Welcome to Strictly Friction—a spicy book club podcast made to bridge the gap between high-brow cultural analysis and unapologetic fandom, creating an elevated space for romance and romantasy lovers to yap about our favourite fictional boyfriends. Join us every week as we dissect unhinged theories, explore the intersection of fiction and modern culture, and obsess over the details that matter—from the depth of the lore to the thirst of the tropes.
🌶️For more Strictly Friction content, follow us on Instagram @strictlyfriction and TikTok @strictly.friction
ACOSH Ending Explained: Elain, Azriel & Amren Theories We Can't Stop Thinking About
*Full spoilers for A Court of Splintered Harmony (ACOSH / ACOTAR 6) by Sarah J. Maas*: We're unpacking every POV chapter, that cliffhanger ending and the biggest theories the fandom is losing it over right now.
Is Elain being manipulated, or playing a game of her own? Why is Amren so suss, and what's the deal with Bryaxis and Clotho? What really happened when Nesta went to the Prison with Gwydion? And is Azriel's emo storyline pushing him further away from his fate (aka Gwyn) or closer towards it?
Deep dive with us as we discuss every unhinged thought, from Feyre's sudden switch up and Mor's move to the continent, to Nesta's new-found place in the Night Court (and our hearts) and what this means for her and Cassian - or even Eris 😉. Plus, what's next for our reformed rogue, Lucien, and the Inner Circle as a whole.
A Court of Forgotten Melody (ACOTAR 7) lands on January 12th 2027, so consider this your pre-game rundown before the main event.
A note to say that his is our season one finale and we'll be back next year to kick of season two with ACOTAR 7. Until then, come yap with us on TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@strictly.friction) and Instagram @strictlyfriction. (https://www.instagram.com/strictlyfriction/) And, if you loved this episode, we'd love it if you could follow, rate and review so more fans like you can find us! See you on the other side! 😊🥰💌
22 Oct 2026
Our TLDR ACOTAR Recap: Everything You Need To Know Before Book 6
Consider this your TLDR for everything you need to know before A Court of Splintered Harmony is released - because we KNOW you don't have the time to do a full Maasverse re-read.
From the Archeron sisters (and their powers) to where we left every Night Court member in A Court of Silver Flames, as well as the current situation with our future Big Bads - Koschei, Beron and the human queens -this quickfire bonus episode will have you refreshed and ready before you can say "There you are... I've been looking for you." 😉🦇
Like and follow for more, and let us know if you'd like more speedy recaps in comments or find us on Instagram @strictlyfriction (https://www.instagram.com/strictlyfriction/) and on TikTok @strictly.friction (https://www.tiktok.com/@strictly.friction) for more romance and romantasy book theories, thirst traps and adaptation chats.
19 Oct 2026
ACOTAR 6 Betrayal Theories: Who Betrays The Night Court?
Is there a snake in the Night Court? We break down the biggest ACOTAR 6 betrayal theories ahead of A Court of Splintered Harmony, from the evil Rhysand theory to Elain, Mor and more...
The official synopsis for ACOTAR 6 tells us that members of the Night Court are "reeling from recent betrayals and revealed truths", and fans have speculated for years about someone in the Inner Circle turning on the High Lord. With A Court of Splintered Harmony out 27 October and A Court of Forgotten Melody following on January 12, we dig into the Inner Circle betrayal theories we can't stop thinking about. (Yes, some of us would be delighted by a villainous Rhys arc 😉)
In this episode:
Where the Inner Circle traitor theory started: Briallyn's warning in A Court of Silver Flames and that loaded "so-called High Lord" comment
The evil Rhysand theory: mind control, unreliable narrators and what changed in ACOSF
Elain as the betrayer: what her Seer powers mean for Koschei and the Cauldron
Mor and the power of truth: why we'll support her no matter what
*Spoiler warning* This episode contains spoilers for ACOTAR books 1-5 (A Court of Thorns and Roses through to A Court of Silver Flames) with light references to Throne of Glass and Crescent City.
Who do you think betrays the Night Court? Leave your theory in the comments or find us on Instagram @strictlyfriction (https://www.instagram.com/strictlyfriction/) and on TikTok @strictly.friction (https://www.tiktok.com/@strictly.friction) for more romance book theories, pop culture and adaptation chat.
