast. hilarious banter. love them. Please read smash and grab by Maz Maddox (and if too wild, pass along to bonkers romance). Cretaceous dinos need love too!
  • Palmarosa33
    I stole my mom’s iPhone for this review, cross country
    I’m here for the bribe and I love this podcast! Book: Reign & Ruin by J.D. Evans I love your dynamic on this podcast and I’m excited to hear your thoughts on this book. I’m expecting Erin to do a lot of skimming. Dictated over the phone by Caroline (android user) lovingly typed by her mother.
  • Katiearina
    Love Erin and Melody!
    Found these ladies through Overdue and I don't even read romance but I love their dynamic and listen anyway. 😊
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