Shows / Once Upon a Hot Take
Once Upon a Hot Take
A book review podcast that covers the books you love (and love to hate). Join us for a hot take every other week, where we cover fantasy, romantasy, romance, historical fiction, thrillers, and everything in between.
Episodes
- Once Upon a Hot Take
BONUS: James Voorhees author interview
In this conversation, Leah is joined once again by James Voorhees to discuss the release of James's new book, The Lost Champion, the final installment of the…
- Once Upon a Hot Take
Episode 33- A Court of Wings and Ruin (ACOTAR #3)
Leah and Jordan keep riding the ACOTAR train with book #3: A Court of Wings and Ruin. In this episode, the girls lock in their portrayals of some of the main…
- Once Upon a Hot Take
Episode 32- A Court of Mist and Fury (ACOTAR #2)
Leah and Jordan continue their coverage of Sarah J. Maas's ACOTAR world with book #2: A Court of Mist and Fury. As Leah likes to say, "This is the PTSD one."…
- Once Upon a Hot Take
Episode 31 - Into the Darkest Corner
Guest host Angela joins Leah and Jordan on this week's episode, covering the thriller Into the Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes. Get ready for a shocking FMK…
- Once Upon a Hot Take
Episode 30: Into the Blue Crossover with Chatting Chapters
On this special episode, Leah is joined by Paris with the Chatting Chapters podcast from down under! This crossover includes segments from both podcasts…
- Once Upon a Hot Take
Episode 29: Honey and Heat
Guest host Kelsey joins Leah in their discussion on Honey and Heat by Aurora Palit, a contemporary workplace enemies-to-lovers romance featuring Cynthia Kumar…
- Once Upon a Hot Take
BONUS: Anniversary episode 🎉
Once Upon a Hot Take podcast is 1 year old! Come celebrate with Leah and Jordan as they reminisce about their favorite (and least favorite) moments of…
- Once Upon a Hot Take
Episode 27: Butcher and Blackbird
This is the episode in which Leah's husband Paul guest hosts and cashes in his lost bet. The internet voted and determined the married couple would cover…
- Once Upon a Hot Take
Episode 26: Quicksilver
Bet you didn't know folding towels could be a hot take debate! In this episode, Leah and guest host Laura react to Quicksilver by Callie Hart. They kick things…
- Once Upon a Hot Take
Episode 25: Lumina Literary Tour interview
Come hang out with Leah as she chats with Kate and April, the creators behind Lumnia Literary Tours, the women-only tour group for bookish travelers. Find out…
- Once Upon a Hot Take
Episode 24: ACOTAR #1
It is time! Leah and Jordan finallllllly discuss Sarah J Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses. And it did not disappoint. Both Leah and Jordan had very different…
- Once Upon a Hot Take
Episode 23: Twilight movie crossover with My Best Friend's Book Club!
Once Upon a Hot Take teams up with fellow book lovers Claire and Yana of My Best Friend's Book Club to bring you allllllll of the hot takes on the iconic…
- Once Upon a Hot Take
Episode 22: Indie Author Interviews #2
Well, we had so much fun with the first one, we decided to do it again! Leah is joined by 4 more indie authors to talk about their tips and tricks of the…
- Once Upon a Hot Take
Episode 21- The Red Letter
This episode covers Daniel G. Miller's The Red Letter: part thriller, part murder mystery. Leah and Jordan share their stellar picks for a screen adaptation…
- Once Upon a Hot Take
Episode 20- Indie Author Interviews
We are SOOO excited to share our very first indie author-themed episode! Leah interviewed 5 amazing indie authors who shared all their wisdom and hot takes on…
- Once Upon a Hot Take
Episode 19- Hamnet (book + movie)
This episode covers the book Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell. Leah and Jordan also add their hot takes regarding the movie. Notable topics include the etymology of…
- Once Upon a Hot Take
Episode 18- Project Hail Mary (book + movie)
In this episode, we explore Andy Weir's Project Hail Mary, discussing the differences between the book and movie, character development, scientific accuracy…
- Once Upon a Hot Take
Episode 17- Benevolent Ball Interview
In this special episode, Leah and Jordan interview Samantha, the host of the Benevolent Ball, who shares insights about planning the upcoming fantasy ball, the…
- Once Upon a Hot Take
Episode 16- Delta County
Delta County by J.L. Hyde follows the story of Heather, who moves back to her idyllic small town in the UP, only to find out it's not as quaint and unassuming…
Once Upon a Hot TakeEpisode 15- Throne of Glass (book 1 only)
Tune in to Leah and Jordan's coverage of Throne of Glass. They butcher some name pronunciations, share their best/worst parts of the book, debate the merits of…
Once Upon a Hot TakeEpisode 14 - The Legend of Soli Duna (plus author interview!)