5 Oct 2026
'Threshing Day' Explained: Book 4 Clues, Theories & Easter Eggs
Threshing Day by Rebecca Yarros is finally out and we have SO many questions. In this episode, we break down the biggest takeaways, theories and Easter eggs from the novella's 13 POVs - including what they could mean for Empyrean Book 4.
Is Threshing Day required reading for the Fourth Wing fandom? Rebecca Yarros says no, but she's also said there's a kernel of what's coming in every single story. So, naturally, we went hunting🐉
In this episode we cover:
Are dragon bonds predetermined & what does this mean for the war?
Can a rider's intentions shape their signet? Our theory on how magic manifests.
Unpacking Xaden's new family tree. 🫤
Lying dragons: All the names and notable mentions that don't add up (here's looking at you, Glane!)
Potential new couple alerts, Garrick's yearning, and how this could point to a multi-POV Book 4.
Sloane & Liam's curious lineage
Dain's daddy issues and what's really going on with his missing mother.
Plus, what was up with all those trees? 🌳🌲
If you missed our pre-release episode on the POVs we wanted to see and why, then you can catch up here (https://open.spotify.com/episode/7cFiZuYcEOOQeanCTLyRz8).
Got a theory we missed (or can help us explain that family tree)? Let us know in the comments and follow us on Instagram @strictlyfriction (https://www.instagram.com/strictlyfriction/) and TikTok @strictly.friction (https://www.tiktok.com/@strictly.friction) for more.
23 Sept 2026
Every Thought We Had While Watching The 'Love Hypothesis' Adaptation
The Prime Video adaptation of Ali Hazelwood’s Love Hypothesis, starring Lili Reinhart and Tom Bateman, has finally dropped, and we have a lot of thoughts. From the biggest differences between the much-loved book and the film, to the casting, and whether the spicy scene delivered, we're sharing every thought we had while watching. The good, the bad, and the downright silly.
🎧Follow and subscribe for fortnightly episodes and keep up to date with all things Strictly Friction, including book news, pop culture updates and more on Instagram @strictlyfriction (https://www.instagram.com/strictlyfriction/) and TikTok @strictly.friction. (https://www.tiktok.com/@strictly.friction)
15 Sept 2026
The 'Love Hypothesis' Adaptation: What We Want & What We Know
Ahead of the adaptation of Ali Hazelwood’s Love Hypothesis, starring Lili Reinhart and Tom Bateman, we sit down to dissect the much-loved STEM romance book. From the very, very long spicy scene to the Star Wars casting lore surrounding Tom and his wife Daisy Ridley, there’s a lot to unpack.
🎧Follow and subscribe for fortnightly episodes and keep up to date with all things Strictly Friction, including book news, pop culture updates and more on Instagram @strictlyfriction (https://www.instagram.com/strictlyfriction/) and TikTok @strictly.friction (https://www.tiktok.com/@strictly.friction)
1 Sept 2026
Gwynriel vs Elriel: Who Should Azriel End Up With In 'A Court of Splintered Harmony'?
It's the ACOTAR ship war that seems impossible to settle: Gwynriel or Elriel? With A Court of Splintered Harmony on the way (https://open.spotify.com/episode/4oPBmlUBShPSJsoULrm1D3?si=foRIy52jQT6IXgt0rqPVPg), we're diving deep into the case for Azriel ending up with Elain vs Gwyn — from Truth-Teller and the Cauldron bond, to that bonus chapter necklace fumble, and what our favourite bat boy's shadows are really telling us. We break down the receipts for both ships including where Lucien, Vassa, and maybe even Koschei, fit into the chaos. Spoiler: we land firmly in one camp, but you'll have to listen to find out which. 😉
Tell us in the comments: are you team Gwynriel or Elriel? We need to know we're not alone here!
🎧Follow and subscribe for fortnightly episodes and keep up to date with all things Strictly Friction, including book news, pop culture updates and more on Instagram @strictlyfriction (https://www.instagram.com/strictlyfriction/) and TikTok @strictly.friction (https://www.tiktok.com/@strictly.friction)
17 Aug 2026
'ACOTAR 6' Predictions: Whose POV Are We Getting in 'A Court of Splintered Harmony'?
