Welcome to Trashy Book Club: Wine, Romance, and Absolutely No Apologies
Some book clubs serve tea and discuss literary symbolism. Ours serves wine and debates which fictional love interest would actually ruin your life in the best possible way. Welcome to Trashy Book Club — and yes, we own that name proudly.
So, What Exactly Is Trashy Book Club?
Every other month, on the third Thursday, a wonderfully unhinged group of readers gathers to drink good wine, talk about deliciously over-the-top books, and — as it turns out — make some really great friends. We meet from 5:30 to 7pm, and if you're running a little late from work, don't worry. We talk a lot. You won't miss a thing.
Best of all? It's completely free to join, and no RSVP needed. Just show up.
The twist that makes our book club a little different from the rest? You're not just drinking wine in someone's living room — you're at a winery, with snacks, and either our owner or our assistant winemaker is right there in the room with you. Order whatever sounds good to you, or try our weekly flight, which changes regularly. If you have questions about what you're drinking, we love talking wine — just ask. But we're not going to turn book night into a lecture. This is your evening. We're just happy you're here.
How It All Started
Our very first meeting was led by Alana, our assistant winemaker, and it set the tone perfectly. The book was A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas — a fantasy romance that follows nineteen-year-old Feyre into a dangerous, gorgeous world of fae, forbidden feelings, and enough tension to fill several wine glasses. Maas is a #1 New York Times bestselling author whose romantasy books have sold over 75 million copies worldwide, so we were in excellent company.
The discussion was electric. People had feelings. Strong feelings. About Tamlin. About Rhysand. About the choices Feyre makes and what they say about love and survival and power. The wine flowed, the opinions flew, and by the end of the night we unanimously decided: we needed Book 2.
The Great Book 2 Problem (And What We Learned From It)
Here's where it gets funny. So many people who came to that first meeting had already read the entire ACOTAR series. When we announced we'd be reading A Court of Mist and Fury — where things get even more complicated, more swoony, and frankly more unhinged — a lot of those folks had to sit out. When you've already devoured all five books, it's hard to pretend you don't know what's coming.
Our second meeting, led by the fabulous Angie, was still an absolute blast for those of us catching up. ACOMAF is widely considered one of the best books in the series, and once you read it, you understand why people lose their minds over it. Spoiler: the group that attended loved it so much they finished the rest of the series immediately.
Which brought us to a very important group decision: we're not doing that again. From now on, we explore a new series every two meetings — one book at a time, so everyone comes in fresh.
What We're Reading Now: Blood and Ash
Our current read is From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout, the first book in the Blood and Ash series — and oh boy, is it delivering. We are here for every single page of it.
What do we love? The slow burn that somehow still feels like it's on fire. The way the romance builds between characters who probably shouldn't want each other but absolutely, desperately do. The push and pull, the tension, the moments where you have to put the book down and collect yourself. We love a heroine who has backbone, a love interest with secrets a mile long, and a world with just enough danger to make every tender moment feel earned.
It's the kind of book you read with snacks, a blanket, and absolutely no responsibilities the next morning.
Coming Up: The Song of Achilles
For our August meeting, we're shifting gears in the best possible way. We'll be reading The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller — a gorgeous, devastating retelling of the Trojan War told through the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus. It won the Orange Prize for Fiction and has been breaking hearts since 2011. If you thought we were only here for fae romance, think again. We're here for all the romance — epic, mythological, and soul-crushing included.
More Than Just Books
One thing we didn't expect when we started this? How many people have walked in not knowing a soul and walked out with new friends. We've had quite a few folks who are new to town find their way to Trashy Book Club, and it's been genuinely wonderful to watch the group grow and connect over shared opinions on fictional men and very real wine.
That's the magic of it, really. The books give you something to talk about. The wine loosens everyone up. And before you know it, you're making plans to grab dinner before the next meeting.
Join Us
Next meeting: Thursday, June 18th, 5:30–7 pm Book: From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
After that: Thursday, August 20th, 5:30–7 pm Book: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Come as you are. Come a little late if work runs long. Bring your opinions, your theories, your grievances about fictional characters, and your appetite for a good pour. We'll handle the rest.
Trashy Book Club. No shame. All the feels. Always a good time.