Join Jordan and Leah as they unpack the grand adventure in the debut novel by indie author Brian Maes! This fantasy story is book 1 in a series currently under…
Once Upon a Hot TakeEpisode 13 - Book Lovers
To celebrate Valentine's Day, Leah and Jordan are coving the romance novel Book Lovers by Emily Henry. Tune in to hear all of their hot takes (and differing…
Once Upon a Hot TakeEpisode 12 - Chasing Tigers in the Dark (plus author interview)
Leah and Jordan dive into the life of author Ally Shaw in her debut memoir Chasing Tigers in the Dark: Life Lessons of a Fierce Survivor. Ally brings her…
Once Upon a Hot TakeEpisode 11 - The Best and Worst Reads of Our 2025
Leah and Jordan discuss their favorites and least favorites from their reads in 2025! Best and worst characters, favorite worlds, most unhinged plot twists…
Once Upon a Hot TakeEpisode 10 - In A Holidaze
Tune in to listen to Leah and Jordan discuss all things "In A Holidaze" by Christina Lauren. This charming holiday read is sure to give you all the warm…
Once Upon a Hot TakeEpisode 9- The Women
Leah and Jordan take on Kristin Hannah's juggernaut The Women. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll rage, but above all, you'll enjoy these two friends recapping…
Once Upon a Hot TakeEpisode 8- In The Blood (plus author interview)
Join Leah and Jordan as they dive into the magical worlds created by debut author Kristen Cari! The coverage on this gripping romantasy is followed up with a…
Once Upon a Hot TakeEpisode 7- Twilight
Does the story stand the test of time? Tune in to listen to Leah and Jordan discuss and debate all things Twilight 20 years later!
Once Upon a Hot TakeEpisode 6- These Tangled Vines
Join Leah and Jordan as they discuss all the ups and downs they felt with These Tangled Vines.
Once Upon a Hot TakeEpisode 5- The Ex Hex
Listen in as Leah and Jordan discuss (and gush) over a fall favorite read that has won over their witchy hearts!
Once Upon a Hot TakeEpisode 4- Portrait of a Thief
Dive into the high stakes world of art heists with Jordan and Leah as they give their reviews on the debut novel Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li.
Once Upon a Hot TakeSpecial Episode- The Life of a Showgirl
Leah and Jordan have special guest Laura on to discuss all things The Life of a Showgirl.
Once Upon a Hot TakeEpisode 3- The Silent Patient
Listen to Leah and Jordan give their hot takes (and frustrations) on the mystery thriller, The Silent Patient.
Once Upon a Hot TakeEpisode 2- Six of Crows
Daring heist, rough and ragged crew, questionably moral characters, and chilly settings: join us as we discuss Leigh Bardugo's Six of Crows!
Once Upon a Hot TakeEpisode 1- Bridgerton: The Duke & I
Meddlesome mothers, toxic relationships, handsome men: what more could you ask for in a book review podcast's premier episode!
Once Upon a Hot TakeIntro to the pod 🔥 📚
Listen here to find out what Once Upon a Hot Take is all about. 🔥