While the pandemic was a difficult time for many, it reignited Ali’s passion for reading—and eventually, her own writing. She and I bonded over our mutual dislike of a certain MMC, and from there our Instagram friendship grew.

We discuss how no one really has their 20s figured out, and how making mistakes, learning from them, and taking accountability is part of the process. Ali has such a detailed and thoughtful approach to reviewing, balancing the expectations of ARCs with her personal reading preferences, and even navigating those tricky DNF decisions. And while I first invited her on as a Bookstagrammer, it turns out she’s also a romance author!

Unlike most, Ali isn’t a Chaol hater, and she has a well-thought-out reason for it that she shares in this episode. Our conversation touches on some big topics, from motherhood and the choices surrounding it, to why classifying romance as “clean” vs. “non-clean” can be harmful. Ali also shares her thoughts on reader preferences and why no one should be shamed for what they enjoy.

Spoiler warnings for the Throne of Glass series apply!