Finally, after years of waiting, we've been gifted with news of when ACOTAR 6 is coming. And while we now have our cover, title (A Court of Splintered Harmony), and even a blurb, one thing we don't know yet is whose head we'll be in as the story unfolds.
In this week's episode of Strictly Friction, we share our theories on exactly who we think will be telling the story in the next book ahead of its October 27 release.
🎧Follow and subscribe for weekly episodes and keep up to date with all things Strictly Friction, including book news, pop culture updates and more on Instagram @strictlyfriction (https://www.instagram.com/strictlyfriction) and TikTok @strictly.friction. (https://www.tiktok.com/@strictly.friction)
3 Aug 2026
Is BookTok Good (Or Bad) For The Publishing Industry?
This week on Strictly Friction, we're stepping away from our heaving TBR to unpack the beast that is BookTook.
There's no doubt it can either make (or break) an author's career, but in this episode, we dive deep into the online world to dissect whether it's having a positive or negative impact on the publishing industry and ask the question, 'who gets to be an author anyway?'.
🎧Follow and subscribe for weekly episodes and keep up to date with all things Strictly Friction, including book news, pop culture updates and more on Instagram @strictlyfriction (https://www.instagram.com/strictlyfriction) and TikTok @strictly.friction (https://www.tiktok.com/@strictly.friction).
21 Jul 2026
'Threshing Day': Theories And POV Predictions For Rebecca Yarros' New Empyrean Novella
This week on Strictly Friction, we're (finally) locking in on an Empyrean book, following the announcement by Rebecca Yarros that a new novella is coming this September.
It might not be book four, but 'Threshing Day' will tell the story of 13 people on the day they bonded their dragons. Here, we speculate on whose POVs we'll be getting in the book (in addition to Xaden, who has been confirmed) and unpack a few fan theories.
🎧Follow and subscribe for weekly episodes and keep up to date with all things Strictly Friction including book news, pop culture updates and more on Instagram @strictlyfriction (https://www.instagram.com/strictlyfriction) and TikTok @strictly.friction (https://www.tiktok.com/@strictly.friction).
7 Jul 2026
The Romance Book Tropes We Love (But Never Want To Try)
This week on Strictly Friction, we're inviting you into the depraved corners of our minds by talking all things tropes, including the🌶️ spicy scenes🌶️ we long for in romance books that don't exactly translate to real life.
From Scent Marking🐺 and Forced Proximity🛏️ to Billionaire Bad Boys, Love Triangles and Why Choose, we unpack why the best romance and romantasy tropes are made for reading, not reality. 🎧Follow and subscribe for fortnightly episodes and keep up to date with all things Strictly Friction, including book news, adaptation updates and more, on Instagram @strictlyfriction (https://www.instagram.com/strictlyfriction/) and on TikTok @strictly.friction (https://www.tiktok.com/@strictly.friction?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc)
23 Jun 2026
‘Every Year After’: The 12 Biggest Changes From Book To Screen
In today’s episode, we unpack the 12 biggest differences between ‘Every Summer After’ and the brand new Prime Video adaptation, ‘Every Year After’, as the fandom asks: was it worth it?
This episode includes spoilers for both the book and screen adaptation.
9 Jun 2026
'Fury Bound': Unpacking The Polarising Sequel To 'Dire Bound'
Welcome to Strictly Friction, a book club dedicated to all things spice, smut, romantasy and raunchy reads, or as we like to call it, our safe space to yap about our fictional boyfriends.
In today’s episode, we’re recapping and unpacking Fury Bound by Sable Sorensen, the highly anticipated sequel to Dire Bound (you can listen to our episode on this book here (https://open.spotify.com/episode/35GkJaQKPFDdbef3yuEhFl?si=ON53UArDSReQsqL3AKkDPA)). We're recapping and unpacking the biggest moments from the book, helping you get to know all the new characters, and sharing what we loved (the spice) and didn't love (deadbeat dad), along with our theories for book three.
It goes without saying, this episode will contain spoilers for Dire Bound and Fury Bound.
25 May 2026
The 'Off Campus' Finale & Our Theories For Season Two
A week on from Off Campus dropping on Prime Video, we sat down to discuss the finale episode and what it might mean for season two (which was also officially greenlit this week). In this week's episode, we're unpacking every moment from the finale, including that locker room scene, all the similarities (and differences) from Elle Kennedy's book, Hannah and Garrett's sweet reunion, and the drama-packed final scene.
Haven't caught up yet? Listen to our Off Campus Cheat Sheet episode (https://open.spotify.com/episode/6dSc6hzU9AuziuZYLXJUsA) to catch up on the who's who in the Briar universe, and of course, get all of our thoughts on the series' first seven episodes (https://open.spotify.com/episode/4HxebKsiO3pl6MJH8BPpun) before you dive in.
Spoilers ahead for the Off Campus TV series and Elle Kennedy books.
🎧Follow and subscribe for weekly episodes and keep up to date with all things Strictly Friction, including book news, adaptation updates and more on Instagram at @strictlyfriction (https://www.instagram.com/strictlyfriction) and on TikTok at @strictly.friction (https://www.tiktok.com/@strictly.friction).
19 May 2026
We're All Feral For The 'Off Campus' TV Series
All eight episodes of ‘Off Campus' just dropped on Prime Video and we have THOUGHTS. This week we're putting the adaptation in the penalty box and giving episodes 1-7 the debrief they deserve — including what they got right, what they got wrong, whether Belmont Cameli can carry the weight of our Garrett Graham expectations, and most importantly: does Stephen Kalyn's Dean live up to the hype? (Spoiler: it might just be better than the books.)
Haven't caught up yet? Listen to our Off Campus Cheat Sheet (https://open.spotify.com/episode/6dSc6hzU9AuziuZYLXJUsA?si=aaaLghJeSVejaCwtLoGYTQ)episode before you dive in and join us next week for a dedicated deep dive into the 'Off Campus' Season 1 finale, plus everything we know about Season 2.
Spoilers ahead for the Off Campus TV series and Elle Kennedy books.
🎧Follow and subscribe for weekly episodes and keep up to date with all things Strictly Friction including book news, pop culture updates and more on Instagram @strictlyfriction (https://www.instagram.com/strictlyfriction/) and TikTok @strictly.friction (https://www.tiktok.com/@strictly.friction)
13 May 2026
Your 'Off Campus' Cheat Sheet
In this episode, we’re recapping and unpacking 'The Deal' and wider 'Off Campus' series by Elle Kennedy with everything you need to know before the TV adaptation takes over your life. To give you the highlighted bits, we’ll be starting with a quick rundown of our favourite Briar U boyfriends and main characters before we dive into what we loved, loathed, and longed for - plus our hopes (and Dean-related dreams) for the Prime Video series.
*Content warning* This episode will touch on instances of sexual and domestic abuse in the context of 'The Deal' and 'Off Campus'. series by Elle Kennedy. If you or someone you know is being affected by domestic violence, call 1800 737 732. (https://www.1800respect.org.au/)
🎧Follow and subscribe for weekly episodes and keep up to date with all things Strictly Friction including book news, pop culture updates and more on Instagram @strictlyfriction (https://www.instagram.com/strictlyfriction/) and TikTok @strictly.friction (https://www.tiktok.com/@strictly.friction)
13 May 2026
A 'Dire Bound' Bonus Chapter Chat: Praise Be To Stark's POV
A short but oh-so-sweet debrief on *that* brand-new 'Dire Bound' bonus chapter, including what we learnt, what it means for 'The Wolves of Ruin' series by Sable Sorensen, and why Stark's POV has us all hot and bothered in the lead up to 'Fury Bound'.
6 May 2026
Dire Bound: Everything You Need to Know Before Fury Bound
Welcome to Strictly Friction, a book club dedicated to all things spice, smut, romantasy and raunchy reads, or as we like to call it, our safe space to yap about our fictional boyfriends.
In today’s episode, we’re recapping and unpacking 'Dire Bound' by Sable Sorensen ahead of the sequel 'Fury Bound'. So you’re fully prepared, we’ll be running through everything you need to remember from book one, refresh your memory on who all the key players are and unpack what we loved (and didn’t) along with our theories heading into book two.
It goes without saying, this episode will contain spoilers for 'Dire Bound'.
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